As a kid, Carew Papritz dreamed of being in the Winter Olympics. And being raised on cross-country skiing and racing, he knew this was his way in. When Carew was 17, he attended school in Norway for a year to train and race with the best skiers in the world—the Norwegians. Many of his fellow teammates were on the Norwegian Junior Olympic team, some of them eventually medaling in the Olympics. Aspiring to be an Olympic athlete means an incredible self-motivated desire to succeed. "In this day and age, when we think we can “click” our way to success in the digital world, trying to become an Olympic athlete is exactly the opposite", says Papritz.  There is no easy way except hard work, incredible determination, laser-like focus, and willingness to dedicate and sacrifice your life to something amazingly wonderful and difficult to achieve—becoming an Olympic athlete.

TALKING POINTS (FOR INTERVIEWS & ARTICLES)What the Olympics can teach us and our children about setting goals in lifeWhat the Olympics teaches us about passion and perseveranceWhy sometimes failure teaches us more about life than success3 Important Ways to Lead a Legacy Life

Even though Carew trained and raced for years, he did not make the Olympic cross-country ski team.  But what those years of training and racing taught him was extraordinary perseverance and how to believe in one’s self.

Carew attributes the success of his award-winning book, The Legacy Letters, directly to his years of Olympic training. Writing a book is no different than trying to become an Olympic athlete.  All the elements of self-motivation and perseverance apply. 

"I have now earned my medals through my writing, attributing this success to my years of wanting to be in the Olympic games."

From his many “first-ever” book signings (such as being atop of a volcano--Mt. St. Helens–or on horseback at Barnes & Noble), to earning a Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Envelope, in part to celebrate National Thank You Letter Day–a holiday he created to inspire gratitude and civility through hand-written letter, Carew’s innovative literary accomplishments all stem from his desire to live life to the fullest, which is the central message behind his book.

ABOUT CAREW PAPRITZ: 

Carew Papritz is an educational thought-leader, literacy advocate and award-winning author of the inspirational book, The Legacy Letters. Through his innovative efforts such as the I Love to Read YouTube series and National Thank You Letter Day, Papritz has made a universal impact by being an advocate for literacy and teaching people of all ages about personal and global legacy issues.  
 

Papritz's writing has been published in a number of media outlets including Huffpost, Inc., Reader's Digest, Fox News, Woman's World Magazine, Yahoo! News, & First Time Parent Magazine.

Rivalry Becomes One of the First Fully Registered Operators of Internet Gaming and Sports Betting in Ontario

TORONTO, Feb. 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rivalry Corp. (the “Company” or “Rivalry”) (TSXV: RVLY) (FSE: 9VK) (OTCQX: RVLCF), an internationally-regulated sports betting and media company, today announced that it has become one of the first fully registered operators of internet gaming and sports betting in Ontario. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (the “AGCO”) has informed the Company that its registration has been approved.

“We are very pleased to be one of the first companies to be registered as an internet gaming operator in Ontario,” said Steven Salz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rivalry. “As a proud Toronto-founded and based company, it’s a particular privilege to be able to finally offer our innovative product legally and responsibly in our backyard. I’m confident we will deliver a differentiated experience that will elevate what consumers think sports betting can be.”

The Company continues to work with iGaming Ontario, a Government of Ontario agency which conducts and manages internet gaming in the province when provided through private gaming operators, to complete any and all final requisite steps as it prepares for launch. Last week, iGaming Ontario announced that Ontario’s new online gaming market will launch on April 4th, 2022.

About Rivalry 

Rivalry Corp. wholly owns and operates Rivalry Limited, a leading sport betting and media property offering fully regulated online wagering on esports, traditional sports, and casino for the next generation of bettors. Rivalry Limited currently holds an Isle of Man license, considered one of the premier online gambling jurisdictions. Based in Toronto, Rivalry operates a global team in more than 18 countries and growing. Rivalry Limited was granted its Isle of Man license in early 2018, officially launching in August of that year, and the Company is currently in the process of obtaining additional country licenses. The Company also has a variety of originally developed products, including Quest, an on-site engagement experience, and an original casino game called Rushlane, a proprietary casino game that marks the creation of a new category for online gaming: Massively Multiplayer Online Gambling Games (MMOGG).

Investor Contact:
Vincic Advisors
Jeff Codispodi | investors@rivalry.com

Media Contact:
BRANDSTYLE COMMUNICATIONS 
Kell Cholko | kell@brandstyle.com

Company Contact:
Steven Salz, Co-Founder & CEO
416-565-4713
ss@rivalry.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (“forward-looking statements”). All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “achieve”, “could”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “objective”, “continuous”, “ongoing”, “estimate”, “outlook”, “expect”, “project” and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements in respect of the Company being approved as a licensed operator of internet gaming and sports betting in Ontario and the timing of internet gaming services being launched in Ontario.

Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management of the Company at the date the statements are made based on information then available to the Company. Various factors and assumptions are applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to and involve a number of known and unknown, variables, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause the Company’s actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations; the ability to obtain and maintain required licenses; the esports and sports betting industry being a heavily regulated industry; the complex and evolving regulatory environment for the online gaming and online gambling industry; the success of esports and other betting products are not guaranteed; changes in public perception of the esports and online gambling industry; failure to retain or add customers; the Company having a limited operating history; negative cash flow from operations; operational risks; cybersecurity risks; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; reliance on management; reliance on third parties and third-party networks; exchange rate risks; risks related to cryptocurrency transactions; risk of intellectual property infringement or invalid claims; the effect of capital market conditions and other factors on capital availability; competition, including from more established or better financed competitors; and general economic, market and business conditions. For additional risks, please see the Company’s prospectus dated September 17, 2021 available on the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

No assurance can be given that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

Source: Rivalry Corp.

• In Canada, lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer, with estimates that 29,600 Canadians received a diagnosis in 2021¹
  
• Tecentriq^® (atezolizumab) is the first and only cancer immunotherapy approved for NSCLC in the adjuvant setting

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 4, 2022 /CNW/ - Hoffmann-La Roche Limited (Roche Canada) is pleased to announce that on January 14, 2022, Health Canada has authorized TECENTRIQ^® (atezolizumab) as monotherapy for adjuvant treatment following complete resection and no progression after platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy for adult patients with stage II to IIIA* non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumours have PD-L1 expression on ≥ 50% of tumour cells (TCs).²

TECENTRIQ is a type of cancer immunotherapy treatment.² Immunotherapy may work by helping the immune system fight the cancerous cells.³  TECENTRIQ works by attaching to a specific protein in your body called Programmed Death Ligand-1, or "PD-L1".² This protein makes the immune system in your body not work as well. By attaching to the protein, TECENTRIQ helps your immune system to fight your cancer and may reactivate the anti-tumour immune response.³  

"The burden of lung cancer is significant and treatment innovation at any stage is important to provide more options," says Shem Singh, Executive Director Lung Cancer Canada. "With this approval, Canadians living with NSCLC now have another option when it comes to managing the disease at an early stage and potentially improving quality of life."

The approval is based on data from the Phase III IMpower010 study comparing TECENTRIQ to best supportive care (BSC) after adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with completely resected early stage non-small cell lung cancer. In this study, a clinically meaningful improvement in disease-free survival (DFS) in the TECENTRIQ arm was shown compared to the BSC arm in patients with PD-L1 TC ≥ 50% stage II to IIIA.²

TECENTRIQ has nine currently approved indications in Canada, two of which are approved with conditions (NOC/c).² For the adjuvant treatment of early-stage NSCLC, TECENTRIQ is available in three dosing options, providing the flexibility to choose administration every two, three or four weeks.²

"The inclusion of a new treatment for non-small cell lung cancer patients is welcome news," says Peter Glazier, Executive Vice President of the Lung Health Foundation. "For a majority of patients with lung cancer, advances in treatment have been minimal. As an organization focused on addressing the gaps in the prevention, diagnosis, and care of lung disease in Canada, we are very supportive of a new treatment option for Canadians living with lung cancer. "

Lung cancer can be broadly divided into two major types: non-small cell (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), with about 88 per cent of lung cancer cases in Canada (excluding Quebec) being NSCLC.⁴ Lung cancer is also classified in stages, as stage I through IV, based on the extent of disease in the body at the time of diagnosis.⁴

"As a healthcare solutions company, we are excited to provide a new treatment option for Canadians living with non-small cell lung cancer," says Loredana Regep, Vice President, Medical and Regulatory Affairs, Hoffmann-La Roche Limited. "This recent approval gives physicians an additional option for the treatment of early lung cancer after more than a decade with limited treatment advances in this setting." 

About the Health Canada Approval

The approval is based on results from an interim analysis of the IMpower010 study that compared TECENTRIQ to best supportive care (BSC) after adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with completely resected early stage non-small cell lung cancer.²

IMpower010 is a Phase III, open label, multicentre, randomized study evaluating the efficacy and safety of TECENTRIQ for the adjuvant treatment of patients with stage IB (tumors ≥ 4 cm) – IIIA NSCLC (per the Union for International Cancer Control / American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system, 7th edition). People who had complete tumour resection and were eligible to receive cisplatin-based chemotherapy were enrolled.  Subsequently, people whose disease had not progressed following completion of cisplatin-based chemotherapy (up to four cycles) were randomized. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive TECENTRIQ  (Arm A) or best supportive care (BSC) (Arm B). The primary efficacy outcome measure was DFS as assessed by the investigator.² DFS was defined as the time from the date of randomization to the date of occurrence of any of the following: first documented recurrence of disease, new primary NSCLC, or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first.²

In the analysis of patients (n = 229) with PD-L1 TC ≥ 50% stage II to IIIA (pre-specified key-secondary endpoint), a clinically meaningful improvement in DFS in the TECENTRIQ arm was shown compared to the BSC arm (hazard ratio [HR]=0.43, 95% CI 0.27-0.68).²

About TECENTRIQ 

TECENTRIQ is a monoclonal antibody designed to bind with a protein called Programmed Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1), which may be expressed on tumour cells and tumour-infiltrating immune cells, blocking its interactions with both PD-1 and B7.1 receptors.²This protein makes the immune system in your body not work as well. By attaching to the PD-L1 protein, TECENTRIQ may help the immune system fight the cancer.²

TECENTRIQ is a type of cancer immunotherapy treatment.² Immunotherapy treatments work by helping to strengthen or restore the immune system's ability to fight the cancerous cells.³

About Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death globally.⁵ In Canada, lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of death from cancer in both men and women.¹ In 2021, it was estimated that 29,600 Canadians would be diagnosed with lung cancer.¹

Lung cancer can be broadly divided into two major types: NSCLC and SCLC, with about 88 per cent of lung cancer cases in Canada (excluding Quebec) being NSCLC.⁴ In Canada, approximately 50 per cent of patients with NSCLC are diagnosed with stage I to III disease.⁴ Diagnosing lung cancer early, before it has spread, may improve chances of survival.¹

About Roche

Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people's lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, as well as growing capabilities in the area of data-driven medical insights, help Roche deliver truly personalized healthcare. Roche aims to improve patient access to medical innovations by working with stakeholders across the entire healthcare sector to provide the best care for each person.

Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management. In recent years, Roche has invested in genomic profiling and real-world data partnerships, has become an industry leading partner for medical insights, and has collaborated in artificial intelligence (AI) data mining to fuel healthcare insights.

Roche Canada was founded in 1931 and employs more than 1,800 people across the country through its Pharmaceuticals division in Mississauga, Ontario as well as its Diagnostics and Diabetes Care divisions in Laval, Quebec. 

Roche continues to search for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and make a sustainable contribution to society. Globally, Roche has been recognized as one of the most sustainable companies in the Pharmaceuticals Industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for twelve consecutive years. Roche Canada is also actively involved in local communities through its charitable giving and partnerships with organizations and healthcare institutions that work together to improve the quality of life of Canadians. 

For more information, please visit www.RocheCanada.com or follow us on Twitter @RocheCanada.

SOURCE Roche Canada

Health Canada Authorizes TECENTRIQ® (atezolizumab) for Canadians with early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

• In Canada, lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer, with estimates that 29,600 Canadians received a diagnosis in 2021¹
  
• Tecentriq^® (atezolizumab) is the first and only cancer immunotherapy approved for NSCLC in the adjuvant setting

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 4, 2022 /CNW/ - Hoffmann-La Roche Limited (Roche Canada) is pleased to announce that on January 14, 2022, Health Canada has authorized TECENTRIQ^® (atezolizumab) as monotherapy for adjuvant treatment following complete resection and no progression after platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy for adult patients with stage II to IIIA* non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumours have PD-L1 expression on ≥ 50% of tumour cells (TCs).²

TECENTRIQ is a type of cancer immunotherapy treatment.² Immunotherapy may work by helping the immune system fight the cancerous cells.³  TECENTRIQ works by attaching to a specific protein in your body called Programmed Death Ligand-1, or "PD-L1".² This protein makes the immune system in your body not work as well. By attaching to the protein, TECENTRIQ helps your immune system to fight your cancer and may reactivate the anti-tumour immune response.³  

"The burden of lung cancer is significant and treatment innovation at any stage is important to provide more options," says Shem Singh, Executive Director Lung Cancer Canada. "With this approval, Canadians living with NSCLC now have another option when it comes to managing the disease at an early stage and potentially improving quality of life."

The approval is based on data from the Phase III IMpower010 study comparing TECENTRIQ to best supportive care (BSC) after adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with completely resected early stage non-small cell lung cancer. In this study, a clinically meaningful improvement in disease-free survival (DFS) in the TECENTRIQ arm was shown compared to the BSC arm in patients with PD-L1 TC ≥ 50% stage II to IIIA.²

TECENTRIQ has nine currently approved indications in Canada, two of which are approved with conditions (NOC/c).² For the adjuvant treatment of early-stage NSCLC, TECENTRIQ is available in three dosing options, providing the flexibility to choose administration every two, three or four weeks.²

"The inclusion of a new treatment for non-small cell lung cancer patients is welcome news," says Peter Glazier, Executive Vice President of the Lung Health Foundation. "For a majority of patients with lung cancer, advances in treatment have been minimal. As an organization focused on addressing the gaps in the prevention, diagnosis, and care of lung disease in Canada, we are very supportive of a new treatment option for Canadians living with lung cancer. "

Lung cancer can be broadly divided into two major types: non-small cell (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), with about 88 per cent of lung cancer cases in Canada (excluding Quebec) being NSCLC.⁴ Lung cancer is also classified in stages, as stage I through IV, based on the extent of disease in the body at the time of diagnosis.⁴

"As a healthcare solutions company, we are excited to provide a new treatment option for Canadians living with non-small cell lung cancer," says Loredana Regep, Vice President, Medical and Regulatory Affairs, Hoffmann-La Roche Limited. "This recent approval gives physicians an additional option for the treatment of early lung cancer after more than a decade with limited treatment advances in this setting." 

About the Health Canada Approval

The approval is based on results from an interim analysis of the IMpower010 study that compared TECENTRIQ to best supportive care (BSC) after adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with completely resected early stage non-small cell lung cancer.²

IMpower010 is a Phase III, open label, multicentre, randomized study evaluating the efficacy and safety of TECENTRIQ for the adjuvant treatment of patients with stage IB (tumors ≥ 4 cm) – IIIA NSCLC (per the Union for International Cancer Control / American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system, 7th edition). People who had complete tumour resection and were eligible to receive cisplatin-based chemotherapy were enrolled.  Subsequently, people whose disease had not progressed following completion of cisplatin-based chemotherapy (up to four cycles) were randomized. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive TECENTRIQ  (Arm A) or best supportive care (BSC) (Arm B). The primary efficacy outcome measure was DFS as assessed by the investigator.² DFS was defined as the time from the date of randomization to the date of occurrence of any of the following: first documented recurrence of disease, new primary NSCLC, or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first.²

In the analysis of patients (n = 229) with PD-L1 TC ≥ 50% stage II to IIIA (pre-specified key-secondary endpoint), a clinically meaningful improvement in DFS in the TECENTRIQ arm was shown compared to the BSC arm (hazard ratio [HR]=0.43, 95% CI 0.27-0.68).²

About TECENTRIQ 

TECENTRIQ is a monoclonal antibody designed to bind with a protein called Programmed Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1), which may be expressed on tumour cells and tumour-infiltrating immune cells, blocking its interactions with both PD-1 and B7.1 receptors.²This protein makes the immune system in your body not work as well. By attaching to the PD-L1 protein, TECENTRIQ may help the immune system fight the cancer.²

TECENTRIQ is a type of cancer immunotherapy treatment.² Immunotherapy treatments work by helping to strengthen or restore the immune system's ability to fight the cancerous cells.³

About Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death globally.⁵ In Canada, lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of death from cancer in both men and women.¹ In 2021, it was estimated that 29,600 Canadians would be diagnosed with lung cancer.¹

Lung cancer can be broadly divided into two major types: NSCLC and SCLC, with about 88 per cent of lung cancer cases in Canada (excluding Quebec) being NSCLC.⁴ In Canada, approximately 50 per cent of patients with NSCLC are diagnosed with stage I to III disease.⁴ Diagnosing lung cancer early, before it has spread, may improve chances of survival.¹

About Roche

Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people's lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, as well as growing capabilities in the area of data-driven medical insights, help Roche deliver truly personalized healthcare. Roche aims to improve patient access to medical innovations by working with stakeholders across the entire healthcare sector to provide the best care for each person.

Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management. In recent years, Roche has invested in genomic profiling and real-world data partnerships, has become an industry leading partner for medical insights, and has collaborated in artificial intelligence (AI) data mining to fuel healthcare insights.

Roche Canada was founded in 1931 and employs more than 1,800 people across the country through its Pharmaceuticals division in Mississauga, Ontario as well as its Diagnostics and Diabetes Care divisions in Laval, Quebec. 

Roche continues to search for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and make a sustainable contribution to society. Globally, Roche has been recognized as one of the most sustainable companies in the Pharmaceuticals Industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for twelve consecutive years. Roche Canada is also actively involved in local communities through its charitable giving and partnerships with organizations and healthcare institutions that work together to improve the quality of life of Canadians. 

For more information, please visit www.RocheCanada.com or follow us on Twitter @RocheCanada.

SOURCE Roche Canada

The Canadian Vaping Association questions why Nova Scotia has yet to produce any data showing a decline in youth vaping since its flavour ban

BEAMSVILLE, Ontario, Feb. 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vape product flavour restrictions have been positioned by youth advocacy groups and some health organizations as the best way to prevent youth vaping. As a result, several provinces have implemented various versions of a flavour ban, with the Northwest Territories and the federal government now considering following suit.

The Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) has repeatedly cautioned governments that flavour bans have proven unintended consequences, such as increased smoking, strengthened black-markets and small business closures. Tobacco control and addictions experts have echoed this sentiment, through calls for a more balanced regulatory approach that appropriately balances the lives of adult smokers with youth protection.

“We often use the term unintended consequences to describe the negative effects of flavour bans, but after many years of advocacy and replicated research, these consequences are known. It would be more apt to call the consequences what they really are – collateral damage,” said Darryl Tempest, Government Relations Counsel to the CVA Board.

“The conversation around these bans has been so focused on if they are justified, that no one seems to be asking if they even work. Governments continue to cite Nova Scotia as a model for the [flavour] ban, but Nova Scotia has yet to produce any data on youth vaping rates following the ban,” said Tempest.

Nova Scotia’s 2021 financial statements display a dramatic increase in cigarette sales. “Tax revenue was $11.5 million or 5.9 per cent higher than the estimate primarily due to an increase of 5.6 per cent in the consumption of cigarettes.”

Further, an independent firm conducted an in-depth scan of the illicit market operating in Nova Scotia since the flavour ban was enacted over a year ago. The findings were clear, prohibition and ineffective enforcement have made the situation far worse while exposing youth and consumers to unregulated products. The report concluded that the flavour ban did not prevent access as intended and instead pushed vapers back to smoking, while removing the regulatory environment that served to protect youth.

“There is no justification for knowingly pushing vapers back to a product that kills half its users. Proponents of these bans have yet to produce any real world modelling to suggest that flavour bans reduce youth experimentation without harming adult smokers,” concluded Tempest.

Organon Canada Declares Paid Time Off for All Employees on International Women's Day; All Employees in Canada to Focus on Their Own Health in Recognition of Growing Women's Health Inequity

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a disproportionate impact on women, Organon and the Alberta Women's Health Foundation issue a call to action for other leaders to create opportunities to focus on women's health in Canada 

KIRKLAND, QC, Feb. 2, 2022 /CNW/ - Organon Canada, a subsidiary of Organon (NYSE: OGN), a global women's health company, is designating International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8 as a day to recognize the growing health disparities women face that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its inception, IWD has focused on accelerating gender parity. Organon recognizes the need for a global effort to address her health and is starting with its own employees by providing paid time off this year for all employees to attend to their own health needs. In Canada, Organon Canada will offer that paid time off to 125 employees. The company invites organizations in Canada and across the globe to join in raising awareness of the inequity in women's health and to adopt initiatives that help women prioritize their health.  

Women have worked hard to advance in the workplace, but the pandemic is unraveling these hard-fought gains. A recent study on women in the workplace in the United States has shown that women are now significantly more burned out than ever, even more than menⁱ which can take a huge toll on their physical and mental health. According to the Canadian Women's Foundation, a recent poll showed that women in Canada were carrying a bigger burden of worry about the pandemic than men.ⁱⁱ

"Organon launched with a commitment to listen to the needs of women and as part of our research, we learned that women are finding it harder than ever to make the time to care for even their most basic health needs," said Kevin Ali, chief executive officer, Organon. "As a company investing in innovation to improve women's health, I felt a responsibility to help address this within our own global community of almost 9,500 employees. This year, the symbolic action we are taking is to encourage all our people to spend this day off to make a commitment to their own health or the health of the women in their lives, whether that's going to the doctor, taking stock of their own wellbeing or reflecting on how to make a change." 

"Organon is strongly committed to women's health in Canada and from day one, also committed to the wellbeing of our employees. We proudly join this global initiative and I want to personally invite other Canadian business leaders to join us or to adopt internal initiative to help women prioritize their health. Our workforce – and our families and our communities – can truly benefit in the long term from this investment," said Michael Casia, President and Managing Director, Organon Canada.

We believe healthy women are the backbone of a thriving, stable and resilient society and when she is healthy, she prospers and so does her community and her society, for generations to come. In its budget 2021, the Department of Finance of Canada issued a recommendation to create a National Institute for Women's Health Research to improve outcomes as "Sex and gender-related disparities continue to persist in Canada's health system. Women are more likely to die of preventable illnesses and bear a higher burden of chronic illnesses."ⁱⁱⁱ This is what Organon is hoping to change and asks others to join in the effort to improve women's health. 

In May 2021, the Alberta Women's Health Foundation set out to study the impacts on the pandemic on women in Alberta and found that 63 per cent of women reported pandemic stress was affecting their physical health in a negative way—including poorer diet, weight gain, reduction in exercise, difficulty sleeping, worsening of a chronic health issue, or onset of new health concerns—as well as several negative impacts on mental health. And while in poorer health, they are also facing barriers to the care they need. Related to COVID-19, more women than men (by an average of 12 per cent) reported skipping a medical appointment or having their medical appointments postponed or cancelled by a medical provider. Similarly, many appointments specific to women's health, such as mammograms and Pap tests, were postponed due to the pandemic.^iv

"There is still a lot to be done to help close the gaps in women's health, to remove barriers to care, and give women what they deserve—an equal chance to be healthy. As the research shows, the pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on women and highlighted additional limitations on women's ability to pursue their own health, such as increases in already-lopsided unpaid caregiving duties, increased rates of depression and anxiety in pregnant and postpartum women, and a plethora of economic impacts, "said Sharlene Rutherford, President and CEO, Alberta Women's Health Foundation. "We applaud this leadership and bold action taken by Organon to demonstrate a commitment to meeting the unmet health needs of women and are proud to stand with them to help bring this crucial conversation to the forefront." 

We believe that by improving the understanding of women's health needs, we are one step closer to closing the inequity gap. Organon and the Alberta Women's Health Foundation urge all organizations to join in this mission and be part of the solution. 

About Organon 

Organon is a global healthcare company formed through a spin-off from Merck, (NYSE: MRK) known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, to focus on improving the health of women throughout their lives. Organon has a portfolio of more than 60 medicines and products across a range of therapeutic areas. Led by the women's health portfolio coupled with an expanding biosimilars business and stable franchise of established medicines, Organon's products produce strong cash flows that will support investments in innovation and future growth opportunities in women's health. In addition, Organon is pursuing opportunities to collaborate with biopharmaceutical innovators looking to commercialize their products by leveraging its scale and presence in fast growing international markets.

Organon has a global footprint with significant scale and geographic reach, world-class commercial capabilities, and approximately 9,500 employees with headquarters located in Jersey City, New Jersey.

For more information, www.organon.ca and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About The Alberta Women's Health Foundation

The Alberta Women's Health Foundation(AWHF) aims to foster equity in women's health, close gaps that exist in research today, and connect pathways from lab to life; all of which advance clinical care at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women and other women's health centres across Alberta and beyond. An initiative of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, the AWHF supports over 160 researchers at the Women and Children's Health Research Institute (WCHRI), whose research projects focus specifically on women's health. 

For more information, visit the AWHF at albertawomenshealthfoundation.org

SOURCE Organon Canada Inc.

Meet 7 Inspirational Women Who Changed Their Stories and Changed Their Worlds

Los Angeles, CA, Feb. 2, 2022 — Can something as simple as a story change the lives of others? Do you ever wonder if your life — your story — matters? 

“Of course, it does,” says international speaker and sought-after story expert, Linda Olson. “Everyone has a story, and your story can bring transformation and impact into the word today.” 

In Olson’s latest book, Story Matters! Empowering Your Hope When Going Through Tough Times, she provides real-life examples of seven ordinary women who faced major challenges. These women embraced their stories and learned to rise above nearly insurmountable obstacles. They did it through strength, courage and their faith in God, and they are sharing their stories to light a path forward for others facing difficult circumstances. 

In this book, readers will learn:
 

- How a single woman rose above childhood trauma to conquer fear and loneliness.

- How a young mother moved through grief and loss when her young child was diagnosed with a terminal illness. 

- How a caring sister became embroiled in a devastating lawsuit and discovered that forgiveness is a choice.

- How a middle-aged woman, faced with a choice to live or die, once again found joy. 

- How a career woman who achieved the many pleasures of the world discovered her real fulfillment was through commitment. 

- How a college student fulfilled her dream, only to find out her real dream lay deep within her. 

- How a teenager, devastated by the death of her brother, became a professional storyteller. 

“All of these women wanted to give in and give up because they felt themselves giving out,” Olson said. “But something kept them going!” 

And now they’re using the power of their stories to make a difference.

Linda Olson is the go-to story expert who helps authors, speakers and entrepreneurs impact millions with their stories. She is a TEDx Speaker, multiple bestselling author and founder of Wealth Through Stories. Her mission is to impact a million people a year with multiple authors in her series, Story Matters! Linda and her husband, Rick, reside in sunny California. They enjoy their two married daughters, sons-in-law and five adorable grandchildren who are the best part of their story.

For more information, visit https://wealththroughstories.com/, or connect with the author on Facebook (Linda Olson).

Story Matters! Empowering Your Hope While Going Through Tough Times, Inspirational Stories Compiled by Linda A. Olson 

Publisher: Made for More Publishing

ISBN-10: ‎ 098190145X 

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0981901459 

Available from Amazon.com

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Collective action key to creating change that will lead to better, safer roads for all

Change for Good Roads is a new initiative from Parachute, Canada's national charity dedicated to injury prevention, that brings together a wide range of sectors committed to improving urban road safety in Canada.

TORONTO, Feb. 2, 2022 /CNW/ - Environment. Inclusion and equity. Accessibility for the elderly and those with disabilities. All these improve when urban roads are designed to be safer through strategies such as improved access to public transit, dedicated bike infrastructure, walkable and more connected neighbourhoods and slower, more controlled traffic.

While advocating for safer roads traditionally has been the purview of injury-prevention champions such as Parachute, so many others, motivated by other goals, want to improve how we move in our urban communities. The Change for Good Roads initiative is the beginning of a national movement to bring together all these parties and strengthen our advocacy.

"Collective action across sectors is the missing link in driving positive change in urban road safety," says Pamela Fuselli, President and CEO of Parachute. "Safe, healthy and sustainable urban roads are only possible if we treat the underlying issues as a complex problem, one that involves not only urban planning, but also public health, engineering, recreation and many other sectors, and includes a focus on issues such as inclusion, equity, sustainability, and community. It's at this intersection of interests that sustainable changes in road safety will occur. Road safety is everyone's business: different populations have different needs and priorities but the safety of our roads affects us all."

Representatives from 17 organizations – from cycling groups to 880 Cities and CNIB – worked together throughout fall 2021 guided by Impakt, an organization that fosters thought leadership and helps corporations and civil society organizations solve social problems, to apply their proven Change for Good approach to support the development of a clear and cohesive strategy to support a Parachute-led collective of road safety advocates. This initiative will grow and expand to include others from government, academics, NGOs, advocates and the private sector.

This initiative has defined five strategic areas of focus to encourage unified action from across all sectors to create safe, active, healthy and sustainable urban roads across Canada.

• Collaborate and communicate. Establish universal standards for safe roads, promote national and local buy-in, develop a shared language and create a unified vision.
  
• Change the culture of road use. Lower speeds, build safer cars, support multi-modal transportation and address low perception of safety for cyclists and pedestrians. We can shift the culture around road use by ending victim blaming and promoting accountability; rethink who uses the roads; eliminate preventable deaths; and share success stories.
  
• Transform data practices. Share data between sectors; use appropriate measures of impact; prioritize equity; collect more detailed data – for example, racial data and contextual details surrounding a road collision.
  
• Champion equity and accessibility. Redefine accessibility; design roads for everyone; make the healthy choice the easy choice; create equity in the built environment; remove bureaucratic barriers to change.
  
• Engage communities in co-creation. Prioritize co-creation when it comes to road design and use over consultation; emphasize safety as an effective motivation for embracing change; enable meaningful and ongoing community engagement.
  

"We have seen during the COVID-19 pandemic that cities have fast-tracked initiatives to promote active transportation, such as implementing new bike lanes, and these have been embraced by the public," said Valérie Lavoie, President and Chief Operating Officer, Desjardins General Insurance Group. "We need to continue this momentum toward safer, healthier roads, and Desjardins Insurance is pleased to participate in Change for Good Roads and support the collective's commitment to creating safer roads for all."

Read the full report, Change for Good Roads: An intersectoral approach to urban road safety, which also outlines how this initiative is built upon the foundation of The Global Plan for the Second Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, launched in October 2021 by the World Health Organization. This Global Plan acts as a guiding document to support the implementation of the Decade of Action, which has the ambitious target to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50 per cent by 2030.

We acknowledge Transport Canada for providing funding for this initiative.

Report URL: https://parachute.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Parachute_CFGR_Report_EN-UA.pdf

About Parachute
Parachute is Canada's national charity dedicated to reducing the devastating impact of preventable injuries. Injury is the No. 1 killer of Canadians aged 1 to 44 and costs the Canadian economy $29.4 billion annually. Through education and advocacy, Parachute is working to save lives and create a Canada free of serious injuries. For more information, visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About Desjardins Group
Desjardins Group is the largest co-operative financial group in North America and the fifth largest cooperative financial group in the world, with assets of $391 billion. It was ranked as one of the Canada's Top 100 Employers by Mediacorp. To meet the diverse needs of its members and clients, Desjardins offers a full range of products and services to individuals and businesses through its extensive distribution network, online platforms and subsidiaries across Canada. Ranked among the world's strongest banks according to The Banker magazine, Desjardins has one of the highest capital ratios and credit ratings in the industry. 

SOURCE Parachute

Heart Month: The Montreal Heart Institute Foundation Launches an Awareness Campaign to Promote the Importance of Research in the Fight Against Cardiovascular Disease

MONTREAL, Feb. 02, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- February is Heart Month, a time to bring attention to the importance of cardiovascular health. The Montreal Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF) is launching a vast awareness campaign about the importance of research in the fight against cardiovascular disease. Through a fundraising campaign, the publication of its second magazine and interviews with various experts, the Foundation will invite the public to support the Montreal Heart Institute’s (MHI) promising projects to overcome the world’s leading cause of death.

Cardiovascular disease is a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels. Here are some key facts.

• The main risk factor is hypertension, which alone is responsible for 20% of deaths worldwide.ⁱ
• Hypertension onset before age 45 doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature mortality.ⁱⁱ
• In Canada, cardiovascular disease affects approximately 2.4 million adults.ⁱⁱⁱ
• Every year, 70,000 Canadians suffer a heart attack.^iv
• More than 80% of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by adopting five healthy lifestyle habits: stop smoking, maintain healthy body weight, moderate alcohol consumption, regular physical activity, and a healthy diet.^v

Research, Crucial to Saving Sensitive Hearts
For 45 years, the MHIF community has been strongly committed to a common goal: protecting sensitive hearts. Every year, research brings us closer to this important goal. The generosity of the Foundation’s donors is one of the reasons why the MHI Research Centre has one of the highest average funding levels per researcher in Canada. Such invaluable support makes it possible to innovate by designing future medicine. This will transform cardiovascular disease, particularly through improved management and patient care. In fact, in the next ten years, research could reduce incidents of cardiovascular disease by 50%.

It is for patients like Philippe Marcotte that medical research takes its full meaning. Victim of a heart attack at only 38 years old, he underwent a triple bypass. This surgical procedure consists of restoring normal blood circulation by bypassing the blocked arteries with other blood vessels. Following this intervention, his medical exams will reveal that he has heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, a form of hereditary cholesterol that has caused him to suffer numerous silent heart attacks since his late twenties. After trying a first medication that was not effective in reducing his cholesterol level, he decided to take part in a clinical study at the MHI Research Center to test repatha. Thanks to this medication, which he still takes today, his cholesterol level fell below the risk threshold for heart attack and he enjoys a good quality of life.

To know more about supporting the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation: https://fondationicm.org/en/how-to-donate/ 

Prevention, a Key Ally
Prevention is the best way to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. For Heart Month, the MHI’s experts have teamed up with nutritionist Isabelle Huot to present two interviews that will be broadcast live on the MHI and Isabelle Huot’s Facebook pages.

• February 2 at 12:15 p.m.: Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
  With Dr. Martin Juneau, Director of Prevention at the MHI
• February 9 at 12:15 p.m.: The Benefits of Nature on Cardiovascular Health
  With Dr. Louis Bherer, Neuropsychologist at the MHI

“A healthy diet plays a significant role in both primary and secondary prevention and the Mediterranean diet has largely proven its benefits in the prevention of cardiovascular disease,” says Isabelle Huot, doctor of nutrition. “I invite all Quebecers to reduce their meat consumption to leave more room for vegetables proteins and fish. A movement that is already underway that can only bring benefits on the health.”

The doctor of nutrition also maintains that particular attention should be paid to fruits and vegetables. Today, one in two people does not meet the recommended minimum of 5 servings whiles studies show more benefits with a consumption of 7 to 10 servings a day. Other tips from the nutrition expert include the consumption of whole grains, nuts and seeds which should occupy more space in our menus. Learn more about healthy eating and heart health: isabellehuot.com 

About the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation
Created in 1977, the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation raises and manages funds to support the Institute’s innovative and priority projects and fight cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the world. Its philanthropic events and donors’ contributions have enabled this leader in cardiovascular health to become the largest cardiac research centre in the country. Over the years, the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation has raised more than $336 million in donations. Its 27,235 donors have made it possible to make important discoveries and support the Institute’s specialists, professionals, and researchers to provide state-of-the-art care to tens of thousands of patients in Quebec. fondationicm.org

About the Montreal Heart Institute
Founded in 1954, the Montreal Heart Institute constantly strives for the highest standards of excellence in the cardiovascular field through its leadership in clinical and fundamental research, ultra-specialized care, professional training, and prevention. It is home to Canada’s largest cardiology research centre, cardiovascular prevention centre, and cardiovascular genetics centre. The Institute is affiliated with the Université de Montréal and has more than 2,000 employees, including 245 physicians and more than 85 researchers. icm-mhi.org 

DOLPHIN VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION RECEIVES APPROVAL FROM HEALTH CANADA FOR TREATMENT OF COVID-19 ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS (ARDS)

TORONTO, Feb. 2, 2022 /CNW/ - Center for Pain & Stress Research Ltd., a bioelectronic medical research company, today announced that its Dolphin VNS device has received breakthrough approval from Health Canada as Canada's first Vagal Nerve Stimulation Therapy specifically for treating COVID-19.

The Vagus Nerve represents 80% of our bodies parasympathetic "brakes" and NATURALLY controls our breathing and anti-inflammatory responses.  Vagus nerve is a natural defense against COVID-19 ARDS. 

As North American COVID-19 related deaths reaching the 1 million milestone, this effective, safe & approved COVID-19 therapy SHOULD be shared by the media with the public.  

 Dolphin Vagal Nerve Stim Applications:  
PREVENTION: Dolphin may be applied to preventatively to friends, FAMILY members or front-line workers to enhance vagal tone & improve immunity. (Home application time <15 min).   
ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS: Dolphin Vagal Stim can IMMEDIATELY enhance respiratory functioning, providing a potentially lifesaving intervention into any hospital, clinical or HOME setting (applied in under <10 min/patient).  
COVID-19 LONG HAUL RECOVERY: Dolphin Vagal Stim may be applied by front line workers or the suffering public to improve vagal tone/immunity and therefore reduce risk of serious COVID-19 hospitalization. 

 DOLPHIN VAGAL STIM KIT: The Dolphin Vagal Nerve Stimulator (VNS) Kit comes with Dolphin device, Vagal Up protocol manual and instructions for at-home or clinical application.  Dolphin Vagal Nerve Stimulator (VNS) Kit retails for $699.00 Cdn and may be purchased directly from the company's website.  

DOLPHIN VAGAL STIM FACT SHEET: 

1. COVID RESEARCH: The Use of Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Treat Respiratory Symptoms Associated With COVID-19
2. COVID RESEARCH: Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A Potential Adjunct Therapy for COVID-19
3. Health Canada Letter of authorization: Dolphin Vagal Stim-COVID-19 (order #67236)

SOURCE Center for Pain and Stress Research