Author: trainitright

5 Non-Surgical Steps For Treating Your Arthritis
Arthritis afflicts 54 million U.S. adults, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

It is the leading cause of disability among U.S. adults over 55, and in many cases leads to total-joint replacements. That is a big decision – sometimes necessary, sometimes premature, says Dr. Victor Romano (www.drvictorromano.com), an orthopedist and author of Finding The Source: Maximizing Your Results – With and Without Orthopaedic Surgery.

“Total-joint replacements are wonderful and can be life-changing, but they also can wear down and become infected,” Romano says.
“The best approach for arthritis of the knee, for example, is to wait as long as possible before replacing the knee. There are several steps you can take to deal with arthritis before a surgical option. These measures, some of which you can perform without the aid of a medical professional, often can significantly lessen the pain and improve the quality of life.”

Romano recommends five steps you can take to handle arthritis before opting for surgery:

•    Wear good shoes with arch supports. With weight bearing and time, the arches in feet tend to fail. “Good shoes with arch supports improve the alignment of the feet and ultimately improve the alignment of the knees,” Romano says. “The feet and ankles act as shock absorbers for the knees.”

•    Have a daily exercise and balance program. Studies show that arthritic patients who exercise do much better than those who don’t. Romano recommends at least a 20-minute daily exercise program for all patients with arthritis. “Exercise should include stretching, aerobic activity, and strength training,” he says.

•    Use a hinged knee brace, as needed, for support.  Wear the smallest brace that makes you the most comfortable. “Do not wear the brace for everyday activities,” Romano says, “but for extra activities such as golfing, shopping or exercise. It unloads the arthritic area and allows you to pursue more pain-free activities, which you may not have been able to do otherwise.”

•    Eat nutritious foods; keep your weight under control.  Weight loss reduces the stress on your knees and increases mobility.  “Why not try an anti-inflammatory diet?” Romano says. “Sugar and processed foods cause inflammation of the arteries as well as inflammation of the joints.”

•    Improve your bone health. Improving your bone health with increased calcium intake, daily vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercises can lessen the pain of arthritis. “Should you eventually need a total joint replacement, building up your bone density will improve your chances of having a long-lasting replacement,” Romano says.

 

“Arthritis is not something that can be removed with surgery or scraped out with a scope,” Romano says. “You must listen to your joints. When you’ve tried all of these
non-surgical measures and they don’t seem to work any longer, then surgery may be your best option. If surgery is necessary, rapid and successful recovery is possible by
having optimized your physical and nutritional health beforehand.”

About Dr. Victor Romano

Dr. Victor Romano (www.drvictorromano.com) is an orthopedic surgeon in Oak Park, Ill., and the author of Finding The Source: Maximizing Your Results – With and WithoutOrthopaedic Surgery. He is board-certified in orthopedics and sports medicine with over 25 years of experience in the field. He graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame and completed medical school at the University of Loyola-Chicago.

Feeling stressed? Exercise can help prepare for the ‘mental marathon’ of everyday life
When you ask people how they’re doing, a common response is ‘busy!’ Almost all of us experience a lot of pressure on a daily basis, but many of us don’t have tools to help manage feelings of stress and being overwhelmed.
The Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) Mental Health Week is May 7-13. This year the theme ‘get loud about what mental health really is’ focuses on providing the tools all Canadians need to maintain their mental health – including building self-esteem, resilience, and coping skills. Building on that theme, GoodLife Fitness is drawing attention to how physical activity can help build the mental mindset to manage stress effectively.
Exercise trains the body to handle stress
Among the many physical benefits, studies have found our bodies react to intense physical activity in the same way as they do to stress -- increasing cortisol and adrenaline production and elevating the heart rate. By activating this physical stress response through regular vigorous exercise, you can train your body to produce less cortisol and reduce your heart rate, meaning you’ll feel less stressed out.
Working out encourages mental resilience

In addition to the physical effects, Kim Lavender, vice president of team training and specialty group training with GoodLife Fitness says working out helps you establish the right mindset for mental wellness. When we make a point of exercising we’re setting goals and pushing ourselves to achieve more. This focus helps us feel more balanced and in control when faced with life’s challenges.
In team training, Lavender coaches clients to believe in themselves and visualize success, a frame of mind that can also be helpful in approaching life outside the gym.
  • Think positively: Focus your energy on positive thoughts. Work to banish self-criticism and focus on your best qualities.
  • Visualize success: Many successful athletes picture their game or race beforehand to imagine themselves performing at their best. Try doing the same with your daily responsibilities – whether it’s a meeting, a networking function, a stressful interaction.
  • Practice self-compassion: Striving for perfection can be stressful. Accept that there may be days that don’t go as planned and you don’t accomplish what you hope to. Remember that tomorrow is a new day to keep moving towards your goals.
  • Learn from your mistakes: Instead of dwelling on your mistakes, learn from them and move ahead. Follow this mantra: No failure, only feedback.
  • Rethink stress: It’s possible to channel the energy from stress in a positive direction. Studies have shown that people who believed the symptoms of stress, like increased heart rate and body temperature were positive and to help your body perform better, had little to no long-term health effects of stress.
  • Find time to recharge: Take time to rest on a regular basis, and make sure you get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Your mind and body both need that time to heal and rebuild.
GoodLife Fitness coaches and personal trainers are available to talk more about fitness coaching principles and building a positive mindset. They can also suggest and demonstrate stress-busting workout ideas. We can also find a member who uses regular workouts to help manage their stressful lifestyle.

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

 

 

Expert in women's reproductive health Dr. Charu Kaushic named Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity

 

OTTAWA, May 3, 2018 /CNW/ - Dr. Roderick McInnes, Acting President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and CIHR's Governing Council, announced today the appointment of Dr. Charu Kaushic as the new Scientific Director of CIHR's Institute of Infection and Immunity. This appointment will be effective July 1, 2018.

Dr. Kaushic is a professor of pathology and molecular medicine at McMaster University, where she is also the director of the university's Biosafety Level 3 Lab, which supports researchers working on highly infectious human pathogens.

Dr. Kaushic is a mucosal immunologist by training and her program of research is focused on women's susceptibility and immune response to HIV and the herpes virus, with the goal of developing new ways to protect women from infections using vaccines and immunotherapies.

Worldwide, women bear the heaviest burden of sexually transmitted infections, which has major implications for their health. The ultimate goal of Dr. Kaushic's work is to provide women around the world with information and choices to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

As Scientific Director, Dr. Kaushic will work with her community to identify research priorities, develop funding opportunities, build partnerships, and translate research evidence into policy and practice to improve the health of Canadians and people around the world. As a member of CIHR's leadership team, she will participate in setting and implementing CIHR's strategic direction.

Quotes

"As the new Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity, Dr. Charu Kaushic will help lead efforts to tackle some of the most pressing health issues of the day, including HIV, antimicrobial resistance, and vector-borne diseases. I know that the research community will be in excellent hands with the appointment of Dr. Kaushic, who brings to the position an impressive 15-year track record in research into immunology, HIV, and women's reproductive health."

Roderick R. McInnes, CM, MD, PhD, FRSC
Acting President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research

"I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to represent and serve the infection and immunity research community. We will work collaboratively with our partners to address key health issues facing Canadians, such as chronic inflammatory conditions, global health issues of TB and HIV, and emerging threats such as antimicrobial resistance and pandemic flu. I also plan to promote STEM careers and leadership roles to young women."

Dr. Charu Kaushic
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity

"We are delighted with Dr. Kaushic's well-deserved appointment and pleased to host the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity here at our university. This institute further enhances McMaster's reputation as a centre of ground-breaking and innovative infectious disease research."

Dr. Patrick Deane
President and Vice-Chancellor of McMaster University

Quick Facts

  • The CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity (CIHR-III) supports research and helps to build research capacity in the areas of infectious disease and the body's immune system.
  • CIHR-III is at the forefront of research into antimicrobial resistance, HIV, hepatitis C, Lyme disease, the microbiome, and organ transplantation.
  • III is also equipped to mobilize a rapid research response to emerging infectious diseases, as it has done with the Ebola and Zika viruses.

Associated Product: Biography

At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) we know that research has the power to change lives. As Canada's health research investment agency, we collaborate with partners and researchers to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system.

 

Backgrounder: Biography of Dr. Charu Kaushic

Dr. Charu Kaushic is a professor of pathology and molecular medicine at McMaster University, where she has established her research program and taught for 15 years.

She is a scientist of the McMaster Immunology Research Centre and the Michael G. DeGroote Institute of Infectious Disease Research at the university. She has cross appointments to the obstetrics and gynecology as well as the biochemistry and biomedical sciences departments at McMaster. Dr. Kaushic is also the director of the university's Biosafety Level 3 laboratory, a central research facility which supports researchers working on highly infectious human pathogens.

Dr. Kaushic's program of research is focused on understanding various aspects of host-pathogen interaction as they relate to women's susceptibility and immune responses to the sexually transmitted viral pathogens HIV and herpes virus. Her research program covers a broad spectrum from basic research to clinical and translational projects. She has worked closely in partnership with African-Caribbean-Black community organizations for more than a decade.

Her goal is to develop gender-specific prevention and therapeutic approaches, including vaccines and immunomodulatory interventions, to address the disproportionate burden of STIs on women worldwide, and to provide women with the information and choices to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health.

Dr. Kaushic has published more than 75 peer-reviewed publications in influential journals, including highly cited papers examining the effect of HIV on mucosal barrier functions and the role of sex hormones in regulating the susceptibility and immunity of the female genital tract to HIV and HSV-2.

She is the past recipient of a CIHR New Investigator Award, and is currently the Principal Investigator on four CIHR grants, including an HIV Mucosal Team Grant and a grant on Innovative Biomedical and Clinical HIV/AIDS Research. She also holds an Applied HIV Research Chair Award from the Ontario HIV Treatment Network.

Dr. Kaushic is an advocate for women's reproductive health and choices and is passionate about encouraging women to pursue careers in STEM.

She completed her B.Sc (Hons) and M.Sc in zoology at Delhi University and her PhD at the National Institute of Immunology in New Delhi, before completing post-doctoral training in mucosal immunology at Dartmouth Medical School in New Hampshire. She joined the faculty of McMaster University in 2002.

 

SOURCE Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Specialist in inherited diseases, Dr. Christopher McMaster, named Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Genetics

 

OTTAWA, May 3, 2018 /CNW/ - Dr. Roderick McInnes, Acting President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and CIHR's Governing Council, announced today the appointment of Dr. Christopher McMaster as the new Scientific Director of CIHR's Institute of Genetics. This appointment will be effective July 1, 2018.

Dr. McMaster is a professor and head of the Department of Pharmacology at Dalhousie University, and director of the Cheminformatics Drug Discovery Lab, which uses sophisticated software to design new drugs.

He is also the co-founder and CEO of DeNovaMed, a biotechnology company that uses computer-aided design to drive the development of new classes of antimicrobials to address the global health threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Dr. McMaster's research interests range from basic biochemistry and cell biology to genomics. He has identified a potential therapy for congenital sideroblastic anemia, a disease which occurs when the bone marrow fails to produce a sufficient number of healthy red blood cells. He is also developing treatments for familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, a hereditary disorder that can cause vision loss, and for inherited Parkinson's disease.

As Scientific Director, Dr. McMaster will work with his community to identify research priorities, develop funding opportunities, build partnerships, and translate research evidence into policy and practice to improve the health of Canadians and people around the world. As a member of CIHR's leadership team, he will participate in setting and implementing CIHR's strategic direction.

Quotes

"I congratulate Dr. McMaster on his appointment as Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Genetics. He has a truly outstanding record of research in the fields of biochemistry, yeast genetics, rare inherited diseases, and the development of novel drugs. I know that he is well positioned to continue IG's tradition of unwavering support for capacity-building and strengthening the many research communities that the Institute serves."

Roderick R. McInnes, CM, MD, PhD, FRSC
Acting President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research

"I look forward to working with and supporting Canada's genetics community. Canada has a rich history in training and conducting world-class genetics spanning basic, translational, clinical, and outcomes research. There is substantive momentum across all areas that the IG will seek to further foster and grow."
Christopher McMaster, PhD
Incoming Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Genetics

"The appointment of Dr. McMaster to the prestigious role of Scientific Director is a testament to his significant accomplishments as a scientist and leader in his field. His innovative research has had a key role in shaping the future of genetic science in Canada and around the world, and we are proud to have a researcher of his caliber part of the Dalhousie University community."
Dr. Alice Aiken
Vice-President (Research), Dalhousie University

Quick Facts

  • The CIHR Institute of Genetics (IG) supports research on the human and model genomes and on all aspects of genetics, basic biochemistry, and cell biology related to health and disease, including the translation of knowledge into health policy and practice, and the societal implications of genetic discoveries.
  • 1 in 15 Canadians is born with a rare disease, so-called because they affect only small group of patients and families. Most of the world's 6,000 to 8,000 rare diseases are genetic.
  • IG spearheads two of CIHR's most prominent initiatives: Personalized Medicine, which is stimulating the discovery, testing, and translation of biomarkers, targets, and genomic signatures for disease prevention and treatment, and the Canadian Epigenetics, Environment and Health Research Consortium, which is supporting the burgeoning field of epigenetics – the study of changes in the regulation of gene activity and expression through the interaction with environmental factors.

Associated Product: Biography

At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) we know that research has the power to change lives. As Canada's health research investment agency, we collaborate with partners and researchers to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system.

Backgrounder: Biography of Dr. Christopher McMaster

Dr. Christopher McMaster is a professor and Head of the Department of Pharmacology at Dalhousie University and Director of the Cheminformatics Drug Discovery Lab, which uses sophisticated software to design and then synthesize new drugs. Previous to this, he held a Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Biosignalling (the study of how messages are conveyed into cells by the interaction of a signal or a chemical messenger with a receptor incorporated into the cell membrane), and was the Assistant Dean for Graduate and Post-doctoral Studies in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University.

He currently serves on the scientific advisory board for the CIHR Institute of Genetics-sponsored Rare Disease Models and Mechanisms grant that connects the infrastructure and leadership of Canada's gene discovery projects with scientific communities working with model organisms such as yeast, worms, zebra fish, fruit flies, and mice.

As a researcher, he is a recognized leader in genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology. His research is broad in interest, ranging from basic biochemistry and cell biology, to genomics to determine causal genes for human genetic diseases and drugs for their treatment, to ethical and policy considerations as the field of human genomics becomes increasingly applied to clinical diagnosis and care. He has led large research consortia including acting as Principal Investigator (PI) on a Genome Canada Large-Scale Applied Research project, co-PI on a large Canada Foundation for Innovation grant, and as PI on a large-scale Atlantic Innovation Fund project. He has identified a potential therapy, currently in Phase 2 trials, for congenital sideroblastic anemia, a disease which occurs when the bone marrow fails to produce a sufficient number of healthy red blood cells. He is also developing treatments for familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, a hereditary disorder that can cause vision loss, and for inherited Parkinson's disease.

In 2006 he co-founded DeNovaMed, Inc., a biotechnology company that specializes in using computer-aided drug design to drive the synthesis and development of truly new classes of antimicrobials. Dr. McMaster has served as President of DeNovaMed since its inception and CEO since 2015. DeNovaMed is in the final stages of preclinical development and is expecting to start a first-in-human-trial for a new class of antibiotics for the treatment of multidrug-resistant infections.

Dr. McMaster completed his B.Sc. in microbiology and Ph.D. at the University of Manitoba, followed by a post-doctoral fellowship at Duke University Medical Centre.

 

SOURCE Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Sun Life Financial grows efforts to fight type 1 diabetes in Canada with title sponsorship of the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes

 

Sponsorship supports growth of type 1 diabetes research and awareness, building upon Sun Life Financial's $22 million global investment to date

TORONTO, May 3, 2018 /CNW/ - JDRF Canada is pleased to announce Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada ("Sun Life") as the title sponsor of its longstanding signature Walk event. The newly titled Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF is the largest diabetes fundraising event in Canada which aims to drive fundraising efforts to help accelerate the pace of research and inspire Canadians to learn more about type 1 diabetes.

This partnership will continue to solidify Sun Life's already strong commitment to diabetes in Canada as part of its overall strategy of helping build healthy, sustainable communities for life. As part of the title sponsorship, Jacques Goulet, President of Sun Life Financial Canada has been named the Honorary Chair of the Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF.

"We're proud to be named the title sponsor of JDRF's signature walk event as we deepen our commitment to diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research," said Jacques Goulet, President, Sun Life Financial Canada. "This new sponsorship is a natural extension of our long history of diabetes support and our existing partnership with JDRF. I'm particularly honoured to take on the role of Honorary Chair and rally our employees, advisors, Clients and Canadians to take part in the Walk and the fight against type 1 diabetes."

Sun Life Financial is currently the presenting sponsor of the JDRF Revolution Ride to Defeat Diabetes and has been the national sponsor of the JDRF Walk since 2016.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sun Life Financial as the title sponsor of the Walk. We are aligned on our commitment to bringing greater awareness to type 1 diabetes and accelerating the pace of type 1 diabetes research," said Dave Prowten, President & CEO of JDRF Canada.

This year's Walk event will be held in over 65 cities across the country and will include a virtual Walk led by JDRF's National Spokesperson, NHL hockey star, Max Domi. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Walk, Sun Life Financial will match any online donation of $25 or more between May 3 – 18, up to a maximum of $125,000. For a complete list of locations and dates, visit jdrfwalk.ca.

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 in 2012.

Sun Life employees and advisors across the country will also team up with JDRF to drive fundraising efforts and raise much-needed research dollars. Goulet adds, "Sun Life employees and advisors have continually embraced diabetes as our global cause, showing their overwhelming support for local diabetes initiatives like the Walk. We look forward to connecting with employees and advisors across the country to help make the Walk a success."

About 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 Company designation 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 Diabetes™ platform; and arts and culture, through our award-winning Making the Arts More Accessible™ 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.

About JDRF Canada
JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. JDRF's goal is to progressively remove the impact of type 1 diabetes from people's lives until we achieve a world without this disease. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners and is the only organization with the scientific resources, regulatory influence, and a working plan to better treat, prevent, and eventually cure type 1 diabetes. JDRF is the largest charitable supporter of type 1 diabetes research. For more information, please visit www.jdrf.ca.

Note to Editors: All figures in Canadian dollars except as otherwise noted. 

Media Relations Contact:

Tara Peever McClean
Manager, Corporate Communications
T: 416-420-4707
tara.peever.mcclean@sunlife.com

Erin Whittaker
National Bilingual Communications Specialist
JDRF Canada
T: 647-459-7833
ewhittaker@jdrf.ca

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Canada

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