World Stroke Day reminds us all that stroke is treatable

March of Dimes Canada celebrates global campaign on October 29

Anna Bauer-Ross was 36 when she had her stroke. She was on vacation in the Bahamas with her young kids, unaware of how her life was about to change.

"I had to relearn the basics because the stroke had caused a severe left side neuropathy and even damaged my vocal chords," Bauer-Ross says. "My days of being a busy mom, carpooling, and taking my children to their sporting events were over. I was learning how to conquer the most elementary tasks:  walking, writing, even seeing."

The most surprising thing is that Anna is not alone - stroke can and does strike people of all ages. It's a devastating diagnosis, of course, but there's good news too: stroke is treatable!

That's the theme of this year's World Stroke Day (October 29^th). Like March of Dimes Canada's Stroke Recovery Program, the World Stroke campaign focuses on rehabilitation and recovery, and the fact that stroke survivors can return to engaged, fulfilling lives.

"What happens after a stroke is extremely important," says Andria Spindel, President and CEO of March of Dimes Canada. "March of Dimes Canada focuses on helping the individual move past the stroke, find meaning and support, develop re-integration and independence skills, build new or renew social relationships, access recreation, health education and more.  Stroke Recovery groups assist in rebuilding lives."

Today, Bauer-Ross is doing well, but she describes recovery as a long-term process.

"Recovery never ends. It's a journey. The key has been to understand the importance of medication maintenance, staying active with the help of my family, and doing all that I can to stay on course with my recovery."

March of Dimes Canada is a nationally registered charitable organization providing support services to people with disabilities, their families and caregivers across Canada. Our goal is to enhance the independence and community participation of people with physical disabilities every day through a wide range of programs and services across Canada.  For more information, please visit www.marchofdimes.ca or call 1-800-263-3463.

SOURCE March of Dimes Canada

Fitness Ladies Why Draw Brows When You Can Tattoo. You sweat off your brows anyway. So why not try a permanent fix! Introducing: The Good Geisha

THE GOOD GEISHA

Toronto’s first premiere cosmetic tattoo shop

576 Dundas St. West

www.goodgeisha.com

647-351-8899

@TheGoodGeisha

“Restoring confidence in someone’s life makes all the difference.”

- Amber Gotzmiester –

COSMETIC TATTOOING IN TORONTO

TORONTO, ON – From permanent make-up, to medical and restorative procedures; cosmetic tattooing, known as ‘micropigmentation’ is becoming a common practice for both men and women living in and outside of the GTA. Responding to this growing trend, are Cosmetic Tattoo Artists, Amber Gotzmeister and Anna Chow, who have teamed up to bring Toronto its first premiere cosmetic tattoo shop called The Good Geisha. The pair is working hard together at quickly distinguishing themselves from the bad to THE GOOD by practicing voluntary standards in an unregulated industry with ongoing health and safety concerns.

“Many professionals in the industry, including myself, strongly believe that cosmetic tattooing does not belong in an environment where you'd get your nails done,” says Amber Gotzmeister. “Because the industry is unregulated with little enforced standards, you want to do your research before selecting someone to administer cosmetic tattooing. You have to be very careful. I would strongly advise against budget cosmetic clinics and day spas offering cosmetic tattooing.”

Gotzmeister has been a senior instructor at the Micropigmentation Centre since 2014, primarily focused on all “hands on” practical training for all of the programming. She also leads the Microblading Program teaching theory, design concepts and strategies. Gotzmeister has performed over 500 eyebrow and eyeliner services; 200 lips and 100 paramedical.

“We hear countless horror stories and witness mistakes up-close and personal; often having to correct errors from improper and unprofessional procedures,” says business partner, Anna Chow. “There has also been little positive media coverage on our industry. We want to change these attitudes by highlighting the benefits, but while addressing health & safety concerns such as infections, permanent disfigurement, and Hepatitis B and C. Not only can cosmetic tattooing be expensive to correct, improper procedures can also be detrimental to one’s health.”

“Many celebrities are rumoured to have had permanent make-up procedures,” says Gotzmeister. “When you live your life constantly in the spotlight and under a microscope, it seems like a viable option. The same goes for those rushing to get to work in the morning. Many people are turning to cosmetic tattooing to save themselves the time and hassle from applying makeup. The three most common procedures are eyebrows, eyeliner, and lips, in that order. However, it changes between cosmetic and medical based on demographic and market targeting. American insurance companies are even starting to include cosmetic tattooing in their coverage plans. Canada has yet to follow.”

 “I absolutely love how natural my brows look after microblading with Amber,” says Melissa Andre of Melissa Andre Events. She was able to perfect my brow shape and give me perfect definition to highlight my eyes. I fly between Toronto and LA throwing parties for Drake and many other celebrities; cosmetic tattooing has helped me save a lot of application time. When you are constantly working in the spotlight and busy like me, the procedure was a wise investment that improved my business of being social.”

Why "The Good Geisha"?

“I really wanted to make sure I wasn't confused with the typical beauty bar so I wanted a name that reflected a traditional tattoo shop. I found a "tattoo shop name generator" on Google and just clicked a button to come up with names. The first click populated the name Bad Geisha. I liked it, but I didn’t want to give off a brothel impression. I changed bad to good and bounced it off my husband. He said I should put word "the" in front of it. When I bounced it off my girlfriends she mentioned the stigma of the geisha so I did some research. I found an article by Elle magazine that I think summed up exactly what made me fall in love with the name.”- Gotzmeister

"There are numerous reasons why geisha have remained icons of enduring enchantment since they first emerged in Japan in the 1700s. They are a very secretive group, existing in what is known as karyukai, or "the flower and willow world." To see one, even in their traditional home base of Kyoto, is rare, not only because there are now fewer than 300 of them, but because they perform their tea ceremonies only for the wealthiest and most elite (contrary to popular belief, geisha were never courtesans; the confusion stems from Western soldiers' reductive use of the term geisha girls for Japanese prostitutes during WWII). Living embodiments of mystery, serenity, and romance, there are perhaps no other women on earth so devoted to the pursuit of beauty in all of its forms." – Elle Magazine Source -

About Amber Gotzmeister

Amber Gotzmeister is a Colour Correction Expert, the Senior Instructor at the Micropigmentation Centre and the Co-owner of The Good Geisha. She started in the medical camouflaging makeup industry in 2003 teaching her clients how to cover their scars and birthmarks with makeup.  Her directed focus in micropigmentation began in 2007, and since then she has performed countless procedures. As an instructor, Amber developed and implemented fundamental training programs as well as advanced workshops targeting the popular procedure, Microblading. Amber is known for her calming personality and her extensive knowledge on colour in the skin.  Amber holds a CIDESCO designation in medical esthetics and a Marvel Makeup Diploma since 2003. Specialities: 3D Microblading, Colour Corrections, Cosmetic & Para Medical Tattoos. @microbyamber

About Anna Chow

Anna has always had a passion in visual arts even as a child. With a finance background and having worked on Bay St., she decided to quit her career and pursue her passion. She entered the industry by extensively training under numerous worldwide renowned artists before starting her own Studio in Vaughan and now a Co-Owner of The Good Geisha. Her strong belief of "when you stop learning, you stop growing" is why she continues to learn, share andinstruct Microblading. Her love and perfection for the beauty industry is reflected through her work as she finds fulfillment by listening to her clients’ needs, assessing facial structures and helping recreate their image. Specialties: Microblading, Micropigmentation, Certified Slope Needle Specialist and Certified Eliminink Specialist. @annavictoriachow

FAQs

1. What procedures does The Good Geisha specialize in?

We specialize in all forms of cosmetic tattooing, which include eyebrows, eyeliners, lips and beauty marks. We also specialize in para-medical tattooing, which includes density re-pigmentation for scalp, areola/nipple complex re-pigmentation and also camouflaging for skin disorders. Our most popular procedure is eyebrow Microblading, which lasts up to 1 year (for some, a little longer) and it gives a very soft, realistic look. 

2. What is the main difference between The Good Geisha and typical beauty bars? The Good Geisha is Toronto’s very first Premiere Cosmetic Tattoo Shop. We specialize in only cosmetic/medical tattooing. No other services, no confusion.  With over 10 years of combined experience, we aim to raise the bar in health and safety in our growing industry, by providing a standard in which you can trust and expect the highest quality of work using only 100% disposable tools.  

3. Why should consumers avoid typical beauty bars? What health and safety concerns should consumers be aware of?

Typically beauty bars encompass a wide range of beauty services, which means their facilities may not be designed for a tattooing service. Beds or chairs should be linen free and appropriately wrapped in barrier film.  All tools should be 100% disposable (including all hand pieces used for Microblading). Ask if your artist is Bloodbourne Pathogen Certified?  This will ensure that they have had adequate training in the risks of tattooing, cross-contamination, and health and safety in the tattoo shop workplace.  Consumers should do their research before committing to any type of tattoo. They should look into an artist’s work, ask to see their before and after photos, and check out the facility beforehand to ensure the highest form of safety measures are put into place.

4. What is the difference between micropigmentation and microblading?

MICROBLADING is a short term tattoo for the eyebrows.  We use tiny pin like needles (not an actual blade) to implant pigment into the skin approximately 0.5 mm deep using a manual tool.  This results in crisp realistic lines that resemble real eyebrow hairs.  This style of tattooing is meant to last up to 1 year.   You will require 1 touchup session within 4-6 weeks prior to initial appointment. 

MICROPIGMENTATION is a permanent tattoo for eyebrows, eyeliners, lips, beauty marks, colour correction, scaring, areola/ nipple complex, and scalp using a state of the art electrical machine.  Any form of tattooing on the face, palms of hands, and soles of feet will fade faster than anywhere else on the body. Therefore the longevity of the tattoo will be unique to each person’s needs, skin type, and lifestyle.  

5. What is the average cost of microblading?

The average cost of microblading is anywhere from $450 - $650. The price varies depending on the artist and the artist’s experience in the field. 

6. How long does microblading last (procedure and results)?

Microblading is a manual procedure that creates a hyper realistic hair stroke effect and can last anywhere from 1-2 years. The procedure takes about 90 mins. A person’s skin type and their innate healing process will determine their results.  Everyone heals differently and some people’s skin/cell turnover pushes the colour out quicker or slower than others.  There is no way to determine or guarantee what your individual experience will be.

7. Who is a good candidate for microblading? Almost anyone can be a candidate formicroblading. The only people who we caution are those who are in need of significant corrective work.  Or those prone to keloid scarring. We would then, in most cases, recommend Micropigmentation as an alternative. 

8. How does the microblading procedure actually work (what materials/techniques are used)? We use tiny pin like needles (not an actual blade) to implant pigment into the skin approximately 0.5 mm deep using a manual tool. We do this by gently pulling the needles through/across the skin to create a hair stroke feathered effect. 

9. Is there any aftercare or maintenance involved after the procedure? Yes, aftercare is very important. Just like any tattoo, the aftercare regimen determines the colour retention in the tattoo. At The Good Geisha, we ask the clients to use our aftercare product the night of their procedure, and continue to use it for the following 2 weeks. Using a clean cotton swab, lightly massage a thin coat over the area several times per day. This will help with healing, minimize crusting and aid in colour retention. 

FULL LIST OF SERVICES AND PROCEDURES:

Microblading is a short-lived tattoo for the eyebrows. The Good Geisha uses tiny pin-like needles (not an actual blade) to implant pigment into the skin approximately 0.5 mm deep using a manual tool. This results in crisp realistic lines that resemble real eyebrow hairs. This style of tattooing is meant to last up to one year. Clients will require one touchup session within 4-6 weeks prior to initial appointment. 

This is good for someone who is nervous or apprehensive to take the leap into a permanent tattoo. This is also what everyone is seeing on instagram so it is very trendy.  It is actually a very old method of tattooing - like we are talking back to the bamboo stick days but it has come full circle and has been reintroduced more recently starting in Asia.

Micropigmentation is a permanent tattoo for eyebrows, eyeliners, lips, beauty marks, colour correction, scaring, areola/ nipple complex, and scalp using a state-of-the art electrical machine. Any form of tattooing on the face, palms of hands, and soles of feet will fade faster than anywhere else on the body. Therefore the longevity of the tattoo will be unique to each person’s needs, skin type, and lifestyle.  

Eyebrows are the most popular procedure. Most women are unhappy with their brows either from over plucking or they are just naturally sparse.  Our brows thin with age and disappear from the tails mostly from sleeping and rubbing in pillows. Then there is more a medical aspect like conditions such as alopecia (when you stop growing hair altogether). No eyebrows equals no expression. This is also a great option for those suffering through chemo treatments.  I have done many brows prior to their treatment commencement and when they start to lose their hair it’s not such a shock because they still have "eyebrows". 

Eyeliner is the second most popular and is primarily for cosmetic purposes except for those with alopecia.  It saves women time (approx. 10 min per day) from having to put their eyeliner on evenly every day.  There are so many meme’s and videos making fun of this fact.  The Good Geisha posted one on the Facebook page MicrobyAmber and it reached over 60,000 views.

Lips are sought after to bring colour that fades away from the vermillion boarder with age, coldsore scarring etc.  It is also for those who like to wear colour every day.  It is more of a staining effect then an opaque coverage that you get with actual lipstick.  Cleft palette augmentation is also possible but I haven’t personally done any of those before. 

Beauty marks are still popular from the Cindy Crawford days. They are entirely cosmetic unless it is to match something that was there before some type of scarring or augmentation.

Colour Correction is my (Amber’s) specialty.  Colour theory in the skin is completely different then traditional colour theory.  I have spent the last 10 years learning and testing colour changes in the skin with thousands of procedures under my belt for all types of cosmetic tattooing.

Scarring is possible to camouflage if the scar is lighter then that rest of the skin, and it is completely flat or depressed (anything raised is hypertrophic and cannot be tattooed). We can also combine colour matching with micro needling treatments that smooth the structure of the skin as well. This is a para medical procedure for any place on the body or face.

Areola/ nipple complex regimentation is for women who have augmentation scarring or loss of areola melanin due to trauma from surgery.  Reconstruction due to mastectomy for survivors of breast cancer. We can create a new set or match the bilateral pair. 

Scalp is for women and men with thinning hair. We can implant pigment in many different patterns to create density which gives the illusion of fuller thicker hair. Either for long hair, mid-short and also bald heads.  This is also beneficial for those with hair transplant scarring as we can blend the hair pattern into the scar to create an illusion of no scar and an even density of the hair.

Most procedures are 1-2 hrs for cosmetic purposes. Lips and para medical can run longer 3-4 hrs. It depends on the extent of the procedure in combination with the skin type of the individual.  (An eyeliner with a thick line and wing will take much longer than an eyelash enhancement which is a thin line following just inside the lash line).

Morning, Afternoon, and Night... Which Foods Will Do You Right?

If you are not in competition prep or following a weight loss plan from me www.trainitright.com/programs use the tips in this guest post for healthy eating:

Before you grab that morning cup of coffee on an empty stomach, that lunchtime slice of pizza, or indulge in a steak dinner or ice cream while watching TV, understand that what you eat and when you eat it can lead to stomach upset. It can also trigger more severe issues in your gut. On the flip side, there are some foods that when eaten at certain times of day may soothe already existing stomach issues or may even prevent stomach ailments from occurring down the line. We spoke with Dr. Gina Sam Assistant Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York who offers insights on what and when to eat certain foods for a healthy gut.

Best Bets for Morning

Yogurt

It’s important to start the day with a healthy breakfast that factors in stomach health. Probiotics found in Greek yogurt is ideal as it regulates the growth of harmful bacteria that grown in the digestive tract. Probiotics also keep colon lining healthy as it breaks through gastric acid and gets to the colon. In 2015 a study published in the The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology showed that yogurt might improve intestinal function for those with inflammatory bowel disease. Those who are lactose intolerant can enjoy lactose free yogurt.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great bet for breakfast and can be topped with blueberries another gut friendly food. Oatmeal doesn’t cause acid reflux. It soothes any morning stomach upset and regulates bowel movements.

Fresh Fruit 

Honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon are great options for those sensitive to reflux. Bananas help restore potassium, electrolytes and normal bowel function, especially if you have diarrhea. Bananas are also high in fiber, which is great for digestion.

The Lunchtime Lowdown

Salads

Eating leafy greens daily is a great for digestion. Lunchtime salads that include grilled salmon; chicken or turkey won’t cause reflux and will be easily digestible throughout the afternoon. If you are sensitive to acid then you will want to avoid onions or tomatoes and for some even the seeds in cucumbers can trigger a bout of stomach cramping. Be careful with lemon juice and vinegar in salad dressings, which can promote reflux. Try adding fennel with arugula and baby spinach along with parsley. Parsley is known to help digestion and settles the stomach.

Kimchi

This delicious Korean coleslaw is made primarily with cabbage, which promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon. Also cabbage helps to eliminate waste regulating bowl movements. Home made sauerkraut is also a delicious option but be mindful if you are sensitive to spicy foods. This is why it is best to make your own so you can regulate the amount of spice.

Mediterranean Plates

Lunchtime is optimal for grilled veggies, legumes such as lentils with olive oil along with grilled fish or chicken. Preparing a plate of various whole grains, cauliflower, carrots, figs and pears are all great sources of fiber for the mid day.

A Digestible Dinner

You really want to focus on ease of digestion at dinnertime. Foods that are high fat

can overwhelm the stomach, resulting in acid reflux and heartburn. Steatorrhea or pale colored stool is excess fat in the feces. People with IBS fare better when they avoid high fat foods. That said here are some options for a healthy gut.

Grilled Fish

Cold-water fish such as salmon, halibut, or tuna when grilled in olive oil are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which can address any inflammation in the digestive tract. According to a 2014 study featured in the World Journal of Clinical Cases, omega-3’s were sites as being beneficial to those with ulcerative colitis.

Grilled Chicken with Couscous or Brown Rice

Chicken another lean meat that offers protein and is easy to digest goes great with couscous or brown rice especially if you tend to get acid reflux after late meals. Another option for a side dish is guacamole or avocado slices with lime. Artichokes also feed the good bacteria in your gut as does asparagus and lentils.

Stomach Friendly Snacking

When it comes to snacking there are several options you can reach for. Granny smith apples with almond butter, baby carrots and hummus, hallowed out cucumber and cottage cheese, kale and zucchini chips and assorted nuts (not peanuts) are all healthy and good for the gut.

You know your body best. Pay close attention to what agrees with you at varying times of the day and if you notice changes in how you take to certain foods see your doctor.

About Dr. Gina Sam: 

Dr. Gina Sam, MD/MPH is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York. She is the Director of the Mount Sinai Gastrointestinal Motility Center specializing in achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux, functional disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroparesis, and anorectal disorders including pelvic floor dyssnergia and fecal incontinence.

In addition, she does practice General Gastroenterology including colon cancer screening with colonoscopy. She also has a special interest in Women's Health Issues.
Dr. Sam graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine with her medical degree and her Master's in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health in 2003. She has established the Mount Sinai Gastrointestinal Motility Center at Mount Sinai Medical Center providing a multidisciplinary approach to motility and Functional gastrointestinal disorders.

4 Ways To Prevent Gestational Diabetes

If you are overweight, pregnancy can be a challenge at times. You can be prone to many complications. This can include complications not just for you but your baby as well. Your baby could be at risk for gestational diabetes.

According to research you are at risk of developing gestational diabetes if:

Breast cancer patients and support groups first brought attention to a phenomenon they called “chemo brain” or “chemo fog” in the 1980s. The often vague yet incredibly distressing mental changes cancer patients experienced were real, yet many medical professionals continued to question the phenomenon’s seriousness and very existence. Studies on cancer-related cognitive decline unfortunately did not begin until the late 1990s, and, 30 years later, there is still no treatment.

However, a new study will publish on Monday, October 31^st, which suggests that the lack of understanding and treatment for cancer-related cognitive decline may be about to change. For decades cancer patients have been affected by chemo brain – a mental cloudiness noticed before, during, and after cancer treatment. Defined as a decrease in mental “sharpness” – with many chemo brain patients having difficulties with memory recall, finishing tasks, and learning new skills – chemo brain indisputably impacts every aspect of the patient’s life. One doctor working to reverse such devastating effects is world-renowned scientist and founder of Posit Science, Dr. Michael Merzenich.

If you are interested in discussing the major developments and breakthroughs being made in the fight against cancer-related cognitive decline, the future of medicine, and how technology is creating new cognitive medical advancements, please let me know – I would be happy to arrange an interview with Dr. Merzenich or provide you with written commentary and additional information.

Additionally, please let me know if you would be interested in an early release on the forthcoming chemo brain study.

World's Smallest Pacemaker Licenced for Canadian Patients

The Medtronic Micra^™ Transcatheter Pacing System (TPS) is the First Leadless Pacemaker Licenced in Canada

Medtronic Canada, a subsidiary of Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT), today announced it has received a Health Canada licence for the world's smallest pacemaker, the Medtronic Micra™ Transcatheter Pacing System (TPS). The Micra TPS is the first Health Canada licenced product with miniaturized pacing technology. It is cosmetically invisible and small enough to be delivered through a catheter and implanted directly into the heart - providing a safe alternative to conventional pacemakers without the need for cardiac wires (leads).

Comparable in size to a large vitamin capsule, the Micra TPS is attached to the heart with small tines and delivers electrical impulses that pace the heart through an electrode at the end of the device. Unlike traditional pacemakers, the Micra TPS does not require leads or a surgical "pocket" under the skin, and there are no visible signs of the device. The Micra TPS responds to patients' activity levels by automatically adjusting therapy.

Micra TPS is the first and only leadless pacing system to be licenced for both 1.5 and 3 Tesla (T) full-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, providing patients with continued access to these advanced imaging diagnostic procedures.

The Micra design incorporates a retrieval feature to enable repositioning if needed; however, the device is designed to be left in the body. For patients who need more than one device, the miniaturized Micra TPS was designed with a feature that enables it to be permanently turned off so it can remain in the body and a new device can be implanted without risk of electrical interaction.

In November 2015, data from the Medtronic Micra TPS Global Clinical Trial, which included two Canadian centres, were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented during a late-breaking Special Report at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions. These data showed the Micra TPS was successfully implanted in 99.2 percent of patients, there were no (0) dislodgements, and the system met its safety and effectiveness endpoints with wide margins at six month follow-up.

Data presented in August 2016 at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress showed that the risk for major complications with the Micra TPS remained consistently low, with 96 percent of patients experiencing no major complications through 12 months follow-up (95 percent confidence interval, 94.2 percent-97.2 percent, P<0.0001). The Micra TPS reduced the risk of major complications by nearly half (48 percent; hazard ratio = 0.52, P=0.001) compared to conventional systems and the risk was lower across all patient sub-groups, whether measured by age, sex or comorbidity (all hazard ratios < 1.0).

The overall reduction in major complications with the Micra TPS was associated with a 47 percent decrease (p=0.017) in the risk of hospitalization and 82 percent (p<0.001) reduction in risk of system revisions (meaning extraction, repositioning or replacement) compared to conventional pacing systems.

"Dating back to the development of the first external battery operated pacemaker more than 60 years ago, Medtronic has a long history of collaborating with clinicians to better understand the needs of patients, and then innovating new products to meet those needs," said Michael Blackwell, director of the CardioVascular Group at Medtronic Canada. "We are thrilled to be the first to introduce a transcatheter pacemaker to patients in Canada, and we're looking forward to working with physicians and educating implanters to extend the positive results of our global clinical trial experience to even more patients."

The Micra TPS was awarded CE Mark in April 2015 and FDA approval in April 2016. It is intended for use in patients who need a single-chamber pacemaker. The device was designed to allow patients to be followed by their physicians and send data remotely via the Medtronic CareLink^™ Network; remote monitoring of Micra devices is expected to be available in the near future.

In collaboration with leading clinicians, researchers and scientists worldwide, Medtronic offers one of the broadest ranges of innovative medical technology for the interventional and surgical treatment of cardiovascular disease and cardiac arrhythmias. The company strives to offer products and services that deliver clinical and economic value to healthcare consumers and providers around the world.

New compound shows promise in treating multiple human cancers

A new compound, discovered jointly by international pharmaceutical company Servier, headquartered in France, and Vernalis (R&D), a company based in the UK, has been shown by researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and Servier to block a protein that is essential for the sustained growth of up to a quarter of all cancers.

The research presents a new way to efficiently kill these cancerous cells and holds promise for the treatment of blood cancers such as acute myeloid leukaemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma, as well as solid cancers such as melanoma and cancers of the lung and breast. It is published online today in the journal Nature.

The Servier compound - S63845 - targets a protein of the BCL2 family, called MCL1, which is essential for the sustained survival of these cancer cells.

Institute scientist Associate Professor Guillaume Lessene, who led the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute's research team in Melbourne, Australia, said the work provided the first clear preclinical evidence that inhibiting MCL1 was effective in targeting several cancer types.

"MCL1 is important for many cancers because it is a pro-survival protein that allows the cancerous cells to evade the process of programmed cell death that normally removes cancer cells from the body," Associate Professor Lessene said. "Extensive studies performed in a variety of cancer models have shown that S63845 potently targets cancer cells dependent on MCL1 for their survival."

The institute team of Associate Professor Lessene  worked with haematologist Associate Professor Andrew Wei and Dr Donia Moujalled from The Alfred Hospital and Servier scientists, to demonstrate that not only was S63845 effective against several cancer types, but that it could also be delivered at doses that were well tolerated by normal cells.

Dr Olivier Geneste, Director of Oncology Research at Servier, said: "This preclinical research and the identification of drug candidates confirm the potential of MCL1 as a therapeutic target in cancers. S63845 was discovered through collaboration with the fragment and structure based discovery expertise at Vernalis. As part of the ongoing Servier / Novartis collaboration on this target class, clinical development of a MCL1 inhibitor should be launched in the near future."

Associate Professor Lessene said the research provided further evidence of the usefulness of a new class of anti-cancer drugs called BH3 mimetics. "BH3 mimetics inhibit a group of proteins known as the 'pro-survival BCL-2 proteins'," he said. "MCL1 is a member of this protein family, and inhibiting it activates the process of programmed cell death. Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers revealed the role of BCL-2 in cancer more than 28 years ago and the essential role of MCL1 for the survival of malignant cells four years ago."

The research was supported through a research collaboration with Servier and through funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (US), Cancer Council Victoria, the Kay Kendall Leukemia Fund, Victorian Cancer Agency, Australian Cancer Research Foundation, the Victorian Government Operational Infrastructure Scheme and the estate of Anthony Redstone.

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute is the research powerhouse of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, an alliance of leading Victorian hospitals and research centres committed to controlling cancer.

About Servier 

Servier is an international pharmaceutical company governed by a non-profit Foundation and headquartered in France. With a strong international presence in 148 countries and a turnover of 3.9 billion euro in 2015, Servier employs over 21,200 people worldwide. Corporate growth is driven by Servier's constant search for innovation in five areas of excellence: cardiology, oncology, metabolism, neuropsychiatry and rheumatology, as well as by its activities in high quality generic drugs. Being completely independent, the Group reinvests 25% of Servier's products turnover in Research and Development, and all its profits in its growth.

Becoming a key player in oncology is part of Servier's long-term strategy. Currently, there are nine molecular entities in clinical development in this area, targeting gastric and lung cancers and other solid tumors, as well as various leukemias and lymphomas. This portfolio of innovative cancer treatments is being developed with partners worldwide, and covers different cancer hallmarks and modalities, including cytotoxics, proapoptotics, targeted, immune and cellular therapies.

The Impact of Online Shopping on Grocery Prices: AAEA Member Research

Why not going to your grocery store could actually cost you more at checkout

 Online shopping is becoming a way of life. The number of pointing and clicking instead of standing in line at the store is increasing at an amazing rate. A recent study estimates online retail will be a half-a-trillion dollar business by 2020.

More recently the trend of online shopping for groceries has seen major growth. Whether it’s buying from a store’s website or make-at-home meals, it’s estimated that 12 percent of all food shopping will be done online in the next three years.

Some people think it’s much easier to search online than going down the grocery store aisles, but could this trend actually hurt consumers?

That’s the focus of “Attribute Search in Online Retailing,” a paper authored by Timothy Richards of Arizona State University and Steve Hamilton of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and selected for the American Journal of Agricultural Economics.

“People are really concerned about the price of groceries,” Richards said. “But if they think buying everything online is going to mean lower food prices, they have another thing coming.”

Richards and his co-authors analyzed the spending habits of households participating in the comScore Web Behavior Panel to assess searches, purchases, and prices. So what is driving the price increase compared to stopping by your local store? To access the paper, or to set up an interview with the author, please contact Jay Saunders in the AAEA Business Office.

ABOUT AAEA: Established in 1910, the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA) is the leading professional association for agricultural and applied economists, with 2,500 members in more than 20 countries. Members of the AAEA work in academic or government institutions as well as in industry and not-for-profit organizations, and engage in a variety of research, teaching, and outreach activities in the areas of agriculture, the environment, food, health, and international development. The AAEA publishes two journals, the American Journal of Agricultural Economics and Applied Economic Perspectives & Policy, as well as the online magazine Choices. To learn more, visit www.aaea.org.

Research winner sees early intervention as key to pre-empting mental illness

Can we make a difference in a person's lifelong mental health if we reach them early enough?

That's the thinking behind the research being done by Dr. Rudolf Uher, the winner of this year's The Royal-Mach-Gaensslen Prize for Mental Health Research, an annual $100,000 award that celebrates one of the most promising young mental health researchers in Canada and helps fund innovative and progressive studies.

"I am very honoured," said Dr. Uher today at the announcement in the Winter Garden of The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. "This prize will be instrumental in furthering my research to potentially reduce the development of mental illness through early intervention," he said.

This "groundbreaking" research could have far-reaching impact, said Dr. Chris Carruthers, Chair of the Mach-Gaensslen Foundation. "Nobody has embarked on such a long-term project that could potentially impact the well-being of people all over the world."

Dr. Uher, co-founder of Families Overcoming Risks and Building Opportunities for Well-Being (Forbow.org) and a Dalhousie University professor, believes that if children are given tools to cope with mental illness early on, there's a greater chance to reduce it significantly as they grow up.

His earlier research found that one in three children of parents with existing mental illness, are likely to have a significant mental illness later in life. Because of this "genetic sensitivity," Dr. Uher believes giving children, as young as 9-years-old, the skills to counter issues like anxiety early will provide a solid foundation for them into adulthood.

Dr. Uher is currently conducting research with more than 300 children, monitoring them as they grow up.

"We found that when people were talking about early interventions it was at a point when it was almost already at a full mental illness," Dr. Uher said. "We weren't treating patients early enough. It's much easier to work with anxiety in a 10-year-old, than psychosis in an adult."

"We wanted to do something about it," said Dr. Uher. "It's why I was attracted to early intervention. We literally are one of the first ones trying it."

"Dr. Uher's work has put Canada in a leadership position," said Dr. Zul Merali, President and CEO of The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, affiliated with the University of Ottawa. "This is the kind of forward-thinking we need in order to find real and meaningful solutions to mental illness."

Louise Bradley, President and CEO of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, presented the prize to Dr. Uher.

"Research tells us that psychotherapies and clinical counselling are cost effective, and improve outcomes for many people living with mild to moderate depression and anxiety," says Bradley. "I congratulate Dr. Uher on his important work, which strengthens the case for improving access to services – especially among children and youth – and highlights the need for them to be woven into the public healthcare system."

Over the course of the next year, Dr. Uher will be doing lectures at several universities across the country. He will also be hosting a live chat on Facebook for those interested in discussing the concept of early intervention.

The Royal-Mach-Gaensslen Prize for Mental Health Research was established in early 2015 with a $1 million gift to The Royal from The Mach-Gaensslen Foundation of Canada. This is the second time the annual prize has been awarded.

More information about the prize winner is available at www.theroyal.ca.

 

About The Royal
The Royal is one of Canada's foremost mental health care, teaching and research hospitals. Its mandate is simple: to help more people living with mental illness into recovery faster. The Royal combines the delivery of specialized mental health care, advocacy, research and education to transform the lives of people with complex and treatment resistant mental illness. The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research is proudly affiliated with the University of Ottawa. The Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health raises funds that support The Royal's work. The Royal places a sharp focus on awareness building through the You Know Who I Am campaign and public education initiatives like Conversations at The Royal and Is It Just Me? Conversations about Youth Mental Health.

About the Mach-Gaensslen Foundation
The Mach-Gaensslen Foundation of Canada honours the lives of Vaclav F. Mach and Dr. Hanni Gaensslen by supporting research related to the fields of cardiology, oncology, and psychiatry. The foundation supports student research at Canadian medical schools. The grants not only enable students to conduct medical research during their time at university, but also encourage them to make research an ongoing part of their careers.

 

We talk openly about asthma & allergies. Giving same transparency to mental health issues will lift the crippling silence, says award-winning columnist, author, OCD & anxiety survivor

Last week, Harry Potter series star Devon Murray bravely opened up about his decade-long struggle with depression.  But why did it take him so long?

Maggie Lamond Simone, author of Body Punishment  -- who has struggled her entire life with OCD, anxiety and depression -- knows all too well that shame, the fear of stigma and a general lack of awareness about the signs and symptoms of mental illness keep a significant number of people from speaking up about their condition.

The silence, Maggie says, can cause utter devastation by perpetuating a culture of secrecy,  causing shame to deepen, destroying self-esteem and alienating those affected.  It can also prevent people from seeking the treatment and support they need.

The only way forward toward ending what NPR has called a silent epidemic, Maggie says, is to lift the taboo around calling mental illnesses by their name.  Here’s how:

Identify the illness.

Mental illnesses come in all shapes and sizes, from depression and anxiety to OCD, eating disorders and addiction.  Be intentional about identifying the specific condition you, a friend or a loved one is suffering from. This will help make the condition and its manifestations seem less mysterious and confusing, lifting a layer of stigma.

Get in the habit of calling each illness by its name.

When consistently referred to by its proper name, a mental health condition becomes merely an aspect of the individual suffering from it rather than a defining characteristic -- as with asthma or allergies.  After all, just as nobody chooses to have asthma or is identified by it, nobody chooses to have -- or should be identified by -- OCD.

Be intentional in talking openly about mental illness.

Whether you struggle personally with a mental health condition or know somebody who does, be intentional in speaking about it openly.  Again, think of how you’d speak of asthma.  The condition itself won’t go away, but with a name and no shame it becomes just another aspect of whoever has it. It can be managed.

Finally, remember: speaking up will lead to a domino effect that will go a long way toward alleviating suffering and devastation.

Maggie would be happy to talk about this in more detail, and / or I’d be glad to send you a copy of her book.  Let me know if you’re interested!

About Maggie Lamond Simone

Maggie Lamond Simone is an award-winning columnist and author. With two titles already to her name, her third book, Body Punishment: OCD, Addiction and Finding the Courage to Heal (Central Recovery Press) was released in April 2015. It traces Simone’s journey struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and depression. Her writing has been featured in multiple publications and collections, including Cosmopolitan Magazine, The Zen of Midlife Mothering (2013), Not Your Mother’s Book on Do-It-Yourselfers (2013), P.S. What I Didn’t Say (2009), and Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Resolution (2008).  Simone has been a guest on NPR and is a regular blog columnist for the Huffington Post. An an adjunct professor in the department of communications at SUNY Oswego and Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, she lives in Central New York with her husband and two children.

About Body Punishment

For as long as she can recall, Maggie Lamond Simone has been plagued by self-loathing and urges to harm herself physically while emotionally sabotaging her life. In Body Punishment:  OCD, Addiction and Finding the Courage to Heal (Central Recovery Press, April 2015), she reveals it all. The obsessive thoughts that drove her to cut, starve, pick, drink, pluck, purge, and otherwise hurt herself. The profound shame, the utter despair and the confusion over her own inner workings that prevented her from establishing stable, long-term goals and healthy relationships.  Through this poignant story of her painful, eye-opening journey she explores the issues of substance abuse, anxiety, and depression that commonly occur with OCD, all in an effort to further the dialogue around mental illness and eliminate the shame and help others find a way forward toward healing.