Canadian Company Announces Virtual Medical Consultations Anytime Anywhere
Sick? Click! (CNW Group/MyCare)
A Canadian telehealth company launches virtual medical consultations for episodic care that can be accessed from the privacy of home, office or hotel room.
MyCare MedTech Medical Clinic is utilizing advanced communication technology to connect a patient to a licensed medical provider through its innovative service, GOeVisit.
GOeVisit can diagnose, treat and prescribe for more than 30 non-emergency conditions, from common illnesses like cough, colds and flu, to general medical concerns, minor injuries and pediatric care. GOeVisit uses the same technology most people are already using daily, turning a computer, smartphone or tablet into a private, face-to-face medical consultation platform.
"GOeVisit is unique as it is the only service of its kind in Canada offering 24/7 and 365 access to medical practitioners from wherever a client lives, works or travels," said Dr. Raj Attariwala, Medical Director of AIM Medical Imaging in Vancouver and Medical Director of GOeVisit. "Virtual care is exploding, and GOeVisit is at the forefront, using proprietary Virtual Practice Guidelines to ensure clients receive an accurate consultation and treatment plan. The Virtual Practice Guidelines are well established and proven by multi-national corporations to help patients and parents quickly make appropriate health related decisions."
GOeVisit can provide prescriptions for non-controlled medications through its national prescription drug service. Using the Virtual Practice Guidelines (VPGs), GOeVisit providers may recommend over the counter medications or home therapies as alternatives to prescriptions. Use of VPGs has proven to reduce prescriptions by as much as 67%, an important alternative to the over prescription of medication, particularly antibiotics.
"Canadians are ready to take control of their healthcare," says Liz Bryant, Chief Operating Officer of MyCare MedTech Inc., "and want alternatives to waiting for non-emergency care. Two thirds of Canadians surveyed want to access care the way they access so many other services: through technology. GOeVisit makes that possible."
About MyCare MedTech Inc. MyCare MedTech Inc. is a Canadian telemedicine company with offices in Calgary, Alberta and Vancouver, BC. For more information, visit www.goevisit.com
National Survey reveals 91 per cent of Canadians believe health is the key to happiness
CHFA presents four simple ways to stay happy and healthy this winter
In response to new national survey results and with cold and flu season fast approaching, the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) have put together simple and effective tips to help Canadians stay happy and healthy during the winter months.
The survey of more than 1,500 Canadians conducted by CHFA revealed that the vast majority (91 per cent) of Canadians believe that their overall health impacts their level of happiness. The same survey also shows that more than half of our population (54 per cent) get sick most often in the winter.
When asked what factors are negatively impacting their health, Canadians from coast to coast reported that lack of sleep tops the list at 73 per cent. Sleep was followed closely by stress and lack of mindfulness (57 per cent), lack of exercise (52 per cent) and poor nutrition (46 per cent).
Additional interesting findings from the survey include:
Canadians’ favourite foods to ward off cold and fluand stay happy and healthy include chicken soup/broth (49 per cent), oranges (49 per cent) and tea (48 per cent).
Canadians’ top picks for natural health products to keep them happy and healthy during cold and flu seasoninclude vitamins C (46 per cent) and D (37 per cent).
Things Canadians do to stay happy and healthy:Over three-quarters say they improve their sleep (76 per cent), improve eating habits (43 per cent) and engage in exercise (40 per cent).
As Canadians prepare to celebrate the fifth annual National Health Products (NHP) Week, which runs from November 7 to 13, 2016, the focus is on practical and innovative ways to stay healthy through the holidays and into the New Year.
“Our goal this NHP Week is to arm Canadians with the tools they need to maintain health and happiness during cold and flu season,” said Michelle W. Book, CHFA’s in-house holistic nutritionist. “We identified four pillars of immunity, each including simple steps Canadians can take to help boost their immune system naturally this season and beyond.”
CHFA’s four pillars of immunity include:
Nutrition: Lack of proper nutrition has been linked to decreased immunity and increased risk of illness. Nuts, fermented foods and garlic are all shown to help boost the immune system.
Exercise: Engaging in 30-60 minutes every day can improve your body’s immune response. To improve exercise and immune health consider including krill oil, protein and vitamin D as part of your daily routine.
Sleep: Our bodies respond to lack of sleep in a similar way as it does to acute stress. Try adding magnesium, L-theanine and melatonin for better sleep.
Mindfulness: Mindfulness can reduce markers for inflammation and stress hormones. Probiotics and omega-3s can be beneficial in managing stress.
“While we always encourage Canadians to speak to their health care practitioners when they are under the weather, we also want to encourage everyone to consider adding natural health products to improve overall wellbeing and boost immunity,” says CHFA President Helen Long. “When you visit a local CHFA Member health food store, you can find all kinds of safe, effective and high-quality supplements, vitamins, minerals, herbal products and traditional medicines. Canadians should feel confident that Health Canada-approved natural health products can play an important role in maintaining and optimizing our health and happiness.”
Canadians should also be aware that Health Canada is proposing changes that impact natural health products in two fundamental ways:
Some products will no longer require Health Canada review and will provide less information.
Other products will be required to submit drug-level scientific evidence to support their claims.
About CHFA
The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) is Canada's largest national trade association dedicated to the natural health and organic products industry. The association represents manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors and importers of natural health and organic products. With a membership of more than 1,000 businesses across the country, CHFA represents an industry that contributes more than $6 billion to the Canadian economy. Michelle W. Book is CHFA’s in-house holistic nutritionist, trained in natural and complementary therapies.
About the survey:
A survey of 1591 Canadians was completed online between September 12th to 15th 2016 using Leger’s online panel, LegerWeb. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-2.5per cent, 19 times out of 20.
VERY, VERY SURPRISING USES FOR BOTOX THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH FOREHEAD WRINKLES
When most people think of Botox the first thing that usually comes to mind is wrinkle reduction. Indeed, Botox is the world’s most popular treatment for eradicating wrinkles and fine lines. The toxin is specifically FDA approved for treating frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) and lines around the eyes (crow’s feet). In addition to being the gold standard for wrinkle reduction, Botox can also be used to treat a variety of issues, both cosmetic and non-cosmetic. Dr. John Zannis is a New Bern, North Carolina board certified plastic surgeon. He provides a list of conditions that Botox has been used to treat.
Acne
Botox can curb oil production, reducing breakouts. "To totally treat acne, you'd need to use doses of Botox so large they'd prevent you from constricting your facial muscles," says Dr. Zannis. "But tiny amounts of Botox injected very superficially help reduce oil production, and you can still have facial expressions." Though he'd recommend it for almost any patient struggling with acne, Zannis would likely advise trying another dermatologist-prescribed treatment, like spironolactone or birth control pills, first. And though it can technically be used to quell oil production anywhere on the face, he cautions against using it all over because of potential effects on muscular activity (a.k.a. frozen face). The most effective and common area for using Botox to curb oil production, he says, is the forehead.
Gummy smile (not FDA approved)
A "gummy" smile, one that's characterized by a smile that shows too much of the gums, usually results from "excessive lip elevation" when the upper lip rises too far above the upper teeth when smiling. Injecting Botox into the upper lip weakens the upper lip's retractor muscles so that it won't raise as high and your smile will seem better-balanced. It can be done in about five minutes. Usually lasts for four to six months. Costs range from $200-$300. Dr. Zannis says, "This technique is not for the novice Botox injector. Too much, and your lip won’t raise enough, too little and you will need more, or if injected asymmetrically, you might have a funny asymmetrical smile."
Urinary incontinence.
Overactive bladder problems affect up to 20% of women over 40. For severe cases where medications do not provide complete relief, Botox injections into the bladder wall may provide relief lasting about 6 months.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is uncomfortable, itchy, and not exactly easy on the eyes. Luckily, this flaky skin condition could be a thing of the past thanks to Botox. Though psoriasis is technically incurable, Botox minimizes the activity of inflammatory cells that bring on outbreaks.
Excessive Sweating
For those who suffer from excessive sweating, however, summer isn’t always the sunniest time of the year. Thankfully, Botox could be a saving grace for those attempting to manage this condition, which is officially known as axillary hyperhidrosis. Studies show that just a handful of injections can reduce underarm sweat for up to TWO years. Um, where do we sign up?
Breast Lift
Are your breasts in need of a pick-me-up? Instead of going under the knife and getting permanent augmentation, some experts have suggested a quick and easy Botox lift. Dr. Zannis says that, “Those looking for a modest improvement are said to be able to temporarily plump their assets thanks to injections into the pectoralis minor chest muscle.”
Depression
The benefits of Botox® may be more than skin deep; two recent studies suggest that it may help alleviate the symptoms of depression. In a study published in the May 2014 issue of the Journal of Psychiatric Research, more than half of participants who had moderate-to-severe depression showed a substantial improvement in depressive symptoms following one injection of Botox® between the brows. This improvement lasts longer than the cosmetic effects, suggesting that the effect may be more than just feeling better about your appearance. Botox® is not approved to treat depression.
Teeth Grinding
Injections of Botox® were used to control involuntary muscle tension and spasms long before it became the go-to wrinkle buster. Dr. Zannis says that, “these neurotoxin injections may weaken the chewing muscles enough to reduce bruxism (teeth grinding) without affecting your ability to chew, talk and smile. Results last about four months. Botox® is not yet approved to treat bruxism.”
Migraine Headache
Botox® is approved by the FDA to treat chronic migraine headaches in adults who have 15 or more headache-days a month, each lasting four hours or more. Studies that led to this indication show that BOTOX®® prevents up to nine headache-days a month (vs seven for dummy injections). Other research hints that the neurotoxin may also help with low cerebrospinal fluid headaches and cluster or "suicide" headaches.
Brow Boost
Much like lines form over time, your brow may also drop or droop. Botox cosmetic treatments can also be used to improve the appearance of the brow. Dr. Zannis explains that, “the treatment essentially freezes the sagging muscles in place and gives the brow more stability. Lifting the brows in this way leaves you with a less tired and younger, fresher appearance.”
Jaw Reduction (off label use)
Botox can be used to perform jaw reduction (commonly called jaw line softening). Injecting Botox into the masseter muscle (the primary muscle used in chewing actions) reduces its overall size; transforming an overly square and masculine appearing jawline into a more feminine oval or heart shape.
Dr. John Zannis is a New Bern, North Carolina board-certified plastic surgeon and best selling author. A graduate of Stanford University and The University of Cincinnati Medical College, he received his formal training in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina under the guidance of world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Louis Argenta. During this time, he performed over 5,000 surgical procedures and covered all aspects of plastic surgery including cosmetic surgery of the face and body, complex reconstructive procedures of face and body, cleft lip and palate surgery, hand surgery, facial and jaw fracture repair, and reconstruction following massive weight loss. He blends his interests and studies of classical art and symmetry to his surgery practices. Connect with him via twitter@JohnZannisMDor his website www.zannisplasticsurgery.com
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Road trips, gas stops, no time for lunch; we’ve all found ourselves at the convenience store for a fast bite on the go. While a bag of chips or chocolate bar may be an option we later regret; there are fast bites that can actually offer some health benefits. Dr. Christopher Calapai a board certified expert in osteopathic medicine specializing in longevity offers some junk food options to consider the next time there’s no time for an actual meal.
Blue M&M’s and Blue Gatorade
Don’t get the blues about all food dyes.From candy to sports drinks, the unnatural colors of foods today can make you cringe at the thought of what’s making them colored. But, not all colored dyes are as bad as you may think. Research done by scientists at the University of Rochester found that Brilliant Blue G (BBG), found in blueM & M’s and blue Gatorade, could help reduce damage from spine injuries. When BBG was injected into lab rats with spinal cord injuries, it sped up their recovery time and ability to walk.
Cheeze Whiz?? No way!!
Fat isn’t always a bad word.The FDA has stated that not only are all trans fats not bad, some are actually good for you. Conjugated Linoleic Acids (CLAs), although high in calories can help fight cancer, weight gain, diabetes and arthritis. It’s hard to believe, but CLAs are found in Cheese Whiz.
Pork Rinds
Just the words pork rinds sound like instant heart attack. However did you know they are a fantastic source of protein? A one-ounce serving of this fried snack has seventeen grams of protein, seven times the amount of found in a serving of potato chips. Plus, 43% of the fat found in pork rinds come from oleic acid, the same healthy fat found in olive oil.
Beer
Some studies have found that beer can actually help increase bone mineral density because it contains silicon, making bones stronger and less likely to fracture. A Harvard University study found that beer could prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke. Italian researchers found that beer can raise HDL, the good cholesterol in your body. Opt for a light beer with fewer calories to avoid that full feeling.
Graham Crackers
They are the next best things to cookies if you’re trying to keep your health in mind. Graham crackers contain much less sugar than regular cookies and are still sweet enough to satisfy a craving. Plus, they are made with flour that undergoes a special milling process, preserving more of the whole wheat than in usual milling.
Popcorn
This is a snack that gets two thumbs up. Popcorn is packed with fiber and polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help to protect us from heart disease and certain cancers. Surprisingly, popcorn has more iron than eggs and spinach! It is also gluten-free, which makes it an option for those with Celiac Disease and other gluten allergies. Lastly, popcorn is mostly air. This means it fills you up, helping to stave off hunger cravings.
Beef Jerky
Forget about the leather-tasting jerky of years past, today’s gourmet jerky is delicious and can be healthy. Beef Jerky, just like its non-dried version of meat, is high in protein, iron and zinc. It, also, contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Be sure to look for natural beef jerky as the newer gourmet styles that are packed with flavor and free of nitrates.
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
Eyesight and Memory Loss are Leading Concerns Around Aging
Internationally, the top five physical conditions that people worry most about having, either now or as they age, are eyesight getting poorer, not being as mentally alert, lacking energy, having trouble taking care of themselves physically, and being unable to walk or drive.
These are the findings from a GfK survey of the online population across 17 countries, which asked people which physical conditions they worry most about having, either now or as they age, from a list of 19 different conditions:
Eyesight getting poorer 38%
Not being as mentally alert / memory
loss 38%
Lack of energy 36%
Having trouble taking care of
yourself physically 34%
Losing mobility / unable to walk or
drive 33%
Experiencing body aches 30%
Gaining weight 27%
Being more at risk for serious
diseases 26%
Losing your hearing 24%
Having digestive problems /
irregularity 21%
Getting wrinkles, sagging / loose
skin 21%
Losing your hair or having your hair
get thin 20%
Incontinence 19%
Losing muscle tone 19%
Losing your sexual drive 17%
Hair turning gray or white 16%
Developing age marks, scars or
noticeable veins 15%
Menopause 10%
None of these 10%
The study reveals how widespread certain concerns are within different countries and between genders - information that manufacturers and retailers can use to better target their product placement and advertising.
For example, 38 percent of the international online population says "eyesight getting poorer" is a worry. But this rises to over half in Spain (53 percent), Mexico and Argentina (both 52 percent). Similarly, "not being as mentally alert" is a concern for 38 percent of people internationally, but is much wider concern in Spain (66 percent), Argentina (58 percent), Germany (52 percent), Mexico (51 percent) and Italy (50 percent).
Some countries also stand out as being more concerned about specific physical conditions compared to others. Russia is the only country surveyed where "losing your teeth" is a top five most popular concern, while in Japan and Korea "getting wrinkles or sagging skin" is in their top five. Japan also has "losing muscle tone" in their top five, which again does not feature in other countries' top five.
Differences between men and women are also seen. Both genders have the same top five physical concerns around aging - although in slightly different order. However, looking further down the list, far more men than women worry about "losing sexual drive" (22 percent men; 11 percent women) - and far more women than men are worried about "getting wrinkles or sagging skin" (32 percent women; 11 percent men).
GfK's online survey interviewed over 22,000 consumers aged 15+ across 17 countries. Fieldwork was completed in summer 2016 with data weighted to reflect the demographic composition of the online population aged 15+ in each market: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Russia, South Korea, Spain, UK and USA.
HAVE TROUBLE COPING WHEN THE CLOCKS “FALL BACK?”
YOU MAY HAVE SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER AKA.. SAD
The clocks “fall back” November 6, 2016 which means that there will be less day light. Many people chalk up feeling blue in winter as simply a fact of cold weather and lack of sunshine. But 4 to 6 percent of people may have a winter depression which is clinically referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder. Another 10 to 20 percent may have mild SAD. SAD is four times more common in women than in men. Although some children and teenagers get SAD, it usually doesn't start in people younger than age 20. Your chance of getting SAD goes down as you get older.SAD is also more common the farther north you go. For example, it's seven times more common in Washington State than in Florida. Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a neuro-Psychologist in NYC (Manhattan and Forest Hills, Queens), and treats patients in her practice who display and express mood changes once October rolls around.
Dr. Hafeez explains that, “In most cases, seasonal affective disorder symptoms appear during late fall or early winter and go away during the sunnier days of spring and summer. However, some people with the opposite pattern have symptoms that begin in spring or summer. In either case, symptoms may start out mild and become more severe as the season progresses.”
The following are symptoms to look for to see if you are suffering from SAD
Depression
Hopelessness
Anxiety
Loss of energy
Heavy, "leaden" feeling in the arms or legs
Social withdrawal
Oversleeping
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
Weight gain
Difficulty concentrating
How is SAD treated?
Many people with SAD will find that their symptoms respond to a very specific treatment called bright light therapy. For people who are not severely depressed and are unable—or unwilling—to use antidepressant medications, light therapy may be the best initial treatment option says Dr. Hafeez.
Light therapy consists of regular, daily exposure to a “light box,” which artificially simulates high-intensity sunlight. Practically, this means that a person will spend approximately 30 minutes sitting in front of this device shortly after they awaken in the morning. If patients do not improve, a second exposure of 20-30 minutes may be added in the early afternoon. Treatment usually continues from the time of year that a person’s symptoms begin, such as in fall, on a daily basis throughout the winter months. Because light boxes are created to provide a specific type of light, they are expensive and may not be covered by insurance. Unfortunately, having lots of lamps in one’s house and spending extra time outside is not as effective as this more expensive treatment.
Dr. Hafeez states that, “Side effects of light therapy are uncommon and usually reversible when the intensity of light therapy is decreased. The most commonly experienced side effects include irritability, eyestrain, headaches, nausea and fatigue.”
Scientific studies have shown light therapy to be very effective when compared to placebo and as effective as antidepressants in many cases of non-severe SAD. Light therapy may also work faster than antidepressants for some people with notable effects beginning with in a few days of starting treatment. Other people may find that it takes a few weeks for light therapy to work, which can also be the case for most people who take antidepressant medications. Although not explicitly recommended, some people may elect for treatment with both light therapy and antidepressant medications. The combination of these treatments may be synergistic and a more robust way to address the symptoms of SAD.
In her practice Dr. Hafeez has found that antidepressant medications have been useful in treating people with SAD. Of the antidepressants, fluoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin) have been studied in the treatment of SAD and shown to be effective. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved these medications for treatment of major depressive disorder. Dr. Hafeez cautions that, “Any person considering treatment with an antidepressant medication should discuss the benefits and risks of treatment with their doctors.”
Individuals with a predisposition to bipolar disorder should be more cautious in approaching treatment for SAD and depression in general. Light therapy, like antidepressant therapy has been associated with increased risk of experiencing a manic episode. The specifics of this are beyond the scope of this review and again, should be discussed with one’s doctors.
Finally, a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a good diet and a strong social network, is also likely to help you cope with SAD.
Sanam Hafeez Psy.D
New York State Licensed Neuropsychologist and School Psychologist
Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a New York City based Neuropsychologist and School Psychologist. She is also the founder and director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. She is currently a teaching faculty member at Columbia University.
Dr. Hafeez graduated from Queens College, CUNY with a BA in psychology. She then went on to earn her Master of Science in Psychology at Hofstra University. Following that she stayed at Hofstra to receive her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) She later completed her post-doctoral training in Neuropsychology and Developmental Pediatrics at Coney Island Hospital.
Dr. Hafeez’s provides neuropsychological educational and developmental evaluations in her practice. She also works with children and adults who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, autism, attention and memory problems, trauma and brain injury, abuse, childhood development and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…) In addition, Dr. Hafeez serves as a medical expert and expert witness by providing full evaluations and witness testimony to law firms and courts.
Dr. Hafeez immigrated to the United States from Pakistan when she was twelve years old. She is fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi (Pakistani and Indian languages.) She resides in Queens, New York with her husband and twin boys.
Train It Right Youtube Launch
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Health Smart Financial Services ("Health Smart"), a technology-enabled specialty lender, announced today that it has closed a new senior revolving credit facility with CWB Maxium Financial ("CWB Maxium").
Health Smart's technology platform allows healthcare providers to offer their customers affordable monthly payments for services and products that require private out-of-pocket expense. Health Smart has a rapidly growing base of over 1500 merchant partners who benefit from the company's instant credit approval and paperless transaction capability.
"CWB Maxium is a great partner for our business," said Wayne Pommen, President & CEO of Health Smart. "This new revolving facility replaces our existing facilities and provides us with substantially increased funding capacity to grow our consumer loan portfolio. Combined with the growth equity investment we received from iA Financial Group last month, we are very well capitalized to continue our pace of growth in 2017 and beyond."
"We are pleased to be a funding partner for Health Smart as they capture the point-of-sale financing opportunity in Canada," said Neil Cruickshank, Vice President at CWB Maxium. "Health Smart has tremendous potential to attract quality financial assets. The transaction aligns with our strategy for creative and innovative financing, and supports our growing portfolio in the Canadian financing sector. We look forward to ongoing growth opportunities and collaboration."
About Health Smart: Health Smart Financial Services is a leading Canadian point-of-sale consumer lender focused primarily on the healthcare sector. Using Health Smart's platform, healthcare providers can have their customers approved for affordable monthly payments on-location or remotely using desktop, tablet, or smartphone interfaces. By partnering with Health Smart, merchants provide their customers with greater access to services while growing their sales. Health Smart's major segments include dentistry, fertility, audiology, mobility devices, veterinary services, and cosmetic procedures, in addition to selected segments outside the healthcare sector. Health Smart has approved over $170 million in consumer credit since inception.
About CWB Maxium: CWB Maxium Financial is a CWB Group company and offers creative structured financing that responds directly to the specific needs of each customer. Maxium Financial Services Inc. was founded in 1993, and on March 1, 2016, it became a CWB Group company. Today, the portfolio exceeds $1 billion. With over 35,000 customers, CWB Maxium is earning a reputation for innovative lending solutions coupled with an unparalleled ability to build long-term relationships. Learn more at www.cwbmaxium.com
ACE launches JointHealth™ Education
North America's first on-line classroom designed to educate, empower and graduate today's modern arthritis patient
Arthritis Consumer Experts (ACE) today announced the launch of its newest on-line patient education program: JointHealth™ Education. Designed to enable arthritis patients to progress from being a "student" of arthritis to full-fledged "graduate," JointHealth™ Education empowers and equips them to be equal partners on their health care team. As part of the launch, ACE is introducing the first course in the program - JointHealth™ Education: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - to help patients and their healthcare providers better understand each other's motivations and goals for the patient's overall treatment and care plan.
"JointHealth™ Education was inspired by many of ACE's members living with an inflammatory arthritis who have told us they lack the communications expertise to have full, satisfying conversations with their rheumatologists on topics such as treatment options during their clinical visits. The program is informed by our organization's participation on a global advisory panel that conducted a survey in 16 countries of rheumatoid arthritis patients and their health care providers. The results illuminate the discord between the needs, concerns and fears of patients compared to the views of their health care providers," said Cheryl Koehn, Founder and President of Arthritis Consumer Experts and a member of the RA Narrative Global Advisory Panel.
Key findings of the RA Narrative Global Patient Survey included:
The vast majority of RA patients survey indicated they defined treatment success as no longer being in pain and having little to no inflammation, followed by improvement in their overall quality of life; the healthcare provider survey reported that their goals for their patients were achieving disease remission and/or low disease activity;
More than a third of patients surveyed reported they do not take their RA prescription medication as prescribed;
Over two-thirds of RA patients reported they felt uncomfortable raising their concerns/fear with the healthcare provider, and over a third strongly agreed or agreed that they worry if they ask too many questions, their healthcare provider would consider them a "difficult patient" and this would affect their quality of care.
These and other important findings from the RA Narrative Global Patient Survey led ACE to seek a made-in-Canada solution that focuses on closing the "communication gap" between RA patients and their rheumatologist to help them work as equal partners in disease management.
"The survey represents the views of 4,000 RA patients around the world and of their healthcare providers in the companion survey, providing ACE the road map for the development of JointHealth Education RA," said Koehn. "This evidence tells us that a patient's perception of their RA and its treatment, as well as their relationship with their healthcare provider, impacts the management and the outcomes of their disease. It shows us that, together, RA patients and their rheumatologists can better communicate and understand one another's views to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients."
JointHealth™ Education provides current, evidence-informed lessons, quizzes and coaching videos through a secure, on-line classroom where they can learn from the comfort of their own home or over the work day lunch hour. The program helps prepare patients to appropriately frame their health concerns and questions with their healthcare provider. Upon successful completion of a course the patient "Graduate" receives a certificate indicating they have the knowledge and communication tips needed to successfully prepare for their medical visit, talk to their health care provider about setting treatment goals and making an overall plan, discuss specific treatments (medication and non-medication forms) to manage and monitor their type of arthritis.
"Canadian rheumatologists have been actively discussing and pursuing ways to improve communication between patients and rheumatologists in order to work together to set treatment goals and establish a treatment plan to achieve the best possible disease outcomes. JointHealth™ Education is a valuable tool not just for patients, but also for rheumatologists – junior and senior, alike – to better assess the wants and needs of patients through their eyes, not just ours as was the case in days gone by," said Kam Shojania, MD, FRCPC, Clinical Professor and Head, Division of Rheumatology, University of British Columbia, and Medical Director of the Mary Pack Arthritis Program.
About Arthritis Consumer Experts
Arthritis Consumer Experts is a national organization that provides free, science-based information and education programs in both official languages to people with arthritis. ACE serves people living with all forms of arthritis by helping them take control of their disease and improve their quality of life through education and empowerment. Founded and led by people with arthritis, ACE also actively advocates on arthritis health and policy issues, through ACE's JointHealth™ family of programs and the Arthritis Broadcast Network, directly to consumers/patients, healthcare professionals, media and government. ACE is guided by a strict set of guiding principles, set out by an advisory board comprised of leading scientists, medical professionals and informed arthritis consumers.
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