Be Happy Without Faking It: Put These Principles Into Practice Now
Boca Raton, FL, January 26, 2022 — Negative social media posts. Frightening headlines. Workplace challenges. These are all things that Pamela Gail Johnson, the founder of the Society of Happy People, would label “Happiness Zappers,” and they are a fact of life. The good news is these Happiness Zappers don’t have to put a lid on our smiles.
“We will all experience at least one or more Happiness Zapper — unhappiness, stress, fear, chaos or annoyances — each day,” Johnson said in a recent interview. “Much of our happiness is based on how we manage the Happiness Zappers.”
In her enlightening new book, Practical Happiness: Four Principles to Improve Your Life,Johnson paves a pathway toward authentic joy and fulfillment, with actionable strategies, transformational techniques, and real stories about real people who have put Johnson’s principles into practice.
“The Society of Happy People identified 31 types of happiness to help you identify more happy moments when they happen,” she added. “Sometimes, we’re happier than we think we are; we just don’t notice all of the happiness we experience.”
In her book, she details four happiness principles for living an authentically more joyful life:
• Happiness is Personal
• Happiness Zappers Can be Managed
• Happiness Changes as You Change
• Happiness is Bigger Than You Think
These four principles will help readers redefine personal happiness, manage their Happiness Zappers, and become more aware of the happy moments taking place all around them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pamela Gail Johnson founded the Society of Happy People in 1998, created the first three globally celebrated happiness holidays, and is the author of Practical Happiness: Four Principles to Improve Your Life. She started her career with Junior Achievement, then worked in the mental health and substance abuse field at the Hazelden Foundation. She was an award-winning salesperson for American Express and Staples, and now helps leaders and teams create happier workplace cultures.
A frequent media guest on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, radio and podcasts, her work has been covered by magazines, newspapers and online publications.
She divides her time between Dallas, Texas, and Washington, DC.
Seagen Canada Announces Availability of PADCEV® to Treat Advanced Bladder Cancer
PADCEV represents a targeted therapy directed against Nectin-4, a protein highly expressed in certain types of solid tumours, including urothelial carcinoma1
PADCEV is a therapy approved by Health Canada with a demonstrated improvement in overall survival for patients previously treated with platinum-based chemotherapy and immunotherapy2
A recent survey found the majority of Canadians are unaware that bladder cancer has one of the highest recurrence rates3
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 25, 2022 /CNW/ - Today, Seagen Canada announced the commercial availability of PADCEV®(enfortumab vedotin) for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) who have previously received a platinum-containing chemotherapy and programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) or programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor therapy.2
Bladder cancer affects an estimated 12,000 Canadians each year making it the fifth leading cancer diagnosis in Canada.4Bladder cancer is a disease where cancer cells form in the tissues of the bladder5. Urothelial cancer is the most common type of bladder cancer, accounting for about 90 per cent of all cases.6 The advanced stages of urothelial cancer are often referred to as locally advanced or metastatic.7 Although some locally advanced or metastatic bladder cancers will stop growing, shrink, or even disappear in response to current treatment options, the cancer almost always returns and grows aggressively, shortening life expectancy.8
"Metastatic urothelial cancer is an aggressive disease with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis," says Dr. Srikala Sridhar, MD, Head of the Genitourinary Medical Oncologists of Canada, Professor and Medical Oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer, in Toronto. "PADCEV is the first drug beyond chemotherapy and immunotherapy to show a significant survival benefit in metastatic urothelial cancer and as such represents an important therapeutic advance in the field."
The Heath Canada approval of PADCEV was based on an open‐label, randomized, phase 3, multicenter study (EV 301) that enrolled 608 patients (including 52 Canadians) with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer who received prior treatment with a platinum‐containing chemotherapy and PD‐1 or PD‐L1 inhibitor, a type of immunotherapy.2 At median follow-up of approximately 11 months, compared with chemotherapy, enfortumab vedotin met its primary endpoint and improved overall survival (OS) by almost four months (median 12.88 months versus 8.97 months).2
"We've seen first-hand how more treatment options can improve the quality of life for those living with metastatic or advanced bladder cancer," says Michelle Colero, Executive Director, Bladder Cancer Canada. "We are particularly pleased about the approval of enfortumab vedotin as this new treatment alternative offers patients the opportunity to make plans for their future, while dealing with their diagnosis and treatment today."
A recent Seagen Canada survey gauging Canadian's knowledge of bladder cancer, conducted by Leger Research, found that many Canadians have limited knowledge as it relates to the condition. Key survey learnings included:3
less than one third (31%) of respondents knew smoking was a risk factor for bladder cancer;
most respondents (89%) are unaware that bladder cancer has one of the highest recurrence rates among all cancers;
the majority of respondents (60%) did not know that certain occupations, such as painter, plumber or firefighter, can pose a higher risk for developing bladder cancer; and
only four-in-ten (42%) respondents know that bladder cancer is a treatable cancer, relative to some other forms of cancer.
"Seagen is proud of our transformative scientific discoveries that continue to address and support those who live with cancer," says Sandra Heller, General Manager of Seagen Canada Inc. "PADCEV represents our dedication to improving the lives of patients through innovative targeted therapies."
About Bladder Cancer Caught early, a bladder cancer prognosis is excellent for most patients. Caught late, it can be a life-altering or life-ending disease. Once diagnosed, lifetime urology check-ups will be required. Risk factors for bladder cancer include smoking, over 50 years of age and occupational exposures. It also impacts men more than women.9 People with bladder cancer which has spread to other parts of the body (about 10-15% of patients10) have a poor prognosis, with only about 5% living for five years after diagnosis.11
About PADCEV2 PADCEV is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that is directed against Nectin-4, a protein located on the surface of cells and highly expressed in bladder cancer. Nonclinical data suggest the anticancer activity of PADCEV is due to its binding to Nectin-4 expressing cells followed by the internalization and release of the anti-tumor agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) into the cell, which result in the cell not reproducing (cell cycle arrest) and in programmed cell death (apoptosis).
For more information, please refer to the product monograph for PADCEV located here.
About Seagen Seagen is a global biotechnology company that discovers, develops, and commercializes transformative cancer medicines to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Seagen is headquartered in the Seattle, Washington area, and has locations in California, Canada, Switzerland, and the European Union. For more information, visit www.seagen.ca and follow @SeagenGlobal on Twitter.
Rosenberg JE, O'Donnell PH, Balar AV, et al. Pivotal Trial of Enfortumab Vedotin in Urothelial Carcinoma After Platinum and Anti-Programmed Death 1/Programmed Death Ligand 1 Therapy. J Clin Oncol 2019;37(29):2592-600. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31356140/
Bay Area Health Trust supplies Ontario with McMaster Molecular Medium for COVID-19 PCR test kits
HAMILTON, ON, Jan. 25, 2022 /CNW/ - Bay Area Health Trust will be supplying Ontario's provincial labs with its McMaster Molecular Medium (MMM), a molecular transport medium that is a critical component of COVID-19 PCR testing. This is a repeat order of the made-in-Ontario product by the procurement authority representing the Province of Ontario. MMM is on Public Health Ontario's approved list of COVID-19 PCR collection kits.
MMM was developed by researchers from McMaster University and The Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton's Disease Diagnostics and Development Group. MMM enable labs to safely increase their COVID-19 testing capacity, thereby returning faster results.
Unlike viral transport media, MMM inactivates the virus so it cannot potentially infect a lab technician while keeping genetic material stabilized and ready for testing. These features are especially important during times of high testing levels, during which efficiency becomes critical.
Another key benefit of using MMM is the ability to pool specimens, which can enable labs to significantly increase their testing capacity. Since most tests produce negative results, only pools that come back with positive results will need to be further tested.
Bay Area Health Trust is continuously working with Ontario-based companies to identify and address its health care related needs. It's plans for MMM include receiving US FDA authorization to enter international markets.
With this order, the Ontario Government continues to support a made-in-Ontario technology that was researched, developed, and manufactured locally.
McMaster Molecular Medium (MMM) is often preferred by labs because the samples arrive non-infectious and ready for testing. MMM inactivates the virus and therefore increases testing capacity because it removes time-consuming steps in the lab.
Bay Area Health Trust returns value to its beneficiaries, which include Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University.
"Patient swabs collected in MMM are biosafe, stable, and automation-compatible. MMM saves technologist time and helps keep them safe, while ensuring excellent specimen integrity and test quality," said Dr. Marek Smieja, Chief and Medical Director (Interim), Hamilton Regional Laboratory Medicine Program, Microbiologist and Infectious Diseases Physician, Professor, Dept. of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster University.
"The importance of PCR testing now and into the future is very topical for obvious reasons and we commend the provincial government for taking this step to secure a made-in-Ontario product," said Peter Kalra, President and CEO of Bay Area Health Trust.
At the intersection of health care, life sciences and business, Bay Area Health Trust is an Ontario-made success story and example of a thriving partnership between hospitals, post-secondary institutions, and the for-profit private sector. Operating life science businesses with the goal of returning value to its beneficiaries, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation and McMaster University, Bay Area Health Trust promotes entrepreneurship and invests in growth-oriented businesses to support patient care. More information can be found at www.bayareahealthtrust.com.
SOURCE Bay Area Health Trust
Big life transitions hit us all pretty hard. The stress of a new job, career, or overall lifestyle can become overwhelming and make us feel sluggish. At the same time, being stuck in the same routine week after week can have the same effect.
When we’re feeling overwhelmed and not like our best selves, it's easy to put self-care to the wayside. What we love to do isn’t prioritized, and we often forget how to incorporate movement and fun exercise into our daily lives.
To get moving again it’s easy to say that you’ll sign up for more yoga classes or head to your local gym, but this can put even more pressure on you than there already is. We’ve found that the best way to incorporate exercise into your routine is by making small adjustments.
Instead of making big leaps away from your current routine, find ways to take a few minutes each day to dedicate to yourself. The little moments can add up and have a greater impact than you may have imagined.
We’ve laid out some simple ways that you can slightly adjust your day so that it has more movement and stress-relieving endorphins:
#1 Take Care Of Your Furry (Or Not Furry) Friends
Whether you have a dog or a less active pet friend, caring for it can add some extra exercise into your day.
Walking your dog is one of the more obvious ways to get some steps in, but dog owners typically recognize they’re signing up for a walking buddy when they go through the adoption process.
For our non-walking pet owners you can still get some exercise by taking care of your pet. Use part of your afternoon to set up some climbing shelves for your cat or lizard. Has your fish tank been a bit neglected? Spruce it up by using your muscles to give it a thorough cleaning.
If you don’t have the motivation to get yourself moving, maybe helping out your pet will improve your atmosphere and overall mood.
#2 Go Out For A Fun Night
It’s a lot easier to go out with friends than it is to get yourself to the gym, we know. Honestly, both activities can add an equal amount of exercise to your day.
Think about it; showering, getting dressed, walking to the Uber, dancing all night, walking to the closest food joint, and getting yourself back home. A whole night out can result in thousands of steps and a bunch of hours continuously on your feet. Just watch out for the cocktails.
Next time you’re invited out, go for it. Enjoy your nights out and get some exercise out of it at the same time!
#3 Spend Time With Some Rascals
Kids have a lot more energy than we do, if you want to get moving spend some time with some rascals. Between playing tag, house, and monsters you’re bound to work up a sweat.
If you have kids of your own, then you already know about the workout that comes with raising them. If not, hang out with your nieces and nephews, your little sibling, your coworkers’ kids, or the little ones growing up in your apartment complex.
Kids can brighten up your mood, let you escape adulthood, and help you get in some exercise.
#4 Go Swimming
Swimming is one of the most fun ways to exercise for anyone. Swimming is an aerobic exercise that gives your whole body a workout. If you avoid exercising because it hurts your joints, then swimming is a great way to get moving without the pain.
Hit your local pool or even trudge through sands to the beach and get your heart rate going.
#5 Play Your Favorite Sport
Walking or running can feel like obvious workouts, making it harder to get yourself out the door and moving. Hitting the courts however with your friends can be a lot more fun. Playing basketball, baseball, or tennis is a great way to use your whole body and raise your heart rate.
If you find it hard to find a partner or group of friends to play with, there are some solo sports that you can get into. Consider jumping rope, trying out rock climbing, or martial arts. Grab a few yummy and protein-packed bars, and get outside for a few minutes or hours.
Having a sport that you love is an easy 'in' to exercising, but trying something new can be just as exciting.
#6 Gardening
Your traditional perception of a home workout may involve Youtube videos and exercise bands, but another at-home exercise idea is taking care of your home.
Pulling out weeds, raking leaves, and lifting heavy pots can be an awesome form of physical activity. Gardening is a two in one way to lift your mood and feel proud of yourself: getting in some exercise and beautifying your garden.
#7 Video Games
You may think that video games are the antithesis of exercise, but it depends on the ones you play. The Wii craze of the early 2000s enlightened us all on how videogames can get us moving. There are still systems and games that offer dancing, tennis, and even water-rafting.
Video games provide such easy exercises for beginners all in the comfort of your living room. Grab a remote, stand in front of your TV, and get going.
Rethink Exercise
We all have nightmares about workout routines that involve the plank position and squeezing glutes. Sometimes, the best way to conquer your fear is by thinking about the situation differently.
Exercising is about moving, getting on your feet, and getting your heart rate up. There are so many ways to incorporate a great workout into your day without the gym or the booty bands.
Sometimes, all that’s keeping you from exercising is your body being inadequately fueled. Be sure to set yourself up for success by enjoying a bottle of Soylent, packed with what your body needs; 39 essential nutrients, and 20g of protein to keep you going.
We hope that these seven different forms of exercise come to mind the next time you’re overthinking what it means to be active.
Meet 7 Inspirational Women Who Changed Their Stories and Changed Their Worlds
Los Angeles, CA, January 25, 2022 — Can something as simple as a story change the lives of others? Do you ever wonder if your life — your story — matters?
“Of course, it does,” says international speaker and sought-after story expert, Linda Olson. “Everyone has a story, and your story can bring transformation and impact into the word today.”
In Olson’s latest book, Story Matters! Empowering Your Hope When Going Through Tough Times, sheprovides real-life examples of seven ordinary women who faced major challenges. These women embraced their stories and learned to rise above nearly insurmountable obstacles. They did it through strength, courage and their faith in God, and they are sharing their stories to light a path forward for others facing difficult circumstances.
In this book, readers will learn:
- How a single woman rose above childhood trauma to conquer fear and loneliness.
- How a young mother moved through grief and loss when her young child was diagnosed with a terminal illness.
- How a caring sister became embroiled in a devastating lawsuit and discovered that forgiveness is a choice.
- How a middle-aged woman, faced with a choice to live or die, once again found joy.
- How a career woman who achieved the many pleasures of the world discovered her real fulfillment was through commitment.
- How a college student fulfilled her dream, only to find out her real dream lay deep within her.
- How a teenager, devastated by the death of her brother, became a professional storyteller.
“All of these women wanted to give in and give up because they felt themselves giving out,” Olson said. “But something kept them going!”
And now they’re using the power of their stories to make a difference.
Linda Olson is the go-to story expert who helps authors, speakers and entrepreneurs impact millions with their stories. She is a TEDx Speaker, multiple bestselling author and founder of Wealth Through Stories.Her mission is to impact a million people a year with multiple authors in her series, Story Matters! Linda and her husband, Rick, reside in sunny California. They enjoy their two married daughters, sons-in-law and five adorable grandchildren who are the best part of their story.
Athleta Partners with Alicia Keys to Further Cement its Commitment to Women’s Well-Being
A Purpose-Driven Partnership Centered on Empowering Women which includes Creating Product Offerings, Building Community and Expanding Access to Well-Being ResourcesThe First Series of Product Offerings will Release on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2022
Toronto, CA, Jan. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Athleta announced a new holistic partnership with 15-time GRAMMY Award winner Alicia Keys. Together, Keys and Athleta will drive awareness of and access to women’s well-being through co-created product offerings, impact grants and unique community content. Keys joins Athleta’s Power of She Fund grant program as a mentor and advisor, and will also work with the brand to connect meaningfully with women through community conversations in AthletaWell, Athleta’s digital community that supports women’s well-being.
Always an advocate for women’s empowerment, Keys has spent her expansive career cultivating a deeper connection with herself as a path to finding her true power. Today, on her birthday, Keys celebrates the momentous day with the announcement of this new partnership, which amplifies her ongoing commitment to health, wellness and uplifting women alongside Athleta’s platform, “Power of She.”
“I was drawn to Athleta because we both want to encourage women to discover, accept and OWN their power,” said Keys. “We’re all about the uniqueness of women, body positivity and creating a lifestyle that showcases our immeasurable power within. It’s time to thrive - not just to survive - and my hope is that these offerings are another outlet for you to amplify your personal power, your possibility, and feel comfortable in your own skin.”
In celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8, 2022), Keys and Athleta will release the first in a series of product offerings. The Athleta x Alicia Keys collection will be available in sizes XXS-3X starting March 8 at Athleta.ca and in all Athleta retail locations. The limited run collection brings together Keys’ style with Athleta's consciously inclusive designs to give women the freedom to move, breathe, and feel powerful in their own bodies.
Athleta has rewritten the blueprint for partnerships, prioritizing authenticity and shared values that drive both business and impact, and supporting its partners as whole women, beyond their artistic or athletic achievements. Keys joins a roster of powerful, like-minded partners, including Simone Biles and Allyson Felix, who bring these values to life.
"Alicia has made a powerful commitment to well-being and we are thrilled to welcome her to Athleta's community of empowered women,” said Mary Beth Laughton, president and chief executive officer of Athleta. “As we work toward our goal of reaching $2B in net sales in 2023, part of our growth strategy is constantly listening to our customers' needs. With the recent launch of our digital community, AthletaWell, we created a space where women can connect with each other around topics of well-being, health and purpose. With a values-driven partnership like this one with Alicia, we are ideally positioned to continue to meet our customer’s needs in the well-being space and support her across all aspects of her life.”
Core to the partnership is Keys’ involvement in Athleta’s Power of She Fund grant program that supports women and girls, businesses and organizations that are committed to making well-being accessible, specifically in the BIPOC community. Keys will help select recipients and provide them with mentoring resources and learnings from her own well-being journey over her career. Launched in 2020, and activated by the Women’s Sports Foundation, applications for the next cycle of well-being grants will open in June 2022. For additional information about the Power of She Fund, visit womenssportsfoundation.org/wellbeingforall.
Today, Keys and Athleta released a first look from their upcoming campaign together, “Within You.” Launching March 8, the campaign explores the relentless strength within women through conversations between Keys and three remarkable women celebrating their accomplishments and finding inspiration in the tools they use to foster their own healthy mind, body and spirit.
About Athleta: A certified B Corporation, Athleta is a performance lifestyle brand with a mission of empowering a community of active women and girls. Athleta’s versatile premium performance lifestyle apparel is designed by women for women with inclusivity at its core. Founded in 1998, Athleta integrates performance and technical features across its collection to support women across their entire lifestyle – from yoga and training to travel and sleep. In 2016, the company launched Athleta Girl mirroring its signature performance in styles for the next generation. Based in San Francisco, CA and a Gap Inc. brand (NYSE: GPS), Athleta apparel is available at its over 200 retail stores across the United States and Canada, through its catalog, and at Athleta.com.
About Alicia Keys: Alicia Keys is a 15-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, musician, producer, founder of Keys SoulCare, New York Times best-selling author, film/television and Broadway producer, accomplished actress, entrepreneur, and a powerful force in the world of activism. Since the release of her monumental 2001 debut album, SONGS IN A MINOR, Keys has sold over 65 million records and built an unparalleled repertoire of hits and accomplishments. Alicia has become the #1 RIAA certified Female R&B artist of the millennium with 27.5 Million worldwide certified digital sales (US) and 20 Million Album Sales (US). She released her eighth studio album, KEYS (Original and Unlocked) - a double album, December 2021. The ‘Original’ side showcases Alicia’s signature musicality which is mirrored by a sampled version - experienced through the lens of ‘Unlocked’ (a collaboration she did with Mike Will). A first look from the new music was featured in Alicia’s YouTube Docu-Series titled, Noted: Alicia Keys The Untold Stories, which was released this past September. In addition to her dynamic music journey also comes a rolodex of creative outlets and endeavors. Alicia released her book, “More Myself: A Journey” via Flatiron Books which debuted and spent multiple weeks on The New York Times Bestseller List. On March 1, she will release her first graphic novel titled, “Girl On Fire” with HarperCollins. In line with Alicia’s vision for self-care and mindfulness comes the launch of her lifestyle beauty brand, Keys Soulcare, which Alicia leads as the founder and Goddess-in-Chief. The collection of offerings aims to go beyond skincare and illuminates true care for the whole self; body, mind, and spirit. Her latest partnership is an empowering product offering co-created with Athleta that drops on International Women’s Day (March 8).
SEIZE THE DAYS THIS WINTER AND EXPLORE CANADA’S GREAT OUTDOORS
TORONTO, ON, Jan. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- From ski slopes in British Columbia to snowshoeing trails in Nova Scotia, there is so much to see and do during the winter season. Days Inn is calling all travellers to embrace the beauty of the great outdoors with a last-minute trip to one of our cool Canadian destinations.
Close to Glacier and Mount Revelstoke National Parks, Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Revelstoke, BC is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Revelstoke Mountain Resorts features 3,121 acres of terrain, four alpine bowls, and world-famous Selkirk tree skiing spread over 69 runs and areas during the winter months.
Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Days Inn by Wyndham Hinton-Jasper, AB is the perfect starting point for a Rocky Mountain adventure. Hinton in the winter is a magical place covered in snow and ice. Book an ice walk adventure to explore frozen waterfalls, ice caves, and incredible ice formations.
Saskatchewan offers some of the best snowmobiling in North America and the Yorkton area ranks top for facilities and snowmobile conditions. With access to over 400 kilometres of groomed snowmobile trails, this is one destination not to be missed! The award-winning Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Yorkton, SK provides easy access to all nearby winter attractions.
The World’s Largest Snow Maze is just a short drive from Days Inn by Wyndham Steinbach, MB. Enjoy the challenge of the snowy maze, try the Giant Luge run, slide down Snow Mountain or be amazed by the snow carvings and buildings. For those staying at home during the pandemic and dealing with restrictions, it is a chance to stretch their legs and add a little adventure!
Find a multitude of outdoor activities conveniently located near Days Inn by Wyndham Berthierville, QC. From dogsledding to fat biking, snowkiting to snow tubing, relish in endless hours of winter fun. Located on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River, Berthierville is a magnificent playground for anyone who enjoys adventures big or small!
Located on the west coast of the island of Newfoundland, the vibrant town of Stephenville offers a unique mixture of culture and tradition. Looking for winter paradise? You won’t want to miss the Stephenville Winter Carnival running from February 25 – March 1, 2022. Treat yourself to some rest and relaxation with a stay at Days Inn by Wyndham Stephenville, NL.
A famous hub for snowmobilers, the Miramichi region offers much more to beat the winter blues! Experience the burgeoning local food and beverage scene if snow activities are not your thing. Right in the heart of downtown, Days Inn by Wyndham Miramichi, NB provides easy access to all attractions and recreational activities.
Winter is a prime time to explore Nova Scotia’s great outdoors. For an intense challenge or a fun family time, discover enchanting landscapes on a variety of snowshoeing trails available in the South Shore region. Days Inn & Conference Centre by Wyndham Bridgewater, NS a prime spot off Highway 103, making it easy to reach exciting attractions and activities.
Days Inn by Wyndham hotels in Canada offer free Wi-Fi, either an on-site restaurant or a free breakfast, a pool at many locations and kids stay free. Plus, earn valuable Wyndham Rewards points while you travel then redeem for stays at thousands of Wyndham hotels, vacation club resorts & vacation rentals worldwide. Members can also redeem Wyndham Rewards points for flights, car rentals, gift cards, online merchandise and so much more. Reservations can be made by visiting daysinn.ca or by calling 1 800 DAYS INN (1-800-329-7466).
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About Days Inns Canada: Part of Realstar Hospitality, Days Inns Canada is one of the country's leading hotel chains with over 105 independently owned and operated properties and over 8,385 rooms. Its franchises cover a wide range of urban, airport and resort properties in primary and secondary markets across Canada. Every Days Inn by Wyndham in Canada participates in the Wyndham Rewards guest reward program. Part of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH), Days Inn by Wyndham is a globally recognized hotel brand with over 1,600 properties across 23 countries. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest hotel franchising company by number of properties with approximately 8,900 hotels across nearly 95 countries on six continents. For more information about Days Inns Canada, to make an online hotel reservation, to become a Wyndham Rewards member or to learn more about the elevated health and safety protocols with the Count on Us program, visit daysinn.ca or call the bilingual reservations hotline at 1 800 DAYS INN (1-800-329-7466). Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/daysinncanada, follow us on Twitter, twitter.com/daysinncanada and follow us on Instagram, instagram.com/daysinncanada.
Numbers Reveal COVID Lockdown’s Human Toll
St. Paul, MN, January 25, 2022 — How does a nation, and a world, respond to one of the greatest public health crises of our times? And at what cost?
With the logic of a lawyer and the scientific expertise of an immunologist, Hugh McTavish, J.D., Ph.D., walks readers through the COVID-19 pandemic and the policy decisions that were made to keep the virus in check in his eye-opening book, COVID Lockdown Insanity. Dr. McTavish’s fact-filled exploration reaches beyond the simple metrics of case and death counts and reveals the unsettling consequences of society’s responses to this disease. His careful examination of the scientific evidence related to COVID-19 transmission and his analyses of both the human and economic costs of the lockdown strategy illuminate the dysfunctionality of the government’s policy response. In the end, he lights a path toward making more enlightened decisions that offer hope of real solutions.
In the book, Dr. McTavish dissects the data that shows:
- The COVID lockdowns threw 63 million Americans into major depression.
- All evidence suggests that the lockdown response to COVID failed to decrease COVID deaths at all.
- Even if the lockdowns prevented 200,000 COVID deaths, which they probably did not, the lockdowns caused more loss of life in increased suicides, drug overdose deaths, cancer deaths and heart disease deaths than they saved in prevented COVID deaths.
- For every 1 COVID death prevented, the lockdowns caused these harms: 1/3 of a death of despair (suicide or drug overdose); 316 people thrown into major depression; 127 people out of work; 350 students out of school; 1,640 people denied the right to live their lives as they wish.
- Mask wearing has “little or no effect” on COVID cases or deaths.
- Hand washing and hand sanitizer use is the best intervention and could dramatically reduce COVID deaths, but this was underemphasized.
- Asymptomatic people very rarely spread COVID.
- Children do not spread COVID, and closing schools had no effect on COVID spread at all, and we knew that by the summer of 2020, and CDC staff wrote a paper saying so in January 2021.
In conclusion, Dr. McTavish says, “Lockdowns have no advantage at all. If you think life is better than death, a long life is better than a shorter life, happiness is better than depression, more money is better than less, education is better than ignorance, child abuse and domestic abuse are bad things, and more personal freedom is better than less, then you agree the lockdowns were a mistake.”
Hugh McTavish is a Ph.D. biochemist and immunologist and a patent attorney. He has authored 18 refereed scientific journal articles and is the inventor of 21 U.S. patents. He has also written two prior books on public policy and nature. He has started two pharmaceutical companies off his own inventions. He lives near St. Paul, Minnesota.
COVID Lockdown Insanity: The COVID Deaths It Prevented, the Depression and Suicides it Caused, What We Should Have Done, and What It Shows We Could Do Now to Address Real Crises
Boca Raton, FL, January 25, 2022 — In The One-Hour Miracle: A 5-Step Process to Guide Your Self-Healing, authors Andrew Hahn, Psy.D., and Joan Beckett, L.M.H.C., present their revolutionary Life Centered Therapy (LCT) — a healing framework that is a blueprint for transforming most problems.
The book explains how to apply Life Centered Therapy to heal from pain that is physical (such as chronic pain, asthma, addictions); emotional or mental (including depression, PTSD, OCD, paranoia); relational (releasing destructive patterns); and spiritual (alienation, despair, inertia). And sometimes, according to the authors, the transformation takes just one hour.
Filled with testimonials from real people who have benefitted from this approach when other methods failed to help, The One-Hour Miracle provides readers with an entirely new way of understanding their suffering, giving them inspiration and hope that they can create miracles in their own lives.
“The One-Hour Miracle includes a protocol that allows people to facilitate this process on their own by finding the root cause of their suffering and shifting it,” say Hahn and Beckett. “This framework helps them live engaged lives of freedom, peace, joy, wisdom, and vitality.”
The authors provide readers with clear, step-by-step instructions that can be implemented immediately to achieve authentic transformation. Additionally, therapists reading this book will have enough information to start using the approach with their own clients.
About the Authors Andrew Hahn, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and podcast host of Guided Self Healing/Fearless Living; and Joan Beckett, L.M.H.C., MBA, M.A., C.A.G.S., a licensed mental health counselor and former divisional controller of a Fortune 100 pharmaceutical company, are thought leaders in the field of consciousness and spiritual, energy and somatic psychology. They are principals of the Life Centered Therapy Institute.
The One-Hour Miracle: A 5-Step Process to Guide Your Self-Healing Publisher: HCI Books Release Date: March 15, 2022 ISBN-10: 0757324150 ISBN-13: 9780757324154 Trade Paperback, 304 pages Available from Amazon.com, BN.com and other online retailers
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Through a Glass Darkly: Nike Sues Lululemon Over Mirror - by Aron Solomon
This is your author a few days ago, sporting his new digital camouflage Lululemon Surge Warm Half-Zip that had arrived the night before.
Inside the box was a card trying to sell me something called Lululemon Mirror. The image on the card was very similar to what Lululemon has on their site:
My first reaction was “This looks like something Nike would make. I wonder if they’ll claim to own the IP rights.”
I was doomscrolling on Twitter a few hours later and yup, I saw that Lululemon is being hauled into New York Southern District Court by Nike for patent infringement for their new “smart home gym that gets to know you.” Lululemon now gets to know their lawyers better than they had ever hoped to because, when it comes to intellectual property rights, Nike doesn’t play.
The Nike battle with Lululemon all comes on the heels of last week’s massive patent rights win for Sonos over Google. In both cases, the defendant is accused of embedding proprietary technology in their branded product - Nike’s technology in the Lululemon mirror and Sonos’s technology in Google’s Chromebooks, Pixel phones, Chromecast, and the like.
Tim George, a Pennsylvania lawyer, explains why these companies often pursue legal action so quickly:
Companies such as Nike and Sonos have spent countless millions to become what is known as first-choice brands. When you think of sneakers and innovation in sports, you think of Nike. So if Nike doesn’t actively protect their intellectual property rights, that status quo changes and they may never reclaim their place. That’s why these disputes move so quickly to the courts, if not necessarily as quickly through them.
Mirror is undoubtedly ultra cool. It is everything anyone could want in a Coronavirus-era home gym product. It looks to be highly-engaging, fun, and in Lululemon’s own words, “the ultimate studio, with over 10,000 classes, taught by world-class trainers—right on your wall.” In an era where people are uncertain whether they should invest in gym memberships or in-person fitness classes for the foreseeable future because of new virus strains and forced closures, the products and services that best replicate the experience of actually being outside of your home will win - and Mirror does exactly that.
So you might be thinking “What’s the issue here - did Nike actually make their own Mirror? I would have remembered seeing this.” The simple answer is that they didn’t, but that doesn’t mean that Nike won’t win this lawsuit - and here’s why:
Nike sees itself as a technology company and a research and development company with the same intensity that many of us see it as a great sneaker company. They invest massive amounts of money into not only imagining what’s next and what comes after that, but actually working on the Next Next Next Big Thing.
Technology is a great thing but sometimes it can bite us when we don’t appreciate its qualities and parameters. As the always excellent blog, The Fashion Law, explained, it’s Lululemon’s own very expensive tech acquisition here that has them in extremely hot water:
In its complaint, Nike asserts that the technology at the heart of the $1,500 at-home exercise system – which Lululemon brought in-house when it acquired fitness startup Mirror in June 2020 for $500 million – “practice[s] the claimed inventions of [its] asserted patents,” namely, U.S. patents 8,620,413; 9,278,256; 9,259,615; 10,188,930; 10,232,220; and 10,923,225, all of which are utility patents (as distinct from design patents), and thus, protect the invention of a new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter.
In other words, Nike is saying that they have been the leaders in digital technology as it relates to sports for eons, in part because they actually patent stuff they invent and might not be ready to use today but might use tomorrow. That’s what they assert happened here and, if they’re right, Lululemon is going to have a tension headache that a quick home workout won’t help.
Nike has slid under our collective radar as a technology company since at least 2019, when they immersed themselves deeply enough into data science, augmented reality, and machine learning to essentially chart a new path for the future of the business. By reimagining the business as a tech company that makes hardware (shoes, clothing, and accessories) and software (well, actual software), the engine becomes the pixels and the car becomes the future of the business.
What separates Nike from all of their competitors individually and collectively is that they are powerful enough to innovate for themselves, meaning that they can build, test, iterate, file as many patents as they like - and then rinse and repeat as many times as they like - without ever affecting either their market share or the primacy of they brand in the eyes of consumers. How many companies in the world in any vertical can say this?
Lululemon envisioned a similar future for themselves. It’s honestly a great brand. Coming off a rough patch in which some customers felt that the very high quality of their products had declined, the brand is at an all-time high in every possible metric and poised to hit the $2 billion revenue mark as early as this year. They’re going to need that money, because their $500 million investment in Mirror could triple once Nike leaves the courtroom. That wouldn’t kill Lululemon because of both cash on hand and a line of investors who would happily fund a new equity round, but it would be a solid gut punch.
This is, of course, a wasted opportunity for both brands. At their core, Nike and Lululemon are a perfect fit. Not for an acquisition, but to play together on new fields they would co-create. And maybe that could be the eventual result of this lawsuit in an ideal and perhaps 25% less competitive world - that these two iconic brands could find the synergy to allow them to build something common from the foundation of each other’s strengths and user base.
But for now, both sides will prepare for the battle that costs not only money and effort, but represents a wasted investment of time and resources that should be focused on building great things that make their users happy.
