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
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.
