Powerful Call To Action Seeks To Abolish Conversion Therapy
New York, NY, October 24, 2018 — You might have thought that "conversion” therapy practices on children in America would have been outlawed years ago. You'd be wrong. This state-sanctioned practice to try to change a child's sexual orientation or gender identity is alive and well—and living in the United States.
Vellah Jones' new book, Dear Congress: Voices of American Children Currently Being Abused by Conversion Therapy, bravely pulls back the curtain on conversion therapy through the voices of 12 American children currently undergoing what amounts to little more than legalized torture. Jones, who sees a correlation between conversion therapy and child abuse, provides examples of the occurrence of neglect, as well as physical, psychological, sexual and emotional abuse during conversion therapy sessions by mental health professionals.
"These 12 high school children represent tens of thousands of children across the country,” Jones said. "This is a practice that's been proven to have no success in changing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity and is known to impair a child's development and result in increased juvenile homelessness, addiction and suicide.
As Jones' first public effort to shine a light on the horrors of conversion therapy and to effect positive legislative change, Dear Congress is a call to action for everyone to press for an end to conversion therapy practices on juveniles.
For more information, please go to: www.dearcongress.love.
Dear Congress: Voices of American Children Currently Being Abused by Conversion Therapy
Release date: August 23, 2018
Published in the USA by Legacy Projects
ISBN–13: 978-1725081345
ISBN–10: 1725081342
TIP SHEET
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Reviews of Dear Congress:
Bruce Kluger, columnist, USA Today: "Conversion therapy is the waterboarding of impressionable young minds, a sanctioned modern-day torture so ignorant of science and abuse in practice that in 2018 it continues to waste the lives of millions around the world, nearly 700,000 in America alone. With their landmark book, Vellah Jones and her 'Children's Committee' have done more than simply expose the politics and perversion ... (they) also reveal, bit by painful bit, the human toll suffered by its innocent victims, while simultaneously providing them a potent forum—and steely solidarity—to fight back and abolish this psychological brutality.”
Kathryn Smerling, PhD, licensed family therapist, New York City: "I wish this book did not exist, that state and federal law prohibited the horrible psychological, physical and emotional abuse of conversion therapy. Hopefully, this book will help to end these practices, and for all.”
Suggested interview questions for Vellah Jones:
What is conversion therapy?
What are your experiences regarding conversion therapy?
What can we do to change the law?
What happens to children who survive conversion therapy?
What are the signs that we can look for to identify a child being abused by conversion therapy?
Integrated Cannabis Company, Inc. Enters Into Licensing Agreement for Cannabidiol (CBD) Gummy Formulation
VANCOUVER, Oct. 25, 2018 /CNW/ - Integrated Cannabis Company, Inc. (CSE: ICAN) (OTCQB: ICNAF) ("Integrated Cannabis"), is pleased to announce an agreement to license Cannabidiol (CBD) formulated gummies.
Integrated Cannabis plans to begin distributing CBD-based gummies through its contract manufacturer, Titration Technologies, in Phoenix, Arizona. Each gummy will contain 10mg of CBD - the non-psychoactive component of cannabis - and will be 100% vegan, utilizing all natural ingredients.
Demand for gummies is significant and the Company believes there is an unmet demand for a plant-based product, which continues to grow for the quality conscious consumer. The creation of this product has taken months of innovation and realized many iterations in order to render the resulting taste and texture we believe to be superior to other gummy products in the market.
"Gummies are an excellent way to introduce CBD to an older demographic that is typically wary of cannabis products. Our gummies will provide an approachable delivery method, that is easy to consume and with a great taste. We expect the bulk of the sales to take place online but also have plans to distribute through our existing networks to brick and mortar stores in Colorado and throughout the United States. We also plan to expand and introduce a product line of THC formulated gummies upon licensure approval", said John Knapp, CEO of Integrated Cannabis.
About Integrated Cannabis Company
Integrated Cannabis Company, Inc. is comprised of dedicated scientists and product engineers who are passionate about health and creating health and lifestyle products utilizing advanced delivery systems and formulations. For more information, please visit the company's website at: http://www.x-sprays.com.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
"John Knapp"
Chief Executive Officer
The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.
This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws.
Integrated Cannabis Company, Inc.
Suite 810, 789 West Pender Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6H 1H2
SOURCE Integrated Cannabis Company, Inc.
Cannabis legalization: defining the blurred line between legal and acceptable at work
New report details how employers can minimize the workplace risks of cannabis legalization through employee-focused strategies
TORONTO, Oct. 25, 2018 /CNW/ - The adjustment period of cannabis legalization has begun; now is the time that organizations will learn if they are prepared to handle the impact of legal recreational cannabis and its impact on the workplace. In a new report released today, Morneau Shepell explores whether or not employers are equipped to successfully navigate this change.
In The legalization of cannabis: impact for the workplace, Morneau Shepell explores its latest research on recreational cannabis use and implementation, detailing the trends that will change after legalization. Given the need for a more defined direction, the report makes recommendations for a strategic approach that organizations should consider when dealing with use of the substance in the workplace, in a way that ensures employee safety and avoids infringing on individual liberties.
Taking a proactive approach to cannabis use
As of October 17, 2018 Canadians are able to use cannabis recreationally without fear of criminal sanctions. Yet, while public cannabis use is regulated federally through the Cannabis Act, there is an added responsibility for individual employers to address use within their organization.
In the report, Morneau Shepell highlights findings from its latest Trends in Human Resources survey, which revealed that a minority of organizations had implemented policies to address the use of cannabis in the workplace, with several taking a "wait-and-see" approach. Of those surveyed, only one-third (34 per cent) of organizations had already updated their substance abuse policies to manage cannabis in the workplace, while over half (52 per cent) were planning to do so in the next 12 to 18 months.
The study also found that workplace demographics, such as age and gender, could play a role in determining how proactive an organization should be in addressing cannabis in the workplace. Morneau Shepell's study analyzed recreational use by gender, age group and region, finding that cannabis use decreases with age; women were less likely to use than men; managers were equally likely to use cannabis when compared to employees; and use was most prevalent in British Columbia and least prevalent in Quebec.
"Our research pinpointed interesting findings that can be leveraged to monitor cannabis use among various demographics in the future. It's also very critical that employers have a strategic plan for dealing with issues now," said Paula Allen, vice president, research and integrative solutions, Morneau Shepell. "Issues such as impairment in the workplace and the different approaches to medical and recreational cannabis are key, as is supporting knowledge among employees of both workplace and personal health and safety related to cannabis use. It's important that employers address this proactively now and not simply as a reactive measure when a situation arises."
Developing and implementing a cannabis strategy
Effectively managing cannabis use in the workplace goes further than simply introducing a new policy – it requires employers to develop and implement a comprehensive cannabis strategy. The report states that employers should look beyond simply adding cannabis to existing substance policies, such as alcohol and medicinal cannabis, to focusing on communication and training, as well as employee support.
To develop a holistic strategy, the report highlights the following five main considerations:
- Recognize that a substance abuse policy might not be appropriate for cannabis, as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can be present in the bloodstream for long periods of time without causing impairment;
- Educate and communicate all policy changes, and both work and personal health safety issues, clearly with staff, allowing employees to join the conversation and express any concerns;
- Appoint a lead human resources contact to address all employees' cannabis-related questions and concerns;
- Align policies with the company's accommodation approach and differentiate between medicinal and recreational cannabis use; and
- Implement manager training alongside introducing the new policy, to ensure all issues around impairment, usage and productivity are addressed effectively.
"Legalization is not the same as acceptable in the workplace," continued Allen. "All organizations will have different levels of tolerance. Given the room for interpretation, it is critical that employers define clear substance policies that also cover issues such as accommodation and fitness for work."
Morneau Shepell's customized solutions range from policy development to treatment, for both managers and employees. These include Workplace Learning Solutions, manager consultations, Workplace Referral Programs, Substance Abuse Programs, absence management and accommodation reviews and more.
The full report, The legalization of cannabis: impact for the workplace and detailed information on Morneau Shepell's solutions for cannabis can be found here.
About Morneau Shepell
Morneau Shepell is the only human resources consulting and technology company that takes an integrated approach to employee well-being, health, benefits and retirement needs. The Company is the largest administrator of retirement and benefits plans and the largest provider of integrated absence management solutions in Canada. LifeWorks by Morneau Shepell is a total well-being solution that combines employee assistance, wellness, recognition and incentive programs. As a leader in strategic HR consulting and innovative pension design, the Company also helps clients solve complex workforce problems and provides integrated productivity, health and retirement solutions. Established in 1966, Morneau Shepell serves approximately 24,000 clients, ranging from small businesses to some of the largest corporations and associations. With more than 4,500 employees in offices worldwide, Morneau Shepell provides services to organizations around the globe. Morneau Shepell is a publicly-traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.
SOURCE Morneau Shepell Inc.
Alcon Canada introduces SYSTANE® COMPLETE Lubricant Eye Drops, the first all-in-one drop for all types of dry eye
TORONTO, Oct. 25, 2018 /CNW/ - Alcon, the global leader in eye care, introduces SYSTANE® COMPLETE, the first all-in-one drop for all types of dry eye that provides hydration and lasting protection for optimal dry eye relief. The new product joins the #1 doctor recommended1 SYSTANE® family of dry eye drops as the brand's most advanced solution to date.
Although there are three general types of dry eye, the majority of eye drops are only designed to treat one type. Featuring tiny, nano-sized lipid droplets that replenish and lock in moisture across the eye surface, SYSTANE® COMPLETE Lubricant Eye Drops are the ideal first-line treatment option for people who suffer from evaporative dry eye, aqueous tear deficient dry eye or mixed dry eye.
"As an optometrist, I understand first-hand the need to provide patients with dry eye solutions that not only work, but provide instant relief that lasts for hours," said Dr. Judy Parks of Ancaster Eye Clinic. "That's why I am particularly excited about the addition of SYSTANE® COMPLETE to the SYSTANE® portfolio, because it takes key ingredients from existing drops and elevates the technology to deliver real relief for patients for all major types of dry eye."
With increased screen time and longer workdays, dry eye is becoming one of the most common conditions seen by Canadian optometrists.
"Dry eye is a chronic issue for a large number of my patients, often making it a challenge to treat them and achieve optimal results," said Dr. Parks. "SYSTANE® COMPLETE represents a much-needed, over-the-counter dry eye solution. The technology is designed to deliver the active ingredient in a way that ensures effective coverage of the eye, so I can deliver the best outcome for my patients."
SYSTANE® COMPLETE joins the full line of SYSTANE® Lubricant eye drops, including SYSTANE® ULTRA Hydration and SYSTANE® BALANCE. SYSTANE® COMPLETE Lubricant Eye Drops is now available for over-the-counter purchase in Canada. Please view the SYSTANE® COMPLETE Method of Action video to learn more.
About SYSTANE® Lubricant Eye Drops
The SYSTANE® brand is the best-selling over-the-counter dry eye treatment in Canada with a full range of products for the comprehensive treatment of dry eye. The SYSTANE® family of products is the number one doctor and pharmacist-recommended brand for the treatment of dry eye disease. New SYSTANE® COMPLETE is the most advanced treatment option, to provide optimal relief for all types of dry eye.
About Alcon
Alcon, the global leader in eye care, provides innovative products that enhance quality of life by helping people worldwide see better. Alcon Surgical and Vision Care business franchises offer the widest spectrum of eye care products in the world. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, USA, Alcon has operations in 75 countries and products available in 180 markets. For more information, visit www.alcon.ca.
© 2018 Novartis 10/18 GL-SYS-18-CANE-2282
SGS Introduces New In Vitro Toxicology Testing at its Mississauga Laboratory
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 25, 2018 /CNW/ - SGS, a leading bio/pharmaceutical, analytical and bioanalytical contract solutions provider, today announced that it is introducing new in vitro toxicology services at its Mississauga, Ontario laboratory.
The investment in instruments and expansion of the laboratory's capabilities will now allow SGS clients to establish the toxicological profiles of bio/pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics and chemicals.
The investment includes an expansion of existing cell/tissue culture capabilities, flow cytometry and mass spectrometry facilities, along with the introduction of high throughput screening, automation, and multiplexing technologies such as the MESO SECTOR S 600 for biomarker analysis. The suite of services being introduced covers over 50 analytical techniques including dermal and ocular toxicity, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, phototoxicity, endocrine disruption, hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. The new service offerings will be available under both R&D and Good Laboratory Practice (OECD, FDA Part 58) study conditions.
"Recent technical advancements and new government regulations have led to the rapid development of new, cost effective testing for the establishment of drug, device, chemical and cosmetic safety," commented Dr. Alex Perieteanu, Director of Biopharmaceutical Services at SGS Canada. "SGS is an organization with a strong global reputation for quality and integrity, and this investment aligns the laboratory with the three Rs – the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement – for more humane experimental research, and ensures patient safety and accelerating product development."
SGS's Mississauga facility has over 200 staff, and provides contract testing services within the biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, bioanalytical, and medical device segments. The facility is Health Canada and FDA registered and carries ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 (design and manufacture of medical devices) accreditations.
With 18 laboratories offering contract analytical and bioanalytical services, SGS leverages its wholly-owned global network, present in North America, Europe, and Asia, to deliver harmonized solutions to large pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms. In addition to testing services for the bio/pharmaceutical market, SGS also provides Phase I-IV clinical trial management, and services encompassing data management and statistics, PK/PD modeling and simulation, pharmacovigilance and regulatory consultancy.
SOURCE SGS Canada Inc.
Menarini Launches "Pills of Art"
Did you know that Botticelli's Birth of Venus was the first painting after the fall of the Roman Empire to feature a completely nude woman? And that when painting the Medusa, Caravaggio was most likely inspired by his own facial expressions?
All of this and much more is now available on the new "Pills of Art" section of the Menarini website; an area dedicated to the art world.
FLORENCE, Italy, Oct. 25, 2018 /CNW/ - This new initiative confirms the artistic vocation of the company which, on an annual basis for more than 60 years, has published bespoke monographs dedicated to the great masters of paintings and sculptures including Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raffaello, Caravaggio and Giotto. The curiosities of their works can now be found in video clips on the new section of the Menarini website, "Pills of Art", which is dedicated to the art world. Merely one click away; a journey which starts in Florence, the home of the Pharmaceutical Group, among the masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery.
(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/774837/Menarini_Pills_of_Art_Logo.jpg )
To widen the appreciation and knowledge of Italy's artistic heritage abroad, especially in the 136 countries where Menarini's products are available, the video clips have been produced in both Italian and English, and they will soon be translated into other languages including Chinese, Spanish, German and Russian.
"Menarini has a long-standing artistic tradition, one that endures with time and continues to evolve, today with the Pills of Art project," stated Valeria Speroni Cardi, Director of Menarini Group Press & Media Relations. "Menarini's art collections, characterised by their simple language, invite readers to not only look at the images, but to discover the details that so often remain unseen. With the publication of these video clips, the Pharmaceutical Group aims to involve those who are discovering the world of paintings and sculptures for the first time, revealing the anecdotes and stories behind the great masterpieces of Italian art. We are proud to have accomplished our mission under the exceptional guidance of EikeSchmidt, Director of the Uffizi Museum who, among many other things, showed us the technique used by Caravaggio to create the Medusa."
The Coronation of the Virgin by Fra' Angelico, Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci, Judith Slaying Holofernes by Artemisia Gentileschi, Eleanor of Toledo by Bronzino,The Birth of Venus and Primavera by Botticelli are just some of the video clips you can find on the new section of the Menarini website.
http://www.menarinipillsofart.com
SOURCE Menarini I.F.R
Leukemia survivor Mai Duong keeps her promise and founds Swab The World
Fair fight for all. We're all created equal, until we have to fight cancer. It's time to give everyone an equal fighting chance. #ShareYourDNA
MONTREAL, Oct. 23, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, Mai Duong is proud to launch the Swab The World Foundation, to help those like herself who are fighting blood cancer. Her ultimate goal? To diversify and shake up the world stem cell donor registry. Nothing less.
Having gained prominence during the 2014 Save Mai Duong campaign, her story brought to light the cruel lack of ethnic stem cell donors in all national registries. The initiative was successful as three Asians in addition to Mai were able to find a compatible donor, and the percentage of Asian donors signed up to the Quebec registry increased from 0.9% to 4.3%. Mai Duong is now ready to take over the world and educate youth from all four corners of the earth about stem cell donation, with the aim of growing donation banks.
"I always promised myself that I'd do something when I was better, and that happens today. We're launching the Swab The World Foundation fully intent on giving all patients an equal chance of survival, regardless of their ethnicity," she said.
Cancer is a tough battle, even more so when the patient is of ethnic origin. To this day, 70% of registered stem cell donors are Caucasian, while 88% of the world is not. It's crucial to raise awareness about this issue among young people to change this statistic.
"Today, there are 18,000 people in the world waiting for a stem cell transplant. What I want is for young people to register so we can save more patient lives in their communities," she added.
Mai Duong also encourages young ethnic people aged 18 to 35 to join her new #ShareYourDNA campaign, and for patients or survivors to create a profile on the Foundation's website, www.swabtheworld.com. Other than donating stem cells, you can support the Swab The World Foundation through monetary donations, and especially by helping to spread the word about the Foundation.
Le courage de Bébé Lionne
In addition to launching her Foundation, Mai will publish her first book in November. When she was being treated for leukemia, she came up with a story to help her five-year-old daughter through this ordeal. Published by Éditions de la Bagnole, Le courage de Bébé Lionne ("Baby Lion's Courage") is a wonderful story about family, love and resilience. Written with love by a mother and wonderfully illustrated by Amélie Dubois, this book isn't just for children living with a sick parent – it's also for anyone having to face obstacles, big and small.
About Swab The World
Swab The World was born out of the desire to empower patients from all over the world through agility, technology and media. The Foundation was founded by Mai Duong, a leukemia survivor, who faced the grim reality of not finding her match because of her Vietnamese background. More than a simple recruitment platform to register donors, Swab The World aims to empower patients from all over by giving them the right tools and the right words to lead a successful recruitment campaign, be it locally or internationally. Through our platform, those looking for a match can get the word out on stem cells connect qualified donors to their country's registry and connect with others going through the same ordeal. Real people, real impact, real change.
SOURCE Swab The World Foundation
Boo! The Truth About How Halloween Candy Affects Your Children’s Heart
With October 31st approaching, kids and grownups are already planning their Halloween outfits, delicious candy and trick-or-treating strategies to scare every living soul out there. And, sure, ghosts, freaky clowns, Draculas and whatnot are all super scary. But what’s frightening about the whole thing is what all that Halloween candy is doing to us and our children’s cholesterol! No, no one’s trying to be a Debby Downer, we’re just telling it how it is. On that note, here are some facts you’ll want to know and hopefully include in your Halloween party planning.
What is This Scary Truth About Fats and Sugars You Want Us to Know?
We do understand Halloween isn’t the best time to talk about all the dangers of Halloween candy and other treats, but we have to – better safe than sorry, right?
Saturated Fats Are the Enemy
Saturated fats found in pastries, sweets, and similar store-purchased products cause bad cholesterol (LDL) to increase and therefore endanger our overall health. Plus, they are placing us at increased risk for heart disease, and that’s a chance you don’t want to take.
Hydrogenated Oils Are Unsafe
Hydrogenated oils replace trans-fats, causing LDL cholesterol to rise and HDL (good) cholesterol to decrease. When there are low levels of HDL in our bodies, our ability to remove excess cholesterol from the body decreases significantly. So, when you go shopping for your kids’ Halloween snacks, pay attention not to buy anything labeled “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated.”
Sugars are Dangerous
The issue with sugars being fattening and consuming plenty of empty calories through the sweets we eat is more significant than what we look like: it’s about our health, and it’s serious.
Added sugar causes inflammation, and lead to weight gain which, as a result, can cause a number of health problems – from gynecological issues (in women and girls), skin conditions (acne, redness, blemishes, etc.), high blood pressure, and slower mobility, to fatigue, increased bad cholesterol levels, and even lower brain activity. All the empty calories your kids eat during Halloween and at other times take the place of valuable calories found in nutritious food.
Do your kids a favor, include a few lifestyle changes to limit their consumption of sweets as much as possible, especially during Halloween when candy is pervasive.
OVERVIEW: Cholesterol in Children
Children who have a healthy diet, are physically active, don’t have a family history of high cholesterol and aren’t overweight, are at a lower risk of having high cholesterol. However, despite these parameters, it is advised that you check your children’s cholesterol levels between ages 9 and 12, and then again between ages 17 and 21.
In case your kids are in the “higher risk factor” group, their cholesterol should be checked between ages 2 and 8 and again between ages 12 and 16.
Cholesterol chart for children
Cholesterade® is the best supplement for your cholesterol and included in your regular diet. We care about raising awareness about the importance of living a healthy life and keeping your cholesterol levels steady, naturally. Let’s build a better tradition around Halloween by excluding some of the high-calorie sweets from your children’s Halloween fun and finding better, healthier options.
Lose Daylight Without Losing Your Mojo
Neuropsychologist Offers Practical Tips to Prepare for the Clock Change
www.comprehendthemind.com
That post-summer sluggishness usually kicks in every October as we head into fall. The temperatures drop and the one thing that makes winter’s rapid approach evident regardless of climate is the loss of daylight. For many, this loss of daylight also leads to a loss of energy, an uptick in short temper and even bouts of depression. So how can we ease into the rapidly approaching winter months? Dr. Sanam Hafeez, an NYC based licenses clinical psychologist and faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teachers College, offers practical tips to prepare for the clock change.
Before we get into the tips, it’s important to understand the clock change’s impact on our brains and therefore our bodies, so we understand what is actually going on. Dr. Sanam Hafeez explains that “a cell in the retinas of our eyes called a ganglion cell contains the photopigment melanopsin. When we are exposed to sunlight, melanopsin signals a pathway to cells in the hypothalamus specifically responsible for regulating our bodies biological functions. This process then triggers the pineal gland which is in charge of melatonin secretion which peaks at night and wears off during the day. In simpler terms, the less light exposure we get, more out of whack we feel.”
According to Dr. Hafeez, the following simple adjustments leading up to the clock falling back can make a significant difference for those who don’t struggle with more severe depression or bipolar disorder.
1. Avoid alcohol.
When the clocks are turned back in the fall, many bars stay open an additional hour. This is typically celebrated by people in their 20’s and 30’s who only pay for it the next day opting to sleep away their Sunday. Drinking alcohol before turning back the clocks can add more sluggishness the next morning. “Even with just a one-hour clock change, our body’s circadian rhythm is thrown off making our brains a bit confused. Alcohol only heightens these effects,” explains Dr. Hafeez. Imagine the double whammy of a hangover after the fall back clock change?
2. Enjoy physical activity during the daytime.
The more time spent outside in the daylight doing physical activity, the less sluggish you will feel once the clocks fall back. Fall is a great time to powerwalk or go for a run. If you’re an early riser then you will love the earlier sunrise at least for the next few weeks. “A lot of people shift their exercise routines to include more high energy group workouts in the evenings to give themselves something to look forward to as a way to shake off the workday. You really want to pay attention to when you feel most energized and align your exercise to that,” suggests Dr. Hafeez.
3. Don’t sleep in. Go to bed earlier instead.
In the days leading up to the clock change, add extra “wind-down” time before bed and get to bed an hour earlier. On the Sunday morning of the clock change, people mistakenly opt to sleep in. You really want to stick to the same wake-up time while getting to bed earlier. That’s the key according to Dr. Hafeez. “People think they are gaining an hour of sleep, they’re not because at bedtime they’re losing it. When you keep the wake-up time and get to bed earlier that extra hour isn’t felt as much the next day,” explains Dr. Hafeez.
4. Avoid watching the news before bed.
People think that getting to bed an hour earlier means it’s ok to watch TV in bed before sleep. TV or any kind stimulates the brain. Your favorite show causes you to focus when you’re trying to shut down stimulation. The news is even worse. You get wrapped up in the doom and gloom watching the news. “If you want to really make sure you still wake up refreshed, opt for tranquil music or guided meditations available on YouTube or an app, recommends Dr. Hafeez.”
5. Plan ahead! Consider taking Monday off!
For those who find their mood is negatively impacted after the fall clock change, consider taking Monday off and make it about self-care. Waking up early, taking advantage of the early light, enjoying a healthy breakfast, getting a massage or catching up on reading, tidying and whatever you feel necessary to feel good, do it. “People can feel the effects of the clock change for up to 3 weeks. Taking a day off to focus on your own well-being can become a nice post clock change ritual,” she says.
About the Doctor:
Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is an NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens. Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz.
Connect with Dr.Hafeez via Instagram @drsanamhafeez or www.comprehendthemind.com
Why Seemingly Unrelated Health Issues May Be Resolved By A Trip to the Dentist
By Dr. Daniel Klauer, DDS
Let’s assume for the moment you experience these symptoms – headaches, ear aches, ringing in the ears, nausea, fatigue, neck pain, and numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers. What kind of a healthcare provider would you see first?
You probably didn’t say your dentist. After all, your teeth and gums don’t seem to be the problem, right? Yet, your dentist could be the person best equipped to solve your problem.
Why? Because the cause of these symptoms could be temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMD. The condition – which is sometimes called TMJ (the name of joint) or TMJD, as in TMJ disorder or dysfunction – is a broad term to describe jaw pain and dysfunction. It is typically related to something structurally off with the hinging joint itself or a problem with the muscles that support it. Or it could be both. Regardless, it will probably be incredibly painful and debilitating.
But people who experience these symptoms rarely make an appointment with their dentist – at least not at first. Instead, they visit a long line of physicians until finally – as a last resort after no one alleviates their pain – they turn to their dentist.
The reason some physicians misdiagnose these cases is because typically they are not well-trained in jaw problems, which are considered a dentist's domain. On the other hand, dentists often lack a solid understanding of the joint because they tend to be passionate about teeth, not orthopedics.
TMD is far from a rare disease. The TMJ Association reports it affects about 12 percent of the population at any given time, and other research by the National Institute of Health finds as many as 83 percent of people in some population segments have at least one TMD symptom.
Clinicians who look at the patient's full medical history, life circumstances, stress levels, and sleep patterns are the most successful in treating TMD, which is usually only completely cured if it's strictly an orthopedic issue. Most TMD patients have some neuropathic pain (meaning its cause is in the brain, not due to trauma to healthy tissue.)
Stress reduction techniques like deep breathing and meditation can help reduce the pain until the issue is resolved.
Other approaches that may work include physical therapy to relax the face and neck muscles, oral-appliance therapy, acupuncture, massage, diet and behavior modifications (such as eliminating gum chewing). These options should usually be considered before deciding on surgery.
That clicking sound some people hear in their jaw may be a precursor to more serious TMD problems around the corner. If you have any of the symptoms I mentioned, you should consider seeing a dentist sooner rather than later.
Many people have been told by health-care providers that they can’t get better, and they will have to live with their pain for the rest of their lives. They’ve been told the way they live now is their norm.
But today’s norm doesn’t have to be tomorrow’s norm. I see patients every day who are ultimately able to turn their lives around. With the right treatment they are able to free themselves of pain and lead a life filled with energy that lets them take on the day.
About Dr. Daniel Klauer, DDS
Dr. Daniel Klauer, DDS, is author of Achieve Your Victory: Solutions for TMD and Sleep Apnea (www.tmjsleepindiana.com). Since 2013, Dr. Klauer has limited his practice to treating patients with craniofacial pain, TMD, and sleep breathing disorders. Dr. Klauer is board certified with the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Board of Craniofacial Pain, and the American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine. He is diplomate eligible with the American Board of Orofacial Pain. He attended the University of Notre Dame and was a member of the Big East Championship Varsity Golf Team. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Klauer earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (DDS) from Ohio State University.
