Author: trainitright

Ambulance New Brunswick earns Accreditation Canada's highest ranking

 

Exemplary Standing positions provincial ambulance service among best in class

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Accreditation Canada:

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

 

SOURCE Ambulance New Brunswick (ANB)

All-Natural Wellness Supplement
Makes the Whole Family Healthier
Everyday Enzymes™

We all know, good nutrition is crucial for health...but did you know that eating healthy doesn't necessarily mean your body is getting the right nutrients?! Many people don't realize they have a condition called "enzyme gap" which means even if they eat healthy, their body won't benefit because there aren't enough enzymes to absorb the nutrients! Enzyme gap may not only cause digestive problems, but it can also weaken the immune system and lead to a slew of other health issues like fatigue, acne, eczema, headaches, mood swings, joint pain, etc.

Luckily, there is an all-natural and healthy way to ensure the whole family is getting the most out of those fruits and veggies!

ABOUT EVERYDAY ENZYMES:

Everyday Enzymes.pngEveryday Enzymes are an all-natural supplement designed to help your body digest and absorb the maximum amount of nutrients. It supports the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This supplement can help not only with digestive issues (acid reflux, nausea, gas, etc.) but it can also boost the immune system, metabolism, and improve overall health. Everyday Enzymes may be given to young children, pets and it may even be taken during pregnancy / lactation. (In fact, expectant mothers find it helps with nausea!)

Digestive Enzymes Will Help You:

  • Eliminate abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and acid reflux.
  • Get the most nutrition out of the food you are already eating.
  • Get off of pharmaceutical or over-the-counter drugs.

 

WHY YOUR FAMILY NEEDS THIS:

We live in a quick-fix, medicine-hungry nation....but medicine is not always the answer! Our body can heal itself if given the chance and this drug-free, all-natural supplement will allow you to do that.

Many people suffer from minor (or major) stomach issues (like gas, bloating, acid reflux) and while taking Tums or Pepto Bismol may provide relief...it is merely helping the symptoms, not the problem. Everyday Enzymes get to the root of the problem and have been proven to be extremely effective in getting people off pharmaceutical or over-the-counter drugs for digestive issues.

A healthy stomach often benefits many other areas of health. Even if you don't have stomach problems, these supplements can help boost your immune system, fight fatigue, and even help with anxiety.

"Patients are shocked to learn that their stomach may be the cause of their other health problems," says the creator, Dr. Liz Cruz. As a gastroenterologist and a parent of four kids, Cruz is determined to keep her family feeling good and staying healthy in the most natural way possible.

 

"It's amazing to see people get off pharmaceutical drugs in an all-natural way. This information and these tools need to be shared with everyone now more than ever! It's never too late to change how you feel."

– Liz Cruz M.D.

 

THE SCIENCE BEHIND DIGESTIVE ENZYMES:

In order for your body to benefit from what you eat, you need digestive enzymes to break down the food. Proteins need to be broken down into amino acids; fats need to be broken down into fatty acids and cholesterol; and carbohydrates need to be broken down into simple sugars. At birth we are given a certain potential for manufacturing enzymes in our body, creating an enzyme “reserve.” However, if we do not continually replenish that reserve through proper nutrition, it runs out. Enzyme deficiency can cause digestive issues, a weakened immune system, fatigue, acne, eczema, headaches, mood swings, joint pain.

Having a lack of digestive enzymes puts tremendous stress on the body, because it is then forced to draw reserves from other locations throughout the body. The more we depend on our body to create digestive enzymes without the proper tools, the less time and energy the body’s systems and organs have for rebuilding and replacing worn out damaged cells and tissue. This puts a tremendous amount of stress on the endocrine system, as well as the immune system. After years and years of relying on our “reserve,” it is eventually depleted.

 

Dr. Cruz is on a mission to educate and help families adapt a healthy lifestyle that fits their needs.

 

ABOUT DR. LIZ CRUZ:

Dr. Liz Cruz.pngDr. Liz Cruz is a gastroenterologist, an author, and (most importantly) a parent of 4 children. She is the creator of Everyday Enzymes, as well as a variety of other wellness products designed to promote all-natural, holistic wellness. Cruz's products have received critical acclaim and are widely praised for effectively reducing the need for prescription medicine. Cruz is a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Gastroenterology. She is a member of the American Gastroenterological Association and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

For More Information Visit:

http://www.drlizcruz.com

 

CLHIA welcomes the announcement of changes to OHIP+

 

TORONTO, June 30, 2018 /CNW/ - The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) welcomes the changes to OHIP+ announced today by the Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Christine Elliott. "These important changes will ensure that all young Ontarians age 24 and under can access the prescription medicines they need in a way that is affordable for Ontario taxpayers," stated Stephen Frank, CLHIA's President and CEO.

"The life and health insurance industry is committed to working with the Government of Ontario to ensure a smooth transition and is pleased to extend the transition period agreed to with the previous government beyond July 1st. We will work closely with the new government to ensure that all those who are eligible for coverage under an employer sponsored health benefit plan are transitioned back from the OHIP+ Children and Youth Pharmacare program with minimal disruption," noted Mr. Frank. More than 9.8 million plan members and their dependents in Ontario rely on their health benefit plans to access a wide variety of medicines and other health services.

"The changes will also ensure the health benefit plans that Ontario families value remain strong and sustainable," he added. "We congratulate the new Ontario government on moving decisively on this matter that will benefit all Ontarians," concluded Mr. Frank.

About the CLHIA

The CLHIA represents life and health insurance companies accounting for 99% of the business in Canada. The industry provides a strong social safety net for Ontarians. It pays almost $40 billion in benefits each year to Ontarians through life and health insurance products including annuities, RRSPs, disability insurance and supplementary health plans. Life and health insurers pay over $1 billion in taxes in Ontario, and collect almost $1.5 billion in retail sales tax on workplace life and health insurance products, for a total of $2.5 billion in taxes on the industry and its products.

SOURCE Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association Inc.

For further information:

Susan Murray, Vice President, Government Relations and Policy, (613) 691-6002/smurray@clhia.ca; Wendy Hope, Vice President, External Relations, (613) 691-6001/whope@clhia.ca

Understanding Omega 6—Myths Vs. Facts
 SeabuckWonders Shares Latest Studies

 

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Chicago, IL – May 8, 2018 - Each year, more studies come out that deepen our understanding of omega fatty acids and sea buckthorn oil. Recent studies are about all of the omega fatty acids that are naturally part of sea buckthorn - omegas 3, 6, 9, and 7. The mainstream understanding of fatty acids is constantly changing and what becomes popular belief is not always factual. To illustrate this, the following information centers on omega 6—which is one of the most misunderstood fatty acids.
 
Myth- All Omega 6 Causes Heart Disease
Omega-6 has been demonized for causing heart disease, inflammation, depression and even worsening asthma. Most of all, omega 6 is known for causing heart disease. Keeping a balance of omega 3 and 6 is best for human health. It is true that many Americans get too much omega 6 from refined food (especially animal based) sources. While the average American diet also tends to be high in omega 6- there is more to the story.
 
Truth- Plant Based Omega 6 Is Good For the Heart 
Omega 6 plays a part in everything from skin, hair and bone health to metabolism. Sea buckthorn oil has a ratio of nearly 1:1 omega 3 and 6- the perfect balance for humans.
Obtaining omega 6 from plant sources can’t boost cholesterol levels- because plants don’t have cholesterol. Sea buckthorn is a plant based source of omega 6 so there is no harm in taking it in this form.
New Research on Omega 6

New research shows that the fatty acid has more health qualities than previously thought.  The notion that a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids such as linoleic acid raises disease risk by promoting inflammation ignores the fact that omega-6 fatty acids also promote anti-inflammatory compounds.

According to a new University of Eastern Finland study, it is possible Omega-6 can not only protect you from premature death but can also keep cardiovascular diseases at bay.  Check out these other great benefits:

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​It can help you sleep betterOmega 6 helps one to sleep better and children who take it wake up less during the night and it works the same with adults. It helps the body produce substances involved in helping you sleep such as the melatonin hormone which is a sleeping aid supplement.
 

It can lower blood pressureOmega-6 fatty acids help blood vessels to open and enlarge so that the heart does not push blood around the body forcefully. It lowers the risk of strokes as well as getting diabetes.
It can soothe your skinTaking omega-6 supplements reduces eczema which is a severe skin disease among other skin defects. This helps the skin due to its anti-inflammatory nature.
It can boost your memoryIntake of omega-6 can help sharpen one’s memory and help the nerve cells to communicate better with each other. Therefore, one’s mind becomes more active and reduces symptoms of depression and stress disorder.
It can ease Premenstrual SyndromeDuring their monthly periods women tend to be moody, anxious, happy among other things. Taking omega-3 and 6 supplements could help ease some symptoms such as intense PMS pain as well as reduce breast tenderness[1]
 

Sea Buckthorn Experts
SeabuckWonders has been in the sea buckthorn business for over 20 years—the Original Sea Buckthorn Company in the United States. They are product experts with a thorough knowledge of sea buckthorn oil. They offer a full line of products that work with each consumer’s distinctive needs. Check out their new Easy Match Quiz to find out which sea buckthorn supplement is right for you:

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About SeabuckWonders
SeabuckWonders was the first company to introduce sea buckthorn to United States consumers. Providing only Himalayan, USDA Certified Organic Sea Buckthorn oil for over 20 years. Consumers can depend on the highest quality sea buckthorn oils when choosing SeabuckWonders.
​
The SeabuckWonders Difference
What separates their products from other brands? SeabuckWonders products contain the highest amount of sea buckthorn oil compared to competitors. SeabuckWonders products are available at select retailers or online at:  http://www.seabuckwonders.com/products/

Metro Toronto Convention Centre Reports Record Month for Citywide Medical Conventions

 

TORONTO, June 28, 2018 /CNW/ - The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) is pleased to announce that it will host seven citywide medical conventions in 2018. June 2018 stands as the busiest month in MTCC history for international medical conventions, three have taken place in this month alone on topics that include atherosclerosis and blood transfusion.

Together, this year's major medical conventions will bring thousands of leading medical professionals to Toronto, generate an estimated $55 million in economic impact for the community, and help solidify the city's position as a world-class hub for medical expertise. The transfer of knowledge from medical experts attending major conventions in many instances lead to lifesaving changes in medical care around the world and leave a legacy of ideas, research and innovation for Toronto.

Toronto is home to a thriving life sciences sector that employs more than 36,000 people in fields that include medical research, biotechnology and medical technology. The city is Canada's largest centre of life sciences activity, with more than 1,400 clinical trials and $1 billion in research and development.

Citywide medical conventions rotate the destination of their meeting around the world and for some the highly-competitive bidding process begins 5+ years in advance. In many cases, a winning bid requires support from a local expert or organization and is contingent on the combined efforts of the MTCC, Tourism Toronto and the Leaders Circle. In fact, four citywide medical meetings taking place at the MTCC this year were brought to Toronto as a direct result of this partnership and with the support of local experts, also recognized as Leaders Circle Ambassadors.

"Toronto is home to a strong network of medical experts who are dedicated to innovation and research," said Barry Smith, President and CEO at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. "We are certainly proud to help bring major medical meetings to the city that shine a spotlight on Toronto's successful life sciences sector."

"Toronto has the largest life sciences sector across Canada, employing 36,000 people from biotechnology to pharmaceuticals," said Tara Gordon, VP, Sales & Service, Business Events Toronto. "Our life sciences sector is thriving, and that's why so many in the industry around the world are choosing Canada's Downtown to host their conferences, meetings and events – further cementing Toronto's place as a global leader in health care and innovation."

  • Pediatric Academic Societies Annual Meeting - May 2018 May 4-8, 2018
  • 35th Congress of the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) - June 2-6, 2018
  • 18th International Symposium on Atherosclerosis - June 8-12, 2018
  • Global Hepatitis Summit 2018 - June 13-17, 2018
  • 19th World Conference on Lung Cancer - September 23-26, 2018
  • Canadian Cardiovascular Congress Annual Meeting - October 18-23, 2018
  • Family Medicine Forum - November 14-17, 2018

About the Metro Toronto Convention Centre

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada's number one convention and trade show facility. Over the past 33 years, the Centre has hosted over 20,000 events and has added $6.3 billion in direct spending economic impact to the community. For further information, please visit www.mtccc.com.

SOURCE Metro Toronto Convention Centre

For further information:

Melanie Wade, Social Media and Communications Specialist, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, T: (416) 585-8504, E: mwade@mtccc.com

The Devastating Connection Between Lead Pollution and Fertility

Sexual health expert Dr. Laura Berman discusses new findings that show the insidious impact of lead on reproductive health

Lead pollution in Flint, Michigan has caused fetal deaths to increase by as much as 50%. Now, new research from Carnegie Mellon University has found that airborne lead exposure has lowered the general fertility rate in recent years.

“For years, the link between lead exposure and fertility has been researched,” says Dr. Laura Berman, sexual health expert and television host. “We now know that exposure to lead, even airborne exposure via topsoil, can harm our reproductive abilities.”

Dr. Berman says that concerned couples can take several steps to safeguard their fertility, including having their home tested for lead and using water filters to help remove lead from drinking water.

“But, beware, not all water filters are created equal,” says the sexual health expert and New York Times bestselling author. “For example, refrigerator water filter units generally do not have the capability to remove lead from water.”

In addition to limiting your exposure to harmful lead, Dr. Laura Berman advises hopeful couples to also consider other lifestyle choices which could be impacting your ability to become pregnant, including:

  • Ibuprofen. “Many men think nothing of grabbing a handful of ibuprofen whenever they have muscle aches after the gym or they are battling a headache,” says Dr. Berman. “However, a brand-new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that men who take ibuprofen on a regular basis could suffer from hypogonadism, which is a hormonal condition that could cause infertility in men.”
  • Low iodine. “By now, most women know that being a healthy weight is an important factor when it comes to getting pregnant. Hence, these women tend to focus on the calories and carbs they consume, and the number on the scale. But a new study suggests that these women need to be focused on the amount of iodine they are eating as well.  Women who are low in iodine have HALF the chance of conceiving as women who have a healthy level of iodine.”
  • The wrong lubricant. “Couples know that they need to enjoy lots of love-making in order to increase their chance of conception, but when it comes to making babies, not all lubricants are created equal,” explains Dr. Berman. “There is only one lubricant on the market which has an FDA-cleared formula and is recommended for fertility enhancement, and that is ToConcieve.”

ToConcieve was created by ob-gyns in conjunction with Callitas Health Inc. (CSE: LILY, OTCBB: MPHMF, FWB: T3F2). The fertility enhancing gel is unlike any other fertility product on the market in that it actually encourages the woman’s body to create more of her own lubricant, which in turn may increase the activation of sperm and the woman’s chances of pregnancy. Unlike every other lubricant on the market, ToConceive doesn’t just add chemical lubricants to a woman’s body, it actually encourages her to make more of her own natural lubricant which not only adds to her pleasure, but also may improve her chances of natural conception.

“This ground-breaking product is going to change the way that couples approach their fertility journey,” says Dr. Berman. “Now they have something over the counter that they can use before they have to spend the time and money on interventions at the doctor’s office.”

  • Too much red meat. “A new Greek study has found that women who eat a Mediterranean diet are more likely to be successful on their IVF journey than women who do not. In other words, eating a plant-based diet with lots of healthy fats (such as olive oil and avocados) and lean protein like fish could help you to become pregnant.”
  • Air pollution and pesticides. “Shocking research has revealed that pollution in the air could actually lead to poorer quality of sperm and hence higher levels of infertility for many couples,” says Dr. Berman. “Other research has linked a high consumption of pesticides with a woman’s inability to become pregnant. These findings are good reminders that we need to eat clean and breathe clean if we want to have optimal fertility.”

For more on this topic or to speak to Dr. Berman about ToConcieve and how it can help improve a woman’s chance of becoming pregnant, please contact me.

About Dr. Laura Berman:

Laura Berman, PhD, is a world-renowned sex and relationship educator and therapist; popular TV, radio and Internet host; New York Times best-selling author; and assistant clinical professor of ob-gyn and psychiatry at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago. Considered a thought leader in her field, Dr. Berman has helped countless couples build stronger relationships, improve their sex lives, and achieve a heightened level of intimacy through her TV and radio shows, books, columns and website, along with her private practice based in Chicago. Dr. Berman is a New York Times best-selling author of many books on sexual health and pleasure, a weekly columnist for the Chicago Sun Times, and host of the radio program “Uncovered with Dr. Laura Berman.” She has appeared on Fox News, CNN and the TODAY Show, as well as in The New York Times, USA Today, and every major woman’s magazine. Dr. Berman serves on the advisory board for The Dr. Oz Show and is a regular guest on The Steve Harvey Show.

New artificial intelligence software could decrease time spent at the hospital for patients

 

MONTREAL, June 28, 2018 /CNW/ - Chronic illnesses affect millions of Canadians and require them to spend considerable time in hospitals and healthcare centres. The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and Greybox Solutions Inc. developed an innovative "virtual assistant" — an Artificial Intelligence (AI) health monitoring solution for Greybox's existing TakeCare secure health monitoring platform — to help patients, their healthcare providers, and caregivers remotely manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure.

With the help of this virtual assistant, patients can educate themselves and manage their own progress from home, while supporting healthcare professionals in triage procedures. The virtual assistant can guide patients through tasks to collect medical data like health parameters and lifestyle habits, and provide adaptive information based on the patient's emotional and physical state.

In addition to helping patients maintain a healthier lifestyle, the virtual assistant provides data and personalized recommendations to healthcare professionals, which translates to more quality time with doctors during visits instead of time spent filling in forms.

For patients with diseases that require specific and rigorous monitoring, such as diabetes and heart conditions, the virtual assistant is programmed to ask personalized questions targeted to the patient's condition. Data from these interactions is gathered, analysed, organized, and displayed to healthcare professionals in a user-friendly manner, providing them with pertinent patient information on a regular basis.

Greybox, and its clinical partners located across Canada, plan to launch the diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure virtual assistant programs in several hospitals for a commercial deployment late in 2018.

Quotes

"We are proud to participate in this collaboration to provide an accessible digital health monitoring tool for improving the health of Canadians, especially those in remote regions or with reduced mobility. The National Research Council's dedicated and recognized medical devices experts are creating virtual assistant applications that empower patients while creating regular and essential data transfer to their health professionals for more efficient health monitoring."
Dr. Roman Szumski, Vice-President of Life Sciences at the National Research Council of Canada

"We are pleased to be able to count on the National Research Council's expertise to expand our offer to other healthcare areas. Their expertise in the artificial intelligence field and biomedical software engineering, as well as their access to clinicians to guide the development of a product, is a distinct advantage when it comes to developing a product that meets a specific need."
Pierre Bérubé, Founder and CEO, Greybox Solutions Inc.

Quick facts

  • By empowering patients to self-monitor their conditions, the intelligent virtual assistant could optimize the patient's time spent with healthcare professionals.
  • Improving the general health monitoring of patients is essential for an aging population and for patients living in remote areas where regular health services are less accessible.
  • Caregivers can access the intelligent virtual assistant and keep track of patient conditions while obtaining educational information from the platform.

Follow the NRC on Twitter: @NRC_CNRC

Follow Greybox on Twitter: @GreyboxSolution

 

SOURCE National Research Council Canada

Babylon AI Achieves Equivalent Accuracy With Human Doctors in Global Healthcare First

 

Transatlantic collaboration between the London-based medical Artificial Intelligence (AI) company and the Royal College of Physicians, Stanford Primary Care and Yale New Haven Health yields significant breakthrough

LONDON, June 27, 2018 /CNW/ - Babylon Health tonight announced a world-first during a presentation streamed live from London's Royal College of Physicians: The company's AI, in a series of robust tests (including the relevant sections of the MRCGP exam), has demonstrated its ability to provide health advice which is on-par with practicing clinicians[1].

The MRCGP exam is the final test for trainee General Practitioners (GPs), set by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP). Trainee GPs who pass this assessment have demonstrated their competence and clinical skills to a level which is sufficiently high enough for them to undertake independent practice.

A key part of this exam tests a doctor's ability to diagnose.

1. Babylon's technology provides health information, rather than a medical diagnosis, for regulatory reasons. The tests carried out relate to the diagnostic exams taken by doctors as a benchmark for accuracy, however, Babylon's AI service remains an information service, rather than a medical diagnosis.

Babylon took a representative sample-set of questions testing diagnostic skills from publicly available RCGP sources[2], as well as independently published examination preparation materials, and mapped these to the current RCGP curriculum in order to ensure the questions resembled actual MRCGP questions as closely as possible.

The average pass mark over the past five years for real-life doctors was 72%[3]. In sitting the exam for the first time, Babylon's AI scored 81%. As the AI is continues to learn and accumulate knowledge, Babylon expects that subsequent testing will produce significant improvements in terms of results.

Important though exams are, doctors are presented with a much wider range of illnesses and conditions in their daily practice. Therefore, to further test the AI's capabilities, Babylon's team of scientists, clinicians and engineers next collaborated with the Royal College of Physicians, Dr Megan Mahoney (Chief of General Primary Care, Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University), and Dr Arnold DoRosario (Chief Population Health Officer, Yale New Haven Health) to test Babylon's AI alongside seven highly-experienced primary care doctors using 100 independently-devised symptom sets (or 'vignettes').

Babylon's AI scored 80% for accuracy, while the seven doctors achieved an accuracy range of 64-94%.

The accuracy of the AI was 98% when assessed against conditions seen most frequently in primary care medicine. In comparison, when Babylon's research team assessed experienced clinicians using the same measure, their accuracy ranged from 52-99%.

2. As the RCGP does not publish past papers, Babylon used example questions - some published directly by the College, some which were sourced from publicly available resources (which all are referenced) - during its AI exam preparation and testing.

3. Average CSA pass mark by trainee GPs was calculated using publicly available RCGP test result data from the period 2012 - 2017.

Crucially, the safety of the AI was 97%. This compares favourably to the doctors, whose average was 93.1%.

Dr Ali Parsa, Babylon's Founder and CEO said of tonight's news: "The World Health Organisation estimates that there is a shortage of over 5 million doctors globally, leaving more than half the world's population without access to even the most basic healthcare services.  Even in the richest nations, primary care is becoming increasingly unaffordable and inconvenient, often with waiting times that make it not readily accessible.  Babylon's latest artificial intelligence capabilities show that it is possible for anyone, irrespective of their geography, wealth or circumstances, to have free access to health advice that is on-par with top-rated practicing clinicians.

"Tonight's results clearly illustrate how AI-augmented health services can reduce the burden on healthcare systems around the world. Our mission is to put accessible and affordable health services into the hands of every person on Earth. These landmark results take humanity a significant step closer to achieving a world where no-one is denied safe and accurate health advice."

Babylon's research paper, entitled Evaluation of AI Powered Symptom Checker, can be downloaded from the company's website and will be available over coming days via ArXiv.com.

About Babylon

Babylon's mission is to put an accessible and affordable health service in the hands of every person on earth. Babylon uses a combination of cutting-edge technology and the best available medical expertise to deliver 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week access to digital health tools (including health assessment, triage and health tools), to people across Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, as well as video doctor consultations.

For more information, please visit: https://www.babylonhealth.com/

To access photographs and b-roll assets from tonight's event, visit:https://www.babylonhealth.com/press/assets

To access the research paper as well as additional copies of this press release, visit:https://www.babylonhealth.com/press/press-room

SOURCE Babylon Health

FDA APPROVED NON-SURGICAL BALLOON WEIGHT LOSS METHOD
HELPS PEOPLE SHED UP TO 50 POUNDS
                           www.psspecialists.com

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

How does the balloon method work?

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

 

How long does the balloon stay in place?

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

 

What to expect after the balloon placement.

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

 

How is the balloon removed?

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

 

Additional benefits of the balloon weight loss method.

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

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

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

ü  There are no incisions, stitches, or scars.

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

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

ü  The balloon is only placed temporarily.

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

 

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

 

About Dr. Stanley Poulos

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

 

War, lack of democracy and urbanisation contribute to double burden of malnutrition in adolescents in developing countries

  • Macro-level influences are blamed in new study
  • Influences include war, lack of democracy, food insecurity, urbanisation & economic growth
  • Effects on health include stunting, obesity and thinness
  • Researchers call for action to be taken

 

A new study from the University of Warwick blames macro-level factors for the double burden of malnutrition among adolescents in developing countries.

 

The double burden of malnutrition refers to the coexistence of undernutrition along with overweight and obesity, or diet-related noncommunicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

 

The study The double burden of malnutrition among adolescents: analysis of data from the Global School‐Based Student Health and Health Behaviour in School‐Aged Children Surveys in 57 low‐income and middle‐income countriessuggests that factors including war, lack of democracy, food insecurity, urbanisation and economic growth are to blame.

 

The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) and was led by Dr Rishi Caleyachetty, Assistant Professor, Warwick Medical School.

 

His team found that the burden of double malnutrition is shockingly common and the researchers are now calling on governments and NGOs to identify context-specific issues and design and implement policies and interventions to reduce adolescent malnutrition accordingly.

 

The study set out to quantify the magnitude of the double burden of malnutrition among adolescents and explain the varying burden of adolescent malnutrition across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

 

 

Adolescence is a period for growth and development, with higher nutritional demands placing adolescents at greater risk of malnutrition.

 

They used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/World Health Organisation (WHO) Global School-Based Student Health Survey and WHO Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children surveys done in 57 LMICs between 2003-2013, comprising 129,276 adolescents aged 12-15 years. They examined the burden of stunting, thinness, overweight or obesity, and concurrent stunting and overweight or obesity. They then linked nutritional data to international databases including the World Bank, Center for Systemic Peace, Uppsala Conflict Data Program, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

 

They found that across the 57 LMICs, 10.2% of the adolescents were stunted and 5.5% were thin. The prevalence of overweight or obesity was much higher at more than a fifth of the adolescents (21.4%). The prevalence of concurrent stunting and overweight or obesity was 2.0%. Between 38.4%-58.7% of the variance in adolescent malnutrition was explained by macro-level contextual factors.

 

Dr Caleyachetty said: “The majority of adolescents live in LMICs but the global health community has largely neglected the health needs of this population.  At the population level, macro-level contextual factors such as war, lack of democracy, food insecurity, urbanisation and economic growth partly explain the variation in the double burden of malnutrition among adolescents across LMICs.

 

“The global health community will have to adapt their traditional response to the double burden of malnutrition in order to provide optimal interventions for adolescents.”

 

 

ENDS

For more information contact Nicola Jones, Media Relations Manager, University of Warwick N.Jones.1@warwick.ac.uk or 07920531221

 

 

 

Notes to Editors

 

List of countries

African Region

Algeria

Benin

Ghana

Mauritania

Republic of Mauritius

Sudan

Swaziland

Uganda

Americas Region

Argentina

Belize

Bolivia

British Virgin Islands

Chile

Costa Rica

Dominica

Guatemala

Guyana

Honduras

Jamaica

Peru

St. Kitts & Nevis

Suriname

Uruguay

Eastern Mediterranean Region

Djibouti

Egypt

Iraq

Jordan

Lebanon

Libya

Morocco

Pakistan

Palestine

Syria

Yemen

European Region

Bulgaria

Macedonia

Romania

Russia

Turkey

Ukraine

South-East Asia Region

India

Indonesia

Malaysia

Myanmar

Sri Lanka

Thailand

Western Pacific Region

China

Cook Islands

Fiji

Kiribati

Nauru

Niue

Philippines

Samoa

Solomon Islands

Tonga

Vanuatu

 

 

Thinness was defined as BMI-for-age <2 standard deviations (SDs) below the WHO Growth Reference median.

 

The double burden of malnutrition among adolescents: analysis of data from the Global School-Based Student Health and Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children Surveys in 57 low-income and middle-income countries published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN)

Authors:

Rishi Caleyachetty: Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry, UK; Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK

GN Thomas; Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK

Andre P Kengne: South African Medical Research Council and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia

Justin B Echouffo-Tcheugui: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Samantha Schilsky: George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA

Juneida Khodabocus: University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK

Ricardo Uauy: University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK: Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Division of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Chile, Santiago, Chile: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom