Understanding the Importance of Stretching Your Muscles Everyday
Is there anything better than a good stretch upon waking? But why does stretching feel so satisfying, and more importantly, why does our body naturally contort to relieve tension? If you've ever wondered why stretching feels natural or the health benefits of developing a stretching routine, here are some ideas to consider.
Future-Proofing Your Body and Mind
In the same way we insure our cars before heading out onto the highway, stretching is the physical equivalent of protecting your body for future mishaps. Stretching your muscles increases the mobility of your joints, improves your posture and helps your cardiovascular system drive blood and nutrients throughout your system. It helps in the gym, too. Stretching can increase the range of motion for practitioners who utilize weightlifting and resistance training in their fitness routine. Moreover, it allows individuals who suffer from sore shoulders, creaky joints, chronic knee pain, and poor hip mobility to perform at a higher capacity, inside and outside of the gym.
The Elephant in the Room
For millions of people across the globe,debilitating lower back pain is a regular part of their life. But with a proper stretching routine, it doesn't have to be. Developing a personal stretching routine or seeking guidance from an assisted stretch therapist is the best way to restore mobility in the lower back and reduce aches and pains. Furthermore, regular stretching strengthens the areas in the lower back, such as theextensor and flexor muscles, that are responsible for back-related issues. For most patients, their discomfort decreases with each passing day after developing their stretching routine.
Stretching is also great for your mind. Individuals who take their stretching routine seriously have begun utilizing breath techniques that calm their minds and reduce anxiety. While they stretch and strengthen their body and joints, they shift their concentration to the delicate sensation of air entering and leaving their body. While this technique may seem simplistic, it's a brilliant way to reduce tension throughout the body and mind.
When in Doubt, Stretch It Out!
It's easy to see why stretching daily is beneficial for your health and well-being, but should you consider a routine that incorporates the practice? Stretching your muscles is an efficient way to improve blood flow, reduce anxiety, and get your day started on the right foot. If you're the type of person who wants to feel their best, developing a stretching routine is a "no-brainer."
Extensive Study in Canada to Assess COVID-19 Vaccine Immune Responses and Effectiveness among People Living With HIV
MONTREAL, June 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- People living with HIV are less likely to mount an adequate immune response, which may put them at higher risk for both serious COVID-19 illness and reduced response to COVID-19 vaccination. The Government of Canada, through its COVID-19 Immunity Task Force (CITF) and Vaccine Surveillance Reference Group (VSRG), is investing approximately $1.75 million in a study that will assess the immune responses, safety, and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination for this vulnerable population that has been understudied with respect to COVID-19. The study is further supported by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), the CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network (CTN) and Stop the Spread Ottawa, bringing the total funding to more than $2.6 million.
Conducted by the CTN and a large team of co-investigators and collaborators from across Canada, the study, called COVAXHIV, is the most extensive study in Canada to date to evaluate the immunogenicity, safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in a diverse population of people living with HIV.
“There have been very limited data from clinical trials for this at-risk community,” says Dr. Aslam Anis, Principal Investigator, National Director of the CTN and Director of the University of British Columbia’s School of Population and Public Health. “The results of this study will provide critical and timely evidence to inform immunization guidelines and public health strategies for all of the approximately 67,000 Canadians living with HIV.”
A small number of people living with HIV who are in stable health and without other medical conditions have been included in previous clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines, but the information is not generalizable to specific key vulnerable populations that have not been studied yet.
“Our COVAXHIV study focuses on older patients, those who have suppressed levels of white blood cells that fight infection (CD4 T-cells), and people with multiple medical conditions,” explains CTN Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Cecilia Costiniuk, Associate Professor at McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC).
Dr. Costiniuk and Co-Investigator Dr. Curtis Cooper, Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Division of Infectious Diseases and Scientist with The Ottawa Hospital, will recruit 400 people living with HIV from clinics in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver to determine COVID-19 immune responses. The first part of the study will evaluate how well antibodies react to fight off SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, up to a year after vaccination. That data will be compared with the immune reactions from a control group of 100 people who do not have HIV.
The second part of the study will look at vaccine effectiveness in people living with HIV compared to people who do not have HIV through a population-based analysis of provincial public health records in Ontario and British Columbia. This part will be led by CTN Investigators Dr. Ann Burchell, Associate Professor at the University of Toronto and Research Director at St. Michael’s Hospital’s Department of Family and Community Medicine, Unity Health Toronto, and Dr. Hasina Samji, Assistant Professor at Simon Fraser University and Senior Scientist at the BC Centre for Disease Control and is supported in part by the Ontario HIV Treatment Network.
“We will follow more than 35,000 people living with HIV in both provinces to note COVID-19 vaccine uptake and rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection and hospitalization, which will allow us to study vaccine effectiveness in this population,” explains Dr. Burchell. “We will also be looking at social determinants of health such as sex, age, geography and socioeconomic status to see what effects they have, if any, on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.”
“We know that most existing vaccines require higher or additional doses to provide optimal protection for people living with HIV,” says Dr. Catherine Hankins, member of the VSRG and a renowned HIV expert. “It is crucial to determine if this is also true with COVID-19 vaccines, especially for those within this population who are at higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection or for developing severe COVID-19 disease. With a vaccine rollout as massive as the current one underway, it is crucial to study the efficacy and safety of the vaccines in diverse priority populations such as people living with HIV. That is what the VSRG aims to do.”
“COVID-19 has had significant health and social impacts on all people in Canada, but the negative impacts have been greater for vulnerable populations, including those living with and affected by HIV,” says Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam. "This study will help inform Canada’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, supporting the development of more effective immunization and public health strategies for vulnerable and diverse Canadians living with HIV.”
Participants who have already received their first vaccine dose or have already had COVID-19 are eligible for the study. To participate or for more information about the immunogenicity study, please visit: https://www.hivnet.ubc.ca/study/ctn-328-covid-19-vaccine-in-hiv/.
About the CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network (CTN)
The CTN is a Canada-wide partnership of researchers, people living with HIV and their caregivers, governments, health advocates, and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. Together we have pioneered three decades of practice-changing clinical studies (including vaccine trials) in preventing, treating and managing HIV, hepatitis C (HCV), and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs). The CTN is represented by community and advocacy groups that voice the priorities of Canadians living with HIV. The CTN National Centre is housed within the Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, which shares a joint affiliation with the Providence Health Care Research Institute and the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine.
About the Vaccine Surveillance Reference Group
The Vaccine Surveillance Reference Group (VSRG) supports the monitoring of the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in Canada. It is a consortium of Canadian organizations —the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the Canadian Research Immunization Network (CIRN), the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), and the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force (CITF)— working collaboratively to pool expertise on vaccine surveillance. The VSRG reports to PHAC and is supported by the CITF Secretariat. It is co-chaired by the leaders of NACI and CIRN. Among its responsibilities, the VSRG, through the CITF Executive Committee, makes recommendations to PHAC on funding research teams that can address important aspects of the immune response, safety, and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines with public health relevance and with attention to all priority groups. For more information visit: https://www.covid19immunitytaskforce.ca/vaccine-surveillance-reference-group-vsrg/
About the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force
The Government of Canada established the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force in late April 2020. The Task Force is overseen by a Leadership Group of volunteers that includes leading Canadian scientists and experts from universities and healthcare facilities across Canada who are focused on understanding the nature of immunity arising from the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. To that end, the CITF is supporting numerous studies to determine the extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Canada (in the general population as well as in specific communities and priority populations), understand the nature of immunity following infection, develop improved antibody testing methods, and help monitor the effectiveness and safety of vaccines as they are rolled out across Canada. The Task Force and its Secretariat work closely with a range of partners, including governments, public health agencies, institutions, health organizations, research teams, other task forces, and engages communities and stakeholders. Most recently, the Task Force has been asked to support vaccine surveillance, effectiveness and safety as part of its overall objective to generate data and ideas that inform interventions aimed at slowing—and ultimately stopping—the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Canada. For more information visit: https://www.covid19immunitytaskforce.ca
LifeLabs completes over 2 million COVID-19 molecular tests
Toronto, Ontario, June 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LifeLabs is pleased to announce its latest milestone in COVID-19 molecular diagnostic testing, completing over 2 million tests for Canadians and their health care providers.
“I commend our teams for all the work they’ve done to reach this milestone,” said Charles Brown, President and CEO of LifeLabs. “They have demonstrated incredible care, teamwork, and drive in managing everything that goes into our testing: from our frontline staff attentively serving our customers, to our couriers efficiently transporting specimens, to our lab staff diligently analyzing each sample that comes in and ensuring they are accurately reported, and many other supporting members like our customer care members who assist our customers throughout the testing journey. Thank you everyone for all that you do.”
Many Canadians have now received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and we are well on our way to moving forward with second doses. However, as variants continue to be a concern among Public Health, demand for COVID-19 testing across remains a key focus; and this will continue to be crucial as Canada slowly begins to reopen its economy.
“Looking at how far we’ve come since last year, I’m so proud of our teams,” said Haleh Bahrami, VP of Lab Operations. “It is because of our team members’ incredible agility and adaptability that we continue to build upon our existing processes to improve quality and efficiencies in our lab testing every day, so that we can continue to serve Canadians in every facet of testing in response to the pandemic.”
LifeLabs continues to build its support for COVID-19 testing in various capacities with initiatives such as:
Expanding its FlyClear™ Pre-Departure Testing in British Columbia. As shared in a media releaseearlier this spring, LifeLabs launched an additional FlyClear™ testing location on Russ Baker Way near the Vancouver International Airport. This expansion provides travellers with easy access to pre-departure COVID-19 PCR/NAAT testing.
Partnering with Fionet Rapid Response Group to implement COVID-19 rapid diagnostic testing services. The Fionet Platform will be integrated with LifeLabs’ laboratory information system to support public health reporting and quality management oversight in providing rapid diagnostics testing for the detection of COVID-19 in community-based settings across Canada. This can include airports, community testing hubs, and installations for small, medium, and large businesses.
For more information about LifeLabs’ response to COVID-19 and testing, visit lifelabs.com
About LifeLabs
LifeLabs is Canada’s leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems, enabling patients and health care 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 5 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 lifelabs.com.
Pathway Health Corp. Announces Final Exchange Bulletin and Commencement of Trading
/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/
ETOBICOKE, ON, June 15, 2021 /CNW/ - Pathway Health Corp. (TSXV: PHC) (formerly Colson Capital Corp.) ("Pathway" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") has published its final exchange bulletin in connection with the Company's previously announced qualifying transaction. Trading in the Company's common shares on the TSXV is expected to commence at market open on June 17, 2021.
For additional information on the qualifying transaction, see the Company's filing statement dated May 31, 2021, available under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.
The Company also announces that further to its press releases dated May 31, 2021, and June 1, 2021, it has received final approval from the TSXV to implement certain changes as allowed by TSXV Policy 2.4 – Capital Pool Companies which became effective as at January 1, 2021 (the "New CPC Policy"), as further described below
Removal of the Consequences of Failing to Complete a Qualifying Transaction within 24 Months of the Listing Date
Pursuant to the New CPC Policy, the Company obtained approval of a majority of its disinterested shareholders at its shareholder meeting on March 31, 2021, to remove the consequences associated with failing to complete a "Qualifying Transaction" within 24 months after the date of listing the Company's shares on the TSXV.
Amendments to the CPC Escrow Agreement
Pursuant to the New CPC Policy, the Company obtained approval of a majority of its disinterested shareholders at its shareholder meeting on March 31, 2021, to make certain amendments to the CPC escrow agreement, including allowing the Company's escrowed securities to be subject to an 18-month escrow release schedule as detailed in the New CPC Policy, rather than the 36-month escrow release schedule in the former CPC Policy. The amendments only apply to the escrowed securities issued prior to the completion of the Qualifying Transaction.
The Company has proceeded with the implementation of the changes summarized above, pursuant to the TSXV's final approval of such changes.
About Pathway Health Corp.
Pathway Health is one of the largest providers of out-of-hospital pain management services in Canada. The Company owns and operates 9 community-based clinics across 4 provinces where its team of health professionals work together to help patients through a variety of evidence-based approaches. Pathway Health's patient care programs utilize an interdisciplinary approach that is guided by trained pain specialists, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, nurses, and other healthcare providers. Pathway Health has also developed an expertise in harm reduction where medicinal cannabis is being used as an alternative to traditional opioids.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals; and the results of operations. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Pathway disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Press Release. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.
SOURCE Pathway Health Corp.
Sun Life announces industry-leading limits for non-medical underwriting
Limits are meant to be pushed: Clients can now get up to $5 million in life insurance coverage without lab exams
TORONTO, June 14, 2021 /CNW/ - At a time when health and financial security have never been more important, Sun Life Canada is pushing the limits and bringing Clients fast and easy access to life insurance. An industry first, Sun Life Clients aged 18-40 may qualify for up to $5 million in life insurance coverage without lab exams. Previously, this age group was limited to $2 million. This enhancement in Sun Life's underwriting means up to 76 per cent1 of Clients may not need lab exams to apply for life insurance.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of preparing for the unexpected. A recent Sun Life survey found that 80 per cent of Millennials (aged 24-39) want to protect their financial future now more than ever.2 This number increases to 89 per cent for Gen Z (aged 18-23).3 As younger Canadians place more value on securing their future, Sun Life is proud to offer greater flexibility on coverage limits to create a seamless insurance application experience.
"At Sun Life, we're transforming our underwriting process with the help of data and analytics," said Norm Leblond, VP, Chief Underwriter & Claims Risk Officer, Sun Life. "Our goal is to create an insurance experience that is simple, fast and worry-free for all Canadians. By using advanced analytics, we're able to identify whether Clients need lab exams for their life insurance applications. The result is a less invasive experience for Clients, minimizing appointments and tests. We are proud to lead the industry and help Canadians access the protection they need," added Leblond.
Predictive models have helped Sun Life identify risks that previously required health tests. Sun Life has led the industry over the past decade in eliminating the need for medical exams to be completed by an appointed medical professional. Starting today, Clients 18-40 years of age applying for life insurance are eligible for these expanded limits without lab tests.
Financial security is a key pillar of Sun Life's sustainability strategy. By providing Clients with innovative products and services, Sun Life is delivering peace of mind and lifetime financial security through insurance protection.
About Sun Life Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and corporate Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2021, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1,304 billion. For more information please visit www.sunlife.com.
Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.
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1 Sun Life based this estimate on recent volumes of life insurance applications.
2 Sun Life Survey, March 2021.
3Sun Life Survey, March 2021.
Note to editors: All figures in Canadian dollars
SOURCE Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada
Roche Diabetes Care Canada Receives Health Canada Authorization for the Accu-Chek® Guide Link Blood Glucose Meter with Wireless Connectivity
Through an agreement between Roche Diabetes Care and Medtronic Canada, the Accu-Chek Guide Link is a state-of-the-art blood glucose meter designed to connect exclusively to the Medtronic MiniMedTM 770G insulin pump system.
The Accu-Chek Guide Link can provide seamless and highly accurate automated wireless results directly to the MiniMedTM 770G to help support the ongoing appropriate delivery of insulin to people living with Type 1 diabetes in persons two years of age and older.
LAVAL, QC, June 14, 2021 /CNW/ - Roche Diabetes Care Canada is pleased to announce that it has received a Health Canada authorization for the Accu-Chek Guide Link blood glucose meter, the latest innovation from Roche Diabetes Care to help Canadians living with type-1 diabetes manage their health and worry less about daily therapy routines.
This state-of-the-art blood glucose meter pairs exclusively with the Medtronic MiniMedTM 770G -- the only insulin pump system in Canada that offers adaptive basal insulin delivery every 5 minutes for patients as young as two years of age, with the added benefits of smartphone connectivity. A smartphone connected pump system allows patients and their caregivers to see glucose and insulin data remotely on a smartphone, as well as share it automatically with their healthcare professional to optimize their diabetes management. Accurate test results from the meter are sent wirelessly to the pump system for quick sensor calibration and to support insulin adjustments.
This represents a breakthrough for insulin pump users that will help Canadians living with diabetes achieve greater freedom and better health.
"At Roche Diabetes Care, our vision is to help people with diabetes think less about their daily diabetes routine so they can focus more on life. This is why we are thrilled to bring this new innovation to Canada to better support the diabetes community," said Jade Dagher, Head of Sub-Region Canada, Australia & New Zealand. "Roche Diabetes Care partnership with Medtronic is a significant advancement for insulin pump users, delivering on our promise to offer integrated patient-centered care solutions that help people living with diabetes."
The Accu-Chek Guide Link was authorized based on clinical trials demonstrating its quick and accurate blood glucose readings that actually exceed accuracy standards.1 This is especially important for people living with diabetes on insulin therapy, as reliable and accurate blood glucose measurements are crucial to make the correct therapy decisions and insulin dosage needs.2,3
Roche Diabetes Care is very excited that this new innovation will help Canadians living with diabetes to simplify their diabetes management. The Accu-Chek Guide Link system is now available and exclusively to people living with Type 1 diabetes, two years of age and older, using the Medtronic MiniMedTM 770G insulin pump system. People living with diabetes and caregivers should speak to their healthcare professional or diabetes care team to determine if this product is appropriate for them.
About Roche Diabetes Care
Roche Diabetes Care has been pioneering innovative diabetes technologies and services for more than 40 years. More than 5,500 employees in over 100 markets worldwide work every day to support people with diabetes and those at risk to achieve more time in their target ranges and experience true relief from the daily therapy routines.
Being a global leader in integrated Personalised Diabetes Management (iPDM), Roche Diabetes Care collaborates with thought leaders around the globe, including people with diabetes, caregivers, healthcare providers and payers. Roche Diabetes Care aims to transform and advance care provision and foster sustainable care structures. Under the brands RocheDiabetes, Accu-Chek and mySugr, comprising glucose monitoring, insulin delivery systems and digital solutions, Roche Diabetes Care unites with its partners to create patient-centred value. By building and collaborating in an open ecosystem, connecting devices and digital solutions as well as contextualising relevant data points, Roche Diabetes Care enables deeper insights and a better understanding of the disease, leading to personalised and effective therapy adjustments. For better outcomes and true relief.
Since 2017, mySugr, one of the most popular diabetes management apps, is part of Roche Diabetes Care.
Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people's lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalised healthcare – a strategy that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible.
Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management.
Founded in 1896, Roche continues to search for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and make a sustainable contribution to society. The company also aims to improve patient access to medical innovations by working with all relevant stakeholders. More than thirty medicines developed by Roche are included in the World Health Organization Model Lists of Essential Medicines, among them life-saving antibiotics, antimalarials and cancer medicines. Moreover, for the eleventh consecutive year, Roche has been recognised as one of the most sustainable companies in the Pharmaceuticals Industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI).
The Roche Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is active in over 100 countries and in 2019 employed about 98,000 people worldwide. In 2019, Roche invested CHF 11.7 billion in R&D and posted sales of CHF 61.5 billion. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visit www.roche.com.
All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.
References:
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1 Brazq RL, Klaff LJ, Sussman AM. New generation blood glucose monitoring system exceeds international accuracy standards. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2016 ;10(6) :1414-1415
2 Brazg R., et al. J Diabetes Sci Technol 2013;7:144-152
Phase III North American Clinical Trial for COVID-19 Treatment begins after FDA & Health Canada approval
An affordable decades-old drug has been reformulated and repurposed to treat COVID-19 patients.
MONTREAL, June 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After months of preparation, a global phase III clinical trial sponsored by the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), in partnership with Canadian start-up Pulmonem, begins an innovative treatment to reduce and possibly prevent the development of severe pulmonary inflammation caused by the COVID-19 virus. The clinical trial will test the use of PULM-001 in patients in the early stages of COVID-19. The is one of very few phase III clinical trials for COVID therapies to obtain approval from both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada.
PULM-001 is a decades-old, safe and affordable oral antibacterial that also has well-recognized anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used to treat infectious diseases such as malaria, lupus, HIV and many other inflammatory infections. The repurposed drug will be administered to symptomatic adults recovering at home to lessen lung inflammation. This inflammation causes complications in the lungs that can lead to increased hospital and ICU stays, and even death.
This Canada-led phase III clinical trial could change the course of the global pandemic, especially for developing countries that have little access to vaccines. The study will be conducted entirely remotely beginning with patients in Ontario and Quebec followed by six centres in the United States. Thousands of symptomatic (COVID-19 positive) outpatients will be involved throughout the course of the trial.
The trial is led by Dr. Jean Bourbeau, a senior investigator and Director of the McConnell Centre of Innovative Medicine at the RI-MUHC. Dr. Bourbeau is a respirologist at the McGill University Health Centre as well as Professor and Associate Member of the Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health at McGill University.
“The vaccines are undoubtedly important, but are not the final answer to this problem. It will be a long time before the whole world is vaccinated, and until then, we need a treatment that is effective against this damaging disease. This medication is inexpensive and has a proven record of safety, and we are confident that it will prevent severe COVID-19 cases.” – Dr. Jean Bourbeau, Director, Centre for Innovative Medicine, RI- MUHC
The trial is a collaboration between the RI-MUHC, the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation and Pulmonem Inc., a Canadian biotech startup. Pulmonem has international manufacturing partnership agreements in place and is ready to produce the new medication for the treatment of COVID-19 quickly and in large quantities.
“I’ve been impressed to see that Canada’s clinical research expertise and infrastructure can be scaled quickly to meet the challenges of this pandemic. With the endorsement of federal health regulators in the US and Canada now in place, we can begin the trial.” says Dr. Houfar Sekhavat, President and CEO of Pulmonem Inc.
While people in Canada and other countries are being vaccinated in large numbers, affordable, safe and effective treatments for COVID-19 are still necessary. Despite continued vaccinations, cases of COVID-19 will not disappear worldwide, and many patients will still need treatment to prevent complications and hospitalizations, especially in areas of the world still coping with uncontrolled outbreaks and variants that risk coming to Canada.
The MUHC Foundation has already raised one million dollars needed to start the trial in Canada. Another $4 million is required to complete it in the United States and get cost-effective drugs to those in need.
“This collaboration between research, fundraising and private partnerships is a new and exciting way for philanthropy to play a role in changing the course of lives and medicine,” says Julie Quenneville, President and CEO of the McGill University Health Centre Foundation. “By investing early in concrete and viable treatments that can be repurposed to fight COVID-19, our supporters are truly at the forefront of transforming health care.”
About the McGill University Health Centre Foundation
The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation raises funds to support excellence in patient care, research and teaching at the McGill University Health Centre, one of the top university hospitals in Canada. Our Dream Big Campaign to change the course of lives and medicine is raising millions of dollars to solve humanity’s deadliest puzzles: infectious diseases; end cancer as a life-threatening illness; fix broken hearts through innovative cardiac care; detect the silent killers—ovarian and endometrial cancers—early; create the best skilled health care teams in Canada; and much more. We are rallying our entire community to solve the world’s most complex health care challenges. www.muhcfoundation.com
About the RI-MUHC
The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) is a world-renowned biomedical and healthcare research centre. The institute, which is affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine of McGill University, is the research arm of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) – an academic health centre located in Montreal, Canada, that has a mandate to focus on complex care within its community. The RI-MUHC supports over 450 researchers and around 1,200 research trainees devoted to a broad spectrum of fundamental, clinical and health outcomes research at the Glen and the Montreal General Hospital sites of the MUHC. Its research facilities offer a dynamic multidisciplinary environment that fosters collaboration and leverages discovery aimed at improving the health of individual patients across their lifespan. The RI-MUHC is supported in part by the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS). www.rimuhc.ca
About Pulmonem Inc.
Pulmonem Inc. was founded to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of a reformulated and patented version of PULM-001, a generic drug to arrest the development of inflammation caused by COVID-19 and help prevent hospitalization of those who become infected. Pulmonem has established manufacturing partnerships that will allow the company to quickly bring this treatment to market soon after successful completion of clinical trials. www.pulmonem.ca
Being involved in a car accident can leave you dealing with various injuries. Some of these may be significant and require a medical evaluation and professional treatment. Here are some things you can do to get back to normal as quickly as possible.
Schedule a Medical Exam
See your regular medical doctor for a thorough examination and evaluation. Get a complete diagnosis of your injuries as well as recommended follow-up. Follow the doctor's orders regarding rest, medication, nutrition, and returning to work or regular activities. Your doctor can provide a thorough assessment of your injuries and estimated recovery time. You may need to be seen more than once for the doctor to monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan if needed.
Follow Up With Prescribed Tests and Treatments
If the medical team has made referrals to specialists or suggested specific tests or treatments, follow through for a complete checkup. It is better to find out now about any hidden injuries and to have even those that seem minor checked out by medical experts. Missing a test or failing to take treatments now could make the problem worse and require more stringent and costly treatments later. If you must miss an appointment, reschedule it as soon as possible.
Resume Moderate Activities as Recommended
The medical practitioners you have consulted can advise you on the best way to recover quickly from your accident injuries. They may prescribe temporary rest or physical therapy. They will likely be able to recommend specific exercises you can do at home to speed your recovery. A healthy diet may likewise be suggested. Don't overdo it even if you feel much better in a few days. Trying to do too much, too soon, can lead to relapse and undo all the positive effects to date. Follow the prescribed routine to heal completely.
Consult a Chiropractor as Needed
The doctor might mention the option of consulting a chiropractor for additional treatment of your car accident injuries. The chiropractor can maneuver your limbs and torso to reduce tension and increase flexibility while suggesting things you can do on your own to get back to normal movement. Look for an accident chiropractor who specializes in treating the kinds of injuries you may be dealing with following a vehicle collision.
A car accident often requires the help of experts and professionals to help you recover. Take advantage of the resources available that can expedite your recovery from your accident injuries.
Building a Culture of Accommodation and Inclusion Across British Columbia Workplaces
PORT ALBERNI, BC, June 10, 2021 /CNW/ - The BC government recently announced a Workforce Development Grant to NIDMAR which provides BC residents and workplaces with a range of supports designed to improve Return to Work (RTW) and Disability Management (DM) knowledge, programs and practices, and promote Disability Management professionalization, similar to major efforts currently underway across the UK, Belgium, Malaysia and other jurisdictions.
Building a Culture of Accommodation and Inclusion Across British Columbia Workplaces
People with disabilities are disproportionately affected by much higher poverty and unemployment rates than almost all other sectors in our society. As over 80% of mental and physical health impairments occur during someone's working life, effective accommodation efforts made by workplaces can play a pivotal role in workers maintaining, what are often good quality jobs, rather than entering the disability social security system (whether public or private) and all the associated obstacles of trying to successfully re-enter the workforce at a later stage.
Early intervention and a workplace commitment towards creative and collaborative solutions in the accommodation process are key in maintaining equitable and gainful attachment to the workforce, especially when national and international evidence clearly indicates rapidly declining long-term employment prospects for those with mental or physical health challenges who are on social security. Research indicates that one year on social security leads to a less than 1% chance of sustained future employment.
Workplace knowledge, skills and education in a range of RTW/DM program, policy and accommodation practices are critical first steps in maintaining equitable employment for the disabled worker, while fostering a workplace culture of inclusion where the hiring of persons with disabilities from outside the organization no longer has the level of disability stigma which we still see all too often across the country and around the world.
This grant recognizes that employers and workers jointly have a key role to play in achieving much improved socio-economic outcomes, which are reflected in successful efforts across Canada and comprehensive strategies in other jurisdictions. The various elements of this unique initiative include:
Support for DM/RTW Continuing Education
Scholarship Opportunities in the Bachelor of Disability Management
Support to Obtain Professional DM Designations
Support for Workplaces to have an Assessment of their DM program
Detailed information regarding these opportunities can be found at: www.nidmar.ca
SOURCE National Institute of Disability Management and Research
Nabati Foods Expands Distribution to Asia and Beyond
Nabati cheesecakes are now available in Hong Kong, the Virgin Islands and Hawaii
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nabati Foods Global Inc. (CSE: MEAL Reserved) (“Nabati Foods” or the “Company”), a plant-based food tech company offering whole, natural, plant-based foods for health-conscious consumers, is announcing that its products are now available in Hong Kong, the Virgin Islands, and Hawaii.
Nabati Foods dairy-free chocolate cheesecake will be available in Natures Village in Hong Kong, a health food and lifestyle chain that has seven locations in the metro Hong Kong area, which is home to 7.6 million people. Google trends indicate a more than 250% increase in searches for “vegan” in Hong Kong in the last five years. The total “flexible vegetarian population in Hong Kong is estimated at nearly 24%, according to a 2019 report from Statista.
“We are on a mission to lead the evolution of food, and that means expanding our geographic footprint beyond North America,” Nabati Foods CEO Ahmad Yehya said. “We’re thrilled to partner with such a strong, well established, healthy living brand like Natures Village to make our debut in the lucrative Asian market.”
Nabati Foods’ dairy free cheesecakes are also now available at Quality Food St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and at Down to Earth locations across Hawaii.
Nabati Foods products are made with whole, natural ingredients and are kosher, vegan, and do not contain refined sugar or GMOs.
“Nabati Foods remains committed to ensuring our production processes and supply chain is created with sustainability and environmental health and wellness in mind,” Yehya said. “We look forward to these new opportunities to share our vision of healthy mouthwatering meals that bring people together from the tropical waters of the Atlantic, to the sunshine in the Pacific, and to the kitchen tables in bustling Hong Kong.”
Nabati Foods products are now available in more than 700 stores in the U.S. in addition to the new locations in Hong Kong, Hawaii, and St. Croix.
About Nabati Foods Global Inc. Nabati Foods Global Inc. is the owner of Nabati Foods Inc. (“Nabati”), a family-founded food tech company offering whole, natural, plant-based, gluten, and soy-free foods for health-conscious consumers. Nabati was founded in 2014 and has four signature product lines including dairy-free cheesecakes, cheese alternatives, and plant-based meats. Nabati products are distributed in Canada and the U.S. through grocery, foodservice, and industrial channels. Learn more: https://invest.nabatifoods.com/
For further information, please contact the Nabati investor relations team: ir@nabatifoods.com
Disclosure and Caution
Completion of the financing is subject to a number of conditions, including ensuring the financing and listing application are compliant with CSE requirements. The transaction cannot close until the required conditions are satisfied and required approvals are obtained. There can be no assurance that the financing will be completed as proposed or at all. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative – there is no active market for Company’s securities at this time. No regulatory body has reviewed or approved the terms to this financing.
This news release contains forward-looking information, which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectation. Important factors - including the ability to complete the financing, the ability to satisfy the conditions required and approvals needed to complete the transaction, availability of funds and the results of financing efforts, - that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time on SEDAR (see www.sedar.com). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The securities referred to in this news release have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States unless pursuant to an exemption therefrom. This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction.
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