Pro-Cannabis Steamroller Impacts Canada, U.S. Elections and Stock Market

With Canada’s recent legalization of cannabis, pro-cannabis forces are increasingly optimistic about their future in the United States.

“Those in favor of legalization of cannabis have not yet won the war in America, but they are winning many of the battles,” says attorney Sarah Lee Gossett Parrish (www.sarahleegossettparrish.com), who handles many marijuana-related issues for clients. But the war obviously has not been won.

“Unfortunately, the different positions of the pro-cannabis states and the federal government are causing a lot of issues that still must be resolved. In states where it is legal, cannabis businesses still need to be protected from federal prosecution. Also, federal regulations need to be relaxed so legal cannabis enterprises can obtain banking services.”

New fights continue to emerge and the next one will be the U.S. elections set for November 6.

“Several states are beginning to look like dominoes ready to fall,” Parrish says.

“The movement toward national legalization remains an elusive objective for cannabis supporters, but momentum is shifting from ‘if it will happen’ to ‘when it will happen.’”

Michigan, North Dakota, Utah and Missouri are all considering measures to loosen marijuana laws. If all four states vote for legalization, responsible adult usage of marijuana would be legal in 11 states and the District of Columbia, and marijuana would be legal for medical use in 33 states.
Six states – Florida, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Michigan, and Illinois – all feature gubernatorial races that feature pro-cannabis Democratic candidates running against anti-cannabis Republicans.
The United States government remains locked in its position that cannabis is a Schedule 1 narcotic similar to heroin and opium. With America’s focus on illegal immigration and President Trump’s indication that he will build the wall for which he campaigned, suddenly eyes are starting to turn to America’s northern border where the longest international boundary between two countries is located.

Border officials have already stated that they are taking a zero-tolerance approach toward anyone who is caught trying to bring cannabis or cannabis products into the United States from any country, including Canada. However, the Canadian border is much more easily crossed illegally than the border with Mexico.

The Canadian cannabis decision is already being felt on Wall Street. Only a few days after Canadians legalized cannabis, Aurora Cannabis, one of the largest Canadian marijuana producers, went public on the New York Stock Exchange. When Aurora's shares started trading, the company joined a select list of cannabis producers that are listing on U.S.-based exchanges.

Aurora already trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker ACB. The Edmonton-based cultivator grows cannabis for both the adult-use and medicinal markets. On Aug. 15, the beverage giant Constellation Brands announced it was upping its stake to $4 billion in an Aurora rival, Canopy Growth.

“There are significant challenges ahead for those who champion the legalization of cannabis,” says Parrish. “However, there are positive developments that signal many more states will join the green tide to decriminalize cannabis possession. Recreational pot may be a bridge too far for some states, but overall, the pro-cannabis forces are racking up some impressive wins.”

About Sarah Lee Gossett Parrish

Sarah Lee Gossett Parrish (www.sarahleegossettparrish.com) is an attorney who maintains a civil litigation practice and is admitted to practice in Oklahoma and in Texas. She also is admitted to practice before several District Courts in Oklahoma; the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. Ms. Parrish received her B.A. in Letters from the University of Oklahoma, Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude. She also served as Chairman of the Governor's Commission on the Status of Women for the State of Oklahoma and was instrumental in starting the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame. She received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. Her legal thriller, Guilt of Innocence, p

Struggling to Reach Your Health Goals? The Importance of a Personalized Fitness Plan

When you’re working toward a specific health goal, there are so many factors to consider. Quality of rest, the water intake and stress factors are important. It’s also best to remember the average intake of calories in addition to the exercises you’re doing. Since there is a laundry list of factors you have to consider when you’re working on achieving health goals, it’s a good idea to implement a personalized fitness plan. If you’re feeling unsure of the concept, consider the following four reasons why a personalized fitness plan is a great approach to take.

Strength Training is Essential

Most fitness professionals will encourage a well-rounded approach to your exercises. This means that they will probably suggest some sort of strength-training regimen. Many people skip the weights in order to run on the treadmill for 45 minutes. When you’re getting a personalized plan, you’ll be able to tailor the workouts to your needs. You’ll also be able to get rid of any intimidation regarding weight-lifting because it has to get done.

Factor in the Injuries

The worst thing you could do is overwork an area of your body in the wrong way. If you’ve had a sprained wrist, it’s not a great idea to start lifting weights. You don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on your wrists. Personalized fitness plans factor in components like injuries that can prevent you from achieving a specific goal when they’re not addressed.

Find Enjoyable Activities

When a fitness plan is personalized, there’s a chance for you to talk about the workouts you love and prefer. If you enjoy group cycling, it’s wise to communicate that desire. If you associate a workout with death, that won’t motivate you to stick with it. When you’re able to talk through your concerns with a fitness professional, this will help shift your experience.

Talk to a Professional

Just like you’re a professional who’s worked in your field for a certain number of years, there are fitness professionals, like those at Plan 7 Coaching, who have done the same thing. Too often, people make the unfortunate mistake of believing that they know it all, and they can handle the nuances of a fitness journey on their own. Allow professionals into your space to help you get from point A to point B in an efficient manner.

As you work toward your specific health goals, it’s important to remain focused and committed. As you’re able to be intentional about your journey, you should be able to results over a period of time. No matter what, commit to the process and it will reward you.

Loss Is A Four-Letter Word: Provides The Tools To Help Anyone Who's Lost A Spouse Find Their Own Healing Journey Forward

"Carole Brody Fleet is forthright in dealing with many of the difficult issues surrounding widowhood, demonstrating that you do not have to live in your past. It's not an either-or situation. She teaches the important lesson that you can incorporate your previous life into a new life.”
— Jane Brody, personal health columnist, The New York Times

Deerfield Beach, FL, October 31, 2018 — No widow or widower look exactly the same. No widowhood looks exactly the same. Therefore, no healing journey or timeline is an identical experience. The word "loss” contains only four letters, but its size belies the amount of fear it produces at even its mere mention. Even more terrifying and enormous is the reality of loss–specifically, the loss of a spouse.

Widowhood has the capacity to keep those affected from moving forward into a new and fulfilling life. The loss of a spouse is frightening. The call for relatable and actionable direction and advice remains a very real need for the widowed community, and that is just what Loss is a Four-Letter Word offers. Award-winning author Carole Brody Fleet personally experienced the pain and grief as a young widow and mother; leaving her and her 9-year-old daughter alone. Loss is a Four-Letter Word shows readers a way out, a way to move forward– not "get over”–their most profound loss in positive ways. Fleet combines no-nonsense, direct advice with specific, boot-camp style "assignments” that are framed with compassion and humor to help them through a most challenging life-journey.

A short sample of the Bereavement Boot Camp Lessons:

•   Lesson One: I'm Still Here
•   Lesson Two: "My Healing Journey Is Mine”
•   Lesson Three: Stop Putting Off Proactivity
•   Lesson Four: "I Turn to… Who?”
•   Lesson Five: Put Your Tits on Your Back
•   Lesson Six: Get Up, Get Moving… Get Out!
•   Lesson Seven: It's Your Turn
•   Lesson Eight: Past, Present, and Future: You Can Have All Three

Loss is a Four-Letter Word gives readers help without reproach, education without lecture, and support without judgment, condition, or negative opinion. All of which provides a necessary light during such devastating times. Fleet tells them, "Because while our spouses may have departed this earth, we are still here. And we matter too.”

About the Author:

Carole Brody Fleet is the award-winning author of When Bad Things Happen to Good Women, Happily EVEN After, and Widows Wear Stilettos. Widely recognized as America's go-to expert on life adversity and grief recovery, Ms. Fleet is also a three-time contributor to the iconic Chicken Soup for the Soul book series, as well as a regular contributor to The Huffington Post and to ThirdAge.com. Ms. Fleet is also a popular motivational speaker and with her inimitable message of "What Now and What Next?” Ms. Fleet offers practical, emotional, and even humorous guidance to the millions who have experienced any kind of loss or challenge in their lives.

Loss Is A Four-Letter Word: A Bereavement Boot Camp for the Widowed
By Carole Brody Fleet
ISBN: 9780757321214
September 2018
$15.95
Available wherever books are sold or to order directly from the publisher, contact:
(800) 441-5569 or www.hcibooks.com

###

ProMIS Neurosciences Identifies Novel Targets on Tau Protein Involved in the Development of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias

ProMIS' proprietary discovery platform generates additional potential opportunities for pharma partnering

TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, MA, Oct. 31, 2018 /CNW/ - ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (TSX: PMN) (OTCQB: ARFXF), a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of antibody therapeutics targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, today announced the identification of novel targets on misfolded, pathological forms of tau. The development of antibody therapeutics that selectively block these toxic forms of tau constitutes an exciting approach to treating Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

ProMIS Neurosciences Inc. Logo (CNW Group/ProMIS Neurosciences Inc.)

"Using our unique discovery platform, we were able to identify several novel targets displayed on misfolded forms of tau. We now look forward to generating antibody candidates that selectively block these toxic forms of tau." stated Dr. Neil Cashman, ProMIS Chief Scientific Officer. "In addition to PMN310, our lead therapeutic candidate that selectively targets the toxic oligomers of amyloid beta, a root cause of Alzheimer's disease, the development of antibodies selective for toxic forms of tau affords ProMIS a 'one-two punch' in our armamentarium to fight Alzheimer's disease."

The tau protein plays a key role in stabilizing the microtubules in central nervous system neurons. The development of misfolded forms of tau leads to toxicity and abnormal neuronal function seen in Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia and other tauopathies such as repetitive head injury (chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE).

Commenting on these results, Dr. Elliot Goldstein, ProMIS President and CEO stated: "ProMIS' proprietary discovery platform continues to show outstanding ability and efficiency to predict novel therapeutic targets and generate highly selective therapeutic antibodies for multiple neurodegenerative diseases. Having previously announced encouraging antibody candidates for ALS (targeting TDP43) and Parkinson's disease (targeting alpha-synuclein) and now novel targets on tau protein, we have additional exciting opportunities for high value pharma partnering across a broad spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases in 2019."

About ProMIS Neurosciences
ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. is a development stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing antibody therapeutics selectively targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The Company's proprietary target discovery engine is based on the use of two complementary techniques. The Company applies its thermodynamic, computational discovery platform -ProMIS™ and Collective Coordinates - to predict novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Using this unique precision medicine approach, the Company is developing novel antibody therapeutics for AD, ALS and PD. ProMIS is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ProMIS is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PMN, and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol ARFXF.

For further information about ProMIS Neurosciences, please consult the Company's website at: www.promisneurosciences.com

The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This information release contains certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE ProMIS Neurosciences Inc.

The Mummy Tuck: Procedure Aims to Restore Postpartum Body Confidence

TORONTO, Oct. 31, 2018 /CNW/ - Nearly two years ago, Kelly, then 46, realized diet and exercise alone was not going to get her back to her pre-baby body. The mother of two children, currently aged eight and eleven, hadn't worn a pair of jeans in nearly ten years and decided to explore her options. Now, the 48-year-old happily wears jeans, and even a bikini, with confidence. The reason – the Mummy Tuck.

Post-pregnancy, there are many new-moms who can bounce back to their pre-baby bodies through exercise and eating healthy. However, some women can't get rid of the belly pooch, no matter how many SoulCycle or Pilates classes they push through. Anna, a 46-year-old mother of two children aged seven and five, was hesitant about the Mummy Tuck at first, but after doing some Internet research she knew it was the right path forward. "I initially thought 'no way', but after having the kids I was never the same." Anna says, "I lost all of this weight and the extra skin bothered me so much. I started looking online at before and afters and thought 'that's pretty amazing'."

Both Kelly and Anna came across Power Plastic Surgery, an all-female private practice, through some Google searches. They both knew they wanted a female doctor, as Kelly says, "because who knows a woman's body better than a woman." Dr. Stephanie Power works with her Mummy Tuck patients to restore their body confidence post-pregnancy.

The tummy isn't the only area that adjusts during pregnancy. A Mommy Makeover, which addresses both the abdomen and breasts, are becoming increasingly popular. "Mommy makeover -- cosmetic breast surgery and tummy tuck -- is one of the most common procedures in my practice," says Dr. Power. "While pregnancy may be possible after a tummy tuck, it is recommended to wait until finished having children before undergoing this surgery. The results of a tummy tuck would be compromised otherwise. I make similar recommendations to women considering cosmetic breast surgery if planning a pregnancy in the near future."

"I wasn't overweight, I just had this excess of skin," says Kelly. "There was nothing I could do to get rid of it. I felt guilty going out there and spending money on this instead of my family or taking a vacation. Dr. Power's reassurance that there's absolutely nothing else I could do to get rid of the skin, and that it will make a huge difference really played a huge role in adjusting my thinking – that I wasn't dieting enough or working out enough. I just couldn't change it and it was nice to have that reassurance."

Referred to in the medical field as an Abdominoplasty, the procedure improves abdominal contour, corrects excess abdominal skin and tissue and repairs the rectus diastasis (those "six pack" muscles). Basically, it helps to vanish love handles, muffin tops and create that coveted hourglass shape.

Anna was initially worried that a visit to the plastic surgeon's office would be a frustrating experience, with the doctor pointing out all her flaws. "Dr. Power had a very nice approach. After watching TV shows you think you are going to go in and the plastic surgeon is going to draw on you and tell you everything that's wrong. She didn't do that at all. Often doctors have an arrogance and she was like to talking to a regular person," Anna explains.

Post surgery, the patient remains overnight until the following morning for observation and pain control. Anna had her procedure back in June and notes the recovery is similar to when she had a C-Section. She didn't experience any complications.

When asked if they would do the procedure again should they have to, both didn't hesitate in responding, "yes". Anna adds, "It couldn't have been any better than it was, mostly because of Dr. Power, she knows her stuff. I felt really confident with her and knew things weren't going to go sideways."

The Mummy Tuck is performed under general anesthetic. Patients are generally able to return to work within 1 – 2 weeks but should refrain from heavy lifting for 4 – 6 weeks. For more information, or to request an interview with Dr. Power, please contact Gillian DiCesare, gd@overcat.com.

ABOUT POWER PLASTIC SURGERY

Opened in 2013 by Dr. Stephanie Power, Power Plastic Surgery is an all-female practice located in Yorkville, Toronto. Performing both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, the practice provides patients with personalized care in state of the art operating rooms. Dr. Power personally performs each consultation and surgery and maintains open communication with each patient following their procedures to address any questions they may have. For more information about Power Plastic Surgery, please visit http://www.powerplasticsurgery.com/.

SOURCE Power Plastic Surgery

BlockStrain: Taking The Marijuana Industry Out Of The Shadows And Safely Into The Future

New York, NY, October 30, 2018 — The world has seen many changes developing around the use of marijuana over the past decade. With the majority of states in the US now legalizing some aspect of cannabis, Canada is about to become the first G7 country to fully legalize the drug for medical and recreational purposes. While there is a great deal of interest from business giants, such as, Coca Cola, Constellation Brands and even Walmart, to stake their claim in this exciting and evolving industry, states such as Colorado and California continue to run into the same problem—how to bring integrity and quality assurance to an industry born in the shadows.

While the Canadian government has regulations on legal marijuana, these regulations are not stopping tainted products getting into the marketplace. There is currently no system in place to monitor and track the product to ensure it is safe. That is, until now.

One innovative technology company based in Vancouver, BC has tackled this issue by combining years of sophisticated enterprise technology with the innovation of blockchain. BlockStrain Technology Corporation has developed the first, fully integrated blockchain platform that brings product testing, visibility and integrity to the cannabis industry to bring actionable and real-time quality assurance. BlockStrain is here to use big data to make assurances that customers are protected and to assure the quality and safety of the product.

"Fortunately, BlockStrain accomplishes this by combining the power of genetics with decentralized ledger technology for DNA-based product integrity, verification and tracking. Now, for the first time, consumers can actually know that what they are purchasing is safe, clean and from a legal source. Additionally, although this software is being designed to support the evolving cannabis industry, it could also work to ensure that the organic food industry is also safe and fair-trade. We believe this is a pretty good marriage between science and technology," says Robert Galarza, CEO of BlockStrain.

Mr. Galarza recently announced the addition of Derek Pedro to BlockStrain's Advisory Board. Mr. Pedro was a co-founder and Master Grower at Maricann Group Inc., an early Licensed Producer under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR), and is currently the Design, Cultivation and Production Partner at WeedMD Inc., where he designed and supervised construction of that company's production facility in Ontario. "Having Pedro's deep expertise on this board is critical as the company develops its software for use in the evolving legal cannabis industry in Canada,” says Galarza, adding, "He is both a pioneer and a legend in this industry and his knowledge of strain genetics and production systems is incredibly beneficial to BlockStrain as the company builds and adapts its platform for Licensed Producers and other industry stakeholders in Canada.”

Profound Answers May Lie Beyond Human Awareness

Los Angeles, CA, October 30, 2018 — In his deeply insightful writings, Dr. Pieter Noomen shares what he discovered through transcendent experiences during which he fully connected with the source of all existence — something he asserts can be achieved by every human being who is willing to open his or her mind to the information from the universe.

Over the course of many years, Noomen was granted transformative "visits” into another human dimension — on the spirit level — and he freely shares the universal and eternal facts of life that were communicated to him on his website, www.wordsforall.org.

As he explains on his website, "I can only say that the information came from a presence on my innermost spiritual level I was in communication with for some time. The words seem the result of my spirit merging with the spirit of life It/Her/Himself.”

Visitors to Noomen's website can read about the 12 components of life through his 12 booklets: Oneness, Love, Life, Fire, Space, Connectedness, Progression, Effect, Freedom, Joy, Differentness and Harmony. Throughout his writings, Noomen avoids using the name of any deity, such as God, and instead uses what he refers to as The Seven Names, each of which relates on a human level to the situation at hand: One Holy, Love, Truth, Proper, Healing, Manifestation and Energy.

A series of lessons on the site shares 147 thought-provoking questions and the illuminating answers that came to him during his extensive communications with the All Spirit.

Ultimately, Noomen posits that directly or indirectly, life stems from one common source and that to connect with that source is the highest level of existence we can achieve on earth.

"In death,” Noomen writes, "everyone will, without exception and in a purely personal way, find out whether or not there is another dimension of existence.” The reflections shared on Noomen's website invite readers to not wait until the end of their earthly lives for the answer.

Born in the Netherlands, Pieter Noomen completed doctoral studies in theology and pastoral psychology at the Free University of Amsterdam and was senior minister of three protestant churches. Later he worked as a psychotherapist and as a staff member of a Los Angeles metropolitan church. He was involved in mental health issues like suicide prevention and hospice. His personal spiritual path widened substantially — unexpectedly and quite sensationally —25 years ago when he was drawn to the insights of Dr. Peter D. Francuch (1934-2001), who wrote about his communications with what he called the Positive State. This led to Noomen's interest in experiencing a direct, personal connection with the One Who is Life. Noomen is retired and resides in Hollywood, California.

To read the works of Dr. Pieter Noomen, please visit www.wordsforall.org.

Two-thirds of Canadian women are unaware common leg complaint can point to a progressive health issue

New poll reveals almost three-quarters of women have experienced at least one symptom associated with chronic venous disease, but only half with symptoms have spoken to their doctor¹

LAVAL, QC, Oct. 30, 2018 /CNW/ - A new survey by Leger reveals as many as two-thirds of Canadian women are unaware that varicose veins can be a sign of underlying chronic venous disease,² a progressive condition caused by poor blood circulation in the legs.^3,4

Servier Canada (CNW Group/Servier Canada)

A fifth of the Canadian adult population suffers from varicose veins and 60 per cent of those affected are women.⁵ Varicose veins often appear as prominent or bulging blue protrusions under the skin of the leg, while other less visible symptoms include a feeling of heaviness, in addition to swelling, itching and pain in the legs.⁶

The online survey of 1004 Canadian women aged 35-60, revealed that, despite their symptoms, almost half of women (49%) believe varicose veins to be a natural part of aging, while only one-third associated varicose veins with a medical chronic condition.⁷

Chronic venous disease is a progressive condition of the legs that causes vein walls and/or valves to become inflamed and stop working effectively, making it difficult for blood to return to the heart from the legs.⁸ Signs and symptoms range from a sensation of heavy and/or painful legs, night cramps, edema or ulcers, spider and varicose veins.⁹

"I frequently encounter patients who believe varicose veins are a purely cosmetic condition, and who do not understand their potential underlying cause," says Dr. Beverley Chan, Vascular surgeon at Oakville Vascular. "It's important that people recognize varicose veins are not simply a result of aging, but could be a sign of chronic venous disease, a condition that can result in disabling physical and psychological pain."

Despite revealing that only 11 per cent of women are aware of the disease, the poll showed almost three quarters of those polled (70%) have experienced at least one symptom.¹⁰ In particular, more than 80 per cent with varicose veins also report having experienced at least one other symptom, including aching legs, painful legs, night cramps, heavy legs or itchy legs.¹¹

The survey also reported that over half of women with symptoms of chronic venous disease felt they were not serious enough to speak to their doctor about.¹² When asked what would prompt a visit to the doctor's office, the majority of women (41%) answered pain.¹³

"All too often I see patients suffer from uncomfortable and painful symptoms associated with this condition, which can impact daily activities like taking a shower, walking or driving affecting overall quality of life," says Dr. Beverley Chan, Vascular surgeon at Oakville Vascular.

"The good news is that there are treatment options, including over-the-counter medications that address the venous inflammation and loss of venous tone, which helps relieves the signs and symptoms of mild-to-moderate chronic venous disease."

There are several options to help treat the signs of varicose veins and chronic venous disease, including over-the-counter medications, lifestyle changes and compression stockings, other treatments include vein stripping, endovenous procedures and sclerotherapy.¹⁴

About Servier Canada

Servier Canada was established in 1978 and is celebrating its 40th anniversary of operation in Canada. Servier Canada employs over 250 people and is currently present in the following markets diabetes, cardiovascular disease and oncology. For more information: www.servier.ca

About Servier

Servier is an international pharmaceutical company governed by a non-profit foundation, with its headquarters in France (Suresnes). With a strong international presence in 149 countries and a turnover of 4.152 billion euros in 2017, Servier employs 21,700 people worldwide. Entirely independent, the Group reinvests 25% of its turnover (excluding generic drugs) in research and development and uses all its profits for development. Corporate growth is driven by Servier's constant search for innovation in five areas of excellence: cardiovascular, immune-inflammatory and neuropsychiatric diseases, cancer and diabetes, as well as by its activities in high-quality generic drugs. Servier also offers eHealth solutions beyond drug development. More information: www.servier.com.

References:
_________________________
¹ Leger 2018, Servier, Chronic Venous Disease Report, pp 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15. (On File)
² Leger 2018, Servier, Chronic Venous Disease Report, pp 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15. (On File)
³ Bergan JJ, et al. Chronic Venous disease. N Eng J Med. 2006;355:488-498.
⁴ Bergan JJ, et al. Pathogenesis of primary chronic disease. J Vasc Surg. 2008;47(1):183-192.
⁵ Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery. Varicose Veins. Accessed September 17, 2018. Available at: https://canadianvascular.ca/Varicose-Veins
⁶ Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery. Varicose Veins. Accessed September 17, 2018. Available at: https://canadianvascular.ca/Varicose-Veins
⁷ Leger 2018, Servier, Chronic Venous Disease Report, pp 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15. (On File)
⁸ Cleveland Clinic. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): Overview. Accessed on September 13, 2018. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16872-chronic-venous-insufficiency-cvi
⁹ SERVIER CANADA INC. Venixxa Product Insert. Accessed September 5, 2018. Available at : https://www.servier.ca/sites/default/files/webform/Venixxa%20Product%20Insert_CVD_EN_r.pdf?ts=1510420330
¹⁰ Leger 2018, Servier, Chronic Venous Disease Report, pp 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15. (On File)
¹¹ Leger 2018, Servier, Chronic Venous Disease Report, pp 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15. (On File)
¹² Leger 2018, Servier, Chronic Venous Disease Report, pp 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15. (On File)
¹³ Leger 2018, Servier, Chronic Venous Disease Report, pp 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15. (On File)
¹⁴ Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery. Varicose Veins. Accessed August 22, 2018. Available at: https://canadianvascular.ca/Varicose-Veins

SOURCE Servier Canada

Is ADHD Connected to Maternal Cholesterol Levels?

During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes a massive transformation in pretty much all aspects – from physical to emotional, and sometimes even mental. One of the changes that happen in a woman’s body is the change in her cholesterol levels. The cholesterol levels increase to make steroid hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone that are crucial for carrying a healthy pregnancy to term. Typically, women’s cholesterol levels increase by 25% to 50% during pregnancy, while HDL levels rise even more.

Where Do Recent Studies Stand?

Lately, there’s been much talk about the link between ADHD (attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder) in children and maternal cholesterol levels, with girls being less susceptible to the effect than boys. What makes this research different than the previously conducted ones, is that this one is focused on children, while prior ones mostly focused on adults’ cholesterol and brain functions. The finding that suboptimal maternal cholesterol levels may increase the risk of ADHD is almost a breakthrough in the conclusions of this type. What is more, scientists explain that this is true for low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in particular.

What Else Makes This Finding Special?

Even though this research is still in its beginning stages and needs additional investigation, it “raises new hypotheses about ADHD gender differences and future targets to prevent the disorder.” Researchers based their testing on data from the Boston Birth Cohort. The cohort was followed from birth up to age 15 and mostly comprises of low income, urban, and minorities. The final analyses rounded up 1479 mother-infant pairs: 1176 neurotypical children, and 303 children with ADHD.

Judging by the results, an increased risk of ADHD associated with low maternal HDL cholesterol level (≤60 mg/dL), compared to a higher maternal HDL cholesterol level.

What Role Did Gender Play?

The research included both girls and boys, hoping to establish which gender (if any) was affected more. As reported, and based on the associations with ADHD for maternal HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, it appears that boys were more affected and vulnerable to suboptimal maternal cholesterol levels. The finding is believed to have shed new light on the ADHD sex difference.

Are There Any Implications To These Findings?

Researchers explain that there might be several implications:

Women with a child typically maintain a higher level of HDL cholesterol
Popular clinical cut-off point for HDL cholesterol (>50 mg/dL) for women who are not with a child aren’t necessarily adequate for protecting against ADHD in offspring
A higher cut-off point is believed to be a better option when identifying the fetus at risk for future ADHD

What Were The Limitations of the Study?

As reported, there were a few limitations:

The study based on a single measurement of non-fasting maternal cholesterol
The measure was taken 24 to 72 hours after delivery suggesting that lipid levels would be more optimal when collected throughout the entire pregnancy
The analyses could not capture all risk factors of ADHD as it focused on the population of low-income, urban, mostly minorities only; the study observed that this target group is at a higher risk of exposure to other ADHD risk factors

Keeping your cholesterol levels in check is a must for all pregnant and non-pregnant women. Consult with your physician on taking supplements, such as Cholesterade®, you should take.

4 Reasons Why Extreme Dieting Cripples Your Fitness Routine

With obesity rates higher than ever, more people are desperately trying to lose weight by experimenting with fad diets and exotic eating plans. Although it is more sensible to follow a nutritious eating plan for life to successfully and safely lose weight, some people lose dangerous amounts of body weight, becoming more unhealthy rather than healthier. Because physical activity is often recommended to be followed hand-in-hand with a diet plan, a person's fitness routine can be hindered by losing an extreme amount of weight, especially without medical supervision. These dangerous dieting mentalities may even lead to eating disordersin the future.

Weakness
People who do not eat enough calories to sustain physical health often become weak and debilitated. Some are unable to perform daily functions needed for healthy living, and many are unable to handle their daily fitness schedule, as they lack the energy and motivation to do so, based on an inadequate calorie count or metabolic imbalance.

Fatigue
In tandem with weakness, fatigue is often a byproduct of extreme weight loss. Without enough calories to provide fuel for bodily needs, a person can feel exhausted and tired, often preferring to rest rather than exercise. If they do make it to the gym or start their daily routine, it may be cut short due to insufficient energy.

Dwindling Focus
Fast or extreme weight loss often takes a toll on the brain as well as the body. Lacking enough food-based fuel to carry oxygen to the cells and organs, including the brain, a person is unable to think clearly or sustain focus. As a result, trying to make it through a regular physical workout may be undoable. Their attention might wander, or other thoughts may draw attention away from the physical activities being attempted. The person trying to exercise may become distracted or experience foggy thinking.

Disinterest
Following a significant weight loss, some people may no longer feel a need to exercise. They assume since they weigh less and are approaching their ideal size, exercise is optional. They fail to realize that exercise is important for people of all ages and weights, keeping the body and mind in shape for a lifetime. Even the will, or desire to exercise, may dwindle if the person gets caught up in a new self-centered lifestyle that does not include physical workouts.

Weight loss should always be carried out under a doctor's supervision. Losing a huge amount of weight can negatively impact a fitness routine as shown above. Ask your doctor about the role of exercise when dieting.