Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation announces up to $2 million CAD in funding available to support researcher-clinician led innovations in the field of aging and brain health

Ortho RTi Announces Compelling Data from Ortho-R Pilot Study in Rotator Cuff Repair

Surprising Natural Remedies to Improve Fertility from A Veteran Toronto Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Jodie Peacock, N.D. has helped hundreds of Canadian couples improve their fertility through natural therapies and nutrition counselling

March 29, 2018 – An estimated one in six Canadian couples have fertility concerns, and of those, one in three are due to male factors – all of which can be improved by natural remedies according to Toronto doctor, Dr. Jodie Peacock, N.D. These include lifestyle changes like putting your phone away before bed, nutritional changes like adding vitamin E and C, or eliminating alcohol and marijuana from social settings.

“With so many couples facing fertility concerns, they need to know they can take back control of their fertility and family expansion,” says Dr. Jodie Peacock, N.D., Toronto naturopathic doctor and creator of the upcoming Canadian Fertility Show. “Couples can optimize their own fertility naturally or medically, or explore alternatives, like surrogacy or adoption – all of which are available at the Canadian Fertility Show. In my practice, my patients optimize their fertility through scientifically-backed lifestyle and nutritional changes.”

Natural Remedies to Improve Female Fertility:

1. Add the avocado: Foods high in vitamin e, such as avocado, Take a daily vitamin E supplement. Not only is vitamin E great for skin, it has also been associated with the quality of eggs, which has been shown to improve time to pregnancy rates for couples with fertility concerns.
2. Put the phone down – blue light is the enemy: Melatonin works as reproductive antioxidant and regulates circadian rhythm. However, its production is another item that decreases with age. To improve natural ways of melatonin secretion, minimize blue light, ensure a consistent bedtime and wake time, and a completely dark space for sleeping.
3. Exercise (but not too much): Exercise elevates mood, increases blood flow to reproductive organs, and improves sexual function. However, too much exercise (more than just 5 hours per week) has been linked to decreased probability of pregnancy. Aim for 50-70% of your max heartrate for 30 minutes 5-7 times per week.

Natural Remedies to Improve Male Fertility:

1. Learn to love strawberries and pineapple: foods high in vitamin C have been shown to significantly improve sperm quality. When combined with other powerful antioxidants, studies have shown the effect to be magnified. Supplement your vitamin C fruits with antioxidants like COQ10 and vitamin E.
2. Add nuts, grass-fed beef, and halibut to the diet: Selenium with vitamin E has been shown to significantly increase motility and overall sperm quality. These foods are high in selenium and when combined with vitamin E, it increases absorption of the nutrients

Couples Should:

1. Put the cocktail down and keep it down: Alcohol is a significant reproductive toxin. In as little as four drinks per week, studies have shown it could decrease chances of conceiving by as much as 21%.
2. Stay far, far away from marijuana: Recent studies have shown that in as little as one use per week, fertility could decrease by as much as 29%. Just because it’s considered legal by some governments, or as a “natural remedy” by some activists, it is still a major reproductive toxin.

Dr. Jodie Peacock, N.D. will keynote at the first ever Canadian Fertility Show, Saturday April 14, 2018 at the International Centre in Mississauga. As part of her keynote, she will discuss the best ways to optimize fertility through natural remedies and lifestyle changes, as backed by her hundreds of successfully pregnant clients at her Oakville practice, The Root of Health.

Do You Have the Jitters?

Surprising Things That Could Be Causing Anxiety

www.comprehendthemind.com

Anxiety is a mental illness that disrupts daily life causing feelings of impending doom along with unwanted thoughts and unpleasant physical symptoms.  Some people are more predisposed to anxiety than others. Did you know that there are “external” factors/habits in our daily lives that can increase anxiety?  Dr. Sanam Hafeez  a NYC based neuropsychologist and Teaching Faculty Member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College shares surprising things that could be causing anxiety. You may see several on this list that are causing jitters in your own life.

1. Cigarettes 

Often, people who smoke tend to rely on cigarettes to ease their anxiety. However, nicotine found in cigarettes affects your brain, including your mood. But nicotine also ramps up blood pressure and heart rate, two physical symptoms that can mirror anxiety. In addition, the carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke also may cause breathing problems that the body responds to as if it's suffocating, increasing the likelihood of panic attacks. The relief a smoker feels is temporary and will likely return and cause an even greater risk of anxiety symptoms Studies have found that those who quit smoking for more than two weeks had lower anxiety levels than when they were smoking regularly.

2. Caffeine

The jitters, shakes, and irregular heart rhythm one might get after a dose of caffeine can feel an awful lot like a panic attack, especially if you are already susceptible. That's because caffeine stimulates your "fight or flight" response, tricking the body into feeling like it’s being chased by a lion even when there is no danger present.  If caffeine makes you anxious switch to decaf coffee, and do not drink energy drinks such as Redbull which are loaded with caffeine. Be wary of PMS medications like Midol which contain a hefty dose of caffeine as an active ingredient.

3. Medications

Medicines that contain caffeine, such as Anacin, Empirin, Excedrin, No-Doz, and cough medicines. Decongestants, such as phenylephrine, including Sudafed PE can bring on symptoms of anxiety or panic.  Some ADHD medications also list anxiety or nervousness as a possible side effect. These medications include Adderall, Ritalin, and Straterra to name a few. Some birth control pills can contribute to feelings of emotional disturbance including depression and anxiety. Asthma medications can cause symptoms of anxiety for some patients. The National Institute of Health reports that the use of bronchodilators can lead to feelings of anxiety and nervousness. If you are prone to anxiety, make your doctor aware of this to be sure that both OTC meds and prescriptions will not exacerbate your symptoms.

4. Alcohol

Anxiety and alcohol use are often connected. People often drink to relax and reduce anxiety, and in some instances, chronic alcohol abuse can lead to anxiety. With both alcohol use and anxiety being so prevalent in the US, it’s no surprise that the two are often linked. Drinking alcohol can influence the brain chemistry and change the levels of serotonin. Alcohol can affect your mood and decrease the “feel good” chemical in your brain increasing feelings of anxiety and depression. Long-term heavy drinkers may be exposed to a higher risk of anxiety.

5. Hormonal Activity

Hormones are the messengers to the brain and when your body is under stress due to internal factors such as the menstrual cycle, this can lead to mood changes and irritability. Adrenal issues — imbalances in the body's stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, and the precursor hormone DHEA — can cause a variety of symptoms that seem to be mental health-related, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Cortisol aka “the stress hormone” can have a powerful effect on your brain, and anything that increases cortisol production or decreases cortisol reduction (such as a lack of exercise) can cause anxiety. Other hormones such as estrogen, testosterone and thyroid can all affect anxiety. If you feel hormones may be the culprit of your anxiety, consult your internist who can do a full blood workup.

6. Skipping Meals

Skipping meals can affect your brain, which can lead to a drop in serotonin levels creating symptoms of anxiety. This can cause, mood swings, stress, fatigue and unsteady blood sugar levels.  As a result, one might experience shakiness, dizziness, confusion, and difficulty speaking.  Prevent these blood sugar swings by eating frequent small meals and keeping snacks on hand.

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

Younger consumers are the most calorie-conscious, suggesting need for calorie labelling as standard, says GlobalData

Over one-third (35%) of global consumers are actively trying to reduce their consumption of calories. Millennials are showing the greatest interest and are more open to the positive health benefits associated with reducing calories, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION: Please click here for enlarged image

GlobalData’s Q4 2016 global consumer survey highlights that motivation to reduce intake appears to fall as age increases, with younger age cohorts displaying the greatest interest in cutting calories. In fact, 36% of millennials are trying to reduce calorie intake, compared with only 29% of the silent generation. Consequently, evidence suggests that younger consumers are more receptive towards calorie reduction and its positive health benefits.

This carries importance as new research from Cambridge University UK suggests that placing calorie counts on menus in food outlets can reduce portion sizes. The results of this research suggest that when provided with calorie information, intake was reduced by one-eighth (12%).

Charles Sissens, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “These findings could shape the way food outlets and food/drink packaging operate, with many adopting a more authoritarian approach; packaged food/drink products and indeed restaurants and cafés could increase the presence of calorie labelling, thus indirectly coercing shoppers and diners to choose healthier options and contribute towards the global effort to reduce calorie intake.”

Surprising Things That Could Be Causing Anxiety

www.comprehendthemind.com

Anxiety is a mental illness that disrupts daily life causing feelings of impending doom along with unwanted thoughts and unpleasant physical symptoms.  Some people are more predisposed to anxiety than others. Did you know that there are “external” factors/habits in our daily lives that can increase anxiety?  Dr. Sanam Hafeez  a NYC based neuropsychologist and Teaching Faculty Member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College shares surprising things that could be causing anxiety. You may see several on this list that are causing jitters in your own life.

1. Cigarettes 

Often, people who smoke tend to rely on cigarettes to ease their anxiety. However, nicotine found in cigarettes affects your brain, including your mood. But nicotine also ramps up blood pressure and heart rate, two physical symptoms that can mirror anxiety. In addition, the carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke also may cause breathing problems that the body responds to as if it's suffocating, increasing the likelihood of panic attacks. The relief a smoker feels is temporary and will likely return and cause an even greater risk of anxiety symptoms Studies have found that those who quit smoking for more than two weeks had lower anxiety levels than when they were smoking regularly.

2. Caffeine

The jitters, shakes, and irregular heart rhythm one might get after a dose of caffeine can feel an awful lot like a panic attack, especially if you are already susceptible. That's because caffeine stimulates your "fight or flight" response, tricking the body into feeling like it’s being chased by a lion even when there is no danger present.  If caffeine makes you anxious switch to decaf coffee, and do not drink energy drinks such as Redbull which are loaded with caffeine. Be wary of PMS medications like Midol which contain a hefty dose of caffeine as an active ingredient.

3. Medications

Medicines that contain caffeine, such as Anacin, Empirin, Excedrin, No-Doz, and cough medicines. Decongestants, such as phenylephrine, including Sudafed PE can bring on symptoms of anxiety or panic.  Some ADHD medications also list anxiety or nervousness as a possible side effect. These medications include Adderall, Ritalin, and Straterra to name a few. Some birth control pills can contribute to feelings of emotional disturbance including depression and anxiety. Asthma medications can cause symptoms of anxiety for some patients. The National Institute of Health reports that the use of bronchodilators can lead to feelings of anxiety and nervousness. If you are prone to anxiety, make your doctor aware of this to be sure that both OTC meds and prescriptions will not exacerbate your symptoms.

4. Alcohol

Anxiety and alcohol use are often connected. People often drink to relax and reduce anxiety, and in some instances, chronic alcohol abuse can lead to anxiety. With both alcohol use and anxiety being so prevalent in the US, it’s no surprise that the two are often linked. Drinking alcohol can influence the brain chemistry and change the levels of serotonin. Alcohol can affect your mood and decrease the “feel good” chemical in your brain increasing feelings of anxiety and depression. Long-term heavy drinkers may be exposed to a higher risk of anxiety.

5. Hormonal Activity

Hormones are the messengers to the brain and when your body is under stress due to internal factors such as the menstrual cycle, this can lead to mood changes and irritability. Adrenal issues — imbalances in the body's stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, and the precursor hormone DHEA — can cause a variety of symptoms that seem to be mental health-related, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Cortisol aka “the stress hormone” can have a powerful effect on your brain, and anything that increases cortisol production or decreases cortisol reduction (such as a lack of exercise) can cause anxiety. Other hormones such as estrogen, testosterone and thyroid can all affect anxiety. If you feel hormones may be the culprit of your anxiety, consult your internist who can do a full blood workup.

6. Skipping Meals

Skipping meals can affect your brain, which can lead to a drop in serotonin levels creating symptoms of anxiety. This can cause, mood swings, stress, fatigue and unsteady blood sugar levels.  As a result, one might experience shakiness, dizziness, confusion, and difficulty speaking.  Prevent these blood sugar swings by eating frequent small meals and keeping snacks on hand.

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

For the First Time: Fastest Growing Frozen Pizza Brand in the U.S Launches in Canada

Made in Canada and Available at Sobeys, Whole Foods Market and Select Retailers Beginning This Month

LOS ANGELES, March 28, 2018 – CAULIPOWER ®, the fastest growing frozen pizza brand in the U.S., is launching its signature cauliflower-based foods in Canada, starting with four better-for-you pizzas: Margherita, Three-Cheese, Veggie, and Plain Crust. All of the pizzas are proudly made in Canada and will be available in more than 100 Canadian retailers, including Sobeys, Whole Foods Market West, Urban Fare, Nature's Fare Markets, Nutter's Bulk & Natural Food, Natural Food Pantry, Organic Garage, Vita Health, Nesters Market Grocery Stores and additional grocery stores throughout the next month.

CAULIPOWER is the leading innovator in the category, hacking America’s comfort foods to make them more convenient and nutritious. CAULIPOWER disrupted the American market last year with its debut cauliflower-crust pizza line that doesn’t hide vegetables but celebrates the nutritious and delicious food group as the star of the meal. The naturally gluten-free pizzas are lower in calories, sugar, fat, and sodium and higher in protein, fiber, and vitamins than most traditional and gluten-free pizzas, while being naturally nutrient-rich, gluten-free, and delicious. CAULIPOWER went from 60 stores to 8,000+ in the U.S in just one year.

“Even before expanding in the U.S., we received an outpouring of requests from our Canadian neighbors to bring CAULIPOWER up north! Well, we listened and now are incredibly proud to produce the pizzas right where they'll be enjoyed,” said Gail Becker, Founder and CEO of CAULIPOWER. “With the increased availability of information about the food we eat, more and more people are seeking healthier options, but may not have the time, access, or resources to make those choices happen – CAULIPOWER is here to help bring everyone together over one, better-for-you plate.”

For more info and to find a Canadian retail location near you, visit: www.EatCAULIPOWER.com

There’s CAULIPOWER in numbers – the team is growing!  For more info on CAULIPOWER job opportunities, email: info@eatcaulipower.com

About CAULIPOWER

CAULIPOWER reinvents our favorite foods to be naturally nutritious, righteously delicious and accessible to all. CAULIPOWER products use real cauliflower, not highly processed synthetics, resulting in nutrient-rich, naturally gluten-free options lower in calories, sugar, sodium and fat than traditional offerings. CAULIPOWER is innovating a new market category, making convenient options that taste like conventional recipes available and easy for mainstream grocery shoppers.

Former Edelman President, Gail Becker, launched the company in February 2017 with an introductory line of frozen pizzas and plain crust that quickly became the fastest growing frozen pizza brand in the U.S. Inspired by her two sons with celiac disease, Gail cracked the code with an easier way to make cauliflower crusts accessible to busy, modern families. CAULIPOWER proudly supports OneSun, a program creating edible gardens at underserved schools across the country to educate kids on where their food comes from, combat obesity and inspire a new generation to love and harvest vegetables. To learn more, find a retailer or get recipe inspiration at EatCAULIPOWER.com and with the @CAULIPOWERED community on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Developed vs developing countries:
What's the impact on healthcare coverage? 

In developing countries, access to universal healthcare is deemed “urgent”, while in developed nations, governments focus on increasing access to additional private healthcare coverage to supplement government-run universal coverage.

Reportlinker reveals country statistics to help understand these variations:

• In a developing country like India, universal healthcare coverage is a pritority. The number of citizens with healthcare coverage has risen strongly and steadily since 2014 and is forecasted to continue rising through 2021. However, the quality of that healthcare can vary dramatically between different states and between urban versus rural areas.

  When it comes to supplementary private coverage:

- In Australia, 55% of citizens have access to it, a high coverage rate that rose dramatically across the past 10 years.

- In Finland,15.4% of people have it, numbers went upward every year from 2009 through 2015.

- In Chile, the private coverage percentage is 30.3% as of 2016 after two huge upward spikes in 2011 and 2014

- In the world’s largest economy, the United States, supplementary private healthcare coverage is very small, owned by less than 8% of citizens.

- In Germany, the percentage for privately owned supplemental coverage has risen steadily every year since 2006 and was at 23.1% as of 2015. Germany was ranked number 10 in the world on a list of the 16 nations with the “best” healthcare coverage.

- The United States didn’t make the list at all, while its northern neighbor, Canada, was on there at number 16.

Getting Fit: 5 Ways to Become the Master of Your Own Body

With spring right around the corner, it’s important to take care of your pre-summer body and become the master of your own body. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can do this, such as eating more vegetables and getting a better night’s sleep. However, here are a few more ways you can master your own body and get in shape.

Eat More Fruits and Veggies

One of the best ways to become the master of your own body is to simply eat more fruits and vegetables every day, even if you don’t like them. Eating more consistently healthy meals will help prevent you from gaining unhealthy weight and raising your blood pressure. All you have to do is mix in a small serving with every meal, it’s that easy.

Exercise Every Day

Another great way to slim down and become the master of your body is to exercise every day. This can be anything from walking up and down the stairs a few times, walking to the bus stop every day, and hitting the gym every night. As long as you’re getting some cardio in every day, you can work on lowering your overall weight and live a healthie

r life, which is essential to your well-being.

Work with a Personal Trainer

When you have a fitness goal, working with a professional trainer can be very helpful. They can provide one on one instruction to help you achieve your fitness goals. Plus, they will also ensure you are performing the exercises correctly and safely. Additionally, trainers like those at Halevy Life can help you to stay motivated when reaching your goals. If you a

re serious about getting results, then working with a trainer is a necessity.

Drink Water

Your body needs water to survive. Unfortunately, most people do not drink as much water as they should on a daily basis. Experts recommend drinking eight cups of water every day. Instead of reaching for a sugary soda or juice, fill up with refreshing water.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Getting restful sleep every night is just as important as eating well and

exercising. Your body needs time to rest and recover after a long day. Without enough sleep, you will not have the energy to continue to be healthy. Try to get between seven and nine hours of sleep every night.

To become the master of your own body, ensure you’re eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercising every day, drinking water, and sleeping well. These steps will help you live a healthier version of yourself and feel better doing it! So, what are you waiting for? Start becoming the master of your own body today!