Cyrex Laboratories Launches Breakthrough Wheat/Gluten Test

New Test Panel Features First Screen for Microbial Transglutaminase

and Gliadin Toxic Peptide Biomarkers

PHOENIX (JUNE 19, 2018) – Cyrex Laboratories, a clinical laboratory specializing in environmental triggers and autoimmunity, is pleased to introduce the next step forward in wheat/gluten reactivity testing with its Array 3X, Wheat/Gluten Proteome Reactivity & Autoimmunity Screen.

Cyrex is not new to changing the wheat/gluten testing landscape. In 2011 it was the first lab to introduce a landmark test panel for measuring reactivity to multiple new gluten and wheat components not previously available.

The new Array 3X incorporates biomarkers contained in its predecessor—the Array 3—with the addition of four new antigens which expand the test significantly. By introducing its new tests for microbial transglutaminase, gliadin toxic peptide, and non-gluten proteins A and B, Cyrex Laboratories is offering an unprecedented level of insight for physicians to determine the potential source of a patient’s reactivity.

New research from Dr. Aristo Vojdani, PhD, MSc, CLS, chief scientific advisor for Cyrex Laboratories, the renowned pioneer of using ELISA for food immune reactivity and autoimmunity testing shows that as much as 20% of the population may be reacting to these newly added antigens. Dr. Vojdani has broken ground in the development of these new critical biomarkers for screening through Cyrex Laboratories. He has identified gliadin toxic peptide as absolutely essential in gluten reactivity testing. This peptide lies within the larger gluten protein and has proven to be exceptionally resistant to digestion. The ability to identify a reaction to gliadin toxic peptide allows patients to remove the trigger before the intestinal barrier becomes damaged and causes serious long-term health issues.

Array 3X also includes testing for microbial (non-tissue) transglutaminase in addition to transglutaminase 2, 3 and 6. Microbial transglutaminase is an enzyme produced by bacteria, which can send signals impacting brain and nervous system function. Microbial transglutaminase can be exceptionally antigenic in some patients. Patients who consume gluten substitutes like gluten-free pasta may have a reaction to the non-tissue transglutaminase contained within these foods—which may initiate autoimmune reactivity against the other transglutaminases.

“Array 3X goes beyond any gluten immunological screen physicians have had access to in the past, and is the only test panel available for measuring antibodies against gliadin toxic peptide and microbial transglutaminase. This is a very significant step forward in providing a more comprehensive look at gluten/wheat reactivity in patients,” said Jean Bellin, president of Cyrex Laboratories. “These biomarkers can provide new critical insight to physicians due to the antigens’ possible harmful effect on both the brain and nervous system, as well as the potential damage to intestines resulting in celiac disease, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity,” added Bellin.

Array 3X is offered at a very competitive rate of $269, which includes the specimen collection throughout our network of patient service center locations in the U.S.

To learn more about this breakthrough panel and the many other industry-leading test arrays that comprise The Cyrex System, visit www.joincyrex.com. Patients who feel they may be suffering from immune reactivity due to dietary/environmental triggers are strongly encouraged to consult their physicians about testing through Cyrex Laboratories.

About Cyrex Laboratories
Cyrex Laboratories is a CLIA-licensed laboratory based in Phoenix, Arizona and holds a Medical Device Establishment License in Canada. It is a clinical immunology laboratory specializing in functional immunology and autoimmune diseases, with a major emphasis on the role of environmental triggers such as food, toxic chemicals and pathogens. Cyrex offers predictive antibody testing for the early detection and monitoring of today’s complex autoimmune conditions. Cyrex develops innovative testing arrays through continuous collaboration with leading experts in medical research and clinical practice. To ensure accurate and reliable results, Cyrex technology is built on its unique four pillars of excellence: 1) the purification of antigens; 2) optimized antigen concentration; 3) antigen-specific validation and 4) parallel or duplicate testing.

HOW TO BEAT SWIMSUIT SEASON ANXIETY

Expert Neuropsychologist

Gives 7 Hacks for Body and Mind

Since January we’ve been bombarded with ads urging us to slim down and “get your body in shape by summer.” “Lose weight by Memorial Day.” While some women manage to meet their weight loss goals in time to feel confident in their swimsuit, the majority of us don’t. While we can disguise unwanted pounds in heavy layers during winter, in summer there’s nowhere to hide when you’re invited to that pool side BBQ. Why should we have to hide? We turned to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, New York City based neuropsychologist and Teaching Faculty Member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College to give us some tips on how to boost body image despite the number on the scale.

Recognize (and Stop) all the fat talk.

"Women are notorious for commiserating when it comes to body image," says Dr. Hafeez. If a woman says, 'I'm so fat,' the other woman might feel like she has to say 'no, I'm the fat one.’ ‘Have you seen my thighs?’ Then there's this back and forth over whose body is worse to elevate the other person. “Even women who don't feel negatively about their bodies will engage in this behavior and eventually, it can make them feel worse,” says Dr. Hafeez. Dr. Hafeez suggests taking the lead in offering compliments to friends and steering the conversation away from negative self-talk which serves no one.

Don’t compare yourself to the ‘Insta thin.’

Comparing your “booty” or thighs to the countless fitness influencers on Instagram will do nothing to bolster your self-image. Instead, follow and like beautiful photos of healthy foods, plated and perfect. “You want to encourage well-being not get yourself down by comparing yourself to women who work out with trainers, are significantly younger and whose livelihood it is to be a swimsuit model. Comparison leads to discouragement, warns Hafeez.”

Focus on improvement.

When it comes to your body, focusing on what you think is a problem area is just going to make you feel worse. Once you’ve acknowledged what you want to work on, focus on ways to improve and celebrate what you’ve accomplished so far. “If you haven’t reached your fitness goal understand it is a work in progress. Stick with it. Working out will also raise your endorphins which help to induce feelings of pleasure and reduce anxiety naturally,” says Dr. Hafeez.

Be kind to yourself and commit not to a size, but to a lifestyle.

Doing something kind for your body serves as positive reinforcement. “You want to stay focused on the bigger picture. It’s about a healthy lifestyle not looking like a swimsuit model,” says Dr. Hafeez. Did you try new healthy recipes, opted out of dessert, drank water instead of coffee or diet sodas? Then praise yourself and treat yourself to a massage, a nice long uninterrupted shower with music, a pedicure, a facial or a delicious smelling body lotion.

“By taking some time for you, and doing something that makes you feel physically great, it’ll help you’ll feel well emotionally,” Dr. Hafeez explains.

Undo the negative programming about your body.

Undoing negative thoughts about our bodies doesn’t happen overnight. Here are a few questions to consider when feeling down or anxious about your body.

How would it feel to savor the sensation of warm sun on my skin?

How would my body feel immersed in water on a stiflingly hot day?

How might swimming help me relax or exercise more?

What am I willing to do to reach my goal weight?

What 3 things can I appreciate about my body right now?

“It may also help to remind yourself that most people at the beach or pool are feeling sensitive about their bodies, too. They may not show it, but that doesn’t mean they are totally secure, happy and confident with their body.”

Focus on the fun!

The majority of us live in climates where the summer is over quickly. Do you really want to spend the summer complaining about your body or, would you rather have fun? Think about how relaxing it will be to enjoy that good book with the sound of the waves in the background, napping under the umbrella, warmer temperatures, backyard get-togethers and night swimming in the pool. “You can spend your summer obsessing over cellulite or, you can enjoy time with your kids eating homemade fruit pops. Always choose fun,” suggests Dr. Hafeez.

Finally, remind yourself why you are here?

You are so much more than your body. What are you doing with your life, besides obsessing about your body? Are you a parent who is raising confident kids, a student advancing your education, a loyal friend, pet owner, or a self-employed trailblazer? Focus on all you do, and want to do, with your mind and body. You’ll quickly realize you have more to offer the world than a 24-inch waist.

About the Doctor:

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens.

Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz.

Connect with her via twitter @comprehendMind or www.comprehendthemind.com

Knee Injuries: the Best Practices for Recovering from a Torn ACL

A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a knee injury that can make mobility more difficult. Common among athletes, a torn ACL can also affect people who lead more sedentary lifestyles. Fortunately, there are some methods that often work in alleviating much of the pain and discomfort and speeding recovery time. Here are some of the best practices for recovering from a torn ACL.

Yoga Poses

Certain yoga poses can aid in the recovery process and are safe for most people who have ACL injuries. Fox Newssuggests trying the standard bridge and bridge with leg lift poses to help strengthen the leg muscles, glutes and knee joint. The tree pose, which involves standing on one leg and putting the foot of the other leg on the inside of the thigh, can stretch the ligament in a good way. Other recommended poses include child’s pose and reclined leg raises.

Acupuncture

Even though acupuncture won’t heal a torn ACL, this form of traditional Chinese medicine can alleviate pain and other symptoms of the condition. Acupuncture can work well in conjunction with other treatment methods. A trained acupuncturist inserts small needles gently into the area around the ACL to help relieve pain and tension. This form of therapy may also be effective in stabilizing surrounding muscles in the knee to elicit recovery.

Physical Therapy

Many people have experienced great results with physical therapy. A qualified physical therapist at Town Center Orthopaedic Associates, P.C.or another nearby office can design personalized treatment plains to aid in torn ACL recovery. Exercises, stretches and other forms of physical therapy are implemented to enhance knee functioning and mobility. Additional measures can be taken to prevent injury recurrence. Most physical therapy facilities feature exercise equipment that’s designed to be safe for people with ACL injuries.

Surgery

Surgery isn’t always necessary to treat a torn ACL, but sometimes it’s the only option. Many ACL injuries also involve torn meniscus cartilage, which requires surgery to correct. During surgery, the ACL can be reconstructed with grafting and strengthened to prevent any future tearing. An autograft, which involves harvesting bone or tissue from another part of the body, is often used to perform the reconstruction. Bone or tissue grafts from a donor are also sometimes used in ACL repairs. Total recovery time following surgery usually ranges from six to twelve months.

Recovering from a torn ACL can be a challenging ordeal, but there are certain methods that can make the process easier. The right recovery method will depend on a particular individual’s lifestyle and health status.

Markham Dentist Leading Digital Change

MARKHAM, ON, June 18, 2018 /CNW/ - Dentistry at Vitality Health is ahead of the emerging curve of Digital Dentistry by becoming the first All Digital Dental Centre with a complete In-House Digital Lab.

Dentistry at Vitality Health (CNW Group/Dentistry at Vitality Health)

Dentistry requires incredible accuracy. Digital Dentistry improves the accuracy over traditional methods. The range of error in a Digital Scan-Design-Mill Process is measured by the microns; most often six to ten microns. To understand how diminutive this is, it's helpful to know that a blood cell is between five and ten microns and a single strand of human hair is between 75 and 100 microns.

Dr. Raj Singh, founder of Dentistry at Vitality Health, has been an early adopter of technology his entire career; the first Canadian dentist to perform computer guided implants, the first Canadian dentist to perform CAD-CAM Dentistry and the first Canadian dentist to offer in-house 3D CBCT X-rays.

Dr. Singh recently invested over $1,500,000 in his business to create an entirely unique digital practice. "Dentistry is becoming more competitive," Dr. Singh explains. "Our differentiator is simple; cosmetic and implant patients who choose our practice have every aspect of their treatment completed in one facility by one team using the most advanced digital technology available while paying the fees determined by the Ontario Dental Association."

The technical benefits to using Digital Dentistry are numerous. However, the three most important benefits are improved planning and production, communication and costing.

Digital dentistry dramatically improves the planning and final product. Greater precision ensures a more comfortable "bite" and a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

Patient communication and education is clearer. 3D X-rays, "virtual" tooth scans and smile preview software enable the patient to better understand the need, the process and the expected outcome.

Digital dentistry also provides the dentist with information to forecast potential problems caused by poor dental health, sports injuries, accidents, bone loss, and general aging. This information is used in the planning stage and fee quote stage so that when a patient agrees to a procedure, there are no added fees once the surgery begins.

About Dentistry at Vitality Health:

Dentistry at Vitality Health was founded by Dr. Raj Singh over 20 years ago. Dentistry at Vitality Health combines the most recent and innovative dental technology with a high level of personalized care; we call this "High-Tech High-Touch Dentistry." All aspects of dental care are offered including Family Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry and Implant Dentistry.

SOURCE Dentistry at Vitality Health

The Simplicity of the SpectrumTM Meets the Sophistication of Softgels

SMITHS FALLS, ON, June 18, 2018 /CNW/ - Spectrum Cannabis ("Spectrum Cannabis"), the global medical subsidiary of Canopy Growth Corporation ("Canopy Growth" or the "Company") (TSX:WEED) (NYSE:CGC) is proud to announce the introduction of convenient, colour-coded Softgels to its product line in Canada. These innovative new products, available today, provide patients and healthcare professionals with a consistent dosing format for ingestible medical cannabis, supporting simplified dosing and a simplified conversation between patients and their healthcare practitioners.

The Simplicity of The Spectrum TM meets the Sophistication of Softgels (CNW Group/Canopy Growth Corporation)

It is Medical Cannabis. Simplified.^TM

"Launching Spectrum Cannabis Softgels embodies our ongoing commitment to medical customers. Spectrum Cannabis will continue to offer the best products available with a focus on innovative, easy-to-dose and understand options," said Mark Zekulin, President, Canopy Growth. "Delivering these new, extract based Softgels is another success as we focus on providing solutions for the patients who depend on medical cannabis and the healthcare professionals who prescribe it."

Each coloured Softgel aligns to the broader Spectrum Cannabis offering and contains a different ratio of THC and CBD to give patients clear options while also supporting healthcare professionals' ability to make consistent treatment recommendations.

The newly introduced Spectrum Softgels are the latest cannabis extract product introduced by the Company and reflect the growing desire for easy to use, medical cannabis products that go beyond whole-flower. As the clinical work of Canopy Health Innovations accelerates, value-add Spectrum Cannabis products will form the backbone of the Company's ambitious global clinical reesearch framework.

Spectrum Softgels are produced to exacting standards in the Smiths Falls GMP-1 certified production campus. Thanks to investments in industrial-scale facilities, customers and healthcare professionals can choose Spectrum Cannabis with the confidence that access won't be restrained by inadequate supply.

Knowing that product availability continues to be a challenge in the cannabis industry in Canada, and to back up its commitment to medical patients in the lead-up to recreational legalization, the Company is committing to its customers that Spectrum Cannabis Softgels and oils will always be in stock moving forward.

Launching Spectrum Cannabis Softgels builds on recent announcements that upon the passing of the Cannabis Act, the Company will absorb the proposed excise tax on all Spectrum Cannabis products sold in Canada, including our new Softgels offering. On top of this, all Spectrum Cannabis dried flower products will be priced at $8.50 per gram or less and, as always, Spectrum Cannabis products in Canada are eligible for our industry-first Compassionate Pricing Program that helps those on limited incomes afford their medicine.

Spectrum Cannabis: Medical Cannabis. Simplified.^TM

About Spectrum Cannabis
Spectrum Cannabis, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Canopy Growth, is dedicated to simplifying medical cannabis for patients and healthcare practitioners. Spectrum Cannabis is an international medical business which interfaces with healthcare professionals and patients around the world. Founded in Canada, Spectrum Cannabis operates in Australia, South America, Africa and across Europe. Spectrum Cannabis products are available in a wide range of potencies and formats designed to simplify the dialogue around strength and dosage by applying a colour-coded Spectrum to categorize medical cannabis according to THC and CBD levels. Its product lineup includes whole flower cannabis, oils and new innovations such as Softgels. Through product simplification, easy dosing formats, its Compassionate Pricing Program, in addition to ongoing education of healthcare professionals, Spectrum is committed to improving the lives of medical cannabis patients around the globe.

About Canopy Growth Corporation
Canopy Growth is a world-leading diversified cannabis and hemp company, offering distinct brands and curated cannabis varieties in dried, oil and Softgel capsule forms. From product and process innovation to market execution, Canopy Growth is driven by a passion for leadership and a commitment to building a world-class cannabis company one product, site and country at a time.

Canopy Growth has established partnerships with leading sector names including cannabis icon Snoop Dogg, breeding legends DNA Genetics and Green House Seeds, and Fortune 500 alcohol leader Constellation Brands, to name but a few. Canopy Growth operates ten licensed cannabis production sites with over 2.4 million square feet of production capacity, including over 500,000 square feet of GMP-certified production space. The Company has operations in nine countries across five continents. The Company is proudly dedicated to educating healthcare practitioners, conducting robust clinical research, and furthering the public's understanding of cannabis. Through its partly owned subsidiary, Canopy Health Innovations, Canopy Growth has invested millions of dollars toward cutting edge, commercializable research and IP development. Through its partly owned subsidiary Canopy Rivers Corporation, the Company provides resources and investment to new market entrants in order to build a portfolio of stable investments in the sector. From our historic public listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange to our continued international expansion, pride in advancing shareholder value through leadership is engrained in all we do at Canopy Growth. For more information visit www.canopygrowth.com

Forward Looking Statement
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Canopy Growth or its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. Examples of such statements include: "convenient and precise dosage for patients", "give patients clear options while also supporting healthcare professionals ability to make consistent treatment recommendations", "reflect the growing desire for easy to use, medical cannabis products that offer an alternative to inhalation." Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including availability and distribution of product, and such risks contained in the Company's annual information form dated June 28, 2017 and filed with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information or forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Canopy Growth Corporation

Blasting out Rihanna or Kanye West could give England that crucial psychological edge over Tunisia on Monday, suggests research from Brunel University London.

Which tracks Gareth Southgate spins the squad in the dressing room to psych them up to peak performance may be key to getting England to the top of their game.

Scientists at Brunel have long banged the drum for music’s performance-boosting powers in sport. Now for the first time they’ve studied its pre-match effect in Premiership football.

The right music can supercharge team spirit among elite players, helping heighten bonding and strengthen feelings of togetherness, they found.

“Our study illustrated how music plays a pivotal role in enhancing group cohesion in elite football,” said psycho-physiologist Marcelo Bigliassi.

The results serve as sound advice for the Lions’ boss, says Bigliassi: “Gareth Southgate could use pre-match music to boost feelings of unity, increase group cohesion and create a positive team atmosphere.”

Pre-match prep without music can put players on the back foot by making them feel under-prepared, never mind how much they’ve trained, researchers found. And the game-changing positive emotions from the right pre-match sounds last long after the players walk out of the tunnel.

The same positive effects of musical prep might stretch to other team sports such as basketball, rugby and hockey, Bigliassi reckons. “I believe that a similar cluster of psychological responses would be identified for players in other team sports.”

The study tracked 34 academy players at a Premiership team, aged 16–23, over a season. Upbeat tunes players knew gave the most positive vibes before a match. One surprise was how ready younger players were to go along with senior players’ picks. Post To Be by Omarion, Pour It Up by Rihanna, Blood On The Leaves by Kanye West, and The Catch Up by Drake were players’ top tunes for feeling totally in the zone.

"Our findings provide a vista into the emotional, behavioural and cognitive responses to music in young elite players,” said study leader Dr Costas Karageorghis.

“The role of music in soccer is perhaps more symbolic, imaginative and figurative than previously thought,” he added. “Music appears to intersect with the narrative of players’ lives and the way in which bonds are formed among players both on and off the pitch.”

A grounded theory of music use in the psychological preparation of academy soccer players is published this month in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology

National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends SHINGRIX for the prevention of shingles for adults aged 50 and up

MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 18, 2018 /CNW/ - The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has made a strong recommendation for SHINGRIX, GSK's vaccine for the prevention of shingles. NACI recommends SHINGRIX should be offered to individuals 50 years of age and older without contraindications. Further, NACI indicates a strong recommendation should be followed unless there is a clear and compelling rationale for an alternative approach.ⁱ

Shingles is caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox.ⁱⁱMore than 90 percent of those over 50 years old have had chickenpox and are at risk for shingles. A person's risk for shingles increases with age and an estimated 30% of Canadians will develop shingles in their lifetime.^iii,iv,v

Dr Susie Barnes, Vice President and Country Medical Director, GSK Canada said: "After the age of 50 a person's risk for shingles increases. With approximately 130,000 new cases of shingles each year in Canada, the NACI recommendation is an important step forward for prevention of the disease among older Canadian adults."

SHINGRIX is indicated for the prevention of shingles (herpes zoster) in people aged 50 years or older.^vi

About shingles
Shingles is caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox.ⁱⁱ

Shingles typically presents as a rash, with painful blisters across the chest, abdomen or face. The pain is often described as aching, burning, stabbing or shock-like. Following the rash, a person can also experience post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), pain that can last for months or years. ^ix PHN is the most common complication of shingles, occurring in up to 30 percent of all shingles cases.^vii

Shingles affects an estimated 130,000 Canadians annually^v Incidence rates are similar throughout North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific regions^xiii Older adults and those with conditions that compromise the immune system have the greatest risk for developing shingles. Nearly all adult Canadians (>90%) have had chickenpox and are therefore at risk for shingles. An estimated 30% will develop shingles in their lifetime and the risk increases to 50% for those who live to 85 years of age^i,ix

About SHINGRIX
SHINGRIX [Herpes Zoster vaccine (non-live recombinant, AS01_B adjuvanted)] is a non-live, recombinant subunit adjuvanted vaccine to help prevent herpes zoster (shingles) in adults 50 years of age and older. The vaccine is to be given intramuscularly in two doses with a two-to-six month interval between doses and combines an antigen (VZV glycoprotein E) and an adjuvant system (AS01_B).^viii

The Product Monograph, posted at www.ca.gsk.com, should be consulted for complete administration and safety information.

GSK is a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer. For further information, please visit www.ca.gsk.com.

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described under Item 3.D 'Principal risks and uncertainties' in the company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2016.

________________________

ⁱ	National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). Updated Recommendations on the Use of Herpes Zoster Vaccines. Public Health Agency of Canada, June 2018
ⁱⁱ	Harpaz R, Ortega-Sanchez IR, Seward JF; Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2008 Jun;57(RR-5):1-30. Prevention of herpes zoster: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
ⁱⁱⁱ	National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). Statement on the Recommended use of Herpes Zoster Vaccine. January 2010, 36(ASC-1):1-19.
^iv	Brisson, M, et al. Modelling the impact of immunization on the epidemiology of varicella zoster virus. Epidemiol. Infect. 2000; 125, 651-669
^v	Canadian Immunization Guide: Part 4 – Active Vaccines, Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Vaccine.Last updated March 2014.Accessed June 1, 2018. http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/publications/healthy-living-vie-saine/4-canadian-immunization-guide-canadien-immunisation/index-eng.php?page=8
^vi	SHINGRIX Canadian Product Monograph, October 2017
^vii	Kawai, et al. BMJ Open. 2014; 4(6). Systematic review of incidence and complications of herpes zoster: towards a global perspective.
^viii	The GSK proprietary AS01 adjuvant system contains QS-21 Stimulon® adjuvant licensed from Antigenics LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Agenus Inc. (NASDAQ: AGEN), MPL and liposomes.

SOURCE GlaxoSmithKline Inc.

5 Last Minute Tips for Getting Your Summer Face & Bod Fast from Beverly Hills Concierge Doctor Ehsan Ali, MD

Now that beach season is here, many of us are scrambling to figure out how to look our best in the warm weather, whether that be by toning our bodies or pampering our skin to achieve the ever-desired summer glow. That’s why Beverly Hills Concierge Doctor Ehsan Ali, MD, whose worked with stars including Liam Hemsworth, Bella Thorne and Emma Stone, is sharing his top five last-minute methods to get in ideal summer shape fast:

CoolSculpting

Like liposuction but non-invasive/non-surgical, CoolSculpting is a pain-free way to efficiently get rid of unwanted fat. CoolSculpting’s reliable technology targets stubborn fat to freeze and kill the cells. During the weeks following treatment, your body naturally eliminates the cells, providing a long-term remedy for unwanted fat storages. Contact a licensed clinician, like Dr. Ehsan Ali, for a consultation.

Medical Weight Loss Plan

For the most personalized, holistic treatment for weight loss, experienced doctors can work with you to customize a plan to reach your goals. Whether with or without prescription medicine, your doctor can help you to figure out the most appropriate diet/exercise/treatment plan that will target your specific needs to get you in your best shape possible.

Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet is sweeping the nation as one of the fastest and most effective diets to be used for weight loss. The ketogenic diet is unique in that it does not only require very low dietary carbohydrate intake, but it also requires a very high consumption of dietary fat (and moderate protein). With this general macronutrient ratio, your body switches from using glucose (sugar) as fuel to using fat for energy, which ultimately leads to rapid weight loss and body fat reduction... without you having to count calories! Dr. Ali recommends consulting your doctor while on this diet.

Microneedling for the Face or Body

Microneedling is a procedure that involves creating a bunch of punctures all over the top layer of your skin in order to boost collagen production. Therefore, microneedling can work wonders for fine lines, sun damage, wrinkles, acne scars/hyperpigmentation, overall skin texture, and more. It is not a painful procedure, it is very fast, and it can be done anywhere on the body. While it is recommended to visit a doctor to discuss this treatment, those who are interested may also consider at-home microneedling as well.

PRP Treatments

PRP treatment, or plasma rich platelets injection therapy, is another very effective way to treat lackluster skin. With PRP, the patient’s own blood is drawn and then re-injected in the target areas by the doctor. A step up from microneedling, the plasma helps even more to stimulate the formation of collagen. This makes all skin types improve greatly and glow.

Please let me know if you’re interested in speaking with Dr. Ehsan Ali about any or all of these fantastic last-minute fixes for the perfect summer look! I can either connect you over the phone or send him any questions you may have by email.

Looking forward to hearing back!

Best,
Lauren

About Dr. Ehsan Ali

" src="blob:http://www.trainitright.com/30ee28a1-ac62-4a49-b746-686cf0c59f15" alt="Portable Network Graphics image" align="left" hspace="9" class="Apple-web-attachment Singleton">

Dr. Ehsan Ali, MD is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. He also completed a specialized training in Geriatric Medicine. Upon completing his medical training from NYU, Dr. Ali Ehsan moved to Los Angeles. His work experience includes being a physician on staff with the Cedar-Sinai Medical Group, where he was a primary care doctor. He also has worked as a “Hospitalist”, which is the care of patients while they are hospitalized and suffering from acute/critical illnesses. Dr. Ali's office is located in Beverly Hills and he currently offers house calls to his patients in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, West Hollywood, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Malibu and surrounding areas of Los Angeles.

In his spare time, Dr. Ali volunteers at free medical clinics in inner city areas, to help provide medical care to uninsured patients.

Dr. Ali is also a clinical instructor to medical students from UCLA.

Retirees Battling Alzheimer’s Prepare for the Trip of a Lifetime

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 10 people aged 65 and older has Alzheimer's — and those numbers are rising fast. Alzheimer’s is now the 6th-leading cause of death in the U.S., and by 2050 it is expected that someone will develop Alzheimer’s or another dementia every 33 seconds.

“When we look at these numbers,” says Lisa Winstel, Chief Operating Officer of Caregiver Action Network (CAN), “it’s clear that now is the crucial time to talk about a vital job that so few people are prepared for, but which so many of us will be asked to perform with grace in the coming years: serving as the primary caregiver for a loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s or dementia.”

When you picture caregivers for patients with these diseases, you may envision doctors, nurses, and support staff at assisted care facilities. But the long descent of life with Alzheimer’s means most caregiving begins at home, when a dedicated spouse or child takes on the new and often stressful role of primary caregiver. In the US, it is estimated that there are 65.7 million unpaid family caregivers providing care to someone who is ill, disabled, or aged.

For Dick and Ellen Akers, her diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s has led to big changes in both the roles they share in their 53-year marriage and in their long-awaited retirement plans. But they bravely refuse to let these new caregiving challenges stop them from following through on their biggest goal.

“We originally expected to have years to enjoy all the retirement benefits of moving from Ohio to Florida and living in The Villages,” says Dick Akers. “Now, we’re planning one last vacation together, while Ellen is still lucid enough to enjoy it.”

Ellen Akers has never been to Europe, so Dick undertook the challenge of organizing their two-week river cruise up the Danube River on AMA Waterways — which is a big difference from their usual responsibilities. “Ellen has always been the planner,” says Dick, a former aeronautics engineer whose role around the house was intentionally minimal: he’d manage repairs, while Ellen liked to manage almost everything else. (“After 53 years, I’m still on probation,” Dick jokes.) But that all changed three years ago, when Dick noticed a change in Ellen’s behavior.

“I would make simple statements, and she would answer with questions, or with evident signs of forgetfulness,” says Dick. The big indicator came when the staff of their weekly house cleaning service told Dick that Ellen was telling them the exact same stories every time they visited. So Dick helped Ellen arrange some doctors’ visits — first with their primary care physician, and then with a recommended neurologist. But when Dick learned that Ellen had cancelled an appointment with her neurologist and forgot to reschedule, “that was the moment I realized I needed to become more active and take charge of the situation.”

Since then, Dick has helped Ellen navigate the many changes in their daily routine as she adapts to her new life with Alzheimer’s. Where the kitchen was once exclusively Ellen’s domain, Dick now does all the cooking and meal planning. He switched Ellen’s primary care physician to his own, so they can attend their checkups at the same time. He manages a spreadsheet that tracks all of Ellen’s doctor visits, diagnoses, medications, and more — and he takes a copy with him to every new meeting, where he takes notes to ensure that no new prescriptions will create conflicts with existing medications. He also manages a daily online calendar, so their daughter and son can keep track of Ellen’s condition from a distance.

Right now, he’s especially focused on the details of their big trip, which begins on June 21. He wants Ellen to have the time of her life, but he’s also worried about her decreased mobility (which is further complicated by an unrelated knee injury that could eventually require a replacement), as well as managing all of her medicines and troubleshooting any problems that may arise while they’re overseas.

How is Dick coping with all this added stress? So far, he says he hasn’t thought much about it yet — but he knows he needs to. “I still golf a few days a week,” he says, “but I don’t stay to have food and drinks with the guys afterward, because I’m reluctant to leave Ellen alone for more than a few hours at a time.” He says his family has been supportive, and his daughter calls regularly and flies down to Florida to help whenever she can, but the bulk of the daily responsibility is on him. As such, he and Ellen have become active advocates in raising awareness of the role of caregivers across the country.

“It’s so important to be aware of everything that goes into managing Alzheimer’s,” says Dick, who reads books and subscribes to newsletters about the disease. “But each individual patient responds differently, which means every situation is different. You have to continually evaluate as you go.”

Luckily, five decades of marriage have helped Dick and Ellen uniquely prepare for this challenge. “Ellen is one of the most pleasant, nicest, kindest people I’ve ever known,” says Dick. “But it’s still hard, because she gets so frustrated with herself when she notices these changes in her behavior. And I can’t do anything to assuage her, other than to say, ‘it’s not your fault. We’ll get through this together.’”

We invite you to interview Dick and Ellen Akers about the process of caregiving with Alzheimer’s, and about the complications and adventures of traveling internationally while managing the disease. You’re also invited to interview Lisa Winstel, Chief Operating Officer of Caregiver Action Network (CAN), which provides education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers across the US.

Research suggests that the overwhelming physical, emotional and financial burden faced by unpaid caregivers in the US. Alarmingly, nearly half (45%) of unpaid caregivers surveyed feel that their physical health has suffered as a result of their caregiver duties.

Other key survey findings include:

· Nearly half (45%) of unpaid caregivers surveyed in the US don’t often have time to book or attend medical appointments for themselves. This is particularly concerning considering older caregivers, who often face chronic health conditions themselves: 86% of unpaid caregivers surveyed aged 66-75 care for someone aged 65 and over.

· Nearly half (49%) of unpaid caregivers surveyed in the US have feelings of depression with a similar amount (48%) feeling that they needed medical care/support for a mental health condition (e.g. depression, anxiety, stress) due to their role as an unpaid caregiver. Of these nearly a quarter (20%) have not sought medical help.

· 41% of female unpaid caregivers surveyed in the US feel being a caregiver has put pressure on their financial situation, as compared to 28% of male caregivers.

About EMBRACING CARERS TM

Launched in 2017, Embracing CarersTM is a global initiative led by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in collaboration with leading caregiver organizations around the world to increase awareness and discussion about the often-overlooked needs of caregivers. It is understood that caregivers play a crucial role in the lives of patients. What is less understood are caregivers’ needs for resources and support focused on improving their own health and well-being. And while significant progress has been made in certain areas/geographies, serious gaps remain. Embracing Carers™ addresses this by highlighting the unmet needs of caregivers’ within the US and around the world; by empowering caregivers to advocate for their own health and wellbeing, and by driving a call to action for support of caregivers including support within healthcare systems.

https://www.embracingcarers.com/

Caregiving in the United States

In the US, it is estimated that there are 65.7 million unpaid family caregivers providing care to someone who is ill, disabled, or aged. Each day, in every community around the world, people provide care for those who need it most, often putting their own lives on hold or altering their daily routines to ensure that an ill or disabled loved one or friend has the support they need.

Known as caregivers, these individuals often get little support or recognition for the work they do, but they are essential for improving patient outcomes. Caregivers are not limited by culture or country — they are universal, sharing common traits and facing common challenges.

Beyond today, it is estimated that the global population of people aged 60 years and older will more than double, from 900 million in 2015 to about 2 billion in 2050.

If you would rather not receive future communications from Carrie Butler, let us know by clicking here.
Carrie Butler, 215 E. 42nd Street 19th Floor, New York, NY 10017 United States

Vacation vs. Guilt - Difficult Choices for the Full-Time Caregiver

Many individuals bear the mantle of caregiver, responsible in some form for the care of an aging parent. In the United States, there are an estimated 65.7 million unpaid family caregivers providing care to someone who is ill, disabled, or aged. For some carers, that takes a immediate, physical form as an aging relative lives with them. For many others, such as Dyan Alexander, they may not provide direct physical support, but perform the complex and unending task of coordinating care.

When Ms. Alexander’s mother was 85, she fell and broke her hip. The mobility challenges made it impossible for her mother, Pat LoCascio and her husband Charles, to continue to live independently. The LoCascio’s moved into an assisted living facility in Florida, then after Charles’ death, Ms. Alexander and her sister moved their mother up to Annapolis Maryland where Alexander lives.

Alexander shares, “It fell on me to be the primary liaison for all of her healthcare and living needs.“ She interviewed assisted living facilities, became a self-taught expert in Medicare, and visited her mother nearly every day. All this was added to an already full plate of responsibilities. Alexander was working full-time and often cared for her granddaughter. One evening Alexander had her granddaughter over for a much-anticipated slumber party, when she received word that he mother had fallen and was being transported to the hospital. Her attention quickly went from tea parties to triage.

During the year-and-a-half of her mother’s illnesses,which included COPD and congestive heart failure, Alexander didn’t take any vacations. On the rare occasions she would get away for a rushed, guilty weekend, travel was anything but relaxing.

Lisa Winstel, Chief Operating Officer of Caregiver Action Network, notes that Alexander’s story is far too typical. “Caregivers are seeking to perform an enormous task with finite resources. They often end up shorting themselves on the very resources—such as rest and medical care—that they need to perform this role effectively for a sustained amount of time.”

One organization is seeking to bridge that gap between carers and resources. Launched in 2017, Embracing Carers is a global initiative led by EMD Serono, in collaboration with leading caregiver organizations around the world to increase awareness and discussion about the often-overlooked needs of caregivers. Embracing Carers seeks to provide resources and support to these vital carers.

Pat LoCascio passed away several weeks ago from pneumonia. Alexander has to grieve for her mother while continuing to coordinate memorials and discharge duties as her mother’s power of attorney. “I am exhausted,” Alexander confesses.