Author: trainitright

Innovative Medicines Canada applauds the changes to OHIP+

 

OTTAWA, July 3, 2018 /CNW/ - Innovative Medicines Canada congratulates the new Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Christine Elliott, on moving decisively to revamp OHIP+.

"It's a win-win for everyone," said Pamela Fralick, President of Innovative Medicines Canada, about the changes that will ensure that Ontario children and youth who are not covered by private benefits will continue to receive their eligible prescriptions free. "Ontarians under the age of 25 will continue to access the prescription drugs they need in a way that will be cost-effective for taxpayers."

Innovative Medicines Canada member companies play an important role in the health care system by bringing new and important treatments to Canada to improve the lives of Ontarians.

"We support a program that will have the best standard of care, and achieves the best health outcomes for patients by providing access to a full range of medicines, through both public and private insurance plans."  added Ms. Fralick. "Innovative Medicines encourages the Ontario government to invest a portion of the savings into ensuring access to more life-changing medicines on its public plan."

As the province of Ontario moves forward with the changes to OHIP+, Innovative Medicines Canada looks forward to work with the provincial government to create the best possible access to prescription medicines for Ontarians and all Canadians.

About Innovative Medicines Canada

Innovative Medicines Canada is the national voice of Canada's innovative pharmaceutical industry. We advocate for policies that enable the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines and vaccines that improve the lives of all Canadians. We support our members' commitment to being valued partners in the Canadian healthcare system.

 

SOURCE Innovative Medicines Canada

More Family Practices Can Now Provide Best in Class Prevention to Patients

 

Canadian health care innovation opening an institute to train health practitioners as prevention experts

TORONTO, July 4, 2018 /CNW/ - The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (the Partnership) will provide $2.98 million to ensure more Canadians benefit from proven cancer prevention approaches through the BETTER program. The funding is part of over $6.7 million provided by the Partnership to build and expand BETTER since 2009. The University of Alberta will host the new phase over the next three years with the opening of the "BETTER Training Institute" consisting of two branches, one in Eastern Canada and one in Western Canada.

Cancer incidence rates are increasing in Canada.1 As the population ages, solutions are needed to prevent or, at least, to detect cancer earlier. BETTER will provide Canadians with prevention and screening strategies to address cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and associated risk factors, seamlessly integrated into family practices.

Increasing the use of the BETTER approach will support national goals of fewer Canadians developing cancer and if cancer develops, to detect it sooner when treatment is more likely to be effective. The program trains primary care providers – such as registered nurses – to become "Prevention Practitioners," specially trained in cancer and chronic disease prevention.

After completing the training, Prevention Practitioners will be able to have focused discussions with patients on lifestyle risk factors as well as their personal medical and family history, use the BETTER toolkit to create a personalized "prevention prescription," and create an action plan in collaboration with patients based on their individual goals.

Studies conducted during earlier phases of the program show that engaging with Prevention Practitioners resulted in a notable improvement in patients' ability to set goals and carry through on preventative health activities. The data show prevention prescriptions helped patients stay on track, with activities improving their overall health, such as getting screened for cancer and chronic diseases as well as changing lifestyle behaviours.

The three-year funding will support Canadians in up to seven provinces with a focus on training staff in primary care clinical settings serving rural, remote and First Nations, Inuit and Métis populations. The Eastern branch, based at Women's College Hospital in Toronto, will open to initially serve Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The Western branch, based at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, will open to initially serve Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba. Following this phase, the Partnership will look at opportunities to bring BETTER to remaining provinces and territories.

The BETTER program was created in 2009 with funding from the Partnership, which brought together research, practice, and policy experts to form coalitions that integrate cancer prevention with strategies to prevent other chronic diseases.

Primary care providers, other health practitioners, and interested members of the public who would like to learn more about the BETTER program can visit: www.better-program.ca or watch this infographic video.

Quotes

"BETTER is one of the most successful cancer prevention programs the Partnership has funded," said Cindy Morton, CEO of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. "Cancer is one of the biggest challenges facing this country. Prevention initiatives like this are proven to be effective in meeting the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control's long-term goals of fewer Canadians developing cancer, fewer Canadians dying from cancer, and a better quality of life for Canadians affected."

"Primary care providers in Canada are not able to optimally focus on prevention given current practice demands and health system constraints. Interactions about specific preventative health activities are often episodic and opportunistic," said Dr. Eva Grunfeld, Chief Scientific Advisor for the BETTER Training Institute and professor and vice-chair at the University of Toronto's Department of Family and Community Medicine. "The BETTER program will change this, making conversations about prevention a routine part of primary care and having primary care support patients in their efforts."

"Most guidelines and resources are focused on one disease or organ system," said Dr. Donna Manca, Medical Director for the BETTER Training Institute and professor and Director of Research at the University of Alberta's Department of Family Medicine. "However, our patients are at risk for multiple diseases and do not want to be treated as a disease, but as a person. The BETTER program blends the evidence-based guidelines and provides an integrated approach to holistically informing patients about their health, providing them with a personalized prevention prescription."

About the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer
As the steward of the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control, the Partnership works with partners to reduce the burden of cancer on Canadians. Our partner network – cancer agencies, health system leaders and experts, and people affected by cancer – brings a wide variety of expertise to every aspect of our work. After 10 years of collaboration, we are accelerating work that improves the effectiveness and efficiency of the cancer control system, aligning shared priorities and mobilizing positive change across the cancer continuum. From 2017-2022, our work is organized under five themes in our Strategic Plan: quality, equity, seamless patient experience, maximize data impact, sustainable system. The Partnership continues to support the work of the collective cancer community in achieving our shared 30-year goals: a future in which fewer people get cancer, fewer die from cancer and those living with the disease have a better quality of life. The Partnership was created by the federal government in 2006 to move the Strategy into action and receives ongoing funding from Health Canada to continue leading the Strategy with partners from across Canada.  Visit www.partnershipagainstcancer.ca.

About the University of Alberta's Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry
The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta is a leader in educating and training exceptional practitioners and researchers of the highest international standards. The faculty's mission is to advance health through excellence in teaching, research and patient care. It is home to one of the top 100 ranked medical schools in the world. For more information, please visit www.ualberta.ca/medicine.

About the University of Toronto Department of Family and Community Medicine
The University of Toronto's Department of Family and Community Medicine is recognized internationally for its clinical, educational and research excellence. Our faculty are clinical and academic leaders who are breaking new ground on issues ranging from inner city health, addiction medicine, global health, palliative care, immigrant and aboriginal health, and far more. Encompassing more than 1600 faculty across the province - from rural villages to urban centres - we are shaping the future of family medicine in Canada. Visit www.dfcm.utoronto.ca.

REFERENCES

1- Canadian Cancer Society. Nearly 1 in 2 Canadians expected to get cancer: report. 2017. Available at:
http://www.cancer.ca/en/about-us/for-media/media-releases/national/2017/canadian-cancer-statistics/?region=on

 

SOURCE Canadian Partnership Against Cancer

Senzer Plans to Launch Its Inhaled Cannabinoid Products in the UK

 

LONDON, July 5, 2018 /CNW/ - Senzer Ltd has announced that it intends to launch its inhaled cannabinoid portfolio of products later this year in the UK under a specials pharmaceutical licence. This would enable doctors to prescribe its inhaled cannabinoid products to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

"Our delivery technology is a first of its kind - a respiratory delivery system that uses a breath-operated valve technology and delivers pharmaceutical grade cannabinoids rapidly into the bloodstream," Senzer CEO Alex Hearn has said.

With over 300,000 people across Europe and the US currently experiencing the most common side effects of chemotherapy, nausea and nerve pain, cannabinoids have long been identified as a highly promising supportive therapy alongside chemotherapy. Unfortunately oral delivery of cannabinoids has a limited therapeutic effect due to poor absorption, however doctors still regularly prescribe cannabinoid oral capsules for cancer patients under compassionate use schemes in Europe.

"We believe we have a unique respiratory delivery system for cannabinoids that can hopefully improve the quality of life for those going through extremely intense treatment," a spokesman for the company has said.

The first product available to be prescribed by doctors will be Cannafen®, a cannabidiol inhalation solution which the company has been developing since 2015. A further product containing dronabinol solution, called Candex® will be launched in the new year. Both products are subject to regulatory clearance.

Senzer's products containing cannabinoids are designed to offer fast and effective relief for nausea and breakthrough neuropathic pain, two common and poorly treated side effects of chemotherapy cancer treatments. These two conditions can have a significant impact on patient compliance, cancer treatment outcome and quality of life.

"We hope that this will be a new and meaningful treatment option available on prescription and increase the range of options for doctors and patients alike as they navigate their cancer care."

Further information can be found at http://www.senzer.com

SOURCE Senzer Limited

Canadian employees report workplace stress as primary cause of mental health concerns

 

Morneau Shepell and the Mental Health Commission of Canada explain the impact of employees' daily experience on mental health in new white paper

TORONTO, July 5, 2018 /CNW/ - Mental health issues in the workplace are among the top concerns for organizations of all sizes. According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), one in five Canadians experience a mental health problem or illness each year, equating to 500,000 employees unable to work every week due to mental health problems or illnesses. Seeking to understand how the daily experience of employees impacts the workplace, Morneau Shepell partnered with the Globe and Mail to create the "mental health experience in Canada's workplaces" survey. Today, Morneau Shepell and the MHCC released a new white paper detailing the survey's findings.

Understanding mental health, mental illness and their impacts in the workplace, outlines a key finding that Canadian employees report workplace stress as the primary cause of their mental health problems or illness, with depression and anxiety noted as the top two issues. The joint white paper explains the impact of mental health issues on job performance, core coping strategies being used by employees and the actions that organizations can take to better support employees.

Respondents were driven to the survey through a series of articles published in the Globe and Mail by Dr. Bill Howatt, chief research and development officer, workforce productivity, Morneau Shepell, and various guest co-authors, such as Louise Bradley, president and chief executive officer, MHCC.

The mental health spectrum
Mental health concerns can impact anyone at any time. In their workplace lifecycle, employees move back and forth along a mental health spectrum through seven categories, including "healthy in work" and "in work struggling." The white paper explains that there has been a shift in how workplaces understand mental health problems and illnesses, which extend beyond affecting only those under distress to affecting everyone across the organization.

"Mental health is not binary – in that people either have issues or not; it lies along a continuum and can change depending on the challenges we face," said Dr. Howatt. "It's critical that employers consider the mental health of the entire workforce and develop a strategy that addresses all levels of mental health programming, including preventative measures to keep employees healthy, early intervention to navigate through challenges, and supportive policies to aid in effective transition back into the workplace."

Workplace stress has become cyclical – it is a major contributor to mental health issues, which can subsequently impact workplace productivity. In today's organizations, the survey found that Canadians reported high levels of concern regarding the impact of their mental health issues on their career and job performance. Close to three-quarters (70 per cent) of respondents stated that their work experience impacted their mental health, while a higher number (78 per cent) reported mental health as the primary reason for missing work.

Learning to cope
The white paper outlines that despite the prevalence of mental health issues, employees are confident in their ability to cope with stressful situations. The majority of survey respondents reported a neutral (59 per cent) or positive (26 per cent) outlook on mental health, which closely mirrors the reported coping strategies. More than half (54 per cent) of respondents indicated they have high/optimal coping skills. Employees identify the use of positive coping mechanisms such as seeking professional support, and negative coping strategies such as drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco.

Without effective coping strategies, employees are at risk of further harm to themselves. The white paper explains that suicide remains a top concern, with more than half (58 per cent) of survey respondents reporting they had considered taking their lives to cope with mental illness.

"The effectiveness of a mental health strategy predicts how well an organization curbs issues in the workplace and supports at-risk employees," continued Dr. Howatt. "We're proud to see a trend towards more Canadian workplaces normalizing mental health in discussions but we recognize that significant work remains, as most organizations don't have policies in place. We found that this is not because organizations aren't willing to implement policies, but because they were unsure of where to start."

Shifting the conversation
Effective policies to curb mental health issues are embedded across all stages of employment, from hiring to retirement or turnover. The white paper explains that organizations should follow two models: 1) a continual improvement or plan-do-check-act model, such as Morneau Shepell's total health framework, which focuses on continual improvement, adjustment and evaluation to positively change work environments, and 2) a joint responsibility model, which puts onus on both the employee and employer to foster a healthy work environment through awareness, accountability and action.

"Implementing a successful, comprehensive mental health strategy takes time but is integral to the overall health of the organization," said Bradley. "We're confident that this white paper will bring to light some of the challenges that organizations have faced and offer actions that employers can introduce and begin taking the next step towards a mentally healthy workplace."

Understanding mental health, mental illness and their impacts in the workplace can be downloaded here.

About the Survey
Morneau Shepell and the Globe and Mail's "mental health experience in Canada's workplaces" survey was conducted in Canada from early 2017 to August 2017, with 1,575 responses in total. The survey reported on the workplace experience of an average professional Canadian employee with a mental health problem or mental illness. Of the respondents surveyed, 49 per cent identified as working for a large employer (501 or more employees), 14 per cent for a medium employer (between 101 and 500 employees), 28 per cent for a small employer (one to 100 employees) and nine per cent not currently working.

About Morneau Shepell
Morneau Shepell is the only human resources consulting and technology company that takes an integrated approach to employee assistance, health, benefits and retirement needs. The Company is the leading provider of employee and family assistance programs, the largest administrator of retirement and benefits plans and the largest provider of integrated absence management solutions in Canada. As a leader in strategic HR consulting and innovative pension design, the Company helps clients solve complex workforce problems and provides integrated productivity, health and retirement solutions.  Established in 1966, Morneau Shepell serves approximately 20,000 clients, ranging from small businesses to some of the largest corporations and associations. With more than 4,000 employees in offices across North America, Morneau Shepell provides services to organizations across Canada, in the United States and around the globe. Morneau Shepell is a publicly-traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.

SOURCE Morneau Shepell Inc.

World Fitness Expo 2018 announces Derek Hough in talent lineup for 25th anniversary event 
Dancing with the Stars alum to join fitness superstar Jillian Michaels at the world’s largest fitness education event August 8-12 in Toronto
TORONTO, ON — canfitpro, Canada’s largest provider of fitness education, today announced the addition of dancing superstar Derek Hough to its roster of industry talent headlining World Fitness Expo. Along with BODYSHRED™ creator, Jillian Michaels, other notable industry leaders announced today include breakdancing duo, The Brutez™ and Tae Bo creator Billy Blanks. World Fitness Expo returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre August 8-12 to celebrate 25 years of industry insight, fitness seminars and high-level workout sessions.

“We are so excited to announce a star-studded roster of the best in the business joining World Fitness Expo this year.” says Nathalie Lacombe, Vice President, canfitpro. “From Billy Blanks’ Tae Bo, one of the industry’s most recognized workouts, to Derek Hough’s world-famous ballroom dancing talent, the Expo is really getting a diverse range of expertise this year and we can’t wait to share it with Canada’s biggest fitness enthusiasts.”

Derek Hough
A competitive dancer since childhood, Derek gained widespread popularity as a world-class Latin and ballroom dancer, choreographer and singer. Known for his work on the series Dancing with the Stars, in which he is the only six-time champion in franchise history of the hit ABC show, Derek is also a Primetime Emmy® Award winner, New York Times Best-Selling author and is in his second season as a judge on NBC’s dance competition series, World of Dance. The multi-talented entertainer will bring his industry expertise to this year’s World Fitness Expo with an educational seminar and public meet & greet.

The Brutez™
Rukus and Dance Fever, also known as The Brutez™, will hit the stage yet again this year heading their popular Ultimate Dance Fitness program. Each class combines strength, fitness, entertainment and urban style to create the perfect full-body workout. With backgrounds in all styles of dance and specialties in hip-hop, popping and animation, The Brutez™ have travelled the world making their mark as the dancing bodybuilders with an electrifying, eye-catching style that’s motivated a new generation of fitness fanatics.

Billy Blanks
The creator of Tae Bo Fitness®, a revolutionary total body fitness system known worldwide and made famous by A-list celebrities, Billy Blanks will bring his most popular workout to the World Fitness Expo stage. A combination of martial arts and kickboxing, Tae Bo is a high-level cardio workout aimed at total body fitness. Currently co-host of the hit TV series Celebrity Sweat, which reveals how celebrities and athletes balance good nutrition and fitness, Billy continues to motivate and inspire all generations to make fitness a dedicated part of their lives.

Other industry notables leading workout sessions and hosting educational seminars include:

  • Chef Vikram Vij – Indian-born Canadian chef, cookbook author, and television personality
  • Tosca Reno – Best-selling author, fitness model and columnist
  • Suaad Ghadban – TV fitness expert, Global News correspondent and fitness speaker
  • Gillian Mandich – PhD of Health and Rehabilitation Science and television and radio personality
  • Kelly Starrett – Physical therapist, coach and best-selling author
  • Thomas Delauer – Executive Body and Business Coach and fitness influencer

As the world’s largest fitness conference and trade show, World Fitness Expo draws in over 16,000 delegates each year for customizable fitness education experiences, heart-pumping workouts and elite shopping opportunities. Attendees can choose from a selection of over 300 sessions presented by more than 200 industry experts.  For additional activities, contests and exhibitor prizes, guests can enjoy Expo Hall, open August 10 and 11. General admission tickets to Expo Hall can be purchased online for $17.70.

Website: www.worldfitnessexpo.com
Twitter: @canfitpro
Instagram: @canfitpro
Facebook: @canfitpro
Hashtag: #canfitpro #worldfitnessexpo

About canfitpro
canfitpro is the largest provider of education in the Canadian fitness industry. Founded in 1993, canfitpro delivers accessible, quality education, certifications, events and membership services. canfitpro's over 24,000 members include some of the world's finest fitness professionals, health club operators, industry suppliers, and fitness consumers.

Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Etobicoke Fertility Clinic (Law Firm: Gluckstein Lawyers)

 

TORONTO, July 6, 2018 /CNW/ - A woman whose eggs were stored at ReproMed – the Toronto Institute for Reproductive Medicine (TIRM) has filed a class action lawsuit, alleging the fertility company was negligent in its inspection, monitoring and maintenance of a storage freezer which failed in late May, destroying her eggs and hopes for a family. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of all individuals who lost viable embryos, sperm and eggs in the freezer malfunction.

The suit alleges that a cryogenic storage tank located at ReproMed failed causing a catastrophic vacuum pump failure. The temperature in the tank was allowed to rise likely destroying all the embryos, sperm and eggs it contained.

ReproMed, its medical director Dr. Alfonso P. Del Valle, other medical professionals at ReproMed, Praxair Canada Inc., distributor of cryogenic tanks, and U.S.-based cryogenic tank manufacturer Chart Industries, Inc. are named as defendants. The suit seeks damages for negligence, breach of contract, and breach of statutory duties.

Gluckstein Lawyers filed the class action on behalf of a 39-year old woman who recently had 65 eggs retrieved which she entrusted to ReproMed. To protect her privacy she is identified only by her initials Q.Z.

Q.Z. received the news that her eggs had been destroyed by email. The email, from Dr. Del Valle informed her that there had been a catastrophic vacuum pump failure. He indicated that the freezer which was supplied by Chart was defective. It is not currently known whether the increase in temperature which destroyed the eggs, sperm and embryos was caused by design defect, manufacturing problem, human error or a combination of factors.

Q.Z. was heartbroken when she learned of that the failure. "I was in total shock," she said. "I cried in my car for a long period of time…I trusted the clinic and the professionals. My hopes and dreams are destroyed."

Q.Z. says the process of harvesting her eggs was not easy. Given her age, physical condition and current circumstances, she is not sure that she could go through it all again.

"The impact on individuals and couples who invested time, money and emotional capital to protect a future family cannot be overstated." explains Q.Z.'s lawyer, Jordan Assaraf. "They placed their faith in a clinic to protect their future. The clinic failed them and has caused them irreparable harm."

This lawsuit follows on the heels of two high profile failures of similar freezer tanks manufactured by Chart in the United Stated. Those failures affected hundreds of individuals who stored eggs and embryos at clinics in San Francisco and Cleveland and is the subject of multiple lawsuits in the U.S.

Q.Z. hopes through the lawsuit to get answers and accountability. "For others, I hope what I do now can prevent this from happening again," she says. "I hope no other families would suffer what I have been suffering and be heartbroken, devastated and lost."

Fertility clinics in Ontario are not government regulated. As such, there was no requirement for inspections or oversight which might have avoided this tragedy.

SOURCE Gluckstein Personal Injury Lawyers

Fuel up this summer with SimplyProtein

Kick off the season with these easy tips

TORONTO, ON – On the heels of Canada Day weekend, Canadians officially kicked off the summer season with friends, family and those mouth-watering barbeque favourites. With busy schedules and an array of summer activities keeping everyone out and about, it’s easy to forget the most important summer musts. While beach lounging, camping or during an afternoon picnic in the park, SimplyProtein wants to ensure Canadians stay healthy and hydrated with a few summer-loving tips.
Beat the Heat:
Summer is all about enjoying the weather and keeping busy. With endless outdoor activities, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun and forget to stay hydrated. Most people know to drink six to eight glasses of water a day but doctors also recommend 16-32 ounces of cool fluids during each hour in a hot environment. Always remember to pack extra water for those last-minute summer plans. SimplyProtein Tip: Freeze a refillable bottle halfway with water so it stays ice-cold during long days in the sun. It can be easily refilled throughout the day to avoid heat exhaustion.
Keep Active:
Planning to lounge on the beach to perfect that summer tan? Remember to get out and stay active and take advantage of summer jogs and outdoor boot camp sessions. With so many outdoor events to choose from, staying cool is critical. Sweating causes the body to lose not only water but electrolytes as well. Without keeping the balance, many people can suffer from light-headedness and nausea due to dehydration. SimplyProtein Tip: Be aware of timing when exercising outdoors. The hottest part of the day tends to be between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. so aim for early morning classes or wait until the sun goes down to run that mile.
Fuel Up:
With busy schedules filled with summer camps, wedding season, beach days and barbeques, it’s easy to forget to eat breakfast or snack throughout the day. Eating wholesome foods is just as important as staying hydrated. Choose foods and snacks that can be eaten on-the-go and remember to cover all four food groups: Vegetables and Fruit, Grain Products, Milk and Alternatives and Meat and Alternatives. SimplyProtein Tip:Keep frozen fruit handy to stay hydrated while keeping blood sugar on track and opt for healthy treats like Simply Protein chips to stay fuller longer. SimplyProtein products are high in protein and contain only 4g of sugar or less and all kid’s bars are peanut and nut free so even the little ones can fuel up with the safest snacks at summer camp.
Fight the Rays:
The sun’s harmful rays are always strong, despite the time of day. The higher the UV Index, the stronger the rays, and the greater the need to take sun safety precautions. With proper preparation, the sun’s damaging effects can be avoided so Canadians can partake in safer, summer fun. SimplyProtein Tip: Always sport waterproof sunscreen and lip balm with at least an SPF of 15. Keep the body cool with breathable fabrics, such as cotton, linen and silk and wear a hat with a wide brim to cover the face, head and ears so the most sensitive areas stay protected. Remember that sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours and it's best to wait 20-30 minutes after applying before going outside so the UV filters have time to soak into the skin and form a protective layer.
Find SimplyProtein online at SimplyProtein.ca and most major retailers including Loblaws, Sobeys, Metro and Wal-Mart. SimplyProtein snacks are free from artificial sweeteners and come in a variety of flavours like Peanut Butter Chocolate, Cocoa Toffee, Maple Pecan and Lemon Coconut. For the salty-over-sweet lover, SimplyProtein carries an assortment of chips with multiple flavours including Spicy Chili and Salt & Pepper, making them the perfect guilt-free snack option and a must-have for every busy schedule.

About SimplyProtein®
Wellness Foods is a female-founded company that was started in 2002 by Cathy Richards after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. After struggling to find a filling and nutritious snack with a short list of ingredients, she created SimplyProtein. With a mission to make healthy snacks for busy people, SimplyProtein® now produces a range of great tasting, wholesome snacks that help you stay fuller longer. SimplyProtein products are high protein, contain only 4g of sugar or less and are free from artificial sweeteners and flavours.

Research supported by the Huntington Society of Canada (HSC) provides new insight into Huntington disease (HD) and may provide benefits for other neurodegenerative diseases

 

(KITCHENER, ON) July 10, 2018 – A multi-institutional, international study supported in collaboration by the Huntington Society of Canada (HSC), the Krembil Foundation, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and McMaster University has developed a new theory on Huntington disease (HD) which is showing promise and is opening new avenues of potential drug development.

HD is a debilitating brain disorder that is fatal and incurable. About one in every 7,000 Canadians has HD and approximately one in every 5,500 is at-risk of developing the disease.

HD is caused by a mutation in the gene that makes the protein called huntingtin. This study was conducted in partnership with the Ray Truant lab of McMaster University, the Simonetta Sipione lab of the University of Alberta, the David Litchfield lab of the Western University and the Christopher Ross Lab of Johns Hopkins University.  They found that there is a unique type of signalling coming from damaged DNA, that signals huntingtin activity in DNA repair, and that this signalling is defective in Huntington disease.

A study developing the new hypothesis was published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS).

“The concept was that if we applied the signalling molecule back in excess, even orally, this signalling can be restored in the Huntington disease mouse brain,” said Laura Bowie, a PhD student in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at McMaster. “This resulted in the mutant huntingtin protein levels being restored to normal, leading to a correction of Huntington disease in mouse models.”

This discovery was made using a robotic microscope and drug screening by artificial intelligence, coupled to state-of-the-art super-resolution microscopy in a system developed by Bowie.

Ray Truant, senior author on the study, has focussed his career on Huntington disease research and how the mutation leads to Huntington disease. His lab was the first to show that normal huntingtin was involved in DNA repair.

“This is an important new lead and a new hypothesis, but it is important for people to know this is not a drug or cure,” said Truant, professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at McMaster. “These compounds also show promise in Parkinson disease models as there may be pathways in common for Huntington and Parkinson diseases.”

Dr. Truant’s research is supported in part through HSC’s research funding strategy which supports excellent, peer reviewed research into the most promising basic and clinical research, leading to viable treatments for HD.  The universal goal for the international HD research focus is to find treatments that reverse, slow or prevent the progression of HD.

“The Huntington Society of Canada is proud to support such leading edge research,” says Bev Heim-Myers, CEO of the Huntington Society of Canada.  “Innovative research initiatives, such as the work led by the team in Dr. Truant’s Lab, including PhD student Laurie Bowie, has the potential to transform HD research.  The answers we find for Huntington disease will likely lead to better understanding of treatments for other neurological diseases and it is important that we continue this cross-talk amongst neurodegenerative diseases.”

—30—

Huntington disease (HD) is a debilitating brain disorder that is fatal and incurable. About one in every 7,000 Canadians has HD and approximately one in every 5,500 is at-risk of developing the disease. Many more are touched by HD whether as a caregiver, a family member, or a friend. HD causes cells in specific parts of the brain to die. As the disease progresses, a person with Huntington disease becomes less able to manage movements, recall events, make decisions and control emotions. Many describe the symptoms of HD as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – simultaneously.

The Huntington Society of Canada (HSC) is a respected leader in the worldwide effort to end Huntington disease. HSC is the only Canadian health charity dedicated to providing help and hope for families dealing with Huntington disease across Canada.

5 Ways Neglecting Your Teeth Can Cost You – In Money And In Health

Here’s a hard fact to chew on: Adults between the ages of 20 and 64 average losing about seven permanent teeth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR).

Lost teeth are just one of the many costs that can be incurred by neglecting your oral health. Dental professionals say a lack of preventative care by patients is often at the root of dental problems; only 37 percent of adults participating in the NIDCR survey reported visiting a dentist in the previous year.

“You can eliminate a lot of pain by being proactive about your dental health,” says Dr. Ramón Durán (www.drramonduran.com), a dentist in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and author of Your Best Smile … For a Lifetime: Achieving Your Optimal Oral Health. “Taking preventative measures is vital if you want to save money and, more importantly, save your teeth and stay healthy.

There are many signs you need to see your dentist, yet often people ignore oral issues until the pain forces them into action.

“By then, the conditions have likely progressed to the point where more involved and expensive treatments are necessary,” Durán says. “Along with the many dental-related problems, there are serious diseases and health complications that are linked to poor dental health.”

Durán lists five ways neglecting your oral health can cost you - not just in money but also in medical issues:

  • Implants. These are the expensive replacements for those teeth you lost. They can run anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000 for a single tooth. Durán links implants with what he calls “opportunity costs” – the choice one relinquishes when making a poor dental health decision. “Deciding not to brush at least twice a day and floss, opting for sugary foods and snacks, not visiting your dentist twice a year – all are opportunity costs,” Durán says. “Your mouth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, and if neglected, one the most direct results is tooth loss.”
  • Jobs. Yes, yellowed, missing or crooked teeth can cost you a job. An American Dental Association survey found young adults and low-income adults agreed that the appearance of their mouth affected their ability to interview. One reason: they were too embarrassed to smile. ”Like it or not, we’re often judged by our appearance,” Durán says. “We often associate a person’s oral health with some of the social biases we have.”
  • Diabetes. The National Institute of Health’s report “Oral Health in America” links periodontitis to diabetes. Periodontitis is the inflammation of the tissue around the teeth, often causing shrinkage of the gums and loosening of the teeth. “Reports have suggested it’s a two-way street for these diseases,” Durán says. “Periodontal disease may have a negative impact on glycemic control.”
  • Heart disease and stroke. “Certain bacteria that thrive in dental infections are being identified as potentially linked to heart disease,” Durán says. “Bacteria or viruses in the mouth can get directly into the bloodstream, with the possibility of causing blood clots and narrowing of the arteries.”
  • COPD. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, caused by chronic bronchitis, recurrent respiratory infection or emphysema, has been associated with periodontal disease. “This can happen due to bacterial pneumonia living in the mouth and making its way to the airway,” Durán says.

“The cost of choosing not to take proper care of your teeth and gums is greater than many people imagine,” Durán asks. “It could be the cost of an implant, dentures, your overall health – and even your life.”

 

About Dr. Ramón Durán

Dr. Ramón Durán, DMD (www.drramonduran.com), is a dentist based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with a practice focused on cosmetic and implant dentistry. He’s a public speaker and author of Your Best Smile … For a Lifetime: Achieving Your Optimal Health. Dr. Durán is part of just 10 percent of dental professionals in the U.S. who practice the concept of complete dentistry, helping patients to identify potential problems before further damage can occur. He is a former faculty member of the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Puerto Rico, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Duran also is a graduate of The Dawson Academy, a world-renowned continuing education institution for dentists.

Ambulance New Brunswick earns Accreditation Canada's highest ranking

 

Exemplary Standing positions provincial ambulance service among best in class

MONCTON, July 10, 2018 /CNW/ - Ambulance New Brunswick (ANB) has earned Accredited with Exemplary Standing making it the first and only EMS organization in Canada to earn this designation from Accreditation Canada.

Accreditation Canada provides health care organizations an independent, third-party assessment using standards built on best practices used and validated by similar organizations around the world. Surveyors assess processes, procedures and policies around governance, quality of care, human resources, risk management and more against over 350 standards.

"The nearly 1,000 ANB health professionals across the province work hard every day to deliver the best care possible to our patients," said Richard Losier, President of Medavie Health Services NB and CEO of EM/ANB Inc. "This third-party assessment means that quality improvement is engrained in our organization's culture. It also validates that continuous efforts have been made in the last 10 years to improve the quality and safety of the services we provide."

"The accreditation cycle touches the entire organization - paramedics, dispatchers and flight nurses, as well as all of our support teams, are operating at the top of their profession," added Losier. "This achievement is a true team effort put in throughout the four-year process."

"This independent accreditation result means that Ambulance New Brunswick is one of the best ambulance services in our country," said Health Minister Benoit Bourque. "I would like to congratulate all ANB employees for their hard work, and dedication to the health and safety of all New Brunswickers. Your government and Ambulance New Brunswick are committed to working together to deliver continuous improvements across our province to best serve New Brunswickers."

"Accreditation Canada's accreditation program — developed over 55 years — has a high degree of recognition in the international health care community," said Pamela Daw, Client Engagement Coordinator, Specialized Services at Accreditation Canada. "Ambulance New Brunswick received Accreditation with Exemplary Standing. This is the highest ranking conferred by Accreditation Canada."

About Accreditation Canada:

Accreditation Canada is a not-for-profit organization that works closely with health services organizations to help them develop a sustainable culture of improvement that betters safety and efficiency for patients and families.

 

SOURCE Ambulance New Brunswick (ANB)