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
The Death Of The Angry Black Woman Invites Self-Reflection; Helps Women Learn How To Bury Their Anger And Embrace A New Self
Charlotte, NC, September 25, 2018 ― Charlotte pastor and face of the popular Car Chronicles Movement, Jameliah Young-Mitchell has penned The Death of the Angry Black Woman—a book published by Warren Publishing that discusses stereotypes faced by African-American women. The book released at #1 on Amazon.com for New Releases in the Anger Management category.
Anger can get the best of many women, but when anger erupts into rage and leads to shouting, fighting, and name-calling, it's time to look within and make a change. The Death of the Angry Black Woman boldly acknowledges stereotypes faced by women in the black community and uncovers the seeds that lead many to live anger-filled lives. Instilled with Biblical scripture and jaw-dropping honesty, this debut book from Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell, the voice behind the popular Car Chronicles Movement, will empower you to bury your anger, reject false labels, and embrace the new you.
"I wrote this book for all the women out there who are dealing with anger that they have yet to find the source of,” said Young-Mitchell. "Many women in the black community come from backgrounds of abuse, mistreatment, violence––and they become fighters. Through my book I hope to be that voice in their head, the one we all hear but rarely acknowledge, encouraging them to move on, let go of anger, reject hateful labels, embrace their powerful femininity, and live the life God intended them to live.”
Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell is the daughter of the late Evangelist Violetta B. Young and Pastor James I. Young, and grew up in Brooklyn, NY, as the youngest of four kids. She has preached across the United States and internationally and is the pastor of Unity Church Charlotte. Young-Mitchell is an experienced keynote speaker for women's empowerment, teen and youth mentoring, corporate America, and relationships. She is the voice behind the popular Car Chronicles Movement where she can be seen live on Facebook Monday through Friday at 7:30 a.m. Young-Mitchell is the proud mother of a son and daughter and resides in Charlotte, NC, with her husband, Calvin W. Mitchell.
The Death of the Angry Black Woman is available at warrenpublishing.net, Amazon.com, or wherever books are sold. Jameliah Young-Mitchell is available for book signings and interviews.
The Death of the Angry Black Woman
978-1943258-92-5
Released: July 2018
Soft Cover
$15.00
Select excerpts from many five-star reviews on Amazon.com:
"This book is an awesome read! The transparency and life examples of Pastor Jameliah Young- Mitchell gives [sic] the reader a firsthand view of what an overcomer looks like. There is something for everyone to learn and apply to their lives to become better people.”
"At first I wasn't interested in reading this book because I felt that I was not 'Angry' but as I read I discovered that I was angry and suffered some of the same things but learned how to mask the pain. This book allowed me to begin the process of a new me. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is in need of refocusing.”
"I recently joined a book club with a few other ladies and this was one of the first books recommended. I could relate to a lot of the content in the book and was able to dig a little deeper and have a little self-reflection afterwards. I highly recommend this!”
"I liked everything about the book. From the start to the end... it's a mind-blowing moment for real I tell you! This is a 10-star book.”
"This book is just awesome. It has definitely set me free, it has been a blessing to My Mind & Soul.”
"[Jameliah] is very candid in this book. She has a way of leading, teaching, and encouraging, all while openly acknowledging that she too is still learning. It is written in such a way that EVERYBODY can understand. I love it!!”
Hey Guys!
I just wanted to let you know that. GNC CANADA WILL BE HAVING A TWITTER CHAT PARTY!
There will be $2500 in prizes to be won. (LIT pre-workouts and GNC Gift Cards).
Prizes are won based on engagement during the chat.
Noninvasive, outpatient procedure using balloons and cement changes life for Woman with Osteoporosis
Like many other senior females her age, Virginia Sturgill was enjoying her senior years full of weekly Zumba Classes and line dancing events until she mysteriously hurt her back.
The pain started small, but within a few days Sturgill could barely move and her loving husband had to help her out of the bed. The pain was so bad she lost her appetite along with 16 lbs. in just two weeks.
Sturgill found out she had Osteoporosis which had contributed to vertebral compression fracture of her spine.
20 years ago Sturgill would have been given a prescription of opioids, possibly a back brace, and would have had to live out her life in constant pain while taking opioids.
Fortunately, today, there is Balloon Kyphoplasty and Sturgill’s hero, Dr. Andreshak.
Dr. Andreshak performed the one-hour, noninvasive procedure on Sturgill giving her immediate relief from the excruciating pain and getting her out of bed and back to her weekly line dancing events and taking trips to visit her children and grandchildren.
Balloon Kyphoplasty uses balloons and cement to decompress the compress fracture through two small punctures in the back which gives patients a new lease on life in one short hour.
Two Organizations Find Synergies to Combat One Big Medical Problem: Fractures of the Spine or Vertebral Compression Fractures
Spine fractures among osteoporosis patients are often under-diagnosed and traditionally treatment options have been limited. This can cause poor outcomes, opioid reliance, and added costs to the healthcare system.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) and Medtronic are working together to educate the general public, osteoporosis patients, and the medical community on osteoporosis, vertebral compression fractures, and treatment options of vertebral compression fractures (VCF) in an effort to increase positive outcomes for vertebral compression fracture patients and the healthcare system overall.
One of the treatment options for vertebral compression fractures is Medtronic’s balloon kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that reduces and stabilizes vertebral compression fractures related to osteoporosis, cancer or benign lesions. Over the years, studies comparing balloon kyphoplasty to non-surgical management have shown balloon kyphoplasty produced better pain relief and quality of life for patients with acute VCF compared to non-surgical management.
“We’ve built a really strong partnership with NOF and the National Bone Health Alliance, which has helped extend our message related to osteoporosis for patients that are being diagnosed and not treated through the continuum of care,” said Jeff Cambra, vice president and general manager of Medtronic’s interventional pain therapies – restorative therapies group. “We are trying to build awareness into what VCF is and what options are available to treat that fracture.”
The partnership aims to educate clinicians as well as patients about osteoporosis, VCF and available treatment options. One of the biggest opportunities for clinician education is among emergency room staff that see around half a million patients with either hip or vertebral fractures per year.
“We believe that creating a pilot program to provide education to family and ER physicians, starting in eight to 10 cities, could help us understand how to make change,” said Elizabeth Thompson, CEO of NOF. “We want to get the message out as people present to the ER with pain or fractures to get a complete osteoporosis workup and referral, and if they receive opioids we want to make sure that is really managed. If someone is going back for a refill after two weeks, they should likely have a bone density scan (DEXA) to rule out a vertebral fracture or osteoporosis as the underlying cause.”
Many times, the ER staff refers these patients to orthopedists instead of giving them an osteoporosis work-up and DEXA scan; other times, they prescribe opioids, opening the door for addiction.
“We hope to provide research showing fractures due to osteoporosis isn’t something that can be managed by opioids,” said Claire Gill, chief marketing officer of NOF. “It becomes chronic for patients quickly, and there needs to be further diagnosis of what that pain is for the elder population.”
Through their evidence-based partnership, NOF and Medtronic are developing educational materials, webinars and presentations for the medical professional and patient audience.
Dating While Sober: How to Pass Up Booze Without Passing on Love
www.beachway.com
When it comes to dating, “let’s grab a drink” is often the go to first date invitation. Many opt to cure first date jitters with a libation or two to “chill out” and feel more comfortable. What happens if you are a recovering alcoholic and you can’t opt for “liquid courage” to get you through those awkward dating moments? For approximately 30-million Americans who identify as recovering from alcohol abuse, dating while sober is often a tricky reality. With tips on how to pass on booze but not on love, is Dr. Duy Nguyen, D.O., a Board-Certified Psychiatrist in General Psychiatry practicing at Beachway Therapy Center, a drug and alcohol rehab in Boynton Beach, Florida.
- Take the lead and suggest a dry date.
The easiest way to maintain sobriety is to avoid situations where alcohol is present. Having several alcohol-free dating options already in mind can empower you to steer the date in a dry direction more easily. Opt for daytime dates that are more activity focused, get you outside enjoying quality time together away from any bar. “Doing activities that aren’t conducive to drinking such as museums, galleries, fairs, and festivals could be fun. People who don’t drink often are the most creative when it comes to choosing fun dates,” says Dr. Nguyen.
- Create your new story and get honest.
In the spirit of 12-step recovery, which emphasizes the importance of self-honesty, aim for truthfulness in how you present yourself. If an on-line dating profile questionnaire asks how much you drink, don’t let fear about what others may think prevent you from checking the “Never” box. “Frame out when and how you plan to reveal what inspired your decision not to drink. Simply saying that you no longer drink alcohol is enough in the beginning. When you get to know someone better then share your story from a place of an achievement you’re proud of,” Dr. Nguyen encourages.
- Get clear on what you want in a partner.
If someone has an issue with you not drinking, then they clearly aren’t the right person for you and that’s okay. Decide if you would prefer to date someone who understands recovery, may even have been through it themselves or is a health enthusiast who also doesn’t drink.
Dr. Nguyen says that, “While there are a lot of benefits to dating those in recovery, it can also lead to risky situations. There are often times in which one partner relapses and the other follows, although this isn’t a guarantee.”
If you decide that you want to date non-recovering people, it’s best to have some clean time under your belt and be solid in your recovery, as this can lead to tempting situations.
- Trust your gut, nerves can be a good indicator!
Your nerves could very well be indicating that there is something there. That is, chemistry. Dr. Nguyen says, “Alcohol typically dulls our sensory and emotional experience so without it we’re open to the raucous disarray of emotions that warp us when we’re under the spell of a potential new love. Of course, that doesn’t make the experience of a new relationship any easier. Try to reframe the experience in a way that embraces these jitters.”
- Don’t make love the new addiction.
On top of the excitement that comes with meeting a potential new partner, scientifically we produce numerous hormones that can increase that excitement. “A new relationship can very much become a replacement drug,” says Dr. Nguyen. He adds, “Many confuse infatuation with love, so it’s a good idea is to take it slowly. Again, make sure that you are at a place emotionally that can handle all of the new feelings that come with dating and be prepared if relationships don’t end the way you expected.”
- Embrace the awkward.
“Being sober will probably increase the number of awkward pauses, says Dr. Nguyen. “We’re sharper and more present when we’re not drinking which can actually be used as an advantage to navigate conversation and ask the other person about themselves which enables a deeper connection and more trust,” he adds.
- Keep first dates short.
The majority of first dates that extend into the wee hours of the morning are alcohol fueled and can lead to unintended promiscuity. Dr. Nguyen suggests going into the date with a self-imposed time frame in mind, two to three hours and then making another date if there’s interest. For a recovering alcoholic, especially someone in early sobriety, being “forced” to bar hop will be like white knuckling it on a scary roller coaster.
If you feel dating is hard enough and are more comfortable with dating others who practice a sober lifestyle, there are many options:
https://www.sobersinglesdate.com
https://www.12stepmatch.com
http://www.soberandsingle.com
https://www.aadatingservice.com
https://www.soberdatingservice.com
About Dr. Duy Nguyen:
D.O. is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist at Beachway Therapy Center trained in general psychiatry who specializes in providing psychiatric care in a variety of settings including residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation, inpatient and outpatient mental health, and the VA Medical Center. Dr. Nguyen is committed to providing a high level of evidence-based psychiatric care in the drug rehabilitation setting in addition to having a holistic focus on healing and recovery.
About Beachway Therapy Center http://www.beachway.com
Beachway provides a continuum of care, from PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) to Outpatient services. The facility offers a fully individualized treatment plan that meets the clinical and medical needs of each client usually lasting between 30 and 90 days. Beachway provides an extremely low client to therapist ratio and under high level professional supervision, clients can begin to recover in a safe, residential-like environment. CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) motivational interviewing, addiction counseling, 12-Step orientation, DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy,) trauma-informed practices and a wide variety of supportive group therapies are offered.
Imfinzi® (durvalumab) is the First Immunotherapy to Demonstrate Significant Overall Survival Benefits in Unresectable, Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Phase III PACIFIC data presented at the IASLC 2018 World Conference on Lung Cancer in Toronto shows 32 per cent reduced risk of death for patients treated with Imfinzi compared to standard of care
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 25, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, AstraZeneca presented full data from a planned interim analysis of the Phase III PACIFIC trial at the Presidential Symposium of the IASLC 19th World Conference on Lung Cancer in Toronto, Canada. The results showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful overall survival (OS) benefits for patients with unresectable Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with Imfinzi (durvalumab), compared to placebo regardless of PD-L1 expression.
The Phase III PACIFIC trial results were simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showing Imfinzi reduces risk of death by 32 per cent (hazard ratio [HR] 0.68, 99.73% confidence interval [CI] 0.47-0.997; p=0.0025). At follow up, median OS was not reached in the Imfinzi arm (NR; 95% CI, 34.7–NR). In the placebo arm, median OS was 28.7 months (95% CI, 22.9–NR).1
"The overall survival results from the Imfinzi PACIFIC trial represent a major breakthrough in treating patients with Stage III, unresectable non-small cell lung cancer," said Dr. Barbara Melosky, medical oncologist and Professor of Medicine, University of British Columbia. "Our goal in the Stage III lung cancer setting is to treat patients with the intent to cure them; today's data shows that we are getting closer to that goal by significantly extending life with treatment with Imfinzi following chemoradiation therapy."
The safety and tolerability profile of Imfinzi was consistent with that reported at the time of the progression-free survival (PFS) analysis. Among patients receiving Imfinzi, the most common adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 20% of patients) versus placebo were cough (35.2% vs. 25.2%), fatigue (24% vs. 20.5%), dyspnea (22.3% vs. 23.9%) and radiation pneumonitis (20.2% vs. 15.8%). Thirty per cent (30.5%) of patients experienced a grade 3 or 4 AE (adverse events) with Imfinzi vs 26.1 per cent with placebo, and 15.4 per cent of patients discontinued treatment due to AEs with Imfinzi compared to 9.8 per cent of patients on placebo.
Imfinzi is currently approved in Canada, the US, EU, Switzerland, India, Japan and Brazil based on the PACIFIC trial. Other global health authority reviews and submissions are ongoing.
About Lung Cancer and Stage III Advanced NSCLC
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in Canada and is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, approximately 28,600 Canadians were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017.2 This represented around 14 per cent of all new cancer cases in 2017.3
Stage III, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents approximately 35 per cent of all new NSCLC diagnoses, and approximately 80 per cent of these patients are unsuitable for surgery.4 In Canada, on average, only 15.1 per cent of people diagnosed with NSCLC are likely to live five years after their diagnosis following chemoradiation therapy.5
While patients diagnosed with Stage III NSCLC are treated with the intent to cure the cancer, the majority of patients who benefit from chemoradiation therapy, up to 70 per cent, experience progression through metastasis.6
For more information about lung cancer visit www.LVNG.ca.
About the PACIFIC Trial
The PACIFIC trial is a Phase III, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multi-centre trial of treatment with Imfinzi in 'all-comer' patients (i.e. regardless of PD-L1 status) with unresectable, Stage III (locally advanced) NSCLC who have not progressed following platinum-based chemoradiation therapy.
The trial is being conducted in 235 centres across 26 countries involving approximately 713 patients. The primary endpoints of the trial are PFS and OS, and secondary endpoints include landmark PFS and OS, objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response.
About Imfinzi (durvalumab)
Imfinzi is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to PD-L1 and blocks the interaction of PD-L1 with PD-1 and CD80, countering the tumour's immune-evading tactics and releasing the inhibition of immune responses.
Reviewed under Health Canada's accelerated approval framework, Imfinzi received Notice of Compliance with Conditions (NOC/c) in May 2018 for the treatment of patients with locally advanced, unresectable NSCLC whose disease has not progressed following platinum-based chemoradiation therapy.7 Approval was granted based on data from the Phase III PACIFIC trial demonstrating that Imfinzi extended PFS for patients by nearly one year (11.2 months) versus placebo.8 With this approval, Imfinzi became the first and only approved immuno-oncology therapy following chemoradiation therapy for patients in this setting.
Imfinzi has also been granted NOC/c in Canada for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (bladder cancer) who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy, or whose disease has progressed within 12 months of receiving platinum-containing chemotherapy before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) surgery.9
Clinical studies of Imfinzi are ongoing, including the MYSTIC in NSCLC and CASPIAN in small-cell lung cancer. Phase III trials in which Imfinzi is being studied for 1st-line treatment as monotherapy and/or in combination with tremelimumab, an anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody and potential new medicine, for the treatment of metastatic NSCLC. The POSEIDON trial is investigating Imfinzi with and without tremelimumab in combination with chemotherapy in a similar patient population.
About AstraZeneca's Approach to Immuno-Oncology
Immuno-Oncology (IO) is a therapeutic approach designed to stimulate the body's immune system to attack tumours. At AstraZeneca and MedImmune, our biologics research and development arm, our IO portfolio is anchored by immunotherapies that have been designed to overcome anti-tumour immune suppression. We believe that IO-based therapies will offer the potential for life-changing cancer treatments for the majority of patients.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a primary focus on the discovery, development and commercialization of primary and specialty care medicines that transform lives. Our primary focus is on three important areas of healthcare: Cardiovascular and Metabolic disease; Oncology; and Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity. AstraZeneca operates in more than 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. In Canada, we employ more than 675 employees across the country and our AstraZeneca Canada headquarters are located in Mississauga, Ontario. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.astrazeneca.ca.
References
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1 Antonia, S., Villegas, A., Daniel, D., Vicente, D., Murakami, S., Hui, R., Kurata, T., (…), Özgüroğlu, M., Overall Survival with Durvalumab after Chemoradiotherapy in Stage III NSCLC. (2018) New England Journal of Medicine. Accessed September 25, 2018. Available at: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1809697?query=featured_home
2 Canadian Cancer Statistics. 2017. Accessed August 16, 2018. Available at: http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/lung/statistics/?region=on
3 Ibid
4 Zhao, Q., Wang, Z., Huang, W., Wang, Q., Yu, S., Zhou, T., … Li, B. (2016). Phase III study of cisplatin with pemtrexed or vinorelbine plus concurrent late course accelerated hyperfractionated radiotherapy in patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer. Oncotarget, 7(7), 8422–8431. http://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.6871
5 Auperin, A., Le Pechoux, C., Rolland, E., Curran, W., Furuse, K., Fournel, P. (2010) Meta-Analysis of Concomitant Versus Sequential Radiochemotherapy in Locally Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology 28, no. 13 (May 2010). http://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/JCO.2009.26.2543
6 Bradley J.D., Paulus R., Komaki R., Masters G., Blumenschein G., Schild S., Bogart J., (...), Choy H. Standard-dose versus high-dose conformal radiotherapy with concurrent and consolidation carboplatin plus paclitaxel with or without cetuximab for patients with stage IIIA or IIIB non-small-cell lung cancer (RTOG 0617): A randomised, two-by-two factorial phase 3 study. (2015) The Lancet Oncology, 16 (2). https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(14)71207-0
7 Ibid
8 Ibid
9 AstraZeneca Canada Inc., IMFINZI® (durvalumab), Product Monograph. May 2018.
SOURCE AstraZeneca
By Choosing To Understand And Embrace Change, We Can Control It To Our Advantage
Morristown, TN, September 25, 2018 ― We are all affected constantly by change—and whether it's positive or negative change, our first response is usually fear. We fret over what this change will mean for us, and set up all sorts of scenarios in our mind of its possible outcome. But the truly successful men and women in business have a good understanding of change and use it to their advantage. If we continually avoid change, we stay in a rut and lose control of our life because we will have lost our freedom.
Ralph Masengill's latest book, Conquer Change and Win, is the result of forty years of experience as a consultant, coach, advisor and public relations strategist, observing change and showing business leaders that embracing and understanding positive change is the guaranteed way to effective quality improvement and substantial profit enhancement. Out of this experience Ralph learned that successful people share certain traits: they are willing to take a calculated risk and endorse positive change, and they have learned how change affects their emotions and how to overcome this fear.
Masengill speaks from wisdom learned over his vast career, infused by an ethics-based value system of helping others and the community. While his own life has had its share of personal challenges, tragedy and triumph—his professional career has been defined by great success. In fact, Masengill Marketing Associates has been the recipient of over 850 national and regional advertising and marketing awards. In Conquer Change and Win, this best-selling author gives readers an easy-to-follow book, peppered with humor, that includes clear charts and graphs to illustrate important points.
Masengill's quote says it all: "Quality, like the flu, is catching. The more you are around it, the more you will see the advantages and want to be a part of the quality process. In other words, quality begets quality.”
Ralph Masengill is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and his postgraduate work includes the Dr. W. Edwards Deming course on quality and quality management. He and his wife Dianne live near the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, where he enjoys woodworking, oil painting, sailing and helping with his favorite charities in his spare time. They have four grown children, two dogs and a cat.
For more information on the author or his book, please visit http://masengill.com.
Conquer Change and Win
Available at all fine bookstores, the author's website, and Amazon.com and Kindle.
ISBN: 978-1515191872
