FEED Your Gut with Genuine Health’s fermented organic gut superfoods+

November 15, 2017 (Toronto, ON): The health of our entire body depends on one thing: how happy and healthy our gut microbiome is. Our microbiome is made up of trillions of microorganisms that influence not only our digestion, but also our mood, immunity, and even body composition! As the experts in gut health, Genuine Health understands the importance of a healthy, thriving microbiome and has developed the ULTIMATE nourishment for gut microbes with its NEW fermented organic gut superfoods+.

For the past 25 years, Genuine Health has established itself as a global leader in superfoods, fermentation and the microbiome, and has created its very own PRIME, SEED and FEED approach. With these three easy steps, individuals can keep their gut microbiome on its best behaviour. PRIME the gut with fermented nutrition, SEED the gut with the healthiest live microbes, and FEED the microbes with the ultimate nourishment to keep them happy.

How do you keep your gut microbes happy? PREBIOTICS! We need to eat not only to nourish ourselves but to nourish our microbiome. Prebiotics can also help to produce beneficial short chain fatty acids, improve gut function, help digestion and enhance mineral absorption. But, for many people with digestive issues, most prebiotics can lead to digestive discomfort. The most common type of prebiotic on the market today is made from inulin, which can irritate the gut lining, and may even feed both “good” and “bad” bacteria, and can lead to gas and bloating.

Enter fermented organic gut superfoods+, the ultimate prebiotic gut superfood with a 1-2-3 punch. It includes 21 phytonutrient-rich superfoods, easy-to-tolerate prebiotic fibre, and is fully fermented, all which intensifies the strength of the nutrients, and helps to encourage the growth of “good” bacteria. 1. Phytonutrients are plant nutrients and polyphenols are the best-known class of phytonutrients that provide benefits throughout the body. Each of the ingredients in fermented organic gut superfoods+ were carefully chosen for its high polyphenol content. 2. The rich source of prebiotic fibre is VitaFiber, which is easy-to-tolerate and helps to encourage the growth of good bacteria. 3. fermented organic gut superfoods+ is fully-fermented improving gut microbial profile and increasing the anti-inflammatory properties of phytonutrients by 20%!

“The new fermented organic gut superfoods+ is extremely rich in polyphenols - twice that of even the healthiest mix of a 2-dozen-ingredient salad, and it has the advantage of having the polyphenols microbially transformed pre-consumption through traditional fermentation.” – Dr. Alan Logan, ND, FRSH

fermented organic gut superfoods+ is available in unflavoured and unsweetened (stevia-free), Summer Berry & Pomegranate, and Orange Ginger. 21-day - $59.99, and 7-day servings – $24.99. fermented organic gut superfoods+ can be found at your local health food, grocery and drug retailers. Visit www.genuinehealth.com to find a store near you.

About Genuine Heath

For 25 years, Genuine Health has been making natural supplements that people are passionate about because they work. Founder and CEO Stewart Brown’s love for natural health started early in life when he suffered with health issues and found solutions through holistic modalities and supplements. Upon opening his own chain of natural supplement stores, he witnessed first-hand how some products worked and some didn’t for his customers. He then collaborated with Sam Graci, the formulator of greens+, and experienced the amazing effects of taking a product that makes a real difference to your health. Today, Genuine Health has over 170 products sold in both Canada and the US, and is focused on empowering people to live life with passion by embracing natural health products that improve their lives – every day!

Deep dive into lung cancer genomics offers new lens and lease on life

VANCOUVER, Nov. 20, 2017 /CNW/ - When Joe Biegel was told he had advanced cancer, he was shocked. At 57, the Vancouver father of two was active and a non-smoker. After returning to his doctor when a persistent chest cold got worse, Joe had an X-ray that confirmed the diagnosis. "My world changed," he says.

Surgery wasn't an option. But tissue biopsies revealed cell mutations susceptible to specific drugs and that set him on a more personalized chemotherapy treatment path. His BC Cancer oncologist, Dr. Janessa Laskin, also enrolled him in the Personalized Onco-Genomics (POG) program. It identified an RNA defect, which may have played a role in how he developed lung cancer, and showed a high probability that his cancer would respond very well to a specific late-stage chemotherapy drug.

"Joe's situation is a perfect example of why we need projects like POG to take us to the next level of innovation and discovery in cancer care, to uncover new treatment options with the best technology in the world," says Dr. Laskin, Senior Scientist and Medical Oncologist, BC Cancer. "The POG program is doing that right here in BC."

Genome British Columbia (Genome BC) has committed $2 million to the BC Cancer Foundation for the POG program. This translational research initiative will generate genomic information in conjunction with real-time treatment planning for patients with metastatic cancers. Including whole genome analysis in clinical decision-making allows for the rational, data driven development of strategies to treat severe and metastatic cancers, and identify clinical trials that patients may benefit from. This will potentially lead to more effective and personalize therapeutic options that are rooted in the latest knowledge and technology.

Joe says POG results offered options and optimism for the future. For now, he continues to focus on the present. Today, almost two years after his diagnosis, having also done some standard treatment, Joe takes one pill a day that is so far managing the cancer well.

The investment made by Genome BC towards POG will help sustain the program and focus on addressing issues that have emerged as the program has matured. These include incorporation of proteomic data and related bioinformatics into POG to enhance results from the whole genome analysis. Health economics research and assessments will also be conducted, enabling more successful implementation of POG research outcomes into clinical care.

"POG is a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment and it should become the standard of care in our province," says Dr. Catalina Lopez-Correa, Chief Scientific Officer and Vice President, Sectors, at Genome BC. "Genomic technology is evolving rapidly, and POG is optimizing cutting-edge science to move it into clinical care quickly and effectively."

"BC Cancer Foundation's partnership with Genome BC is an important investment in one of the world's leading cancer trials," says Sarah Roth, BC Cancer Foundation President and CEO. "Together our two organizations propel cutting-edge cancer research programs to the next stage."

This investment is valued at $2 million and was funded through Genome BC's Strategic Initiatives program. For more information on Genome BC's funding programs, visit genomebc.ca.

About Genome British Columbia:
Genome British Columbia leads genomics innovation on Canada's West Coast and facilitates the integration of genomics into society. A recognized catalyst for government and industry, Genome BC invests in research, entrepreneurship and commercialization in life sciences to address challenges in key sectors such as health, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, agri-food, energy, mining and environment. Genome BC partners with many national and international public and private funding organizations to drive BC's bioeconomy. In addition to research, entrepreneurship and commercialization programs, Genome BC is committed to fostering an understanding and appreciation of the life sciences among teachers, students and the general public. www.genomebc.ca

SOURCE Genome British Columbia

Excess Acidity Finally Meets Its Match!

Mineral-Rich Multiforce Powdered Supplement Treats Lactic Acid Build-Up Associated With Muscle Fatigue & Strenuous Exercise; Helps Prevent, Minimize Acid-Related Gout, Osteoarthritis & Uric Acid                                       

Proprietary Blend of 100% Natural, Gluten-Free Ingredients Offers Safe & Proven Complete Body Solution for Athletes & Active Consumers Seeking Healthier Balance Between Acid & Alkaline  

SARASOTA, FL., November 17, 2017 – Representing one of the greatest ironies in personal wellness today, millions of athletes and fitness devotees who watch every bite they eat are being challenged by the very same culprit affecting those who regularly consume processed foods, salty snacks and sugary desserts. Their shared enemy? Excess acidity.

Consider this: if you’re a serious athlete, “weekend warrior,” or an active consumer who values the life-affirming benefits of strenuous regular exercise, it’s likely you’ve experienced the muscle discomfort and fatigue often associated with lactic acid build-up. Conversely, if you follow the typical “Western diet” that’s low in fruits and vegetables and find it difficult to resist foods you know aren’t good for you, it’s likely you’ve experienced such excess acid-induced health issues as gout, uric acid, heartburn, joint pain, chronic fatigue, osteoarthritis and many more.

Fortunately, however, whether you’re a fitness junkie, a junk food junkie or some combination of the two, help is here at last!

Introducing Multiforce (www.multiforcehealth.com), a globally-popular multi-mineral powdered supplement newly available in America that’s already helped millions around the world not only to treat but in many cases to prevent the development of excess acidity resulting from extreme workouts or poor diet. Featuring a breakthrough blend of 100% natural, gluten-free, vegetarian and clinically-proven essential natural minerals such as Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Calcium, Multiforce helps your body re-calibrate its pH balance between acid and alkaline so you can feel your best in the fastest and most comprehensive manner possible.

The Growing Need To Cut Excess Acidity Down To Size                

With more Americans than ever before embracing extreme sports and demanding workouts, and with the majority of us still favoring processed foods over nutritious fruits and vegetables, we’ve achieved perfect storm-level conditions for making excess acidity one of today’s most problematic health concerns. And when it comes to diet, it’s not just the obvious foods we need to be wary of: even seemingly healthier food staples as dairy products, animal protein and even low-sugar cereals are responsible for generating acid-forming chemicals in our body that over time can lead to muscle fatigue, slow down muscle recovery and cause many of the troubling health issues mentioned above.

Multiforce To The Rescue!                                                                                                                                                                 

Specifically formulated to treat the causes of various health issues associated with excess acidity and not just their symptoms, Multiforce makes use of the citrate form of minerals which are able to neutralize three acid molecules and are much more easily absorbed by the body. This is what makes Multiforce so effective. In addition, unlike traditional treatments for excess acidity on the market, Multiforce works systemically from head to toe as opposed to just zoning in on one select part of the body. What’s more, Multiforce doesn’t rely on digestion to be absorbed – thus ensuring consumers won’t face the stomach discomfort or nausea often associated with mineral supplements.

A natural alkaline powder that’s safe, proven and incredibly easy to use (just mix a teaspoon of powder with water), Multiforce is ideal for virtually anyone anxious to tackle the acid-based causes of muscle fatigue, gout, uric acid, joint pain, chronic fatigue and osteoarthritis (please find a clinical study showcasing Multiforce’s effectiveness in dealing with this condition at www.multiforcehealth.com/new-hope-for-osteoarthritis-sufferers).

Multiforce is offered in three flavors: Natural Lemon Flavor; Natural Mango Flavor; and Naturally Unflavored. All three are sold on thewww.multiforcehealth.com site for $29.99 (a free two-week supply is also available at www.multiforcehealth.com/free-sample.html), other online sites and in a growing range of retail stores in Florida (with other states to follow soon).

The Science Behind Multiforce                                                                                                                                                                                      

Body acids are neutralized through various buffering systems in the body, but for these systems to properly maintain the perfect pH balance, sufficient alkaline mineral compounds are required – the very same minerals (including Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium) typically found in fruits and vegetables.

In order to maintain this ideal balance, nutritionists suggest we eat seven to ten servings of fruits and vegetables as well as drink two liters of water daily. Since that represents a tall order for almost all of us, the solution is simple: let Multiforce’s alkalizing blend of multi-minerals supplement your body’s nutrients, replenish these life-balancing minerals and, over time, reduce the symptoms caused by over-acidity completely.

Check out these alarming facts to see just how prevalent exceed acidity really is:

• Coffee – far more acidic than tap water

• Sodas – contain corrosive acid  

• Animal Protein – can form uric acid

• Sugary Desserts & Salty Snacks – linked with increased obesity

A Commitment to Balanced Health                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Commenting on Multiforce’s longstanding mandate to help offset the conditions associated with excess acidity, Garth Woolley - CEO of Multiforce parent company SANP International LLC - said, “Anyone coping with muscle issues or with the numerous concerns stemming from excess acidity can rest assured we’ve gone to great lengths over many years to create the most potent and effective all-natural solution offered directly to consumers today. We’re heartened by the highly enthusiastic response Multiforce has already received from consumers and retailers in the U.S. and look forward to helping countless more people eliminate the corrosive effects of acid in their lives over the years ahead.”

For more information about Multiforce, visit www.multiforcehealth.com; to read a clinical study about the brand’s efficacy, visitwww.multiforcehealth.com/new-hope-for-osteoarthritis-sufferers.

4 Reasons A Great Meal Is About How You Eat – Not What You Eat

Everyone knows it’s important to eat the right foods to live a long and healthy life, but many of us fall short of that ideal.

We eat on the run, pulling into a drive-through and scarfing down a hamburger on the way to the next appointment. We grab a candy bar at the grocery checkout and munch it on the way to the car.

And somewhere along the line we realize that just as you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can’t judge food by its taste, says Jane Bernard, an educator and author of Lucid Living in the Virtual Age (www.sensualthinking.com).

“We know that taste can be misleading, at least when it comes to what’s best for us,” she says. “People love donuts, but they don’t make a nutritious breakfast. Spinach isn’t popular with many people – especially children – but it’s beneficial to our health in many ways.”

But for Bernard, a great meal is less about what you eat than how you eat it. She advocates something she calls “intuitive eating” that’s aimed at improving every dining experience – and perhaps making for a healthier diet along the way.

“Intuitive eating is deceptively simple,” Bernard says. “Focus on one meal at a time to get the most pleasure and nutrition from your food. Notice what you see, smell and taste. Check in with your body to see if you’re really hungry – because sometimes we keep eating when it’s actually time to stop.”

Although you might find yourself shedding a few pounds, intuitive eating isn’t necessarily about losing weight, she says. It’s about getting more pleasure out of your meals – and getting more pleasure from the people you have meals with.

Bernard suggests a few exercises that can help turn you into an intuitive eater:

• Smell food before putting it in your mouth. Nearly everyone has memories tied to the aroma of food. Perhaps it’s your mother baking cookies on Christmas Eve. Perhaps it’s hamburgers sizzling on a backyard grill. With most meals, people don’t take the time to savor the aroma, Bernard says.   Does it smell inviting? Greasy? Fresh? Bad? “If the food doesn’t smell right, it isn’t,” Bernard says. “Let your nose protect you and help guide choices.”
• Taste food as you chew. You may think you already do this, but too often people don’t really take time to enjoy the taste, Bernard says. They wolf down their food so they can move on to whatever is next on their agenda. Tasting food helps your body relax and digest more efficiently, she says. Tasting and savoring what you eat also is good for overall health.
• Be thankful for your meal. Giving thanks doesn’t have to be limited to Thanksgiving. “Think about what food is giving you: energy, strength, health, nourishment and pleasure,” Bernard says. “If you take a little time to meditate on that, your body will relax and you will get more nourishment from your food.”
• Give your stomach time to inform your brain. It takes 15 minutes before your brain gets the message from your stomach that you’ve eaten. That’s no doubt one reason people over eat. They don’t give their body time to get the message that they are getting full before gulping down even more food. “Take time to have conversations when you eat and you will eat less – and enjoy the meal more,” Bernard says.

“Eating is a necessity of life,” Bernard says. “But there’s no need to rush things. Eat just enough to feel good and trust that hunger will return and another meal will be found.”

About Jane Bernard

Jane Bernard, author of Lucid Living in the Virtual Age (www.sensualthinking.com) and other books, is a philosopher and educator who writes and teaches about intuition and sensual thinking. She has appeared on TV and international radio, talking from the intuitive perspective. Jane introduced her first book, Fine Tuning, on The Montel Williams Show, in 2006.  Her easy-going combination of common sense and originality is a natural eye-opener.

First Ever Effective Intervention Against Dementia Shown in Large Study

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA) — Researchers just published the first randomized controlled trial ever to show an intervention effective at lowering the risk of dementia.  A computerized brain exercise licensed exclusively by Posit Science, maker of the online (and in app) BrainHQ brain training platform, significantly reduced the risk of dementia among older adults over a 10-year period, according to an article in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, a peer-reviewed journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“Relatively small amounts of training resulted in a decrease in risk of dementia over the 10-year period of 29 percent, as compared to the control,” said Dr. Jerri Edwards, lead author of the article and a Professor at the University of South Florida, College of Medicine, “And, when we looked at dose-response, we saw that those who trained more got more protective benefit.”

To place the size and importance of this protective effect in context, the researchers quantitatively compared the risk reduction for dementia from the computerized brain training to the risk reduction for major cardiovascular events (such as heart failure, heart disease and stroke) yielded by blood pressure medications, and found that this non-pharmacological intervention had a 2-4 times greater protective effect against its targeted disease condition.

“No health professional would suggest that any person with hypertension forego the protection offered by prescribed blood pressure medication,” observed Dr. Henry Mahncke, CEO of Posit Science. “We expect these results will cause the medical community to take a much closer look at the many protective benefits of these exercises in both older and clinical populations.”

The journal article, “Speed of Processing Training Results in Lower Risk of Dementia,” reports on the latest results from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) Study, funded by the National Institutes of Health. That study followed 2,802 healthy older adults for 10 years (as they aged from an average of 74 to 84).

The ACTIVE Study looked at the impact on aging of different types of cognitive training by randomizing participants into a control group and three intervention arms: 1) a memory group receiving classroom instruction on memory strategies; 2) a reasoning group receiving classroom instruction on reasoning strategies; and 3) a speed of processing group receiving individualized computerized brain training in a classroom setting. Participants in the cognitive training groups were asked to engage in a total of 10 sessions of training (about an hour per session) conducted over the first five weeks of the study.

All participants were assessed on a number of cognitive and functional measures at the beginning of the study, after the first six weeks, and at the end of years 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10. Subsets of each intervention group also received four additional “booster” training sessions in the weeks before the assessments at the end of years 1 and 3.

At the end of 10 years, researchers found no significant difference in incidence of dementia for the strategy-based memory or reasoning training groups, as compared to the control group. However, the speed of processing group engaged in computerized brain training showed a significant reduction in incidence of dementia – with a 29 percent reduction in the hazard of dementia.

When reviewing the impact of each computerized speed training session completed, researchers found those who completed more sessions had lower risk.  The researchers also reported on the dementia incidence rate of those who completed the most sessions of each type of training (including five or more booster sessions) and the control. The incident rate of dementia for those who completed the most sessions in speed training (at 5.9 percent) was 45 percent lower than the control (at 10.8 percent); 42 percent lower than the incidence rate for those who did the most memory training (at 10.1 percent); and 39 percent lower than the incidence rate for those who did the most reasoning training (at 9.7 percent). Only the comparison of the entire speed group to the control was reported as significant.

The newly published results confirm and extend preliminary results first announced last year.  Those results used a broader definition of dementia to reflect the under-reporting of dementia in the community. The preliminary results, indicating a 33 percent reduction in risk, relative to the control are contained in this report. However, to be more conservative, the authors now also include and highlight a narrower definition of dementia (restricted to reports of a dementia diagnosis or falling below a cut-point on a standard test). Even with the narrower definition, the effects are substantially similar – with a 29 percent reduction in dementia risk (at any given point in time) for the overall speed group as compared to the control.

Participants in the computerized brain training group were trained on a highly specific task designed to improve the speed and accuracy of visual attention, including both divided and selective attention. To perform the divided attention training task, a user identified an object (i.e., car or truck) at the center of gaze while at the same time locating a target in the periphery (i.e., car). As the user gets the answers correct, the speed of presentation becomes faster.  In the more difficult training tasks, the target in the periphery is obscured by distracting objects.

There is substantial prior scientific literature on this training exercise, which is referred to as “speed of processing training”, “useful field of view training”, or “UFOV training.” The exercise was developed by Dr. Karlene Ball of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Dr. Dan Roenker of Western Kentucky University. It is now exclusively licensed to Posit Science, and is available as the “Double Decision” exercise of the BrainHQ.com brain training program.

The paper notes that this particular type of computerized brain training, as updated by its inventors and Posit Science over the years, has previously been shown effective across multiple clinical trials in older adults on standard measures on cognitive abilities (e.g., speed of processing, attention and memory) and functional abilities (e.g., maintaining the ability to live independently, depressive symptoms, feelings of control, and health-related quality of life), as well as in real world activities (e.g., driving safety, balance and gait). In other studies in pre-dementia conditions, it has shown improvements in cognitive and functional abilities, as well as brain structure.

“This study highlights that not all cognitive training is the same,” said Dr. Edwards. “Plasticity-based, computerized, speed of processing training has differentiated itself based both on the data and on the neurophysiological model from which it was developed.”

“There are now well over 100 peer-reviewed studies on the benefits of our brain exercises and assessments across varied populations,” said Dr. Mahncke. “The neuroplasticity-based mechanisms that drive beneficial changes across the brain from this type of training are well-documented, and are increasingly understood even by brain scientists not directly involved in their development. This type of training harnesses plasticity to engage the brain in an upward spiral toward better physical and functional brain health.”

“We work with a global team of independent researchers who are continuously pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the brain,” Dr. Mahncke observed. “We expect many more exciting announcements in the year ahead, and we plan to work with the medical community and regulators to expand beyond our wellness and performance offerings to assist people with specific medical conditions and concerns.”

How to train like a Black Friday superhero

With Canadians set to kick off their holiday shopping this Black Friday, shops and malls across Canada promise to be packed starting November 24. Nearly half of Canadians (48%) shopped on Black Friday in 2016, a sign we’re adopting the annual retail ritual started by our U.S. neighbours.

But with crowds of eager shoppers hitting the malls all at once, there’s a reason shopping can be tiring and stressful. You’re on your feet for long periods of time, you’re surrounded by people and often need to carry your shopping bags through packed stores and hallways, then lug them out to your car. Black Friday shopping can also bring you down mentally, causing stress, fatigue and even a roller coaster of euphoria and regret.

Believe it or not, it’s possible to become a Black Friday superhero by training in advance. Maureen ‘Mo’ Hagan, VP of program innovation with GoodLife Fitness says by exercising and eating right, you can prepare yourself to face the mobs and score some sweet deals. Here are some ideas:

Cardio to build stamina: Hit the treadmill, pedal as fast as you can in an RPM class, or kick and punch your way through a BODYCOMBAT class. You can also go for a brisk 30-minute walk or jog three times a week to build up your heart health so you can power march through the malls.

Stretch and strengthen lower back and legs: Lots of standing in line can take its toll on your lower back and legs. Try some calf raises to improve circulation and always include squats in your workouts to promote joint movement. Hagan recommends a BODYPUMP barbell class to build quads and glutes. Other exercises to strengthen your lower half include walking lunges or single leg bench squats to build glutes. The cat/camel stretch is a great option to loosen the lower back.

Functional moves to carry bags, reach shelves: Part of the exhaustion that comes with holiday shopping is juggling hangers, reaching for boxes and carrying shopping bags. Build in exercises that mimic these activities, working your abs, shoulders, back, and glutes. Or try out a group fitness class like CXWORX to target all these areas into one 30-minute workout.

Core stability to push through the doors: Core strength will help shoppers maintain their place in a crowd, as well as support your body as you carry your purchases to the car. To build core strength, Hagan suggests crunches, glute bridges, planks, and side hovers as basic exercises that will help stabilize the core muscles.

Hydrate, whole grain carbs and protein for stamina: When we hit the shops, the temptation is to start the day with a coffee and a muffin, then hit the food court for lunch. Treat your Black Friday shopping like a hike or a camping trip. It’s OK to have coffee and some treats but try to eat foods that give you energy and keep you full longer – like yoghurt, berries, oatmeal, almonds, spinach salad with chicken. Most of all, bring along your water bottle to stay hydrated. This combo will keep you energized and refreshed so you don’t drop while you shop.

Take time to breathe: Big crowds, long hours and lots of spending can take its toll on your positive attitude and increase stress. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, step to the side and take a break. Focus on your breathing, sip some water, or just chat with your friend to give your mind a break and regain perspective. Know when it’s time to call it quits.

Personal trainers in your area are available to talk more about (and demonstrate) fitness moves to invest in the upcoming shopping marathon season. Please let me know if you’re interested in arranging an interview.

Launch of Finding Quality Addiction Care in Canada an Information Guide for Canadians on Treatment for Alcohol and Drug Use

CALGARY, Nov. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - Today the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) and the Canadian Executive Council on Addictions (CECA) are pleased to announce the release of Finding Quality Addiction Care in Canada, a national guide developed to help individuals and families make informed decisions when seeking treatment for alcohol and drug use problems.

CCSA and CECA developed the guide in partnership with the Government of Alberta to raise awareness among Albertans about treatment options and to offer guidance to individuals seeking to access treatment in the province.

The guide has national applicability and is accessible to all Canadians. The content, informed by those with lived experience, includes an overview of how to determine if treatment is required; information and considerations for various treatment options; important questions individuals should ask when talking to an addiction or other healthcare professional; and a list of resources across the country for individuals seeking treatment.

Up until now, Canadians have had difficulty obtaining information on what quality care for addiction and substance use disorders looks like and how to gain access to it. Finding Quality Addiction Care in Canada addresses this gap by providing reliable information on what is already available. It empowers individuals and families with knowledge about treatment options.

"Deciding to get help for a substance use disorder is a critically important decision in an individual's life," said Rita Notarandrea, CEO, CCSA. "However, it is often difficult for individuals to navigate through a complex and fragmented system of care. This guide provides the basic information that an individual and his or her loved ones need to make informed decisions about treatment and care."

"When any Albertan struggling with substance use reaches out for help, we want to make sure they know where to find it," said Alberta Associate Minister of Health Brandy Payne. "Our government is proud to support the development of this national guide to provide information for Albertans and their families seeking information and options for treatment. This tool will help make the process of finding those supports and programs a little easier."

"CECA is proud to have partnered with the Government of Alberta and CCSA on this important resource that should be shared with all Canadians," said Barry Andres, President, CECA. "It can be overwhelming to determine how to get help for an addiction as there are many treatment options. We hope this guide assists those interested in treatment by discussing the options and what to look for in a quality treatment centre."

Finding Quality Addiction Care in Canada is now available on the CCSA website and on the websites for Alberta Health Services and CECA. It will also be distributed to partners and stakeholders nationwide and promoted through social media campaign at @CCSACanada and @GoAHealth.

About CECA and CCSA

CECA is a national, non-governmental organization established in April 2002. The members of CECA are senior executives of addiction agencies that have a recognized federal, provincial or territorial mandate. The aim of the organization is to mobilize a common national agenda, together with other key stakeholders, that makes a difference to those affected by addiction, and to provide leadership in transforming the healthcare system's response to substance use.

CCSA is Canada's only agency with a legislated national mandate to reduce the harms of alcohol and other drugs on Canadians. We do so by gathering the latest evidence and promoting that evidence widely. Created by an Act of Parliament in 1988, CCSA's vision is for a healthier Canadian society where evidence transforms approaches to substance use. Our mission is to address issues of substance use by providing national leadership and harnessing the power of evidence to generate coordinated action to inform policy, practice and programs.

The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction changes lives by bringing people and knowledge together to reduce the harm of alcohol and other drugs on society. We partner with public, private and non-governmental organizations to improve the health and safety of Canadians.

CCSA activities and products are made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada. The views of CCSA do not necessarily represent the views of the Government of Canada.

SOURCE Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

Statement by Rita Notarandrea, CEO, on National Addictions Awareness Week

OTTAWA, Nov. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), I am pleased to join the many committed individuals and organizations across the country participating in National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) 2017.

Today, one in 10 Canadians struggle with addiction and problematic substance use. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, in 2017 deaths related to opioid use alone could well surpass 3,000. At the same time, thousands of individuals across the country are successfully pursuing their own pathways to recovery.

It is clear that the issues surrounding problematic substance use and addiction are as complex as they are consequential. However, as individuals we can all play a simple role in addressing a basic but critical barrier for those individuals with problematic substance use and addiction.

This year, CCSA is putting the spotlight on the stigma surrounding substance use disorders — specifically, how stigmatizing language can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and act as a barrier to seeking help and sustaining recovery. The truth is simple: the words we use when talking about problematic substance use and addiction … matter.

Words Matter

Harvard University's Dr. John Kelly, founder of the Recovery Research Institute, inspires this year's theme for NAAW. His clinical and research work has focused on the science of recovery, and on reducing stigma among those suffering from addiction.

Dr. Kelly's research shows that the language we use has a very direct effect on how we view people struggling with addiction. For example, referring to individuals as suffering from "substance use disorders" rather than as "substance abusers" is likely to reduce stigma and actually enhance treatment and recovery.

As individuals, we can educate ourselves about the essential nature of addiction as a health condition. We can also ensure that the language we use is consistent with the nature of the condition. Finally, we can support those who put a face and a voice to recovery, to show that it is attainable.

Simply put, we need to reinforce what the science has taught us about addiction. Addiction does not discriminate — it impacts people from all walks of life. It is not a moral failing and it is not a "choice."

With that in mind, and with assistance from several friends and colleagues, CCSA has highlighted these simple, but essential, elements to address stigma through a series of short video clips, social media content and information sheets.

We spoke with Dr. Kenneth Tupper, Director, Implementation and Partnerships, at the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, and adjunct professor, University of British Columbia's School of Population and Public Health, who shared his views on the stigmatizing terminology of addiction.

We also lend a voice to Recovery Day Ottawa chairman, Gord Garner, and musicians Jaaji and Chelsey June, all of whom shared their unique perspectives on stigma and recovery. Together, they remind us that people are at the heart of problematic substance use.

CCSA is committed to ensuring those with substance use disorders receive the timely care they need from our healthcare system, at the same level and quality as those with any other health condition. Using language that accurately portrays what the research has taught us is crucial. I hope this year's NAAW will serve as a reminder moving forward. People suffering with a substance use disorder matter. Addiction matters. Words matter.

Throughout the week, we encourage you to follow the conversation at #WordsMatter and #NAAW2017 on twitter @CCSACanada and @CCDUSCanada to help support the efforts of individuals and organizations throughout Canada as we mark NAAW 2017.

Rita Notarandrea, M.H.Sc., C.H.E.
Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

CCSA was created by Parliament to provide national leadership to address substance use in Canada. A trusted counsel, we provide national guidance to decision makers by harnessing the power of research, curating knowledge and bringing together diverse perspectives.

CCSA activities and products are made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada. The views of CCSA do not necessarily represent the views of the Government of Canada.

SOURCE Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction