WHAT: Yesterday evening, SPINCO surprised guests at their 4th birthday party with a performance by Loud Luxury at REBEL. The Canadian DJ duo set the tone for SPINCO's largest ride ever, providing upbeat music including their popular single, 'Body'.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 11, 2018
WHERE: REBEL (11 Polson Street)
PHOTO LINK: http://bit.ly/2upK2EF
PHOTOGRAPHER: Arthur Mola
VIDEO LINK: http://bit.ly/2mb2xZN
HANDLES: @SPINCOToronto | #TeamSPINCO | #SPINCOTurns4
NOTES: SPINCO hosted a 100+ person spin class in support of Right To Play as a special thank you to their community of riders and supporters for an amazing four years.
LELO summer tips : Challenge accepted: Surviving Summer Festival Season
Hello,
You got the tickets ages ago, finally settled on the perfect outfit, prepped your selfie stick and so the only thing left is to show up and slay the summer festival scene. But as most of you already know - that's easier said than done.
It's the same tired old story every year - you planned everything down to the most minute detail and counted down the days until you could finally stand in front of your favorite band. You couldn't wait to blow off some steam and dance your heart out until the break of dawn, but
But. But something came up again - it started raining, you got separated from your friends, of course, the cell-reception is poor, you look like you rolled around in a giant beer puddle
You know, the usual.
The secret to having a good time at any festival, unencumbered by worries such as I stink like a wet dog or I will die of thirst right this second or Is this condom still okay even though I had it for 5 years? rests in detailed planning. By using a couple of more grey cells than usual, you'll successfully avoid dealing with crisis upon crisis and manage to enjoy yourself to the fullest. Yes, it makes the whole thing a whole lot less spontaneous, but it's totally worth it.
In order to save you some time and because we've all been there, here is some useful advice that will get you on the right track to the best time of your life:
1. Play by the rules.
Yes, it's very chic to be a rebel, but having to throw away that expensive perfume bottle you spent waaay too much on because you can't have it on festival grounds definitely does not fall under the chic category. It's just dumb. And very sad. Every festival website has the list of items that aren't allowed on the grounds. Read it and pack accordingly. Also, make sure to hit that ATM. Most places have a one-time-entrance-only policy which means you'll be stranded and at the mercy of festival economy with no money.
2. Water definitely isn't the life of the party, but without it, you won't be either.
You won't be able to get your water bottle past the security guards, so as soon as you enter, make a beeline for the first bar and get a couple of waters. Stuff them in your trusty festival backpack (a must-have), then happily order your spirit of choice. Water will save you from the merciless summer heat, and if you drink enough of it, it might even spare you from a raging hangover the following morning.
3. Pack smart and dress in layers.
Luckily, boho is always in during festival season. Make sure your outfit consists of several practical pieces that will see you through all weather conditions - rain, shine or beer spray from overzealous partiers. Focus on natural fabrics that will let your skin breathe freely (no more Eau De Wet Dog) and bring a spare shirt and a spare pair of socks. Throw away that decade-old condom and get a new one. This might be the year you finally get lucky.
4. Go analog with your meetup plans.
Think back to any concert you've been to in the past. It got pretty loud, didn't it? To avoid excess wandering and frustrating attempts to make a phone call while waving your hands in the air like an idiot who didn't care to make proper contingency plans, set up a meetup spot in case you get separated from your friends. Try to be as precise as possible. Meet me by the beer stand isn't precise when there are 20 of them lying around.
5. Wet-wipes are more than baby bum cleaners.
You'll thank us after your first encounter with the toilet. Plus they're handy at getting that cheap beer smell out of your skin.
6. Stay safe and play safe.
Yes, we know it's summer and you just want to lie back and enjoy yourself. The outside world kind of fades away the moment you step onto the festival grounds and every single one of us turns into a glutton for the good times. LELO, the world's leading pleasure brand and a big advocate of the good times, wants you to make an effort and enjoy yourself responsibly. That kind of sounds like a big fat oxymoron but it makes perfect sense, just let us explain. It's really hard not to let go and enjoy the moment once the rhythm sets in. You're ready to give in and let yourself get carried away by the pulsating lights and undulating bodies and trust that all seems right with the world. Consequences? Adulthood? Responsibilities? Pish, it's summer! Remember those shiny new condoms you bought? If you treated yourself with LELO HEX condoms, it'll only take a second to slip one on, let go and completely forget that it's there. Responsible enjoyment? Doesn't seem like a longshot after all.
TimiCoin/TimiHealth Announces TimiDNA to Empower Individuals to Secure and Control Their Personal DNA Fingerprint
NEWS PROVIDED BY
TimiCoin/TimiHealth
AUSTIN, Texas, July 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- TimiCoin/TimiHealth (www.TimiCoin.io) today announced a breakthrough strategy in blockchain technology called TimiDNA which will empower individuals to secure and control how their personal DNA data is used.
TimiDNA's thoughtfully engineered technology is designed to achieve three important goals:
1. Individuals who already have DNA results through another source can access easy-to-use tools within TimiPatient to download and securely store those results;
2. Those who have never taken a DNA test can establish complete control of their own DNA data through TimiDNA services. TimiDNA will provide consumers with a simple swab test kit and their DNA information will be securely stored;
3. Once an individual's data is in the TimiPatient app, he/she will own it, control it, and have the ability to utilize it as an asset which can be monetized.
"TimiDNA offers a superior option to using any of today's current genetic testing services that have proliferated in the marketplace, and that monetize your data without a patient's understanding or participation in revenues. It is a more effective way to store your genetic information on a purposefully driven and secure blockchain system," said TimiHealth's clinical advisor, Dr. Jim Bonnette.
"In this way, an individual can decide who sees, and more importantly, who uses their DNA results and for what purpose. If you want, you can decide to license your results for research while retaining rights to your own DNA. Given that DNA testing will become progressively more ubiquitous in healthcare, it's imperative that people are given the opportunity to control their own DNA data."
TimiDNA offers individuals unprecedented privacy and control over their DNA data.
"It can be very surprising to individuals when they learn the genetic testing they've done, or even lab results from biopsies, etc. are widely shared with third parties," said Will Lowe, founder of TimiCoin/TimiHealth.
"This very personal data should in fact be owned by the very person from whom the DNA was harvested," he added.
"TimiHealth's mission is to turn an individual's very personal health data back over to each individual who will then own and control it. It's the perfect moment in history where the technology can truly support the governmental and consumer outcry for individuals to own their own data. The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 is an example of where the future of the ownership of data is going, and individual control and transparency is exactly what TimiHealth is aligned with," said Joyce Lignell, Chairwoman of TimiHealth's Advisory Board.
Media Contact: Adrienne Mazzone amazzone@transmediagroup.com 561-750-9800 x2270
SOURCE TimiCoin/TimiHealth
Related Links
https://www.timicoin.io/
CROP JV Partner 'XHemplar Italia' Plants 25 Acres of High CBD, Low THC 'Cannabis Light'
VANCOUVER, July 11, 2018 /CNW/ - CROP Infrastructure Corp. (CSE: CROP) (OTC: CRXPF) ("CROP" or the "Company") announces its 30% owned Italy Joint Venture partner 'XHemplar Italia' has planted 25 acres or 1,089,000 square feet of high CBD 'Cannabis Light' in North Eastern Italy. This represents over a 100% increase on the previously announced capacity announced in press release dated June 27th 2018.
The Joint Venture's resulting high CBD "Cannabis Light" will be processed and sold into international CBD markets under white label, the venture's house name XHemplar and Crop brands Tiffany CBD and Hempire Italia. The company will also use the production to infuse its recently announced therapeutic and cosmetic product lines, licensed from The Yield Growth Corp., which transaction is now complete giving Crop exclusive rights in Italy to over 55 wellness products.
According to Arcview Market Research and its partner, BDS Analytics, government-subsidized healthcare spending (worldwide market at $1.3-trillion) is expected to make Europe among the fastest growing and largest medical cannabis markets in the world. Arcview expects Italy to be the second largest cannabis market in Europe by 2027 with $1.2 billion in sales.
CROP Infrastructure Director & CEO Michael Yorke states: "The company is extremely encouraged by the fast pace with which the team at XHemplar has commenced production in Italy. CROPs portfolio of cannabis infrastructure assets now includes cultivation properties in California, Washington State, Nevada, Italy and joint ventures on West Hollywood and San Bernardino dispensary applications. CROP has developed a portfolio of 15 Cannabis brands and also has US and Italian distribution rights to a line of over 55 cannabis topical products. Management will continue to aggressively pursue new world-wide opportunities and expand its portfolio of tenant growers and infrastructure assets in strategic licensed jurisdictions."
XHemplar Chairman and CROP Infrastructure VP of M&A, EMEA Andrea Castiglione states: "This is a great start for the company in Italy. We are pleased by how quickly our joint venture team has worked together to begin this initial production."
About XHemplar
XHemplar is a joint venture between CROP Infrastructure Stratto, LLC and the AnCaPa SRL of the prominent Castiglione family. This endeavor will be led locally by the CEO of XHemplar Giuseppe Castiglione who has spent the past 30 years in National and International politics roles ranging from Vice President of Sicily - with special delegation on Agriculture and Industrial development - to member of the European Parliament - where he acted as head supervisor of the European Wine Reform - to Vice Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Politics for the Italian central government in three consecutive legislatures. As an agricultural company XHemplar enjoys substantially lower tax rates with 4% VAT in Italy from which the company will greatly benefit in these early stages.
About CROP
Crop Infrastructure Corp. is publicly listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange and trades under the symbol "CROP" and in the US under the symbol "CRXPF". CROP is primarily engaged in the business of investing, constructing, owning and leasing greenhouse projects as part of the provision of turnkey real estate solutions for lease-to-licensed cannabis producers and processors offering best-in-class operations. The Company's portfolio of projects includes cultivation properties in California and Washington State, Nevada, Italy and a joint venture on West Hollywood and San Bernardino dispensary applications. CROP has developed a portfolio of 15 Cannabis brands and also has US and Italian distribution rights to a line of over 55 cannabis topical products from The Yield Growth Corp.
Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information
This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of the Company. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.
The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this press release.
SOURCE CROP Infrastructure Corp.
Enzyme discovery could help in fight against TB
An enzyme structure discovery made by scientists at the University of Warwick could help to eradicate tuberculosis (TB)
Research by a team led by Dr Elizabeth Fullam, has revealed new findings about an enzyme found in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) the bacterium that causes TB.
TB causes more deaths than any other infectious disease, including from HIV and malaria. In 2016 there were 10.4 million new cases of TB and 1.7 million people died. The rise in cases of TB that are resistant to the current therapies that are available means that there is an urgent need to develop new TB therapeutics.
Mtb is a highly unique bacterium and is enclosed within a distinctive cell wall that is comprised of unusual sugars and lipids which protect the bacteria from the host environment. Disruption of essential pathways involved in the assembly of the Mtb cell wall is an attractive approach for new TB drugs.
The team found a key structural motif in the tuberculosis N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate deacetylase (NagA) enzyme. Attacking this structural motif through the design and exploitation of new molecules will enable scientists to inhibit this critical pathway and kill TB.
Using the X-ray facilities at the Diamond Light Source, Harwell, they were provided with detailed molecular insights into how the NagA enzyme generates important precursors that are involved in Mtb cell wall biosynthesis and metabolism.
Dr Fullam, who is a Sir Henry Dale Fellow at the University of Warwick’s School of Life Sciences, said: “Tuberculosis is a major global health problem and the current drugs that we use today are over 40 years old. It is therefore vital that we discover new therapeutic agents to combat TB. In our studies, we have investigated the role of an enzyme in Mtb called NagA. This enzyme is a promising drug target as it is at a crucial metabolic chokepoint in Mtb. This means that a molecule that stops the enzyme from working would be an effective strategy for a drug and therefore it is critical to understand its function.
“Our group has identified a weak point within this protein that we can target and will now enable us to design specific molecules to block its function”
Using a range of biochemical and biophysical checks to determine the substrate specificity for the Mtb NagA enzyme they found a unique structural feauture in the Mtb NagA enzyme.This has revealed a molecular image of the protein and provides a platform to allow scientists to design new drugs that will hopefully inhibit this vital pathway and kill TB.
The research ‘Structural and functional determination of homologs of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate deacetylase (NagA)’ is published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry
ENDS
For more information contact Nicola Jones, Media Relations Manager, University of Warwick N.Jones.1@warwick.ac.uk or 07920531221
Photo caption1 NagA protein crystals
Notes to Editors
Structural and functional determination of homologs of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate deacetylase (NagA)’ is published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry
DOI.1074/jbc.RA118.002597
Authors
Mohd Syed Ahangar, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
Christopher M. Furze, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
Collette S. Guy, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom; Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
Charlotte Cooper, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
Kathryn S. Maskew, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
Ben Graham, Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
Alexander D. Cameron, School of Life Sciences
Elizabeth Fullam, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
Funding
This work was supported by a Sir Henry Dale Fellowship (to E. F.) jointly funded by the Wellcome Trust and Royal Society Grant 104193/Z/14/Z, Wellcome Trust Grant 201442/Z/16/Z (to E. F.), Royal Society Research Grant RG120405 (to E. F.), and Wellcome Warwick Quantitative Biomedicine Programme Institution Strategic Support Fund Seed Grant 105627/Z/14/Z; a Midlands Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship BB/M01116X/ 1 (to C. C.); this work was also supported in part by Warwick Integrative Synthetic Biology research technology platform (Grant BB/M017982/1)
Ultimate Wimbledon Inspired Tennis Holidays & Tips for 2018
With Wimbledon 2018 well and truly under way, the ever-growing fever is tangible, and nobody is immune. Luckily, Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists, has the tried and tested cure, sharing their top tennis training holidays and tips from experts that are guaranteed to inspire you. Whether you’re as serious as Andy Murray or simply enjoy working up a sweat before the spa, gain the advantage this summer with an epic sporting holiday. After a morning on the court with expert coaches, ward off tennis elbow through the expertise of professional chiropractors and rejuvenating spa treatments, leaving your body ready to hit the courts again tomorrow. Game, set, match.
Top Tennis Holidays
Portugal: Annabel Croft Tennis at Pine Cliffs Resort
With a philosophy of ‘movement and repetition’, take your tennis to new heights on this one-week tennis coaching retreat developed by former British No.1, Annabel Croft. Whether you are a skilled tennis player or just starting to consider the sport, enjoy a secluded break, while experiencing the pleasures of learning and improving yourself at the Annabel Croft tennis academy. Facilities boast six high quality tennis courts and qualified trainers who run training and coaching sessions. The tennis programme includes highly paced drills and exercises to enjoy the training while growing in skill yourself.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Pine Cliffs from £1,840pp or £2,665 for single occupancy. Price includes accommodation, daily breakfast, 5 x group tennis lessons and return private transfers.
Cyprus: Tennis at Aphrodite Hills
Do you fancy yourself as the next Serena Williams or Roger Federer? The Tennis Academy at Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus is the perfect place for tennis enthusiasts of every age to achieve all their sporting goals. Whether you are a beginner or intermediate, the dedicated tennis coaches will help you improve your game and serving skills, that you can later show off in an invigorating match with other dedicated guests. After powering yourself out on the high-quality courts, unwind and soothe your muscles by paying the Retreat spa a visit to enjoy a hot stone, Swedish or therapeutic massage to make you feel relaxed and restored.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Aphrodite Hills from £1,180pp or £1,665 for single occupancy. Price includes accommodation, daily breakfast, 14 hours of coaching and return private transfers.
Spain: Marbella Club Tennis
Located just a ball toss away from the luxurious Mediterranean hideaway that is Marbella Club, follow in the footsteps of tennis greats like Serena Williams and Boris Becker at Puente Romano Tennis Club. With ten well-equipped courts and a talented team of professional coaches waiting to ‘serve’ you, there’s no better place to perfect your tennis technique. Unleash your competitive side with twice-weekly group tennis tournaments and channel your inner-champion as you put your new-found skills to the test. After a day of serve-and-volley, wind down with a personalised massage and relax in the beachfront Thalasso Spa with breath-taking views across the Med.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Marbella Club from £2,740pp or £4,940 for single occupancy. Price includes accommodation, daily breakfast, 6 x private tennis lessons and return private transfers.
Thailand: Thanyapura Tennis
Serve it and smash it with the guidance of professional mentors on this tennis holiday at Thanyapura, sheltered beneath the peaceful mountains of Phuket. Train amongst tennis stars and international teams on 6 competition-class courts. Compliment your tennis with a selection of fitness classes including spinning, Kinesis and Pilates. Reap the benefits of a rejuvenating sports massage at the resort spa or indulge in the experience with holistic treatments for an enhanced sense of well-being. Reconnect with your mind, body and soul at this dedicated fitness retreat and return home with a sharper game that will have your opponent’s running in circles.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Thanyapura from £600pp or £750 for single occupancy. Price includes accommodation, full board, 6x private tennis lessons and return private transfers.
St Lucia: BodyHoliday Tennis
Gain the advantage over your tennis game and your fitness levels on this active tennis holiday at BodyHoliday in St Lucia. Set upon the secluded bay of Cariblue, hit the courts for private coaching and group tennis lessons, before testing what you’ve learnt with a tennis competition between fellow guests. Round out your all-inclusive tennis holiday with a wide range of group fitness classes, land and water sports, including, yoga, Box Fit, mountain biking and kayaking. After an active day, relax at the luxury spa with a choice of daily treatments, including massages, body scrubs and facials.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at BodyHoliday from £1,480pp or £1,580 for single occupancy. Price includes accommodation, all inclusive, 8x tennis lessons and return private transfers.
Antigua: Carlisle Bay Tennis
Add some Vitamin-D to your game as you soak up the sun training in the tropics at Carlisle Bay in the Caribbean. Beneath tropical palm trees, nine courts are a stone’s throw away from the turquoise waters edge, including four floodlit courts for cooler evening games. With six private tennis lessons included and optional complimentary clinics, you will have plenty of opportunity to improve your technique under the tuition of professional instructors. In-between games explore on a rainforest hike or take to the tropical waters paddle boarding, before rejuvenating with a deep tissue massage at the award-winning Blue Spa.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Carlisle Bay from £(please enquire). Price includes accommodation, breakfast, 6x private tennis lessons and return private transfers.
Top Tennis Tips from the Pros
- Learn a backhanded backspin
“The backhanded backspin is an indispensable move found in the repertoire of all good tennis players. This shot allows you to defend yourself against powerful punches, attack at the right moment and change the inertia of the game to keep your opponent off balance.
For this, you have to be able to hit the ball well and generate a good swing that does not make it lob too much, nor lose the force necessary to keep your opponent from counter-attacking during the game.”
Ramon Campuzano Rojas, Director of Puente Romano Tennis & Fitness Club, Marbella
- Fancy footwork
Footwork is a key aspect to success in tennis and how you move on the court is arguably the most important part of the game; a lack of proper footwork makes it nearly impossible to advance to a higher level in the sport. Even if you are lacking in speed, you can still be quick and effective on the court given the correct footwork, not only reaching tough balls, but also getting in an optimal position to hit the best possible shot. Follow these tips to polish up your footwork on the court:
Ready Position
Before you start approaching the ball, players should always begin in the “ready position” with knees and hips bent, legs shoulder width apart and weight equally distributed on both toes. This position allows you to move easily in any direction and should be used when anticipating the opponent’s next shot.
Split Step
Once your opponent contacts the ball you should perform a “split step” which consists of a small hop from the ready position towards the direction of the ball. This step will prepare you for your shot and allow for a quicker and more explosive movement to the ball.
Effective Movement
Quick, light, short steps are key to reaching the ball early, since these precise movements are what allow you to get in an ideal position for a good shot. Always stay on your toes and avoid taking long, heavy strides to reach the ball.
Timo Sivapruksa, Head Tennis Coach at Thanyapura Phuket, Thailand
- How to instantly raise your game
“It’s important to understand the best area to contact the ball. If the ball is too far away, you lose control and balance; if it's too close, you can't swing correctly. Getting the correct place to contact the ball will enable you to hit through the ball better.
Also choosing a suitable racket can make a huge difference; the main thing is to get a decent set of strings with good tension.”
Pat Cash, Wimbledon champion 1987
For advice, guidance and booking visit www.healthandfitnesstravel.com or call 0203 397 8891
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
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.
