Author: trainitright

A radiant skin experience all wrapped-up for Mom

 

For everything Moms do for us, this Mother’s Day, treat her to a gift that helps her take more time for herself.

Inspired by ancient Ayurvedic spa practices, Arbonne’s Rescue & Renew collection is a holistic approach to wellness that helps detoxify the body by cleansing the skin’s surface of impurities, while also protecting the skin’s moisture barrier.

 

" src="cid:image002.jpg@01D3CB4F.0387C240" alt="Arbonne Group Image 1" align="right" hspace="12" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_4" class="Apple-web-attachment Singleton">Vegan, cruelty free, non-GMO formulated and made with botanically-based ingredients, Arbonne’s Rescue & Renew collection offers a complete pampering experience with products that help Mom release her stress, soak in goodness and achieve smoother, softer and more radiant skin. Plus, it’s safe for all skin types (including sensitive skin), delivering rewarding results for the mind, body and soul:

 

-          Detox Face Mask ($57): This creamy French pink clay formula cleanses to draw out impurities from the skin’s surface resulting in smaller-looking pores, and features 5 self-neutralizing acids to help clarify and brighten skin’s appearance.

-          Detox Bath Soak ($49): These quick-dissolving sea salt crystals help remove surface impurities and cleanse the skin, while turmeric root extract helps boost radiance so Mom can emerge from her bath with smoother, softer skin.

-          Detox Oil ($65): This hydrating oil contains grape seed oil to support collagen and skin firmness, plus sesame seed oil that moisturizes to help dimpled skin appear smooth.

-          Detox Lotion ($46): The Anise seed oil in this creamy lotion helps improve the appearance of dull, tired-looking skin, while vitamin B5 helps it look soft and smooth.

-          Detox Gelée ($75): This cooling gel helps to soothe tired muscles, and provides hydration for soft, smooth-looking skin thanks to green algae.

-          Pure Essential Oils ($32 to $38): Arbonne’s 100% pure essential oils are sustainably sourced from the seed, peel, stem, root, and flower, all carefully extracted using steam distillation or cold pressing techniques. Available in Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint single notes and Harmony Blend, each oil can be diffused to create an aromatic surrounding, or applied topically to the skin.

 

#SheRules, the Centennial College movement for women’s empowerment

Public Relations and Communications students raise funds for Interval House

 

Toronto, Ont.- Since Jan. 1, 2018, 16 Ontario women and their family members have lost their lives due to intimate partner violence. In light of these numbers, Corporate Communications and Public Relations students from Centennial College have partnered with Interval House to help bring attention and support to the issue.

Event: Yoga class and reception

Where:  the Institute for Traditional Medicine at 553 Queen Street West.

Date: Thursday, April 5th

Time:  6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Paid Parking Available

 

About Interval House.

As the first centre for abused women and children in Canada, Interval House is a leader in the campaign for women’s empowerment, providing innovative, specialized services that help abused women and their children transform their lives and break the cycle of violence. Interval House provides a continuum of services and a holistic approach to help women and children escape violence and rebuild their lives.

 

Related links: Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/216213532449715/

PUR ATTITUDE™ LAUNCHES PURENERGIZER™
COMPLETE ANTI-AGING KIT

With Handheld Nano Solutions Skin Infuser that Uses Ultrasonic Nanotechnology to Moisturize Skin
And 3 Targeted Nano Solutions:
MAX Defense Lift & Firm, Magna Moisture Anti-Aging, and MAX Brightening

 

BOCA RATON, FL (Spring 2018)—This season, PUR attitude™ announced the release of its PURenergizer™ Complete Anti-Aging Kit. The kit features the Nano Solutions Skin Infuser a handheld device that harnesses ultrasonic nanotechnology to transform targeted serums into a potent “nano-vapor” that can penetrate more deeply into the skin. This process creates fresh liposomes on the skin at the time of application, which enables improved delivery of key ingredients. The process works synergistically with the skin’s natural lipid barrier; the experience is therefore personalized for every user’s unique skin type.

“The PUR attitude brand is always on the cutting edge of advanced technology using safe ingredients,” said Jerry Rayman, President of PUR attitude. “Because we are an independent high-science beauty brand, we are nimble enough to disrupt the marketplace with innovation, while safely delivering results in a nontoxic way. The new PURenergizer™ product with the handheld Nano Solutions Skin Infuser is beyond the cutting edge of skin care technology. We’ve ventured into new performance territory.”

The PURenergizer™ Complete Anti-Aging Kit uses a waterless natural polymer system found in almost every cell of the human body. By linking these natural polymers with phospholipids, ceramides, and sphingolipids, the ultrasonic technology creates liposomes of 7.0 – 10.0 microns, which allows for the improved absorption of key ingredients through the skin’s defense wall. This process plumps the skin and softens the look of wrinkles with technology that is safe and natural.

 “While the major component of most moisturizers is water, these molecules attract each other, associating themselves through hydrogen bonding, creating a disorderly, chaotic cluster that can impede absorption and actually dry the skin,” said beauty industry chemist David Pollock, PUR attitude’s formulator, of the science behind the innovation. “Liposomes were once thought to solve this problem, providing transdermal delivery of actives for pharmaceutical and cosmetic brands. However, traditional formulations containing emulsifiers, or binding agents, were found to damage the liposomes, making them unstable over time.”

The PURenergizer™ Complete Anti-Aging Kit transforms vital nutrition for the skin using a nano-solution vapor that allows key ingredients to penetrate more deeply. The kit includes one bottle each of the new serums: MAX Defense Lift & Firm Nano Solution, Magna Moisture Anti-Aging Nano Solution, and MAX Brightening Nano Solution.  These serums are intended to be used together to visibly improve skin firmness, elasticity, radiance and overall skin tone. The rechargeable Nano Solutions Skin Infuser is designed for daily use, and the entire process takes just minutes to complete.

MAX Defense Lift & Firm Nano Solution is an age-defying complex that delivers a powerful combination of antioxidants for broad-spectrum defense against oxidative damage. It also provides nutrients to enhance natural skin recovery and minimize the signs of aging. MAX Defense is available in 1 fl. oz.at a retail price of $45. (This is approximately a six-week supply, when used once daily.) Key performance features include:
  • Watermelon extract protects skin deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) against free radicals.
  • While most products protect against just one form of free radical damage, this serum fights both reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) free radical damage.
  • Probiotics increase skin energy.
Magna Moisture Anti-Aging Nano Solution is formulated to invigorate the skin’s natural barriers to help it retain moisture, increase hydration, and deliver necessary electrolytes. Magna Moisture is available in 1 fl. oz. at a retail price of $45. (This is approximately a six-week supply, when used once daily.) Key performance features include:
  • Natural polymer acts as a moisture magnet, binding hydration to the skin.
  • Sea Kelp replenishes the skin’s electrolyte balance.
  • Lipids replenish the skin’s natural barrier.
  • Treats dry skin by nearly doubling hydration and delivering essential electrolytes.
  • Leaves skin feeling cool, refreshed and more radiant.
MAX Brightening Nano Solution was created to improve the skin’s overall firmness and lighten dark aging spots. The solution contains an active form of vitamin C that improves collagen synthesis. Max Brightener is available in 1 fl. oz. at a retail price of $45. (This is approximately a six-week supply, when used once daily.) Key performance features include:
  • Significantly lightens age spots.
  • Combats hyperpigmentation.
  • Evens out skin tone and texture.
  • Improves skin elasticity.
When comparing the performance of these serums used on their own to application of the same serum with the Nano Solutions Skin Infuser, liposomal nano-vapor demonstrated that it was 150 percent more effective in skin moisturization, 150 percent more effective in smoothing skin texture, and 30 percent more effective in overall skin care results.

Each product in the PUR attitude line is dermatologist tested and approved, backed by independent clinical studies, and follows the brand’s standards for “Safe Beauty,” avoiding harsh chemicals, parabens, PEG’s, glycols, sulfates, petro-chemicals, synthetic fragrances and artificial dyes.

The PURenergizer™ Complete Anti-Aging Kit is available at a retail price of $80. The kit includes one PURenergizer™ Nano Solution Skin Infuser and one bottle each of MAX Defense Lift & Firm Nano Solution, Magna Moisture Anti-Aging Nano Solution, and MAX Brightening Nano Solution. Serums can be replenished individually. For more information, please go to www.PURattitude.com.

The Movember Foundation Urges Men to 'Know Thy Nuts' for Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

 

SEVENTY PERCENT OF MEN DO NOT PERFORM REGULAR CHECKS

TORONTO, April 3, 2018 /CNW/ - April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, which has us asking: Just how well do men know their nuts? According to Movember Foundation research, the majority of men don't, with 70 percent not performing regular check-ins. This is why the Foundation is urging men to "Know Thy Nuts" by taking just one minute to check their balls.

In Canada, testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men aged 15-39. It's critically important for men to add self checks to their regular routine, which can play a key part in survival rates and reducing the likelihood that the cancer will return. So, how do you check your nuts?

To find out what normal feels like for you, try out the Movember Foundation's guide to checking your nuts:

  1. Get steamy. A warm shower will put your nuts in the mood.
  2. Roll one nut between thumb and fingers to get to know what's normal.
  3. Repeat with the other nut.

If you notice a change in size or shape, a lump that wasn't there before, or if they become painful to touch, see a doctor. Don't panic, but do get it checked out.

"With testicular cancer, it really is so important to understand what feels normal for you and to go see a doctor if something changes. Most of the time, testicular cancer presents as a lump or pain in the testicle, an increase in size or change in the way a testicle feels," says Sam Gledhill, Global Director Testicular Cancer at the Movember Foundation. "An action as simple as knowing what feels normal and getting some medical advice if things change can, quite literally, save lives."

Ken Aucoin, Country Director at the Movember Foundation in Canada, points out that although most men will have a normal experience after a self-check, there is still a critical need for them to know the facts and be proactive about their health.

"The majority of men who self check will have nothing to worry about," says Ken Aucoin, Country Director at the Movember Foundation. "But we want men to know their nuts because those who check their testicles often and go to a doctor when something doesn't feels right are usually left in good standing. We want ment to take action for their health to live happier, healthier, longer lives."

Approximately 10,410 North American men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2018. For those men, the Movember Foundation is launching TrueNTH Testicular Cancer, an online resource that provides information tailored to the needs of men at different stages of the disease, and connects them with a community to chat with other men who have been diagnosed.

To access the TrueNTH Testicular Cancer resources, visit: www.truenth-tc.org

For more information on Movember's work in testicular cancer, visit: https://ca.movember.com/mens-health/testicular-cancer

About the Movember Foundation
The Movember Foundation has one goal: to stop men dying too young. As the only global charity tackling men's health issues year-round, the Foundation supports the following causes: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. Since 2003, the support of more than 5 million men and women has funded over 1,200 innovative projects across 21 countries. To donate or learn more, please visit Movember.com.

SOURCE Movember Canada

Support Family Caregivers with Innovation, Flexibility and Choice

 

Home First Alliance for Patients Urges Government to do the Right Thing for Family Caregivers

ONTARIO, April 3, 2018 /CNW/ - On National Family Caregiver Day, the Home First Alliance for Patients is urging the government of Ontario to do the right thing and invest in more flexibility and choice at the front lines of home care, rather than in more layers of bureaucracy. The government of Ontario is moving forward to create a government-run agency for Personal Support Workers (PSWs) that will divert scarce health care resources away from the front lines of care, exacerbate a PSW labour shortage and cause turmoil in the home care sector.

Family caregivers deserve better from this government. They need more flexibility and choice in the way services are provided to their loved ones. Current home care providers have been developing innovative models to support these caregivers, but they need the government to stop wasting health care resources and come to the table to find collaborative solutions that will expand these models and break down the barriers to flexibility and choice that currently exist in the system.

A new government run agency is not the answer to change the home care system so it can better respond to patients and caregiver needs. Home First Alliance for Patients, whose members deliver 95% of publicly-funded home care in Ontario, have developed expertise in the provision and management of this care over decades in some cases. Ignoring that expertise in favour of an untested government run-agency does not make sense.

If the government truly wants to open the doors for innovation and improvement in the home care sector, they should work with experienced providers to modernize the strict rules governing the sector that do not take into account patient and family choice and do not allow for the flexibility patients and their caregivers need.

On National Family Caregiver Day, the Home First Alliance for Patients is asking the government to do the right thing and immediately reverse their decision to create a government run agency that will not offer the appropriate oversight, support or expertise for patients, caregivers and their families. Instead we are asking that they invest in a modernization of the home care sector that takes into account what patients and caregivers want and truly delivers flexibility and choice, not bureaucracy and wasteful health care spending.

About the Home First Alliance for Patients

The Home First Alliance for Patients is a coalition of home care service providers who together deliver 95% of publicly funded home care. The Home First Alliance for Patients was started in response to the Ministry of Health decision to create a government-run agency for PSWs without any consultation with patients, caregivers or providers. On February 20th 2018 the Home First Alliance for Patients launched a legal action asking the courts to review the appropriateness of this decision.

SOURCE The Home First Alliance for Patients

This April Take Two Minutes to Help Save Lives

 

TORONTO, April 3, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, over 1,500 people in Ontario are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, and every three days someone dies waiting. April is BeADonor Month and Trillium Gift of Life Network, Ontario's organ and tissue donation and transplant agency, is encouraging Ontarians to show their support by registering as organ and tissue donors.

"In the last ten years the provinces' registration rate has doubled, so we know that Ontario is moving in the right direction," says Ronnie Gavsie, President and CEO. "But until our registration rate matches the support we know exists for donation, there is more to be done. This April I'm asking you to register at www.BeADonor.ca. It takes less than two minutes, and one day this act could save lives."

While the majority of Canadians support donation, only 32 per cent of Ontarians have formally registered their consent for organ and tissue donation.

Some people believe that their age or medical condition prevents them from being a donor. In actuality, age does not preclude someone from becoming a donor, and each potential donor is assessed at the time of death for medical suitability.

Others may not have registered under the misguided assumptions of religious restrictions, but the fact is, all major religions (including Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Sikhism) support organ and tissue donation, and even encourage it, as it can save a life.

This BeADonor Month, let's be a donor nation and pass it on. Visit www.BeADonor.ca to register or find out more.

Trillium Gift of Life Network representatives are available for interviews to discuss:

  • The number of people waiting for a transplant in your community
  • The donor registration rate in your community
  • The successes of the donation and transplant system in Ontario
  • How to get involved and show your support for those waiting

Trillium Gift of Life Network is a not-for-profit agency of the Government of Ontario responsible for planning, promoting, coordinating and supporting organ and tissue donation for transplantation across Ontario and improving the system so that more lives can be saved.

SOURCE Trillium Gift of Life Network

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

 

TORONTO, April 2, 2018 /CNW/ - The Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), led by Baycrest Health Sciences, announced today the third round of funding available through its Researcher-Clinician Partnership Program (RCP2).

This program is designed to enhance the effectiveness of connecting point-of-care clinicians in the seniors' care sector with university-based researchers to collaboratively refine, test and validate innovative solutions in aging and brain health. Through this program, CABHI provides up to $500,000 per project to support costs directly associated with the trial testing of an innovation at one or more seniors' care facilities in North America.  In total, up to $2 million CAD in funding will be available through this program to support up to four projects.

"Dementia is having a significant and growing impact on Canadian society, with more than 400,000 Canadians aged 65 and older living with diagnosed dementia, two-thirds of whom are women," says the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health. "Innovative programs and partnerships like CABHI's RCP2, are helping to improve the quality of life of those living with dementia, their families and their caregivers."

"Our government is committed to bringing the best and brightest innovations in aging and brain health to Ontario. CABHI's Researcher-Clinician Partnership Program is an excellent example of collaboration that develops, tests and scales promising solutions that can bring efficiencies in caring for older adults to the health ecosystem," says the Honourable Reza Moridi, Ontario's Minister of Research, Innovation and Science.

CABHI supports innovations that address challenges associated with the aging brain, including dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.  CABHI will direct funding at innovations addressing challenge sets listed below:

  • Aging in place: solutions that enable older adults with dementia to maximize their choices, independence and quality of life to enable aging in the most appropriate setting
  • Caregiver support: solutions that support caregivers (formal and informal) in providing care to older adults with dementia
  • Care coordination and navigation: solutions that help older adults, caregivers and healthcare providers coordinate care and transitions for older adults with dementia
  • Cognitive health: solutions that focus on health promotion, prevention, early diagnostics, and slow the progression of cognitive impairment for aging adults

"As a researcher myself, I've seen numerous promising innovations developed in labs. But too many of those innovations take years to reach the clinicians who could use them, if they make it there at all.  CABHI's RCP2 program accelerates the move from bench to bedside, from concept to care, providing up to $500,000 (CAD) for collaborative teams of researchers and clinicians to get innovative solutions to those who need it most," says Dr. Allison Sekuler, Vice-President Research and Sandra Rotman Chair, Baycrest Health Sciences and Managing Director of CABHI.

Eligible applicants must submit an application by 5 p.m. EST on May 18, 2018. The complete eligibility requirements, selection criteria and additional information about the program are available on the CABHI website.

Funding for this program is provided by the Government of Canada through the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science, and the Baycrest Foundation.

View this media release in French.

The Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) is a solution accelerator for the aging and brain health sector, providing funding and support to innovators for the development, testing, and dissemination of new ideas and technologies that address unmet brain health and seniors' care needs. Established in 2015, it is the result of the largest investment in brain health and aging in Canadian history. CABHI is a unique collaboration of health care, science, industry, not-for-profit and government partners whose aim is to help improve quality of life for the world's aging population, allowing older adults to age safely in the setting of their choice while maintaining their cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being. For more information on CABHI, please visit: www.cabhi.com.

Baycrest Health Sciences is a global leader in geriatric residential living, healthcare, research, innovation and education, with a special focus on brain health and aging. Fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, Baycrest provides excellent care for older adults combined with an extensive clinical training program for the next generation of healthcare professionals and one of the world's top research institutes in cognitive neuroscience, the Rotman Research Institute. Baycrest is home to the federally and provincially-funded Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation, a solution accelerator focused on driving innovaticon in the aging and brain health sector, and is the developer of Cogniciti — a free, online brain health assessment for Canadians 40+ who are concerned about their memory. Through its dedicated centres, Baycrest Health Sciences offers unmatched global knowledge exchange and commercialization capacity. Founded in 1918 as the Jewish Home for Aged, Baycrest continues to embrace the long-standing tradition of all great Jewish healthcare institutions to improve the well-being of people in their local communities and around the globe. For more information please visit: www.baycrest.org.

SOURCE Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation

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

 

KIRKLAND, QC, April 2, 2018 /CNW/ - Ortho Regenerative Technologies Inc. (CSE: ORTH.CN) ("Ortho RTi" or the "Corporation"), an emerging Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Technology company, today announced positive preliminary MR imaging outcomes data from a study examining its Ortho-R technology in the biologic repair of rotator cuff injuries.

Conducted by researchers from Montreal's prestigious École Polytechnique, the pilot dose escalation study used MR imaging outcomes, read by two blinded experts at 3 intervals, to compare the results of Ortho-R versus standard of care in a non-clinical rotator cuff injury model in sheep.  In this study, treatment with Ortho-R was shown to significantly improve healing, as measured by gap reduction between the tendon and bone, versus standard of care, with the highest Ortho-R dose having the greatest effect. Detailed results from the study will be submitted to a future medical conference and for publication.

"We are very encouraged by this data, as Ortho-R demonstrated an ability to induce healing in as little as three months," said Ortho RTi's Executive Chairman and CEO, Dr. Brent Norton. "With a small study size, getting meaningful data is challenging, yet the relative gap reduction induced by Ortho-R was statistically significant (p=0.01). With more than 500,000 rotator cuff surgeries being performed in the United States each year, and with that number continuing to grow, we are looking forward to taking this technology into the clinic as soon as possible.  To that end, we are beginning to make preparations to submit an Investigational New Drug Application to the FDA for this, our lead indication.  As always, we look forward to updating our stakeholders as we progress."

About Rotator Cuff Injury

The rotator cuff is the name given to the collection of four tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint.  The tendons around the joint can suffer tears as a result of injury to the tendon or as a result of degeneration over time. Repetitive overhead activity, including weight lifting is often associated with cuff tears. Symptoms include a dull, aching pain, and patients often suffer secondary symptoms including a lack of sleep and weakness in the arms resulting from a lack of exercise.  If conservative therapy (for example, painkillers and physical rehabilitation) is not successful, surgery will often be performed. The principle aim of surgical intervention is to reattach the torn tendon to the bone.  The standard of care involves the use of suture anchors placed into the bone and the tendon being then held in place with sutures.

About Ortho Regenerative Technologies Inc.

Ortho RTi is an emerging Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine technology company dedicated to the development of novel therapeutic tissue repair devices to dramatically improve the success rate of sports medicine surgeries. Our proprietary biopolymer has been specifically designed to increase the healing rates of sports related injuries to ligaments, tendons and cartilage. The polymer can be directly placed into the site of injury by a surgeon during a routine operative procedure without significantly extending the time of the surgery and without further intervention. Visit us on the internet at www.orthorti.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements regarding the Corporation's expectations for future events. Such expectations are based on certain assumptions that are founded on currently available information. If these assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, amongst others, uncertainty as to the final result and other risks. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward- looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by security laws.

 

SOURCE Ortho Regenerative Technologies Inc.

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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