Download the PDF to see details:

SVS_Diabetes_Feet

“The Cost of Complacency”

Medicare Enrollment Deadline Looms

New Report Reveals Seniors More Likely to Comparison Shop for Groceries, Gas and Cable than Medicare Plan

Advice for Seniors When Choosing Healthcare  

SATELLITE INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY

Thursday, November 21, 2017

7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ET

Healthcare costs rank most burdensome among common living expenses for seniors, yet seniors are more likely to comparison shop for groceries, gas, cable and internet service and even travel deals, than they are to shop for a Medicare plan. That’s according to a new survey “The Cost of Complacency,” which reveals surprising perceptions and behaviors among seniors when it comes to healthcare. 

Only one-third of seniors reported they comparison shop for a Medicare plan at all, and only approximately one in three seniors (38 percent) review their Medicare plan annually to determine if they are getting the best deal.

Given that healthcare spending is expected to increase year over year for the vast majority of seniors, and that virtually every Medicare plan changes each year, seniors could be missing out on savings, and putting their retirement savings at risk if they aren’t planning ahead.

On November 21 [TIME], Bart Astor, author and well-known expert in life's transitions and eldercare, will discuss the risks faced by seniors when they don’t take the time to review their Medicare plans, as well as what to look for in reviewing a Medicare plan, before enrollment closes. These decisions can affect seniors in both the near and long-term.

Suggested Questions for Bart 

●     Tell us about the Cost of Complacency survey.

●      Is it too late for seniors to review their Medicare options for 2018?

●      Is a low premium always the best option for seniors?

●      What additional tips and advice do you have for seniors when choosing a Medicare plan?

About Bart Astor

Bart Astor is a recognized expert in life's transitions and eldercare. He's the author of the Washington Post bestseller, AARP Roadmap for the Rest of Your Life: Smart Choices about Money, Health, Work, Lifestyle, and Pursuing Your Dreams, and the best-selling book, Baby Boomer's Guide to Caring for Aging Parents

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction Hosts Canada's Largest National Conference on Prevention, Harm Reduction, Treatment and Recovery

CALGARY, Nov. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - Today marks the start of the 7^th Issues of Substance (IOS) conference, hosted by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. IOS is Canada's only national conference to bring together addiction workers, healthcare professionals, researchers, policy makers, knowledge brokers and those with lived and living experience from across the country to address the harms of substance use and addiction.

The theme for the conference is Addiction Matters and the presentations, workshops and keynote panels scheduled over the three-days of the conference were carefully chosen to reflect the latest research, innovative ideas and urgent issues in the substance use and addiction fields.

"Addiction and problematic substance use touches us all," said CCSA Chief Executive Officer, Rita Notarandrea. "This conference brings together representatives of a fragmented, but passionate system of services and supports dedicated to helping the six million Canadians — our mothers and sisters, fathers and brothers, neighbours and friends — touched by this health disorder."

This year, a sold-out audience of 480 conference attendees will discuss emerging issues, review the latest evidence on substance use and addiction, learn from esteemed experts about what is working and identify key areas that require improvement.

Presentations and workshops will focus on the harmful use of prescription drugs and the spike in fatal overdoses from the opioid fentanyl, characterized as a death epidemic. Additional sessions will explore the changing cannabis landscape, as well as other critical issues such as binge drinking on campuses and driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. Keynote presentations and panels are scheduled for each day of the conference and will feature high-profile, subject-matter experts who are ready to discuss key issues including the opioid crisis and alcohol (see schedule on the following page).

We are very pleased to welcome the federal Minister of Health, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, and Alberta's Associate Minister of Health, the Honourable Brandy Payne, to our conference this year. Associate Minister Payne will deliver remarks on the first day of the conference. Minister Petitpas Taylor will deliver closing remarks on the last day of the conference.

"I am pleased to be a part of this conference and encouraged to join stakeholders in discussing this important issue," said Minister Petitpas Taylor. "Addressing substance use disorder requires collaboration by all levels of government, along with researchers, health experts and frontline workers, and, perhaps most importantly, those with lived and living experience. I commend all of you for your dedication to this cause, and reaffirm our government's commitment to taking action to reduce the harms associated with substance use disorder."

"Taking action to address the opioid crisis is a key priority for our government," said Associate Minister Payne. "Working with our partners in prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery is essential in supporting Albertans living with substance use and their loved ones. I commend CCSA for organizing this conference and bringing together a diverse group of individuals and organizations to support greater knowledge and open conversation on ways we can work together to address substance use."

This year IOS coincides with National Addictions Awareness Week, for which CCSA is putting the spotlight on the stigma surrounding substance use and addiction — more specifically, on how stigmatizing language can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and act as a barrier to those seeking help and sustaining recovery. More information is available at www.ccsa.ca/Eng/newsevents/national-addictions-awareness-week.

CCSA would like to acknowledge and thank the IOS conference Gold Sponsor, Éduc'alcool, as well the Canadian Institute for Health Information, the Canadian Institute of Health Research, the Mental Health Commission of Canada, the Canadian Executive Council on Addictions, Alberta Innovates and the Palix Foundation whose contributions made this event possible.

The conference is being held at the Hyatt Regency Calgary, 700 Centre Street S, Calgary, Alberta, from November 13–15. A number of report and project releases have been planned throughout the conference. Please see the schedule on the following page for further details.

Learn more about IOS 2017 or view the program and abstracts at www.issuesofsubstance.ca.

Media are invited to attend; please see the accompanying schedule. Onsite, accredited media are to identify themselves at the registration desk to receive their media pass, which must be visible at all times. Media are encouraged to RSVP in advance or pre-arrange interviews by emailing to media@ccsa.ca.

Conference Events Open to Media

SOURCE Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

How to Pick a Running Shoe

Hi there! Coach Alicia here. You may or may not know that in addition to being a Kinesiologist, Prep Coach, Certified Personal trainer and a Fascial Stretch Therapist that I am also an elite Track and Field Coach. I have owned and operated my own Track and Field club, coached Team Canada at the World Maccabi Games and I am the current head coach of Ryerson University. I have accumulated many sprint and hurdle certifications and you could say I know a thing or two about how to choose the right running shoe.

Choosing the right running shoe is very important not just for a runner, but for many other types of athletes including:  recreational sports, performance-based fitness and particularly for a fitness competitor. Why? Because when you increase your cardio, you are racking up the mileage on your shoes, wearing them down with every training session. Not only do you now have to replace your shoes more often (on average it should be replaced every 5-6 months), but if you are doing two-a-days with double cardio, this might need to be more often!

Now when it comes time to buy a new shoe we often go for the best-looking shoe (I have even been guilty of this), our favorite brand, our favorite color or even worse a shoe that may simply may be on sale. Firstly, like any other product you pay for quality. I advise you not to cheap out when it comes to your cardio kicks. Buying a cheap shoe for cardio is like fueling your body with over-processed fast food instead of premium, organic whole food. It simply doesn’t run as efficiently as it should.

Did you know that shoes come with motion control? What is motion control? Firstly, let me tell you about what overpronation is. It is a common trait that affects most runners, leaving them at risk of knee pain and injury. Overpronation can lead to foot fatigue or accidents when left untreated. This biomechanical issue is usually experienced by flat-footed runners. Having motion control shoes will likely help you improve your running economy and performance while facilitating a stable and cushioned ride. Motion control shoes have stiffer heels than support-focused shoes for better pronation control or correction. Motion control shoes have premium cushioning technologies that provide a firmer midsole for better support, but are less flexibility. They also have Teutonic support features which help ease the stress in the quadriceps while running. This is very important for people who are quad dominant.

Overpronator’s need stability or motion control shoes. So, go ahead and look at the bottom wear of your shoe to see which one you may be. If you have a regular wear (heel to toe off) you are a neutral runner. If you have the wear of an overpronator (worn more on the outside of the sole) you most likely will need a shoe with motion control.

How can you tell if a shoe has motion control? You will usually see a darker part on the inside sole of the shoe. This is usually grey in color. In some shoes the grey can be approximately an inch, in others a few inches, and some can be half of the shoe. This means the motion control is mild, medium or maximum. If you slightly pronate you need mild, if you pronate moderately you need medium and if you overpornate severely you need maximum motion control.

What brands come with motion control? I’m sorry to break the bad news but most of the popular shoes like Adidas, Nike, Puma and Converse are all neutral shoes. If you are a pronator you may be doing yourself more harm than good by putting your feet into a neutral shoe. Brooks, New Balance, Asics, Mizuno and Sketchers all have motion control shoes.

If you don’t feel confident enough to go to a store or buy motion control shoes online my best advice is to either go to a Running Room or a New Balance store. Why? Because all employees at these two stores should be trained to assess your running gait and give you options of motion control shoes that will work for you. They will get you to try the shoes on in the store so that you can get a feel for the different shoes and feel the difference in your gait with them on before purchasing them.

Make sure to choose the right size and fit of a shoe once you’ve decided on a shoe. To enhance running performance and avoid injuries pay attention to correct sizing and fit. Make sure to have a roomy toe box and consider that type of socks you intend to wear when you purchase a new pair of motion control running shoe. If you are wearing a thicker or thinner sock than usual it will change the fit of the shoe once you get into your regular socks.

Trust me when I say that choosing the right shoe will change your cardio by making you a more efficient runner, decrease your aches and pains from your ankles to your knees and even in your back. It will also boost your training so that you can get the maximum results for your effort! Thank me later and happy running!

SOURCE Labtician Ophthalmics Inc.

Upcoming oral care brand, My Magic Mud, may have proven Colgate and some dentists wrong about activated charcoal.

In a paper published by Norman Horn, Ph.D., “The Science Behind My Magic Mud Products,” lab results from recent studies indicate that Colgate’s and ADA’s negative claims about activated charcoal could be inaccurate. Carbon & Clay Company, who owns the brand My Magic Mud®, a natural line of oral care products, available in stores across North America, Europe, and Australia, has responded to negative claims against their primary ingredient, activated charcoal, by conducting laboratory studies in accordance with the American Dental Association’s own recommendations for determining safety of tooth cleaning products on enamel and dentin.

REA (Relative Enamel Abrasion) and RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasion) studies were performed in a controlled laboratory, and overseen by chemical engineer, Norman Horn, Ph.D., and results indicate that My Magic Mud® Activated Charcoal Toothpaste and Activated Charcoal Tooth Powder products fall comfortably within range of safety, which may prove Colgate and American Dental Association wrong about their recent claims that activated charcoal may be too abrasive for teeth. My Magic Mud studies published here.

Pellicle Stain Removal Studies were also performed on My Magic Mud’s activated charcoal oral care products, measuring their efficacy compared to an American Dental Association approved standard dentifrice (toothpaste), and the results indicate My Magic Mud® products were significantly more effective at stain removal than the reference material.

My Magic Mud President, Justin Arman, offered his comments on the studies, “Seeing that our products fall within range of safety on enamel and dentin, according to the ADA standards, while simultaneously demonstrating the effectiveness of stain removal in a controlled study, according to ADA’s standard of measure, shows that natural products can stand up to the science, and that dentists should start looking at the numbers, rather than making inaccurate categorical claims. Activated charcoal can be manufactured in different particle sizes and from different sources, so we can only speak for the safety indicated in the lab studies performed on our activated charcoal products specifically.”

My Magic Mud has begun its first clinical trials and will publish studies once they become available.

Criticism of Activated Charcoal:

Colgate’s Website:

“IS CHARCOAL TOOTHPASTE SAFE?

If you are ready to jump on the activated charcoal bandwagon or figure that giving the trend a try won't hurt, you might want to rethink that idea. While you might not notice any negative effects right away, the American Dental Association warns that activated charcoal is too abrasive and will wear away your tooth enamel. Once the enamel is gone, it's gone forever. The layer beneath, known as the dentin, becomes more visible. Dentin has a natural yellow tinge, meaning that you're likely to be left with teeth that look more yellow or stained than they did to begin with.”

ADA Website:

“There is no evidence that shows dental products with charcoal are safe or effective for your teeth, according to the September 2017 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association."

About:

My Magic Mud® is a brand owned by Carbon & Clay Company, which is based in New Braunfels, Texas. The founder, Jessica Arman, is a wife and mother of four who began the business at a local farmers market. Four years later, the product line can be found in retailers such as: The Vitamin Shoppe, Sprouts, Natural Grocers, Bed Bath & Beyond, HEB, and thousands of health food stores all over North America, Australia, and Europe. Recent SPINS data indicates, on a 12 week report in the natural retailer category, that My Magic Mud® is the fastest selling natural oral care brand in the United States. My Magic Mud® has been mentioned in The Wall Street Journal, New Beauty, Marie Claire, The Today Show, and Good Day LA.

Media Advisory - Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction Presents a National Conference on Prevention, Harm Reduction, Treatment and Recovery

CALGARY, Nov. 9, 2017 /CNW/ - Issues of Substance (IOS) is Canada's only national conference that brings together addiction workers, healthcare professionals, researchers, policy makers, knowledge brokers and those with lived and living experience from across the country.

This three-day event is hosted by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA). The presentations, workshops and keynote panel discussions scheduled for this conference were carefully chosen to reflect the latest research, innovative ideas and urgent issues affecting Canadians. The conference theme is Addiction Matters.

Conference Details:

We are pleased to announce that the Honourable Brandy Payne, Alberta Associate Minister of Health, will be speaking during the opening remarks on Monday. On Wednesday, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, federal Minister of Health, will be delivering a closing address. For full details, please see the schedule below.

Media are invited to attend; please see the accompanying schedule. Onsite, accredited media are to identify themselves at the registration desk to receive their media pass, which must be visible at all times. Media are encouraged to RSVP in advance to media@ccsa.ca.

Conference Events Open to Media

SOURCE Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

Adult Acne: Which Product Option is Right for You?

There are so many acne and breakout busting treatments on the market. It’s common to get a feeling of product overload. Dr. Magarita Lolis Dr. Margarita Lolis a Board-Certified Dermatologist in northern New Jersey who takes a holistic approach to treating skincare issues; breaks down the list of common products to consider using with the benefits of each. Hopefully this menu of options will clear some confusion.

Go simple on cleanser. People who are prone to breakouts may use a cleanser with salicylic acid triggering excessive dryness which only increases oil production leading to a breakout cycle. Gentler products that are appealing to all skin types such as Cetaphil or CeraVe are great options because they don’t strip away moisture and soothe the face.

Exfoliate weekly. They key here is not to be too harsh. You want to gently rub product into your face in circular motion then rinse with luke warm water. There are new products available with charcoal an ingredient which does a great job controlling oil in acne prone skin. People with sensitive skin should opt for an exfoliating mask which is less irritating.

Soothe with serums. Acne prone skin needs moisture not oil. Serums that address acne without compromising moisture are a great bet. Serums penetrate the skin quickly making them a great option for nighttime healing as you sleep.

Try skin oils. You can add drops of vitamin C oil, argan oil, or vitamin e oil to your serum or directly onto your face after cleansing which is like a vitamin boost to skin. This will address acne scarring helping them heal quicker.

Don’t skip moisturizer. Many people who are prone to breakouts want to skip moisturizer because they think their skin is oily enough. The reason skin is producing oil is because it is lacking moisture. Moisturizers with Hyaluronic acid draws water from the atmosphere and keeps skin hydrated. This is great for all skin types. You cannot go wrong with more water in the skin.

Consider a peel with a pro. Chemical peels are a great option for skin that has scarring and

Hyperpigmentation. While there are at home, do it yourself options available I have seen many people harm their own skin with peels. You really want to work with a professional as not to make matters worse. People often think a burning sensation means it’s working so they mistakenly leave peels on for too long and hurt themselves.

Balance skin with a toner. I like toners because they do a nice job of clearing away dirt and make-up, shrinking pores, and restoring skin to its natural pH balance. Witch Hazel is a simple no fuss astringent found at any drug store which works wonders on acne or break out prone skin.

Do a mask every week. You want to choose “detoxifying masks” featuring ingredients like, charcoal, clay, sulfur. You may want to alternate between a more soothing mask one week and a treatment mask when a breakout first occurs. Another option is using a soothing mask on the cheeks and then a clarifying mask on the chin and jawline.

Spot treat and refrain from picking. We touch our faces approximately 25 times per hour. It’s hard to be conscious of it. When we have a breakout, we may sit at our desks or behind the wheel picking away. It is a habit that spreads bacteria and leads to scarring. Getting a prescription level topical spot treatment is key because many are designed to work immediately which lessens the need to pick.

Ultimately, when in doubt see your dermatologist who will assess your skin and the many factors that may be causing acne. Oftentimes dermatologists will outline a treatment regimen that is more customized to you considering age, skin type and lifestyle.

Dr. Margarita Lolis, M.D. is a board-certified cosmetic, medical dermatologist and a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon with over 20 years of experience. In her practice, she addresses common skin concerns such as acne prevention and treatment in both teens and adults, sun-damage, skin discoloration, wrinkles, changes to skin texture and loss of volume. On the medical side, she is a trusted expert in melanoma and over-all skin health. Dr. Lolis prides herself in honoring facial symmetry to deliver a natural look to her clients. She always recommends a healthy skin care regimen plus lifestyle habits that are aligned with her holistic approach to beauty. Dr. Lolis is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery, and the American Society of Anti-aging. Her practice, Skin, Laser, and Surgery Specialists is in New York City and Bergen Country, New Jersey.

SPINCO SUPPORTS MOVEMBER

Throughout the month of November, SPINCO will be supporting Movember with the below initiatives, and encourages the local community to join them and get involved!

SPINCO TORONTO MOVEMBER - TEAM PAGE

SPINCO has created a team page at movember.com, where they are inviting you to join them in raising money for this incredible cause. All of SPINCO's male instructors will be participating by growing moustaches, too!

SPIN-IT-FORWARD

For the month of November, all proceeds from SPINCO's Spin-It-Forward classes every Monday at 6:30pm will be donated to Movember.

SPINCO MOVEMBER MOUSTACHE METER

SPINCO has set a fundraising goal of $5,000, which will be tracked throughout the month on their SPINCO Movember Moustache Meter at the studio!

END OF MONTH CELEBRATION

At the end of the month, SPINCO will host a celebratory ride followed by snacks, drinks and music in-studio. A barber will also be present for anyone that wants to ditch their 'stache!

Will marijuana play a role in the future of American politics?

If people let government decide which food they eat and medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny. 

– Thomas Jefferson

“Ready or not, marijuana is fueling massive change and has become a mainstream topic of significant importance to people of all ages in most households across America,” says Dr. David Bearman, expert in the history and role of marijuana. “Right now, all but four states have legalized at least some form of medical cannabis and the legalization of recreational use is growing faster than ever before.

“While neither political party has made marijuana a major centerpiece for discussion, marijuana politics stands to make a major difference in state and national political outcomes in the next elections.”

Dr. Bearman says that medical marijuana matters to the young, middle aged, and the old.

“It is more widely used, enjoyed, and appreciated than any of its detractors is willing to admit. There are numerous political candidates seeking to reform federal marijuana policies - from pushing to protect state laws to advocating marijuana's reclassification from a Schedule I drug like heroin to Schedule III drug so long term studies can be done on the drug's medical benefits. Cannabis reform is now occurring on multiple fronts.”

An August 2016 study published by Harvard Medical School identifies over 20 million people use medical marijuana in the United States.

A partial list of the known medical marijuana uses now includes:

• As an appetite stimulant in AIDS and chemotherapy patients

• To relieve pain (and its use is being recommended to doctors in lieu of prescribing opiates)

• To help treat inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

• To treat chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting

• To treat muscle spasticity and pain in multiple sclerosis

• To reduce the growth of cancers

• To treat cancer-related pain not managed by other pain medication

• To treat drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly in children

• To treat psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use disorders, and bipolar disorder)

• To reduce the symptoms of conditions in the autism spectrum disorder

• To reduce the side effects of treatment for Hepatitis C (nausea, fatigue, muscle aches, and depression).

• To reduce the symptoms of autoimmune disease (e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, fibromyalgia, Restless Leg Syndrome, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)

• To help people get to sleep, get better quality sleep and awaken without a drug hangover

Although marijuana can help relieve the symptoms of many medical conditions and is used as medicine most states, its use is still prohibited by federal level.  In something of a Catch-22, the DEA and FDA complain that there is no data from large, long-term, well-designed studies.  In order to say that, they have to ignore at least 20 tincture of cannabis/Nabixamol studies that have been done in the UK.

These double-blind studies can only be legally done with the government’s cannabis, and the government rarely approves such studies.  Why?  Marijuana was made illegal in 1970s for political reasons and similar political reasons remain. The DEA seems more concerned with job protection than science or truth. The Federal Drug Administration continues to have concerns about potential risks versus benefits.

Forty-six states have passed laws, contrary to federal laws, to allow the use of marijuana for medical conditions. States have also made the move to decriminalize recreational marijuana use by adults or have similar measures on upcoming ballots.

“Medical and recreational marijuana is going to energize large portions of the voting populace, particularly among students, those looking for alternative health care options, and minorities,” Dr. Bearman says. “The growing awareness that marijuana is medicine is forcing change.”

One thing is for certain. Any attempts by Donald Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions to stamp out further legalization efforts is going to be met with a loud public outcry.  Their efforts would also be unconstitutional because of the states rights guaranteed by the 9^th and 10^th amendments as well as the 1925 SCOTUS decision in Linder v. United States that confirmed the regulation of the practice of medicine is a right reserved for the states.

Drugs are Not the Devil’s Tools

Dr. David Bearman

Color $65.00 B&W $45.00

Revised and updated November 2017

8 ½ x 11, 498 pages

Entertaining, lavishly illustrated and full of amazing stories, Drugs are NOT the Devil’s Tools takes the reader through the history of drugs and the origin of the onerous United States drug laws.

Dr. David Bearman shows how, through intertwining motives of discrimination and greed, often under the guise of morality, how those in power have created a drug policy that is completely dysfunctional. He details how drug laws have been very effective in further marginalizing discriminated-against groups and have been a total failure in every other respect.

Additionally, did you know:

• We all have cannabis receptors in our bodies
• Cannabis was legal in the US until 1943 and only removed because the powers that be wanted to get rid of hemp and create a market for nylon and other petroleum-based products
• The American Medical Association opposed the removal of cannabis from pharmacies
• There is no such thing as cannabis addiction