pt Health made it to the 2018 List of Best Workplaces™ Managed by Women
HAMILTON, ON, Dec. 4, 2018 /CNW/ - pt Health is proud to announce that our organization has been named on the 2018 list of Best Workplaces™ Managed by Women.
pt Health, a Canada-wide network of physical rehabilitation clinics, is the first physiotherapy provider officially certified as a Great Place to Work® through an independent analysis focused on workplace culture, autonomy, and job satisfaction conducted by Great Place to Work® Institute Canada.
pt Health knows that employee happiness is vital for any company to be successful, and through our vibrant and enriching culture we have demonstrated why we are a Great Place to Work. All team members are valued as an integral part of the company's success, which pt Healthfocuses on just as much as ensuring patients are satisfied with the care they receive at our clinics.
At pt Health we pride ourselves on having proportionate representation among management and benefit from a diversified management team - we have a great appreciation for our women leaders who are paving a road for other women to follow.
"The vibrancy of our diversity is a key advantage of our company," says pt Health CEO Heather Shantora, "Many trailblazing women came before me in healthcare and I hope to honour their resilience. Healthcare is a unique sector in that it is largely made up of women. What an honour it is to lead such a passionate group of professionals and I hope I can show the next generation of women that female CEOs not only deliver, but thrive in business".
About Great Place to Work®:
Great Place to Work® (www.greatplacetowork.ca) is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools, advisory services, and certification programs, Great Place to Work® recognizes the Best Workplaces™ across the world in a series of national lists including those published by Fortune magazine (USA) and The Globe & Mail (Canada). Great Place to Work® provides the benchmarks, framework, and expertise needed to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding workplace cultures.
Follow Great Place to Work® at www.greatplacetowork.ca and on Twitter at @GPTW_Canada
About pt Health:
pt Health is the largest woman-led physical rehabilitation company in Canada. With a network of over 230 clinics across Canada serving over 3,000 patients a day, each pt Health clinic offers a unique and integrated combination of physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture, all with a 97% patient satisfaction score.
Learn more about pt Heath's commitment to excellent patient care at pthealth.ca or follow us on Twitter at @pthealthphysio
SOURCE pt Health
7 Ways to Boost Energy Without an Energy Drink
By Dr. Niket Sonpal NYC Internist and Gastroenterologist
After seeing the news about a research study out of the University of Texas Health Center in Houston, which found the diameter of blood vessels to become “dramatically smaller” 90 minutes after consuming a 24-ounce energy drink, I decided to offer some ways to boost energy without an energy drink.
While the 24-ounces used in the study of 44 healthy, non-smokers in their 20’s, is 3 times the size of a typical 8-ounce energy drink, there is plenty of research out there that shows chugging energy drinks is not the best way to get more energized.
When we look at the levels of sugar and caffeine in these energy drinks and the habitual nature in which they are consumed, we see issues such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, thickening of the blood, gastrointestinal irritation plus anxiety, sleep disruption and restlessness.
Here’s what I suggest consuming for a more sustainable and healthy way to energize.
1. Hydrate with water.
The idea is to follow the 8x8 rule. Eight ounces of water 8 times per day which adds up to a half gallon. Most people are not getting anywhere near this water intake opting for coffee, juices, sodas or energy drinks instead. I challenge my patients to try the 8x8 rule and even declare going “H20 Only.” By the third day, they notice they’re feeling more energized.
2. Exercise 30 minutes per day.
Something as simple as going for a fast-paced walk elevates heart rate and healthy blood flow. This improves stamina and gets energy flowing throughout our bodies. A lot of people claim they don’t have time to exercise which calls for creative ways to get exercise in. I had a client add dancing for 30 minutes upon her arrival from work with her 4-year-old daughter. This provided a way for both mom and daughter to get moving in a fun easy way right at home.
3. Sprinkle in chia seeds.
These low carb seeds have an energy packing blend of protein, fats, and fiber. Chia seeds regulate blood sugar, so you won’t have these spikes then drops. They deliver big time nutrients with very low calories. Loaded with antioxidants, chia seeds were a highly valuable energy staple for Mayan and Aztec warriors in ancient Mexico who consumed them knowing they would be sustained, not hungry and energized for hours and hours.
4. Eat foods rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids.
Omega 3’s are big-time energy enhancers. Eating salmon, sea bass, tuna, oysters, shrimp, seaweed salad, walnuts, edamame, and cauliflower are just a few Omega 3 rich staples to add to the shopping list.
5. Get good quality sleep.
Many of my patients who see me for gastrointestinal issues often benefit from getting disciplined with setting a bedtime, wake time and enhancing the quality of their sleep. This could be simple things such as pre-sleep meditation with an app, removing the television from the bedroom, buying curtains that block light, setting the temperature to suit your body best, buying new sheets and even a new mattress.
Making the bedroom a comfortable haven for quality deep sleep is incredibly important. Sleep is our time to recharge and when it is disturbed, we will feel sluggish during the day.
6. Get more magnesium.
Magnesium activates adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which can be thought of like the “magic button” of energy within our cells. According to studies, about half of the people in the USA and Europe aren’t getting the recommended amount of magnesium (300 milligrams for women and 350 for men).
Interestingly, most Americans and Europeans complain of energy drains and sluggishness and typically attribute their lack of energy to busier, more demanding lifestyles. However, the problem, most commonly, is a lack of magnesium which helps us convert food into energy, create proteins from amino acids, and helps regulate our nervous system.
7. Get more B12.
Known as the “energy vitamin” it’s important to note that the only time B12 will give you energy is if you’re deficient in B12. It’s wise to get complete blood work done to see if you are in fact deficient in B12 in addition to other key vitamins and minerals.B12 is found in beef, fish, and dairy and these days more and more people are cutting red meat and dairy out of their diets.
B12 helps to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen, so when there’s a dip in red blood cell production we’re being deprived oxygen which leads to feeling run down, the first tell-tale sign of B12 deficiency. Body weakness, shortness of breath brain fog, forgetfulness and lack of focus are also symptoms. Yogurt, Swizz cheese, fortified cereals, Shiitake mushrooms, and clams are other great sources of B12.
About Dr. Niket Sonpal:
Dr. Niket Sonpal is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Clinical instructor at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn who specializes in Gastroenterology. He is 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. Dr. Sonpal has completed his Fellowship in Gastroenterology & Hepatology at Lenox Hill Hospital and continues 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.
CBD has become increasingly popular as more and more companies market it to the health and wellness crowd. Some are even calling it the "new kale." However, product options are seemingly endless and deciding what to purchase can be paralyzing. Also, many of the CBD products that have trickled down to the consumer market are poorly labeled and have extremely low doses of CBD. So what works and what doesn't? What's quality and what's not?
We decided to consult with one of the only consumer-based review websites for hemp products, Tortus Mountain, to recommend 5 CBD products that actually work.
1. Evolved Alchemy - Hemp Synergy Blends: This company uses spagyric extraction to create a formula that keeps you charged and on your toes. Signature Blends are made with 100% organic or wildcrafted herbs. By combining some of the most powerful and traditionally used herbs with the spagyric process, Evolved Alchemy creates something not found anywhere else. http://www.evolvedalchemy.com/
2. SteepFuze - Coffee: SteepFuze is a gourmet small-batch infused coffee and tea company. They partner with specialty local coffee roasters and tea importers to craft whole bean coffees and loose leaf teas infused with full-spectrum CBD extract derived from Certified Organic hemp grown outdoors in Colorado. Some people seem to find it helps with "coffee jitters," too. https://www.steepfuze.com/
3. Pure Kind Botanicals - Menstrual Relief: All natural, sustainable ingredients for your period and your health. Signature full-spectrum CBD hemp extract infused with organic and wildcrafted botanicals to relieve common menstrual pain and discomfort. Try Menstrual Relief Plus for severe symptoms or issues associated with endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids etc. https://www.purekindbotanicals.com/
4. Evo Hemp - HempX CBD Extract: This is a good foundational CBD product to take daily. It is made with organic ingredients and has no added flavorings. This versatile formula can also be used on the skin because it’s unflavored and the carrier oil is hempseed oil, which is one of your skin’s favorite foods. A piece of every HempX purchase goes to White Plume Hemp to continue building a hemp industry on the Pine Ridge Reservation, the poorest community in the U.S. https://evohemp.com
5. UnCanny Wellness - Barista Blend CBD Powder: The Barista Blend contains a signature high-bioavailability, water-soluble CBD powder. It’s designed to easily infuse into your morning coffee or afternoon latte. This unique microencapsulated hemp extract powder has up to 10x better absorption in the stomach than oil-based extracts, and really is the best choice for infusing any of your favorite drinks and foods. https://uncannywellness.com/
Cycling in the City: How to Stay Safe While Training for a Triathlon
Making the decision to train for a triathlon is a big commitment. The training that goes into this journey is both grueling and time-consuming. The cycling portion can also be dangerous, particularly in the city, if not executed with safety in mind. Here are five tips to consider when cycling in the city as part of a triathlon training plan:
Remain Focused and Alert
There are many distractions that cyclists need to avoid while out on a ride. Listening to music is a major distraction because the rider is not able to fully hear what is going on around them. The ability to hear is one of the most important tools while out on the road so it is wise to not negate that benefit with loud music. Using a phone is also not recommended. Just like driving, the distraction of a phone can be extremely hazardous and should always be avoided.
Follow Road Protocol
Although it may be tempting to think that cyclists are invincible out there on the roads, following the proper road protocol and rules will go a long way in preventing accidents. Examples of proper safety practices include riding in designated bike lanes, using hand signals to indicate turns, and using crosswalks to cross streets. Not only will this ensure a safer ride, but it will also keep harmony on the road between the cyclists and the drivers.
Light It Up
Lights and reflective gear should be a cyclist's best friends while out on the road with a bike. A pair of lights on the front and rear of the bike is a good idea if they will be frequently cycling during the hours of dusk or dawn. Reflective clothing is important at any time of the day.
What to Do in an Accident
Should a cyclist be involved in an accident, it is critical to collect all of the important contact and insurance information from all parties involved. Do not forget to also get the contact information from any possible witnesses. Contacting a personal injury attorney is recommended if anybody suffers any type of physical or mental hardship as a result of the accident.
Gear Up
If there is one rule to follow when training for a triathlon, it is to gear up for the bike ride. The proper helmet, biking clothing, and warning bell are essential to safe cycling.
Taking on a triathlon is an exhilarating and rewarding experience. Staying safe while on the road will ensure the best possible experience while delivering the athlete across the finish line.
About the Author: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University, where she studied communications. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her husky, Snowball. To those who have been in an accident, she recommends hiring a personal injury attorney.
Enstilar® is now covered by the Alberta Drug Benefit List for Adults with Psoriasis Vulgaris
THORNHILL, ON, Dec. 3, 2018 /CNW/ - LEO Pharma Canada has announced that as of December 1st, 2018, Enstilar® has been added as a Regular Benefit through the Alberta Drug Benefit List.
Enstilar® (calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate) is a spray foam for once-daily topical treatment of psoriasis vulgaris in adults.
Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory skin disorder. It can occur as single lesions at predisposed sites (e.g., knees, elbows) or as a generalized disease across wider areas of the body, causing pain, disfigurement and disability.1,2 Although it is typically seen in adults, it can develop at any age with equal distribution between men and women.1
"This is a great vehicle and should increase patient adherence to the use of this medication. Public reimbursement will allow many more patients to benefit from this formulation," said Dr. Kirk Barber, a board-certified dermatologist in Calgary, Alberta.
"I am very pleased to see that Enstilar® will be covered under the Alberta formulary coverage starting in December 2018 so more of our patients can have access to this effective medication," said Dr. Parbeer Grewal, a board-certified dermatologist in Edmonton, Alberta.
"Enstilar® foam is first-line treatment for my patients with psoriasis, regardless of severity. Patient satisfaction is extremely high. I believe there is no better topical product for psoriasis," said Dr. Vimal H. Prajapati, a board-certified dermatologist in Calgary, Alberta.
Psoriasis vulgaris affects approximately 1 million Canadians which equates to about 3% of the entire Canadian population.1,3
"This new format to apply a topical treatment should help with adherence for patients. We are looking forward to seeing Enstilar® available to all patients across Canada," said Kathryn Andrews-Clay, Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Psoriasis Patients.
Enstilar® already received approval for the Régie de l'Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ) on June 1st 2017, Saskatchewan Drug Plan on January 1st 2018, Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) on October 15th 2018, New Brunswick Drug Plan on November 8th 2018, and Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) on October 31st 2018.
Kristian Fick, President of LEO Pharma Canada, says, "Today marks a special day for those living with psoriasis in Alberta. At LEO Pharma our mission is to help people achieve healthy skin. We commend the Alberta Drug Benefit List for adding Enstilar® to the Formulary, and bringing us one step closer to achieving this mission. LEO is looking forward to working collaboratively with the remaining provinces and territories to ensure all patients with psoriasis have access to Enstilar®."
About Enstilar®
Enstilar® is an aerosol spray foam containing calcipotriol monohydrate 50 mcg/g and betamethasone dipropionate 0.5 mg/g. It is indicated for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris in adults for up to 4 weeks. On average, 120 g (2 cans x 60 g) of Enstilar® is used for the once-daily treatment of psoriasis for up to 4 weeks.4-7 Enstilar® has been available to Canadian patients since November 2016 and currently, it is estimated that 50,000 Canadian patients have been prescribed Enstilar®.
About LEO Pharma A/S
LEO Pharma helps people achieve healthy skin. By offering care solutions to patients in more than 130 countries globally, LEO Pharma supports people in managing their skin conditions. Founded in 1908 and owned by the LEO Foundation, the healthcare company headquartered in Denmark has devoted decades of research and development to delivering products and solutions to people with skin conditions. In 2017 LEO Pharma employed around 5,200 people worldwide. Helping patients for more than 30 years in Canada, LEO Pharma Canada is a division of LEO Pharma A/S. To learn more about LEO Pharma's products and commitment to dermatology care in Canada, visit: www.leo-pharma.ca.
| References: |
|
| 1. |
Canadian Dermatology Association. Psoriasis. Available at: https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/skin/psoriasis/. Retrieved October 18, 2018. |
| 2. |
National Clinical Guideline Centre (UK). National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence: Guidance. Psoriasis: Assessment and Management of Psoriasis. London: Royal College of Physicians (UK); 2012. |
| 3. |
Statistics Canada. Population. Available at: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/12-581-x/2018000/pop-eng.htm. Retrieved October 23, 2018. |
| 4. |
Enstilar® Product Monograph. Leo Pharma Inc. September 8, 2016. |
| 5. |
Koo J, et al. Superior efficacy of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate aerosol foam versus ointment in patients with psoriasis vulgaris—A randomized phase II study. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2016;27(2):120-127. |
| 6. |
Leonardi C, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Calcipotriene Plus Betamethasone Dipropionate Aerosol Foam in Patients With Psoriasis Vulgaris—a Randomized Phase III Study (PSO-FAST). J Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(12):1468-1477. |
| 7. |
Lebwohl M, et al. Fixed Combination Aerosol Foam Calcipotriene 0.005% (Cal) Plus Betamethasone Dipropionate 0.064% (BD) is More Efficacious than Cal or BD Aerosol Foam Alone for Psoriasis Vulgaris: A Randomized, Double-blind, Multicenter, Three-arm, Phase 2 Study. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016;9(2):34-41. |
SOURCE LEO Pharma Canada
Sherbrooke Researchers Document the First Arterial and Veinous Atlas of the Human Brain
SHERBROOKE, QC, Dec. 3, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Imagine an atlas containing an image bank of the blood vessels of the brain taken from healthy humans which can be used as a reference to target alterations among those with cerebral vascular degeneration. That key to improving the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases and to understanding their origin is now within our reach. This is the result of the work of a team of Sherbrooke researchers which is already gaining international attention.
Kevin Whittingstall, a research professor at the faculty of medicine and health sciences (FMSS) of the Université de Sherbrooke and at the Centre de recherche du CHUS, has dedicated years to develop noninvasive imaging techniques to view the structure and functioning of the human brain. His doctoral student, Michaël Bernier, who is now a postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard Medical School, developed a revolutionary segmentation software tool. Together, they were able to extract images of blood vessels in the brain that are normally difficult to view using noninvasive procedures. Thanks to these images, they have documented the world's most complete arterial and venous atlas of the human brain. Stephen Cunnane, a professor and researcher at the FMSS and at the Centre de recherche sur le vieillissement, also collaborated in this discovery.
The brain atlas: like a fingerprint databank
"We spend 10 minutes in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) session to take two images of the patient's brain," explained Kevin Whittingstall. "The first image targets the arteries by measuring blood velocity. The second image measures magnetic interference, thus enabling the veins to be viewed. Our images are so precise that they enable us to quantify the structure, length, and diameter of different blood vessels in each region of the brain. Michaël then assembles them using computer software which combines mathematics with image processing before obtaining an arteriovenous tree that is unique to each patient."
The brain atlas can thus be compared to a fingerprint databank. The team can compare the patient's vascular tree with images taken from healthy brains and determine whether there are subtle variations. If so, the team will try to determine where they originate. Are they from a brain concussion or from the onset of Alzheimer's disease, and so on?
Last November, this innovation made the front page of Human Brain Mapping. The team is already being solicited by researchers in other countries who wish to use the atlas in clinical studies on brain concussions and stroke (cerebrovascular accidents).
SOURCE Centre hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke
DOES YOUR SKIN HAVE A HOLIDAY HANGOVER?
What to Do When Libations Take a Toll on Your Skin
www.psspecialists.com
It’s holiday time again. Although Thanksgiving has passed, the “booziest” holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s are yet to come.
This post-Thanksgiving period between now and the New Year are when even average people tend to binge drink. What many people don’t realize is that drinking alcohol in excess can have a negative impact on your appearance. Alcohol dehydrates your body including the skin- your body’s largest organ. This happens every time you drink. Extra cocktails can be adding years to your face in the form of wrinkles, poor texture and lack of radiance.
Dr. Stanley Poulos a board-certified San Francisco area plastic surgeon explains that, “frequent alcohol consumption is also thought to deprive the skin of vital vitamins and nutrients. Over time, drinking heavily can have other, more permanent, detrimental effects on your skin. Rosacea, a skin disorder that starts with a tendency to blush and flush easily and can eventually lead to facial disfigurement, is linked to alcohol. Since alcohol increases your blood flow, it often causes blood vessels in your face to dilate (sometimes permanently) and often burst, leaving behind broken capillaries and red spots that are difficult to get rid of,” offers Dr. Poulos.
Here’s a look at what alcohol can do to wreak havoc on your appearance.
Brittle hair.
What's worse, drinking too much doesn't only affect the appearance of your skin; it will dehydrate your hair, making it more prone to breaking and split ends. Weak, brittle hair in addition to premature wrinkling, can easily add 10 years to someone’s appearance.
Dark circles, bloodshot eyes and even blindness.
In much the same way that alcohol causes broken capillaries on your face, it irritates and enlarges the tiny blood vessels on the surface of your eye (the sclera) causing a "bloodshot" appearance. If vanity doesn’t get your attention, how about blindness? “Because excessive drinking robs the body of some nutrients required to maintain eye health, it can lead to a condition called alcoholic optic neuritis, which impairs eyesight and, over time, can result in blindness,” cautions Dr. Poulos.
Some tips to avoid a “skin hangover” include…
1. Stay hydrated.
Aside from giving up booze altogether, Dr. Poulos says it is possible to minimize the unwanted effects of alcohol by constantly staying hydrated. “That means drinking a full glass of water for every cocktail you have. Drink even more water before you go to bed to flush the alcohol out of your system, so you wake up less dehydrated, puffy and flushed,” he advises.
2. Take care of your skin before bed.
Taking care of your skin before hitting the sack is also crucial. Dr. Poulos advises fully washing your face and then applying a moisturizer, like a hydrating serum before getting into bed. “Sleeping with dirty skin makes it prone to clogged pores and acne.”
3. Prop pillows and use tea.
One of the best ways to minimize the eye and face puffiness is to sleep on two pillows, slightly propped up. In the morning, rubbing ice cubes all over your face helps, too. “One of the best ways to deflate eye puffiness and reduce the redness is to place cold tea bags over the eyes. The tannins in the tea help constrict blood vessels,” adds Dr. Poulos.
4. Cover up what you can’t cure.
To camouflage the redness in the face, use a green-tinted primer before applying makeup, which should help neutralize any redness. If you must use foundation, look for a lightweight, moisturizing formula. Avoid powders, as they are often more drying.
5. Consider lasers.
When at-home remedies aren’t making much of a difference. There are pricier measures you can take to minimize the effects of alcohol. “Certain laser treatments can reduce redness and spider veins on the face. It’s important to see someone who is well trained to administer the laser treatment,” suggests Dr. Poulos.
6. Choose your booze wisely.
If you are going to consume alcohol know that different alcohols have different effects on the skin, but as a general rule, the clearer, the better. Vodka, gin, and tequila leave your system quicker. “If you’re going to drink anything, drink vodka that doesn’t have a grain in it, like potato vodka. It’s a lot clearer and smoother, so it gets in and out of your body quickly,” says Dr. Poulos. Most physicians agree that although everyone metabolizes alcohol differently, if you can remember to drink in moderation and stay hydrated, you can save your skin.
7. Reach for Caffeine
Grab an extra-large coffee, then give your skin a little caffeine boost, too. Caffeine helps constrict blood vessels and is a good option after a night of drinking, since alcohol dilates blood vessels. "This can make the area around your eyes look puffy and bloated," explains Dr. Poulos, who recommends keeping an eye cream with caffeine handy.
8. Go for Yogurt
Dr. Poulos advises slathering it on as a face mask and to make sure it’s plain yogurt. Because it's anti-inflammatory, it will help soothe redness, another side effect of drinking too much, especially for those who have rosacea, he notes. Leave it on for five to ten minutes before rinsing.
9. Put Your Face on the Rocks.
“Take the ice cubes out of the freezer, put them in a hand towel and rub them over your face,’ says Dr. Poulos. He suggests doing this to minimize puffiness and swelling. Use cold teaspoons to de-puff around the eye area.
About Dr. Stanley Poulos
Dr. Poulos is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and Co-Founder with Ingvar Hvistendahl, M.D of Plastic Surgery Specialists recognized as one of the premier aesthetic surgery clinics in Northern California.
Dr. Poulos helped pioneer the quick lift facial rejuvenation surgery in California and has extensive experience in body contour procedures. With over 30-years’ experience in aesthetic procedures, Dr. Poulos has been on the forefront of innovative procedures such as the quick-lift facial rejuvenation, mommy makeover, and vaser lipo-contouring. Dr. Poulos combines his consistent knowledge of new treatment options with his mastery of facial and body symmetry.
His recent focus has been on the gastric balloon, a groundbreaking, non-surgical, medically assisted, outpatient procedure offering weight loss to those seeking to lose between 30 and 75 pounds who may be ineligible for the more invasive gastric bypass surgery. This exciting new procedure allows patients to achieve optimal health and, when combined with exercise and proper nutrition, the results have been exceptional.
A graduate of the University of Texas Medical School, Dr. Poulos completed his internship and residency at UC San Francisco. He completed surgery and plastic surgery training in San Francisco prior to entering private practice in Marin County where he co-founded PSS (www.psspecialists.com)
Addressing Our Overwhelmed Health Care System: Toronto Startup, MediSeen, Aims to Improve Patient Access to Quality Health Care by Reviving the House Call
First Digital Platform to Deliver Multiple Health Care Services to Your Door
TORONTO, Dec. 3, 2018 /CNW/ - We live in a world where people expect personalized, convenient access to various services at their fingertips – without hassle, worry or wait times. Health care delivery should be no different. MediSeen, a Toronto-based health tech company, has launched a free digital home health care platform offering patients personalized, convenient access to a range of health care professionals at their door; helping ease the burden of an overwhelmed health care system – starting in the Toronto region with rapid expansion plans to serve more patients.
Studies show that Canadians interact with the health care system approximately six times per year and that one in 10 Canadians has over 10 interactions per year.1 When compared to 11 other countries, Canada has the highest percentage (29% or 1 in 3 people) waiting 4+ hours in an emergency room setting before being treated.2,3 Yet, 41 per cent of Canadians say their last visit to an ER was for something that could have been treated in primary care, if their regular provider had been available.2 Unfortunately, one in five Canadians report waiting seven+ days to see a family doctor the last time they needed medical attention.3
Long waits and overcrowding aren't simply an inconvenience – they often negatively impact patient outcomes.4,5 Patients waiting longer are more likely to experience delays in the treatment of pain or suffering, to express higher dissatisfaction, and to leave without receiving treatment.4 Long wait times also lead to missed work, lost wages, and added stress.6
"As a medical community, we constantly strive for better ways to serve patients so they don't feel they have to turn to "Dr. Google" or head to the nearest hospital emergency room," says Dr. Thomas Debssou, a Toronto-based GP. "Offering in-home or at-work care offers greater flexibility for patients and gives health care providers like me a means to build and scale our own practices. It also alleviates unnecessary after-hour hospital visits to ensure bed space is available for critical care patients."
Home Health Care Delivery through Technology: The MediSeen Approach
Canadians seem to have growing confidence in today's health care system, yet many do not believe their care is integrated.7 Optimizing day-to-day quality of life and preventing poor health outcomes often involves access to care from a range of health professionals who are interacting with one another.8
MediSeen goes beyond similar services that only enable doctor house calls. Here, patients also have access to a full range of allied health professionals at their doorsteps – social workers, chiropractors, physiotherapists, acupuncturists, osteopaths, and beyond – to support positive health outcomes. Through the MediSeen app or website, people can choose the specific provider they want to see, as well as the time and location. They can also securely connect with the provider to coordinate the visit – same day and advanced bookings are available.
"As a mother of four, it is difficult to juggle health care visits for me and my girls," says Melissa Oziel. "Whatever the situation, I want to know that we all have access to quality care without having to worry or wait. Recently, my 15-month old came down with a rash and we ended up spending four hours at a walk-in clinic just to be rushed in and rushed out without a proper diagnosis or treatment. That's when I went onto the MediSeen website and requested an at-home visit. The doctor fit us into his schedule that day and gave us the much-needed attention and care we needed – accurately diagnosing my daughter's rash and prescribing us an effective treatment. From start to finish, the care we received was personal and focused, and helped our family quickly get back to our daily routine."
A unique and important attribute to MediSeen is that their software is equipped with a Personal Electronic Health Record* functionality so users can maintain their own health data and manage their bookings – ideal for people with children or aging parents. This Record can be viewed, accessed or downloaded at any time. Plus, health providers can include complete and accurate summaries of an individual's medical assessments and care that can be reviewed by the next chosen provider (with the user's permission).
As health care delivery continues to evolve in a digital era, Canadians worry about the potential loss of human touch and accuracy of diagnosis.1"MediSeen's technology is designed to encourage face-to-face interactions, while providing modern day convenience and addressing accessibility barriers encountered by many," says Daniel Warner, Founder and CEO of MediSeen. "Creating more access points for care in the community—including the patient's home or work—results in better access and more affordable, personalized care while alleviating overcrowding and extensive wait times. We truly believe the future of health care is at home."
Daniel lives with Crohn's Disease and knows personally the powerful impact having convenient, quality health care can have on a person's life after spending countless hours scheduling appointments, commuting to hospitals and clinics, and sitting in waiting rooms.
About MediSeen:
Founded in 2017, MediSeen is a secure, cloud-based digital platform that connects patients with health care providers who make house calls for non-emergency medical services in Toronto via their website and mobile app. Individuals create a free account to use the app or website and schedule appointments from there – appointments can be made seven days a week with times dependent on a practitioner's schedule. During the pilot phase, 2,000+ people signed up to use the service. Physician visits are covered by OHIP. Non-OHIP services can be easily paid for on MediSeen via credit card and reimbursed through insurance. Additional details can be found at www.mediseen.ca.
| *Differs from the more widely used electronic medical record, which is operated by institutions (such as hospitals) and contains data entered by clinicians (such as billing data) to support insurance claims. |
|
References
SOURCE MediSeen
Novartis' CGRP inhibitor Aimovig® (erenumab) now available in Canada for the prevention of migraine i
- Aimovig® is the first treatment available in Canada to prevent migraine by blocking the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor (CGRP-R)i, which plays a critical role in migraineii
- Aimovig® offers migraine sufferers a once monthly treatment consistently shown to reduce monthly migraine days, with many patients achieving a 50% reduction or morei
- Introduction of this new type of migraine prevention treatment is an example of the Novartis commitment to reimagine medicine
DORVAL, QC, Dec. 3, 2018 /CNW/ - Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. (Novartis) is pleased to announce that Aimovig® (erenumab) is now available in Canada for the prevention of migraine in adults who have at least four migraine days per monthi. This news follows the Health Canada approval for the treatment on August 1, 2018.
"The arrival of the first anti-CGRP treatment in Canada for migraine prevention is an important milestone for patients and Novartis. We are thrilled that Aimovig® is now available to Canadian migraine sufferers who could benefit from this type of treatment," said Janice Murray, President, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. "The more we learn about the patient journey and the experiences they live through the more we are committed to reimagine medicine to meet their needs. This new treatment is an example of our commitment to migraine patients."
Almost three million Canadians are directly affected by migraineiii. Globally, migraine was reported as the second leading cause of years lived with disability in 2016iv. It is associated with a substantial social and economic impactv and considered the third most prevalent illness in the worldvi.
"Migraine is a complex and debilitating neurological disease that can be complicated to manage. We recently learned that targeting the CGRP-R pathway is a new approach to preventing migraine. The arrival and now availability of the first CGRP inhibitor in Canada gives us an additional and welcomed tool to help us manage this disease." said Dr. Elizabeth Leroux, President, Canadian Headache Society.
Aimovig® is designed to be self-administered as a once monthly injection via the (SureClick®) autoinjectori.
About migraine
Migraine is a chronic neurological disease that causes recurrent attacks of head pain that is often associated with nausea and vomiting and can involve sensitivity to light and soundvii.
Migraine causes significant disability, seven million workdays are reportedly lost to it annually, which is likely under-reported. Most sufferers develop their first migraine headache in adolescence or early adulthoodviii. The highest prevalence rates in Canada are among people in their 30s and 40s and women are more than twice as likely as men to report having migraine. People with migraine are much more likely to suffer from depression. It is a disease that impacts many areas of daily living, including education, work, sleep and drivingiii.
About Amgen and Novartis Neuroscience Collaboration
In August 2015, Amgen entered into a global collaboration with Novartis to jointly develop and commercialize pioneering treatments in the field of migraine and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The collaboration focuses on investigational Amgen drugs in the migraine field, including erenumab (Biologics License Application submitted to U.S. FDA in May 2017) and AMG 301 (currently in Phase 1 development). In April 2017, the collaboration was expanded to include co-commercialization of erenumab in the U.S. For the migraine program, Amgen retains exclusive rights in Japan, and Novartis has exclusive rights in Europe, Canada and rest of world. Also, the companies are collaborating in the development and commercialization of a beta-secretase 1 (BACE) inhibitor program in AD. The oral therapy CNP520 (currently in Phase 3 for AD) is the lead molecule and further compounds from both companies' pre-clinical BACE inhibitor programs may be considered as follow-on molecules.
About Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., a leader in the healthcare field, is committed to the discovery, development and marketing of innovative products to improve the well-being of all Canadians. In 2017, the company invested $51 million in research and development in Canada. Located in Dorval, Quebec, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs approximately 750 people in Canada and is an affiliate of Novartis AG, which provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. For further information, please consult www.novartis.ca.
About Novartis
Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world's top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach nearly 1 billion people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 125,000 people of more than 140 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at www.novartis.com.
Aimovig and SureClick are registered trademarks of Amgen Inc. used under license by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
References
i Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., Aimovig™ Product Monograph, July 30, 2018.
ii Goadsby PJ et al., Trial of Erenumab for Episodic Migraine. N Engl J Med. 2017 Nov 30;377(22):2123-2132, p. 2124.
iii Ramage-Morin, PL and Gilmour H, Prevalence of migraine in the Canadian household population, Health Reports, Vol. 25, no. 6, pp.10-16, June 2014, Statistics Canada, accessed October 2018, at: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/pub/82-003-x/2014006/article/14033-eng.pdf?st=d31EMlsg
iv Vos T, Abajobir AA, Abbafati C, Abbas KM, Abate KH, Abd-Allah F, et al. Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 328 diseases and injuries for 195 countries, 1990-2016: a systematic analysis for the global burden of disease study 2016. Lancet. 2017; 390:1211–1259.
v Canadian Headache Society Guideline: Acute Drug Therapy for Migraine Headache. Can J Neurol Sci. 2013; 40: Suppl. 3 - S1-S80.
vi Migraine Research Foundation, About Migraine, accessed October at: https://migraineresearchfoundation.org/about-migraine/migraine-facts/
vii Canadian Headache Society, What is Migraine? Accessed October 2018, at: https://migrainecanada.org/2015/01/11/what-is-migraine/
viii The Ontario Migraine Clinic, What is Migraine? Accessed October 2018, at: http://www.migraineclinic.ca/migraines.html |
SOURCE Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
Quorum Medical Clinic Launches Ground-Breaking STI Self-Screening Service Prélib
MONTREAL, Nov. 30, 2018 /CNW/ - Tomorrow, Quorum Medical Clinic will open an innovative medical clinic in downtown Montreal, a first-of-its-kind sexually transmitted infection (STI) self-screening clinic. Quorum Medical Clinic has a mission focused on sexual health and serving at-risk individuals in the region. This vital groundbreaking program addresses current barriers often preventing individuals from getting tested. These barriers include ease of accessibility and stigma. The program aims to break down these barriers by providing timely testing services in a safe, easy, stigma-free way. The new clinic concept, named Prélib, is the only self-screening clinic of its kind in Canada.
"We know that many individuals are currently feeling they have no easily accessible options to get the vital testing for STI's that all Quebecers should have access to in a stigma-free environment - without judgment," said Dr. Maxim R. Éthier, physician and co-founder of Quorum Medical Clinic. Prélib combines state of the art communication technologies with medical expertise to facilitate safe and accessible STI testing. The program also provides personalized education on prevention.
The STI Self-Screening clinic opens tomorrow, December 1, 2018, which is also World AIDS Day. The service will aim to engage individuals who otherwise would not get tested and may not know if they have an STI or know their HIV status. The new clinic will work to directly improve health outcomes by identifying and moving to provide necessary treatment to patients who require further care.
"We recognize that many Quebecers and indeed Canadians are not easily able to access the STI testing services they need in a safe and stigma-free environment. Following months of work to design an online web platform for individuals to book appointments and view test results, and with a unique self-testing clinic, we are excited to see how our efforts will work to engage those whose health care needs are not currently being met," added Dr. Éthier. "Left untreated, these health concerns can have serious impacts on both these individuals and those around them. It is vital for health providers to recognize how the status quo is not meeting the needs for patients and address those gaps in care."
This project was made possible by a ViiV Healthcare Canada grant awarded through its healthcare organization support for innovative programs. ViiV's program aims to support healthcare-related organizations across Canada in their goal to improve health outcomes and/or the quality of life for patients living with HIV/AIDS.
"New HIV and STI testing services aim to directly address the current gaps in testing for at-risk individuals," said Sara Leclerc, General Manager of ViiV Healthcare Canada. "ViiV is proud to support organizations like Quorum and Prélib who develop and provide innovative services to improve health outcomes and the quality of life for Quebecers."
Quorum Medical Clinic provides innovative health care services in Montreal. Its mission is to serve at-risk populations in the region and is also focused particularly on sexual health. It offers safe and stigma-free care to its patients in a modern facilitity located in the heart of Montreal. Prélib is located adjacent to the main Quorum Clinic with a dedicated entrance and patient testing rooms. More information on Quorum and Prélib can be found at http://cliniquequorum.com/
ViiV Healthcare is the only company 100% dedicated to developing HIV treatments to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS and ultimately improve the health of those whose lives are touched by the virus. Learn more about ViiV Healthcare and how we are supporting the HIV/AIDS community at www.viivhealthcare.ca.
SOURCE Quorum Medical Clinic
