A new study from Always My Fit, conducted by MSLGROUP Research that surveyed Canadian women aged 18 to 35 who rely mostly on pads for period protection (which represents 70% of survey respondents), shows that there is room for improvement when it comes to selecting the right period protection to avoid leaks. Here’s why.

 

Women aren’t ‘one size fits all,’ so why should they apply this thinking to their pad size? While most women 18-35 (77%) say they no longer wear the same dress size from when they first got their period, half of them still use the same size pad!

 

It is a common misconception among many women that all feminine pads are the same and that they all leak! Unfortunately, when many women experience a leak they often blame themselves and not their period protection. The study revealed that the top four suspected causes of period leaks among Canadian women 18-35 are: They “just happen” (37%), I “didn’t use period protection properly” (33%), I “didn’t change period protection often enough” (27%) and I was “too active” (19%). Only 17% think not using the “right size” protection is what causes their period leaks.

 

To avoid period leaks, more than half of women say they check their pad every one to two hours and nearly half wear a heavier flow or longer pad.

 

More than half of women would feel relieved (54%) and more in control (52%) if they could prevent leaks, and 70% say avoiding leaks would make them feel more confident.

 

Nearly 8 in 10 (77%) women surveyed say they would wear a longer pad size if it meant experiencing fewer leaks. The new Always My Fit sizing system is designed to help girls and women who are wearing the wrong size pad, along with the many who experience leaks every month, find the coverage that is right for them. The new Always My Fit system is the latest advancement in the feminine care category to ensure girls and women experience the best comfort and the superior protection they’ve come to expect from Always.

Get The Workout Done: How to Overcome Mental Difficulties In Training

Working out on a regular basis and sticking to your training schedule is not only a physical challenge to many people. The mental challenge which many people who are willing to becoming and staying active and fit can also be an obstacle for reaching the training goals and expected results.

There are cases when even the most avid athletes and workout enthusiasts feel a lack of motivation and even start to have doubts and negative thoughts about the whole exercising thing. These mental roadblocks can actually cause a person to quit training or at least consider quitting.

These are the main moral difficulties in training which many of us need to overcome at some point. In reality, regular exercise can actually help train our mentality as well as our bodies.

Here are some tips on how to fight and overcome these mental obstacles and stick to your workout plan:

  1. You must learn to really believe in yourself and in your ability to reach your exercise goals! Whether you are training for a marathon, a match, or for the sake of losing 20lbs - you must first believe in your own willpower and strength to stick to your training plan and be able to achieve and even surpass the results and goals you have set for yourself. Yes, training is difficult, but you are stronger than that, and can push yourself through your workout -it is all a matter of believing that you will succeed.
  2. If you haven’t already - choose or make up a personal mantra which you find particularly inspiring and motivating. Keep repeating it to yourself before and during the training session. You can even order a T-shirt with your mantra printed on it, or stick your mantra to your fridge door, so that you see it daily. Pick a mantra which will help motivate you to go to the gym and keep repeating it during a particularly rough workout. You will soon find that by speaking to yourself you will start thinking more positively about the whole training process and its meaning for you personally.

  1. Compile a playlist with all of the songs or tunes which you find energizing, motivating and which will help you get through those tough workouts. You can make up your own list of power song or music, or you can pick from the wide variety of playlists for running or for training which you can find online.
  2. Focus. This tip may be a little tricky, and you need to find the right formula which works for you personally, but many people find that either tuning their brains off during a particularly tough and painful workout or actually turning their brains inward and focusing entirely on their own performance and their body helps keeping them going.

You should try both approaches to see which one is more effective when you are starting to struggle and begin thinking about quitting. Being able to disassociate your brain from the physical pain and effort can be helpful, but so can focusing solely on your body in order to ensure that every movement you are making is performed well. Some people choose to use a combination of both methods to overcome the mental barriers which can appear during a strenuous workout or run. This technique may need some exercising and some testing, but once you find the right balance between the two, or master the one which works for you, you will be able to ensure that you can achieve your training goals, no matter how tough it gets at times, and no matter the pain, discomfort and self-doubt you may be feeling.

 

Written by Cara Haley. Cara is a fitness enthusiast, footwear fanatic and manager of Comforthacks.com and Fitaholic Gear – sites dedicated to helping people find the most suitable footwear for their needs.

 

Steady stream of innovation to attract funding from diverse industries and drive growth opportunities, finds Frost & Sullivan’s TechVision team

London – 31 May, 2017 – Robotic exoskeletons are rapidly breaking out of the realm of sci-fi, finding application across varied industries, including healthcare, military, sports, robotics, construction, logistics, warehouse and industrial automation. Their exceptional ability to rehabilitate patients with physical or neurological disorders, or enhance the wearer’s physical strength, efficiency, performance capability and functionality, is encouraging research institutes and technology developers to constantly innovate solutions and techniques. Exoskeletons can also be integrated with artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, virtual reality and haptics to deliver a truly futuristic solution.

“In addition to medical benefits, robotic exoskeletons augment the wearer’s physical strength and allow them to lift very heavy weights without using machinery,” noted Frost & Sullivan TechVision Research Analyst S. Kasthuri Jagadeesan. “Currently, the industrial automation industry employs back support suits, power gloves and tool holding exoskeletons to improve worker efficiency, as well as reduce fatigue and stress.”

Emerging Robotic Exoskeleton Technologies is part of Frost & Sullivan’s TechVision (Advanced Manufacturing Automation) Growth Partnership Service programme. The study analyzes the present degree of applicability of robotic exoskeletons and the recent innovations that will have a tremendous impact across industries. It presents a technology road map and determines the impact, growth, adoption rate and role of robotic exoskeletons between 2017 and 2022. By 2022, the wide-scale adoption of robotic exoskeleton technologies is anticipated to increase significantly.

Click here for complimentary access to more information on this analysis and to register for a Growth Strategy Dialogue, a free interactive briefing with Frost & Sullivan’s thought leaders.

Robotic exoskeletons have found substantial application in safety and security industries as well, as they can be used by first responders during dangerous evacuation and rescue situations. Due to these advantages, the military and healthcare industries are investing heavily in the research and development (R&D) of this technology.

Despite the interest shown by a few stakeholders, funding is often tight, partly due to the high R&D costs, while the high cost of implementation is proving a deterrent to mainstream adoption. Once the robotic exoskeleton technology stabilizes and more innovative, segmented solutions are introduced, there will be greater industry and academic participation in technology development and adoption.

“Segmented robotic exoskeletons efficiently perform and address the evolving needs of varied industries, as each segment is designed for particular tasks in particular market segments,” noted Jagadeesan. “In the future, there will be new business opportunities for companies to provide service, software support, and even maintenance/service of exoskeleton suits.”

About TechVision

Frost & Sullivan's global TechVision practice is focused on innovation, disruption and convergence, and provides a variety of technology-based alerts, newsletters and research services as well as growth consulting services. Its premier offering, the TechVision program, identifies and evaluates the most valuable emerging and disruptive technologies enabling products with near-term potential. A unique feature of the TechVision program is an annual selection of 50 technologies that can generate convergence scenarios, possibly disrupt the innovation landscape, and drive transformational growth. View a summary of our TechVision program by clicking on the following link: http://ifrost.frost.com/TechVision_Demo.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion

Emerging Robotic Exoskeleton Technologies

ProMIS Neurosciences Identifies Novel Therapeutic Epitope Target for ALS and Dementia

Company files United States patent application for novel epitope target identified on misfolded forms of the protein TDP43

TSX: PMN

TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, MA, May 31, 2017 /CNW/ - ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc., a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of precision treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced the identification of a novel therapeutic epitope target on misfolded forms of TDP43, implicated in the development and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The Company filed a provisional patent application for this target with the United States Patent Office on May 30, 2017.

Commenting on today's announcement, Dr. Neil Cashman, ProMIS Chief Scientific Officer, stated: "Using our proprietary discovery engine, scientists at UBC and ProMIS identified both the sequence and conformational shape of this novel epitope target on misfolded TDP43 that plays a key role in ALS and frontotemporal dementia."

TDP43 is present in every cell, and plays a critical role in the response of cells to oxidative stress. However, in ALS, FTD and other neurodegenerative diseases, TDP43 can lose its normal function, forming intracellular aggregates of misfolded TDP43 that disrupt cellular energy generation and normal protein degradation.

"Our goal is to selectively target misfolded TDP43 without disrupting the critical role that normally-folded TDP43 plays in cell biology," stated Dr. Elliot Goldstein, ProMIS President and CEO. "We plan to create and validate monoclonal antibodies against misfolded TDP43 to select optimal therapeutic candidates for advancement into the clinic."

Pursuant to its expanded license agreement with the University of British Columbia, ProMIS holds exclusive, worldwide license to this novel therapeutic target.

About ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc.

ProMIS Neurosciences is a TSX listed biotech company (trading symbol: PMN.TO), headquartered in Toronto, Ontario and with offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The mission of ProMIS is to discover and develop precision medicine therapeutics for effective treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease and ALS.

ProMIS Neurosciences' proprietary target discovery engine is based on the use of two, complementary techniques. The Company applies its thermodynamic, computational discovery platform—ProMIS and Collective Coordinates — to predict novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes (DSEs) on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Using this unique "precision medicine" approach, ProMIS Neurosciences is developing novel antibody therapeutics and specific companion diagnostics for Alzheimer's disease and ALS. The company has also developed two proprietary technologies to specifically identify very low levels of misfolded proteins in a biological sample. In addition, ProMIS Neurosciences owns a portfolio of therapeutic and diagnostic patents relating to misfolded SOD1 in ALS, and currently has a preclinical monoclonal antibody therapeutic against this target.

The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This information release may contain certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information please consult the Company's website at:
www.promisneurosciences.com

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SOURCE ProMIS Neurosciences Inc.

Autism Speaks Canada Announces Their Annual Fundraising Walk Comes to Toronto

 

TORONTO, May 31, 2017 /CNW/ - Autism Speaks Canada, part of North America's largest autism science organization, announced that Toronto's Autism Speaks Canada Walk will take place at Nathan Phillips Square on Sunday, June 4.  Registration opens at 8:30 with the Walk taking place at 10:45 am.

The Autism Speaks Canada Walk events are the signature fundraising events for Autism Speaks Canada.  Since they began, they have raised over $11.7 million in support of autism research, services, awareness and collaboration. Powered by Love, the Walk brings individuals and families, friends, coworkers and communities together to support and connect with one another. Walkers are encouraged to raise funds and enjoy the day, complete with family-fun activities, quiet zone, resource fair and walk.  All participants who raise $150 or more qualify for a commemorative 2017 T-shirt.

"Thanks to the tremendous community support and the work of our volunteers, our Autism Speaks Canada Walks continue to provide funding to impact the lives of individuals and families living with autism," said Jill Farber, Executive Director.

"We are also grateful for the dedication of Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us Canada.  Their exemplary support of our Autism Speaks Canada Walk program, in-store fundraising and awareness campaigns such as the Sensory Friendly Shopping event have played a pivotal role in helping us enhance the lives of people with autism.  We couldn't ask for a better partner," said Jill.

Thank you to Cineplex and our local sponsors EllisDon, Oracle RMS and CTV.

Register and fundraise for an Autism Speaks Canada Walk today at www.ASCWalk.ca or contact Susan Smart susansmart@autismspeakscan.ca or 416 362 6227 x 211.

About Autism
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 68 children is on the autism spectrum.

About Autism Speaks Canada
Autism Speaks Canada is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this by supporting and working alongside the autism community; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. We empower people with autism and their families with resources, online tools and information covering the life span. To find resources, join a fundraising walk or make a donation, go to www.autismspeaks.ca

About Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"us
Toys"R"Us (Canada) Ltd. and Babies"R"Us are part of Toys"R"Us, Inc., the world's leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer. Toys"R"Us, Canada operates 82 full-sized stores across the country. For store locations and convenient online shopping visit www.toysrus.ca and www.babiesrus.ca.

Follow Toys"R"Us, Canada on Facebook (Facebook.com/ToysRUsCanada), Twitter (@ToysRUsCanada) and Instagram (@ToysRUsCanada)

SOURCE Autism Speaks Canada

Advanced Beach Body Workout

The term “Beach Body” has widely escalated throughout all social media channels, TV ads and magazines lately. As a personal trainer, I advise my clients to keep track of their fitness and nutrition habits throughout the whole year, but if you find yourself in the situation where you want to look your best in a short period of time, e.g. the summer season, this article is for you.

Here I will cover the most frequent questions related to the beach body and its goals: what is it, where to start and how to achieve it.

 

Let’s get started.

What is a ‘Beach Body’?

The definition of ‘Beach Body’ is quite complex as for each individual it probably means a totally different thing.

 

For those who struggle with a few or more additional kilos, a beach body might be achieved if they just lose a couple of kg and manage to fit into a smaller size than usual. For others, who might already be very fit and quite slim, losing body mass is not really needed - they would only have to reduce their body fat around 10-12%.

When it comes to guys we find that there usually are two types of beach bodies they’d like to achieve: the ones who want to lose their ‘beer belly’ and the ones who want to develop a six pack they can show off at the beach.

 

Easy to see only you can define the term “beach body” and what it means to you.

Achieving the Beach Body: Where Do I started?

You’ll need to get started by evaluating your current physical state and defining realistic short term goals.

 

First of all, you should analyse your nutrition and physical activity habits. The Internet can help you here in many of these areas, although, for complete beginners, I advise to book a consultation with a personal trainer and get started at least with a few personal training sessions as and when possible. A nutritionist is also advisable.

 

In my opinion, magazines and the Internet are full of unreliable information which might harm you instead of helping you out. Having a proper, qualified trainer around you answering all of your questions as well as providing you with all the necessary information will make your beach body goals easily achievable! A personal trainer or nutritionist will clarify where to start and what to do.

How Long Does it Take to Achieve a ‘Beach Body’?

Once again, this highly depends on each individual and his/her expectations. In general it would take around 12 weeks to see visible changes in your body.

 

I can promise you that in that amount of time you’ll feel your energy levels increase and your mood improve. Overall the body will tone much faster!

Let’s Talk Training

No matter what the beach body goal that you’re trying to achieve is (six pack, enhanced muscle mass or a slimmed down physique), as a female personal trainer I mostly recommend compound moves.

 

Compound moves are exercises that train several muscle groups at once: squats, lunges, leg press, pull ups, push ups, etc.

 

Also, these moves play an important role in improving insulin sensitivity to a greater degree. By using up the supply of glycogen stores in the various muscles, compound moves allow your body to keep the insulin levels steady for the rest of the day and as well as allowing the mobilization of fatty acid.

 

What is more, compound exercises positively affect the hormonal response that is beneficial in building muscle mass and/or burning fat. Production of testosterone and growth hormone can be triggered by an intense set of squats as well.

 

Another training style that brings phenomenal results and helps to get in shape miraculously (especially if you are trying to lose weight), is HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). These training styles are exactly what I would advise you to concentrate on while preparing your body for the beach – combination of compound moves and HIIT would be the best way to get your body in shape in the shortest period of time.

 

HIIT has many benefits for improving your body composition and helping to prepare your body for the beach season. First, it takes only about 15 minutes a day to achieve visible results in a short period of time. Second, with HIIT training, you will not lose muscle, only fat. Third, HIIT will help you strengthen your heart and increase your metabolism. Last, but not least, you can do it anywhere and no equipment is needed.

 

Doesn’t it sound just great?

Let’s Talk Nutrition

What are the basics of eating well? Eating 4-5 protein based meals, including a good amount of fruit and vegetables in your diet? Not so simple.

 

Everything, once again, depends on your body transformation goals: if you want to reduce your body fat percentage to a certain amount and see some serious definition, keeping the principles stated above would simply not suffice.

 

Counting your macronutrient intake is the key in achieving your goals. This does not mean that you will need to be weighing every meal you prepare, but knowing the essentials is definitely important.

 

You can get started by calculating you Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) to see how many calories you burn while resting (you can calculate your BMR here: https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bmr_calculator.htm).

 

One of the most important principles of healthy eating for the goal of reducing body fat percentage is taking protein with each meal with lots and lots of vegetables. Try not to get obsessed with counting calories, better think about portions and healthy snacking options.

 

Also, getting rid of refined sugars and ready meals (including soups), would be essential.

Workout

The following workout is suitable for all fitness levels. Although, for advanced trainees, some additional guidelines might be given. The warm up part is essential before starting any workout. It prevents your body from soft tissue injuries and prepares the muscles for the effective workout!

 

Warm up

Start with active drills, such as jog or sprint on the spot. Continue with wide shoulder rolls, neck rolls/twist and end the warm up with a few burpees and star jumps.

 

Full Body Advanced Beach Body Workout

  • SQUATS

Beginners: start with your own body weight 3 sets x 20 reps.

Advanced: start with an empty Olympic bar, followed by challenging weight by 3-4 drop sets. Make sure you have a spotter to help you.

  • PRESS UPS

Beginners: 3 sets x 10 reps

Advanced: Use bench press. Start with an empty Olympic bar, followed by challenging weight by 3-4 drop sets. Make sure you have a spotter to help you.

  • BURPEES + SPRINT

3 sets of 10 reps.

Beginners: 10 sec sprint after every burpee.

Advanced: 20 sec sprint after every burpee.

  • WALKING LUNGES

3 sets of 26 reps.

Beginners: Body weight only.

Advanced: Use kettlebells for extra weight. Add 2-4 pumps on every lunge down or keep weights above your head to involve your back, shoulders and arms.

  • SHOULDER PRESS

Beginners: 3 sets of 10-15 reps, using challenging weights. In addition, barbell or dumbbells can be used.

Advanced: 5-6 drop sets plus additional 2 sets of super light weight pump half way. In addition, barbell or dumbbells can be used.

 

  • MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS

All levels: 3-6 sets maximum holds for climb.

  • HIIT

Choose your favourite machine or go outside:

  • Outdoor run or treadmill
  • Stationary bike or outdoor bike ride

Warm up: 2 min at moderate speed.

Workout: 15 sec as fast as you can + 15 sec rest (beginners can take 30 sec rest) x 5-10 times. Followed by 2 min moderate speed. You can repeat the workout twice or three times.

For advanced only (indoors): you can increase an incline for resting periods and decrease for sprints.

Rest: Appropriate rest is required for all trainees. Weight training anything between 30-90 sec.

Tempo: Emphasising negative eps (slow lowering).

 

Summing Up

The process of getting your beach body can be a little complex; achieving great results in a short period of time requires clear goal setting and the right execution plan.

 

From my professional experience, the most effective way to achieve a beach body is by having a qualified person (fitness instructor, nutritionist, etc.) next to you helping you out. At least try to have a chat with one before taking any actions.

 

Also, a balanced nutrition and the right choice of exercise play a key role in making this process as quick and easy as possible!

 

BIO BOX

Justina Triasovaite is a certified female personal trainer and also runs justinatraining.com, a site with useful information for those who are interested in general fitness and body transformation. A committed health and fitness fanatic, Justina is very passionate about helping transform people's lives.

 

 

Too much caffeine caused the death of a 16-year-old high school student from South Carolina who collapsed during class last month, according to the county coroner. Davis Allen Cripe died from a caffeine-induced cardiac event causing a probable arrhythmia. During an arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body, and lack of blood flow affects the brain, heart and other organs. The teen consumed three caffeine-laced drinks -- a cafe latte, large Diet Mountain Dew and an energy drink -- in a two-hour period before collapsing in his classroom at Spring Hill High School on April 26, Watts said. (Source: CNN) So where does this tragic news leave adult java lovers?

How much caffeine can I drink a day?

"Most people can safely take in about 400 milligrams of caffeine daily or about 4 cups of coffee," says Dr. Christopher Calapai D.O., a New York City Osteopathic Physician board certified in family and anti-aging medicine. He adds that, “the limit varies from person to person.” It’s difficult to assign an exact amount for everyone because people can have different sensitivities or reactions to caffeine based on age, medical history, and tolerance. However, there is enough research available to make a recommendation based on an individual’s weight.

To keep it safe, health experts recommend a maximum daily dose of 400 mg. To see what this means for you, check out the caffeine in some of these common drinks:

 

Starbucks Coffee (16 fl oz): 320 mg caffeine

5-hour energy (1.93 fl oz): 207 mg caffeine

Dunkin Donuts regular (16 fl oz): 203 mg caffeine

Starbucks Latte (16 fl oz): 150 mg caffeine

Coffee, brewed (8 fl oz): 133 mg caffeine

Red Bull Energy Shot (2 fl oz): 80 mg caffeine

Red Bull (8 fl oz): 80 mg caffeine

Tea (8 fl oz): 53 mg caffeine

But how, exactly, can the world's most popular drug kill?

Like other stimulants, caffeine raises blood pressure, boosts heart rate and temporarily shrinks blood vessels. Dr. Calapai explains that, “In excess, the effects can be deadly by causing a heart attack, stroke or other cardio-vascular-related problem. Researchers think daily caffeine intake can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, but the results so far have been inconclusive.”

It’s also important to realize that medical conditions can affect sensitivity to caffeine. “If you have anxiety, panic disorder, heart arrhythmia, high blood pressure, diabetes, take medication or have any sort of medical condition, then you may tolerate less caffeine and should speak to a doctor,” says Dr. Calapai.

There are “caffeine overdose symptoms” that are important to watch for. These include:

Jitters, Restlessness, and Nervousness

Increased heartbeat

Nausea

Anxiety

Heart palpitations (cardiac arrhythmia)

Insomnia

Sweating

Dizziness

Vomiting

Cardiac arrest

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed as the "The Stem Cell Guru" by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S. His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer's, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson's. He has worked with Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Fox series Gotham's, Donal Logue; he was a medical consultant for the New York Rangers. Connect with him via twitter @drcalapai or at www.drcal.net

IS YOUR JOB MAKING YOU SICK?

7 Work Related Anxiety Triggers and How to Ease the Stress

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Whether you work from home or go to an office daily; you are always working for someone else. Your services, talents, skills and knowledge are being exchanged for money and that means meeting expectations. It also means dealing with daily triggers that frustrate us. According to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, these triggers build up stress which may negatively impact our personal relationships physical health. Dr. Hafeez, 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, offers 7 work related anxiety triggers with tips on what we can do to deal with them.

 

  1. Fear Based Bosses

Bosses who focus on possibilities and solutions inspire creativity and collaboration. Fear-based bosses aren’t leaders they are energy drainers. They have quick tempers, focus on problems, complain and threaten. According to Dr. Hafeez people make the mistake of remaining in a job for the wrong reasons. “Being spoken to harshly every day is no way to live. It’s abusive and causes anxiety. My advice, file a complaint with human resources and resign. Your well-being matters first and most.”

 

 

  1. Co-Worker Cliques

Some work cultures include gossip, passive aggressiveness, undercutting, sabotage, and verbal jabs that would rival any high school clique. “If your work is solid, align with others who are focused and keep your eye on the prize. You have a job to do and your focus will be thrown off by unnecessary cattiness. When you hear a group of co-workers gossiping, politely excuse yourself,” advises Dr. Hafeez.

 

  1. Technology Glitches

We’ve all had instances where we want to throw our computers out the window, stomp on our cell phones and kick a vending machine after it gobbles up our last 2 singles. “Technology is what led to a higher standard for speed and efficiency. When we can’t get what we want in .005 seconds we get agitated. It’s conditioning,” she explains. “Centering is a great technique that helps delay reaction time to stressors. Before pounding on the copy machine, step back count to 5, breathe and pivot to fixing whatever may be wrong or finding someone who can assist.”

 

  1. Presenting

You can be the most articulate, outgoing person and still have anxiety when it comes to presenting to a group. It is common for people to experience insomnia, nausea and tension headaches leading up to an important presentation. Preparation is key. “Allow ample time to gather key points and mentally rehearse your presentation while doing another unrelated activity such as cooking, cleaning, walking or running, to release stress and remain present suggests Dr. Hafeez.”

 

  1. Your Commute

“Once you exceed 30 minutes one-way, your happiness level drops and your stress level rises,” says Dr. Hafeez. A coping mechanism she suggests is to use the commute as a time to learn. If driving, tune off the negative news talk radio and opt for interesting podcasts or audio books. If stuck on a bus or train, reading a book, watching a show on the iPad, or getting a head start on email are also ways to make the time fly.

 

  1. Business Travel

Rushing for airplanes and dealing with weather delays and over-booked flights not to mention navigating an unfamiliar place will stress anyone out. “Preparation and a solid backup plan is a great way to ease pre-business travel stress. While face-to-face meetings may be optimal, skipping a flight and opting for a video conference may be a less stressful option.”

 

  1. Quotas and Commissions

While most workers love the self-determined earning potential of a commission-paid job, they still find it stressful when they look at the numbers and fear coming up short. “Anxiety is cause by excessive worry about future events you believe you cannot control, explains Dr. Hafeez.” It may sound harsh but setting higher targets can be helpful. When you raise the bar at making 50 sales calls instead of coasting by with the usual 20, you’ll most likely complete 30 and will feel accomplished. “Acknowledge daily wins and break down the effort into smaller chunks of time so you focus on what’s in front of you,” she advises.

 

About the Doctor:

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 

Forever Fit: How to Maximize Your Workout Plan & Get Results

As the summer time emerges, many people are working hard to get in shape. However, it's best to just maintain a healthy lifestyle and remain forever fit. If you'd like to change your approach to physical fitness and achieve the best body you've ever had, consider implementing these four ideas into your lifestyle.

Try HIIT Workouts

HIIT is an acronym that stands for High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). HIIT workouts are great for maximizing your workout plan because they're time-efficient and physically effective. When you work out at a high level of intensity, you physically can't do that for long periods of time. No one sprints a marathon. Usually, a sprint is no more than a few hundred meters. One example of HIIT training involves going back and forth between sprinting and jogging. Sprint for a minute. Jog for two minutes. If you do this for 20 minutes without stopping, the bursts of high intensity will allow you to get more of a workout than jogging for an hour.

Avoid Ruts

If you do the same workout repeatedly, your body will get used to it. The key to getting the best workout plan involves challenging your body. Your body naturally wants to go with a comfortable flow. Switching it up will keep your body guessing. Try outdoor running on Monday. Dance in a cardio dance class on Tuesday. Do a boot camp on Wednesday. Hop on a stationary bike and enjoy spinning on Thursday. Use Friday for a good session of yoga. Take Saturday off and go for a walk on Sunday.

Get Special Training

For those who need someone else with them on their health journey, getting specialized training from a trainer, gym or some other source is a great way to go about it. When you sign up for a training session, such as those at Halevy Life, you’ll learn what it takes to reach your fitness goals. After all, it's hard to see the picture when you're in the frame. During training, you’ll be most likely surrounded by professionals who are well-versed in the schematics of the human body and will push you to greatness. Just make sure to do your research and find a trainer or training system that's notorious for delivering results.

Rest and Eat

In order to stay physically fit, it's important to remember that it's not just about exercise. There are other moving parts to the equation. You've got to remember to rest and allow your body to recover from the workouts. You also need proper nutrition and hydration. Diet and exercise go hand in hand. However, society will make you think it's important to push and take no breaks. If you'd like to become more fit and get results with your workout plan, remember to rest.

These four tips will truly take you far in your fitness goals. As you continue to develop your physique, you'll naturally experience a better quality of life. As long as you remain consistent and listen to your body, you'll be able to maximize your workout plan and get results.

Pro athletes and celebrities tee off at eighth annual
Joe Carter Classic Celebrity Golf Tournament
June 14 and 15; DMC and Arrested Development
to perform at VIP After-Party

Star-studded charity event has raised $2.5 million
 to benefit children’s charities to date

TORONTO, ON – Major League Baseball legend and World Series champion Joe Carter will be back in Toronto this June for the annual Joe Carter Classic Golf Tournament. Over the past eight years, the country’s largest celebrity charity event has raised over $2.5 million in support of the Children's Aid Foundation and other local children's charities.

The annual charity event, hosted at Eagles Nest Golf Club in Maple, Ontario, will include the Joe Carter Classic Celebrity Skins Game on Wednesday, June 14, followed by the Joe Carter Classic Golf Tournament on Thursday, June 15.

After two days of playing on the greens, the stars will head to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Toronto to celebrate at a VIP After-Party. Sponsored by Biion Footwear and Strellson, the exclusive party will feature performances by iconic hip-hop group DMC, and a special performance by Arrested Development.

"It’s so inspiring to see the positive impact the funds raised from the Joe Carter Classic Golf Tournament have had on the lives of at-risk youth. Giving young people access to programs that will help them achieve a bright and successful future is critical to creating a better world," said Joe Carter, event co-chair. “I feel very blessed to have so many generous players, sponsors and partners who come out to support every year. It’s an incredible event for a great cause.”

The main event on Thursday, June 15 includes a round of golf played in celebrity foursomes, a gourmet dinner, an awards ceremony and an impressive live auction. Proceeds raised from this tournament support the Children’s Aid Foundation’s Joe Carter Family Support Endowment Fund and the Joe Carter Scholarship Endowment Fund.

"The Joe Carter Classic Golf Tournament has been invaluable in transforming the lives of at-risk kids,” said Valerie McMurtry, president and CEO, Children’s Aid Foundation. “The funds raised help the youth of our community who have stood strong in the face of hardship. Now they have the opportunity to not only change their lives, but the lives of others, with access to post-secondary education.”

This year’s celebrity lineup will include baseball royalty such as Ozzie Smith, Roger Clemens, Cito Gaston, Dave Stewart, Kelly Gruber, Barry Larkin and Tim Raines; basketball greats Spud Webb and John Starks; hockey heroes Doug Gilmour, Grant Fuhr and Mike Krushelnyski; and NFL greats Dan Marino, Jim McMahon, Truman Thomas, Neil Smith and Chris Doleman.

We are incredibly proud to be celebrating the eighth annual Joe Carter Classic this year. This fundraiser would not be what it is without the support of all of those who participate and the talent who generously give their time to help raise money and awareness for children’s charities,” said James Dodds, TD Bank Group vice president and event co-chair.

Presenting sponsors for the tournament are BlackBerry, TD Bank Group - the Official Bank of the Toronto Blue Jays, and Canada Goose. Supporting sponsors include: SDI Marketing, CIBC, Lug, Toronto Star, Air Canada, Facebook, Nike Golf, RBC, Port of Spain, Mi 5 Print and Digital and Indeed. The Joe Carter Classic After-Party is presented by BIION Footwear in partnership with Strellson. A full list of participating sponsors can be found here.

Musical Guest Arrested Development
Image Courtesy of: Arrested Development management

Joe Carter
Image Courtesy of: Distinctive Foto Imaging
For more information and a full list of talent, please visit www.joecarterclassic.com.

#JoeCarterClassic 
Twitter: @JoeCarterGolf
Facebook: JoeCarterGolfClassic

About Joe Carter Classic Golf Tournament
The annual Joe Carter Classic charity golf tournament pairs avid golfers with top name celebrities from the worlds of sport and entertainment. Proceeds from the event go towards supporting post-secondary attainment and social development programs for Canadian youth. Since 2010, the Joe Carter Classic has raised $2.5 million to benefit the Children’s Aid Foundation and other local children’s charities.

About The Children’s Aid Foundation
The Children’s Aid Foundation is Canada’s leading national charity dedicated to improving the lives of our country's most vulnerable youth - those who have experienced abuse, neglect, and abandonment. With the support of generous donors, we have been helping children reach their potential against all odds since 1979. Last year, we delivered a wide range of high– impact programs and services, transforming the lives of over 23,000 children and youth. They depend on us. We depend on you. Join us and help Canada’s most vulnerable kids define a vision for themselves of a successful future. Learn more at www.cafdn.org.