Sun Life Financial, Fitbit and new rewards for daily steps contribute to app's growth
Canada's celebrated wellness incentives app, Carrot Rewards, recently introduced new initiatives and partnerships as part of its long-term growth strategy.
A new daily step tracker feature allows users of the popular free app to earn rewards for achieving their personalized walking goals. A large majority of BC users are already earning daily rewards for walking and nearly ten billion steps taken by British Columbians this summer have been tracked and rewarded through the Carrot app.
Starting today the Carrot app will also be integrated with the industry leading activity tracking device, Fitbit. BC residents will now have one more convenient option for connecting and earning daily activity rewards through Carrot (in addition to Health Kit and Google Fit).
Also starting today Sun Life Financial, in close collaboration with the Canadian Diabetes Association, is proudly joining the broader Carrot coalition in British Columbia as the sponsor of all the Steps rewards that BC residents earn through the app.
"Thousands of British Columbians have already taken steps toward a healthier lifestyle with the Carrot Rewards app," Government of British Columbia Health Minister Terry Lake said. "We know that increased activity can have positive benefits for our health and, thanks to these new partnerships, there are now even more incentives to get people moving and receive rewards for healthy behaviour."
"We're proud to be expanding the Carrot eco-system and functionality so significantly again," says CARROT insights (developer of Carrot Rewards) CEO Andreas Souvaliotis. "By joining hands with genuine game-changer organizations like Sun Life, Fitbit and the Canadian Diabetes Association, we are further enhancing the effectiveness of our powerful program and we're helping build an even healthier Canada."
"One in three Canadians is affected by diabetes or prediabetes," says Rick Blickstead, President and CEO, Canadian Diabetes Association. "The good news is that in many of the cases, type 2 diabetes can be delayed and/or prevented with healthier eating or increased physical activity. By partnering with Carrot and Sun Life, we hope to encourage people to take charge of their health and be rewarded for achieving a healthy lifestyle."
Sun Life is committed to the prevention of diabetes and its related complications. Since announcing support of the cause in late 2012, Sun Life has proudly committed over $13 million towards diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research initiatives.
"Sun Life is proud to partner with CARROT Insights and the Canadian Diabetes Association in supporting this unique health initiative in British Columbia," says Chris Denys, SVP Possibilities, Digital Health Solutions, Sun Life Financial Canada. "It aligns with our mission to proactively engage Canadians and empower them to take a more active role in managing their health and well-being."
The Carrot Rewards app has seen significant success since it launched in BC six months ago. To date, nearly 2% of British Columbians have downloaded the app and have earned over a hundred million loyalty points just for learning how to live healthier and for achieving simple daily activity goals. Carrot is now being rolled out across the rest of Canada with similarly impressive results.
The Government of Canada, through the Public Health Agency of Canada, invested $5 million over five years in the Carrot Rewards app project. The Government of British Columbia provided $2.5 million to support the early launch of the app in B.C. Including contributions from the private sector, a total of more than $15 million has already been invested in this world-leading program.
Sweet News: Review of Literature Indicates Sucralose Is Not Linked to Cancer
In a society where obesity is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for disease, low- and no-calorie ingredients are logical choices for those wishing to manage their weight. However, some people have concerns that sucralose, a no-calorie sweetener, may be linked to cancer. A new article published in Nutrition and Cancer: An International Journal may finally put those fears to rest; a comprehensive review of studies testing the safety and carcinogenicity of sucralose has confirmed that the artificial sweetener does not cause cancer, and is safe to ingest.
“This latest review of sucralose studies should reassure those who choose sucralose, and can be particularly useful to scientists and healthcare professionals, who may be asked for information on low calorie sweetener safety,” says lead author of the study, Professor Dr. Sir Colin Berry, Emeritus Professor of Pathology at the University of London.
Sir Berry and his fellow researchers conducted a review of studies assessing sucralose carcinogenicity potential, and placed them in the context of the types of studies relied upon by national and international regulatory agencies to make recommendations on the safety of new food ingredients. These studies are designed to maximize the possibility of detecting potentially adverse effects, and as such, adverse outcomes are expected to occur at some point.
To that end, many of the studies observe the results of dosages hundreds to thousands of times greater than any reasonable level of consumption. For example, the studies reviewed include observations on consumption of sucralose in quantities equivalent in sweetness to 74 to 495 pounds of sugar per day for an average weight (e.g., 75 kg) adult.
The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for sucralose, established by the Joint Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives, is 0 to 15 mg/kg body weight/day. In the studies reviewed, even when exposure levels were several orders of magnitude greater than the recommended ADI, sucralose did not demonstrate carcinogenic activity.
“Concerns are raised from time to time on what components of our lifestyle affect the rates of cancer,” continues Sir Berry. “Smoking and sunlight are on all our lists and obesity is beginning to be recognised as a major factor. So low calorie sweeteners, which are important to many in managing their weight, need to be examined carefully in terms of lifetime use.”
Disclaimer: Funding for both the independent literature review, which formed the basis for the current paper, and the preparation of the manuscript, was provided by McNeil Nutritionals (creator of Splenda, since sold to Heartland Food Products). All study authors were employees of, or consultants to, McNeil Nutritionals at the time the manuscript was prepared. Some of the studies on sucralose’s safety reviewed in this study were also funded by the artificial sweetener industry.
WRAPPING YOUR MIND AROUND THE “NEW YOU” AFTER WEIGHT LOSS
5 Common Things That Happen When
You Lose A Noticeable Amount Of Weight
Whenever someone chooses to commit to a weight loss journey, it’s not just a physical transformation that happens, but a mental transformation as well. Regardless of how long it takes for people to reach their goal weight, there are significant things that occur along the way that impact their body image and confidence. For all of the positive reinforcement once receives, they might also notice some negativity or odd reactions from those they are close to. Read on for tips and insights from leading experts that will offer clarity and solutions for anyone seeking to transform or who already has.
You shed friends along with pounds.
Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD a NYC based licensed neuropsychologist, a teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College, explains that, “It is normal to lose friends as you lose pounds. As you see the payoff from the lifestyle changes you’ve made you may feel disconnected with friends who may still eat and drink things you no longer do. You’re evolving,” offers Dr. Hafeez. She also adds that, “It’s common to notice jealousy, and digs. You may even experience exclusion from dinners out presuming you wouldn’t want to indulge.”
Have faith that your true friends will love you at any size. “It will actually be difficult to tolerate any gossip, negativity or activities that are counterproductive. The last thing you need are people who bring you down when you are doing something positive for your well being. Look out for yourself. At times that may mean distancing from certain people,” advises Dr. Hafeez.
Loose skin becomes the new thing you notice.Once you reach your goal weight, you may love how you look in clothes but naked in or a bathing suit is a whole other story. This is most common when weight loss is significant. Even when weight training is part of the regimen, loose skin does happen.
Dr. John Zannis a board certified plastic surgeon based in New Bern, North Carolina frequently sees and treats patients who went through a weight loss transformation. According to Dr. Zannis, “Loose skin can gather at the stomach, under arms, breasts, buttocks, inner thighs, face and neck. The more significant the weight-loss is, say 50 pounds and above, the more likely a plastic surgeon is sought out to explore body lifts that specifically address loose skin after weight-loss.”
You have more energy, are excited about life and can do more!
As you change your diet, add daily exercise to your new lifestyle and see the weight melt off, you gain energy! You don’t feel the need to hit the snooze button anymore. You may wake up energized for that 7am powerwalk or you may be inspired by that beautiful new dress you get to wear to work, another dress size dropped. Yay!
“Use newfound energy to your advantage, encourages Dr. Hafeez, your brain is forming new neuropathways as your perception about your body starts to change. That flight of stairs that was once an obstacle is much easier. Simple things like putting on shoes, picking up toys and pushing a vacuum are done with ease. As you take notice of what your body can do, you gain more confidence and want to do more. This energizes you both physically and mentally,” she adds.
Shopping gets interesting.
It is common to get overwhelmed with options now that you can shop the way you always dreamed of. Perhaps your new strong, shapely legs have inspired you to wear dresses again for the first time in years. Or after always covering your arms, you may opt for sleeveless tops. Either way, trying new looks outside of your comfort zone can be daunting. Dr. Hafeez advises to, shop on your own or with someone you really trust. “It is important that shopping is made to be fun by approaching it as a style experiment. Don’t expect everything to look perfect just because you are a much smaller size. Some things will work, others won’t. Look for clothes that feel good. When you smile in the mirror that’s a sign you’re on track.”
You make yourself, your health and well being top priority and start to inspire others.
When you lose a noticeable amount of weight other people want to know how you did it and how you are keeping the weight off. Your immediate family may also adapt to your dietary changes and experience weight loss by association. When your kids see you wake up every morning to exercise they see that anything worth having requires commitment. Your significant other may be inspired to also lose weight. “When you take care of yourself and are in a positive mindset, it has a positive impact on everyone you interact with. When the mind and body are aligned you love the way you look and feel, you’re happy and someone others can look up to.”
Shower Clear To Revolutionize Bath Industry With The Debut Of The First And Only Shower Head Enabling A Consumer To Open, See And Clean Interior
YOUR BATHROOM'S DIRTY LITTLE SECRET - THERE IS MOLD & BACTERIA IN YOUR SHOWER HEAD...MEET THE SOLUTION: SHOWER CLEAR Shower Clear To Revolutionize Bath Industry With The Debut Of The First And Only Shower Head Enabling A Consumer To Open, See And Clean Interior
Most people think that their bathroom is the cleanest room in their home. Right? WRONG! A bathroom can be a dangerous breeding ground for bacteria AND mold; especially in one's shower head. Ask yourself, what does the inside of your shower head look like? When was the last time you cleaned it?
Prior to the invention of Shower Clear, consumers had NO way of seeing the inside of their shower heads; and therefore, consumers had NO idea what’s growing inside. Again, most consumers expect a hot shower to be the cleanest place in their home; however, the bathroom is a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria and mold that can potentially cause pulmonary disease.
Shower Clear is the SOLUTION to bacteria and mold growing in one's shower head. Shower Clear is a NEW and REVOLUTIONARY, ONE-OF-A-KIND shower head with a patented design featuring a uniquely engineered latch, which enables the consumer to open a shower head with ease and see the interior of the shower head, to either clean or let “air-dry,” thus preventing bacteria and/or mold growing in the shower head. There is no mystery with a Shower Clear shower head, because with one quick and easy snap of a latch, a consumer can CLEARLY see the inside, to ensure the inside of their shower head is as clean, safe and healthy as possible. UNIQUE POSITIONING / VALUE PROPOSITION:
Patented design with uniquely engineered latch
First to market; only product of its kind in the market
Easy to open uniquely engineered latch; which enable the consumer to easily open the shower head to see the interior and either clean with ease or let air-dry
The ability to open one's shower head prevents the development of bacteria and mold
Shower Clear shower heads are 100% BRASS and LEAD-FREE
Kanye West and adidas Originals drop the YEEZY BOOST 350 V2
In 2015, the YEEZY BOOST 350 changed the game. This September, Kanye West and adidas Originals introduce a bold evolution of this style. The world’s most influential and sought-after shoe debuts with a flash of colour, as first seen at the epic YEEZY SEASON 3 presentation at Madison Square Garden during New York fashion week in February 2016.
Redesigned yet true to its roots, the YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 is crafted with beautiful, premium materials that infuse adidas’ technology with Kanye West’s unmistakable aesthetic. The 350 V2 makes an audacious play for colour with an upper composed of Primeknit in three impactful hues of yarn. A streak of solar red bears the mark ‘SPLY-350’. A semi-translucent rubber outsole and TPU sidewalls create a striking effect while providing superior traction.
The YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 midsole utilizes adidas’ innovative BOOST™ technology to create a durable, shock-resistant, responsive sole. At the same time, the breakthrough Primeknit material leverages adidas’ most advanced digital knitting techniques to fit like a second skin. Featuring the distinct center stitching on its upper as well as the signature ribbed outsoles, the YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 pays homage to its predecessor.
The YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 will hit stores globally on September 24, 2016 and retails for $300.00 CDN.
CIHR Canadian Pain Research summit's groundbreaking collaboration will help in fight against pain
Canadian and international pain researchers, clinicians, partners, charities, patients and policymakers discuss the development of a national pain research agenda
From September 18-20, 2016, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is hosting a Canadian Pain Research Summit where researchers, clinicians, partners, charities, patients and policymakers will work together to create a national agenda that will help CIHR Institutes develop new funding opportunities for pain research.
Canada is an international leader in basic and pediatric pain research. The Government of Canada, through CIHR, has helped address the treatment and quality of care of patients suffering from pain by providing $16 million in annual funding support to over 1,200 physical and psychological pain researchers. Through Canada's Strategy for Patient Oriented Research (SPOR), CIHR and its partners have also created a Chronic Pain Network which specializes in directing new research, training researchers and clinicians, increasing access to care for chronic pain sufferers, and speeding up the translation of the most recent research discoveries into care of patients. The development of an evidence-based Canadian Pain Research agenda at this summit will help Canadian researchers and clinicians create better care and treatments for patients who suffer from pain in social, psychological or physical ways.
Quotes "The Government of Canada applauds all participants at the Canadian Pain Research Summit. Their collective effort to address gaps that currently exist between basic research and clinical practice will further the ability to improve treatments for Canadians who suffer from chronic, acute and psychological pain."
The Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Health
"CIHR has been a staunch supporter of pain research over the years, most recently through the establishment of a Chronic Pain Network within the framework of Canada's Strategy for Patient Oriented Research. While Canada remains a prominent leader in this field, more needs to be done to address the complexities of pain on a physical, psychological and social level. Through this summit, CIHR is encouraging the type of multi-stakeholder collaboration that will allow the expansion of pain research and its translation into better pain management." Dr. Alain Beaudet
President, CIHR
Quick Facts
In addition to its impact on quality of life, chronic pain costs Canadians $43-$60 billion per year in health care expenses and lost productivity at work (which is more than cancer, heart disease, and HIV combined).
Launched in 2011, Canada's SPOR initiative represents federal, provincial and territorial members (including patients, caregivers, researchers, policy makers, charities, private sector and university representatives) who work together to bring innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to health care, and improve quality and accessibility of various treatments.
This summit was organized by CIHR Institutes of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (CIHR-IMHA), Aboriginal Peoples' Health (CIHR-IAPH), Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction (CIHR-INMHA), Cancer Research (CIHR-ICR), and Gender and Health (CIHR-IGH).
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's health research investment agency. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened health care system for Canadians. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 13,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada.
SOURCE Canadian Institutes of Health Research
UK Health Improvement App Attracts Investment from Fortune 500 company
Reinsurance Group of America (RGA) banks on health benefits of UK app by taking stake in Quealth (PRNewsFoto/Quealth)
RGA is one of the world's largest life and health reinsurers, with approximately $3.1 trillion of life reinsurance in force and assets of $53.9 billion. RGA has taken a minority stake in roadtohealth, with an initial investment of over $4m and further investments dependent on performance and other criteria.
Quealth is distributed free via Apple's App Store, Google Play, the Samsung Galaxy App Store and Lenovo's newly released App Explorer. The latest version of the app adds an interactive digital health coach to the core health risk assessment modules.
Clinically validated by a team of leading academics, including Professor Stephen Weng at the University of Nottingham, Quealth helps health-conscious people assess how at risk they are from one or more of the five major non-communicable – and largely preventable – diseases in the developed world: diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Proprietary algorithms at the heart of the app – all with AUC (a globally recognised measure of how accurately they predict clinical outcomes) values of between 0.77 and 0.80 – calculate an individual's risk of developing these diseases. They are based on answers given to a series of questions covering family medical history, biometrics and lifestyle. Depending on an individual's 'Quealth Score' – a number between 1 and 100 – the app then provides evidence-based content and coaching drawn from the latest behavioural change science to drive sustainable lifestyle improvements.
Future releases will incorporate live biometric and activity data from hundreds of different mobile apps and wearable devices.
Alistair Wickens, CEO of roadtohealth, said: "RGA is an ideal investor in and partner for roadtohealth. They share the same deep understanding of health risk scoring systems and are conscious of how fast the world is changing when it comes to individuals needing to understand their health risks and wanting the tools to improve them. This first stage investment enables us to work with academic bodies around the world to incorporate regional factors as well as to accelerate our distribution discussions with electronics manufacturers, health and charitable bodies and the medical, health and life insurance markets."
Quealth is a proven differentiator in the digital health arena in that it does more than just measure an individual's current state of health – it allows people to understand what their risks may be in a number of critical areas and then helps and guides them to make a difference. Dr. Philip Smalley, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of RGA International Corporation, a subsidiary of RGA, said: "Quealth has the credentials to make its scoring system and the inputs used to generate it relevant to our insurance business."
Quealth has been developed on the back of roadtohealth's 14 years experience of providing risk assessment technology for health information, pharmacies and insurance companies from around the world. With an advisory board of renowned experts, the company has refined the app under clinical scrutiny so that its simple-to-understand and easy-to-complete question and answer sets provide as accurate an overall health risk assessment profile as possible without medical involvement.
Quealth www.quealth.co is the most accurate health & lifestyle app available. It quantifies your health, coaches you to make improvements and rewards your successes. Quealth combines the latest behavioural change science with the global reach of technology to encourage you to make lifestyle changes and live a longer, healthier life. Based on the award-winning and highly validated Quealth™ Score – a universally recognised and trusted predictor of health risk – Quealth focusses on the prevention of five leading non-communicable diseases: diabetes, six forms of cancer, cardiovascular disease, dementia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Quealth is owned by the roadtohealth group, an internationally-recognised health risk assessment and lifestyle management company. Formed in 2002, roadtohealth has successfully developed an international footprint by partnering with global brands including Aviva, Patient.info, Samsung and HSBC.
All products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
About RGA: Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated is one of the largest global life and health reinsurance companies in the world. The company provides clients with individual life reinsurance, individual living benefits reinsurance, group reinsurance, health reinsurance, financial solutions, facultative underwriting and product development. RGA and its subsidiaries serve clients from operations in Australia, Barbados, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. Worldwide, RGA has approximately $3.1 trillion of life reinsurance in force and assets of $53.9 billion.
Hey Guys!
I want to make my blog a little bit more intimate. As some of you who have been following me for a while know that as of this year I started competing in Figure Competitions within the Ontario Physique Association OPA.
I was previously with Bombshell Fitness. Where my coach had me training and competing for bikini category. Although I love bikini. My body seemed more suitable for NPC bikini than bikini here in the OPA. I decided to switch to local coaching and saught out the best of the best. Sean Tierney of Team Trex. We both concluded that I would be more suited for figure than I was bikini. I also began coaching with Team Trex. So if anyone reading this is thinking of doing a competition feel free to contact me about it. I will give you all the information for you to get started with me as your coach!
Anyway back to the point. The intense training/prep was much different than what I had been doing commenced. For my first show my coach and I decided to go the natural stream. I did a regional show. This show as held in Barrie. I placed second in my category and qualified for provincials to be held two weeks following in London. Where I placed 5th which qualified me for natural provincials.
Im still learning the sport, the judging and the reasoning behind placings. And I know I have a lot of growth and development to do physically to get to where I want to go in the sport. With that being said the training, dieting along with living my life with regular work etc was not easy. It was hard. I struggled with the diet the most. Not the training. When I don't have carbs I feel deprived for some reason when in fact the opposite is suppose to happen because your body produces keytones. This time around I plan on being even more detailed with my diet and hydration. Drinking 4L of water a day isn't easy either.
Im currently sitting 10 weeks out from the OPA Gala. This is an Open show. Not a natural one. I am really excited about this show and I can't wait to bring an enhanced package. An unforgettable one I hope. I have some weight to lose. I know it sounds crazy but stage ready is a whole different level of fitness than fit for life. Or even fit for a photo shoot. This lifestyle of competing is not for every one.
Im going to try and update you all as much as I can with my schedule on how everything is going. There are ups and downs but thats what makes sport magically! Competitors lifestyles are tough but I know I can achieve much more in this sport if I really put my mind to it! And if I inspire some of you along the way to compete, go to the gym or even just become more active will be reward enough for me!
Looking for an obstacle course this fall? Look no further Canadian Tire along with the Scarborough Hospital are coming together to present Brave T.O. A fun obstacle course that the Toronto police, paramedics and firefighters do to help support life saving care at the Scarborough hospital. Take a look at the info sheet below to find out more. Or visit www.brave.to to register or volunteer.
I was luck enough to attend an event put on by Clif Bar for National Organic Week. It was a launch dinner at Café Belong restaurant, located at Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto.
There was a great group of people with diverse backgrounds who attended. I had the chance to meet some wonderful people in the community. Renowned Chef and Food Network star, Brad Long designed a special local and organic menu. COTA provided guests with the latest news about their important work and the organic industry in Canada, including a preview of new national data about Canadian organic consumers. Clif Bar’s Matthew Dillon was n hand to share Clif Bar’s organic journey and the important role of organic farming in helping create a healthier, more just and sustainable food system.
Even though I had to leave a bit early I still walked away with lots of information on Organics in Canada and how Clif Bar works with Organics. I also got a cool swag back with seeds and a shovel to plant my own organics. And a few yummy clif bars to enjoy! Thanks for having me Clif and I can't wait to attend more of your events!
TRAIN IT RIGHT NEWSLETTER
Sign Up and get a free 7 day Train it Right HIIT Program!
