September is National Self-Care Awareness Month

 

IFBB Pro Bikini Athlete Dianna Forsberg Shares Tips to Rejuvenate the Body, Mind and Soul

 

DALLAS (Sept. 5, 2018) - September is Self-Care Awareness month, a time to remind us all that nurturing ourselves is essential to overall  happiness and well-being. Dianna Forsberg, IFBB Pro Bikini Athlete and health and fitness enthusiast, knows all too well the importance of carving out time for self to refuel the body, mind and soul. Amidst a recent divorce and corporate layoff, the 43-year old decided to focus on self-care by coming out of a four-year competitive fitness hiatus to begin training for the “Masters National Championship” fitness competition recently held in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.  Her keen focus and commitment to transformation paid off, earning her a first-place win in the “Bikini over 40” category and reaching her long-term goal of receiving an IFFB Pro Card.

“Regardless of what you may be facing, it is imperative to unapologetically focus on creating your best self by concentrating on your strengths, goals and the many things that are going right in your life,” said Forsberg. “ A good self-care routine begins with making the decision to be better and then setting and sticking to measurable goals that will keep you accountable as well as give you something to look forward to along your journey.”

 

Forsberg has overcome many obstacles and offers the following self-care tips to get fit and healthy, while rejuvenating the body, mind and soul.

 

  1. Get Moving - High intensity physical activity is a great way to get the blood flowing and increase your mood. Don’t think exercise, think fun activities. So, from Zumba and Cycling to Martial Arts and Rowing, choose an activity that can give you a good workout, while also having some fun.

 

  1. Get in the Kitchen - What you feed your body will determine how you feel, so get rid of all junk and processed foods and instead, feed your body foods that grow from the earth. Think fruits, vegetables and seeds. You should also be eating at least three meals a day, having two small snacks and remaining hydrated with plenty of water. Be good to your body and it will be good to you.

 

  1. Get Your Mind Right - Self-care starts from within, so it is important to make time to be alone with the many thoughts that are running through your head. A great way to do this is enrolling in a yoga, tai chi or Pilates class. If going to a new class scares you, invest in some mind soothing apps, DVDs, or subscribe to a fitness YouTube channel. It is imperative that you connect the mind and body on a regular basis.

 

  1. Get to the Spa - From facials and massages to mani/pedis and saunas. A monthly trip to a spa is a great way to get away from the stresses of life. Nowadays, many spas have day passes and affordable memberships, so instead of getting that daily cup of coffee, use those funds for a monthly spa escape. Treat yourself because you deserve it.

 

  1. Get Your Friends Together - There is nothing better than having a group of you closest friends together to reminisce, laugh, cry, talk, toast AND to work out together! Swapping out a cocktail for a glass of wine is ok, and why not meet at a local trail for a run or go biking around a lake. It is a great way to catch up, while getting a good work out in.

 

  1. Get to the Book Store - There is a great peace that comes from walking through a book store and library. Visit the nearest one and find some self-help books that can help you deal with issues that may be personal to you. There are so many resources and just the act of being quiet, reading, reflecting, and self-evaluation does wonders.

 

  1. Get Some Rest - So many of us take getting enough sleep for granted, however it is so important to get some much-needed rest. Sometimes, simply taking a nap in the middle of the day can recharge you, taking a day off from work, and going to bed early enough so that you wake up rested and rejuvenated.  There are so many soothing night time routines like listening to soothing music and sipping on calming tea that can help you set the mood for some getting the sleep that your body needs.

 

An IFBB Pro Bikini Athlete, international fitness model, fitness spokesperson, entrepreneur, and mother of a two-year old toddler, Forsberg wears many hats. Throughout it all she maintains her commitment  to empowering others to reach their full fitness potential through health and fitness tips. Thus, she will be the featured health and wellness speaker at the “Ambitious Women Conference” taking place  Oct. 12 – 14, 2018 in Dallas, Texas.  To learn more about the conference, please visit www.ambitiouswomentconference.com. To learn more about Dianna Forsberg and her  health and fitness tips, please visit www.diannaforsberg.com.

 

About Dianna Forsberg

Dianna Forsberg is an IFBB Pro Bikini Athlete, international fitness model, fitness spokesperson and health and wellness enthusiast. Known for competing against the best and still holding her own, this beauty has the body and personal story that serves as inspiration for professional athletes and the everyday woman alike.

Dianna’s physical transformation started following several health issues that motivated her to make better health and fitness choices. After placing 5th in her first fitness competition, she became committed to the sport and today has over ten fitness competition awards and recognitions including her most recent title of IFBB Pro Bikini Athlete.

She is committed to empowering others with health and fitness tools and resources, thus trains clients of all ages  focusing on their health and fitness goals by meeting with them for services such as weekly consultations, work outs, measurements, nutrition, grocery shopping, meal prepping, and accountability. To learn more about Dianna Forsberg and to stay up to date on events  please follow her on Facebook and Instagram @DiannaForsberg.

 

Finalists announced in national competition to identify healthy aging solutions

 

TORONTO, Sept. 6, 2018 /CNW/ - It started as a challenge to Canadians to come up with great new ideas to support healthy aging. The AGE-WELL National Impact Challenge triggered a flood of submissions. After a round of public voting, AGE-WELL is pleased to announce the finalists.

Eight finalists will compete for over $100,000 in cash and in-kind prizes at a live pitch event in Vancouver, British Columbia, where they will showcase how their solution could positively impact older Canadians or their caregivers.

The finalists are:

  • Gluu Inbox: The First Inbox Designed Just for Older Adults: Email is a critical form of communication but poses one of the greatest online security risks older adults face. Gluu Inbox makes it easier to use email securely, avoid scams, manage attachments, and stay connected. (Zone 1: British Columbia and Alberta)
  • Mysteries for Seniors: "Mysteries for Seniors" will be an interactive, relaxing, and non-threatening virtual environment which will allow seniors to exercise their memory and practice cognitive tasks while having fun and socializing with their peers. (Zone 2: Manitoba and Saskatchewan)
  • Adaptive Clothing Redefined: It's all in the design. Monarch has developed an innovative, beautiful line of clothing specifically for people who require assistance dressing. The clothing eases the dressing process, protects the skin, is comfortable and looks great. (Zone 3: Ontario and Quebec)
  • Schedule Management System: The Schedule Management System is a facility-wide system that schedules and shares tasks with the facility staff. The system will allow seniors to create a profile, attached to their unit number, that logs and reschedules regular activities. (Zone 4: Eastern Canada)
  • MouvMat: MouvMat is an interactive digital gaming surface that is designed for older adults to encourage physical activity in a social and engaging way. Our goal is to improve the physical and cognitive health of older adults. (Young Innovator)
  • Marlena Books App: The Marlena Books app brings reading to life for individuals with later-stage dementia. Our digital reading platform incorporates accessibility features such as graduated reading levels, personalization, audio support and automatic page turning. (Stakeholder Favourite)
  • Nightingale.ai: The Smart Clinical Assessment Assistant: Nightingale.ai is an intelligent and portable assistant for functional and cognitive assessments. This smart device uses cutting-edge artificial intelligence to analyze older adults' physical function and cognition at the bedside to optimize clinical decision support. (Most Mentioned on Social Media)
  • ARCtag: ARCtag is an automated, rapid communication tool to enhance safety during guided hikes and outdoor recreation tours for seniors. The device detects if someone falls, stops moving, gets separated, or signals for help. (AGE-WELL 2018 Summer Institute team)

"The depth and diversity of the ideas is impressive," says Dr. Alex Mihailidis, Scientific Director of AGE-WELL, Canada's Technology and Aging Network, which is hosting the competition. "A lot of creative thinking has gone into developing these proposed solutions."

The AGE-WELL National Impact Challenge aims to identify great new ideas for technology-based solutions that will improve the quality of life of older Canadians and/or their caregivers.

The challenge drew 60 video submissions from Canadians. Almost 15,000 votes were cast by members of the public during online voting between August 1 and August 17, 2018. The list of finalists includes the contestant who received the most votes in each of four geographic zones (a fifth zone did not receive entries).

In addition to the four contestants chosen from the zones, three wild card videos were selected to participate in the finale: Young Innovator (chosen by AGE-WELL's Education and Training Program Leads), Stakeholder Favourite (chosen by a member of AGE-WELL's Older Adult and Caregiver Advisory Committee) and Most Mentioned (video with the most social media activity and mentions), plus the winning team from the AGE-WELL 2018 Summer Institute.

The grand finale will be held on October 17, 2018 at the AGE-WELL Annual Conference in Vancouver. Each finalist will give a five-minute presentation to a panel of expert judges.

The cash prize associated with the competition is to be used solely for research and development of the submitted idea, its dissemination or commercialization. For more about the finalists, prize details, and competition terms and conditions, please visit the competition main page.

Generous sponsors of the AGE-WELL National Impact Challenge are: Bereskin & Parr, CARP, the Impact Centre, Revera, Sun Life Financial, and TELUS Ventures.

Register here to attend AGE-WELL's 4th Annual Conference on October 16-18, 2018 at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre.

About AGE-WELL:

AGE-WELL NCE Inc. (http://www.agewell-nce.ca/@AGEWELL_NCE) is Canada's Technology and Aging Network. AGE-WELL brings together researchers, older adults, caregivers, partner organizations and future leaders to accelerate the delivery of technology-based solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians. AGE-WELL researchers are producing technologies, services and policies/practices to improve quality of life for older adults and caregivers, and generate social and economic benefits for Canada. AGE-WELL was launched in 2015 through the federally-funded Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program.

SOURCE AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE)

4 Reasons Being Creative Will Make You Happier As You Grow Older

 

We don’t all age like fine wine, but there’s plenty of proof that the creative juices can keep flowing well into the twilight years.

 

Oscar-nominated screenwriter Millard Kaufman wrote his first novel, Bowl of Cherries, at the age of 90. Benjamin Franklin was 78 when he invented the bifocal lens. Frank Lloyd Wright completed the design of the Guggenheim Museum in New York at 92. Frank McCourt won a Pulitzer Prize at 66 for his first novel, and Giuseppe Verdi wrote the acclaimed opera Falstaff at 79.

 

Clearly, creativity and aging aren’t always mutually exclusive. Psychology Today reports the aging brain is characterized by a broadening focus of attention, which is a hallmark of creativity. And being creative into the senior years, research shows, can make us happier. One research project, The Creativity and Aging Study, conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts and The George Washington University, determined senior citizens engaged in creative pursuits - such as writing, painting and music - enjoyed greater feelings of morale and better overall health.

 

Award-winning author and poet Piero Rivolta, 77, enjoyed successful careers in car manufacturing, commercial building and sailing before re-dedicating himself as a writer the last few years. Being creative as one gets older, he says, brings more enjoyment of life by putting us more in touch with our authentic selves as well as with the outside world.

 

And he wishes more people took that approach sooner.

 

“People need to adapt a creative, poetic way of living,” says Rivolta (www.pierorivolta.com), whose ninth and most recent book is Bridge Through The Stars: A Novel of Desire and Destiny. “That starts with what is inside of them and letting it out.

 

“Today, too many people don’t see too far away from their nose. Money has become too important. We need a poetic sense of life, following our intuition, nurturing our curiosity and engaging in the world around us. Let the mind wander and become absorbed in a vibrant, creative process, leading to discoveries that can influence your future or even humanity.”

 

Rivolta gives four reasons creativity can bring more happiness later in life:

 

  • It drives brain growth. Research shows creativity fires neurons that creates connections in the brain, essentially making the brain grow as it gets older. And, Rivolta says, a mentally active person with an open, curious mind tends to stay inspired and be happier. “It’s exhilarating to keep our minds moving and adding to them,” Rivolta says. “And older people already have a vast warehouse of knowledge to share creatively.”
  • It adds self-esteem. New creative outlets later in life can remove any identity crisis one is feeling in retirement. “You really need a sense of purpose as you get older with seemingly less to do,” Rivolta says. “Creatively doing things you always wanted to do gives you immense satisfaction and more happiness. It’s exciting; you’re finding new parts to yourself.”
  • It expands your social world. Studies have shown many aging people feel isolated. Creative pursuits such as art classes are a great way to connect socially. “It’s so important in older age to connect with others and not go it alone,” Rivolta says. “And whether you’re sharing ideas, the gift of your talents or just time together, it makes for a much happier existence.”
  • It reduces regrets. Some senior citizens harbor regrets, wondering what would have happened if they had tried something new. “Being creative is a way to somewhat make up for that, and feel the satisfaction of taking action like you always wanted to,” Rivolta says.

 

“Living a creative, poetic life,” Rivolta says, “makes you more fully experience the  beauty of living, especially in later years. I’ve always had that and didn’t want to stop. People used to tell me I worked too much, but in reality I felt like I never worked because I enjoyed each of my jobs so much. That’s a great part about doing things that combine creativity and adventure.”

 

 

About Piero Rivolta

Piero Rivolta (www.pierorivolta.com), an award-winning poet and author, grew up in Milan, Italy in a family of automakers. He has made a career of successful reinvention based on creativity and passion for enhanced living. The leader of a successful car manufacturing company, he left Italy and moved to Sarasota, Fla., in 1980 with his wife Rachele, a painter. Rivolta has also been a residential and commercial builder, high-seas sailor and yacht producer. He recently published Bridge Through the Stars, his first novel since the publication of Journey Beyond 2012 and his Sarasota trilogy: Sunset in Sarasota, Alex and the Color of the Wind and The Castaway. Rivolta is also the author of four poetry/prose collections: Just One Scent: The Rest Is God, Nothing Is Without Future, Going By Sea and One Life, Many Lives.

 

 

CordovaCann Announces Letter of Intent to Acquire Ontario-Based Licensed Producer Applicant

 

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 5, 2018 / CordovaCann Corp. (CSE: CDVA) (OTCQB: LVRLF) ("Cordova" or the "Company"), a cannabis-focused consumer products company, announced today that it has entered into a letter of intent (the "LOI") to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of 2366607 Ontario Inc. d/b/a Alterna Medicinals Canada ("Alterna") for the total purchase price of $1,693,750 Canadian dollars and 1,204,167 shares in the common stock of Cordova, contingent upon Alterna obtaining receipt of a License to Cultivate under Health Canada's Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) for Alterna's facility in Listowel, Ontario. Furthermore, Cordova has agreed to loan up to $1 million Canadian dollars to Alterna to fund the required capital expenditures to advance the application process for such License to Cultivate.

Alterna is an applicant to become a Licensed Producer under the ACMPR program and was provided a Confirmation of Readiness by Health Canada earlier this year for its 14,000 square foot leased-facility located in Listowel, Ontario. The facility has future expansion capabilities across its seven acre site.

"Expanding our cultivation capabilities into the Canadian market is an essential step in achieving our goal of capturing greater international market share," stated Mr. Taz Turner, Chairman and CEO of Cordova. "While providing access to the Canadian market is of significant importance to us, the acquisition of Alterna is also expected to provide us with the ability to distribute our branded, formulated products to international markets, furthering our mission to establish a global cannabis manufacturing and distribution platform."

The transaction as contemplated is subject to standard terms and conditions of transactions of this nature, including but not limited to the completion of satisfactory due diligence and the approval of Cordova's board of directors.

To be added to the Company's distribution list, please email cordova@kcsa.com with "Cordova" in the subject line.

About CordovaCann Corp.

CordovaCann Corp. is a Canadian-domiciled company focused on building a leading, diversified cannabis products business across multiple U.S. jurisdictions. CordovaCann primarily provides services and investment capital to the processing and production vertical markets of the cannabis industry.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and management's views and assumptions regarding future events. Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. The Company cannot provide assurances that the matters described in this press release will be successfully completed or occur. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: global economic and market conditions; the war on terrorism and the potential for war or other hostilities in other parts of the world; the availability of financing and lines of credit; successful integration of acquired or merged businesses; changes in interest rates; management's ability to forecast revenues and control expenses, especially on a quarterly basis; unexpected decline in revenues without a corresponding and timely slowdown in expense growth; the Company's ability to retain key management and employees; intense competition and the Company's ability to meet demand at competitive prices and to continue to introduce new products and new versions of existing products that keep pace with technological developments, satisfy increasingly sophisticated customer requirements and achieve market acceptance; relationships with significant suppliers and customers; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in the Company's public filings on EDGAR and SEDAR. The Company undertakes no obligation to update information contained in this press release. For further information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business, please refer to the risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company's EDGAR and SEDAR filings.

SFU addresses mental health on and off campus through additional support services for its students

 

Two-year pilot program to provide students with confidential 24-hour access to counsellors through their mobile device

VANCOUVER, Sept. 5, 2018 /CNW/ - Simon Fraser University (SFU) and Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) have launched a 24/7 multi-platform mental health and support service through Morneau Shepell called My Student Support Program (My SSP), for its students. This two-year pilot project, which began in August, will provide additional mental health resources for all SFU students, at no additional cost, to help address the growing demand for mental health services – a problem that is also impacting other young adults and post-secondary institutions across Canada.

SFU students now have immediate, confidential, 24-hour access – from anywhere in the world – to counsellors through a phone or mobile app. The app will allow students to talk or instant message counsellors for emotional support needs such as managing relationships and adjusting to living away from home, as well as crisis support. The program offers both immediate and booked counselling options; students can request to book an appointment with a counsellor who speaks a specific language or, for example, identifies as a specific gender, religion or as indigenous.

"My SSP will help provide mental health support and other resources to our students no matter where they are in the world," said Tim Rahilly, vice provost and associate vice-president, students and international, Simon Fraser University. "Students will have access to these resources should they need it even if they are living or studying abroad."

"Having access to a larger, more diverse network of professionals means that students' unique circumstances can be more timely and easily matched with someone who may have lived experience with their circumstances," said Samer Rihani, vice president of  student services, Simon Fraser Student Society. "By offering this service to our students, we know that we'll be making our first step forward in destigmatizing mental health services and letting students know it's okay to not be okay."

In addition to having a counsellor at their fingertips, the downloadable My SPP app can connect students to videos and articles to help support positive well-being such as achieving balance, sleep and mindfulness resources.

"Our collaboration with SFU started in February 2017 when we observed an increased need of mental health services for students compared to what was available on campus," said Jasdeep Gill, vice president, SFSS VP external relations, Simon Fraser Student Society. "It was absolutely vital to us to recognize students' need for resources and flexibility, and we're thrilled to have come to this solution with SFU through Morneau Shepell's 24-hour, immediate support services. The Board of Directors is pleased to have finalized this agreement with SFU to support this pilot program."

"This two-year pilot project will provide increased access to mental health services and support for students at SFU and will complement our existing services and initiatives," said Martin Mroz, health and counselling director, Simon Fraser University. "I'm especially excited the role that My SSP can play in helping staff and faculty support students. We have a lot of people at the university that want to help build a Healthy Campus Community and this will empower them to do that. My SPP will be situated amidst a strategy that addresses timely, accessible, supports for those in need; settings that promote well-being and a caring community; and health education as well as addressing mental health stigma."

SFU's funding contribution for this initiative is part of the University's Student Experience Initiative, a formal, three-year process led by the VP Academic Office to fund initiatives that have potential to positively impact the student experience. These mental health resources are provided in partnership with guard.me, a leading international student insurance provider, and Moreau Shepell, a leading global organization offering counselling that supplements the growing demand of mental health and wellness on campuses across North America.

"We have developed a great relationship with guard.me over the past few years to provide exceptional service for our institutional partners and we are pleased to extend our offering to the students at SFU," said Matthew McEvoy, senior director, student support, Morneau Shepell. "We continue to see investments in mental health support across the country, so we are thrilled that SFU is echoing this commitment for its students."

"With such a diverse student population, it was imperative that SFU provide support to the entire SFU student population, including graduate students, undergraduate students, diverse international perspectives,  LGTBQ+ students, indigenous students, student athletes, students with disabilities and more," said Keith Segal, president and chief executive officer, guard.me. "We are honoured to be able to reach more students every day and to be a part of their journey toward a successful educational experience."

About Simon Fraser University

As Canada's engaged university, SFU is defined by its dynamic integration of innovative education, cutting-edge research and far-reaching community engagement. SFU was founded more than 50 years ago with a mission to be a different kind of university—to bring an interdisciplinary approach to learning, embrace bold initiatives, and engage with communities near and far. Today, SFU is Canada's leading comprehensive research university and is ranked one of the top universities in the world. With campuses in British Columbia's three largest cities – Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey – SFU has eight faculties, delivers almost 150 programs to over 35,000 students, and boasts more than 145,000 alumni in 130 countries around the world.

About Simon Fraser Student Society

The Simon Fraser Student Society exists to improve the health and well-being, social, academic, and financial conditions of our undergraduate students. We provide assistance for campus events, advocate for issues that are important to our members, provide study and social spaces, support clubs and student groups, oversee the undergraduate health and dental plan and more. The SFSS is governed by a student elected Board of Directors. The SFSS: for students, by students. The SFSS encourages you to make your time here at SFU a memorable experience.

About Morneau Shepell

Morneau Shepell is the only human resources consulting and technology company that takes an integrated approach to employee well-being, health, benefits and retirement needs. The Company is the largest administrator of retirement and benefits plans and the largest provider of integrated absence management solutions in Canada. LifeWorks by Morneau Shepell is a total well-being solution that combines employee assistance, wellness, recognition and incentive programs. As a leader in strategic HR consulting and innovative pension design, the Company also helps clients solve complex workforce problems and provides integrated productivity, health and retirement solutions. Established in 1966, Morneau Shepell serves approximately 24,000 clients, ranging from small businesses to some of the largest corporations and associations. With more than 4,500 employees in offices across North America, Morneau Shepell provides services to organizations around the globe. Morneau Shepell is a publicly-traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.

About guard.me
guard.me International Insurance is one of the world's largest insurance providers in international education and a leader in addressing the changing needs of organizations and students around the globe.

With almost 20 years' experience working with language schools, high schools, universities, colleges, industry associations and agents, guard.me takes pride in keeping international students safe when it matters most. That means creating insurance plans that can be used in every country and for every occasion. Whether students are leaving to go abroad or for international students studying in Canada and the USA, guard.me has a plan for every kind of educational opportunity.

SOURCE Morneau Shepell Inc.

Servier Canada announces the Expansion of its Oncology Portfolio through the acquisition by Servier group of Shire's oncology branch

 

LAVAL, QC, Sept. 5, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Servier Group announced August 31st, the closing of the global acquisition of Shire's oncology branch following final clearance by the regulatory authorities. As a result of this transaction, Servier Canada strengthened its oncology portfolio with two marketed products. ONCASPARTM (pegaspargase) is an asparagine specific enzyme indicated as a component of a multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen for the treatment of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and ONIVYDETM (irinotecan liposome) is a topoisomerase inhibitor indicated for metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV), in adult patients who have disease progression following gemcitabine-based therapy.

"We established our Oncology Business Unit in Canada two years ago, as a result of a global strategic orientation. In this short period of time, we have consolidated our canadian portfolio in both solid tumors and hemato-malignancies and this recent acquisition is a major step forward", underlined Frederic Fasano, Chief Executive Officer of Servier Canada Inc.

Servier Canada's current portfolio comprises products soon to be marketed. ZEVALIN® is the only single-course chemo-free treatment regimen approved by Health Canada for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory low-grade or follicular, CD20 positive, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, including patients with rituximab-refractory follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. FOLOTYN® and BELEODAQ® are currently under review by Health Canada as anti-neoplastic agents in relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma.

"Servier Canada's commitment is to bring innovative treatment options to Canadian patients suffering from different types of cancer. We are happy to welcome Shire's Oncology team today and join forces continuing pursuing our mission" said Amelie Faubert, Commercial Head, Oncology Business Unit.

Oncology is a key therapeutic area for Servier and its research and development focuses on apoptosis and immuno-oncology. The Group currently devotes 37% of its R&D investments to fighting cancer and addressing critical unmet patient needs. It also has a goal to reach 50% within the next two years. To date, Servier has nineteen strategic research alliances in oncology, including five with American partners, to accelerate patient's access to innovative therapies. This has led to thirteen innovative anti-cancer products in clinical development.

About Servier Canada
Servier Canada was established in 1978 and is celebrating its 40th anniversary of operation in Canada. Servier Canada employs over 250 people across Canada and is currently marketing medicines in oncology, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. For additional information please visit our website at www.servier.ca

About Servier Group
Servier is an international pharmaceutical company governed by a non-profit foundation, with its headquarters in France (Suresnes). With a strong international presence in 149 countries and a turnover of 4.152 billion euros in 2017, Servier employs 21,700 people worldwide. Entirely independent, the Group reinvests 25% of its turnover (excluding generic drugs) in research and development and uses all its profits for development. Corporate growth is driven by Servier's constant search for innovation in five areas of excellence: cardiovascular, immune-inflammatory and neuropsychiatric diseases, cancer and diabetes, as well as by its activities in high-quality generic drugs. Servier also offers eHealth solutions beyond drug development.

 

SOURCE Servier Canada Inc.

59% of Europeans and 68% of Americans are overweight

ReportLinker released a new report on eating habits, overweightness and obesity:

 

Meat, Fruits and Veggies, what are the numbers?

- In the UK, veganism has become a trend. More people are favoring plant-based, low fat, and low sugar diets, and the weekly household consumption of beef has been divided by two since the 70’s (215g in 1975 vs 102g in 2015)

- In the US, red meat consumption has decreased since its peak of 198 lbs per person per year in 1971, to 141 lbs in 2015.

Also, the country saw a rise of 16% in vegetables consumption in the past 46 years.

Butter consumption has dropped too, going from 18 lbs consumed per person and per year in 1931, to an average of 4 lbs since the 80’s.

- Globally, the soy products consumption has highly increased since 2000 and is expected to    grow sharply through 2026.

What’s the impact on everyone’s weight?

  • Almost 70% US adults are considered to be overweight, way up from 41% in 1974.
  • We witness the same trend in Europe with 39% of people being overweight  in 1976 to 59% thirty years later.

 

 

Alzheimer Society launches first-ever Canadian Charter of Rights for People with Dementia

 

Charter written by and for people living with dementia

TORONTO, Sept. 5, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, the Alzheimer Society of Canada is pleased to officially launch the first-ever Canadian Charter of Rights for People with Dementia.

The landmark Charter is the culmination of over a year's work by the Society's Advisory Group of people with dementia, whose members represent different walks of life from across the country. With the number of Canadians with dementia expected to hit nearly one million in less than 15 years, the Advisory Group set out to define a set of seven explicit rights to give a greater voice and authority to those with dementia. The Charter will help people with dementia as well as their families challenge situations where they experience stigma, are treated unfairly, discriminated against, or are denied access to appropriate care.

The Charter empowers Canadians with dementia to self-advocate while also ensuring that the people and organizations that support them know and protect their rights. These include the right:

  • to be free from discrimination of any kind.
  • to benefit from all of Canada's civic and legal rights.
  • to participate in developing and implementing policies that affect their life.
  • to access support and opportunities to live as independent and engaged citizens in their community.
  • to be informed and supported so they can fully participate in decisions affecting their care and life, from the point of diagnosis to palliative and end-of-life care.
  • to expect that professionals involved in all aspects of their care are trained in dementia and human rights and are accountable to uphold these rights.
  • to access effective complaint and appeal procedures when their rights are not protected or respected.

"People with dementia, no matter the stage of their disease, have the same rights as every other citizen," says Pauline Tardif, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. "Yet, we know all too well that Canadians with dementia continue to face cultural, social and economic barriers to claiming these rights, leaving many facing discrimination, isolation and treatment that contravenes their basic rights as human beings. We're asking all Canadians to champion this new Charter."

The Charter will not only help combat the ongoing stigma associated with dementia, but also help inform a rights-based approach to the development of services and supports for Canadians with dementia. In particular, it will serve to guide the federal government as it follows through on its commitment to develop and implement a national dementia strategy for Canada.

British Columbia resident Mario Gregorio, one of the Advisory Group members who contributed to the Charter, says, "As a person living with dementia, it gives me confidence to know that I'm not alone and reassurance that my country, my health and social services and my family, friends and community are there to lend a hand. We, as a nation, need to play a leadership role to ensure that people with dementia are not marginalized."

Throughout the month of September, the Society will feature stories written by some of the Advisory Group members on what the Charter means to them, and invite others impacted by dementia to comment. To read the stories, learn more about the Charter and download a free copy, in English or French, visit alzheimer.ca/Charter.

Notes to editors:
The Canadian Charter of Rights for People with Dementia is guided by a human rights-based approach known as "PANEL," endorsed by the United Nations. This approach emphasizes: the rights of everyone to participate in all decision-making directing their quality of life and care; accountability, holding individuals, communities and organizations responsible for recognizing, protecting and fulfilling their rights; non-discrimination, to self-advocate and challenge stigma; empowerment, to know their rights and how to claim these; and legality, to have assurance their rights are understood and followed according to law.

SOURCE Alzheimer Society of Canada

Bold Statement from Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada Highlights the Pivotal Role of Blood Cancer Research in Advancing Breathroughs for Other Cancers and Diseases

 

Beating Cancer Is In Our Blood campaign making its debut during Blood Cancer Awareness Month and is expected to raise $200,000 for blood cancer research this September.

TORONTO, Sept. 5, 2018 /CNW/ - This month, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) introduces– its Beating Cancer Is In Our Blood campaign– in a move to bring both the organization and blood cancers out of obscurity to mark Blood Cancer Awareness Month.

"Few people know that many of today's fundamental treatments for various cancers, like chemotherapy, began with blood cancer research," explains Alicia Talarico, LLSC president. "Fewer still know that our organization has been funding research since our inception in 1955." It is this collective history that literally substantiates "Beating Cancer Is In Our Blood".

Many lifesaving discoveries can be attributed to blood cancers. From the early development of chemotherapy and uncovering the inner workings of the immune response through to the discovery of cancer stem cells, blood cancer research has led the way to breakthroughs in other cancers and areas of medicine. Most recently, in 2017, CAR T-cell immunotherapy was developed and approved for use in blood cancer patients and is now being studied across multiple tumour types in 500 open trials.

Scientists studying blood cancers have a unique advantage to make groundbreaking discoveries. Cancer cells found in the blood are more accessible than those in solid tumours. In essence, it is easier to study cancer-causing molecules, measure the effects of new therapies and make pivotal discoveries that are applicable to other diseases.

Throughout the month of September, LLSC is letting Canadians know that when they support blood cancer research, they are doubling their impact with donations matched, up to $100,000, by iA Financial Group. Donate at llscanada.org.

There are 137 types of blood cancers and associated disorders that affect over 138,000 Canadians today. In 2018, LLSC awarded $3.7 million in grants to world-class researchers in Canada. Researchers are encouraged to apply for the 2019 Research Grants competition now until October 26, 2018. Learn more at llscanada.org.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Canada
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada is the single largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancers in Canada. LLSC funds life-saving blood cancer research across the country, and provides free information and support services to patients and caregivers. Our mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. To find out more visit llscanada.org.

SOURCE The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada

CGPA Statement on the Resumption of US-Canada Trade Talks

 

TORONTO, Sept. 5, 2018 /CNW/ - The following is a statement by Jim Keon, President of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA), on the resumption of trade negotiations between the United States and Canada:

It is CGPA's understanding that there are many US proposals on the table that would require changes to Canadian law and delay competition from generic and biosimilar medicines, including longer periods of data protection for biologic drugs. Biologic medicines represent the fastest growing cost segment of health care spending.

If such proposals were adopted they would create billions of dollars in new costs for employers who sponsor employee drug benefit programs, governments, and patients who pay for medicines out of pocket.

Canada's intellectual property regime for pharmaceuticals was amended in September 2017 as a result of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the European Union. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has conservatively estimated that the two-year patent term extension included in CETA will cost Canadians more $600 million annually.1 It is our understanding that the measures pursued by the US in the negotiations go far beyond the measures included in CETA, and would be far more harmful for Canadians if adopted.

The Government of Canada says it is committed to improving access to necessary prescription medication and reducing the amounts Canadian governments pay for these drugs.2 As such, the Government of Canada must not agree to NAFTA concessions that reduce access to essential medicines and increase costs for those who pay for drugs.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Freeland have stated repeatedly that they will only sign an agreement that is in the best interests of Canadians. Canada already has a strong intellectual property regime for pharmaceuticals. There are no concessions in the area of pharmaceutical intellectual property that are in the best interests of Canadians.

About the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association

The Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA) represents Canada's generic pharmaceutical industry. The industry plays an important role in controlling health-care costs in Canada. Generic drugs are dispensed to fill more than 71 percent of all prescriptions but account for account for only 21 percent of the $28-billion Canadians spend annually on prescription medicines.

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1 http://www.pbo-dpb.gc.ca/web/default/files/Documents/Reports/2018/Patent%20Restoration/Patent_Restoration_EN.pdf
2 https://pm.gc.ca/eng/minister-health-mandate-letter

SOURCE Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association