oConceive launches new paraben-free formula to promote natural conception

Gynecologist-developed fertility-enhancing product available online September 29

CINCINNATI, Sept. 29, 2017 /CNW/ - Callitas Health, Inc., a global leader in innovative women's healthcare, today announced the market re-launch of ToConceive, a fertility enhancing vaginal gel, lubricant and moisturizer that may aid in creating an optimal environment for natural conception. The newly reformulated moisturizer is now paraben-free to prevent potential negative side effects on hormones and includes only pharmaceutical-grade ingredients to help increase natural lubrication. The newly re-launched product is Health Canada compliant and will be available for purchase online as of September 29, 2017.

Based on the science behind the 2010 Nobel Prize in Medicine for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and sperm capacitation, ToConceive was scientifically developed by Dr. Ronald Thompson to assist in creating the right environment for conception. ToConceive, in studies, has been shown to help enhance a woman's own natural lubrication, which contains the proteins and other co-factors needed to help conceive naturally.

Acknowledging that approximately 75 percent of unexplained infertility cases among healthy couples can be traced back to a lack of natural vaginal lubrication, ToConceive provides couples trying to conceive with a natural, non-invasive and cost-effective product. The easy-to-apply patented gel includes key ingredients such as menthol and l-arginine, a naturally occurring amino-acid that help supports the production of nitric oxide (NO), and in turn, may help stimulate blood flow to the vagina and other tissues.

"Recognizing both the financial and emotional burden that many couples experience while trying to conceive, ToConceive provides a cost-effective and minimally invasive option, as well as a community of couples who are undergoing similar journeys," said Lindsey Thompson, Director of Brand Management, Callitas Therapeutics. "Callitas Therapeutics is committed to shaping the future of healthcare, and ToConceive is a prime example of an innovative product that is paving-the-way for those seeking fertility assistance."

ToConceive is easy to use every day and should be applied daily after a shower or bath, as well as prior to or during intercourse. It is recommended that ToConceive be used consecutively for a minimum of 90 days for optimum success.

A 90-day supply of ToConceive is $129.99 USD and will available for purchase online September 29, 2017. For more information on ToConceive and to purchase, please visit www.toconceive.com.

About Callitas Health, Inc.:

Formed in early 2015, Callitas Health, Inc. is a clinical-stage company developing innovative technologies for obesity, weight management and female health and wellness. Callitas Health Inc. trades on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) under the ticker symbol "LILY" as well as on the OTCQB as "MPHMF" and FWB (Frankfurt Stock Exchange) as "T3F2."

Notice regarding Forward Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. This news release includes forward-looking statements with respect to the commercialization of the rights to the Company's biomedical & drug technologies, and the acquisition of the rights to a new product. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company's disclosure documents which can be found under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com and the Company's filings to the CSE at www.cnsx.ca. Such risk factors may cause the inability of the Company to successfully commercialize any of its biomedical technologies.

SOURCE Callitas Health, Inc.

Rethink Breast Cancer

Toronto, ON – Toronto’s biggest soiree invites guests to shake, strut and shimmy to the beat in support of Rethink Breast Cancer at the 16th annual Boobyball fundraiser on Friday, October 13at 8 p.m. at REBEL (11 Polson St.). Party-goers will be transported back to the 80s and 90s and experience an evening filled with pink cocktails and scrumptious treats.

This year’s fundraiser themed Let’s Get Physical, aims to promote and celebrate regular physical activity – whether it’s shimmying in the most luscious lycra or having an aerobic dance-off to the sickest beat – which helps reduce a woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.

Tickets for Toronto’s Boobyball: Get Physical are available for purchase at www.Boobyball.com.

Want to do more to raise funds for Rethink Breast Cancer? Hop on a totally rad retro pink bike at TOPSHOP’s ‘Get Physical’ lounge at Boobyball. Every time you sweat it out, TOPSHOP will donate another $1 to Rethink.

Last year’s Boobyball events hosted 4,000 young philanthropists across Canada and since 2002, Boobyball has raised over $4.2 million dollars for Rethink Breast Cancer’s work for young women concerned about and affected by breast cancer. This year, Boobyball aims to raise $540,000 through its coast to coast events hosted in Toronto (Oct. 13), Calgary (Oct. 14), Vancouver (Oct. 21), Ottawa (Oct. 27) and Halifax (Oct. 28).

Toronto’s Sizzling Activations: 

• TOPSHOP Get Physical Lounge with pink retro bikes – for every guest who sweats it out, TOPSHOP will donate another $1 to the cause
• Yummy cocktails by teapigs and Tito’s Handmade vodka
• Oxygen Bar, courtesy of Medreleaf
• Tasty treats from Sweet Jesus
• Retro-hair touch-ups and mini manis by Her Majesty’s Pleasure
• VIP eats by STK and Hickory Farms
• Shwinging Suds by Beau’s
• A sweet ride home courtesy of Beck Taxi
• Retro Photos by The Kit
• Old School beats by DJ Brains4brkfst
• Like, totally major gift bags

Check out the divine wines from Meiomi and Kim Crawford, cocktails created by teapigs and Tito’s Handmade Vodka and pints courtesy of Beau’s.  Fuel up for the dance floor with Sweet Jesus and dive into delish creations from The Food Dudes. Glam up your look with retro-hair style touch-ups by Her Majesty’s Pleasure, all while jamming to memorable beats played by DJ Brains4brkfst, and much more!

Title Sponsor: TOPSHOPNational Preppy Sponsors: Paypal, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Beau’s, Meiomi Wines, Kim Crawford, teapigs, MedReleaf, 4XM, Mosaic and GuestDeck.

Toronto’s fetch sponsors: Beck Taxi, Boss Promotions, Cotton Candy Events, The Food Dudes, Her Majesty's Pleasure, Luxe Rentals, and Parkview BMW.

Toronto’s clutch suppliers: DJ Brains4brkfst, Flow Water, Nando's, Nick Marshall, Panago, STK Toronto, Hickory Farms, Tromba and Sweet Jesus.

Toronto’s media sponsors: Indie88, CP24, The Kit, and eTALK.

To further generate buzz for the biggest bash, Rethink produced an old-school promotional workout video. Click here to view the video. 

Interviews available with Chloe Wilde or The Sorry Girls upon request.

Website:          boobyball.com
Twitter:           @Boobyball
Instagram:      @Boobyball
Facebook:      RethinkBreastCancer
Hashtags:       #Boobyball

About Boobyball
Boobyball was launched in 2002 by a group of dedicated young women in support of their friend Sarah O’Regan who, at just 23 years old, was diagnosed with aggressive, advanced breast cancer. Fast forward 16 years, and Boobyball is now one of the most coveted and high profile fundraising events for young philanthropists in Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa and Winnipeg, and Sarah is a thriving mother of three. Since 2002, Boobyball has raised over $4.2 million dollars for Rethink Breast Cancer’s work for young women concerned about and affected by breast cancer. For more about Boobyball, visit www.boobyball.com.

About Rethink Breast Cancer^TM
Rethink Breast Cancer’s mission is to empower young people worldwide who are concerned about and affected by breast cancer. Rethink is the first ever Canadian charity to bring bold, relevant awareness to the 40s and under crowd; foster a new generation of young and influential breast cancer supporters; infuse sass and style into the cause; and, most importantly, respond to the unique needs of young women going through it.  By taking a breakthrough approach to all aspects of breast cancer – education, resources, advocacy, community building, and fundraising – Rethink is thinking differently about breast cancer.  To find out more about Rethink Breast Cancer, visit rethinkbreastcancer.com.

Ride for Cancer powered by BMO Bank of Montreal is doing something #BIGGER for cancer care in our region

SOURCE QEII Foundation

Get Your Blood Pumping: 5 Great Ways to Exercise at Home

So you want to get in shape, but you don't have cash for the gym or time to leave the confines of your home? Never fear, there are plenty of ways to exercise within your own four walls. Here are a few ideas for the "homebody" who wants to become a "hardbody!"

1. Body Weight Exercises

Who says you need weights to get in shape? Push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups and dips constitute an excellent workout all by themselves. As an added bonus, exercising without the help of a machine actually engages your core much more strongly, meaning that when you're attempting a push-up, you're exercising your chest, abdominal region, upper arms and hamstrings all at once.

2. HIIT

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is essentially a more advanced version of using your body weight to exercise. Every workout alternates between intervals of intense activity and shorter periods of rest. These workouts might only end up lasting a total of 15 to 20 minutes, but they have been found by experts to be more effective than many classic or mainstream workouts (not to mention time-efficient!)

3. Swimming

This might not work as well for you if you live in Minnesota, but having access to a private pool can be a tremendous boost to your home workout. Swimming is insanely good for you, and many people with chronic knee or back issues use pool work to stay in shape because the water provides so much less resistance than the ground does for runners. Getting a custom swimming pool from a company like Desjoyaux Pools can save you from strain and help you build that upper body muscle that you desire.

4. Dancing

People across the world use dancing to convey joy and expression, but you don't have to have a rhythmic bone in your body to take advantage of the health effects of dancing in your living room. There are video instructional classes online of just about any dance style, so just plug, play and watch the pounds melt off!

5. Yoga

If you like exercise but you LOVE feeling centered and whole, then home yoga practice might be for you. The best part about taking online yoga classes at home is that you can go at your own pace, break anytime you want, and have an episode of your favorite TV show on in the background. Yoga is the best way to feel cool, calm and collected (and maybe even sturdy and strapping.)

Workouts don't have to be put in a box. Gym, outdoors, home, at a friend's... there are so many ways to keep in shape, and at least five methods that you can comfortably engage with at home!

Toronto Wins Bid to Host Top Medical Technology Conference in 2020

SOURCE Metro Toronto Convention Centre

#CANADAvsHPV: Canada paves the way globally with first HPV Prevention Week, October 1–7, 2017

SOURCE Federation of Medical Women of Canada (FMWC)

Top 10 Tips For Healthy Grocery Shopping

Grocery shopping isn’t always easy. It is common to get lost amongst the fancy processed foods, refined sugars and tempting baked goods. To learn how to grocery shop for your health it takes practice. Just like learning to ride a bike takes time so does healthy grocery shopping. You need to choose items you like to eat and not force yourself to buy things that will just end up rotting in your fridge. Also choosing a variety of foods from all four food groups can help you achieve a balanced, healthy eating plan. Here are some healthy grocery shopping tips to help you keep it healthy at the grocery store and choose foods that are good for you.

Make a plan

When you go to the store arrive with a list of what you want to buy that way you are less likely to act on impulse. If you plan the night before what you want to cook for the next few days you can prepare a list of all the food and ingredients that you need to pick up. If you fail to plan you plan to fail. And don’t add on any new items that you haven’t planned for. Stay on track and don't get distracted by fancy displays or temptations.

Shop on the outside Aisles

Stay on the outside of the aisles. Most processed food is on the shelves in the middle and the fresh and healthy ingredients are on the perimeters. Try to buy a variety of greens and fruits. The brighter the colours in the produce the more packed full of nutrients that there are. If you can stay free of processed foods the more healthy you will be.

Always read the label

Be Smart and If you do venture into the aisle try to avoid foods that contain more than five ingredients, artificial ingredients, or ingredients you can't pronounce. According to Eat Right Ontario “Use the Nutrition Facts table on food labels to choose nutritious products with less fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar and sodium. The % Daily Value tells you if the food has a little or a lot of a particular nutrient. 5% DV means a food has a little of a nutrient. 15% DV means a food has a lot of a nutrient. Remember that the calorie and nutrient content that is listed is based on the amount of food specified at the top of the table.” Also remember to try buy food that is low in sodium, artificial flavours and preservatives.

Be careful with dairy

Dairy can be good but in moderation. A good way to stay healthy with cheese or dairy products is to choose lower fat milk and alternatives. Buy skim, 1% or 2% milk or a milk alternative such as almond, rice or coconut. You can always take your time to compare the Nutrition Facts table on packaged foods to help you select lower fat milk alternatives like low fat yogurt and cheeses.

Shop with your children

Bring your kids with you to help teach them the importance of healthy eating. Children may forget what you say but they will always remember what you did. If you have older kids you can give them each part of the list and create a scavenger hunt. This make shopping fun for the whole family.

Say no to commercial marketing

By commercial marketing we mean cartoons and characters that are targeting your children. If you don't want you or your kids eating junk food, definitely don't have them in the house. These include cereals, bars and bags that have cute writing, sponsored marketing or have an animal that is depicted by a cartoon. Most of the time this food is packed with additives, preservatives, excess sodium and processed sugars.

Use Coupons

Don’t be afraid to cut up some coupons to save money. Yes sometimes eating healthy and/or organic can be a bit expensive, but if you look for deals and use coupons it doesn't have to be. You can find lots of great deals online or in your local flyers. This will help cut the costs and help you organize your shopping trip before you even leave your house.

Shop local

Healthy food that is grown locally can often times be much more affordable from farms and markets than your giant chain supermarket. Google a list of local markets and farms and don’t be afraid to try and make a deal if you plan on using them a lot. And nothing is better than supporting local businesses.

If you're on a budget

If you are on a budget or cant get to a local market or farm and have to go to the big chain grocery and the money in your pocket doesn’t agree with the cost of fresh food and produce it is ok to choose frozen or canned vegetables and fruits in water. Just make sure that there are no added sugars, saturated and trans fat, or salt.

Use your own self motivation

Go shopping after workout but only if you have had a post workout shake or meal. After a good sweat and have training on your mind, you're less likely to buy junk that will reject everything you just did. Plus you don’t want all that hard work in the gym to just be reversed by making a bad impulsive choice.

You can learn how to make healthy grocery shopping a habit and you can even involve your children. Plan ahead thinking about all of the food groups, try to stick to foods that you and your family enjoy, and don’t be scared to ask questions when you go to the grocery store, farm or market and remember if it's not fresh always check the label and the ingredients that go into the food that you are consuming. Happy healthy grocery shopping!

CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HEALTH

Travelling symposium hosted by Dairy Farmers of Canada explores important aspects related to nutrition and women’s health

The presenters are as follows:

• Angela Alberga, PhD, Concordia University, will speak about her research and efforts to reduce weight discrimination in society, as weight-based stigma is extremely harmful and prevalent, even in our health system. She received a Canadian Diabetes Association Doctoral Research Award for her research on improving the cardiometabolic health of children and adolescents with obesity through exercise.
• Stéphanie Chevalier, PhD, RD, McGill University, will speak about protein metabolism and the role of dietary protein and amino acids in preventing loss of muscle mass and strength in aging, which can lead to functional decline and loss of autonomy. Her research goal is to better understand the metabolic alterations leading to loss of muscle and functions, and develop nutritional strategies to counteract them.
• Kelsey Mangano, PhD, RD, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, will present her research exploring the relation between nutrition and bone health through the lifespan. She will highlight the public health burden of osteoporosis and fractures and provide scientific updates on the roles of dairy products and their nutrients on bone mass and the prevention of osteoporosis and fractures in older adults.
• Elizabeth Mansfield, PhD, MSc, RD, CSEP-CEP, CSSD, is an Exercise Physiologist and Certified Specialist in Sport Dietetics and Peak Performance.She will speak on nutrition considerations for physically active women including women who may have specific attitudes and behaviours related to food and exercise which may compromise their health and their performance.

YMCA of Greater Toronto celebrates our city’s youth

Teen Night at Mississauga Burnhamthorpe Rd. YMCA Centre

TORONTO – September 20, 2017 – This summer, the YMCA of Greater Toronto marked Canada 150 by providing one-year health and fitness memberships to 150 youth between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. The YMCA of Greater Toronto launched the Teen Fitness Celebration on July 31, 2017 inviting community partners, local organizations, YMCA volunteers and YMCA program participants to take part through an online public contest and nomination process.

“I am delighted with the response to our YMCA Teen Fitness Celebration, which aimed to help more youth reach their full potential,” explains Medhat Mahdy, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Toronto. “The goal of this initiative is to support more teens by giving them access to safe social and physical environments, where they can feel connected to their community and experience personal growth.  I look forward to welcoming our new members this fall.”

The YMCA Teen Fitness Celebration ended August 31, 2017 and winners of the 150 one-year health and fitness memberships were contacted earlier this September. To allow for a broad and fair representation of youth applicants, this online contest included nominations from organizations within the community and YMCA of Greater Toronto program leads, as well as from YMCA Teen Council members.

Youth that regularly attend YMCA Teen Night® were also given the chance to win, with 50 of the 150 memberships allocated to those participants. From playing sports to taking a music, arts or dance class, Teen Night programs are run by youth and supported by adult mentors.

“By giving away these 150 year-long health and fitness memberships to our youth, we’re investing in Canada’s future,” states Mahdy. “We’re continuing the YMCA’s legacy of over 160 years of working with young people in the GTA to help build health, confidence and leadership skills through effective and holistic programming.”

-30-

For more information contact:

Nora Gorman
E: Nora.Gorman@ymcagta.org | T: 416-928-3362 x 22476 | M: 416-906-7896

Deane Code

E: Deane.Code@ymcagta.org | T: 416-640-4661 | M: 416-732-4835

About the YMCA of Greater Toronto

For well over a century, we’ve provided leadership and worked with partners solving complex social problems to create real, measurable outcomes that have strengthened the social health and fabric of communities. As a charity, the YMCA offers a variety of programs responding to the needs of the community, including education and training, employment and immigrant services, family and youth services, health and fitness programs, child care and camps. Serving the population of the GTA, Durham, Peel, York, Halton Region and Dufferin County, last year the YMCA connected with more than 546,000 people across 409 locations. www.ymcagta.org

About YMCA Teen Night

Developed in response to the needs of our growing and diverse communities, YMCA Teen Nights are addressing issues such as belonging, sedentary behaviour, obesity, and disengagement. YMCA Teen Nights are designed to support youth who want to get active, build new connections, hone their leadership skills, and become engaged members of their communities. Each and every weekend, Teen Nights give between 9,000 and 12,000 youth free access to safe spaces where they can build confidence and meet positive role models.

5 Life Triggers that Inspire Bold Beauty Transformations

It is common for women to alter their appearance when faced with a significant life challenge. When we are tested we transform. When we shift our mindset, and transform on the inside, it’s only natural that we want the outside to change as well. It’s as if we shed old skin like a butterfly ready to take new flight soaring to new heights. Below are some common life challenges and the typical beauty treatments sought for each.

A milestone birthday.

You don’t have to be turning 50 to freak out about a birthday. Women as young as 25 are having quarter life crisis.’ Women who turn 30 or 35 often feel blah about it. Even if women feel great about a milestone birthday they still may desire a change. According to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, “when we have birthday’s, we focus on aging. We look at our faces in the mirror and may think a refresher is in order. It’s common for women to book appointments for Botox around their birthdays. However, when aging becomes an obsession causing anxiety or depression, it’s important to speak to a professional.”

Surviving an illness.

“After recovering from illness, especially if the road to recovery was long and hard, it is normal to want a new look,” explains Hafeez. When people feel healthier and happier they may desire a new wardrobe; especially if there was weight loss. Dr. Margarita Lolis a Board-Certified Dermatologist in northern New Jersey who specializes in anti-aging and longevity adds, “they may also want to explore fillers to the face to replace volume lost while ill. It’s important to make a full recovery before doing any invasive procedures. You really must speak to your doctor to clear you for any elective surgeries.” “There’s a lot of empowerment that comes from battling back from illness. It makes sense that someone would want to celebrate their good health with a ‘new me’ approach to their appearance,” says Hafeez.

Going back to work after a stretch of unemployment.

You got laid off and for months your job has been finding a new job. After months of sitting at the computer in sweats only showering to go on interviews you finally get hired! Elated you decide to treat yourself to a spa day, get a pro to cut and color your hair and splurge on new eyeglass frames. “Being unemployed crushes the spirit. The longer someone is unemployed the greater their chances are of sinking into depression. When a new job is secured there’s a feeling that the weight of the world is off the shoulders. Of course, you want to treat yourself” says Dr. Hafeez.

Divorce or a breakup.

One of the most profound triggers motivating a significant change to a woman’s appearance is divorce. Breast augmentation, tummy tucks, liposuction, face lifts, weight loss, new hair, new clothes and total transformation is common. Divorce is such a significant severing that most women feel that the person they were before must change. The fastest way is to change their appearance. The challenge here is that they are often hurting inside as they grieve the loss of their marriage. Even if they are happy for the divorce and ended it amicably the stress over dating again is a motivator. Dr. Lolis says many new clients come to her by referral because they recently divorced and want their “cry lines” removed and a fresh look to their faces.

Moving to a new city.

“Uprooting to a new city can be very scary. There are a lot of unknowns which makes people feel as if they are out of control,” says Dr. Hafeez. The one thing they can take control over is their appearance. It’s common for people who relocate to assume a whole new identity that blends in with the other people of that city. If you’re moving from New York City to a beach town in Miami, your attire is going to change.

About the Doctors

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical neuropsychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens. 

Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz.

Connect with her via twitter @comprehendMind or www.comprehendthemind.com 

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.