5 Healthy Foods for the Women of All Ages

Every woman needs to take the required nutrients for good health. Although eating the right diets are good for both sexes, but women have their own specific dietary requirements. According to research, when women eat the right things, they will live better and happier.

Here are 5 healthy foods for women of all ages. They have been tested and trusted to be effective in boosting feminine immune systems.

Cranberries

Studies have proven that the advantage of cranberries can never be overemphasized. Among other things, it reduces the risk of urinary tract infections, heart disease and breast cancer.  Healthcare professionals recommend every woman should take at least one glass of juice daily. It nourishes their skin and boosts their immune systems.

Oats

High cholesterols can give rise to building up of plaque in your artery walls. However, if it is left untreated, it can lead to other ailments such as stroke and heart attack. Stroke and heart attack are among the killer diseases in most American women.

The good news is that it is difficult to combat; you can handle the situation effectively by eating healthy diets that includes oatmeal, fiber-rich whole grains etc. Oats can perfectly protect you against various forms of heart diseases.

Oats are filled with amazing nutritional benefits, and they are truly great for female health. They can aid digestion, stabilize blood pressure, wards off potentially dangerous dips in glucose and derailing hunger and keep your heart healthy.

Oats contains vitamin B6, which aids in the prevention of mood swings, birth defects in children and PMS. Overall, women are recommended to eat oats both during and after pregnancy.

Milk

One of the major health challenges that women face around the world is calcium deficiency. Regular intake of milk is highly recommended in women of all ages. If possible, try and combine the milk with vitamin D, it will help in keeping osteoporosis at bay. Milk prevents women from all symptoms of the killer PMS.

Further studies shows that milk helps in building up a woman’s nerves, muscles, teeth and bones. If you don’t take enough milk, it can lead to osteoporosis, thereby causing brittle and weak bones. Milk is the main source of calcium.

Drinking milk both during and after childbirth helps the woman to remain healthy and energetic. According to research, almond milk is more effective in women than whole drink especially during pregnancy.

Dark chocolate

Dozens of research shows that chocoholics or people who consume more of dark chocolates stay in better shape than those who don’t take it. Another study in the Circulation Heart Failure journal discovered that women that take about one or two servings of quality chocolates per week had 32% risk of developing heart failure than those who bluntly refused to take cocoa.

Further studies shows that cocoa contains anti-inflammatory compounds, flavanols and polyphenols, which helps in protecting the heart. When you are buying dark chocolate, ensure you take the one that contains about 74% or more cocoa solids, due to their flavanol-rich compounds.

Mushrooms

Studies shows that mushrooms are best dietary sources. Women are recommended to take about half cup of it on a daily basis. Mushrooms are rich with potassium; they can offset all negative effects of excess sodium, as well as lowers your blood pressure levels. Another study at the University of Florida says that people who eat at least 4 ounces of cooked mushrooms daily for about 4 weeks, develops increased immunity and boost greatest concentration than those that don’t.

Author Bio:

Ryan Varela is the CEO of Boost Health Insurance which provides customized and affordable health care plans for thousands of customers across the United States. Ryan has nearly a decade of experience in the health care industry and continues to serve the greater need to educate and deliver access to affordable options to those who need health care the most.

The clocks fall back, but you don't have to.

When we turn our clocks back an hour on Sunday, November 5, Canadians get an extra hour of sleep in the morning and a lot less light in the evenings. It's more important than ever to find time for regular exercise, and the week after the time change is a good time to get started.

According to Abby Johnson, team training specialist with GoodLife Fitness, exercise offers many benefits when it comes to adjusting to time changes, sleep interruptions and colder, darker days.

Exercise can:

Reset circadian rhythms – The switch out of Daylight Savings time can interrupt your sleep patterns for up to a week. Exercising at the same time each day can help you get your sleep back on track after the time change

Improve mood – With fewer daylight hours, many Canadians feel their energy and mood decline. In fact, as many as 15 percent of Canadians will suffer from seasonal affective disorder (a form of depression) in their lives. Regular exercise causes your brain to release feel-good hormones that can help regulate and improve mood.

Boost energy – More darkness, colder temperatures, and sleep disruption can leave us feeling distracted and lazy. It’s tempting to stay indoors and watch TV, eat and drink more and be less active. But physical activity increases heart rate, circulation, and mental focus. Regular workouts will leave you feeling energetic, stronger and more focused.

Johnson suggests connecting with a personal trainer or other fitness experts to brainstorm ways to use the fall time change to kick-start your winter health. Here are some ideas.

Use the extra hour to work out. This may be the only time in the year you wake up BEFORE the alarm. Channel the time change to build in some exercise. Commit to exercising in the morning for one week and see if it becomes a habit. Also, it will be light for the first few weeks, and easier to get to the gym or out for a run.

Don’t be deterred by darkness. Increase your exposure to bright light and physical activity during the day until late afternoon/early evening to help compensate for the overall reduction of daylight hours. Take advantage of morning and lunchtime to go for a run, bike to work, or get your co-workers together for a lunchtime walk to enjoy more sunshine and fresh air. During winter months, remember to take a vitamin D supplement.

Change your body and your outlook. Change your posture by pushing your shoulders up and back, take deeper breaths, look ahead. Keep moving, whether it’s walking to work, jogging in the morning, taking the stairs or playing outside with your kids.

Stay hydrated and choose healthy foods. Avoid caffeinated beverages, since too much caffeine can further disrupt your natural sleep rhythm.

Fit in full-body fitness moves. Exercises that use various parts of your body can kick-start your metabolism and give you more energy. Here are some examples of full-body moves to boost energy:

Superman: Lie face down and extend arms and legs. Flutter-kick legs up and down, simultaneously reaching arms toward feet, then back overhead. That’s one rep. Do 2 or 3 sets of 10.

Goblet squat with a press: Hold a hand weight vertically; lower hips, bringing elbows inside knees. Return to standing and press arms overhead. That's 1 rep. Alternate sides with each rep. Do 2 or 3 sets of 10.

Single leg deadlift: Hinge at the hips, lowering torso as right leg lifts. Working balance, try to touch fingertips to the floor, then come back to start. That's 1 rep. Do 2 or 3 sets of 10 on each side.

We can connect you with a personal trainer in your area who can discuss the best way to tackle the time change with exercise, as well as show some quick energy boosting workouts to tone your body, engage your heart and make you more alert. Please let me know if you’d like to book an interview.

Skins RY400 Recovery Long Tights and Long Sleeve Top

Some time ago Skins reached out to me and wanted to send me both tights and a top. I did some research on their products and agreed. Not only because I am a competitive athlete but I am a strong believer in recovery; recovery is very crucial when you put your body through high intensity training. If you are not fully recovering between workouts you will peak and not be able to perform at your best.

After reading up about the benefits of Skins recovery leggings and long sleeve top I figured I would give them a try. After my workout I through on my leggings and long sleeve shirt, skins recommends that you wear your recovery clothes for a minimum of 3 hours after your exercise allowing you to circulate blood faster feeding your muscles more oxygen.

The next day I did notice what I wasn’t as sore as I typically would be. As for comfort level the leggings were super flexible, and the elasticity was durable and held up making it easier by not having to constantly pull up. The long sleeve shirt sat perfectly around my neck and wasn’t too high as some long sleeves are. I definitely recommend Skins recovery line to any athlete to help speed up recovery.

Interested in learning more? Click the link below:

Yellow-Compression Guide_Original

If you're interested in snagging yourself a pair check them out:

https://www.skins.net/usa/skins-ry400-womens-long-tights.html
https://www.skins.net/usa/skins-ry400-womens-top-long-sleeve.html

All4Fit Leggings Review

Recently All4Fit sent me a pair of leggings to try and for review. I found that the All4Fit leggings are very comfortable for both exercising in and lounging around. During my workout I found the material super breathable, which made them perfect for when I do my cardio sessions. More over, the elasticity over time started to stretch as the day went on making it very annoying to have to constantly be pulling up my leggings. The leggings were not see through which is amazing and very difficult to find now in days.

All4Fit offers many varieties of leggings with funky designs, colors and patterns. They offer a sizing chart on there website so you order your size the first time. I love that they offer 2 types of materials polyamide, which hides that stubborn cellulite, and polyester, which is super breathable throughout your workout. I definitely would recommend these leggings to anyone who wants to stand out in a crowd with funky designs.

http://www.all4.fit/polyester

Guest Post: Training Tips from Olympic Athlete Steven Benedict

We all know that exercise is important, but what we don’t know is how important other aspects of working out are, such as stretching, recovery, and what to eat before and after. Our muscles need to be treated right for us to build them up and maintain it. These important tips are also helpful to prevent injury. Steven Benedict is a professional track athlete currently training for the 2020 Olympic games. His knowledge in exercise, fitness and health is wide spread, but he has provided some incredibly helpful and easy tips for the everyday person trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Stretching Static vs. Dynamic

“Static stretching is holding a particular stretch for an extended period. Usually the stretch is held in the range of 30-45 seconds or longer. Dynamic stretching is fluidly moving in and out of a stretch with short holds no longer than 5-10 seconds long. The arguments surrounding which one is better or more beneficial. As an athlete, I can tell you that when preparing to perform, you want to prime the muscles to get the most power out of them. Therefore, dynamic stretching is the way to go for the best results before activity. Post-performance is where you would take 15-20 minutes to static stretch. This releases any tightness or acid build-up in the system during the performance time.”

Icing vs. Heat Recovery

“Icing down and moist heat compresses are the most widely used methods for recovery post training and/or injury. The key is knowing which method is for what, and why.”

“Icing tends to involve direct area compresses or ice baths. There is also ‘spot icing’ which is used to focus on a specific area, usually for an injured muscle (i.e. strain, tear, contusion). An ice bath is for a heavy work load day and recovery. The pros of an ice bath are that swelling is brought down and it helps to re-oxygenize the blood and muscles. However, ice baths usually take your body an extra 24 hours to recalibrate due to such a drop in temperature internally. Some tightness may occur as well.”

“Heat compresses and baths, such as moist heating pads, are for spotting areas to loosen up tension in those muscles. On the other hand, Epsom salt baths, which are full body soaks like ice baths, can help tremendously with lactic acid flushing and weight management for performance. This helps keep the body flexible and loose. A con for heat compresses and baths is that dehydration can occur if not used properly which can also lead to cramping.”

Nutrition Pre-Workout and Post Workout

“When planning your day regarding nutrition, my coaches and most high-performance athletes have one thing in common: most of their nutrition intake is done primarily around their most active time of their days. Samples of some good choices for pre and post workout include: oatmeal, granola, fruit, waffles, pancakes, turkey bacon, natural peanut butter, almond butter, eggs, turkey sausage, protein shakes, ground turkey and ground beef.”

“Post training, you want to have two stages. The first is immediately after training and it needs to be fast absorbing. My go-to is some type of high protein shake that includes a waxy maze which is a fast acting carb derived from corn starch. 45 minutes later, have a solid meal consisting of high protein. I usually have chicken or fish but at least 6-8 ounces for men and 4-5 ounces for women. If you are short on time, I highly recommend considering a meal prep company. They are portioned out for you and cater to your specific needs.”

“In conclusion when you are most active that is when you need the fuel the most and you can taper off the other parts of your day by smaller meals to keep your metabolism burning. Which is what we want most, keeping it burning at the highest rate for the longest period.”

About Steven Benedict

Professional Track Athlete & Olympic Qualifier, Motivational Speaker, Published Fitness Personality

In today's ever evolving industry an athlete must not only be athletically inclined but be the epitome of all brands. Enter Steven Benedict, as a two time Olympic qualifier he now sets the bar even higher for himself by establishing his dual citizenship for the Italian national team to break a 37year old 200m record. He carries the torch of hope with his latest company Empowering Movement impacting all walks of life especially adopted, abused and children fighting disease through the platform that has saved him. Sports.

He lends his athletic prowess and impact-full expertise to global brands all while training as a world class athlete.

Off the track Steven continues to spread his reach in the fitness world being published in over 30 magazines writing, interviews and features on him and inside looks at his training, mindset and pure love for what he does.

Non-profits and brands seek him out to speak and host events for his motivational words bringing hope to the masses through his overcoming life experiences. His passion thrives not only as an athlete but also an ambassador of living to the fullest and bringing others to their max potential.

You've seen him in national athlete commercials, print ads and now films to come.

His knowledge, passion and elite talent make him the ideal face for taking your brand to the next level. He excels at major media opportunities, conferences, trade shows and customer engagement. He quotes "It's not to only have exceptional gifts but to use them exceptionally."

Medicenna Announces Presentation at the 2017 Innovations In Cancer Prevention and Research Conference

TORONTO and HOUSTON, TX, Oct. 31, 2017 /CNW/ - Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. ("Medicenna" or the "Company") (TSX: MDNA; OTCQX: MDNAF), a clinical stage immuno-oncology company, today announced that Dr. Martin Bexon, MD, Head of Clinical Development at Medicenna, will present results from earlier clinical trials at the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas' ("CPRIT") Fifth Innovations in Cancer Prevention and Research Conference to be held from November 13-14, 2017 in Austin, TX.

The poster presentation by Dr. Bexon will provide an overview of the safety and efficacy results from previous Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials of the targeted immunotherapy, MDNA55, in 66 patients with recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM), the most common and deadly form of brain cancer.

The details of the presentation are as follows:

About Medicenna Therapeutics Corp.

Medicenna is a clinical stage immuno-oncology company developing novel highly selective versions of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-13 Superkines™ and first in class Empowered Cytokines™ (ECs).  Its wholly owned subsidiary, Houston-based Medicenna BioPharma, is specifically targeting the Interleukin-4 Receptor (IL4R), which is over-expressed by at least 20 different types of cancer affecting more than one million new cancer patients every year. Medicenna's lead IL4-EC, MDNA55 is enrolling patients in a CPRIT funded Phase 2b clinical trial for rGBM at leading brain cancer centres in the US. MDNA55 has completed 3 clinical trials in 72 patients, including 66 adults with rGBM, demonstrated compelling efficacy and obtained Fast-Track and Orphan Drug status from USFDA. Unlike most other cancer therapies, Medicenna's IL4-ECs have the potential to purge both the tumor and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, offering a unique treatment paradigm for a large majority of cancer patients.

For more information, please visit www.medicenna.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding future plans and objectives of the Company and others are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the risks detailed in the annual information form of the Company dated June 15, 2017 and in other filings made by the Company with the applicable securities regulators from time to time.

The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by Canadian securities law.

SOURCE Medicenna Therapeutics Corp.

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., October 27, 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 atwww.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 the www.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, visit www.multiforcehealth.com/new-hope-for-osteoarthritis-sufferers.

Lorna Jane Activewear Review

I was recently contacted by the nice folks over at Lornajane.com because the brand is launching here in Canada. They told me to have a look at the website and let them know what I wanted to try. I fell in love with almost every piece but finally chose the Tokyo Core F/L Tights and a few other things. They only sent me the tights for some reason. I am very thankful non-the-less.

After wearing the leggings by Lorna Jane, I found they suited my figure perfectly. I found that throughout my workout the leggings were super breathable and also dried quickly which made the material comfortable. On the other hand, well lounging around I noticed that dog hair would stick to the outside of the material, which was difficult to remove. Not to mention as the day started to go on I felt a bit itchy from the stitching on the inside of the leggings. All in all, the product was great I would recommend to any gym person out there who would like a breathable material well sweating!

The other items on the website I find to be very fashionable and definitely would be great for photoshoots not just being fashionable in the gym! Thanks to the nice people over at Lornajane for the tights! I am going to love having these in my collection of active wear leggings.

Check them out at:

Tokyo Core F/L Tight

Exceptional contributions to cancer research recognized at Canadian Cancer Research Conference

TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cancer Research Alliance (CCRA) announced today the recipients of its biennial awards which recognize significant contributions to cancer research in Canada.

"These awards demonstrate CCRA's continuing recognition of excellence in cancer research," says Dr. Sara Urowitz, Executive Director of CCRA. "We take this opportunity to showcase these achievements during our biennial scientific conference so that these awardees can be honoured in the presence of their peers and can serve as a source of inspiration for our new investigators and trainees."

There are six recipients this year, with two in a new award category recognizing exceptional leadership in patient involvement in cancer research.

Dr. Elizabeth Eisenhauer receives the award for Exceptional Leadership in Cancer Research for her work as a clinician-researcher and her national leadership roles—President of the National Cancer Institute of Canada, Expert Lead, Research at the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and Co-chair of the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance—demonstrating her long-standing commitment to enhancing the coordination and quality of cancer research in Canada in order to improve the lives of cancer patients.

Dr. John Bell receives the award for Outstanding Achievements in Cancer Research for his pioneering work and ground-breaking scientific discoveries, which have propelled the entire field of oncolytic virus therapy forward, and his commitment to enabling translational research through his roles as founder of the Canadian Oncolytic Virus Consortium, Scientific Director of BioCanRx, and Director of the Biotherapeutics Program for the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research.

Dr. Marco Marra receives the award for Outstanding Achievements in Cancer Research for his fundamental contributions to the understanding of the role of genetic alterations in promoting cancer progression, and in translating these insights for the benefit of patients. His research has used massively parallel sequencing technologies and informatics tools to characterize tumours from patients and this work has led to the discovery of new cancer associated mutations, candidate biomarkers, and new therapeutic targets.

Dr. Eduardo Franco receives the award for Distinguished Service to Cancer Research for his significant role in cancer prevention by generating critical scientific evidence for the HPV vaccine and actively promoting the adoption of HPV vaccination across Canada, his research and advocacy for cost-effective cervical cancer prevention approaches in low- and middle-income countries, and his proponency of appropriate peer-review and editorial oversight to ensure the publication of quality cancer research.

Dr. Michael Jewett receives the award for Exceptional Leadership in Patient Involvement in Cancer Research for his long-standing commitment to and advocacy for greater patient involvement in clinical research prioritization, research proposals, funding decisions, research design, and patient-relevant outcome measures, and his championing of patient-led charities as a mechanism to elevate the role of the patient voice in cancer care and research.

Ms. Judy Needham receives the award for Exceptional Leadership in Patient Involvement in Cancer Research for her passionate and long-standing commitment to improving outcomes for cancer patients through the development of patient treatment navigation tools and direct engagement of patients in the development of research clinical trial questions, protocols, and patient materials to ensure that the patient perspective is integrated through the research lifecycle.

"These awards are our way to acknowledge the exceptional contributions made by these individuals," says Dr. Stephen Robbins, Chair of the CCRA. "We are proud to highlight their achievements and the impact they have had on cancer research and the cancer research community. The new award to recognize exceptional leadership in patient involvement in cancer research represents CCRA's commitment to patient-oriented research."

The awards will be presented during the CCRA's Canadian Cancer Research Conference held in Vancouver from November 5-7, 2017. For more information about the conference, see http://conference.ccra-acrc.ca/.

Dr. Elizabeth A. Eisenhauer, MD, FRCPC, Kingston, ON: A clinician-scientist, Dr. Elizabeth Eisenhauer was the Director of the Investigational New Drug Program for the Canadian Cancer Trials Group from 1982 to 2012. Her work fundamentally changed clinical practice worldwide through the introduction of innovative trial methodologies and endpoints and her emphasis on the benefits of team science and timely adoption of evidence-based medicine. From 2006 to 2017, she assumed several national leadership roles—President of the National Cancer Institute of Canada (2006-2009), Expert Lead, Research at the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and Co-chair of the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance (2008-2017). Dr. Eisenhauer's most recent position was as Head and Professor for the Department of Oncology at Queen's University. Dr. Eisenhauer's very personal commitment to research is also evident in her creation of the "Edith and Carla Eisenhauer Chair in Clinical Cancer Research" at Queen's University in 2001.

Dr. John C. Bell, PhD, FRSC, Ottawa, ON: A Senior Scientist in cancer therapeutics at The Ottawa Hospital and Professor of Medicine and Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa, Dr. John Bell is a global pioneer in the discovery and development of oncolytic viruses (OV), a novel class of targeted cancer therapeutics. He is founder of the Canadian Oncolytic Virus Consortium, the first of its kind in the world, which aims to expand cancer viral therapy discovery and application at all levels and is also Scientific Director of BioCanRx, a Network of Centres of Excellence, and Director of the Biotherapeutics Program for the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research. Committed to "bench to beside" research, Dr. Bell has worked tirelessly to build the infrastructure to make these state-of-the-art immunotherapies a reality for patients, and through his participation in various community forums, he has made OV therapies understandable to patient populations.

Dr. Marco A. Marra, OBC, PhD, FRS(C), FCAHS, Vancouver, BC: Director and Distinguished Scientist at Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (BC Cancer Agency), Professor and Head of Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia, and Canada Research Chair in Genome Science, Dr. Marco Marra has made fundamental contributions to the understanding of the role of genetic alterations in promoting cancer progression, and in translating these insights for the benefit of patients. His research has used massively parallel sequencing technologies and informatics tools to characterize tumours from patients and this work has led to the discovery of new cancer associated mutations, candidate biomarkers, and new therapeutic targets. He has described, along with colleagues, the functional interplay between the genome and the epigenome, and has demonstrated transcriptional dysregulation as a major property of cancers.

Dr. Eduardo L.F. Franco, MPH, PhD, FRSC, FCAHS, OC, Montréal, QC: Dr. Eduardo Franco is Professor James McGill and Chairman of Oncology and Director of Cancer Epidemiology at McGill University. In addition to his remarkable scientific contribution to the molecular epidemiology and prevention of cervical cancer and human papillomavirus-associated diseases, Dr. Franco has played a major role in cancer prevention advocacy, actively promoting the adoption of HPV vaccination across Canada and striving to enhance cost-effective cervical cancer prevention approaches in low- and middle-income countries. A vocal proponent for good peer-review and editorial oversight to ensure that published science is quality science, Dr. Franco has served on the editorial boards of various prestigious academic journals and has twice served as an advisor to the US President's Cancer Panel (2012, 2013).

Dr. Michael A.S. Jewett, MD, FRCSC, Toronto, ON: A uro-oncologist with a long and distinguished career in genitourinary oncology, Dr. Michael Jewett is recognized worldwide for his significant contributions to clinical research in kidney cancer. He is Professor of Surgery (Urology) at the University of Toronto, a surgical oncologist, a clinical investigator at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (University Health Network), and Farquharson Clinical Research Chair in Kidney Cancer Research. Dr. Jewett is also co-chair of the National Cancer Institute's Renal Task Force, providing recommendations on ways to enhance clinical trials for genitourinary cancers. He fostered the development and growth of three patient-led charities: Testicular Cancer Canada (2007), Kidney Cancer Canada (2009), and Bladder Cancer Canada (2010) and formed the CIHR-funded Kidney Cancer Research Network of Canada in 2012.

Ms. Judy Needham, Abbotsford, BC: A breast cancer survivor, Ms. Needham is passionately committed to improving outcomes for cancer patients through direct engagement of patients in clinical research processes. Soon after her own treatment, Ms. Needham became involved as board member of the former BC/Yukon Chapter of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, leading fundraising initiatives and development of the first Breast Cancer Navigation Map, a patient tool aimed at simplifying the breast cancer journey. Since 2012, Ms. Needham has been affiliated with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group, first as a Breast Disease Site Executive Committee member, then Lay Representative Committee Chair.  She has worked to further patient centred research across CCTG by formalizing integration of the patient perspective into all steps of development and delivery of clinical trials. She is also a member of the Canadian Cancer Clinical Trials Network's Portfolio and Lay Representative Committees, and BC Clinical Trials Leadership Committee.

The Canadian Cancer Research Alliance (CCRA) is an alliance of organizations that collectively fund most of the cancer research conducted in Canada – research that will lead to better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, and improve patient and survivor outcomes. Over 30 members, including federal research funding programs/agencies, provincial research agencies, provincial cancer care agencies, cancer charities, and other voluntary associations, are part of the Alliance. Members are motivated by the belief that, through effective collaboration, Canadian cancer research funding organizations can maximize their collective impact on cancer control and accelerate discovery for the ultimate benefit of Canadians affected by cancer. The CCRA Executive Office is supported by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government to accelerate action on cancer control for all Canadians. For more information, please visit: http://www.ccra-acrc.ca.

About the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer
As the steward of the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control, the Partnership works with partners to reduce the burden of cancer on Canadians. Our partner network – cancer agencies, health system leaders and experts, and people affected by cancer – brings a wide variety of expertise to every aspect of our work. After 10 years of collaboration, we are accelerating work that improves the effectiveness and efficiency of the cancer control system, aligning shared priorities and mobilizing positive change across the cancer continuum. From 2017-2022, our work is organized under five themes in our Strategic Plan: quality, equity, seamless patient experience, maximize data impact, sustainable system. The Partnership continues to support the work of the collective cancer community in achieving our shared 30-year goals: a future in which fewer people get cancer, fewer die from cancer and those living with the disease have a better quality of life. The Partnership was created by the federal government in 2006 to move the Strategy into action and receives ongoing funding from Health Canada to continue leading the Strategy with partners from across Canada.  Visit www.partnershipagainstcancer.ca.

SOURCE Canadian Cancer Research Alliance