Author: trainitright

Revolutionary New Category of Diabetes Self-Monitoring Systems Recognized in 2018 Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines

 

  • INNOVATIVE SYSTEM FROM ABBOTT EMPOWERS DIABETES PATIENTS AND REDUCES THE NEED FOR ROUTINE FINGER PRICKS1

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 3, 2018 /CNW/ - An innovative new category in self-monitoring has been added to the 2018 Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. According to Diabetes Canada, self-management of diabetes remains the cornerstone of diabetes care,2 making the addition of the "flash glucose monitoring" class an important tool to help improve patient outcomes. This new class of monitoring technology automatically measures, captures and stores glucose level data continuously so that patients and their doctors can see patterns over time and make adjustments to lifestyle, diet or treatment, when needed. The guidelines are published every five years by the top diabetes researchers and clinicians in Canada and they provide healthcare providers with the most up-to-date information on caring for people with diabetes.

Flash glucose monitoring has the unique ability to measure glucose every minute in interstitial fluid through a small filament that is inserted just under the skin and held in place with a small adhesive pad. Glucose levels are displayed on demand when the sensor is waved over, or "flashed", with a hand-held scanner. The FreeStyle Libre system, the first-ever flash glucose monitoring system, developed by Abbott, was authorized for sale by Health Canada in 2017 and is covered by most private health insurance companies.

"Flash glucose monitoring is the next chapter in the management of diabetes," says Tina Kader, M.D., endocrinologist, at the Jewish General Hospital and LMC Glen in Montreal. "Not only does it empower patients in their daily self-management, it also provides healthcare professionals with meaningful insights into their glucose control, which can lead to changes in their insulin dosing. Many of my patients see this as life changing and we are all very excited as we enter into this new era of diabetes management."

FREESTYLE LIBRE FLASH GLUCOSE MONITORING SYSTEM: LANCET STUDY SHOWS REDUCED TIME IN HYPOGLYCEMIA

According to a recent study, more than 50,000 people with diabetes using the flash glucose monitoring technology checked their glucose levels an average of 16 times a day.3 Two additional published clinical trials4,5 show that people who scan more frequently spend less time in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) while having improved average glucose levels, demonstrating improved glucose control overall.

Results from the IMPACT clinical trial, published in The Lancet in September 2016,2 showed that people with diabetes using the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system spent 38 per cent less time in hypoglycemia as compared to people who managed their glucose with traditional self-monitoring of blood glucose systems (SMBG).

The FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system uses a small sensor to measure real-time glucose results, and a reader to display the eight-hour history and a trend arrow to indicate the direction that the glucose is heading. The reader holds up to 90 days of data, providing a historical snapshot of glucose levels over time. Users of the flash glucose monitoring system can also share their comprehensive readings digitally with their doctors and use the information to better manage their lifestyles.6

THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-MANAGEMENT

The complexity of diabetes and its impact on multiple aspects of one's life requires people with diabetes to make frequent and ongoing self-management decisions,7 and self-monitoring of glucose levels is an important part of this care.2 According to the 2018 Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines, using traditional self-monitoring devices or new flash glucose monitoring is a useful addition to other measures of glucose levels.8 This broader recommendation is in line with the Diabetes Charter of Canada9 which states that Canadians living with diabetes have the right to timely access to devices and the responsibility to self-manage to the best of their abilities.

Keeping glucose levels in a healthy range can be challenging, and being able to check your glucose level at a given time can be a very important tool for people living with diabetes. High glucose levels can result when food, activity and medications are not balanced. And very low glucose levels can make you confused and disoriented, lose consciousness or have a seizure.10

"We celebrate the Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee in their recognition of the value of flash glucose monitoring technology and its ability to empower people with diabetes to make more informed decisions about their health," said Badia Boudaiffa, general manager, Diabetes Care, Abbott in Canada. "With the FreeStyle Libre system, Canadians living with type 1 and 2 diabetes can now learn how foods affect their body, see trends, and predict lows and highs. This allows them to make healthy lifestyle interventions."

About Abbott:
At Abbott, we're committed to helping people live their best possible life through the power of health. For more than 125 years, we've brought new products and technologies to the world -- in nutrition, diagnostics, medical devices and branded generic pharmaceuticals -- that create more possibilities for more people at all stages of life. Today, 99,000 of us are working to help people live not just longer, but better, in the more than 150 countries we serve.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @FreeStyleDiabet, @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.

1 A finger stick test using a blood glucose meter is required during times of rapidly changing glucose levels when interstitial fluid glucose levels may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels or if hypoglycaemia or impending hypoglycaemia is reported by the system or when symptoms do not match the system readings
2 Diabetes Canada. Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose in People with Type 2 Diabetes: Canadian Diabetes Association Briefing Document for Healthcare Providers. Available at: http://www.diabetes.ca/getmedia/ab93def3-6da4-4b1e-92af-8e026635de11/self-monitoring-of-blood-glucose-briefing-english.pdf.aspx. Accessed April 2018.
3 Dunn, T., Xu, Y., & Hayter, G. (2017).  Evidence of a Strong Association Between Frequency of Flash Glucose Monitoring and Glucose Control Measures During Real-World Usage.  Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics, 19(S1).
4 Bolinder J, Antuna R, Geelhoed-Duijvestijn P, Kroger J, Weitgasser R. Novel glucose-sensing technology and hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes: a multicentre, non-masked, randomised controlled trial [published online September 12, 2016]. Lancet. 2016.
5 Haak T, Hanaire H, Ajjan R et al. Flash glucose-sensing technology as a replacement for blood glucose monitoring for the management of insulin-treated type 2 diabetes: a multicenter, open-label randomized controlled trial. Diabetes Ther. 2017; 8: 55-73.
6 Mazze R, Akkerman B, Mettner J. An overview of continuous glucose monitoring and the ambulatory glucose profile. Minn Med. 2011; 95(8):40-4
7 Sherifali D, et al. 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines. Self-Management Education and Support. Can J Diabetes 2018;42:S36–S41.
8 Berard LD, et al. 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines. Monitoring Glycemic Control. Can J Diabetes 2018;42:S47–S53.
9 Diabetes Canada. Diabetes Charter for Canada. Available at: http://www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/know-your-rights/support-the-diabetes-charter-for-canada/diabetes-charter-for-canada Accessed April 2018.
10 Diabetes Canada. Managing your blood sugar. Available at: http://www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/healthy-living-resources/blood-glucose-insulin/managing-your-blood-sugar. Accessed April 2018.

 

Indications for Use
The FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in adults aged 18 years and older who have at least 2 years of experience in self-managing their diabetes. It is designed to replace blood glucose testing in the self-management of diabetes with the exceptions listed below. Treatment decisions should not be based on real-time Sensor glucose readings alone and instead should be based on the combination of the Sensor glucose reading, the Glucose Trend Arrow, and the Glucose Graph. Under the following circumstances, use a blood glucose meter to check the current glucose readings from the FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System Sensor:

  • During times of rapidly changing glucose levels, interstitial glucose levels as measured by the Sensor and reported as current may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels. When glucose levels are falling rapidly, glucose readings from the Sensor may be higher than blood glucose levels. Conversely when glucose levels are rising rapidly, glucose readings from the Sensor may be lower than blood glucose levels.
  • In order to confirm hypoglycaemia or impending hypoglycaemia as reported by the System's Glucose Messages.
  • If symptoms do not match the FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System reading. Do not ignore symptoms that may be due to low blood glucose or high blood glucose.

Always read and follow the label.

SOURCE Abbott Diabetes Care Canada

Waterloo Region Takes Women's Health to Heart by Wearing Red on June 8th

 

Manulife to extend support of RedDAY by matching contributions dollar for dollar, up to $200,000

WATERLOO REGION, ON, May 4, 2018 /CNW/ - Each year, St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation hosts RedDAY to raise awareness of the serious risk of heart disease in women, rallying people, workplaces and community leaders from across Waterloo Region to mark the day by wearing red and sharing images on social media with the hashtag #RedDayFriday.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Canadian women. Every year, heart disease claims the lives of roughly 25,000 women – more than the five most prevalent cancers combined. Yet surprisingly, many women are still unaware of the contributing risk factors, and their ability to control them through everyday lifestyle choices.

Manulife has supported RedDAY since its inception in 2013. This year, Manulife will extend its support to match every donation made to RedDAY, up to $200,000. This means donors can have their generosity matched dollar for dollar, doubling the impact they can make to help raise much-needed funds to support services at St. Mary's Regional Cardiac Care Centre.

"At Manulife, we're passionate about helping people live healthy lives. We are proud to partner with St. Mary's to raise awareness of cardiac health among women in the Waterloo Region and help raise important funds for St. Mary's Regional Cardiac Care Centre," said Mike Doughty, President and CEO of Manulife Canada.

"Our community has invested in a first class Cardiac Centre and we are thrilled that Manulife will continue to lead the way with their increased RedDAY investment. What an amazing endorsement of the great work being done at St. Mary's," says Susan Dusick, President, St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation.

As the Regional Cardiac Care Centre, St. Mary's General Hospital must address the needs of a rapidly expanding population, which includes increasingly aging and complex patients who require access to high quality, specialized cardiac services close to home. Funds raised through RedDAY and the Manulife match will be directed to the establishment of a third catheterization lab at St. Mary's.

"Over the past five years, we've seen about a 30 per cent increase in catheterization procedures at St. Mary's two labs, comparable to what other centres accomplish with three or four facilities. With a projected total of over 4,300 procedures this year, our resources are stretched to maximum capacity. Estimated to grow another 20 per cent in the next five years, there is a significant risk to patient care unless a third catheterization lab is added," states Dr. Brian McNamara, Chief of Cardiovascular Services at St. Mary's Cardiac Care Centre.

Catheterization facilities form the essential foundation of a cardiovascular program. During cardiac catheterization, a long thin tube called a catheter is inserted in an artery and threaded through blood vessels to the heart. This procedure is fundamental in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions.

For more information on how to register, participate or donate to RedDAY, visit www.redday.ca.

About St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation
St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing patient care at St. Mary's General Hospital through the funding of vital equipment and programs. In addition to larger capital projects, St. Mary's General Hospital relies upon the Foundation to provide the necessary funds each year to cover costs related to on-going replacement and enhancement of standard equipment which is not covered by Government funding. Over the past 10 years the Foundation has transferred over $50 million to the hospital, enabling innovative patient centered care, delivered with compassion and respect.

About Manulife
Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services group that helps people make their decisions easier and lives better. We operate primarily as John Hancock in the United States and Manulife elsewhere. We provide financial advice, insurance, as well as wealth and asset management solutions for individuals, groups and institutions. At the end of 2017, we had about 35,000 employees, 73,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving more than 26 million customers. As of March 31, 2018, we had over $1.1 trillion (US$850 billion) in assets under management and administration, and in the previous 12 months we made $26.9 billion in payments to our customers. Our principal operations are in Asia, Canada and the United States where we have served customers for more than 100 years. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we trade as 'MFC' on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges and under '945' in Hong Kong.

SOURCE St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation

Ontario Long Term Care Association responds to long-term care press conference

 

TORONTO, May 4, 2018 /CNW/ - Every day our personal support workers, nurses and other professionals care for tens of thousands of seniors with complex needs. As an association that represents every type of long-term care home in the province, we see the increasing quality outcomes that our members are striving for.

Make no mistake, there is no place in our homes for poor quality care or abuse. There is not a single home or operator that condones this type of behaviour. Each and every long-term care professional works tirelessly to ensure seniors get the highest quality of care in all of our homes across Ontario. And the large majority of seniors living in long-term care are receiving the care they need and deserve. In fact, the vast majority of homes across Ontario meet or exceed ministry standards for safety and quality. We're working to make this 100 per cent, but it is important for the public to understand that these types of incidents are not the norm in long-term care and that homes cannot make any profits from care funding – despite some recent political posturing.

The women and men working in long-term care today are doing an incredible job caring for the most clinically complex demographic in our health care system. Ninety per cent of residents in long-term care exhibit some level of cognitive impairment or dementia. Practically every resident requires help with activities of daily living – such as getting out of bed, eating and support with going to the bathroom, in addition to having two or more chronic health conditions, such as heart disease and arthritis.

As an association, our number one priority is the safety of our residents, and our members will continue to work closely with their dedicated staff to uphold the highest standards of care. Although we believe we are providing quality care to our seniors, we know that government funding for staffing and infrastructure have not kept pace with the needs of our seniors. That's why we're calling for new investments so that we can hire more frontline staff, adding additional nurses and personal support workers to the floor. It's also why we've called for new investments to support the renovating and rebuilding of upwards of 300 homes, so they can be modernized to meet current standards and provide greater comfort and safety for residents.

It is crucial that we address the needs of the sector today so that we can provide better seniors' care now and in the future. We remain committed to advocating on behalf of our seniors to ensure they get the care and services they need.

-      Candace Chartier

Candace is the Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Long Term Care Association, a registered nurse and former operator of several long-term care homes. 

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

The BONX Grip is a Bluetooth earpiece that allows cellular-network-based group communication with up to 10 users – anywhere in the world. The design is made to fit your ear without pinching or rubbing, and the built-in shock resistance allows the product to stay comfortably in place during just about any outdoor activity.

 

This unique combination makes BONX the perfect gadget for the active dad who wants to stay connected with the pack during his Saturday road ride, or while hiking up for a lakeside picnic with his partner and children. Here’s why:

 

 

  • Hands-free, Bluetooth earpiece connected to an original smartphone app
  • Switch between personal music and incoming calls with one single touch
  • Water resistant, shock resistant and made to ‘grip’ the ear, staying put during rigorous outdoor activity
  • Dual microphones with multi-layer wind and noise reduction technology ensure crystal-clear speech, and transmit voice only when a user speaks, preserving battery and minimizing cellular data usage
  • Open-back earphone enhances safety in all environments allowing the user to hear surrounding noise – including the kids.
  • MSRP $139.95 USD

 

Attract, Retain & Motivate Top Talent with Stafits’ Employee Wellness Benefit Packages

Toronto, ON - With the goal of allowing businesses the opportunity to attract the best and brightest of employees, Toronto-based Stafits provides Wellness Benefits to employers. Wellness Benefits are generally viewed as a good investment on the part of employers. Studies have shown that when employees choose to take advantage of Wellness Benefits, improvements in mental, physical and financial health are noted, and traditional health care costs are lowered as a result.

While the concept of Wellness Benefits is nothing new, these types of benefits usually cover activities such as yoga classes, nutrition classes or perhaps a speaker on financial planning, to name just a few examples. But according to Stafits founder Gil Koren, the biggest issue with these types of wellness benefits is engagement.

“There’s always a small group of employees who will happily accept anything you offer,” says Koren. “But for the majority, it is hard to find an initiative that really drives engagement.  No matter how good a certain program could potentially be, if no one is using it, it’s just a waste of money.”

Which is the reason why Stafits came up with the unique idea of offering a vacation plan.  

“What do all employees crave more than anything? A vacation, of course!” explains Koren. “Here’s a solution that will recharge and relax, help relieve stress, reduce burnout, improve morale and increase productivity. To achieve this, we offer a completely customized plan for each employer that is fully managed by us… and all for less than a cost of a cup of coffee per employee, per month.”

Description: http://www.getnews.info/uploads/f1164bd491fdc2071c8b685ca5be3fcd.jpg

The program works by giving employees contributions to their travel plan on a monthly basis. Employer involvement is kept to a minimum. Stafits takes care of all the details, even to the point of helping employees arrange their vacations.

As employers recognize the advantages behind the idea of a employee vacation plan, Stafits is becoming an increasingly popular choice. Businesses of all types and sizes share their positive experiences with the program on the Stafits testimonials page.


Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/embed/byjQf5WH4CU

About Stafits:

Comprised of a group of innovative business owners, Toronto-based Stafits was founded in 2017 as a Wellness Benefit provider. Based on the premise that “A happy employee is a productive employee,” the company focuses on providing a staff retention plan that works by offering travel incentives to employees.

For more information, visit the website at www.stafits.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.getnews.info/721351/attract-retain-motivate-top-talent-with-stafits-employee-wellness-benefit-packages.html

Ontario Liberals make it harder for smokers to quit, ignore scientific evidence: e-cigarette industry

 

TORONTO, May 2, 2018 /CNW/ - The Ontario government's new regulations dealing with electronic cigarettes will reduce access to a potentially life-saving technology for people who are trying to quit smoking, which will have a devastating effect on public health and the economy, according to officials with the Canadian Vaping Association (CVA), Canada's preeminent e-cigarette trade association.

In January, the Ontario government, led by Premier Kathleen Wynne, opened a public consultation on proposed regulations covering Bill 174, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017. However, on April 23, the Liberals announced that the draft regulations would be implemented without any amendments.

Those working within the industry warn that a regulation banning the use of e-cigarettes within specialty vape shops — which, under the law, will only be accessible to adults over 19 years of age — will make it impossible for them to show customers, who are looking to reduce the harms caused by smoking, how to use the devices, and prevent people from testing the products in-store.

As a result, many smokers will be discouraged from switching to e-cigarettes, which the Royal College of Physicians in the U.K. says is 95 per cent safer for one's health than smoking. This will have a detrimental effect on public health and harm the many small businesses that sell and manufacture e-cigarettes and related products in Ontario.

CVA president Shaun Casey said that the regulation demonstrates a lack of understanding of how much education and training it takes to transition people from smoking to vaping.

"This regulation will make the transition for adult smokers almost impossible, leading to fewer people finding and trying vaping, thereby reducing access for adult smokers and ultimately shutting down the industry and turning it over to less-effective Big Tobacco products to again dominate this space," he said.

Officials with the CVA say that while they understand the government's knee-jerk reaction to lump vaping in with existing indoor smoking bans, such a policy is not based on the latest scientific evidence. They point to a growing body of research showing that the second-hand vapour produced by e-cigarettes does not pose a risk to bystanders.

For example, Public Health England's "latest evidence review found that to date, there have been no identified health risks of passive vaping to bystanders," according to the U.K. government's website.

Likewise, a 2017 study from the Non-Smokers' Rights Association, a Canadian non-profit, shows that e-cigarette vapour dissipates after 30 seconds, whereas cigarette smoke lingers for upwards of 20 minutes. It concluded that, "Studies on e-cigarette vapour typically demonstrate very low toxicity, and no study to date has directly correlated exposure with long-term adverse health outcomes for bystanders."

A 2017 literature review conducted by researchers at the Centre for Addictions Research of BC at the University of Victoria also found that second-hand vapour is "far less toxic than cigarette smoke, often by several orders of magnitude," as it does not contain any "carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds." They concluded that there is no evidence that second-hand vapour "poses significant second-hand health risks."

With an election looming, the CVA is calling on all parties to stand up for public health and small businesses in the province of Ontario by committing to allow adults to test and sample e-cigarettes within vape shops.

"The CVA and its membership are deeply committed to working with all three levels of government on fair and balanced legislation and regulations that are in the best interests of Canadians," said CVA executive director Darryl Tempest. "But we have serious concerns about the potential negative impacts that this regulation will have on both the vaping industry and on adult smokers in Ontario who seek a less harmful alternative."

The CVA (canadianvapingassociation.org) is a registered national not-for-profit organization, established as the voice of Canada's burgeoning vaping industry. Founded in 2014, the CVA represents e-cigarette retailers and manufacturers throughout the country.

SOURCE The Canadian Vaping Association

May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month

Bladder cancer is the 5th most common cancer in Canada, yet the organization, Bladder Cancer Canada (BCC) and the disease itself are relatively unknown to the public. Bladder Cancer Canada is launching a campaign this May to promote awareness about Bladder Cancer Canada and the support services and information we provide to patients to help them through their journey.

TORONTO (April 30, 2018) - The month of May is Bladder Cancer Awareness month in Canada. Staff and volunteers at Bladder Cancer Canada have any exciting grassroots campaigned lined up to reach out to the more than 80,000 bladder cancer patients across Canada.

“Our year-round ‘See Red? See Your Doctor’ campaign continues to raise awareness about bladder cancer in the general public”, said Ken Bagshaw, Chair of Bladder Cancer Canada. “Our mission continues to raise general awareness, but we are putting a special emphasis on reaching out to those affected by bladder cancer and their support network to draw their attention to our organization and how we can offer support to them.”

Patient support, raising awareness and funding research into bladder cancer are the three main core mandates of Bladder Cancer Canada. The month of May is a focused effort through Bladder Cancer Canada’s communication channels and national network of volunteers to extend their outreach.

The May campaign will involve media interviews, social media stories and featured “community icons” lighting up yellow to help show that #YellowHelps through the efforts of the organization.

“Through the month of May we want to draw attention to Bladder Cancer Canada and our dedication to supporting our patient community”, commented Tammy Northam, Executive Director of Bladder Cancer Canada. “We encourage people to share the hashtag #YellowHelps to draw attention to all that we offer as an organization”, said Northam.

Canadians are invited to visit www.bladdercancercanada.org to find out how to get involved. Bladder Cancer Canada can also be found on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter @BladderCancerCA. Let’s get the conversation going right across Canada about how #YellowHelps in assisting those facing #BladderCancer.

Authentic Italian Food and Gluten Free Unite

Pasta, Pizza, Pane Healthy for One and All!

 

 

Phoenix, AZ – 30th April 2018.  International Media Celebrity, Supermodel, Beauty, Lifestyle and Wellness expert Clarissa Burt has partnered with world renowned Chef Rita Romano to create “The Gluten Free Gastronomy Cookbook” in hard copy and digital versions. Comprised of 70 sumptuous Cucina Italiana recipes all without the dangers of gluten.  Finally, those with gluten intolerance and Celiac disease can savor mouth-watering Italian food.

 

Clarissa lived in Italy for 30 years and is highly gluten intolerant.  After countless trips in an ambulance to the emergency room, no doctor could ever diagnose the reason for her anaphylactic shocks.  "I never left home without an EpiPen.  The attacks were terrifying.  One minute I was fine and the next I looked like Shrek!  The itching would drive me crazy!!" Clarissa explains.   She approached Italian Chef Rita Romano for help who quickly came to the rescue.  An ecstatic Clarissa wants everyone to know Gluten Intolerance is really a ‘thing’!  Clarissa continues, “You can now enjoy pasta, pizza and pane without the dangerous side effects of gluten”!

 

“I genuinely love this book. As Italian Food Ambassador, food writer and cooking instructor, it is my duty to preserve and promote the deliciousness and uniqueness of our culinary heritage” says Ale Gambini. I’m happy to say that the Italian Gluten Free Gastronomy cookbook is a great example of how the most beloved cuisine in the world can be tasty, healthy and authentic even without the use of one of its staples: the wheat.  Simple and delicious gluten-free recipes, easy to make on a daily basis for authentic Italian meals. such as Antipasti (Appetizers) to Pasta, Risotti, Secondi (Main Dishes), Side Dishes, Salads and Desserts.  Big thumbs up to Clarissa and Rita!

 

 

Buy the hard copy book and digital versions on https://clarissaburt.shop/italian-gluten-free-gastronomy/

For more about Clarissa, www.ClarissaBurt.com

For more about Rita, www.RitasRecipes.com      ###

Discovery Explaining the Potential Cardiovascular Benefits of a Precision Therapy Based on the Genetic Profile

 

MONTREAL, April 26, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Researchers at the Montreal Heart Institute announced today that they have discovered the mechanism for the protective effects of reduced activity of the ADCY9 gene in atherosclerosis resulting from accumulation of fat in the artery walls. Indeed, a reduction of 65% of atherosclerosis occurs when the ADCY9 gene is not functional in mice, but only when another gene (CETP) is also absent. This benefit is explained by a marked reduction of inflammation in the arteries. These results have been published in the prestigious American scientific journal Circulation.

Drs Jean-Claude Tardif and Marie-Pierre Dubé from the Montreal Heart Institute had previously shown in a retrospective analysis a significant 39% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events in patients receiving the CETP inhibitor dalcetrapib and having the AA genotype in the ADCY9 gene. This discovery has led DalCor Pharmaceuticals to launch the Dal-GenE study with 6000 patients that is presently taking place in 34 countries. This new discovery described today supports the underlying rationale for Dal-GenE and may explain the reasons for the  cardiovascular benefits occurring in patients who have the appropriate genetic profile.

«The benefits according to the ADCY9 gene profile may pave the way for the first precision cardiovascular therapy against atherosclerosis with dalcetrapib», stressed Dr Jean-Claude Tardif, Director of the Research Centre of the Montreal Heart Institute and Professor of medicine at the University of Montreal. « Given that cardiovascular diseases remain the first cause of mortality in the world and that atherosclerosis is its main source, our discovery may have an important impact by opening new pathways for research to bring to patients new therapies based on their genetic profile », continued Dr. Tardif.

« Precision cardiovascular medicine has the potential to transform healthcare, and our team shows through these discoveries its international leadership in this state-of-the-art field», stated Mélanie La Couture, Chief Executive Officer of the Montreal Heart Institute.

About the Montreal Heart Institute
Founded in 1954 by Dr. Paul David, the Montreal Heart Institute constantly aims for the highest standards of excellence in the cardiovascular field through its leadership in clinical and basic research, ultra-specialized care, professional training and prevention. It is part of the broad network of health excellence made up of Université de Montréal and its affiliated institutions.

About DalCor Pharmaceuticals
DalCor is developing precision treatments by genetically targeting patients that will derive clinical benefits. By integrating clinical and genetic insights, DalCor intends to deliver superior clinical cardiovascular outcomes. The company's development program, dalcetrapib, is intended to reduce cardiovascular events in a specific genetic subset of patients.

DalCor secured a worldwide exclusive license for dalcetrapib together with rights to the genetic marker for use with dalcetrapib and is sponsoring the dal-GenE study, which is planned to include 6,000 patients to prospectively confirm the results of the pharmacogenomic analysis in the dal-Outcomes study in a patient population with the AA genotype at the rs1967309 location in the ADCY9 gene.

DalCor Pharmaceuticals has offices in Montreal, San Mateo, Calif., Zug, Switzerland and Stockport, U.K. For more information, visit www.dalcorpharma.com

 

SOURCE Montreal Heart Institute Foundation

Why Eating Enough Calories and Working out is Important

You might think that the best way to remain thin is by reducing your daily calories to an extremely low level, but this dietary plan can lead to gaining weight along with ruining your overall health. The appropriate way to maintain your weight is by consuming an adequate amount of calories along with exercising several times each week. Here is why the combination of eating enough and exercising is more beneficial for your well-being.

Prevent Illness by Consuming Plenty of Nutrients

If you aren’t eating enough, then you won’t consume the right types of nutrients. When you don’t consume the proper level of vitamins and minerals, your immune system becomes depleted, making it more likely that you will develop an illness such as influenza or a cold. You can improve the condition of your immune system by making sure to eat a lot of lean protein, fresh produce and whole-grain foods.

Have a Strong Body by Exercising Frequently

It is important to exercise frequently so that your muscles are strong and your tendons are flexible. Some types of exercise will also improve the condition of your bones to prevent osteoporosis. Experts recommend exercising at least three times a week for 30 to 45 minutes, but in order to have enough energy for physical activity, you should consume a nutritious diet each day.

Do You Have an Eating Disorder?

When you are binge eating or not eating enough, you might have an eating disorder that requires treatment. Eating disorder treatment facilitiescan diagnose your type of eating disorder along with planning a course of treatments to help you overcome the problem. While in an eating disorder facility, you will participate in individual and group counseling sessions to determine why you have an issue with food.

Maintaining Your Mental Focus Each Day

Your brain requires nutrients so that you have stronger cognitive abilities. When you aren’t eating a proper diet, it can lead to a reduction in your brain’s activity, reducing your mental focus. In addition to eating nutritious foods, you must also exercise to enrich your body with additional oxygen that provides energy. If you can exercise outside, then you are also exposing your skin to sunlight that will help your body to manufacture additional vitamin D.

Have a Daily Dietary and Exercise Plan

If you forget to exercise or eat the right types of foods, then you should have a written daily dietary and exercise plan to keep you on track each day.