Author: trainitright

Billion-dollar Growth Opportunities in Cancer Testing Market: How Will Collaborative Partnerships Drive Better Health Outcomes?

Cancer is the second major cause of death in the United States (U.S.). Every year, cancer claims the lives of more than half a million Americans. Frost & Sullivan has been researching how new technology advancement in next generation sequencing (NGS), proteomics and liquid biopsy will fuel growth in cancer screening, prognosis and therapy monitoring markets.

Our research on U.S. Oncology Diagnostics Market explores the growth opportunities; challenges in molecular and non-molecular technology segments across five different cancers namely breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer. The 2016 U.S. cancer diagnostics market is valued at $1.1 billion out of a market potential of $21.6 billion. If the full market potential is exploited, the annual revenue could grow to $25 billion by 2021.

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Clinicians have endorsed that screening at early detection, and therapy selection and monitoring are the short term promising applications of liquid biopsies, a non-invasive way of measuring biomarkers that can eliminate the need for biopsies where often the go-to site is a big concern. “Several diagnostic companies are expanding their product portfolio to include liquid biopsy and companion diagnostics in their long term strategy, Prominent pharmaceutical companies such as Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Johnson & Johnson’s and their respective venture capital arm are investing heavily in liquid biopsy start ups," explains Transformational Health Principal Analyst Divyaa Ravishankar.As a result, convergence and collaboration between pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies are meant to grow significantly. With private insurance payers now covering the cost for new cancer assays that have a demonstrable economic advantage to the health continuum; the insurance market segment will continue to move to the value based reimbursement model. For this reason, many novel assays have proven to deliver cost-effective solutions to improve patient outcomes at a better healthcare economic cost. “Marketing strategies for companies such as 23andme and Provista Diagnostics receive a particular mention because they are advertising directly to consumers who in turn ask physicians to get tested with a particular company. This puts the patient as a key decision maker in the cancer care ecosystem,” adds Ravishankar. 

In addition, genomics technologies are increasingly being used to understand genetic changes associated with cancer progression. The trend is supported by increasing focus on preventive and personalized healthcare approaches from healthcare providers and payers. Further, lowering cost of genome sequencing and advancements in clinical interpretation capabilities of NGS data have supported the rise of this trend. “While a number of NGS informatics companies have already made significant investments to develop focused capabilities for NGS-based oncology diagnostics assays and therapies, there are still ample opportunities in this market, especially in the clinical interpretation and reporting segment,” concludes Piyush Bansal, Transformational Health Senior Industry Analyst.

The current U.S. NGS informatics market in genomic testing companies segment is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18% during 2016-2021. Subject to some positive regulatory and technology developments, the molecular diagnostics customer segment can offer more than $150 million in revenue to the NGS informatics industry, out of which a significant part of the revenue will be contributed by oncology diagnostics tests and assays. Also, the analysis predicts a strong growth of NGS informatics solutions in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical customer segment, as biopharma companies will look to increase their spend on disease research using NGS.

“Exercise-in-a-pill” boosts athletic endurance by 70 percent
Sedentary mice given the drug ran longer without training
LA JOLLA–Every week, there seems to be another story about the health benefits of running. That’s great–but what if you can’t run? For the elderly, obese or otherwise mobility-limited, the rewards of aerobic exercise have long been out of reach.

Salk Institute scientists, building on earlier work that identified a gene pathway triggered by running, have discovered how to fully activate that pathway in sedentary mice with a chemical compound, mimicking the beneficial effects of exercise, including increased fat burning and stamina. The study, which appears this week in Cell Metabolism, not only deepens our understanding of aerobic endurance, but also offers people with heart conditions, pulmonary disease, type 2 diabetes or other health limitations the hope of achieving its benefits pharmacologically.

“It’s well known that people can improve their aerobic endurance through training,” says senior author Ronald Evans, Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator and holder of Salk’s March of Dimes Chair in Molecular and Developmental Biology. “The question for us was: how does endurance work? And if we really understand the science, can we replace training with a drug?”

Developing endurance means being able to sustain an aerobic activity for longer periods of time. As people become more fit, their muscles shift from burning carbohydrates (glucose) to burning fat. So researchers assumed that endurance is a function of the body’s increasing ability to burn fat, though details of the process have been murky. Previous work by the Evans lab into a gene called PPAR delta (PPARD) offered intriguing clues: mice genetically engineered to have permanently activated PPARD became long-distance runners who were resistant to weight gain and highly responsive to insulin–all qualities associated with physical fitness. The team found that a chemical compound called GW1516 (GW) similarly activated PPARD, replicating the weight control and insulin responsiveness in normal mice that had been seen in the engineered ones. However, GW did not affect endurance (how long the mice could run) unless coupled with daily exercise, which defeated the purpose of using it to replace exercise.

In the current study, the Salk team gave normal mice a higher dose of GW, for a longer period of time (8 weeks instead of 4). Both the mice that received the compound and mice that did not were typically sedentary, but all were subjected to treadmill tests to see how long they could run until exhausted.

Mice in the control group could run about 160 minutes before exhaustion. Mice on the drug, however, could run about 270 minutes–about 70 percent longer. For both groups, exhaustion set in when blood sugar (glucose) dropped to around 70 mg/dl, suggesting that low glucose levels (hypoglycemia) are responsible for fatigue.

To understand what was happening at the molecular level, the team compared gene expression in a major muscle of mice. They found 975 genes whose expression changed in response to the drug, either becoming suppressed or increased. Genes whose expression increased were ones that regulate breaking down and burning fat. Surprisingly, genes that were suppressed were related to breaking down carbohydrates for energy. This means that the PPARD pathway prevents sugar from being an energy source in muscle during exercise, possibly to preserve sugar for the brain. Activating fat-burning takes longer than burning sugar, which is why the body generally uses glucose unless it has a compelling reason not to–like maintaining brain function during periods of high energy expenditure. Although muscles can burn either sugar or fat, the brain prefers sugar, which explains why runners who “hit the wall” experience both physical and mental fatigue when they use up their supply of glucose.

“This study suggests that burning fat is less a driver of endurance than a compensatory mechanism to conserve glucose,” says Michael Downes, a Salk senior scientist and co—senior author of the paper. “PPARD is suppressing all the points that are involved in sugar metabolism in the muscle so glucose can be redirected to the brain, thereby preserving brain function.”

Interestingly, the muscles of mice that took the exercise drug did not exhibit the kinds of physiological changes that typically accompany aerobic fitness: additional mitochondria, more blood vessels and a shift toward the type of muscle fibers that burn fat rather than sugar. This shows that these changes are not exclusively driving aerobic endurance; it can also be accomplished by chemically activating a genetic pathway. In addition to having increased endurance, mice who were given the drug were also resistant to weight gain and more responsive to insulin than the mice who were not on the drug.

“Exercise activates PPARD, but we’re showing that you can do the same thing without mechanical training. It means you can improve endurance to the equivalent level as someone in training, without all of the physical effort,” says Weiwei Fan, a Salk research associate and the paper’s first author.

Although the lab’s studies have been in mice, pharmaceutical companies are interested in using the research to develop clinical trials for humans. The team can envision a number of therapeutic applications for a prescription drug based on GW, from increasing fat-burning in people suffering from obesity or type 2 diabetes to improving patients’ fitness before and after surgery.

Other authors included Wanda Waizenegger, Chun Shi Lin, Ming-Xiao He, Christopher E. Wall, Ruth T. Yu, Annette R. Atkins of Salk; Vincenzo Sorrentino, Hao Li and Johan Auwerx of the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne; and Christopher Liddle of the University of Sydney.

The work was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, Stand Up to Cancer and Ipsen Bioscience, Inc.

About the Salk Institute for Biological Studies:
Every cure has a starting point. The Salk Institute embodies Jonas Salk's mission to dare to make dreams into reality. Its internationally renowned and award-winning scientists explore the very foundations of life, seeking new understandings in neuroscience, genetics, immunology, plant biology and more. The Institute is an independent nonprofit organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature and fearless in the face of any challenge. Be it cancer or Alzheimer's, aging or diabetes, Salk is where cures begin.

Take on the city with adidas PureBOOST DPR, engineered to deliver a raw, real and adaptive street running experience

Signature BOOST technology with a new 8mm head-to-toe offset stores and unleashes energy more effectively
HERZOGENAURACH, GERMANY — Today adidas revealed its latest addition to the PureBOOST franchise that launched earlier this year. The new PureBOOST DPR is an  innovation engineered to take runners closer to the city streets. The shoe is made for those whose unafraid attitude makes no urban environment unconquerable. The new agile and adaptive design features the latest application of adidas’ industry leading BOOST technology, with a new 8mm heel-to-toe offset, that stores and unleashes energy more effectively every time it hits the ground, enabling runners to truly ‘feel’ the streets.

When developing PureBOOST DPR, adidas looked at the needs of the urban runner and designed a shoe that is as dynamic and adaptable as they are. PureBOOST DPR was created to support runners dodging traffic, racing street lights and weaving through pedestrians, working with the unpredictable surroundings and harnessing its energy.

“All over the world, runners are exploring cities and expressing their own creativity in the routes they choose and the challenges they take on." said Stephan Schneider, Product Manager at adidas Global Running. "We wanted to build something purely designed for this type of runner, and loved the idea of creating a more adaptive running experience. This led us to design an 8mm heel-to-offset, that when paired with signature BOOST technology allows the feet to sit lower, deeper, and much closer to the streets.”

The shoe’s key features include:

  • One-piece engineered circular knit upper - Aramis-tested for a seamless and adaptive fit, wrapping the foot from the inside of the midfoot around to the outside. Providing comfort no matter the route or obstacle.
  • Heel fit counter system - designed to enhance the support of the foot and the Achilles, while allowing the foot to move effortlessly with the shoe.
  • Wider forefoot - providing a more stable platform that tailors itself in the pivotal moments of transition when running over various urban surfaces and around corners.
  • Stretchweb outsole - enabling a smoother and more flexible ride, working in harmony with BOOST to unleash a runner’s full potential.
  • BOOST - ultra-responsive comfort and cushioning that stores and returns energy every time the foot hits the ground.

The adidas PureBOOST DPR will be available late May 2017 at adidas.ca/PureBOOST.

Twitter: @adidasca
Instagram: @adidasca
#PureBOOST

New National Mental Health Coalition Seeks Equitable Access to Depression Medications

'An employment lottery should not be the basis for treating the most significant public health issue of the 21st century'

OTTAWA, May 3, 2017 /CNW/ - During CMHA's Mental Health Week, Canadians are being asked to 'get loud' for mental health. It's all part of this year's Sick of Waiting: Get Loud for Mental Health campaign. A newly formed group of mental health professionals and leaders, advocates, doctors, academics and people with lived experience is lending its voice to the campaign — and calling for changes to Canada's public drug plan system that prevents many Canadians from getting the treatment they need to get better.

The Canadians for Equitable Access to Depression Medication (CEADM) coalition — led by three of Canada's strongest advocates for mental wellness, Phil Upshall, National Executive Director of the Mood Disorders Society of Canada; Dr. Patrick Smith, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association; and Jeff Moat, President of Partners for Mental Health — states that under the current system, Canada's most vulnerable — the marginalized, the unemployed, veterans, seniors, single parents, Indigenous peoples — are unable to access the latest medications that could help them get better.

In forming the coalition, CEADM intends to:

  • create awareness and recognition among policy-makers about the complexity of major depressive disorder and the effects of depression on Canadians' overall health;
  • highlight the inequity issue for many Canadians who rely on what is a broken public drug plan approval system; and
  • make better depression care a priority among policy-makers.

Improving the system will go a long way to treating what is the most significant public health issue of the 21st century.

"Canadians who live with mental illness already face the barrier of stigma as well as being debilitated by this disease," says Mr. Upshall. "But in Canada, people who rely on the provincial and territorial public drug plans either can't get access to or face considerable delays in accessing the latest medicines to treat their illness. Contrast this to people with private plans, where access to innovative medicines is far more efficient and timely."

Dr. Smith points out that this federal government has taken a bold leadership stand for mental health.  Federal Minister of Health Jane Philpott has remarked on the importance of improving accessibility to pharmaceuticals for Canadians and investing more into mental health treatment. Through her leadership and that of her fellow ministers, we are beginning to see real action taken to transform Canada's response to mental health. "Yet, despite open conversations and thoughtful discourse, despite public policy strategies and emerging philanthropic interest in mental health, people who are living with mental illness still struggle to get the care and supports they need, with ease and without prejudice," Dr. Smith adds.

Compared to other OECD countries, Canada can do better, says Laureen MacNeil, CEADM's Alberta Regional Co-Chair and Executive Director, CMHA Calgary Region: "Access to new medicines in Canada's public drug plans is lagging when compared to access in private sector drug plans, and when compared to public drug plans in other countries."

First responders like Ron Campbell, a retired RCMP officer from Alberta who has dealt with post-traumatic stress disorder and major depression, and is a member of the national coalition, appreciates the fact that his private drug plan enabled him to get the support and therapy he needed. "I'm one of the lucky ones whose private drug plan covered some of these innovative new medicines. But there are so many Canadians who aren't as fortunate as I. Access to the right medicines shouldn't be an issue for anyone. It isn't right."

The one in five Canadians who experience mental illness and the $51 billion-a-year-cost to the Canadian economy underscore the scale of the problem.

"Depression is a significant public health issue, and it's getting more problematic," says Ann Marie MacDonald, CEADM's Ontario Regional Co-Chair and Executive Director of the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario. "One in five Canadians is affected by mental illness and about 4,000 die by suicide every year. Sadly, suicide is a leading cause of death among our young people. Yet, despite the magnitude of the problem, government investment in mental health care is modest at best."

CEADM's call for change to the public drug plan system is both an equity issue and a moral issue.

"It is time for Canada to change the way we support people with mental health problems or illness.  Access to treatment should not be limited to those select few with employment benefits," adds Mr. Moat. "Changing the process that recommends drugs for reimbursement by provincial and territorial public drug plans to allow all Canadians access to the latest and best drugs to treat this complex illness is the right thing to do."

Backgrounder - Canadians for Equitable Access to Depression Medication (CEADM)

In an unprecedented move, mental health professionals and leaders, advocates, doctors, academics and people with lived experience from across the country have joined together to form a coalition to ensure equitable and sustainable access for all Canadians suffering with depression.

Through Canadians for Equitable Access to Depression Medication (CEADM), these coalition members are speaking with a common voice on behalf of Canadians who need equitable access to medication to treat their depression, regardless of their income, education or access to employment benefits.

CEADM's objectives are to:

  • create awareness among policy-makers about the complexity of major depressive disorder and the effects of depression on Canadians' overall health;
  • highlight the inequity/fairness issue for many Canadians who rely on a public drug plan approval system that requires fixing; and
  • make depression care a priority among policy-makers.

The Issue Around Inequity and the Public Drug Plan System

At the heart of the problem, preventing vulnerable Canadians from accessing the latest medicines, are three related issues.

Number 1: Depression is complex, with 227 different combinations of symptoms. There is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach to treatment. A wide choice of therapy is critical to be able to find the best option for individual patients when it comes to treating mental illness — one that addresses not only mood but also changes in sleep patterns and appetite, as well as cognition.

Number 2: Canadians who depend on public drug coverage because of a lack of income, education or access to employment benefits are limited to a range of drugs that are available to treat depression. Currently, public drug plans only cover medications that were developed to address mood symptoms However, as we learn and understand more about depression, it is clear that a broader range of choice of medications brings with it a greater probability of success. Unfortunately, that broader range of choice of medications is not available to those on public drug plans.

Number 3: Despite the fact that innovative medications have been approved as safe and effective treatments by Health Canada, a complex multi-stage review process is preventing these medications from being approved for public drug plan coverage.

Under the current system, new drugs are submitted to a health technology assessment (HTA) agency for evaluation. While it is not the only element that is evaluated, the cost of a medication does play a significant role in the decision-making process, even though HTA evaluations are meant to be evidence-based, where clinical effectiveness and safety are also considered. The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) then releases its final recommendations to the federal and provincial/territorial governments.

Of the 21 new mental health drug submissions filed to the CADTH between 2004 and 2015:

  • 76.2% were given negative recommendations for public drug plan coverage.
  • 100% of the submissions for major depressive disorder received a negative recommendation — not listed for reimbursement — while of the 134 non-mental health drug submissions, 65 (48.5%) received a negative recommendation.
  • The review process was considerably lengthier, at 242 days on average for mental health drugs compared to 192 days for non-mental health drugs.
  • It is estimated that the direct costs of new mental health drugs on provincial, territorial and the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) public drug plans represents less than 1 percent of the more than $54 billion in societal costs associated with the economic burden of mental illness in Canada.

Furthermore:

  • Public drug plan spending on the direct costs of new mental health drugs was less than 1% of the more than $54.6 billion associated with the total economic burden of mental illness in Canada for 205.

Members of Canadians for Equitable Access to Depression Medication to date:

Phil Upshall, National Leadership Team, Mood Disorders Society of Canada

Dr. Patrick Smith, National Leadership Team, Canadian Mental Health Association

Jeff Moat, National Leadership Team, Partners for Mental Health

Ann Marie MacDonald, Regional Ontario Co-Chair; Mood Disorders Association of Ontario

Michael Landsberg, Regional Ontario Co-Chair; #SickNotWeak

Laureen MacNeil, Regional Alberta Co-Chair; Canadian Mental Health Association, Calgary

Ron Campbell, Regional Alberta Co-Chair; person with lived experience

Dave Grauwiler, Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta

Camille Quenneville, Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario

Dr. Sid Kennedy, University Health Network

Pratap Chokka, Chokka Centre for Integrative Health

Bill Gaudette, formerly CMHA, Past Member, Provincial Mental Health Board (Alberta)

Brianne Moore, person with lived experience, Ontario

Jean-François Claude, person with lived experience, Ontario

SOURCE Coalition for Equitable Access to Depression Medication

canfitpro world fitness expo 2017 brings industry elite to Toronto including Tony Horton and Shawn T
Canada's largest fitness event returns to the Metro Toronto Convention CentreAugust 16-20 with over 300 leading-edge fitness education sessions and 200 international experts
TORONTO, ON — canfitpro, Canada’s largest provider of fitness education, brings its world fitness expo back to Toronto from August 16 to 20, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. As the largest fitness conference and trade show in the world, canfitpro draws in over 16,000 delegates and visitors each year. In its 24th annual run, this internationally-recognized event will continue to inspire a certified healthy and active lifestyle across the country.
World-renowned fitness expert, Tony Horton (creator of P90X), will kick off Thursday’s opening ceremonies with an inspirational discussion about his personal journey, tips for maximizing motivation and how to live a more productive lifestyle.

During the five-day event, attendees will have the opportunity to customize their experience with a selection of over 300 sessions presented by over 200 international experts. From heart-pumpingworkouts to stimulating lectures from the greatest minds in the industry, attendees will find inspiration and education in the many fields of wellness where their passions align.

Attendees will enjoy a variety of activities, contests, exclusive shopping experiences at the show’s Expo Hall, featuring hundreds of companies providing amazing deals on the latest products and services, as well as sessions led by some of the world’s top fitness celebrities such as:
  • Shaun T – Creator of INSANITY, CIZE and HipHop Abs
  • Tosca Reno – Bestselling Author, ‘Eat Clean Queen’
  • Kathy Smart – Gluten Free Expert
  • Joel Freeman, Jericho McMatthews, Nichelle Laus – Beachbody Super Trainers
  • Tommy Europe – SHRED BOOTCAMP fitness coach
“canfitpro’s purpose is to inspire healthy living through fitness education,” says Rod Macdonald, Vice President of canfitpro. “world fitness expo is the only place where you will find as much education at the lowest price for an event of this kind.”

CEO of GoodLife Fitness, David Patchell-Evans, will close the weekend with a powerful presentation on his personal challenges and experiences, and the role gratitude plays in living a happy, healthy and successful life.

With a mission to make Canada healthier and stronger, world fitness expo is a riveting, educational and life-changing experience.

Event registration is currently available at early bird pricing under the following categories: non-members (general public), canfitpro members, and student members. Attendees can customize their experiences based on what day(s) they would like to attend, and the different intensives they would like to participate in.

For those looking to attend Expo Hall only, tickets can be purchased for $20 (inclusive of tax), beginning on Friday, May 5.

The event brochure, including a full cost breakdown, list of additional keynote speakers and a complete session schedule can be viewed here.

Website: www.worldfitnessexpo.com
Twitter: @canfitpro
Instagram: @canfitpro
Facebook: @canfitpro
Hashtag: #canfitpro #worldfitnessexpo

About canfitpro
canfitpro is the largest provider of education in the Canadian fitness industry. Founded in 1993, canfitpro delivers accessible, quality education, certifications, events and membership services. canfitpro's over 100,000 members include some of the world's finest fitness professionals, health club operators, industry suppliers, and fitness consumers.

Using Reality TV to Improve Men's Mental Health

Toronto psychiatrist creates bold, experimental web series Think You Can Shrink? to improve men's mental health and reduce stigma.

TORONTO, May 1, 2017 /CNW/ - A Toronto psychiatrist has developed a unique initiative to help remove the stigma associated with mental health issues among men and encourage them to seek professional help.

Dr. Thomas Ungar, an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto and Head of Psychiatry at North York General Hospital, created Think You can Shrink?, a reality TV-style web series that is generating positive results among viewers.

"Mental health issues are widely misunderstood and stigmatized among the general public," Dr. Ungar said. "I wanted to create something that goes beyond traditional health promotion. I hope that by playing with everyday pop culture like a reality show, we can help people become more comfortable with mental illness and get the help they need."

With innovation funding from the Movember Foundation, the world's leading men's health charity, and support from the North York General Hospital Foundation, Dr. Ungar created Think You Can Shrink?, a three-episode web series that focuses on intimate subjects rarely portrayed in popular culture: suicidal depression, testicular lumps, and explaining how to deal with a narcissist.

"Mental health issues are particularly acute among men, who are more likely than women to try to tough it out or struggle alone," Dr. Ungar said, noting that three out of four suicides are men and that suicide is the second-leading cause of death among men aged 15 to 29.

Employing a method used to train medical students, actors are coached to portray mental health problems.  Contestants with everyday jobs who think they are good at giving advice (a bartender, a hairdresser and a strip club owner) test their skills – both successfully and unsuccessfully.  Judges include a psychiatrist, an emergency room/family doctor and celebrity Rick Campanelli, co-host of ET Canada.

"It was a fine line to walk, trying to not be exploitive of mental health issues, but entertaining so people would watch" Dr. Ungar said.  The web series avoids the shaming factor of reality TV to show that strong male support and communication is possible, de-stigmatizing the act of reaching out for help.

A survey of people who watched the episodes concludes that the reality TV-style was successful in de-stigmatizing mental health issues and encouraging people to seek professional care.  Seventy-five per cent of viewers said they were more likely to seek help if needed, and 86% would be more comfortable supporting a friend or family member who had the same health issue as portrayed in the video, according to the study in the Journal of Technology and Behavioral Science.

About the Movember Foundation:

The Movember Foundation is the only global charity focused solely on men's health. We raise funds that deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programs to enable men to live happier, healthier, longer lives. Awareness and fundraising activities are run year-round, with the annual Movember Campaign in November being globally recognized for its fun, disruptive approach to fundraising and getting men to take action for their health. Since Movember started in Melbourne, Australia in 2003, millions have joined the movement, raising over $759 Million and funding over 1,200 projects focused on men's mental health & suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancer. You can help stop men dying too young at movember.com.

SOURCE Dr. Tom Ungar

Lace up your running shoes and race to these six world renowned marathon destinations

 

26.2 miles. For many people, running a marathon is a bucket list accomplishment. For others, it’s a chance to visit new exciting places while running a race or contributing to an important fundraising effort. Whether you’re interested in the challenge of the race or travelling somewhere beautiful to feed your passion for running, Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, shares six marathons that are worth travelling (and training) for.

 

The Great Wall Marathon, China

 

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One of the world’s most difficult marathons, The Great Wall Marathon, gives 2,500 athletes the opportunity to run through one of the most iconic monuments in history. Taking place on May 20, participants pass over 5,164 stone steps and cross into the stunning Tianjin Province, which makes for a truly unforgettable experience.

 

The Beijing Badaling Great Wall Cao’s Courtyard Hostel ,a 200-year-old traditional Chinese-style building from the Ming Dynasty, offers natural views, a large garden and simply decorated rooms with a private bathroom. The property is just a ten-minute walk from Badaling Great Wall, the starting point of The Great Wall Marathon.

 

Athens Authentic Marathon, Greece


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One of the world’s most famous marathons takes place in the ancient city of Athens. Like its host city, the Athens Authentic Marathon has great historical significance. Held on November 12, the race takes its athletes through iconic landmarks including the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Acropolis. Covering the same route that the Athenian messenger Pheidippides ran 2,500 years ago, this remarkable marathon starts in the town of Marathon and finishes in the extraordinary Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, which dates all the way back to the 6th century BC!

Situated near the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens and 500 metres from the Panathenaic Stadium, the stylish Athens View Loft – 03 has stunning views of the Acropolis, a fully equipped kitchen and a terrace with a lounge area to relax your tired legs after the long race.

Angkor Empire Full and Half Marathon, Cambodia

 

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The Angkor Empire Full and Half Marathon is being held on August 5 and 6 at one of the most famous wonders of the world. Angkor Wat is by far the largest religious monument in the world and was built between the 9th to the 12th century for the Khmer empire. The magnificent complex has since become the symbol of Cambodia. The course is within UNESCO World Heritage site itself, starting and ending in the Angkor Wat Ruins, right in front of the breathtaking Central Sanctuary.

 

Just two miles from the race course, Hotel Nita by Vo offers runners the perfect place to wind down after the race and enjoy a drink or two while watching the sun set in the Kingdom of Wonder.

 

3-Länden Marathon, Germany, Austria and Switzerland

 

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Literally translated as the three-country marathon, this unique race which will be held on October 8, starts from the beautiful Bavarian harbour of Lindau in Germany, passes through the Austrian towns Bregenz and Hard along Lake Constance, then crosses the Swiss border at St. Margreten, continues across the Rhine embankment back to Hard and finally finishes in Bregenz again. The scenic course is surrounded by beautiful, snow-capped mountain ranges and will pass by the world’s largest open theater where the latest James Bond movie was filmed.

 

If you’re looking at fully embracing the Bavarian culture, check out Hotel Adara, the quaint boutique hotel located on the scenic island of Lindau on Lake Constance. This little gem is stylishly designed to exude the rustic charms of Bavaria in today’s modern world.

 

Rock n’ Roll Marathon Series – Lisbon, Portugal

 

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The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series is one of the most popular marathons in the world and it will make its pitstop in the beautiful coastal city of Lisbon on October 15 this year. Runners will start in the beach town of Cascais, run along the coast on the river banks of Tagus River and end right in Central Lisbon. True to its name, runners also get to enjoy live music along the course – that’s right, 26.2 miles of live music!

 

Just a few minutes’ walk to the starting line of the race is Villa Cascais Guesthouse. This beach front property features sea view straight from the bathtub, making it the best accommodation for a relaxing getaway after the long run.

 

Niagara Falls International Marathon, Canada

 

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Last but not least, right in our own backyard, known as the race with the “world's most famous finish line”, the Niagara Falls International Marathon will be celebrating its 20thanniversary this year on October 15. The course begins in Buffalo, US and runs through the city towards the International Peace Bridge into Canada and ends near the famous Horseshoe Falls.

 

If you want to steer clear from the touristy area, the Greystone Manor Bed and Breakfast would be your ideal accommodation to check-in to after the race. Located on River Road overlooking the picturesque Niagara River Gorge, this charming historical building offers the most delicious meals and has the friendliest host, making you feel right at home away from home.

For women of all ages, sallow, dull, or crepey skin can make the chest area or décolletage appear older than it is. Factor in side-sleeping where for hours at a time, your breasts are at battle with gravity leading to deeper lines in the neck and chest. Luckily, there are advancements and solutions available to bring back the glow to the beautiful feminine décolletage. Dr. Lenny Hochstein, world renowned board-certified plastic surgeon based in Miami, Florida and owner of the city’s newest state-of-the-art Hochstein MedSpa, and his team of licensed aestheticians, offer insights on how to achieve and maintain a sexy décolletage.

 

  1. Go topical.

There are plenty of things women can do to prevent chest area skin from aging such as applying high-quality, medical-grade skin care products. There are plenty of wrinkle creams on the market. The key is to look for ones with alpha and beta hydroxy acids, retinol, Vitamin C and E, and growth factors. These will reduce the appearance of wrinkles. “This is great for prevention and maintenance. Using creams in your 20’s and 30’s really does help skin retain elasticity and its ability to produce collagen,” explains Larisa Belyakova, Hochstein MedSpa licensed aesthetician.

 

  1. Consider lasers.

Lasers will certainly offer that healthy glow, since they are the most powerful tool to address both discoloration and texture imperfections.

 

“One of the lasers we have had success with in the chest region is the HALO treatment, the world’s first hybrid fractional laser. It’s strong! Results to skin tone and texture are visible after the first treatment,” explains Dr. Lenny Hochstein who prides himself on being incredibly selective about the results-driven treatments he offers. “The HALO is a type of a fractional laser which allows us to obtain optimal results with reduced healing time,” he adds.

 

There are other options as well. “The other device used for chest rejuvenation is called BBL (broad band light). This treatment is the most effective on the market for clearing up sun damage spots and reducing redness,” adds Jenya Titova, Hochstein’s certified Physician’s Assistant who vast expertise in lasers spans 12 years.

 

An issue of concern to women are stretch marks to the breast area. “Another laser often used on the chest area is E-matrix. This technology reduces the appearance of scars and stretch marks on the breast,” Jenya adds.

 

  1. Try a chemical peel and/or a microdermabrasion.

 

If the skin itself is supple, microdermabrasion could work very well to address skin elasticity, texture, tone and overall appearance. It’s a less expensive option than lasers. Chemical peels work at the cellular level, smoothing the fine lines in the chest area with very little downtime. There are varying strengths available so it is very important to have an experienced person administer peels. Microdermabrasion and peels are usually recommended in packages of 3 or 4, performed several weeks apart.

 

  1. Hydrafacial

 

This is of the newest treatments that brings out the healthy radiance and glow to the skin of the décolletage area. “It is a high- tech equipment operated procedure that includes several steps, such as deep cleansing, exfoliation, antiaging light treatment and application of powerful antioxidants. Well hydrated and nourished skin on the chest is the immediate and lasting result of this treatment,” explains Hochstein MedSpa Licensed aesthetician, Capri Colello.

 

  1.  Micro-needling

 

Micro-needling is a process where a small roller is rolled over the skin creating tiny punctures in the top skin layer. This phase of the treatment triggers a wound healing response in the body. Collagen levels are boosted as the skin regenerates itself leading to skin thickening, scars fading and smoothing of fine lines. Peptides and antioxidant serums are applied and massaged into the skin at the end. “What’s interesting to note about micro-needling is that the skin is essentially put into a healing, rejuvenation mode lasting for several months after the first session takes place. Skin looks better over time. To maintain results it’s advised to repeat the treatment at least 3-4 times,” advises Hochstein.

 

  1. PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)

 

Microneedling described above, can be enhanced with a very powerful collagen building treatment using your own plasma. “The treatment requires that we draw a small blood sample to extract the concentrated platelet cells out of it. These cells have a natural ability of healing by building new elastic and collagen layer. Fine lines and wrinkles on the chest respond wonderfully to this procedure, with no discomfort, side effects or downtime” says Dr. Hochstein.

 

  1. Get smart about sunscreen.

Regardless of what treatment option you choose optimal skin protection is key. “You go through a series of treatments. The last thing you want to do is damage skin and get into this cycle of damage, treat, damage treat,” explains Dr. Hochstein. “You can’t invest $6000 on skin treatments and think a $9.00 bottle of basic sunscreen is going to protect you,” he adds. Any physician will suggest using a sunscreen that offers broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. “The best results are found when the patient ‘protects the procedure’ and takes preventative measures recommended by their skin care professional,” he recommends.

 

About the experts:

Dr. Lenny Hochstein is a board certified plastic surgeon in Miami, Florida. World renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, symmetry and overall excellence, including published scientific papers, awards, early entry directly into medical school where he graduated valedictorian; Dr. Hochstein has two decades of experience, over 12,000 surgeries with breast augmentation as his main specialty. His dual accreditation of American Board of Plastic Surgery and American Society of Plastic Surgeons speaks to his high standards and reputation of providing exceptional care to all his patients. In 2017, Dr. Lenny Hochstein added Hochstein MedSpa to his Miami practice to offer lesser invasive treatments and anti-aging solutions adhering to the same values of high standards and quality. Anyone selected to be on his team must be exceptional, credentialed and committed to offering excellent care.

 

Jenya Titova, board certified Physician Assistant with 12 years of experience in aesthetic field, is Dr. Hochstein’s right hand at Hochstein MediSpa. She is highly skilled in areas of laser medicine and injectable treatments. His wonderful licensed aestheticians, Larisa Belyakova and Capri Colello are also great assets of his skin care team, delivering personalized, quality-driven approach to their patients.

7 Ways to Maintain a Young-Looking Face

 

We all want to look as youthful as possible for as long as possible. We spend money on creams, facials, fillers, and even sometimes plastic surgery. To get some tips for how we can maintain a young-looking face, we went to several great beauty professionals including Dr. Kirk Brandow, founder and director of the Brandow Clinic for Cosmetic Surgery in Philadelphia, who has appeared on national programs such as Good Morning America and 20/20. Here’s what they all have to say.

 

  1. Get rest.

There absolutely is such a thing as beauty sleep. “Women come to my practice thinking they need an eye-job or a facelift when all they need is sleep. Sleep is a time when we rejuvenate ourselves and cellular turnover is at its height. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep nightly will make a huge difference in how youthful a woman appears especially as she approaches age 30 and collagen production decreases,” says Dr. Brandow. “A woman can speed up aging if they are constantly sleep deprived.”

 

  1. Use an overnight treatment.

If you suffer from breakouts or skin dryness leading to wrinkles or blotches, treating your skin concerns at night, is a way to maintain a youthful glow. “Work closely with your dermatologist or aesthetician who can recommend non-irritating skin treatments specifically addressing your concern,” advises Dr. Brandow. You want to take advantage of overnight options available to boost collagen and heal skin while sleeping.

 

  1. Hydrate

When it comes to anti-aging and putting your most youthful face forward, water is key. Water flushes your system of toxins which helps skin to glow. “Women spend a lot of money on topical creams formulated to boost moisture and hydrate the skin yet, if they integrated more water, even 4, 8 ounce glasses per day, they would see fewer wrinkles and an overall smoother younger skin texture within a month,” says Dr. Adriane Pompa, Miami based board certified dermatologist who specializes in aging skin.

 

  1. Be smart about fillers.

Fillers are used to add volume that diminishes as we age but people have taken it to extremes. There have been many advancements with fillers over the past 5 years offering more options and more sophisticated ways to administer them to achieve a youthful look.

 

According to Dr. Brandow, many patients believe that filling their cheeks will soften their laugh lines, so they push doctors to administer two to four syringes in their cheek bones and cheek area at once. This can result in swelling and doesn’t necessarily lift their face. Fillers are often done as an alternative to a face lift but, if not spread out over several weeks, it just gives the patient an unnatural look that distorts their face and makes them look odd.

 

“My personal preference is to perform the fillers sequentially. For example, I will use one syringe of filler in multiple locations. Then I’ll have patients return in 4-6 weeks and perhaps do another syringe to the same places, or different places, giving them an overall natural look. This leads to a softer, more natural result. The key to doing fillers well are going with small amounts every 4-6 weeks,” explains Dr. Brandow.

 

  1. Get facials.

According to Dr. Adriane Pompa, one facial per month does wonders for skin’s clarity, texture, and ability to produce collagen. “There are many at-home facials available one can do weekly. The key is knowing your skin type and ingredients that address your specific skin concern. Also, you can treat different parts of the face differently depending on skin issue. Let’s say you are prone to breakouts on your jawline, have wrinkles on your forehead and dryness on the cheeks, your dermatologist or aesthetician can recommend a facial plan customized for you.”

 

  1. Consider lasers and light!

Lasers are another tool that blasts away acne scars, evidence of past sun damage and evens out skin giving that flawless, youthful glow. There have been so many advancements with lasers resulting in more immediate results without downtime. Lasers typically cost between $600 - $1200 per treatment depending on the city and type of laser. The advantage with lasers is accuracy. You can treat a specific area without affecting the rest of the surrounding skin.

 

  1. Tone down your make-up.

One way to immediately take 10 years off your look is to revamp your make-up. Consider hiring a professional make-up artist who can teach you how to enhance and even modernize your look. New York make-up artist, Carlo Geraci, who was protégé to Trish McEvoy and Kevin Aucion, explains that a lot of women are doing their make-up the same way they did 20 years ago. That bronzer that you loved in the 90’s when you were 24 may appear harsh and outdated at 44. “Heavy eye liner and strong lip colors may only accentuate wrinkles and fine lines. As women age, less is more when it comes to make-up. Opt for a great hydrating foundation or a touch of concealer, a pinch of blush, a swipe of mascara or a gray or brown eyeliner and a natural looking lip liner topped with a tinted hydrating balm,” he suggests.

 

About the Experts:

Dr. Kirk Brandow, founder and director of Brandow Clinic for Cosmetic Surgery is a plastic surgeon with 2 locations in the Philadelphia metro area and a 3rd one at the jersey shore. Named a “Top Doc” in Plastic Surgery by Philadelphia Magazine as well as nationally recognized for one of America’s “Best Plastic Surgeons” of this decade, Dr. Brandow is a trusted expert who has developed many innovative, minimally invasive procedures for the face, body and skin. He has been featured on local, national and international television programs including 20/20, CNN’s Headline News, Good Morning America.

Dr. Adriane Pompa is a board-certified dermatologist and Associate Professor of Dermatology at University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital who is highly trained in medical dermatology, dermatologic surgery and cosmetic dermatology. In addition to her general practice, she specializes in anti-aging skin care, skin cancer prevention and treatment, and laser use in dermatology.

Carlo Geraci, New York make-up artist has worked alongside Kevin Aucoin, helped launch the Trish McEvoy brand, and was invited by Barneys New York to became the first Beauty Guru, a position created specifically for him. His work has appeared in print and commercial campaigns, New York Fashion Week runways, red carpets, Broadway stages, television, film, and fashion editorials. He has also appeared on the Style Network, CBS News, and Today on NBC. 

Canadians Lack Access to Obesity Treatments and Support: Report Card

 

EDMONTON, April 25, 2017 /CNW/ - Canadians living with obesity are gravely underserved by Canada's public health systems and private benefits plans, according to a report released today by the Canadian Obesity Network (CON-RCO).

The Canadian and American Medical Associations, the World Health Organization, the Canadian Obesity Network and other groups now consider obesity to be a chronic disease, like diabetes and cancer. However, many health systems, as well as private and public payers and policy makers, have yet to embrace this definition and dedicate sufficient resources in support of patients.

The Report Card On Access To Obesity Treatment For Adults In Canada 2017 identifies substantial shortfalls in access to treatments outlined in Canadian clinical practice guidelines established in 2006, including behavioural interventions, medically supervised weight management using meal replacements, anti-obesity medications and bariatric surgery.

The report makes seven key recommendations to improve Canada's response to obesity, chief among them being the adoption of a true chronic disease approach to provide treatment and ongoing support for those with the disease.

Among the key findings are:

  • There is a profound lack of interdisciplinary healthcare services for obesity management in Canada.
  • A very limited number of Canadian physicians are pursuing formal training and certification in obesity management.
  • Canadians who may benefit from medically-supervised weight management programs with meal replacements are expected to pay out-of-pocket for the meal replacements, in sharp contrast with coverage available for meal replacements used in diabetes, cystic fibrosis and cancer care.
  • Those who rely on public coverage for prescription drug costs do not have access to the two prescription anti-obesity medications in Canada. Pharmacare programs in all the provinces and territories, as well as federal public drug benefit programs, receive a grade of F.
  • Less than 20% of the Canadian population with private drug benefit plans have access to these medications.
  • Nationally, bariatric surgery is available to only 1 in 183 adults (or 0.54%) every year who may be eligible for it. There are vast differences in access to bariatric surgery from one province to the next.
  • Wait times between referral to bariatric surgery and consultation with a surgical team receive a grade of F in all provinces; wait times between consultation and bariatric surgery receive a C grade in Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Manitoba and Alberta, and a B grade in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

"Treating obesity should only be initiated in patients when abnormal or excessive fat accumulation impairs health – in other words, not everyone of a certain weight or waist circumference needs medical interventions," says CON-RCO Scientific Director Dr. Arya M. Sharma. "However, more than 1.5 million Canadians are classified as having Class II or III obesity*, which is associated with negative health outcomes. Clearly, we need to do a much better job of helping them with the tools at our disposal."

Research suggests that obesity can be successfully managed using the interventions outlined in the Canadian guidelines. If left untreated, obesity can result in significant illness, a profound reduction in quality of life, and increased mortality.

Canadians living with obesity struggle with related health issues, rampant weight bias and discrimination and a lack of access to evidence-based management resources, says Marty Enokson, chair of CON-RCO's Public Engagement Committee and an outspoken obesity care advocate.

"We have a long way to go in Canada before we can say we properly support people with obesity, not just with evidence-based medical interventions, but also with the respect and dignity that any person deserves," Mr. Enokson says. "We don't blame people living with cancer, heart disease or diabetes for their disease, and we don't make them fend for themselves in terms of finding help.

"We have some treatments available for obesity, and there are more on the way – we need to be willing to use them, and we need to make them as accessible as possible, as we would for any other chronic illness," he adds.

To view the recommendations, the full report, online summaries and other materials including study methodology, go to: www.obesitynetwork.ca/reportcard.

The Report Card On Access To Obesity Treatment For Adults In Canada 2017 was produced by the Canadian Obesity Network with the support of an unrestricted grant from Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.

The Canadian Obesity Network is Canada's largest professional obesity association for health professionals, researchers, policy makers and obesity stakeholders, with 15,000+ members. www.obesitynetwork.ca

*Class II obesity defined as BMI: 35.00 kg/m2–39.99 kg/m2; Class III obesity is  BMI: ≥ 40.00 kg/m2

SOURCE The Canadian Obesity Network