People often train the core in hopes of an aesthetic body. While it certainly feels good to look good, there’s much more behind a strong core than just a six-pack.
There’s a wide variety of useful benefits obtained from training the core. Aside greater strength, training the core is beneficial for multiple other aspects of fitness. On multiple disciplines, having a strong core is a must in order to achieve the most optimal performance possible.
Professional athletes perform strict abdominal training up to 3 times a week, including intense weight training and flexibility training.
Anyone who has committed to proper core training knows how difficult it is to train this group of muscles. Working the core has never been easy; but big efforts bring big results. For those who haven’t considered training their core, here are some of the amazing features they’re missing out on:
Functions of the Core
Protection
The abdominal area lacks a bone structure. Because of this, the only thing standing between the skin and internal organs is our core. Thus, the multiple muscles that compose the core act as a shield to compress and protect internal organs.
Each of these muscles serves a specific function. The “exterior” abs, rectus abdominus, are responsible of providing flexibility to the lumbar spine; but they also work as a muscle shield that protects the internal body. The “inner” abs, transverse abdominus, are responsible for protecting and compressing our ribs and viscera. Additionally, they provide stability to both the thorax and the pelvis.
Boxers not only train their core for fit purposes. A carefully worked core can significantly reduce the effectiveness of a punch to the stomach.
There’s one last group of abdominal muscles, called obliques. Just like abdominus, they are separated into internal and external obliques.
The external group is the most superficial one; it’s located along the lateral portions of the abdomen and provides flexibility and rotation. On the other hand, the internal group acts in opposition to the diaphragm assisting breathing and allowing the trunk to bend sideways.
Spine Stability
The spine is supported by multiple muscles, the most important being the abdominal muscles and lower back. These muscles are responsible for spine stability; if they’re not properly trained, stability is affected.
While exercising, these muscles have to work harder in order to stabilize the spine. However, if the core lacks strength all the effort will be performed by the lower back. This usually leads to lower back pain.
On the other hand, a strong core helps to remove tension and stress on the lower back while still improving stabilization. If the spine is properly supported, balance is improved. The core is also responsible for the stabilization of the hip, which comes in very handy for injury prevention on multiple sports, and even daily activities.
Overall Support
The abdominal muscles are in the center of the body; hence they’re referred to as “core”. Basically, the core is the connection between the upper and lower body. Any motion that involves both parts has to engage the abdominal muscles.
Athletes train their core in order to reach the most optimal performance, as it plays an important role in many aspects of their fitness. The abdominal muscles improve the coordination of motions and extremities for both athletes and non-athletes.
Professional basketball players go through intense core workouts, as it has a considerable impact on their jumping capability.
Running, jogging, jumping, boxing; it all starts at the core. The core has a role even on the most simple motions, such as walking. One would normally think the extremities do all the work; the legs while running, the arms while swimming.
That’s not the case.
Most of the motions start from the core, and move outwards towards other muscles and extremities. A rock-solid centre guarantees strong movements and coordination to perform both sports and daily activities.
In Conclusion
The core isn’t easy to train; but it’s definitely worth it. Not only does it improve athletic performance, but it also improves multiple daily life aspects.
Keep in mind that each abdominal muscle meets a certain function, thus each muscle of the core should be trained equally. It’s a huge mistake to target only the external muscles, as not training inner muscles will lead to muscular imbalances, which can cause injuries on the long run.
Additionally, training a portion of the core won’t bring as much benefits as working it as a whole. Aesthetics are important, but functionality should be the priority.
This part of the body plays an important role on the general structure and should be trained at least twice a week. Whether it’s through weight training, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), or simple aerobic activities, training these central muscles will bring results.
Athletes who skip core training make a huge mistake. Out of all people, athletes are the ones who can probably get the most out of a strong core. Training these muscles is key to achieve the most optimal performance in almost every athletic discipline.
Once the core is strong, every other aspect of fitness will fall into place.
Writer’s Bio:
Dan Chabert
An entrepreneur and a husband, Dan hails from Copenhagen, Denmark. He loves to join ultramarathon races and travel to popular running destinations together with his wife. During regular days, he manages his websites, Runnerclick, FightingReport, GearWeAre and TheGearHunt. Dan has also been featured in several popular running blogs across the world.
Many don't want to admit it, but sugar addiction is real. Scientist and researchers have even been known to say that sugar addictions can be just as strong as drug addiction. As a recovering sugar addict, I can say that the struggle is real, BUT, like with everything, you can free yourself of the cancer causing, weight gaining, leaky gut addiction. Below are 8 tips on things you can start doing TODAY to break the addiction.
Don't worry, they're practical and we can definitely do them together.
#1 Take Responsibility and then control of yourself
Though addictive personalities do exist and sometimes the excitement we receive from eating sugar and bad foods as a result of increased dopamine levels is real, you have to realize that you got yourself here, so it's time to take some responsibility. You can't blame anyone. Remember that if you can't control anything else, you can control the food that you put into your system. One of the first signs of self respect is how you treat your body and how serious you take your health. Eating healthy, exercising and taking care of yourself physically and mentally is a sign of self respect, so take responsibility and control. You do this and I guarantee you that you'll demolish the other tips!
#2 Consume a diet of healthy fats, protein and fiber REGULARLY
Believe it or not, you can cure your sugar addiction just by incorporating certain foods in your diet and taking others out. A healthy meal that can help you kick the addiction should consist of healthy fats, protein and fiber. Each one of these meal components does something to help stabilize your blood sugar levels or insulin levels which will in turn help you to not crave sugary foods.
What are some examples of this food? I'm glad you asked.
You should be eating healthy fats. Examples of these nuts (almonds are a big plus), seeds, olive oil and coconut oil. If you cut bad fats and carbs, your body will not only stop craving sugar but will become a fat burning machine! Who doesn't want that?
You should also consume protein. This means that you can and should be eating meats (try to stick to grass fed and organic... you don't want all of the hormones that are in a lot of meat), seafood like wild caught salmon, eggs and dairy like cheese, greek yogurt and milk. Be careful with your yogurts! A lot of the yogurt on the market is filled with sugar, so it might be best to stick to plain greek yogurt when you start on this journey.
Last but not least, you should also start incorporating more fiber in your diet. You can do this with food or supplements, but of course food is always best. Ways you can increase your fiber is by eating fruits, but the best fruits to eat when you're trying to kick a sugar addiction are berries so strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries. Veggies and beans are a plus as well. You also can rely on chia seeds and flaxseed.
By eating like this, you can balance your insulin levels and conquer your sugar cravings.
#3 STOP eating processed foods
It doesn't take a nutritionist to tell you the horrible effects of eating processed foods. Just look around you. Completely eliminate processed foods or even packaged foods for your diet. Most of them are full of sugar and it goes without saying that you should stop eating processed sugars if you want to take back control of your body. You should be eating whole foods. This means that if something you're eating has an entire list of ingredients, you probably shouldn't be eating it! Instead, trade those processed and packaged foods for whole foods and foods from the ground. Processed foods not only contribute to sugar addiction and weight gain but the chemicals in them can cause depression, mood swings and disease, so completely let them go if you want to kick your sugar addiction.
#4 Decrease your carb intake to only GOOD carbs
Consider doing a white out. No white bread, rice, pastas, grains, etc. That means If you want to completely break yourself of the addiction, you should definitely reduce the carbs that you eat. So say goodbye to the bread, pasta and starches.
#5 Drink teas
Take advantage of shops like DavidsTea, Teavana and your local tea shop or just brew your own. I can personally tell you that teas help with sweet cravings. Train It Right's very own Alicia Bell has been suggesting finding a tea you love to clients for YEARS and it's proven to be super effective.
#6 Take supplements
If you're really struggling, try taking a chromium supplement in addition to a healthy diet! Also, there has been an increased interest in probiotics and rightly so. These days a lot of us are suffering from leaky gut and other gut issues because we have too much bad bacteria in our bodies. Get back on track and balance things out by incorporating a probiotic of your choice to your diet.
#7 Exercise
This is SO important. It's as equally important and effective for your physical as it is your mental. Never forget that exercise is one of the most underutilized antidepressants. Exercise releases the same 'feel good' hormone that's released when you're eating sugary foods, so get the same feeling but way better, lifesaving benefits.
Also, be sure to engage in exercise such as HIIT (which Train It Right has an e-book filled with amazing HIIT workouts), weight training, yoga and pilates. These forms of exercise will help you reduce your sugar cravings.
#8 Educate Yourself
Educating yourself can be the most important tip on this list to kick a sugar addiction. Learn what researchers and physicians have found to cause sugar addiction, the science behind it and continuously learn things that you can do to kick the habit. Make learning and educating yourself on topics that will help you feel better and look better a part of your lifestyle!
Try these out and let us know how your quest to greatness is going in the comments!
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A competitors biggest struggle in 2017
As a lot of you know who follow me know that I compete in Figure and also do competition prep coaching. I wanted to talk about Competitors Biggest Struggles today because I was having a conversation with one of my clients. She is a first time competitor and was telling me about the things she has been doing leading up to her competition. And I gave her a lot of advice however, it was a double edged sword. Because I too was guilty of all the things she was telling me about. And as much as I know better and try to teach better I too still fall into the trap of these struggles.
Comparing myself to other competitors on social media
Firstly INSTAGRAM and other forms of social media are not real life. So many girls I know with huge followings look so muscular, lean, and show ready in the photos they post. However thats not the case in real life. On social media they can curate their posts, manipulate angles, lighting and posing. So when you see them in real life you realize that you spent hours worrying about them and stressing yourself out (which raises cortisol) for nothing. And in the end they actually aren't your competition. Why? Because in this giant world of fitness competition you should only be competing against yourself. Mentally, physically and emotionally the battles during competition prep should only be with yourself. To beat your previous best, to become the best version of yourself and to overcome your obstacles on your journey.
You can't get those hours back worrying about others. In those hours you should have been focusing on yourself, your mind state, your training, your diet and what you can do it better yourself. How you can be the best version of you.
Curiosity killed the cat. Although I know I shouldn't be doing this myself as a competitor and a coach that tries to tell my athletes not to do it. I look, I creep, I compare. I worry. And unfortunately I don't know anyone who actually doesn't look. Im sure some will say that they don't. But I can almost guarantee you that they do. We all look. Especially women.
Is it the society we have grown up in, to compare ourselves, to be jealous, to want what others have? Or is it that we are all just nosey and social media has taught us to be creeps? I don't think that social media is going to change any time soon. Its quick, its entertaining, its stimulating. I unfortunately can't stay off of social media during prep like some competitors do because It is one of my avenues for advertising my business, content creating and influencer marketing.
I simply have to have a stronger mindset. No one is going to influence me. I am my own competition. No one will work harder than me. And I do not care what anyone else is doing.
Mantra = Mindset
And I know you can do it too. So good luck to all of you competitors for this 2017 season! Don't fall into the social media trap of comparisons. You vs You instead. Enjoy social media for what it is worth but stop worrying and comparing yourself to others!
10 Foods to Get You In the Mood This Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching and instead of making reservations to some over-hyped trendy spot, stay in and prepare a “Lover’s Platter” full of indulgent aphrodisiacs. Pop some champagne, get that romantic playlist ready and feast onthese 10 foods to get you in the mood for love this Valentine’s Day. Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O a New York City Osteopathic Physician board certified in family and anti-aging medicine gives us his interesting insights on these aphrodisiacs.
“Aphrodisiacs are foods that have certain chemical properties that could increase pheromones, estrogen of testosterone, estrogen, heightening our interest in sex,” explains Dr. Calapai.
To be considered a true aphrodisiac the substance must be consumed orally, must reliably increase libido or sexual desire and within minutes. Ok so what are these sexual super foods and what is it about them that lights the fire of desire?
Oysters
One of the most infamous aphrodisiacs oysters are high in zinc and have a reputation for being great for fertility. Researchers have found that oysters contain amino acids that trigger production of sex hormones. “Oysters offer a lean source of protein to help give you energy all night long. In addition to offering the body zinc, which helps blood flow and nourish sperm, there's scientific evidence that an amino acid found in oysters may directly raise sexual hormone levels," says Dr. Calapai.
Bananas
With their phallic shape, bananas already look tempting and sensual; but they also contain bromelain, an enzyme, which Dr. Calapai says, triggers testosterone production. The fruit's potassium and vitamin B elevate energy levels and the high sugar content gives the brain a kick! Melt some chocolate to add some sexy decadence.
Honey
Honey is made through pollination and secretions of many fertile bees worshipping their queen, just what every woman wants! Drizzled on certain body parts honey can be fun. It has a number of vitamins and it also contains boron, which helps regulate estrogen and testosterone levels and the sweet and sappy sweetness provides a natural energy boost.
Watermelon
Packed with citrulline and lycopene, Watermelon may have a Viagra-like effect on the body, as it relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation. It may even prevent erectile dysfunction. It’s incredibly juicy, sexy and when dipped in chocolate is the perfect flavor explosion.
Pine Nuts
High in energizing zinc and fatty acids, which has been linked to a healthy sex drive, pine nuts are also considered aphrodisiacs because of the effort required to procure these oily gems from pinecones.
Arugula
This peppery tasting plant has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. “The bite of the aromatic leaf might get you in the mood and the minerals and antioxidants found in dark leafy greens like arugula have also been proven to block environmental contaminates that could negatively harm libido,” explains Dr. Calapai.
Olive oil
Packed with antioxidants, olives and their oil have been used for centuries for health. The Greeks believed they made men more virile as well. “Olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are critical for a healthy heart, smooth blood flow and stable hormone production, all needed to keep the brain, prostate and penis in good shape!” says Dr. Calapai.
Figs
Eaten by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the fig has forever paradoxically symbolized both sexuality (the ripe fruit with seeds representing fertility) and modesty (the fig leaf). They are full of potassium and are an antioxidant powerhouse, sweet and delicate when eaten.
Pomegranate
These bright gems enclosed in a thick rose-colored husk are filled with tangy sweet antioxidants, which support blood flow and clear thought. One study by The Male Clinic in California found that pomegranate juice had a positive effect on erectile dysfunction.
Chai Tea
Skip the coffee and end the night with a cup of Indian chai tea. The typical spices in this brew include ginger, cloves and cinnamon, all come from exotic places and certainly will get the blood flowing. Since it has almost no caffeine the stimulant effect is less than coffee allowing you and your lover to drift to sleep.
About the Doctor:
Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed 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 Gotham's, Donal Logue; and as a medical consultant for the New York Rangers. Connect with him via twitter @drcalapai or at www.drcal.net
Club Med warms up Toronto with two-day pop-up
Taste of premier resort experience sure to bring out the Amazing You that guests experience around the world February 14 and 15 at Yonge-Dundas Square
Toronto, ON – Club Med is turning up the heat, offering Torontonians the chance to beat the winter blues as it take over Yonge-Dundas Square on February 14 and 15. With winter in full swing, Club Med wants to give Canadians the chance to escape to somewhere warm. Known for its 65+ all-inclusive resorts worldwide, Club Med will transport bystanders down south through its winter bubble activation. Guests will step into a heated glass-walled truck fully decked out as one of Club Med's beach resorts, complete with sand, palm trees, and tropical fruits while being treated to the renowned hospitality of Club Med’s famous team of G.O.s (Gracious Organizers). To help visitors truly escape to a sunny destination, Virtual Reality goggles will transport users directly to the exotic settings of the Club Med resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico – helping them feel what it is like to be their best self (to discover their Amazing You). One of the most innovative companies in the travel market, Club Med’s use of VR and 360-videos usually reserved for the booking process will, for the first time, give Torontonians the opportunity to be swept away, taking part in exciting, signature family-fun focused activities like the flying trapeze or sailing. Although guests will feel like they are immersed in a tropical paradise, to make sure everyone stays extra toasty, Club Med G.O.s will be handing out hot cocoa and branded hand warmers to passersby. In addition to experiences and giveaways, Club Med wants to make dreams a reality for a lucky guest. Visitors will have the opportunity to post pictures from their visit to the pop-up on social media using #ClubMedAmazingTO for the chance to win a trip for two to one of Club Med’s sunny destinations. Online entries will also be possible by registering at ClubMedAmazingYou.com The Club Med pop-up resort will be at Yonge-Dundas Square on Feb. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Feb. 15 from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The contest runs until Feb. 28 at 11:59 p.m. For more information or to register for a chance to win a trip for two to a Club Med resort, visit ClubMedAmazingYou.com. Website: ClubMedAmazingYou.com Facebook: ClubMedCanada Twitter: @clubmedca Instagram:@clubmed Hashtag: #ClubMedAmazingTO About Club Med Club Med was founded in 1950 and is recognized as the all-inclusive pioneer and market leader offering more than 65 premium resorts in stunning locations around the world including the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, the United States, South America, Europe, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East. Each Club Med resort features authentic local style and comfortably chic accommodations, superior sports programs and activities for all ages, enriching children's programs and gourmet dining and premium drinks. With the introduction of Virtual Reality and development of 360-videos for its booking process, Club Med gains a position among the most innovating brands by offering the public a completely immersive experience. Operating in 26 countries, Club Med continues to maintain its authentic spirit with an international staff of 23,000 employees from 110 different nationalities.
Is 3D Mammography more effective in detecting breast cancer?
The Ottawa Hospital Breast Health Centre and Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre collaborate on clinical trial for breast cancer screening with digital breast tomosynthesis
Researchers from The Ottawa Hospital Breast Health Centre and the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre (OICC) have opened the Ottawa site of the Lead-In to the Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST). The Breast Health Centre is one of three clinical trial sites to launch the Lead-In in Canada. It is expected that shortly this trial will be integrated into a larger U.S./Canada TMIST, managed by the ECOG-ACRIN Cooperative Clinical Trials Group.
TMIST is the first large randomized, multi-centre study to assess whether a novel "3D" digital tomosynthesis technology combined with 2D digital mammography may be more effective at reducing the incidence of advanced breast cancers than conventional 2D mammography alone. Previous smaller studies suggest that this new kind of mammography can increase breast cancer detection and reduce the rate of false positives and recalls for women who do not have cancer. If successful, implementation of this technology would provide greater assurance of an effective test, reduce patient stress and anxiety, and ultimately reduce costs to the health-care system. The current Lead-In study aims to enroll 6,300 women in Canada, including 2,000 from Ottawa. Women attending mammographic screening at the Breast Health Centre may be approached to participate.
Digital breast tomosynthesis uses multiple low-dose images of the breast that are layered into a pseudo 3D view instead of the traditional 2D views. As information is not superimposed, tomosynthesis creates a richer and clearer image that may help avoid missing cancers that may be hidden in surrounding breast tissue.
"Tomosynthesis is the most advanced and exciting technology for mammography," said Dr. Jean Seely, Head of Breast Imaging at the Breast Health Centre, associate professor at the University of Ottawa and lead investigator of TMIST Lead-In in Ottawa. "When the full study begins, it will be the largest and most important study to evaluate both 3D and 2D mammography technology together. Outcomes of the study will allow us to decide how we move forward from 2D to 3D screening. Our goal is to improve on ways to detect important cancers as early as possible in order to save lives."
"We are pleased to collaborate and help fund this critical trial," said Dugald Seely, naturopathic doctor, Executive Director of the OICC, and co-investigator of TMIST in Ottawa. "Imaging and mammography are stressful events. The OICC is committed to supporting women so that they receive the best diagnostic technology, limiting unnecessary anxiety and ultimately reducing the burden of disease. The screening program is potentially revolutionary and we hope will be more accurate in correctly finding breast cancers that may not otherwise be diagnosed."
Breast cancer is the leading cause of death amongst women between 40 and 50 years of age. At The Ottawa Hospital there are one thousand new cases of breast cancer diagnosed per year.
Screening mammography has been shown to reduce the mortality of breast cancer. Specifically, women with breast cancer who underwent prior screening had a death rate of approximately six percent after five years compared to 15 percent for people who did not undergo screening. Despite this fact, there is extensive controversy surrounding screening. The harms of high numbers of false positives from 2D mammography have called screening into question. For every 100 women who are recalled for additional testing, more than 90 will have a normal finding or benign disease. This high number of initial false positives creates stress for women and may lead to decreased screening use, with a potential greater loss of lives from undetected cancer. It is hoped that tomosynthesis technology will reduce false positives, improve sensitivity and overall accuracy of digital mammograms.
The full TMIST study of 165,000 women will be led by Dr. Etta Pisano, Dean Emerita, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina and current Vice-Chair of Research in the Department of Radiology at Beth Israel Deakoness Medical Center, Harvard University. The Canadian Lead-in study is being led by Dr. Martin Yaffe, Senior Scientist, Imaging Research, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Professor of Depts. Medical Biophysics and Medical Imaging, at University of Toronto.
This study has been approved by the Ottawa Health Science Network Research Ethics Board. Further details are available on the Canadian Cancer Trials website.
About The Ottawa Hospital and its Breast Health Centre The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada's largest learning and research hospitals with over 1,100 beds, approximately 12,000 staff and an annual budget of over $1.2 billion. Our focus on research and learning helps us develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, we deliver specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but our techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. We engage the community at all levels to support our vision for better patient care.
Since its opening in 1997, The Ottawa Hospital Breast Health Centre has been dedicated to providing the highest quality care for breast patients across the Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). The Centre continues as a comprehensive breast centre that offers expertise in breast imaging, biopsy, diagnosis, risk assessment, surgical planning and psychosocial support for patients, and their families, in a caring environment. The Breast Health Centre offers high quality assessments in diagnostic imaging, diagnosing more than 85% of the breast cancers at The Ottawa Hospital, performing over 2,500 breast biopsies every year.
About the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre (OICC)
The OICC is changing how people are living with cancer. The OICC approach to integrative cancer care enables people to live the best they can while undergoing hospital-based treatment, by reducing side effects, improving quality of life, and helping prevent recurrence. The OICC is the first integrative cancer care and research centre in Central and Eastern Canada, and has been awarded the two largest-ever integrative cancer care research grants in North America. A not-for-profit, the OICC provides a range of supportive programs for patients including the Babes4Breasts Head Start Program for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. www.oicc.ca
About the University of Ottawa — A crossroads of cultures and ideas The University of Ottawa is home to over 50,000 students, faculty and staff, who live, work and study in both French and English. Our campus is a crossroads of cultures and ideas, where bold minds come together to inspire game-changing ideas. We are one of Canada's top 10 research universities—our professors and researchers explore new approaches to today's challenges. One of a handful of Canadian universities ranked among the top 200 in the world, we attract exceptional thinkers and welcome diverse perspectives from across the globe. www.uottawa.ca
SOURCE Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre (OICC)
For patients experiencing chest pain who call 911, the Ontario ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Bypass Protocol enables paramedic services to bypass the local emergency department and transport patients having a STEMI heart attack directly to a hospital that can open the blocked coronary artery and provide a primary intervention. STEMI is a form of a heart attack that can cause death if not treated within minutes.
In Ontario, the frequency of STEMIs is approximately 68 of every 100,000 adult residents, a total of about 7,000 STEMIs per year. Timely reperfusion (the opening of a blocked coronary artery) requires early diagnosis via an electrocardiogram (ECG) and transportation to an advanced cardiac hospital via paramedics.
"Calling 911 means quicker treatment because paramedics are trained to recognize heart attack symptoms," said Doctor Madhu Natarajan, Chair Ontario STEMI Network, Director, Cardiac Cath lab Hamilton; Professor of Medicine, Cardiology at Mc Master University, Interventional Cardiology, Hamilton Health Sciences. "[They] can begin treatment and call ahead to the emergency department and take you to the right place at the right time."
Any heart attack treatment begins with paramedics who have the medical expertise to complete an assessment and perform an ECG to determine if patients are having a STEMI heart attack. With the new protocol, paramedics can bypass the local hospital and transport directly to an advanced cardiac hospital where an interventional cardiologist can restore blood flow to the blocked coronary artery.
"When individuals experience symptoms of a heart attack (i.e. chest/arm pain, nausea, sweating, and shortness of breath) it is very important that they call 911," said Peter F. Dundas, Chief, Peel Regional Paramedic Services, Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs. "The Emergency Department STEMI Protocol ensures standardized, best practice care for all STEMI patients in Ontario."
All emergency departments (ED) in Ontario now utilize a standard STEMI ED protocol when caring for patients experiencing a STEMI heart attack. Educational tools and resources have been distributed to every Emergency Department in Ontario to support implementation of the protocol.
The protocols also include standard care algorithms for patients that reside in remote regions.
The STEMI Protocols were developed in consultation with the CCN, the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs, the Ontario Base Hospital Group Executive Committee, the Ontario Base Hospital Group Medical Advisory Committee, Toronto Paramedic Services and Ornge.
The Cardiac Care Network (CCN), under the direction of the Provincial Programs Branch (PPB), took the lead on the development of the Ontario STEMI Bypass Protocol through their Ontario STEMI Network, which included cardiologists, hospital administrators, base hospital medical directors and paramedics from across the province.
In Canada, there is a death every seven minutes due to heart disease or stroke. In 2008, myocardial infarctions (MI) made up 23 per cent of deaths related to cardiovascular disease. Most deaths caused by myocardial infarctions occur out-of-hospital.
For more information on the Ontario ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Bypass Protocol, visit http://ow.ly/OL91308McQL.
ABOUT THE CARDIAC CARE NETWORK
The Cardiac Care Network of Ontario is a system support to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Local Health Integration Networks, hospitals, and care providers dedicated to improving quality, efficiency, access and equity in the delivery of the continuum of cardiovascular services in Ontario.
Read by more than 500,000 fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes each issue, this is your chance to use your passion for health and fitness to inspire other women and earn the recognition you deserve. The winner also takes home $20,000!
The Terry Fox Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and BC Cancer Agency launch innovative pilot project to accelerate precision medicine in Canada
In a national first, today the Terry Fox Research Institute and two leading cancer centres in Canada -- the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto and the BC Cancer Agency in Vancouver -- launched an innovative pilot project to accelerate precision medicine for their cancer patients.
The initiative comes at a time when other developed countries are investing heavily in strategies to improve survival from cancer through precision medicine and increased collaboration. The pilot will provide much-needed evidence on how best to roll out a broader vision for data sharing and collaborative translational and clinical research to enable precision medicine for cancer patients.
The pilot is the first phase for developing and implementing a national program that will link high-performing comprehensive cancer research centres, hospitals and universities and their clinical and laboratory programs across Canada through the Terry Fox Designated Canadian Comprehensive Cancer Centres Network.
"With the support of The Terry Fox Foundation, TFRI is pleased to have provided catalytic funding to bring this novel and innovative research initiative forward. A project of this scope with two leading cancer care and research institutions working together in this way has never been done before," remarks Dr. Victor Ling, president and scientific director of the Terry Fox Research Institute. "Our ultimate goal through this collaboration is to create a national network of designated Terry Fox comprehensive cancer centres that will be able to deliver excellence in personalized and precision medicine from coast to coast to coast."
"As a world-leading comprehensive cancer centre, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre has made strategic investments to enable personalized cancer therapy through efforts in immune therapy, genetic sequencing and molecular imaging, thanks to the ongoing support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. We are excited to participate in this new strategic partnership with the Terry Fox Research Institute and the BC Cancer Agency to enable collaborative efforts in these areas and to accelerate the implementation of effective, targeted therapies for patients," said Dr. Bradly Wouters, executive vice-president, science and research, University Health Network.
"This project will leverage BC's pioneering contributions in massively parallel sequencing and cutting-edge research in cancer immunology and molecular imaging. Along with our funding partner, the BC Cancer Foundation, we are committed to excellence in cancer care and research and we are pleased to be a founding partner in this initiative. We will share our expertise and learn from each other to make a substantive difference for cancer patients in British Columbia and across Canada" said Dr. François Bénard, vice-president research at the BC Cancer Agency.
"As a long-time supporter and Terry Fox Run organizer who is inspired by Terry's selfless example, courage and unwavering determination, I am delighted to witness these world-leading organizations working together, bringing hope and innovative care to help more patients survive their cancers," said Pam Damoff, Member of Parliament for Oakville North-Burlington. "Terry Fox reminded us that anything is possible if we try. This partnership is an example of that."
Through the pilot project, these organizations will provide complementary analyses of specimens (e.g. tumour biopsies and blood samples), identify and determine ways to harmonize their research processes, set up an IT infrastructure for data sharing, and develop resources required to conduct multi-centre precision medicine clinical trials. The initial focus will be on colorectal, ovarian, and prostate cancers, with the goal of improving the health outcomes of patients through treatment by precision medicine.
Each organization is contributing $4 million over the next two years for a $12-million total investment that will see multidisciplinary teams focus on four specific research thrusts that are institutional priorities: genomics, immunotherapy, molecular imaging and data sharing.
Networking and shared efforts of comprehensive cancer centres already operate in many other countries, including the US and Europe. A multimillion-dollar continuing annual investment from many funding sources is required for the pan-Canadian network to become fully operational.
Several national and international cancer experts have voiced their support for the TFRI-led initiative, saying that Canada already has many elements that would contribute to the network's success and its aim to transform cancer care so current and future generations will benefit from precision medicine.
About The Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI) Launched in October 2007, The Terry Fox Research Institute is the brainchild of The Terry Fox Foundation and today functions as its research arm. TFRI seeks to improve significantly the outcomes of cancer research for the patient through a highly collaborative, team-oriented, milestone-based approach to research that will enable discoveries to translate quickly into practical solutions for cancer patients worldwide. TFRI collaborates with over 70 cancer hospitals and research organizations across Canada. TFRI headquarters are in Vancouver, BC. www.tfri.ca
About Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre has achieved an international reputation as a global leader in the fight against cancer and delivering personalized cancer medicine. The Princess Margaret, one of the top five international cancer research centres, is a member of the University Health Network, which also includes Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the Michener Institute for Education; all affiliated with the University of Toronto. For more information, go to www.theprincessmargaret.ca or www.uhn.ca.
About BC Cancer Agency The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. For more information, visit www.bccancer.bc.ca or follow us Twitter @BCCancer_Agency.
For more information, or to schedule an interview with any of the institutional leads, please contact:TFRI: Kelly Curwin, 604-675-8223; 778-237-8158 (cell) kcurwin@tfri.ca
