Author: trainitright

Curcumin’s Benefits for Fitness Maximized Thanks To New Drug Delivery Technology

Napa, California – May 14, 2018.  Health and fitness enthusiasts who take curcumin nutritional supplements should notice a profound spike in its benefits thanks to a revolutionary drug-delivery advancement made available by Tesseract Medical Research (TMR).  Over the last several years, curcumin has been heralded for its positive impact on performance, muscle recovery, post-exercise pain relief, lean muscle formation, and a host of positive inflammatory response effects impacting the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and neurocognitive systems.*

A caveat, however, in almost every scientific article and published research on curcumin, calls attention to two significant roadblocks that limit the remarkable benefits of this turmeric-derived compound.  Specifically, because of curcumin’s very low absorption and bioavailability rates and a half-life measured in minutes, it would unrealistically need to be consumed in large amounts day and night to fully experience a major difference.

“The benefits of turmeric have been known since ancient times,” states Jeff Kotterman, LMSN, the creator of TriSystem EDGE and the Director of the National Association of Sports Nutrition.  “The challenge is to get nutrient-rich curcumin with its active constituents into the body without severe degradation in the process.  Most turmeric supplements on the market have very poor absorption, which means very little of the ingested botanical actually gets to the cells that could use it most.”

These two issues have now finally been addressed.  TMR’s TetraCumin™ product is unusual in that it features the more valuable bioactive curcumin metabolite Tetrahydrocurcumin, the form that is most readily absorbed in the body.*  TetraCumin locks each molecule of curcumin in its own CyLoc™ carrier for rapid delivery and targeted release (via the DexKey™ process) to the intestinal tract where it is most effective.*  TMR offers a sustained-release formula of TetraCumin designed to maintain therapeutic levels over a 12-hour period, as well as a quick-acting formula that promotes recovery after a hard workout.*  Both are designed for daily use.

“TetraCumin promises a better delivery system because it has overcome the challenges of using turmeric in the past.  The advantage is in the dosage.  After taking TetraCumin for just under a week, I've already noticed significantly reduced post-workout joint pain,” shares Kotternman.  “Regardless of whether you understand the biochemistry behind the delivery system of this product, if you are an exerciser, particularly a chronic exerciser, and you want to keep exercising, then TetraCumin is a tool that will support your healthy habit.”

TetraCumin is available through Tessmed.com and Amazon.

About Tesseract: (TessMed.com):

Tesseract Medical Research (TMR) is a life sciences company headquartered in Napa, California. They are the developer of breakthrough technology that optimizes the bioavailability and absorption of multiple nutrients, particularly those that are ingredients in nutritional supplements and medical foods. Tesseract offers a selection of natural supplements that support digestive, neurocognitive, and inflammatory disorders.  This ground-breaking nano-nutrient delivery science is the latest innovation from Al Czap, the founder and former CEO of Thorne Research, and is a leap forward in efficacy and ensuring nutrients will reach their intended target.

 

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

 

Hypno-Fasting: Hypnotist’s New Book Helps Anyone Solve Their Weight Loss Problems – Permanently!

Combining over a decade’s experience teaching others how to change their lives by harnessing the power of the mind with hypnosis, Rory Z. Fulcher’s ‘Hypno-Fasting’ unleashes a proven, sustainable model for easily losing weight whilst still enjoying normal, delicious (and even unhealthy) foods…! It’s all about “re-programming the mind” which, whilst it may sound complicated, is now easy for anyone to achieve, using this book.

 

United Kingdom – As an internationally respected hypnotist and hypnotherapist, Rory Z. Fulcher knows better than most, that a lot of physical problems actually start in the mind. This certainly rings true for one of the western world’s biggest epidemics – being overweight, and that elusive struggle to shed the pounds for good.

That’s why Rory is so excited about his new book, ‘Hypno-Fasting’, since it targets the weight loss struggle both with a highly effective (and non-restrictive) eating plan, as well as dealing with the root of the issue (the mind), working on the thoughts, beliefs and motivations around losing weight. This highly effective and unique approach prepares anyone to reach their goal weight, and can help them stay there for their entire life, without ever having to sacrifice the foods they love.

Synopsis:

Hypno-Fasting is a combination of two tried-and-tested, highly effective weight loss approaches, and is a great way to lose weight  quickly, and permanently. Unlike other “diets” that are a constant  struggle, Hypno-Fasting is easy to understand and stick to! With three simple fasting plans to choose from, anybody can pick up this book and get started immediately. 

Hypno-Fasting combines intermittent fasting with powerful psychological tricks and techniques so, as well as learning how to fast, you will also learn how to work on your weight-loss “mind game”, helping you to become more effective and motivated. Using this method, you will also learn to increase your willpower and to develop beyond that old “yo-yo diet” mentality (which is both unhelpful and unhealthy).

Whatever your sex, age or size, Hypno-Fasting will help you to easily reach your healthy fat-loss goals and help you to feel better about your relationship with food, permanently.

“The great thing about the methods presented in this book, is that they don’t work on the usual diet premise of food denial,” explains the author. “Rather, they build a solid foundation for successful weight loss in your mind – where it all begins – and enable you to make small, sustainable behaviour changes, that will allow you to achieve lifelong results. No more fads, no more eating bowls of air... instead, a new lifestyle that will see you looking leaner and feeling healthier than you ever imagined.”

Continuing, “It’s extremely easy to do. By tackling the psychological side of your weight loss process, you will connect to your goals, overcome challenges and increase your personal motivation to succeed. You’ll be amazed at how easy it can be to ditch the fat! Also, to further support your success, the accompanying hypnotherapy MP3 (download) includes a number of key suggestions and strategies that build upon what is talked about in the book. Listening to the MP3 is like having your own hypnotherapist alongside you, helping to support, engage and guide you towards achieving your weight loss goals!”

 

‘Hypno-Fasting’ is due for imminent release.

For more information, news and resources, visit the author’s official website: https://www.rory-z.com.

 

About the Author:

Rory Z Fulcher is an international stage & street hypnotist, hypnotherapist and hypnosis trainer (and also a qualified fitness instructor). He is a founding director of HypnoTC: The Hypnotherapy Training Company, one of the UK's top hypnotherapy training schools and has authored a number of books and DVDs on the topic of hypnosis. Rory is an expert in the field, and has been using and teaching hypnosis since 2005.

 

York University Continuing Studies Announces New Machine Learning Program

 

Develop and nurture the skills most in-demand by top employers

TORONTO, May 14, 2018 /CNW/ - As tech giants and other businesses increasingly rely on data and artificial intelligence (AI) to stay competitive, there is greater demand than ever for machine learning specialists with the requisite technical skills, as well as an in-depth, real-world understanding of the ethical, social, and business implications of their work. The York University School of Continuing Studiesi recently launched a part-time Certificate in Machine Learning to address this demand. The only dedicated program of its type in Canada—and created in collaboration with industry leaders in AI and machine learning—the certificate focuses on preparing students to become qualified candidates for the rewarding, desirable jobs on offer by top employers.

"Job growth in machine learning in Canada has already grown by 450%, and by 900% in the Greater Toronto Area1. Growth is expected to exceed another 56% over the next few years2. York University is eager to help employers meet an unprecedented need for trained data science professionals capable of developing and implementing machine learning solutions in response to complex business problems," says Tracey Taylor-O'Reilly, Assistant Vice-President, Continuing Studies. "We are thrilled to be helping to train the next generation of machine learning specialists in healthcare, finance, automotive and other leading fields."

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1 Burning Glass
2 Quant Crunch Report

 

Designed for working professionals in software development, data science, business analysis, business intelligence, and related fields, the Certificate in Machine Learning offers students an accelerated path to completion, rich networking opportunities, and a unique cohort experience that allows them to build the cross-functional skills that top employers seek. Over eight months of study, completed online with occasional in-class sessions and completion of a project with selected companies, students will gain both the real-world skills needed to work in this competitive market and comprehensive insights into the viability of different machine learning data models. Graduates will also develop strong competencies in project management principles and the programming languages required to build and test machine learning algorithms in realistic scenarios.

"At StackAdapt, it took us nearly two years to hire the right people for our machine learning team," says Yang Han, Co-Founder & CTO of StackAdapt. "I'm excited to see York University tackle the skill gaps that the vast majority of machine learning specialists have, and enrich their students with the ideal strengths and experience needed to solve real world problems."

Registration for this program is open now, with the first session starting September 2018. Students should possess a minimum second-year undergraduate-level understanding of linear algebra, calculus, probability, and inferential statistics, and have experience with Python. The School of Continuing Studies at York University is proud to offer students industry-leading professional education, the most diverse educational experience in Toronto, and a world-class customer service support team.

For more information about the Certificate in Machine Learning, please visit our website or call +1 416 736 5616.

______________________

i York University School of Continuing Studies provides meaningful continuing education opportunities which combine guided instruction with practical application. Our programs are designed to develop the well-rounded professionals that employers value with both the deep discipline-based knowledge and the broad, cross-functional skills required to communicate and be effective within a multidisciplinary team. With a variety of options to suit your learning style and schedule, adding a recognized, respected credential such as a York University professional certificate has never been more convenient.

SOURCE York University

Study Suggests How Brain Exercise Gains Transfer to Daily Life

SAN FRANCISO May 14, 2018 – Researchers have uncovered a neural mechanism to explain how a particular computerized exercise drives benefits in a closely-related task, and also may transfer to more-distant cognitive abilities and real-world activities. They found the exercise makes the brain operate more efficiently, by strengthening network connections and reducing the amount of local brain activity required to accomplish a task, according to a study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences. The patented exercise is licensed exclusively to Posit Science, and the consumer version is available to the public as the “Double Decision” exercise on the BrainHQ online platform.

The researchers, from The Pennsylvania State University and The University of Alabama at Birmingham, used a standard neuropsychological assessment and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to evaluate the impact of the unique exercise on brain structure and operations. The exercise is known in the scientific literature, variously as “speed of processing” training, “divided attention” training, and “UFOV®” training.

In prior studies, the speed of processing training has been shown to improve performance at standard measures of cognition, and also has been shown to transfer to better performance at real-world activities, including measures of mood, confidence, balance, gait, driving, health-related quality of life, predicted medical expenses, and maintaining the ability to live independently.

The newly-published study randomized 34 older adults into three groups: a group that trained for a total of 10 hours (across five weeks) on the speed of processing exercise; a group that trained on the same schedule on cognitively stimulating activities targeting higher level reasoning, recall, and executive function; and a no-contact control group that simply was measured at the same time as the other two groups.

Cognitive function, brain activation, and brain connectivity were measured before and after training. Cognitive function was measured on the standard four-part UFOV® Test (which measures processing speed, divided attention, selective attention, and selective attention with discrimination). Brain activation of participants was measured as they performed a selective attention task in the fMRI scanner, and brain connectivity was measured using resting state functional neuroimaging.

The researchers found that the speed of processing group showed significant improvements in cognitive function as measured with the UFOV Test, as compared to both the cognitively stimulating activities and the no-contact control groups.

The fMRI brain activation analysis allowed the researchers to identify which parts of the brain were engaged in the selective attention task. They identified eight regions of interest. Comparing brain activation before and after training showed that the speed of processing group significantly reduced the amount of brain activation required to perform the selective attention task in six of the eight regions of interest. The cognitively stimulating activities group showed reduced activity in one region, and the no-contact control group in none. In some brain regions thought to be important for higher-order cognitive function, the speed of processing group showed bigger decreases in activation than either of the other groups.

The fMRI brain connectivity analysis indicated that the speed of processing group showed a large increase in network connectivity, while the other two groups did not show any significant change.

“The reduced activity following training reflects the need to engage fewer brain resources in the task, meaning more efficient operations related to this task,” explained Dr. Lesley Ross, lead author of the study. “We also propose that the increased connection strength at all times, even during rest, is a possible mechanism through which this training achieves transfer to everyday tasks and to maintaining cognitive abilities.”

“Most forms of cognitive training have not been shown to transfer improvements beyond the task trained,” observed Dr. Henry Mahncke, CEO of Posit Science. “By focusing on this unique training, which has repeatedly shown transfer to everyday activities, this study contributes to our understanding of why it does so. Taken together with other studies, we now know that this type of plasticity-based perceptual training drives structural changes in the brain, that help to explain why this type of training not only improves performance at the task trained but also more generalized performance in daily life.”

For more information, contact: media@brainhq.com

Ontario Nurses' Association Launches New Campaign: 'RN Proud' Celebrates the Skills, Experience, Education of Registered Nurses

 

TORONTO, May 14, 2018 /CNW/ - The Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) has launched a new public awareness campaign that celebrates the education, skills, experience and compassion that Ontario's registered nurses (RNs) bring to the health-care system.

"We know that our patients benefit from the critical thinking and skills registered nurses bring to the health-care system," said ONA President Vicki McKenna, RN. "We know that research shows that patient care provided by an RN results in better patient health outcomes, fewer hospital readmissions, and saves the health-care system money. 'RN Proud' is intended to both highlight that care and call for the province's 10,000 vacant RN positions in our hospitals to be filled so we can continue to provide high-quality patient care."

The multi-faceted campaign launches today and includes transit shelter ads highlighting the role RNs play in health care, print ads in select publications, and a social media component.

McKenna encourages the public to visit http://nursesknow.ona.org to participate in a poll. Radio ads will also roll out later this month.

"As president of ONA and an RN, I hope that the public will learn more about the role of RNs in their health care, and support our call for more front-line RNs," she said. "Ontario continues to have the lowest RN-to-population ratio in Canada, and we know that there are more than 10,000 RN positions sitting vacant in our hospitals. Our patients count on us to provide quality patient care, and we want to ensure there are enough of us on the front lines to do just that."

ONA is the union representing more than 65,000 registered nurses and health-care professionals, as well as 18,000 nursing student affiliates, providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics and industry.

Visit us at: www.ona.org; Facebook.com/OntarioNurses; www.Twitter.com/OntarioNurses

SOURCE Ontario Nurses Association

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Can Physical Therapists Verify Patient Data?

Physical therapists provide care in such a way as to avoid the traditional prescriptions for pain management. In order to be successful, you have to verify the medical history of the patient. This often means that you have to perform your own health assessment prior to beginning treatment. Here are some of the methods that physical therapists can use to verify patient data.

Electronic Records Transfer

The digital age is making obtaining medical records easier. Some of these records may already be linked into a centralized database. This allows you to see what information has been collected on your patient. You don’t want to cause your patient harm by missing a very basic diagnosis. Examining their medical history will give you a good jumping off point for where to start your treatment plan.

Patient Tracking Programs

There are software applications that allow you to track the patient’s information. You can determine the effectiveness of your treatment plan and solicit feedback from the patient. Certain companies, such as MedPro Systems, know that this allows you to be able to tailor your treatment to the needs of the patient in a more efficient manner. Modifications can be made without having to schedule another consultation with your patient. You can also perform a follow-up if you notice that another issue has arisen.

Insurance Verification Process

Many types of insurance will cover physical therapy up to a certain point. Discuss the options with your patient so that they’re aware of the stipulations of their insurance plan. They may be willing to cover some of the costs out of their own pocket in order to continue seeing you. Formulate a plan together so that the patient can receive the maximum amount of benefit in the time that you have together. Use insurance to verify that the patient is qualified to visit you.

Primary Care Referrals

Some physical therapy sessions may require a referral. This will ensure that only patients that need your assistance are seen by you. It also gives you an opportunity to look over their health records before their first visit. You can verify that the data that you’re receiving reflects the situation. For instance, using simplified HCP data capturecan help with verification purposes. Even with this safeguard in place, you may still want to perform your own assessment. This will protect you from any liability concerns.

The verification of patient data is an important step for any healthcare professional. Use the resources that are at your disposal so that you can best serve the needs of the patient.

Transforming post-pregnancy diabetes care for women at risk

 

Sun Life Financial and Sinai Health System to launch innovative prevention program for women with gestational diabetes

TORONTO, May 10, 2018 /CNW/ - Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman's life; however, many women experience complications throughout their pregnancies that can have lasting effects, including gestational diabetes. This form of diabetes develops during pregnancy when a woman's body is not able to produce enough insulin. While it can be managed and often goes away after birth, women who have experienced this complication are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

To help prevent type 2 diabetes in women following childbirth, Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) is proud to announce a $750,000 commitment to Sinai Health System to launch the Sun Life Financial Program to Prevent Diabetes in Women. This specialized program will help Sinai Health's diabetes experts improve women's health by developing risk assessment tools to help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes in the future.

"The Sun Life Financial Program to Prevent Diabetes in Women has the ability to alter the course of type 2 diabetes for women whose risk has increased because of their diagnosis during pregnancy," said Linda Dougherty, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Strategy & Global Marketing, Sun Life Financial. "We are thrilled to be at the forefront of post-natal diabetes care through our global commitment to diabetes and to be working with Sinai Health System to ensure a healthy future for women."

The Sun Life Financial Program to Prevent Diabetes in Women will aim to transform treatment for women by:

  • Developing a risk calculator and risk assessment tools that will screen, monitor for, and prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes post-pregnancy for a pilot group of women affected by gestational diabetes.
  • Hiring a nurse practitioner as a key resource to support the program.

"It's critical for women who've had gestational diabetes to get checked regularly after pregnancy, but unfortunately, only 20 to 40 percent of women come back for follow up," said Dr. Denice Feig, Head of the Diabetes in Pregnancy Program at Mount Sinai Hospital, part of Sinai Health System. "Gestational diabetes rates are also on the rise in Ontario, with one in 10 pregnant women over 30 now affected."

"These funds will help us develop better screening and monitoring tools and provide more opportunities to intervene post-pregnancy," said Dr. Ravi Retnakaran, Endocrinologist at The Leadership Centre for Diabetes at Mount Sinai Hospital. "Diabetes is a progressive disease and these tools will help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in women."

"Corporate partnerships allow our world-class diabetes experts to remain at the forefront of battling this challenging disease and we are very grateful to Sun Life Financial for this generous gift," said Louis de Melo, CEO, Sinai Health Foundation. "Sinai Health is a leader in managing all forms of diabetes during pregnancy and this new program will translate into better outcomes for women at risk of developing type 2 diabetes after pregnancy."

Sun Life Financial is focused on helping people achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives, taking a holistic approach to supporting the well-being of our Clients, Employees and communities with the end goal of helping to achieve physical, mental and financial resiliency both now and in the future. Sun Life Financial has proudly committed more than $22 million in support of diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research initiatives since announcing support of the cause.

Sun Life Financial in the community
At Sun Life Financial, we are committed to building sustainable, healthier communities for life and we're proud to hold the Caring Companydesignation from Imagine Canada. Community wellness is an important part of our sustainability commitment and we believe that by actively supporting the communities in which we live and work, we can help build a positive environment for our Clients, Employees, advisors and shareholders. Our philanthropic support focuses on two key areas: health, with an emphasis on diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research initiatives through our Team Up Against DiabetesTM platform; and arts and culture, through our award-winning Making the Arts More AccessibleTM  program. We also partner with sports properties in key markets to further our commitment to healthy and active living. Our Employees and advisors take great pride in volunteering over 29,000 hours each year and contribute to making life brighter for individuals and families across Canada. Read more about Sun Life Financial in the community.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

About Sinai Health System
Sinai Health System is comprised of Mount Sinai Hospital, Bridgepoint Active Healthcare, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, and Circle of Care. As an integrated health system, it delivers exceptional care from healthy beginnings to healthy aging, especially for people with specialized and complex health needs, in hospital, community, and home. Sinai Health System discovers and translates scientific breakthroughs, develops practical health solutions, educates future clinical and scientific leaders, and leads efforts to eliminate health inequities. Its Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute ranks in the top ten biomedical research institutes in the world. Sinai Health System is a full affiliate of the University of Toronto. www.sinaihealthsystem.ca

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Canada

Nail Biting, Skin Picking, Hair Pulling: More Than Just Bad Habits

www.comprehendthemind.com

 


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Sometimes it can be hard to explain why we do the things we do. It is common to experience stress, anxiety or frustration in our lifetime, but what we do to cope with these things matters the most. There are times where you may catch yourself biting your nails, picking at your skin, or even avoiding physical interactions due to germs. But how far is too far? Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a NYC based neuropsychologist and Teaching Faculty Member at Columbia University Teacher’s College, gives insight on behaviors that are more dire than merely bad habits.   

 

Onychophagia (Nail Biting)

 

Nail biting is an oral compulsive habit and that can develop from stress, nervousness, or excitement. A study published this year in Scientific American puts nail biting in another realm of behavior: body-focused repetitive disorders, like scratching or patting your own hair. And it seems to tie into one particular personality type that has a higher potential for boredom, stress, and anxiety than many others: perfectionists. Excessive nail biting can lead to infections, inflammation, and even tooth problems. The usual method for beating this habit? Dr. Hafeez says, “Override your old habit with a new one by "tricking" your brain using rewards, awareness exercises, and other methods. A typical strategy is to get subjects to note whenever they feel the urge to bite their nails, a feeling called a "cue," and reward them with something else whenever they feel it, like stroking one's hands.”

 

 

Germaphobia

 

President Trump is an admitted germaphobic and has confessed that he dreads shaking hands. Germaphobia, also known as Mysophobi , is a fear of contamination and germs. This is a form of obsessive compulsive disorder. You may feel the need for excessive washing and cleaning, constantly focusing on a way to sanitize everything you come in contact with. Germaphobia can lead to irritated skin and discomfort over time. Dr. Sanam Hafeez suggests medication that moderates serotonin in the brain known as SSRIs or Cognitive Behavior Therapy.

 

Excoriation (Skin Picking)  

 

Skin picking is a repetitive “Self-grooming” behavior. This disorder can develop in two ways, through stress and after some kind of rash or minor injury. Skin picking can lead to tissue damage, infection, and even scarring. Dr. Sanam Hafeez suggests exercising as a way to distract yourself and improve your mood. “Taking care of any scars you have already with essential oils will also lessen the urge.”

 

Trichomania (Hair Pulling)

 

Trichotillomania is a disorder that urges individuals to pull out body hair. This is usually triggered by anxiety and can provide a feeling of temporary satisfaction. “The exact cause of trichotillomania isn't known. It may be related to abnormalities in brain pathways that link areas involved in emotional regulation, movement, habit formation, and impulse control,” says Dr. Hafeez.  Excessive hair pulling from the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes can lead to patches and bald spots. ”Distract yourself with sensory toys which allow your body to focus on other things.” Adding petroleum jelly to problem areas will allow you to be less likely to put the hair because it is slippery,” says Dr. Hafeez.  The main treatment for trichotillomania is a type of behavior therapy called habit reversal training. Basically, this means replacing a bad habit with something else that's not harmful.

 

 

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

CNW Group Ltd

Achieving your goals with the right supports in place

NEWMARKET, ON, May 8, 2018 /CNW/ - Like many of life's challenges, deafblindness is on a spectrum. Some individuals who receive services from DeafBlind Ontario Services require individualized supports to be independent. Some, like Dawnelee Wright, just need a hand to live their best lives. Which, in the case of this Thunder Bay resident, is as rich and accomplished as many – if not most – who enjoy full sight and hearing.

DeafBlind Ontario Services is a not-for-profit organization that helps individuals who are deafblind increase their independence and improve their quality of life through specialized services.

Ms. Wright has congenital glaucoma; in other words, she was born visually impaired. But she only acquired hearing loss in 2016. Her mom "always wanted her to be as 'normal' as possible."

"We exposed her to a lot of things like horseback riding and downhill skiing," continued her mother Linda. "Activities that other children were doing – but we had to modify. And she went to a regular school rather than one for the visually impaired."

This continued through to University, where Dawnelee moved to Ottawa and scored top marks for the first of three Bachelor degrees – thanks in part to support from friends. And then back to Lakehead University, for two more degrees, where her mom became her primary reader of text books.

"And that's how she ended up pursuing her own degree," added Dawnelee. "She kicked my butt in the course we took together."

Looking back, Dawnelee credits her mom for helping not only with the necessities, but in socializing and building relationships with peers. "That encouragement and support has always been there, right from when I was little to raising my own children, and in navigating life as a middle-aged adult."

Indeed, Dawnelee is the primary caregiver for nine-year-old Brynn and 11-year-old Carter, and it has been a full-time job where she's had to be "really hands on."

"You literally have to follow them around – you're exhausted by the end of the day," she adds.

"And I've had to adapt how to do things and be creative, for example, when chasing and feeding a toddler."

All of the above may seem overwhelming for someone with 20/400 vision in one eye (and a prosthesis in the other), not to mention hearing impacted by tinnitus, which makes understanding sound difficult in crowded environments.

Yet Dawnelee manages to carry on a fast-paced conversation by phone.

She explains that she works with an intervenor 10 hours a week. Her intervenor serves as a communication bridge, supporting her to make informed decisions and be an active participant in all areas of her life. This includes providing communication support at medical appointments, shopping, "and anywhere I might have difficulty navigating. She acts as my eyes and ears in the community."

But this is a shared relationship, with Dawnelee giving back as a volunteer by serving on several committees and projects. She has written one book, is working on a bill of rights for individuals who are deafblind, and has been in discussions with DeafBlind Ontario Services to write a patient advocacy guide.

As for goals, she is optimistic about the future. "Maybe run for public office – that's sort of on the bucket list. I'm looking at rebooting my career now that the kids are getting older. Public office has always intrigued me."

Dawnelee adds: "My main message is that we all have challenges – and mine is vision and hearing loss. You can still achieve all of your goals as long as you have the drive – and support – which make all the difference."

To learn more, visit www.deafblindontario.com.

Website: www.deafblindontario.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/deafblindontarioservices
Twitter: @DeafBlindON
Instagram: @DeafBlindON

SOURCE DeafBlind Ontario Services

Nine out of 10 long-term care residents have some form of cognitive impairment, provincial long-term care association's new report says

 

TORONTO, May 8, 2018 /CNW/ - With the Ontario election less than four weeks away, and all eyes looking to the parties' plans to improve the province's most pressing issues, the Ontario Long Term Care Association released its annual report, This is Long-Term Care 2018, which highlights the increasing care needs of residents and the compassionate care that long-term care home staff provide to seniors across Ontario.

"The demographic of seniors that come into long-term care today has changed over the last five years," says Candace Chartier, CEO of the Ontario Long Term Care Association. "Our report shows that the majority of seniors coming into long-term care require extensive or complete support with their daily activities as a result of their cognitive or physical condition."

The report outlines that 90% of long-term care residents have some form of cognitive impairment, with one in three severely affected. In addition, since 2011, the proportion of residents that have Alzheimer's or other forms of dementias has grown, with 64% of residents affected today. These conditions, coupled with increasing health challenges and frailty of residents, require a specialized care approach.

"When seniors can no longer live at home, our long-term care homes provide the care and services they need," says Chartier. "Our staff have the expertise in dementia and end-of-life care to help seniors live comfortably and with a meaningful quality of life. But staff are often providing care with limited resources and under difficult circumstances."

The report also provides context on challenges impacting the long-term care sector, such as availability of staff, out-of-date infrastructure, inspections, in-home altercations and incidents, and antipsychotics.

"To date, the Ontario government has made a number of commitments to improving seniors' care across the province," adds Chartier. "These are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done, and collaboration between government and the sector must continue in order to create a system that meets the needs of seniors today and tomorrow."

To help prepare the province for the number of seniors that will require access to long-term care, the Ontario Long Term Care Association is calling for:

  • 10,000 new long-term care beds over the next five years;
  • funding for additional registered nursing staff and personal support workers;
  • expanding in-home Behavioural Supports Ontario teams to every long-term care home in Ontario; and
  • taking steps to modernize the 40% of long-term care homes that require renovations or to be rebuilt.

This is Long-Term Care 2018 is available at oltca.com.

About the Ontario Long Term Care Association
The Ontario Long Term Care Association is the largest association of long-term care providers in Canada and the only association that represents the full mix of long-term care operators – private, not-for-profit, charitable, and municipal. We represent nearly 70% of Ontario's 630 long-term care homes, located in communities across the province. Our members provide care and accommodation services to more than 70,000 residents annually.

SOURCE Ontario Long Term Care Association