Acromegaly Patients Shed Light on their Disease
MONTREAL, Sept. 27, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - A rare condition gets the chance to shine tonight through the power of collective art, as patient stories celebrate struggles and successes with acromegaly. At Galerie Gora located at 279 Sherbrooke St. West, Suite 205, Montreal from 5:30 to 8:30pm, the Light of Day event will showcase how acromegaly patients across Canada are living and thriving despite the challenges this disease presents them. The exhibit is open to the public and will continue during regular gallery hours until September 29th.
The vision for the project, shot by local Montreal photographer and acromegaly patient Santino Matrundola, comprises a single photograph of each of the eleven participating acromegaly ambassadors, along with a short story describing the unique experience each has had with this condition. "I was so pleased that the project came together," explains Santino, "all of us as ambassadors experience acromegaly in our own unique way, and I wanted to shine the light on how we each use our hope, positivity, and energy to overcome this disease and help raise awareness."
The acromegaly ambassadors are a group of patients from across Canada who strive to raise awareness about a disease that is very rare. Less than 2,000 Canadians are currently diagnosed, with many more still in search of diagnosis. In fact, while diagnosed in 3 to 4 in one million persons per year, it is present in 60 in one million persons.1 "So many acromegaly patients live in silence and isolation for a long time because of the significant impact on the mind and body, and because it is so rare," says Brent Baker, a founding member of the Canadian Pituitary Patient Network and an acromegaly patient himself. "If we can encourage one person to seek help, we've accomplished something significant because there are many undiagnosed patients," he continues. Patient support in Canada is provided via the following associations: Canadian Pituitary Patient Network, Vancouver Acromegaly Support Group, Alberta Pituitary Patient Society, Atlantic Acromegaly Support Society and the Acromegaly Ottawa Awareness and Support Network.
This initiative would not have been possible without the support of Pfizer Canada Inc., a leading biopharmaceutical company. Rhonda O'Gallagher, Vice President, Corporate Affairs says, "we're incredibly proud of the work that we do to support the acromegaly patient community across Canada and we are so pleased to see this art initiative come to life."
Santino Matrundola is available for interviews and can speak to how acromegaly has impacted his life and provide more insight on the Light of Day project. Brent Baker is available for telephone interviews and can speak to the nationwide drive to enhance awareness of acromegaly and get patients involved in the support services available to them.
About Acromegaly
Acromegaly is a rare disease in adults which is difficult to diagnose due to its slow progression and varied symptoms. Most commonly caused by a benign pituitary tumour, acromegaly causes abnormal skeletal and soft tissue growth. Commonly, the first signs of acromegaly are changes in ring and foot size, changes in dental bite, new gaps between teeth, joint pain, excessive snoring or excessive sweating. Complications commonly include headaches, vision problems, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, colonic polyps and enlarged internal organs such as the heart. Acromegaly also has hidden family, work, social and psychological impacts, often causing those affected to suffer in silence and isolation.1
About Pfizer Canada
Pfizer Canada Inc. is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies. Our diversified health care portfolio includes some of the world's best known and most prescribed medicines, vaccines and consumer health products. Every day, Pfizer Canada employees work to bring therapies to patients that significantly improve patients' lives. We apply science and our global resources to improve the health and well-being of Canadians at every stage of life. Our commitment is reflected in everything we do, from our disease awareness initiatives to our community partnerships. To learn more about Pfizer Canada, visit pfizer.ca or you can follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/PfizerCA) or Facebook (facebook.com/Pfizer.Canada).
Reference:
1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Endocrine Diseases. Acromegaly. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/acromegaly. Accessed August 2018.
SOURCE Canadian Pituitary Patient Network
COSMETIC PROCEDURES: RED FLAGS NOT TO IGNORE
www.psspecialists.com
As more and more cosmetic procedures become readily available and mainstream, it seems as if everyone is having something done. However, easy access to treatments and procedures comes with concerns. As captured on the popular TV show “Botched,” things can go very wrong with serious, even life-threatening consequences. Anyone conducting cosmetic procedures can call themselves a “cosmetic surgeon.” However, to be considered a plastic surgeon one must be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Stanley Poulos, a Board-Certified San Francisco area Plastic Surgeon offers the following red flags not to ignore when selecting a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, aesthetician or anyone else you plan to trust your body with.
- They offer discount coupons.
Discount coupons make sense if you're looking for a haircut or a massage, not for plastic surgery. "Don't bargain shop when it comes to something serious like surgery. You want to make sure you research the average prices and if something seems too steep of a discount, beware;” Dr. Poulos says.
- The surgeon is not Board-Certified.
Look for credentials, someone who is Board-Certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. If they are they usually have this credential prominently visible in their office and on their website. This means the surgeon has had at least six years of surgical training with two or three years devoted specifically to plastic surgery, has passed rigorous oral and written examinations and has demonstrated safe and ethical surgical practice.
- They make lofty promises.
Dr. Poulos states that “Any surgeon that promises to make you look like a celebrity or says he can make you look 30 years younger, is over-promising. A skilled surgeon knows the potential and limitations of surgery and will be clear about this from the start. A good surgeon will want you to look like an improved version of you, not someone else.”
- The surgeon’s operating facility is not accredited.
Often plastic surgery is performed in an ambulatory care center or the surgeon’s office-based surgical facility. “Either way, “you want to make sure the facility is properly accredited. Accreditation ensures that strict standards are met for proper equipment, safety, surgeon credentials, and staffing,” stresses Dr. Poulos.
- They try to "up-sell" potential patients.
An initial consultation with a plastic surgeon should be a collaborative effort in which doctor and patient come to an agreement about which course of treatment is best. It's reasonable for the surgeon to suggest alternative approaches, but that it's worrisome if he/she uses high-pressure tactics. “Your surgeon may suggest consideration of more or different procedures than your initial request but should have sound reasons why this is his/her advice,” says Dr. Poulos.
- The consultation is short and lacks professionalism.
The first visit with a plastic surgeon must be a thorough, get-to-know-you session in which both patient and doctor determine if they can work together. Also, trust how the overall consultation experience feels to you. Is the staff friendly and welcoming? Was your phone call handled professionally? Did they follow through on getting your promised information? Are they clear about all costs and how the procedure will go?
- They’ve been censored or sued several times.
“Just because a surgeon has faced a malpractice lawsuit doesn't mean they are incompetent. In today's medical climate, even first-rate surgeons are sometimes sued. However, “be wary of a surgeon who has been sued more than a few times or have been censured by the state medical board,” says Poulos.
- They don’t provide before and after photos. If you’re interested in a procedure, you should see what the physician can do for you. One of the best ways to see the quality of work is to view before and after photos of their actual patients. If they won’t show you any, they may not have enough experience or success in that particular procedure.
- When to Consider a Different Aesthetic Surgeon
Dr. Poulos says that “searching for a cosmetic surgeon is more manageable when you use a clearly defined system to make the choice. Consider all options and weigh them cautiously. If you’re consulting with a cosmetic surgeon and any of the above red-flags come up, consider looking for a different surgeon.”
About Dr. Stanley Poulos
Dr. Poulos specializes in cosmetic breast surgery and body contouring procedures. He helped pioneer the quick lift facial rejuvenation surgery in California and is recognized as one of the leading plastic surgeons in Marin County and the entire San Francisco Bay area. Dr. Poulos and Plastic Surgery Specialists have extensive experience in body contour procedures.
A graduate of the University of Texas Medical School, Dr. Poulos completed his internship and residency at UC San Francisco. He completed a plastic surgery fellowship at St. Francis Hospital in San Francisco and is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Gripping Memoir Details Life Before And After Debilitating Stroke
Trevose, PA, September 26, 2018 ― For Mary Reid-Hill, the word "no” means surrender. It means life on the couch. It means dying a slow death. So never tell Mary that she can't do something. Because she'll do everything in her power to prove you wrong.
Mary entered "adulthood” with a load of problems to unpack, including a twisted, abusive childhood; a misguided teen marriage; and a cancer diagnosis at the tender age of 22. Somehow, in spite of it all, she used her skills as a visual artist to carve out a career in the male-dominated world of sign design and installation.
But life wasn't done testing her. At age 38, at the peak of her success, she suffered a major stroke which left her with essentially half her brain and body capacity. For more than 15 years, she has defied doctors, therapists, and even friends and family to stubbornly and relentlessly find her own equilibrium and happiness, "in spite of” all of her health challenges, psychological roadblocks and spiritual upheaval.
But that's just Mary.
And now, she's sharing her remarkable story in her inspirational memoir, In Spite Of . . . How I Survived Abuse, Cancer, and a Giant F@#%ing Stroke, as told to David Tabatsky—author, co-author and/or editor of more than thirty books, covering a vast range of subjects. For more information on David, please visit his website at: www.tabatsky.com.
Mary's approach is refreshingly candid and infused with humor as she chronicles a series of life events that would emotionally cripple most people, including her messed- up childhood, two bad marriages, the devastating stroke, her battles with weight and insurance companies, and the death of her husband. Through it all, her no-nonsense prose underscores why she's become a living example of what the human spirit is ultimately all about and how, in spite of it all, she's still here.
Mary was born and raised in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and still lives there today, on the corner of Hope and Humor. For the past 17 years, Mary has been unable to hold down a job, due to a disability stemming from her stroke. However, she remains as active as possible, renovating her home, refinishing furniture and continuing her main passion––drawing. Her memoir includes 15 original drawings, some of which she created before the stroke, and several after, when she had to teach herself to draw all over again, this time with her left hand. On top of that, Mary cares for two dogs and occasionally her two closest sisters.
For more information, please visit the website at: www.inspiteof.life.
In Spite Of . . . How I Survived Abuse, Cancer, and a Giant F@#%ing Stroke
Legacy Projects
Release Date: August 2018
ISBN–13: 978-1722983352
ISBN–10: 1722983353
Stop Foodborne Illness applauds FDA’s new policy to better inform consumers about retailers selling recalled foods
Stop Foodborne Illness applauds FDA’s new policy to better inform consumers about retailers selling recalled foods
Stop Foodborne Illness, the national advocacy organization that represents individuals and families in the fight against foodborne illness, issued a statement today applauding a new FDA policy announced by FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D.
The new FDA policy permits the FDA to inform consumers as to which retailers may carry foods that have been recalled due to contamination by pathogens causing foodborne illness. According to the FDA’s announcement, the agency “has not traditionally released specific retailers where recalled foods may have been purchased. This is because certain supply chain information is confidential between the supplier and retailer.”
With its new policy, the FDA can and will decide to publicize lists of retailers—known as retail consignee lists—identifying retailers potentially carrying a recalled product, when doing so better protects consumers from purchasing potentially harmful foods. These lists could include online retailers as well as “brick and mortar” stores.
“Detailed information about the identity of recalled products and where they are being sold can be a matter of life and death for consumers,” said Lauren Bush, Board Co-Chair of Stop Foodborne Illness and a survivor of an E. coli outbreak in 2006. “There is much more to be done by government and industry to improve recall communications and effectiveness, but we appreciate the step FDA is taking to disclose the identity of stores that received recalled product.”
“Commissioner Gottlieb’s announcement is an important step in the right direction,” said Michael Taylor, Board Co-Chair of Stop Foodborne Illness and former FDA Deputy Commissioner of Foods. “We look forward to better understanding the scope of the FDA’s new policy and monitoring its implementation to be sure consumers get information they can use to protect themselves from recalled foods.”
The FDA acknowledged that while typically the information released to the public—labeling information, product descriptions, lot numbers, photographs, geographic distribution and information voluntarily provided by retailers—is adequate to allow consumers to identify and avoid the recalled product, there are situations where the names and locations of retailers carrying the product need to be publicized to better protect consumers from foodborne illness.
The FDA specifically mentioned situations where the recalled food—intended for either human or animal consumption—is not easily identified from its retail packaging, such as foods sold directly to consumers without a UPC or bar code. Examples include deli cheese, nuts, rawhide chews, or pet treats sold in bulk and fresh fruits and vegetables sold individually.
Stop Foodborne Illness Is Here to Help You
Stop Foodborne Illness is a national, nonprofit, public health organization dedicated to preventing illness and death from foodborne pathogens by promoting sound food safety policy and best practices, building public awareness and assisting those impacted by foodborne illness. For more food safety tips please visit www.stopfoodborneillness.org/awareness/. If you think you have been sickened from food, check this out and contact your local health professional.
For questions and personal assistance, please contact Stop Foodborne Illness’ Community Coordinator, Stanley Rutledge, at srutledge@stopfoodborneillness.org or 773-269-6555 x7. To donate to Stop, visit here.
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Ride for Cancer powered by BMO Bank of Montreal hits the road and trail on September 29
HALIFAX, Sept. 26, 2018 /CNW/ -
| What: |
On Saturday, September 29, more than 580 riders will embark on an epic journey spanning 160 kilometres from Mahone Bay to Halifax. Ride for Cancer powered by BMO Bank of Montreal is Atlantic Canada's largest one-day fundraising cycling event hosted in partnership by the QEII Foundation and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. |
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| When: |
Interview opportunities with participants: Saturday, September 29 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. |
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| Where: |
LED Roadway Lighting, 115 Chain Lake Drive, Halifax, N.S. (finish line celebration) |
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| Why: |
Since 2015, Ride for Cancer powered by BMO Bank of Montreal has raised over $1.1 million net to advance cancer care for Atlantic Canadians. Funds raised here, stay here, and this year riders will support local cancer care to: |
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- build a new world-leading cancer therapy preparation lab at the QEII;
- deliver life-saving doses faster, doubling capacity and shortening wait times;
- conduct more clinical trials; and
- provide more support programs for patients and their families during the toughest moments of the lives.
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| Who: |
Riders – completing five distance options via the Rum Runners Trail (25, 50, 75 or 100 kilometres) or via road (100, 130 or 160 kilometres) – volunteers, sponsors, and supporters. |
SOURCE QEII FOUNDATION
During this final week of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. encourages all men to learn the facts and take preventative measures annually. As a public service and part of the 100s ongoing programmatic initiatives, the organization's long history of health advocacy includes building awareness, screening, giving follow up referrals and providing ongoing education about Prostate Cancer.
"African American men are impacted at a greater rate than any other group, therefore, the 100 will always include education and screening of Prostate Cancer as a priority in our health and wellness programs," stated Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., Chairman, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. "The International Headquarters delivers education and screenings at our Annual Conference and these services are amplified across the 100 chapter network in the United States and London."
In recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2018, the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. released the organization's updated position
on prostate cancer screening, sent email messages to members and posted on facebook and twitter with links to the position statement. The 100's Health & Wellness Committee offers statistics on the rates and impact on African American men, PSA testing information and more. 100 Black Men of America remains a strong advocate for the early detection of prostate cancer among men at high risk.
Learn more now and take action by sharing the information with the men in your life.
About 100 Black Men of America, Inc.
100 Black Men was founded as an organization in New York City in 1963. The national organization, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. began with nine chapters in 1986 as a national alliance of leading African American men of business, public affairs and government with a mission to improve the quality of life for African Americans, particularly African American youth. These visionaries included businessmen and industry leaders such as David Dinkins, Robert Mangum, Dr. William Hayling, Nathaniel Goldston III, Livingston Wingate Andrew Hatcher, and Jackie Robinson. Since inception, the vision emerged and grew to over 10,000 members impacting over 125,000 underserved, underrepresented minority youth annually. Visit www.100blackmen.org for more information on the programs and initiatives of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and their global network of chapters.
Crop Secures THC License Portfolio at New 1,000 Acre Farm for Cultivation, Extraction, Commercial Kitchen and Retail
VANCOUVER, Sept. 26, 2018 /CNW/ - CROP INFRASTRUCTURE CORP. (CSE: CROP) (OTC: CRXPF) announces that its subsidiary Elite Ventures Group LLC has signed a joint venture agreement with The Hempire LLC of Nevada (the "Tenant") to purchase a 100% interest in an 1,000 acre Esmeralda County agricultural cannabis project tenanted with a suite of cannabis licenses including medical cultivation, medical production and with adult use recreational cultivation & production conditional licenses as well as an option to acquire a retail dispensary application assigned to a strategic location on highway 95 on route to Las Vegas. CROP has agreed to loan up to $4,250,000 USD over a period of the next 6 months to acquire 100% of the initial 10 acres of real estate and associated infrastructure with the additional 1,000 acres being paid for at a cost of $4,500,000 over a 20-year amortization period at 6% interest with a 3-year balloon payment. CROP will receive preferential payback on the project at a rate of 60% of the net profits from Elite.
Esmerelda County is one of the only jurisdictions in Nevada where climate and zoning allows for greenhouse or outdoor growing. This will be significant for our tenant growers and brand licensee to be able to provide high quality product on a large scale at the lowest cost possible, keeping with CROP's strategy.
The initial set up costs of outdoor 80-acre operation will be approximately $1,200,000 and should yield tenants 160,000 pounds of outdoor cannabis for extraction and edibles and a 44,000 square foot light supplemented greenhouse facility at a cost of $2.0 Million. The greenhouse facility should yield tenants 24,000 pounds of high quality flower per year with an additional 25% for extraction and edibles. The project can be expanded up to 300 acres of combined greenhouse and outdoor cultivation.
RBC Capital Markets, an investment bank that's part of Royal Bank of Canada, issued a memo to clients outlining the rapid growth of the U.S. marijuana sector. The memo, authored by Nik Modi, shows how cannabis sales in the U.S. are gaining ground on beer and wine sales. Projecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17 percent, Modi estimates that the legal cannabis category could reach $47 billion in sales annually in the United States within the next decade, according to Business Insider.
The Esmeralda Property
- 10 acres of land adjacent to Highway 95 outside of Tonopah
- 10 acre-feet of ground water rights
- Option to acquire 1,000 acres of contiguous property with water rights
- 2,400 sqft production, extraction, commercial kitchen facilities with state approval
- NV Energy Utility agreement for cultivation building and expansion to 12,000 sqft.
- Equipment included: Building, main HVAC system, lighting, backup generator, sinks, and restroom fixtures.
CROP Infrastructure Director and CEO, Michael Yorke, stated: "CROP now has over 1,000 acres for THC Cannabis cultivation, extraction, commercial kitchen and 1,865 acres for HEMP CBD production in Nevada. Our ambition has always been to be early mover and establish our market footprint in any jurisdiction we invest in. Next year CROP plans on having the largest real estate foot print in the State of Nevada with tenanted operations in the fast-growing CBD & THC markets."
About CROP
Crop Infrastructure Corp. is publicly listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange and trades under the symbol "CROP" and in the US under the symbol "CRXPF". CROP is primarily engaged in the business of investing, constructing, owning and leasing greenhouse projects as part of the provision of turnkey real estate solutions for lease-to-licensed cannabis producers and processors offering best-in-class operations. The Company's portfolio of projects includes cultivation properties in California, two in Washington State, a 1,000-acre Nevada Cannabis farm, a 1,865 CBD farm, extraction in Nevada with international focuses in Jamaica and Italy and a joint venture on West Hollywood and San Bernardino dispensary applications. CROP has developed a portfolio of assets including Canna Drink, a cannabis infused functional beverage, US and Italian distribution rights to over 55 cannabis topical products and a portfolio of 16 Cannabis brands.
Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information
Certain statements in this press release related to the Offering, the securities issuable thereunder and the Transaction are forward-looking statements and are prospective in nature. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events, and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In addition, marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under the United States Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Although Congress has prohibited the US Justice Department from spending federal funds to interfere with the implementation of state medical marijuana laws, this prohibition must be renewed each year to remain in effect. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may", "should", "could", "intend", "estimate", "plan", "anticipate", "expect", "believe" or "continue", or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the expected yield from The Esmeralda Property; the technological effects of The Esmeralda Property on production; the intention to expand its portfolio; and execute on its business plan. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding the regulatory and legal framework regarding the cannabis industry in general among all levels of government and zoning; risks associated with applicable securities laws and stock exchange rules relating to the cannabis industry; risks associated with maintaining its interests in its various assets; the ability of the Company to finance operations and execute its business plan and other factors beyond the control of the Company. Such forward-looking statements should therefore be construed in light of such factors, and the Company is not under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this press release.
SOURCE CROP Infrastructure Corp.
Gripping Memoir Details Life Before And After Debilitating Stroke
Trevose, PA, September 18, 2018 ― For Mary Reid-Hill, the word "no” means surrender. It means life on the couch. It means dying a slow death. So never tell Mary that she can't do something. Because she'll do everything in her power to prove you wrong.
Mary entered "adulthood” with a load of problems to unpack, including a twisted, abusive childhood; a misguided teen marriage; and a cancer diagnosis at the tender age of 22. Somehow, in spite of it all, she used her skills as a visual artist to carve out a career in the male-dominated world of sign design and installation.
But life wasn't done testing her. At age 38, at the peak of her success, she suffered a major stroke which left her with essentially half her brain and body capacity. For more than 15 years, she has defied doctors, therapists, and even friends and family to stubbornly and relentlessly find her own equilibrium and happiness, "in spite of” all of her health challenges, psychological roadblocks and spiritual upheaval.
But that's just Mary.
And now, she's sharing her remarkable story in her inspirational memoir, In Spite Of . . . How I Survived Abuse, Cancer, and a Giant F@#%ing Stroke, as told to David Tabatsky—author, co-author and/or editor of more than thirty books, covering a vast range of subjects. For more information on David, please visit his website at: www.tabatsky.com.
Mary's approach is refreshingly candid and infused with humor as she chronicles a series of life events that would emotionally cripple most people, including her messed- up childhood, two bad marriages, the devastating stroke, her battles with weight and insurance companies, and the death of her husband. Through it all, her no-nonsense prose underscores why she's become a living example of what the human spirit is ultimately all about and how, in spite of it all, she's still here.
Mary was born and raised in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and still lives there today, on the corner of Hope and Humor. For the past 17 years, Mary has been unable to hold down a job, due to a disability stemming from her stroke. However, she remains as active as possible, renovating her home, refinishing furniture and continuing her main passion––drawing. Her memoir includes 15 original drawings, some of which she created before the stroke, and several after, when she had to teach herself to draw all over again, this time with her left hand. On top of that, Mary cares for two dogs and occasionally her two closest sisters.
For more information, please visit the website at: www.inspiteof.life.
In Spite Of . . . How I Survived Abuse, Cancer, and a Giant F@#%ing Stroke
Legacy Projects
Release Date: August 2018
ISBN–13: 978-1722983352
ISBN–10: 1722983353
Canadians now have publicly funded access to CIMZIA® (certolizumab pegol) Autoinjector for the Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Arthritis indications
OAKVILLE, ON, Sept. 26, 2018 /CNW/ - UCB Canada Inc. announced today that CIMZIA® (certolizumab pegol) solution for injection in a single-use pre-filled Autoinjector is now available through public funding across Canada for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and active ankylosing spondylitis (also a form of arthritis).
UCB is committed to providing value to patients and meeting their unique needs. As part of this commitment, we developed the CIMZIA Autoinjector for patients who prefer the convenience and ease of use of an automated pen. This new Autoinjector provides a button-free delivery system and a wide non-slip grip that keeps patient hand disability in mind. This device has a large viewing window that shows the progress of the injection and it makes a clicking noise at the start of the injection and again when the injection is complete, giving patients confidence to know they have received their full dose of CIMZIA. UCB continued its partnership with OXO, a company known for thoughtful, consumer friendly designs, to develop the new CIMZIA Autoinjector which was specifically designed with patients for patients.
"One in five Canadians lives with arthritis. For many, even doing everyday tasks like opening a package or taking their medication can be very difficult and painful, so how products are designed can significantly impact their quality of day-to-day life. That is why the Arthritis Society applauds UCB's commitment to designing the CIMZIA Autoinjector to be easy to use by people living with arthritis," says Bruce Watson, Director of Business and Foundation Development at the Arthritis Society, in Toronto, Ontario. "We are thrilled that UCB has put the needs of patients first when designing this innovative device, and we are thrilled at UCB's relentless commitment to improving life for people with arthritis."
About CIMZIA1
Approved in Canada in 2009, CIMZIA is referred to as a "TNF blocker." People with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis usually have too much TNFα in their bodies, which can lead to painful and swollen joints. CIMZIA can help reduce the amount of TNFα in the body to normal levels helping to treat joint damage.
"As a clinician who treats hundreds of arthritis patients, my treatment recommendation is only as good as a patient's ability to access and adhere to medication," says Dr. Trudy Taylor, a rheumatologist in Halifax, Nova Scotia. "That's why public funding for the CIMZIA Autoinjector across Canada is important news. It finally allows more of my patients' access to an important medication with significant clinical evidence, as well as an ease-of-use delivery system that can help them address their painful and often debilitating symptoms."
About the CIMZIA Autoinjector 2
Research was conducted to ensure that the CIMZIA Autoinjector would meet the needs of patients living with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. A preference study was performed in 76 patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who had no prior experience using an anti-TNF prefilled pen. The primary endpoint of the study was to assess the participants' rankings of the devices in order of preference (from one to four, where one was the most preferred), and the secondary endpoints were designed to gather patient feedback on the four devices: CIMZIA® Autoinjector®; ENBREL® SureClick®; the HUMIRA® pen; and SIMPONI® SmartJect®. Specific secondary endpoints included the comparison of the following qualities in the prefilled pens: easy to start, easy to tell when finished, easy to use and willingness to use. Overall, the results from the preference study found that the CIMZIA Autoinjector was the preferred device for the majority of patients.
Important and complete safety information about CIMZIA can be found by accessing the product monograph.
About Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)3 RA is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system, which normally functions to protect us against infections, mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. The cause of this malfunctioning immune system is still unknown and while there is no cure for RA, there are some very effective medications and therapies to control the symptoms and results of the inflammation. Inflammation in the joints causes pain, stiffness and swelling. If this inflammation continues, it can lead to damage of the joint. The inflammation can affect other organs, such as the nerves, eyes, skin, lungs or heart. About one out of every 100 adult Canadians has RA – about 300,000 Canadians. While anyone can get RA at any age, it affects women two to three times more often than men. There is no cure for RA, but people who are diagnosed and treated early can avoid pain and damage to their joints and lead active and productive lives.
About Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)4
PsA is a type of inflammatory arthritis that usually appears in people with a skin disease called psoriasis. Between 10 and 30 percent of people with psoriasis will get PsA. The disease affects both men and women in equal numbers and usually appears between the ages of 20 and 50 years. There is no cure for PsA, but with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, patients can take control of their disease and avoid severe damage to their joints. Most people with PsA can lead active and productive lives with the help of medication, surgery (in some cases), exercise, rest and joint protection techniques.
About Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)5
AS is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints that attach the pelvis to the base of the spine. 'Ankylosing' means fusing and 'spondylitis' means inflammation of the spine. As well as being a form of inflammatory arthritis, AS is also an autoimmune disease, meaning the body's own immune system attacks healthy tissue. With AS inflammation, the immune attack targets the ligaments and tendons attached to bone in the joints of the spine. The bone erodes at these sites and the body tries to repair itself by forming new bone. The bones of the spine begin to fuse, or grow together, causing the spine to become stiff, inflexible and painful. Even though new bone forms, the original bone in the spine can become thin, increasing the risk of spinal fractures. Early detection and treatment of AS can help to prevent lasting damage to the spine.
About UCB Canada Inc.
Inspired by patients and driven by science, UCB Canada Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe autoimmune and central nervous system diseases. For more information, please consult www.ucb.com/worldwide/canada.
References
SOURCE UCB Canada Inc.
Landmark legal decision for midwives and pay equity
TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2018 /CNW/ - This week, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario released a landmark decision in the Association of Ontario Midwives case against the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, finding in favour of midwives. The Tribunal ordered government to take steps to close the pay equity gap for midwives and monitor for the impact of gender discrimination on their compensation.
In Ontario, on average, women earn around 70 cents on the male dollar. Experts in the case demonstrated the gap for midwives is at least 48%."At the Tribunal, we provided evidence to show a gender "trifecta" of services provided by women, for women, in relation to women's reproductive health. The Tribunal found this to be an apt description of the strong association which exists between midwives and gender," states Elizabeth Brandeis, President of the Association of Ontario Midwives.
"This is a landmark decision. It vindicates what midwives have known and lived with – our work has been undervalued and underpaid. It's an historic decision not just for midwives, but for all equity-seeking communities who have experienced systemic discrimination," says Katrina Kilroy, President of the Canadian Association of Midwives.
Media conference in the Queen's Park media studio at 11:45 am on Thursday September 27, 2018.
Midwives, moms, babies and families will be celebrating on the lawn of Queen's Park on Thursday at 12:15 pm.
There are approximately 900 midwives in Ontario, serving 77 communities in 90 clinics across the province. Approximately 17% of births in Ontario in 2018 will be attended by a midwife. Since midwifery became a regulated health profession in 1994, more than 225,000 babies have been born under midwifery care.
Midwives are experts in normal pregnancy, birth and newborn care, university educated and trained in emergency management. Midwifery care is publicly funded and is rooted in the most current maternal and newborn care research and evidence.
SOURCE Association of Ontario Midwives
