Author: trainitright

Star-studded Joe Carter Classic hits a home run for 9th Annual golf tournament and VIP After-Party

Wyclef Jean delivered an epic performance in support of
the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada

TORONTO, ON – The Joe Carter Classic Celebrity Golf Tournament closed the three-day charity event with a celebration at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Toronto. Celebrities, legendary athletes and VIPs joined baseball superstar Joe Carter to celebrate the success of this year’s efforts.
Joe Carter and host, Johnny Gill, hit the stage to start off the VIP After-Party
Photo Credit: George Pimentel
Sponsored by Biion Footwear and hosted by Jeremy Piven and Johnny Gill, the VIP After-Party was the final destination for golfers and celebrities who participated in the 9th Annual charity event. Wyclef Jean, Maestro Fresh Wes, Kardinal Offishall and Ivana Santili hit the stage to treat attendees to a night of special performances.
Wyclef Jean
Photo Credit: George Pimentel
Over the last nine years, the Joe Carter Classic Golf Tournament has raised over $2.5 million benefiting the Children’s Aid Foundation’s Joe Carter Family Support Fund and the Joe Carter Scholarship Endowment Fund, along with other local children's charities. Prior to last night’s show-stopping event, Carter joined the participants for two days on the links for the annual Joe Carter Classic Golf Tournament.

VIP After-Party images are available here. 

#JoeCarterClassic 
Twitter: @JoeCarterGolf
Facebook: JoeCarterGolfClassic

About Joe Carter Classic Golf Tournament
The annual Joe Carter Classic charity golf tournament pairs avid golfers with top name celebrities from the worlds of sport and entertainment. Proceeds from the event go towards supporting post-secondary attainment and social development programs for Canadian youth. Since 2010, the Joe Carter Classic has raised $2.5 million to benefit the Children’s Aid Foundation and other local children’s charities.

About The Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada
The Children’s Aid Foundation is Canada’s leading national charity dedicated to improving the lives of our country's most vulnerable youth - those who have experienced abuse, neglect, and abandonment. With the support of generous donors, we have been helping children reach their potential against all odds since 1979. Last year, we delivered a wide range of high– impact programs and services, transforming the lives of over 23,000 children and youth. They depend on us. We depend on you. Join us and help Canada’s most vulnerable kids define a vision for themselves of a successful future. Learn more at www.cafdn.org.

De Gasperis and Kohn Families Donate $20 Million for New Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital

 

VAUGHAN/RICHMOND HILL, ON, June 21, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, the largest single donation in Mackenzie Health Foundation's history was announced: a $20-million joint gift from the De Gasperis and Kohn families to help build and equip the new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital. The gift was announced at the City of Vaughan's Mayor's Gala by Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor of Vaughan and co-Chair of the Foundation's Exceptional Care Belongs Here campaign.

The De Gasperis family, founders of TACC Group of Companies, and Kohn family, founders of Fieldgate Group of Companies, have each contributed to the growth and spirit of York Region for more than a quarter of a century. Building on their community leadership, the De Gasperis and Kohn families are helping to create a world-class health experience in southwest York Region and beyond. This gift will be dedicated to the new Learning Centre at Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital.

The Giovanni De Gasperis ♦ Eugene Kohn Learning Centre will be the most technologically advanced education facility within a Canadian community hospital, featuring clinical teaching and simulation labs, conference and learning spaces, and a state-of-the-art auditorium for transformative and large-scale health care forums, complete with high-tech innovations. Mackenzie Health physicians, nurses, staff and health care providers from across Ontario will be able to stay up-to-date on the latest information and practice new skills and best clinical practices, leading to improved patient care and outcomes.

The centre will extend beyond the hospital walls, using technology to link the Mackenzie Health team with educational opportunities and experts outside the region and allowing health care providers across the GTA, province and country to consult and collaborate within Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital.

Construction of the new hospital began in October 2016. The project is on schedule to open in late 2020.  Once complete, the 1.2 million sq. ft., state-of-the art health care facility will feature fully integrated "smart" technology systems and medical devices – a first for a community hospital in Canada.

This $20-million gift is a major step in Mackenzie Health Foundation's fundraising campaign, which is being spearheaded by a dedicated 33-member cabinet co-chaired by Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Greg Sorbara. The Foundation has committed to raising $250-million in community contributions toward the total $1.6 billion project cost. Thanks to a number of generous donations already received, including this most recent gift from the De Gasperis and Kohn families, the Foundation has raised $103 million to date.

QUOTES:

"On behalf of my brothers Carlo and Michael, the TACC family is so proud to call the City of Vaughan home. The TACC Group has the privilege of building great communities for families to live, work and play and it is our honour to give back to the City through the creation of the state-of-the-art Learning Centre at the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital in honour of our father Giovanni De Gasperis and the late Mr. Eugene Kohn. We are proud of the legacy that our father Giovanni De Gasperis has built. It is one that continues to inspire all of us and the importance of public service and giving back to the community. We congratulate Mayor Bevilacqua for his continued leadership and dedication to the City of Vaughan and Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital."
- Silvio De Gasperis, on behalf of the De Gasperis Family and TACC Group of Companies

"On behalf of our family, we are proud to recognize my father, the late Mr. Eugene Kohn, for his contributions to the GTA by creating the state-of-the-art Learning Centre at the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital. We established the Fieldgate Cares Foundation to recognize Mr. Eugene Kohn's legacy and to give back to the communities that Fieldgate services. We are proud to contribute to the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital in honour of Mr. Giovanni De Gasperis and Mr. Eugene Kohn. Congratulations to Mayor Bevilacqua for his continued commitment to the growth of the City of Vaughan."
- Tom Kohn, on behalf of the Kohn, Gunsburg, Eisenberger and Jakubovic Families and the Fieldgate Group of Companies

"As a result of the incredible generosity demonstrated by the De Gasperis and Kohn families, the 2018 Mayor's Gala will be remembered, cherished and celebrated because of their selfless, historic and record-setting $20 million donation to the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital. Once completed, the Giovanni De Gasperis and Eugene Kohn Learning Centre will stand as a testament to the spirit of generosity that radiates in people, businesses and neighbourhoods throughout our community. Building this hospital is about investing in the health and well-being of our citizens and ensuring we all have access to the best possible care for generations to come. The philanthropic leadership of the De Gasperis and Kohn families will continue a long history of community building by helping to further shape Vaughan's promising future."
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, City of Vaughan

"The Learning Centre will provide health care professionals with enhanced, state-of-the-art clinical education and training, which is critical to creating a world-class health experience for the people of Vaughan and neighbouring communities. Today's announcement of the De Gasperis and Kohn family gift helps further Mackenzie Health's commitment to exceptional care and foster continuous and innovative learning – which are vital to building the future of quality care close to home."
- Altaf Stationwala, President and CEO, Mackenzie Health

"Learning is at the heart of Mackenzie Health's commitment to our patients and our future. The leadership and generosity shown by the De Gasperis and Kohn families truly is exceptional. This historic gift will support the transformational and continued growth of Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital and provide the most technologically advanced education and training within any Canadian community hospital."
- Ingrid Perry, President and CEO, Mackenzie Health Foundation

ABOUT MACKENZIE HEALTH
Mackenzie Health is a dynamic regional health care provider which includes the existing Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital and the future Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, as well as a comprehensive network of community-based services. In March 2017, the organization received its second consecutive award of Accreditation with Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada for its commitment to safety and quality patient care. This is the highest rating a Canadian health care provider can receive. Guided by a vision to create a world-class health experience, Mackenzie Health has an unrelenting focus on the patient and is dedicated to patient needs now and in the future. With over 500,000 residents in southwest York Region, Mackenzie Health is proud to serve one of the fastest growing and most diverse communities in Canada. For more information, please visit mackenziehealth.ca

The Mackenzie Health Foundation is spearheading the Exceptional Care Belongs Here campaign – the largest fundraising drive ever led by a community hospital in Canada – which is committed to raising $250-million in community contributions toward the total $1.6-billion project cost of the new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital. Since 1977, Mackenzie Health Foundation has raised more than $142 million for capital projects, medical equipment, technology and educational opportunities for Mackenzie Health.

For more information, please visit mackenziehealthfoundation.ca

ABOUT TACC GROUP OF COMPANIES
The TACC Group of Companies is owned and operated by the De Gasperis Family and employs over 2,500 people. The group of companies have solid reputations in the industry as bold innovative leaders in their various areas of expertise. The TACC Group of Companies includes: TACC Developments, TACC Construction, ARISTA Homes, DECO Homes, OPUS Homes, Trans Power Utility, DiCrete Construction, DECAST Ltd., and Copper Creek Golf Group.

ABOUT FIELDGATE GROUP OF COMPANIES
At its core, Fieldgate is about providing families, businesses and communities with the spaces they need to get the most out of life. From award-winning homes and condominiums, to visionary commercial properties and beyond, Fieldgate has consistently demonstrated its ability to develop superior quality properties that exceed the expectations of our many satisfied clients and homebuyers.

The Fieldgate Group of Companies includes: Fieldgate Homes, Fieldgate Urban, Fieldgate Land Development, Fieldgate Commercial Properties, Fieldgate Property Management, Fieldgate Construction Management Limited, Fieldgate Retirement Living and Fieldgate Golf Group.

SOURCE Mackenzie Health

Tresiba® demonstrated significantly improved blood sugar control and lower rates of hypoglycemia versus insulin Toujeo® in real-world evidence study

 

Adults with type 2 diabetes treated with Tresiba® (insulin degludec injection) had a significant reduction in HbA1c and a 30 per cent lower rate of hypoglycemic episodes compared with those treated with Toujeo® (insulin glargine U300) after starting basal insulin

TORONTO, June 23, 2018 /CNW/ - Findings from CONFIRM – a large real-world evidence (RWE) study comparing the effectiveness of Tresiba® (insulin degludec injection) versus Toujeo® (insulin glargine U300) – will be presented on Monday, June 25, 2018 at the American Diabetes Association's 78th Scientific Sessions (ADA) in Orlando, US. The retrospective, non-interventional comparative effectiveness study, which included more than 4,000 adults with type 2 diabetes who were starting basal insulin for the first time, showed that after six months those treated with Tresiba® had significantly lower HbA1c compared to those treated with Toujeo® (-1.5 per cent vs. -1.2 per cent respectively; p=0.029).1

As a secondary endpoint, there was a 30 per cent lower rate of hypoglycemic episodes with Tresiba® compared to Toujeo® (p=0.045).1 In this study, hypoglycemic events, ranging from mild to severe, were registered using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes 9/10 following diagnosis from a physician.2

This real world study also showed in another secondary endpoint that people treated with Tresiba® were more likely to stay on their treatment. Those treated with Toujeo® had a 37 per cent higher rate of discontinuing treatment after two years (p<0.001).1

"Real-world studies are important to understanding how clinical trials may translate into real value for patients in everyday clinical practice," said Todd Hobbs, vice president and US chief medical officer of Novo Nordisk. "The CONFIRM results add to the body of evidence on Tresiba® for adults with type 2 diabetes."

About the CONFIRM study
The CONFIRM study is a retrospective, non-interventional comparative effectiveness study that investigated Tresiba® and Toujeo® in 4,056 insulin-naïve (defined as no evidence of basal insulin use at least 365 days prior to index date) adults with type 2 diabetes in the US. Study groups were equal in size (n=2,028) and patients in each group were comparable after matching for baseline characteristics.

Patients were uncontrolled on one or more oral antidiabetic drugs or a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist) and prescribed Tresiba® or Toujeo® according to local practice. Electronic health records were sourced from multiple health systems in the U.S. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c (blood sugar control) from baseline to six months follow-up. Secondary endpoints included rate of hypoglycemia, proportion of patients with at least one hypoglycemia episode and the rate of treatment discontinuation.

As with all real-world studies, CONFIRM was not randomised and it carries the limitations of real-world evidence. This includes potential under-reporting of hypoglycaemia (however, this is the case in both treatment arms in CONFIRM meaning that the rate ratio as well as the odds ratio are expected to be preserved), and the short follow-up period of 3-6 months (though this corresponds to when the largest changes in HbA1c tend to occur and is commonly used in many trials). Additionally, in CONFIRM there is only evidence of prescribed basal insulin and not actual use (whether the medication was picked up at the pharmacy).

About hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels are too low and cannot provide the body's organs with the energy they need. Hypoglycemia can cause a range of symptoms including confusion, trembling, sweating, increased heart rate, difficulty with concentration and speech and in severe cases can lead to a seizure or coma.3-6

About Tresiba®
Tresiba® (insulin degludec) is a once-daily basal insulin that provides a duration of action beyond 42 hours with a flat and stable glucose-lowering effect.7,8 It has been shown to provide a lower risk of overall, nocturnal and severe hypoglycemia, and low variability in blood sugar levels versus insulin glargine U100.8,9,10 Tresiba® received its first regulatory approval in September 2012 and has since been approved in more than 80 countries globally. It is now commercially available in more than 61 countries.

About Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with 95 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to help people defeat obesity, haemophilia, growth disorders and other serious chronic diseases. Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 42,700 people in 79 countries and markets its products in more than 170 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk.ca, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube.

References

  1. Tibaldi J, Haldrup S, Sandberg V, et al. Clinical Outcome Assessment of the Effectiveness of Insulin Degludec (Degludec) in Real-life Medical Practice (CONFIRM): A Comparative Effectiveness Study of Degludec and Insulin Glargine 300U/mL (Glargine U300) in 4,056 Insulin-Naïve Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) Oral/poster presentation. 78th Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Asosciation (ADA), Orlando, Florida, US;22-26 June 2018.
  2. Ginde AA, Blanc PG, Lieberman RM, et al. Validation of ICD-9-CM coding algorithm for improved identification of hypoglycemia visits. BMC Endocr Disord. 2008; 8:4.
  3. Seaquist ER, Anderson J, Childs B, et al. Hypoglycemia and diabetes: a report of a workgroup of the American Diabetes Association and the Endocrine Society. Diabetes Care. 2013; 36:1384-1395.
  4. International Hypoglycaemia Study Group. Diagnosis of hypoglycaemia. Available online at http://ihsgonline.com/understanding-hypoglycaemia/diagnosis. Last accessed: June 2018.
  5. Cryer PE. Hypoglycemia, functional brain failure, and brain death. J Clin Invest. 2007; 117:868-870.
  6. Ahrén B. Avoiding hypoglycemia: a key to success for glucose-lowering therapy in type 2 diabetes. Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2013; 9:155-163.
  7. Haahr H, Heise T. A review of the pharmacological properties of insulin degludec and their clinical relevance. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2014; 53:787–800.
  8. EMA. Tresiba® Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/002498/WC500138940.pdf. Last accessed: June 2018.
  9. Marso SP, McGuire DK, Zinman B, et al. Efficacy and safety of degludec versus glargine in type 2 diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2017; 377:723–732.
  10. Tresiba® (insulin degludec injection) Product Monograph. Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. August 25, 2017. http://www.novonordisk.ca/content/dam/Canada/AFFILIATE/www-novonordisk-ca/OurProducts/PDF/tresiba-product-monograph.pdf

 

SOURCE Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.

Doctor Gives Patients Veggies
With Cooking Instructions

Just Saying “Eat Your Vegetables” Wasn’t Enough

Dr. Joseph Galati was talking to one of his patients about the need to put more vegetables into her diet and mentioned that cooking eggplant would probably be a good idea. The patient had never cooked eggplant before and had no idea how to do it.

“That is when I realized that I had to do more than just tell people to eat more vegetables,” says Galati (www.drjoegalati.com), author of Eating Yourself Sick: How to Stop Obesity, Fatty Liver, and Diabetes from Killing You and Your Family. “My patients that did try to eat more vegetables would rely on only one or two kinds and they got bored with it so they stopped. They were unaware of the variety of vegetables available and how to prepare them.”

With more knowledge about what kinds of vegetables to select and how to cook them, Galati believed more of his patients would comply with his prescription that they eat more vegetables.

So he started the “Great American Produce Giveaway” promotion in his office. He bought a bushel of squash, and then gave his patients a squash in a brown paper bag along with instructions on how to cook it. Different types of vegetables were given away regularly when his patients visited his office. It resulted in more of his patients eating a greater variety vegetables. Patients reported back that this was the jumpstart they needed to improve their nutrition and health.

“We had to give them really specific recommendations,” he says. “We have to realize that we are living in a new era of an under-educated and under-informed public when it comes to nutrition.”

Dr. Galati offers these tips on getting more vegetables into your diet:
Snack with veggies and fruit. Instead of chips or cookies, have healthy alternatives around the house like baby carrots and hummus, celery and peanut butter or a piece of fruit. And leave these healthy snacks in plain sight. You are more likely to snack on fruits and veggies if they are on the counter instead of tucked away in the cupboard.
Make soup. Homemade soups can be a great way to increase your vegetable intake.

New veggie of the week.Try to experiment with a new fruit or vegetable each week. Experiment and find interesting recipes for this week’s selection.

Vegetable kabobs. Grill colorful vegetable kabobs packed with tomatoes, green and red peppers, mushrooms and onions.
Galati says many of his patients enjoyed learning more about vegetables and how to cook them. He added that everybody knows they should eat more vegetables, but a surprising amount of people don’t know how to prepare those vegetables with a meal.

But, he says, with a little research on the internet or with a cookbook, preparing vegetables can be fun, tasty and easy.

About Dr. Joseph Galati

Dr. Joseph Galati (www.drjoegalati.com) author of Eating Yourself Sick: How to Stop Obesity, Fatty Liver, and Diabetes from Killing You and Your Family, is a hepatologist who specializes in caring for patients with liver diseases, obesity and nutrition-related disorders based in Houston’s famed Texas Medical Center. He is currently Medical Director of the Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation at Houston Methodist Hospital. He attended medical school at St. George’s University of Medicine, and received further training in Internal Medicine at SUNY-Health Science Center-Brooklyn/Kings County Hospital Center. He obtained further expertise in Liver Disease and Transplant Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He has been involved in clinical research in liver disease for more than 30 years. Since 2003, Dr. Galati has hosted “Your Health First,” a one-hour radio program each weekend on iHeart Radio’s 740 am KTRH, and streamed globally on the iHeart app.

Whisk's AI-Powered Culinary Coach Named as Winner of Ascensia Diabetes Challenge

 

BASEL, Switzerland and ORLANDO, FL, June 22, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, at the American Diabetes Association's 78th Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Florida, Ascensia Diabetes Care has revealed that UK-based Whisk have been selected as the winner of the Ascensia Diabetes Challenge, a global innovation competition that set out to find digital solutions to support type 2 diabetes management.

(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/709497/Ascensia_Diabetes_Challenge_Logo.jpg )

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/709496/Ascensia_Diabetes_Integration.jpg )

Whisk's winning innovation is a Culinary Coach that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to provide personalized food recommendations based on flavor preferences and food avoidance, that will be expanded to use blood glucose data for people with diabetes. Later today, Whisk will be presenting their winning solution to the diabetes community for the first time at the 2018 DiabetesMine D-Data Exchange Event in Orlando.

The Whisk platform is an AI-powered nutrition platform that currently enables users to browse recipes based on factors including their personal taste preferences, time constraints, budgets, weather and dietary restrictions or allergies. Once a user adds a recipe to their meal plan, it can be automatically added to an online shopping cart at some of the world's leading grocery retailers, seamlessly allowing them to buy ingredients.

As winner of the challenge, Whisk plan to create a personalized food experience for people with type 2 diabetes that will learn from their blood glucose readings and make food recommendations that are more tailored to their own diabetes. Using readings from Ascensia's blood glucose monitoring systems, the AI will learn how the user's blood glucose readings react to specific foods and recipes, allowing them to build a tailored meal plan for their diabetes that can help to keep their blood glucose in range. The Culinary Coach for diabetes will start by providing personalized recipe recommendations, and will in the future develop to suggest convenience foods and restaurant options.

Michael Kloss, CEO and President of Ascensia Diabetes Care, said: "Nutrition and food selection is a huge component of type 2 diabetes management. The panel of judges and I were hugely impressed by Whisk's current tool and how they plan to develop it for people with type 2 diabetes. By helping people with type 2 diabetes find personalized and tailored meal recommendations that are based on their own blood glucose data and food preferences, we have the potential to empower millions of people with type 2 diabetes to make healthier food choices that they will enjoy."

Whisk's solution was selected from 116 entries that were submitted to the challenge from 25 countries and they will receive a cash prize of €100,000 to build and pilot this exciting new service for people with type 2 diabetes, working closely with Ascensia Diabetes Care to bring it to patients.

Whisk's core technology uses extensive food ontology known as the Food Genome™, that incorporates and understands macro and micro-nutritional data, flavor compounds, store availability, price and promotions. Whisk is currently available in the US, UK and Australia, powering half a million shopping lists every month at grocery retailers including Walmart, Tesco and Amazon Fresh.

Nick Holzherr, Whisk Founder and CEO, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen as the winner of the Ascensia Diabetes Challenge. Type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic levels in recent years, and at Whisk we are excited to be building a solution that we feel can help support these patients to make lasting lifestyle changes. We hope that through our work with Ascensia Diabetes Care, we can help to change the way this condition is managed."

The competition also awarded two runners-up prizes. US-based Qstream were awarded a runner-up prize for their mobile learning platform that combines a concept known as spaced education with engaging game mechanics. This platform is designed to encourage meaningful behavior change and has been proven in a recent randomized trial to generate sustained and meaningful reductions in HbA1c in people with diabetes.[1] xBird, a Germany-based medical artificial intelligence software company was also named as a runner-up. Their software analyzes micro-movements, collected by smartphones and wearables, and cross references them with historical blood glucose data, with the aim of being able to predict and detect potential hypo- and hyperglycemic events. Both runners-up will receive a cash prize of €30,000 to further develop their solutions.

Walk With Path were also recognized for their highly innovative active insole for people with peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes. Their insole provides vibrational feedback during walking that can be tracked via an app and is designed to help people achieve better balance, thereby reducing the risk of falls. Ascensia will support Walk with Path to conduct a proof of concept study in patients with diabetes.

Michael added, "We are very excited to partner with such high quality digital solutions that could help revolutionize type 2 diabetes management. These winning solutions highlight the exciting times we are now entering in the world of digital health and how technological advances and digital capabilities can play a massive part in meeting an urgent area of unmet need."

For further information on the Ascensia Diabetes Challenge, the judges and judging criteria, please visit: https://ascensiadiabeteschallenge.com.

References

1.   Kerfoot BP et al. Diabetes Care (2017) 40:1218-1225

SOURCE Ascensia Diabetes Care

The Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon and 5k to take place for 20th year on Sunday

 

Kip Kangogo set to defend his title and races for his seventh win in 10 years

VANCOUVER, June 21, 2018 /CNW/ – More than 6,400 racers will be lacing up their shoes on Sunday, June 24, to participate in the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k, including some of Canada's top distance runners.

Once again, many participants will be dedicating their races to the 70 local community causes as part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. Since 2007, the Scotiabank Charity Challenge in Vancouver has raised $8 million for 187 local charities. Participating charities keep 100 per cent of the proceeds raised, as Scotiabank pays for all related transaction and credit card fees.

Kip Kangogo, of Lethbridge Albert, returns to defend his title as 2017 winner of the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon. Kip has won the event six times in the past 10 years and is always a strong contender. Challenging Kip will be Rob Watson, 4x Canadian Champion; Tony Tomisch, who recently placed third at the Vancouver Half-Marathon and Michael Eaton of Seattle.

In the women's race, a strong pack of three runners will be pushing the pace. Natasha Wodak, Canadian record holder in the 5k, 8k and 10,000m events; Dayna Pidhoresky running strong this year winning the Around the Bay 30k, Times Colonist 10k and second at the Vancouver Sun Run; and Cold Lake, Alberta resident Emily Setlack coming off a win at the Canadian Mountain Running Championships.

WHAT: Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k
WHERE: Half-Marathon Start – East Mall; west of UBC Thunderbird Arena
5k Start – Lagoon Drive; near The Fish House in Stanley Park
WHEN:  Sunday, June 24, 2018
Half-Marathon Start – 7:30 a.m.
5k Start – 9:15 a.m.

MEDIA ACCESS:         

The media tent is located near the finish area on the south lawn of The Fish House in Stanley Park. Please check-in to arrange interviews and photo opportunities.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:
7:30 a.m. Half-Marathon start on East Mall; west of UBC Thunderbird Arena
7:55 a.m. Spanish Banks
8:10 a.m. Kitsilano Beach
8:20 a.m. Burrard Bridge
8:30 a.m. Elite finishing time on Stanley Park Drive, across from The Fish House in Stanley Park
Elite men's expected time: 8:30 a.m.
Elite women's expected time: 8:40 a.m.
9:15 a.m. 5k start on Lagoon Drive, near The Fish House in Stanley Park
10:30 a.m. Awards Ceremony on stage at finish area, Ceperley Park

 

Run, walk, pledge or cheer on June 24, 2018, at the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k. It's not too late to help raise money for important causes in your community! Share why you race to support your charity, using the hashtags: #RunScotia #ScotiaHalf #InfinitePotential on Twitter and Instagram.

For more information about the Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k and the Scotiabank Charity Challenge visit: www.vancouverhalf.com

About the Scotiabank Vancouver Half- Marathon
The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k is part of the prestigious Canada Running Series. As one of Vancouver's premier running events, the "Scotia Half" attracts more than 6,500 runners and walkers of all levels, including many elite athletes and spectators to the city. The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k take place on Sunday, June 24 starting at 7:30 a.m., for the Half-Marathon and 9:30 a.m., for the 5k.

About Scotiabank:
At Scotiabank, we aim to support organizations that are committed to helping young people reach their infinite potential. Young people are our future leaders and Scotiabank's goal is to help ensure that they have the necessary skills and resources they need to support their success. Together with our employees, the Bank supports causes at a grassroots level. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2017, Scotiabank contributed more than $80 million to help our communities around the world.

Scotiabank is Canada's international bank and a leading financial services provider in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and Central America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. We are dedicated to helping our 24 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 89,000 employees and assets of over $926 billion (as at April 30, 2018), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (TSX: BNS) and New York Exchanges (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @Scotiabank.

SOURCE Scotiabank

Best outdoor workouts spots in Canadian cities

Summer...the perfect time to get outside and celebrate everything Canadian cities have to offer. Whether you’re traveling to other parts of the country or staying put in your own city, there are lots of active ways to enjoy the outdoors, see new neighborhoods AND build in an effective workout.

 

For some fresh ideas about urban workouts, GoodLife Fitness asked its associates and personal trainers to provide an insider’s perspective – the best places to work out across the city and their favorite exercises to do there (when they’re not at the gym):



Edmonton

River valley stairs: Not only are the river valleys scenic, but they’re accompanied by long staircases to ascend to more populated city areas. Walking or running up and down Edmonton’s outdoor staircases is a quick, accessible outdoor workout. Some favorite stairways include

  • Glenora Stairs – accessed through Ezio Faraone Park and offer a fabulous view of the High-Level bridge and the south side of Edmonton
  • Hotel MacDonald Stairs – Because of their central location, this set of stairs behind the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald is perfect for a quick, weekday lunch hour workout.


Calgary

Prince’s Island Park: A great place to throw a football or frisbee, do yoga/animal flow or fit in a bodyweight workout (the Enmax stage provides a flat surface if the grass is not ideal). This park is also a perfect starting point for your run or cycling route or to push off in your kayak. There’s a GoodLife Fitness nearby for mobility exercises and a shower before stopping in for lunch and ‘beer bicep curls’ at the Barley Mill.

 

Saskatoon

Sutherland Dog Park: With 55 acres of green space, trees and trails this park is a convenient, central place to walk, jog, or take your mountain bike. At the north end of the park, there are some riverbank trails that are beautiful for walking. Even further north the trails become much steeper and wind up and down the river bank. This northern end of the park is perfect for mountain biking and trail running, a rare find in a flat prairie city.

 

Winnipeg

Kildonan Park: With a 1.6-kilometre pathway this is a great place to run laps in a natural environment. There is also lots of green space and a play structure for bodyweight exercises, yoga or pull-ups. Take advantage of the benches in the picnic area to do bodyweight exercises like tricep dips, step-ups, and push-ups. Or kick a ball up and down the soccer field and do some sprinting and walking lunges.

 

Ottawa

Mooney’s Bay Park – With lots of trails, green space, and a beach, Mooney’s Bay Park is a perfect spot for to ride your bike, rollerblade, or even a play some beach volleyball. The Terry Fox Stadium in the park has a track for interval training and bleachers for cardio intensive sprinting.

 

Halifax

Point Pleasant Park: Anyone visiting Halifax should run, walk or bike ride (on weekdays) through Point Pleasant Park to enjoy some urban wilderness. There are park benches all through the park for step ups, elevated push-ups, and tricep dips. There’s even a set of outdoor fitness machines near Black Rock Beach.

 

St. John’s

Signal Hill: Locals and tourists alike will get the most bang for their fitness buck when they climb Signal Hill by foot (walking, running or both). With stunning views and a challenging incline, this is the best possible way to see the sights while fitting in a workout in St. John’s. Dress for the weather, as it can get windy up there. But always worth it.

 

Personal trainers in cities across Canada are available to take you to their favorite workout spots to show you some urban exercise moves. They can also suggest tips for building in outdoor exercise to complement your gym routine. Please let me know if you’re interested in connecting with a trainer in your area.

 

FDA APPROVED NON-SURGICAL BALLOON WEIGHT LOSS METHOD

HELPS PEOPLE SHED UP TO 50 POUNDS

 

Americans spend almost 60 billion dollars annually in pursuit of weight loss with gastric bypass surgery being the most common type of weight-loss surgery; an option that isn’t for everyone. Like any major procedure, gastric bypass has significant health risks and side effects. In addition, to be a candidate for the procedure, one must have a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or higher. The fact is, a huge percentage of the population are only between 15 to 50 pounds overweight without any other options besides diet and exercise.  Dr. Stanley Poulos, a San Francisco board certified plastic surgeon is an early adaptor of the non -surgical balloon weight loss method approved by the FDA in 2016. Following the two-part program, patients lost an average 3.1x the weight compared with diet & exercise alone.

 

Dr. Poulos stresses that, “there is a direct correlation between those patients who stay connected to their program and their weight loss success.” Dr. Poulos is highly experienced in body contour plastic surgery which is sometimes required after major weight loss. Sometimes, due to skin laxity after weight loss, procedures such as thigh lift, breast lift, liposuction or “tummy tuck” are desired by patients.

 

Who is an ideal candidate for the balloon weight loss method?

It is appropriate for patients with a BMI of 30 to 40 that have not had previous weight loss surgery. Patients diagnosed with bulimia, binge eating, compulsive overeating, high liquid calorie intake habits or similar eating related psychological disorders are not good candidates.

 

How does the balloon method work?

This non-surgical outpatient procedure begins with a diagnostic endoscopy to ensure that there are no contraindications and that it is safe to perform. Once the patient is mildly sedated and comfortable, the procedure can begin. The deflated gastric balloon is inserted through the esophagus and into the stomach. A syringe is then used to fill the balloon with a sterile saline solution. Once the weight loss balloon has been filled with saline, it expands to approximately the size of a grapefruit. The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes. Patients can usually return home after the placement or removal procedures within 30 minutes. Over the last 20 years this procedure has helped over 277,000 people. The gastric balloon encourages portion control while patients make healthy changes to diet and lifestyle.

 

How long does the balloon stay in place?

The balloon remains in the stomach for the first six months after the procedure. With the stomach balloon and Dr. Poulos’ support team, patients usually see the most drastic results in the first six months. It is very important to use this time to develop healthy habits that will continue for not only the 12-month weight loss program, but for the rest of one’s life.

 

What to expect after the balloon placement.

Over the first 14 days after placement, patients may experience nausea or vomiting. Dr. Poulos recommends a liquid diet for his patients during the first week to help manage these symptoms.  Also prescribed are effective anti-nausea drugs to help the patient through the initial stage.

 

How is the balloon removed?

Once the stomach balloon has been in place for six months the balloon is removed. The simple and non-surgical procedure is very similar to the placement process. Once the gastric balloon has been removed, it is very important to continue working closely with Dr. Poulos’ team and coaches to follow the personal diet and exercise plan provided. This will help to keep you in a positive and healthy mindset while achieving your weight loss goals.

 

Additional benefits of the balloon weight loss method.

ü  It’s been shown that the average person loses 3x more weight with this procedure than with diet and exercise alone. Here are some of the reasons why:

ü  Diets can leave you feeling hungry or dissatisfied. This procedure helps by taking up room in the stomach and encouraging portion control.

ü  When you’re overweight, exercise can be challenging and uncomfortable. With The Balloon Weight Loss Method aiding your weight loss, physical activity can be more comfortable.

ü  There are no incisions, stitches, or scars.

ü  Unlike gastric bypass surgery, this procedure is not solely for the morbidly obese.

ü  The procedure takes 20 minutes and most patients return home the same day.

ü  The balloon is only placed temporarily.

ü  The procedure is intended to work with a fitness and nutrition regimen for optimal results.

 

Cost: The general cost for the procedure is $8,000 to $10,000 nationwide and can be used with patients 22 and older who fit all of the medical criteria.

 

About Dr. Stanley Poulos

Dr. Poulos specializes in cosmetic breast surgery and body contouring procedures. He helped pioneer the quick lift facial rejuvenation surgery in California and is recognized as one of the leading plastic surgeons in Marin County and the entire San Francisco Bay area.  Dr. Poulos and Plastic Surgery Specialists have extensive experience in body contour procedures. A graduate of the University of Texas Medical School, Dr. Poulos completed his internship and residency at UC San Francisco. He completed a plastic surgery fellowship at St. Francis Hospital in San Francisco and is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. www.psspecialists.com

 
McLean, Virginia -  Yesterday the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5796, the REACH OUT Act by unanimous consent. This bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA 8), Mike Thompson (D-CA 5), and Carlos Curbelo (R-FL 26), accesses the nation’s Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) infrastructure in order to offer timely resources to address the opioid epidemic.

 

Specifically this legislation sets aside $75 million in funding in FY19 for grants to QIOs to provide technical assistance to high opioid prescribers. QIN-QIOs operate in all U.S. states and most territories and act as a clinical quality field force committed to providing technical support that will reduce the frequency of opioid prescribing at the local level.

“This bill enables the nation’s premier quality improvement network to help stem the tide of the opioid epidemic through education and outreach, which are important tools to improving health quality. Too often the discussion around opioids is about treatment and policing, and not enough about prevention. This bill will give our public health infrastructure another tool to fix the opioid epidemic that is destroying communities and lives throughout the country,” said Alison Teitelbaum, Executive Director of the American Health Quality Association, the leading trade association for the QIN-QIO program that has been advocating for the REACH OUT Act.

Opioids now account for an astonishing 39 million Medicare Part D claims each year, and CDC data indicate that 90,000 patients in the U.S. are currently at serious risk of harm from opioids. Medical professionals prescribing opioids are key stakeholders to help reduce, and ultimately prevent, inappropriate opioid prescriptions. The REACH OUT Act empowers QIOs to educate outlier prescribers regarding best practices for opioid and non-opioid pain management therapies, with the explicit goal of achieving demonstrable reductions in opioid prescribing. The legislation will improve the quality of health care in the country and keep unnecessary opioid prescriptions out of circulation.

Since 1984 the American Health Quality Association (AHQA) has represented Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) and other professionals working to improve health care quality and patient safety. AHQA is an educational, not-for-profit national membership association dedicated to promoting and facilitating fundamental change that improves the quality of health care in America.

Largest mental health bike ride in Canada aims to bring mental illness out of hiding

 

Ride Don't Hide supports Canadians to open up and seek help

TORONTO, June 20, 2018 /CNW/ - With recent celebrity suicides on everybody's mind, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is encouraging Canadians to fight stigma and bring mental illness into the open through its upcoming Ride Don't Hide event. On June 24, thousands will cycle in over 30 communities across Canada to spark discussion and raise funds for essential mental health programs and services.

"The stigma associated with mental illness in Canada is more than just uncomfortable—people with mental illness tell us that how others judge them is one of their greatest barriers to a complete and satisfying life," says Dr. Patrick Smith, clinical psychologist and national CEO, CMHA.

According to research, mental health stigma comes in two forms: social stigma is a form of prejudice and discrimination towards those with mental illness or mental health problems; self-stigma is the internalizing of these perceptions of discrimination, which can cause feelings of shame and lead to poorer treatment outcomes.

One man speaking out loudly about his own mental health is Ride Don't Hide ambassador Ryan Martin, who is cycling 8,000 kms across Canada because he wants everyone dealing with mental illnesses to receive the support, care and attention they deserve. Martin is chronicling his ride online at www.mindcycle.ca and on Instagram @mindcycle_canada

"I want to instill confidence in people struggling with mental illnesses and let them know that, with the right support, tools, and mindset, they can achieve anything," says Martin, a 23-year-old from Guelph, Ontario, who has anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. "I want to help people build the confidence to open up and reach out to someone they feel they can talk to."

Joining Martin in his national effort to raise funds and attention are over 7,500 local riders and thousands more Ride Don't Hide community supporters and volunteers.

Canadians can donate, volunteer or register to cycle in a Ride Don't Hide event in their own community by registering in person at their local CMHA branch or region, or by visiting www.ridedonthide.com.

"It doesn't matter who you are or how many successes you have—nobody is immune to mental health issues or challenges. Recent deaths by suicide of much-loved and well-known celebrities underlines that it's difficult to truly know what someone is going through," says Smith. "That's why we so honour and appreciate the voices of Ryan Martin and the countless community members who are speaking up and cycling in plain sight so their stories can be seen and heard."

About Ride Don't Hide

Ride Don't Hide is the Canadian Mental Health Association's flagship fundraising campaign focused on reducing stigma and raising money for mental health. In its seventh year, Ride Don't Hide is a national event held on June 24th in 31 communities, across seven provinces, from Tofino, BC, to St. John's, NL. The Ride has raised $6 million in funding for mental health programs and services in communities across Canada. For more information, visit www.ridedonthide.com

About the Canadian Mental Health Association

Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada. Through a presence in more than 330 communities across every province, CMHA provides advocacy, programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive. For more information, visit www.cmha.ca

SOURCE Canadian Mental Health Association