MuscleTech Announces Partnership With Olympic Bound Canadian Gymnast Ellie Black

The top Canadian female gymnast of all time teams up with sports nutrition and fitness leader MuscleTech in preparation for her third Olympic Games

New York, New York, July 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oakville, ON (July 6, 2021) – Iovate Health Sciences International Inc., under its internationally recognized MuscleTech (www.muscletech.com) sports nutrition brand, has announced a partnership with Canadian gymnast Ellie Black who will be heading to the Tokyo Summer Olympics. The 25-year-old from Halifax, Nova Scotia is the most decorated female Canadian gymnast and the first Canadian gymnast to win a World Championships All-Around medal. At the 2016 Olympics, Black finished 5th in the individual All-Around, the highest placement ever recorded by a Canadian. As part of her partnership with MuscleTech, she will be helping the sports nutrition and fitness leader tell its “Strength Redefined” story. The powerful gymnast will also be using MuscleTech 100% Grass Fed Whey and Iso Whey Clear proteins to fuel her training sessions in preparation for the Tokyo Summer Olympics.

Black, whose self-proclaimed motto is: “Dream big, don’t let anyone else set your limits”, will look to become the first Canadian woman to win an Olympic medal in traditional gymnastics. Heading into these Games, there was some uncertainty as to whether Black would even be able to compete again after the elite athlete suffered a severe injury and setback at the 2019 World Artistic Gymnastic Championships, just months before the 2020 Olympics. But, after a year of careful recovery, hard work, and dedication, Black will once again be pursuing Olympic glory in the 2021 rescheduled Games, having previously represented her country at the world’s top sports competition in both 2012 and 2016.

“As an athlete, using supplements compliments my training. I love MuscleTech (especially their Whey protein products) because I know I am fueling my body with clean ingredients, delicious flavors, and recipes that work for my body and lifestyle,” said Black.

The proud Canadian and Nova Scotian is a 2017 World Championships Silver All-Aaround Medalist, a 2018 Commonwealth Games all-around champion, a two-time Pan American Games All-Around Champion, and a seven-time Canadian National All-Around Champion. In 2018, Black was named one of the greatest 15 athletes in Nova Scotian history and was awarded the Order of Nova Scotia for her contributions to the Province. She is also an advocate for female empowerment, and will be using her platform and this partnership to further her passion for this cause.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ellie to Team MuscleTech,” said Jennifer Bremner, General Manager of MuscleTech at Iovate Health Sciences International Inc., “Ellie perfectly embodies what MuscleTech represents. Physical strength, emotional fortitude, grit and determination.”

Black and MuscleTech are committed to bringing active nutrition and human potential together for a greater purpose. For more than twenty-five years, MuscleTech has fueled those who want to raise the bar, helping to optimize human performance. The brand’s innovative line of performance supplements meets the needs of everyone from fitness enthusiasts to elite athletes who are training to improve their strength, endurance, and power.

MuscleTech supplements are made with only high-quality ingredients and the brand is dedicated to continuously researching, developing, patenting, producing, and globally marketing safe and effective diet and sports supplements to assist people in achieving their personal fitness goals.

For more information on MuscleTech products, visit www.muscletech.com. Also follow us at Facebook.com/MuscleTech and @MuscleTech on Twitter and Instagram for product and athlete information, news and updates, diet and training tips, special promotions and more.

About Iovate Health Sciences International Inc. 

Iovate Health Sciences International Inc. (“Iovate”) is a dynamic, leading-edge nutritional company that delivers some of the highest quality, most innovative and effective active nutrition products in the world. With brand innovations such as MuscleTech, Iovate is committed to being the number one active nutrition company in the world. MuscleTech was born out of an obsession to redefine the limits of science and human potential. 

Due to our commitment to research, development and innovation, we’ve been globally recognized as one of the leading sports nutrition brands in the industry, and continue to be one of the elite brands redefining performance through cutting-edge products and high-quality ingredients.

Headquartered in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, Iovate is a family of more than 300 employees, six leading nutritional brands and growing, with effective products that can be found across the globe.

Arthritis Liaison Model of Care: Step in the Right Direction for First Nations People with Arthritis

VANCOUVER, BC, July 5, 2021 /CNW/ - A collaborative study has found a way to bridge the gap between First Nations people living with arthritis and clinicians to improve quality of care. 

The arthritis liaison model of care was developed with a First Nations community to support culturally relevant, patient-centred care plans and then tested for one year. 

"We codeveloped the liaison model of care with a First Nations community and found that it assisted First Nations people with arthritis in navigating health services to better take care of their needs and focus on their personal care plans," said Dr. Cheryl Barnabe, a rheumatologist and senior scientist at Arthritis Research Canada. "Both the patients who participated in our study and the community health care providers found it to be valuable."

Navigating the health system when you are diagnosed with a chronic disease can be confusing and challenging. Inequities in determinants of health related to the legacy of colonization also affect the health status of First Nations people diagnosed with arthritis. 

Health care providers either consciously (through disregard for cultural values) or unconsciously (by failing to provide culturally relevant care) disempower patients. This can affect quality of care over time and undermine efforts to support effective disease management and wellbeing. 

Arthritis is a leading cause of disability in First Nations communities and is often accompanied by other chronic diseases. Existing care models prioritize accessibility to specialty care for treatment, whereas patient-centred approaches support broader health goals.

First Nations populations have an increased prevalence, severity and undertreatment of arthritis. 

Therefore, novel ways of delivering relevant care that address social, geographical and economic barriers are needed to improve outcomes among First Nations people living with different types of this disease.

Want to learn more about this important research? Click here to read the full research paper. 

ABOUT ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA:

Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living with arthritis through research and engagement. Arthritis Research Canada's scientific director, Dr. Diane Lacaille is leading a team of over 100 researchers, trainees and staff whose world recognized research is creating a future where people living with arthritis are empowered to triumph over pain and disability. Arthritis Research Canada is conducting research across Canada in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec and is affiliated with five major universities: University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Calgary, Université Laval, and McGill University. Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at arthritis prevention, early diagnosis, new and better treatment, and improved quality of life.

SOURCE Arthritis Research Canada

Mirroring the weather, Fraser Valley’s hot housing market cooled slightly in June going from a boil to a simmer 

SURREY, British Columbia, July 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sales on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) remained robust in June however, for the first time since last September, monthly sales did not break a historical record.

In June, the Board processed 2,247 sales on its MLS®, a decrease of 24 per cent compared to May and a 31 per cent increase compared to June of last year. Sales continued to remain elevated compared to a typical June – 22 per cent above the ten-year average.

Larry Anderson, President of the Board, said, “In June, we shifted from an extreme seller’s market to a strong seller’s market. Although demand for Fraser Valley homes remains very high – over 40 per cent of active listings sold in June – we’re seeing the market settle down giving buyers and sellers more room to maneuver.

“We’re now seeing more subject offers and for the first time in months, we’re starting to see price reductions.”

In June, the Board received 3,108 new listings, a decrease of 10 per cent compared to last year, and a decrease of 21 per cent compared to May 2021. The month ended with total active inventory sitting at 5,474, a 7 per cent decrease compared to May, and 22.5 per cent fewer than June 2020.

Anderson continued, “A lack of supply continues to be the single largest factor affecting the market. Simply put, to meet current demand and get back to balance, we need about 3,500 more active listings in our region.”

Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, added, “Effective July 1, as part of Stage 3 of BC’s Restart Plan, REALTORS® are again allowed to hold in-person showings and open houses while continuing to adhere to public safety recommendations.

“For more than a year, our industry has put tremendous effort into keeping the public safe and we will remain vigilant. We’d like to express our sincere appreciation to the public for your continued support and cooperation.”

Across Fraser Valley, in June, the average number of days to sell a single-family detached home was 17 and a townhome was 12 days. Apartments took, on average, 21 days to sell.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $1,324,400, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detachedhome increased 0.1 per cent compared to May 2021 and increased 33.2 per cent compared to June 2020.
• Townhomes: At $678,400, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 1.3 per cent compared to May 2021 and increased 21.2 per cent compared to June 2020.
• Apartments: At $493,500, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 1.0 per cent compared to May 2021 and increased 13.4 per cent compared to June 2020.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board is an association of 4,014 real estate professionals who live and work in the BC communities of Abbotsford, Langley, Mission, North Delta, Surrey, and White Rock. The FVREB will mark its 100-year anniversary in October 2021.

Only year on year vaccine investment can contain new COVID strains

Booster jabs from tweaked COVID vaccines are a must until a universal vaccine breakthrough is made, according to the World Nano Foundation (WNF).

And the not-for-profit promoter of nanotechnology research called for continued heavy investment in vaccine research.

WNF co-founder Paul Sheedy said: "Current COVID-19 vaccines are designed to protect us against emerging variants, but it's still possible for new variants to develop and bypass current vaccines, causing more deaths and lockdowns.

"Many believe the solution lies in universal vaccines able to immunize us against all strains of a disease, but this technology is not yet available.

"Think of the virus as one of those lollipop displays in shops, with the sticks coming out from the centre of the virus as lollipops in the stand. Minor mutations occur on the 'lollipop sticks' and can be targeted by current vaccine technology, but similar to how the 'flavour' of lollipops may change on a display stand, new variants of the virus will appear that current vaccines may not be able to recognize and prevent."

This model shows the outward lollipop sticks pointing out from the virus.

"A universal vaccine would instead recognise the 'lollipop stand' instead of the individual flavours. It doesn't care what the new variants or 'flavours' are or if they change, so it will arm the body to attack anything from that virus family or 'the stand' itself.

However, a universal vaccine that targets the 'stand' instead of the changing 'flavours' is very hard to develop. Vaccine development isn’t easy, especially when you consider we still haven't developed vaccines against diseases such as HIV, which has been around since the 1980s."

Sheedy believes the universal vaccine 'code' will be cracked eventually but, in the meantime, medical science must rely upon continual modification of vaccines, in the same way as influenza is controlled:

"Although we cannot yet be proactive through the application of a universal vaccine, we can plan to the best of our ability, quickly identifying or anticipating new strains and tweaking vaccines year on year to protect us continually."

Sheedy believes this strategy is more than achievable, especially after 20-21 mass vaccine rollout. The Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines took less than a year to develop and distribute after intense funding fuelled by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Investment into healthcare technology is already rising, soaring 47% to a new high of $51 billion last year, and figures show the global healthcare industry is expected to be worth over $10 trillion by 2022 on a 10-year upward trajectory.

Kojo Annan, co-founder of the Vector Innovation Fund (VIF), believes if we are to improve our healthcare systems and vaccine technology, investment on this scale must be maintained. VIF recently launched a $300 million international sub-fund for pandemic protection and future healthcare, which is part of a wider billion-dollar fund for enabling technologies for sustainability and longevity of life.

"In 30 years, our healthcare systems could be improved to an unrecognisable level compared to now, as long as we invest. Vaccines could be developed in days instead of months, human trials may no longer be required, and we could create therapies to treat and cure patients suffering from some of the world's deadliest diseases.

"Healthtech companies are already delivering some game-changing innovations, and a flood of these could come through soon if there is continued investment."

For further information or interviews with The World Nano Foundation or Vector Innovation Fund or Cityzenith please contact: steve.philp@worlddigitalfoundation.com or +44 7973 159065

The World Nano Foundation (WNF) is a not-for-profit membership organisation with 75,000 subscribers and users in 40 countries working on international commercialisation of nanoscale technologies in 16 industry sectors and collaborates with a wide variety of partners, maximising support and funding bringing advanced technology to the world and commerce. This is supported by many industries and academic groups developing and creating a legacy for enabling technology innovation. 

Vector Innovation Fund (VIF) is a Reserved Alternative Investment Fund (RAIF) specialising in support for technology companies able to transform and protect global markets, notably in global healthcare, enabling technology, sustainability, and longevity aligned to the UN's SDG principles. VIF’s first sub-fund focuses on ‘Pandemic Protection’, and preparedness for future healthcare technology. This fund structure is domiciled in the world-renowned Luxembourg jurisdiction, and is only open to international accredited and professional investors, such as family offices, UHNW, private placement investors, pension funds, international banks, ESG investors and sovereign wealth funds. The General Partners have an excellent track record in industry, healthcare, technology and investment, with 21 exits and a total value creation of $2.4billion, including two successful IPOs.

Tips for Better Recovery as You Train for a Triathlon

Training for a triathlon is one of the hardest things you're ever likely to put your body through. The harder you push your body, the more important it is to support proper recovery in order to avoid serious injuries. Here are four tips for promoting better recovery as you train for a triathlon.

Make Sure Your Nutrition Is Solid

Triathlon training will necessarily burn calories quickly and put a significant strain on your muscles. To balance these pressures off, be sure that you're taking in enough calories and getting all of the nutrients you need to support good muscle health. If you have any doubts about your current diet, talk to a nutritionist to get a proper eating plan to follow while you train.

Give Yourself Rest Days

Although it may seem like training every day is the fastest way to meet your fitness goals, you also need to give your body time to rest. Generally, it's a good idea to train intensely 3-4 days per week, then give yourself the remaining time to rest and recover. On these rest days, your body will build new muscle and prepare itself for the next training session.

If You Get Injured, Have It Addressed Quickly

Because of the intensity of triathlon training, there's at least a serious chance you could injure yourself at some point in the process. If this does occur, be sure to seek help immediately. An injury that is treated promptly should recover quickly, but it could become a serious problem if you try to continue training before it's fully healed. Some time off, an anti-inflammatory or some light physical therapy now could save you from permanent injury later on.

Remember That Consistency Is Key

As your body becomes more used to your training routine, you'll find that it's easier to recover between workouts. Getting to this point requires consistently sticking to your training schedule, even if you're a bit sore or just aren't feeling very energetic. With consistent training, you'll eventually be able to recover quickly and maximize the results of your exercise regimen.

By following these tips, you can support your body properly as it recovers during triathlon training. Keep in mind that it will take you time to reach your goals and complete your first triathlon. With dedication, though, you can keep your body in top shape and prevent injury while you progress toward your fitness goals.

Maitri Health Technologies Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Bloom Health Creating a New Generation of Occupational Health Services

Merged operations of Bloom and Maitri will raise the bar in health and safety as a complete digital, clinical, health and safety platform for Fortune 500 companies, movie studios, education and government institutions.

VANCOUVER, BC, July 2, 2021 /CNW/ - Maitri Health Technologies Corp. ("Maitri" or the "Company") (CSE: MTEC) (FRA: D84) announces that it has signed a definitive agreement, dated as of June 29, 2021, to acquire Texas-based Round Hill Health Partners, LLC dba Bloom Health Partners ("Bloom Health"). The deal brings together Maitri's innovative cloud strategy for safe workplaces with Bloom Health's occupational health system serving clientele across the United States. The transaction is expected to close in July 2021.

The combined teams will continue to grow Bloom Health's client base in the United States while expanding its best-in-class clinical operations in other countries. Bloom Health's occupational health and safety solutions currently serve Fortune 500 clients, movie studios, sports and entertainment events. Maitri will be launching a cloud software platform that coordinates health and safety for organizations.

"Helping organizations run safely well into the future will be possible with the combination of our respective teams' expertise and operations," said Andrew Morton, Maitri CEO. "As a health-tech company, our cloud software platform strategy will enable organizations of all types to return to work and intelligently maintain long-term operations. The Bloom acquisition places us as a leading end-to-end occupational health and safety provider."

"We're thrilled to be joining forces with Maitri," said Cole Lysaught, co-founder of Bloom Health. "Bloom's customizable, turnkey health and safety solutions enable organizations in the private and public sectors to provide innovative health services to their workforces and those they serve."

Transaction Details

Total consideration for the transaction is US$20,090,000, which will be satisified through the issuance of securities that are exchangeable into 28,030,000 common shares of Maitri (the "Consideration Shares") and completion of cash payments totaling US$12,250,000 (the "Consideration Payments"). The number of Consideration Shares is based on the volume-weighted average trading price price of the common shares of Maitri in the ten trading days prior to the entering of the definitive agreement. The Consideration Payments will be payable quarterly through December 31, 2023, based upon a rate of US$0.70 for every US$1.00 of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") generated by Bloom Health.

The members of Bloom Health will also be entitled to receive additional bonus payments based upon the achievement of the following milestones:

• a one-time payment of US$10,000,000, payable in cash or common shares of the Company, at the election of the members of Bloom Health, upon Bloom Health achieving EBITDA of at least $27,500,000 by December 31, 2023;
  
• a one-time payment of US$20,000,000, payable in cash or common shares of the Company, at the election of the Company, upon the Company achieving a market capitalization of Cdn$325,000,000 for thirty consecutive trading days prior to December 31, 2023; and
  
• a one-time payment of US$20,000,000, payable in cash or common shares of the Company, at the election of the members of Bloom Health, upon Bloom Health achieving EBITDA of at least US$52,500,000 by December 31, 2023.

The Company is at arms-length from each of Bloom Health and its members. The transaction does not constitute a reverse-takeover or fundamental change for the Company under the applicable policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange, nor is it expected to result in the creation of any new insider or control person of the Company. In connection with completion of the transaction, the Company has granted Bloom Health the right to appoint two nominees to the board of directors of Maitri. No changes to management of the Company are anticipated in connection with completion of the Acquisition.

Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.

The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws.  Such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent such registration, or an available exemption therefrom.

About Maitri Health Technologies

Maitri Health Technologies Corp. (CSE: MTEC, FRA: D84) is a global platform for healthcare security. Our mission is to enhance safety and quality of life, and keep organizations and economies running. Maitri offers a system for businesses to run safely. Our stable, scalable system is integrated with unique digital technology to deliver a comprehensive healthcare supply and workplace management platform. For more information: https://maitrihealth.ca/

About Bloom Health

Bloom Health is a trusted occupational health and safety service provider, offering a network of top healthcare professionals and integrated laboratories for Fortune 500 companies, Hollywood productions and major sporting and music events. Bloom Health's mission is to ensure that "unstoppable is possible" for businesses and their employees through innovative, customized healthcare models. For more information, visit www.bloomhealthpartners.com.

For more information: investors@maitrihealth.ca

On behalf of the board of directors,

MAITRI HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES CORP.

Andrew Morton, Chief Executive Officer

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the timing, completion and benefits of the Bloom Health transaction, and future payments in connection therewith. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the Company's forward-looking statements include the potential inability to satisfy the applicable closing conditions or the risk of delay, the potential that milestones may not be satisfied, acquisitions may not achieve expected benefits, financing requirements, and the other risk factors described in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators on www.sedar.com. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws.

SOURCE Maitri Health Technologies Corp.

LifeLabs’ COVID-19 response management in communications wins 2021 Gold Quill Award

Toronto, Ontario, June 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We’re honoured to announce that the LifeLabs team has been recognized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) with a Gold Quill award for its communications strategy under the new category COVID-19 response and recovery management and communication. The field received 482 entries from 22 countries.

For more than 40 years, the IABC Gold Quill Awards have recognized excellence in business communication and is globally acknowledged as one of the most prestigious awards programs in the industry. The reviewers use the 7-Point Global Scale of Excellence and the rubrics and the integrity of the process for which IABC has come to be known, according to the IABC website. LifeLabs’ entry demonstrated how the projects applied a full range of planning and management skills, including research, analysis, strategy, tactical implementation and evaluation. 

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, LifeLabs has remained open and operational to provide essential testing and laboratory services for Canadians. To ensure the success of each project and initiative, Communications played a vital role—providing accessible and reliable content that worked to celebrate LifeLabs' role as an integral part of the health care system and key supporter of Canadians during the pandemic. 

"The challenge of COVID-19 has brought out the best in us, and it has further strengthened our commitment to our customers and each other,” says Charles Brown, CEO and President of LifeLabs. “The pandemic not only changed the world but the way we work in many ways. We created new ways of working that demanded agility and ingenuity by re-examining old structures, processes and thinking into new mental and business models that have us thriving despite these unprecedented times. These changes cultivated a new level of resilience and purpose for the LifeLabs teams."

“Responding to this pandemic required critical preparedness and the response of a cross-functional team at LifeLabs, and communication was an essential part of that strategy,” says Suset Silva, Director, Corporate Communications & Community Engagement. “At a time of great uncertainty and change, communication is even more critical in how we support the business, our customers and employees. This award is a testament to the team work of the COVID response team, the communications team, and our frontline employees who carried the messages forward with our customers, healthcare providers and stakeholders. Thank you for collaborating and communicating together.

The winning entry noted that with such a large workforce of over 6,000 employees, spread out throughout the nation, effective internal and external communications were critical to ensuring continued, safe care during the pandemic. The communication plan followed suit, utilizing cross-channel methods to share important updates and opportunities across the business. Some of the strategies highlighted in the entry included creating:

• a proactive informational campaign to share via social channels (FAQ/Did you know)
• a COVID-19 microsite for dedicated updates and information for customers and health care providers
• a “health care heroes” communication campaign, recognizing the tremendous work of our frontline employees
• extensive communications and public relations plans for each new service and product added during COVID-19 pandemic.

About LifeLabs 

LifeLabs is Canada’s leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems, enabling patients and healthcare practitioners to diagnose, treat, monitor, and prevent disease. We support 20 million patient visits annually and conduct over 100 million laboratory tests through leading edge technologies and our 6,000 talented and dedicated employees. We are a committed innovator in supporting Canadians to live healthier lives, operating Canada's first commercial genetics lab and the country's largest online patient portal, with more than 2.3 million Canadians receiving their results online. LifeLabs is 100% Canadian owned by OMERS Infrastructure, the infrastructure investment manager of one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans. Learn more at www.lifelabs.com.

Ontario's doctors pleased with vaccination progress, optimistic about summer

TORONTO, June 30, 2021 /CNW/ - Ontarians have much to look forward to and be optimistic about this summer.

All the work the Ontario public, essential workers and front-line health-care workers have done during the pandemic, by following public health guidelines and getting themselves vaccinated, is finally starting to pay off.  This is why it's more important than ever to continue following the remaining pandemic restrictions.

Ontario's doctors appreciate the sacrifices this has meant for everyone and the devastating losses to many families. But as we approach the first long weekend of summer, more than 75 per cent of adults in Ontario have received one COVID-19 shot and 34 per cent have had two. The number of people being infected by the virus, hospitalized and dying are all dropping.

"Ontario's continuing trend of increasing vaccinations and decreasing hospitalizations should give us hope and optimism for the future," said OMA President Dr. Adam Kassam. "While we race toward a crucial two-dose summer, we are thrilled that Ontarians will be able to spend time with friends and family and reconnect with their loved ones."

The OMA encourages anyone who has not received their first vaccination or who requires a second to do so as soon as possible. This is especially important for youths ages 12-17 whose vaccination rates have been lower than expected. Parents or anyone with questions about vaccines should talk to their family doctor, pediatrician or public health unit, who all have a critical role to play in explaining the benefits of vaccines and administering them.

The possible spread of the highly infectious and more severe Delta variant of the virus remains a concern, although the risks drop as more people are vaccinated. Vaccinations are the way out of the pandemic.

To ensure the third wave of the pandemic is the last significant wave, the OMA urges everyone to continue to follow public health guidelines such as those released by the Public Health Agency of Canada spelling out what is safe behaviour for people who are fully vaccinated compared with those who are partly or not vaccinated.

Doctors also urge everyone to be familiar with what exactly is permitted when the province moves to Step 2 of its reopening strategy on Wednesday. The OMA is encouraged to see the province continues to move cautiously in its reopening plan and is following the scientific evidence.

"Now is not the time to let down our guards when we have come so far to respond to this pandemic as a community," said OMA CEO Allan O'Dette. "By continuing to follow public health measures and getting vaccinated, you will allow the health-care system to respond to the significant number of patients needing critical services that have been delayed for so long."

It's time to change Ontario's health care for the better as the post-pandemic recovery begins. Complete our survey at betterhealthcare.ca and help shape the future of health care. 

About the OMA

The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 43,000 plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario's health-care system.

SOURCE Ontario Medical Association

Rritual Superfoods Featured in Syndicated Broadcast Covering Launch of Product Line in CVS Stores

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via InvestorWire -- Rritual Superfoods Inc. ("Rritual" or the "Company") (CSE: RSF) (FSE: 0RW) (OTC: RRSFF), a fast-growing functional superfood company that creates natural wellness products which support a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle, today announces that it has been featured in a broadcast via NetworkNewsAudio (NNA), a solution that delivers additional visibility, recognition and brand awareness in the investment community via distribution to thousands of syndication points. The audio press release covers Rritual’s recent announcement that its premium brand of functional superfoods will launch in CVS stores across the USA.

To hear the audio production, visit: https://www.nnw.fm/bFP7j

To read the original press release, visit: https://www.nnw.fm/V9sYE

"This phase one placement at CVS, the largest drugstore chain in the USA,¹ is a significant milestone for Rritual's national retail rollout. In terms of the Rritual brand, placement with CVS further establishes confidence in our products and escalating demand for this category with consumers," stated Mr. David Kerbel, Rritual Superfoods CEO. "Rritual's placement in CVS is doubly significant because our products have been chosen for CVS's new HealthHUB locations, which aims to transform the 'consumer health experience' with education and personalized service from CVS trained professionals at the community level."

In 2020, CVS opened 650 HealthHUB locations, and it plans to have 1,500 locations open by the end of 2021. CVS HealthHUB locations offer online streams of wellness and nutrition content from its community rooms in place of in-person classes, and care concierges pivoted to focus on reaching out to patients telephonically.

¹ https://www.drugchannels.net/2020/03/the-top-15-us-pharmacies-of-2019.html 

About Rritual

Rritual is a fast-growing functional superfood company that creates natural wellness products which support a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle. The company is poised to dominate a segment where demand and sales are growing exponentially. Under the executive leadership with over 100 years of CPG pedigree, Rritual has launched distribution to major retailers and is positioning itself to lead and define functional health and wellness industry as a superfood platform. Rritual markets organic wellness products in the United States through initial retail rollout which includes over 10,000 points of sale and through www.rritual.com.

Follow Rritual on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

About NetworkNewsAudio

NetworkNewsAudio (“NNA”), one of 50+ brands within the InvestorBrandNetwork (“IBN”), allows you to sit back and listen to market updates, CEO interviews and AudioPressRelease (“APR”) productions. These audio clips provide snapshots of position, opportunity and momentum. NNA can assist by cutting through the overload of information in today's market, while bringing its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. IBN is where news, content and information converge. IBN is a comprehensive provider of news aggregation and syndication, enhanced press release services and a full array of social communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and distribution company with an extensive team of journalists and writers, IBN has the unparalleled ability to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public with an ever-growing distribution network of 5,000+ key syndication outlets across the nation.

For more information, visit: www.NetworkNewsAudio.com

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Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements") that relate to Rritual's current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result", "are expected to", "expects", "will continue", "is anticipated", "anticipates", "believes", "estimated", "intends", "plans", "forecast", "projection", "strategy", "objective" and "outlook") are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. In particular and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the Company's plans to leverage third party manufacturing and logistics, the Company's broader retail distribution plans and the Company's other plans, focus and objectives.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Rritual's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the impact and progression of the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors set forth under "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the final long form prospectus of the Company dated February 26, 2021 and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Rritual undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Rritual to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.