New Study: Eating Prunes Daily Improves Risk Factors for Heart Disease and Inflammation in Postmenopausal Women
TORONTO, June 22, 2021 /CNW/ - New research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food suggests eating prunes each day can improve risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) including raising antioxidant capacity and reducing inflammation among healthy, postmenopausal women.
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death worldwide posing a significant public health challenge. The research led by San Diego State University reveals that prunes can positively affect heart disease risk.
"When you look at our prior research and the research of others combined with this new data, you'll see consistent evidence that eating prunes can promote health," said lead researcher Shirin Hooshmand, PhD, RD, Professor at the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences at San Diego State University.
In this randomized, controlled study, researchers found that eating 50 grams of prunes (about 5-6 prunes) each day for 6 months resulted in improved CVD risk biomarkers – including raising the body's "good" cholesterol, known as HDL, and lowering the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL. Eating 50 grams of prunes daily also promoted higher antioxidant capacity and lowered levels of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha associated with CVD risk.
Researchers recruited 48 healthy, postmenopausal women who were divided into three groups – a control group who ate no prunes, and two treatment groups who consumed either 50 grams or 100 grams of prunes daily, throughout the six-month study. All other aspects of the women's diets and lifestyles remained similar to before the study. Various biomarkers of CVD risk were collected at the beginning and conclusion of the study to determine if there were any improvements in those biomarkers among those who consumed prunes. Interestingly, there were some similar positive results among those who ate 50 grams of prunes and those consuming 100 grams – suggesting that adding 5-6 prunes or more into the daily diet may have a positive effect on CVD risk.
"Reducing chronic inflammation and increasing antioxidant capacity in the body is associated with lower risk of CVD, along with many other diseases," said Mark Kern, PhD, RD, CSSD Professor of Nutrition at the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences at San Diego State University. "Not only does this study show that prunes may be a good way to reduce inflammation and increase antioxidant capacity, it also suggests that eating prunes every day may improve cholesterol levels in postmenopausal women."
While the precise mechanisms and specific compounds that contribute to these beneficial effects have yet to be determined, naturally occurring antioxidant-powered phenolic compounds, fiber and other nutrients are thought to play a role. This study demonstrates that prunes may be a promising and convenient addition to the diet to reduce CVD risk and inflammation, while also improving antioxidant capacity.
The study adds to a growing body of evidence about the overall health and nutrition benefits of prunes, including bone health. Previous clinical research demonstrates a favorable bone response to prunes among postmenopausal women.
FUNDING The Journal of Medicinal Food study was funded by the San Diego State University Grant Program, the California Prune Board (No. 57114A; ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT02325895), and the Kasch-Boyer Endowed Scholarship in Exercise and Nutritional Sciences in San Diego State University.
REFERENCES Hong MY, Kern M, Nakamichi-Lee M, Abbaspour N, Ahouraei Far A, Hooshmand S. (2021) Dried Plum Consumption Improved Total Cholesterol and Antioxidant Capacity and Reduces Inflammation in Healthy Postmenopausal Women. J Med Food. 10.1089/jmf.2020.0142.
Strock NCA, Koltun KJ, Weaver C, De Souza MJ. (2021) Dried Plum Consumption Improves Bone Mineral Density in Osteopenic Postmenopausal Woman: A Case Report. Bone Rep. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bonr.2021.101094.
ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA PRUNE BOARD Created in 1952, The California Prune Board aims to amplify the premium positioning and top-of-mind awareness of California Prunes through advertising, public relations, promotion, nutrition research, crop management and sustainability research, and issues management. The California Prune Board represents approximately 800 prune growers and 28 prune, juice, and ingredient handlers under the authority of the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture.
SOURCE The California Prune Board
Study finds schools are not at higher risk for COVID-19
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A study, funded by the Government of Canada through its COVID-19 Immunity Task Force (CITF), has found the risk of staff acquiring SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in schools is no greater than their risk of acquiring the virus in day-to-day life in the community. The findings have been published as a pre-print ahead of peer review.
Researchers from BC Children’s Hospital, the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) examined COVID-19 infection among Vancouver School District staff during the 2020-2021 school year. Researchers tested school staff for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies—a sign of prior infection—to determine how many had been infected with the virus, whether or not they had felt symptoms. Of the 1,556 school staff who had their blood sample tested, 2.3 per cent tested positive for antibodies. This percentage was similar to the number of infections in a reference group of blood donors matched by age, sex and area of residence. The results confirm the low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among staff in the school setting.
“These findings show that, with appropriate mitigation strategies in place, in-person schooling is not associated with significantly increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission for classroom-based staff compared to members of the general population,” says Dr. Pascal Lavoie, principal investigator of the study, an investigator at BC Children’s Hospital, a pediatrician and Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at UBC.
“Even when we account for asymptomatic infection using sensitive blood tests, the risk of SARS-CoV-2 being transmitted in schools overall remains very low,” says Dr. David Goldfarb, co-investigator and lead author of the article. Dr. Goldfarb is an investigator and a medical microbiologist at BC Children’s Hospital and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UBC.
Of the 1,689 school staff surveyed, 278 reported close contact with a student or co-worker who was a COVID-19 case, but only five staff who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 believed they likely acquired the virus in the school setting. Another seven staff infected with SARS-CoV-2 reported a close contact with a friend or family member as the main source of contact.
“The results suggest that only a few teachers and school staff contracted SARS-CoV-2, and most assume that they did not contract it at school and thought they caught it from friends or family,” adds Dr. Lavoie.
The study also reports on positive viral polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests in students and staff—the number of people who were tested and were found to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 at the time they were tested. Within the Vancouver School District, 0.98 per cent of the 47,280 students, and 1.3 per cent of the 7,071 staff attending the Vancouver School District received a diagnosis of COVID-19 between the start of the pandemic and March 4, 2021. In this study, school staff reported consistent rates of positive viral tests which are similar to the Vancouver School District—1.3 per cent.
“We hope our findings will help inform school opening and closure policies moving forward,” says co-lead researcher Dr. Louise Mâsse, an investigator at BC Children’s Hospital and Professor in the School of Population and Public Health at UBC.
“We know how important in-person schooling is for our students, not only for learning, but also for their social, mental and physical well-being,” says Suzanne Hoffman, superintendent of schools for the Vancouver School District. “These results reaffirm that with the protocols we have in place, schools are safe places to teach and learn.”
“Our Task Force has funded three research projects looking at the risk of COVID-19 for school staff and this is one of them,” says CITF Leadership Group member Dr. Mel Krajden, Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UBC. “This study highlights that COVID-19 in a school setting typically mirrors transmission from family and community contacts. As more and more Canadians are vaccinated, this will be expected to further reduce family—and community—based COVID-19 transmission. The results of this study are very timely as provincial governments across the country are planning and announcing back-to-school scenarios for the next school year. This and the results of other Task Force studies will help guide an evidence-based return to in-person teaching.”
The research team was led by Dr. Lavoie and Dr. Mâsse, and also includes Dr. Goldfarb, Dr. Vilte Barakauskas, Dr. Julie Bettinger, Dr. Tim Oberlander, Dr. Mike Irvine and Dr. Manish Sadarangani from BC Children’s Hospital and UBC, as well as Dr. Daniel Coombs from UBC’s Department of Mathematics, Dr. Eva Oberle and Dr. Anne Gadermann from UBC’s School of Population and Public Health, Agatha Jassem from BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and Dr. Alex Choi from Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH).
BC Children's Hospital Research Institute conducts discovery, translational and clinical research to benefit the health of children and their families. We are supported by BC Children's Hospital Foundation; are part of BC Children’s Hospital and the Provincial Health Services Authority; and work in close partnership with the University of British Columbia. For more information, visit www.bcchr.ca or follow us on Twitter @BCCHResearch.
Vancouver Coastal Health is responsible for the delivery of $4.1 billion in community, hospital and long-term care to more than one million people in communities including Richmond, Vancouver, the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Sea-to-Sky corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola. VCH also provides specialized care and services for people throughout BC and is the province’s hub of health care education and research.
The Vancouver School District is a large, urban and multicultural school district. It is committed to providing the highest quality learning experience for all students, helping them to reach their intellectual, social, and physical potential in a safe and inclusive environment. The District is among the most diverse public school systems in Canada with an annual enrolment of approximately 50,000 students in kindergarten to Grade 12. In addition, the District provides educational programs and services to Adult Education students.
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. Since 1915, UBC's entrepreneurial spirit has embraced innovation and challenged the status quo. UBC encourages its students, staff and faculty to challenge convention, lead discovery and explore new ways of learning. At UBC, bold thinking is given a place to develop into ideas that can change the world. For more, visit www.ubc.ca or follow us on Twitter @UBC.
BC Children’s Hospital, a program of the Provincial Health Services Authority provides expert care for the province’s most seriously ill or injured children, youth and young adults, including newborns. Child and Youth Mental Health provides a diverse range of specialized and one-of-a-kind tertiary mental health and substance use services for children, adolescents and young adults across the province. For more information, visit www.bcchildrens.ca/ or follow us on Twitter @BCChildrensHosp.
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates selected specialty and province-wide health care services across BC, working with the five geographic health authorities to deliver province-wide solutions that improve the health of British Columbians. For more information, visit www.phsa.ca or follow us on Twitter @PHSAofBC.
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: www.covid19immunitytaskforce.ca
Arterra Wines Canada introduces the first official wine of WW Canada, On Point
On Point provides consumers a balanced wine offering, continuing to establish the better-for-you wine category in Canada
TORONTO, June 22, 2021 /CNW/ - Canada's leading producer and marketer of award-winning wines, Arterra Wines Canada, today announced the launch of On Point, the first Canadian wine created in collaboration with global weight loss and wellness brand, WW Canada. Canadians now have the first ever SmartPoints®-conscious wine, valued at three WW SmartPoints per serving*, versus the four-to-five SmartPoints of traditional wine.
"We know Canadians are seeking variety and wellness-inspired products – as such we are thrilled to be partnering with WW to support consumers and their community," said Andrea Hunt, Executive Vice President of Marketing, Arterra Wines Canada. "We are excited to introduce a new better-for-you brand, On Point, with two delicious, balanced wines."
With 54 per cent of Canadians looking for beverages with less sugar, and 67 per cent interested in options with no or low alcohol, On Point brings a new choice for not only the Canadian WW community, but consumers eager to make healthier choices when it comes to food and drink1.
"When living the WW program, everything is on the menu. With red and white wine being the number two and three top tracked beverages in our award-winning app – right behind coffee – we know many of our members incorporate wine into their healthy lifestyle," said Kevin O'Brien, General Manager and President, WW Canada. "Collaborating with the country's leading wine producers to create On Point enables us to deliver our members a wine that helps them stay true to their weight loss and wellness journey."
On Point is available in two varietals, Smooth Red, featuring dark fruit and plum flavours with a hint of spice, providing a soft and smooth finish, and Crisp White, containing bright aromas and flavours of citrus and passion fruit, with a refreshingly light and crisp finish. Each On Point serving is 90 calories, one gram of sugar, and two grams of carbohydrates, and is nine per cent alcohol by volume. For the WW community, one serving is equivalent to three WW SmartPoints. SmartPoints is a science-backed system created to help WW members understand nutritional data, empowering them to make healthier choices.
On Point is now available at Wine Rack and will be rolling out in LCBOs across Ontario and in Newfoundland in July. Product will be available in BC and Alberta as of Fall 2021. Price varies by province from $10.99 to $12.99 for a 750 ml bottle.
About Arterra Wines, Inc. Arterra Wines Canada, Inc. is the country's leading producer and marketer of award-winning, globally recognized Canadian and imported wines.
Arterra Wines Canada, Inc. has grown and evolved to owning and distributing 100+ wine brands, including seven of the top 20 brands in Canada: Jackson-Triggs, Inniskillin, Sawmill Creek, Wallaroo Trail, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, Ruffino and Kim Crawford. In the last five years, the company's portfolio has received over 1,500 accolades and awards in national and international wine competitions.
Headquartered in Mississauga, ON, Arterra Wines Canada, Inc. operates eight wineries across the country, with over 1,700 acres of premium vineyards in Canada's wine regions. It owns and operates 164 Wine Rack retail wine stores in Ontario and sells wine kits and products for winemaking through its RJS Craft Winemaking brand. It employs approximately 2,000 full-time and part-time staff across the country.
WW is a global wellness company powered by the world's leading commercial weight management program. We inspire millions of people to adopt healthy habits for real life. Through our engaging tech-enabled experience and group workshops, members follow our livable and sustainable program of healthy eating, physical activity, and a helpful mindset. Leveraging more than five decades of experience in building inspired communities and our deep expertise in behavioral science, we aim to democratize wellness and to deliver wellness for all. To learn more about the WW approach to healthy living, please visit ww.ca. For more information about our global business, visit our corporate website at corporate.ww.com.
* serving size is 5 oz (148 ml)
Source 1: Arterra Wines Canada, Inc. Study, 2019
SOURCE Arterra Wines Canada Inc.
First-ever Tamil Radiothon raises more than $275,000 for Scarborough's hospitals
The inaugural event surpassed its fundraising goal to support the highest priority needs at Scarborough Health Network
SCARBOROUGH, ON, June 22, 2021 /CNW/ - More than $275,000 was raised for Scarborough's community hospitals on Wednesday, June 9 as Scarborough Health Network (SHN) Foundation hit the airwaves for the inaugural Tamil Radiothon event. Proudly presented by the Canadian Tamils' Chamber of Commerce (CTCC), the event went live-to-air on EAST FM 102.7. The all-day event invited listeners to hear unique stories from SHN patients, physicians, staff, community members and volunteers who inspired the community to help shape the future of health care in Scarborough by showing their support through donations.
Featured speakers included:
MP Gary Anandasangaree, MP for Scarborough-Rouge Park;
MPP Vijay Thanigasalam, MPP for Scarborough Rouge-Park;
Yalini Rajakulasingam, Trustee, Ward 21 from the Toronto District School Board for Scarborough North;
Dr. Senthuran Gunaratnam, Psychiatrist at SHN; and,
Dr. Coomarasamy Kirupananthan, OB/GYN at SHN.
Funds raised through this event will support SHN's highest priority needs, including the purchase of urgently needed medical equipment across our three hospitals – Birchmount, Centenary and General – which helps keep SHN's teams and patients safe and healthy. With an initial goal of $100,000, several community leaders came forward before the event to lend their support, and donations came pouring in throughout the day with online, telephone and in-person donations at pop-up donation centres in Scarborough. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, donors, volunteers and sponsors, including presenting sponsor the CTCC, a final fundraising total of over $275,000 was reached by the event's end – surpassing the original target.
More than 75% of Toronto's Tamil population resides in Scarborough. Members of the SHN team are part of the Tamil community and work specifically to support their unique health care challenges. This includes a dedicated Tamil-speaking mental health therapist who exclusively addresses and supports mental health within the Tamil community and a full-time Tamil interpreter available to help patients and families.
Funds from the Radiothon will support the highest priority needs at SHN and help improve health care in one of Canada's most vibrant and diverse communities. This includes North America's largest nephrology program and regional community-based cardiovascular rehabilitation service and the second-largest community hospital-based mental health and addiction program.
QUOTES
Elizabeth Buller, President & CEO, SHN "We are overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support from our donors and community. The generosity of our Tamil community for this inaugural event is truly inspiring and these donations enable Scarborough Health Network to provide the highest level of care for our patients and their families, right here in Scarborough."
Nada Rajkumar, Chairman, EAST FM 102.7 "East FM 102.7 is extremely humbled to be able to collaborate with SHN Foundation to run the first-ever Tamil Radiothon to raise funds for our Scarborough hospitals. While we had our initial target set at $100,000, we received an overwhelming amount of support from the Tamil community across the GTA, which allowed us to raise more than $275,000 in the span of the 12 hour-Radiothon. East FM 102.7 (CJRK- FM) is proud to be the most popular multicultural radio station in the Eastern Greater Toronto region, especially among the Tamil community. We would like to thank all of our listeners, contributors, sponsors, and volunteers."
Alicia Vandermeer, President & CEO, SHN Foundation "Our Scarborough hospitals face a huge gap between the exceptional quality of care we provide and the outdated facilities in which our teams provide that care. We are extremely grateful to our Tamil community and partners who helped make the first-ever Tamil Radiothon a tremendous success. These funds will not only support our frontline workers as they continue to fight COVID-19, but will help give our talented health care teams the tools and equipment they need to continue caring for Scarborough into the future."
Sritharan Thurairajah & Logan Velumailum, Co-Chairs, SHNF Tamil Radiothon "We are honoured to support the inaugural Tamil Radiothon as co-chairs. We have always believed in the true potential from the Tamil community and this event has displayed the community spirit. We are already looking forward to next year's plans and supporting healthcare in Scarborough."
Krishni Narine, Community Development Manager, SHN Foundation "We were thrilled to organize an event for the Tamil community to create awareness and educate the listeners on programs and stories from the incredible work from SHN. We are extremely grateful to the donors, sponsors, speakers and listeners who made the inaugural event a huge success and are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support."
About Scarborough Health Network Foundation Situated in one of Canada's most diverse communities, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) Foundation inspires the support necessary to improve patients' lives through exceptional care at Scarborough Health Network across three hospitals and eight satellite sites. Since its inception, the Foundation has worked with generous donors, volunteers and community members to raise funds needed to build state-of-the-art infrastructure and purchase the latest medical technology, supporting the SHN's vision to be Canada's leading community teaching health network.
About Scarborough Health Network Across our three hospitals and eight satellite sites, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is shaping the future of care. Our many programs and services are designed around the needs of one of Canada's most vibrant and diverse communities. We are home to Ontario's largest nephrology program, as well as the designated cardiac care centre for Scarborough and surrounding communities to the east. We are proud to be a community-affiliated teaching site for the University of Toronto and partner with a number of other universities and colleges, helping to train the next generation of health care professionals. Learn more at shn.ca.
SOURCE Scarborough Health Network Foundation
Sentinel U® Launches First Population/Community Health Virtual Nursing Simulation Designed Specifically for Canadian Nursing Education
Sentinel City® Canada Teaches Nursing Skills in a Risk-Free Virtual Canadian Setting
Waterbury, June 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sentinel U®, a provider of web-based simulation education technology solutions for nursing schools, hospital systems and healthcare professionals, today announced that it launched Sentinel City® Canada, the first population and community health virtual nursing simulation product designed specifically for the Canadian market.
Sentinel City Canada is an online learning platform that teaches community and population health virtually using Canadian locations, data, and demographics. Nursing students practice critical thinking, observation, and professional caring of a client population in a risk-free environment. Sentinel City Canada was designed with concepts of equity, diversity, and inclusivity from a population health perspective such as including Indigenous, Black Canadian and 2SLGBTQIA citizens. It also includes 22 assignments and a Family Support and Home Assessment virtual clinical scenario.
“We are excited to offer this customized product to Canadian nurse educators,” said Jeffrey Caplan, president of Sentinel U. “Our virtual nursing simulations are less expensive than in-person clinicals, can be accessed remotely at any time, and are effective in teaching critical thinking skills. They’re also a great complement to didactic teaching methods and in-person clinicals because they increase student confidence and help standardize clinical activities.”
“With in-person clinical hours challenging to schedule and coordinate we believe this product will help nurse educators provide an effective alternative,” said Dr. Laura Gonzalez, vice president of clinical learning resources at Sentinel U. “Sentinel City Canada allows nursing students to earn up to 30 clinical hours – virtually. And it is engaging and fun!”
Sentinel U®, formerly Healthcare Learning Innovations, strives to meet the evolving needs of healthcare education and training by providing simulation-based technologies and digital learning tools. Sentinel U, a division of American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University, with 20 years of online education experience, offers virtual simulations and clinicals for nursing degree programs, hospital systems and healthcare facilities around the world. To learn more about Sentinel U, explore our solutions and find a product that is right for you.
March of Dimes Canada launches expanded national After Stroke program
Program to provide enhanced support for stroke survivors and their families
TORONTO, June 21, 2021 /CNW/ - Today during Stroke Awareness Month, March of Dimes Canada announced the launch of its enhanced After Stroke program. The program is proudly introducing a new personalized service model that supports survivors and their families to navigate the path forward after a stroke.
More than 62,000 people in Canada experience a stroke each year.1 Among them, 60 per cent are left with some level of stroke-related disability, and face a wide array of practical and emotional challenges as they move through their unique recovery journey.2 After discharge from hospital, many survivors and families face significant difficulties in identifying and accessing supports and services available in their community, compounding the isolation and stress caused by the stroke itself.
After Stroke aims to break through these barriers, with an individualized approach that helps people connect to the supports they need to rebuild their lives and achieve their evolving goals after a stroke. After Stroke is delivered through dedicated teams in Ontario, Nova Scotia and British Columbia, but stroke survivors and families in all provinces can access tools, resources and local referrals through the program.
"Every stroke is different, and every person's recovery journey is unique to them alone," says Len Baker, president and CEO of March of Dimes Canada. "We're proud to support stroke survivors and families as they walk that road, with support that's available no matter where they live and what stage of recovery they are in."
People who have had a stroke and their families can engage with the After Stroke program at any point in their experience, whether they are still in the hospital, or have returned to their homes and communities. After Stroke coordinators work one-on-one with stroke survivors and their families to set personal goals, develop an individualized action plan to achieve them, and connect them with programs and resources that can help. Action plans and support are routinely reviewed and evolve over time, recognizing that new needs and challenges can continue to emerge months and even years after a stroke.
"The program was designed based on the best available evidence and informed by stroke care best practices," says Dr. Michelle L.A. Nelson, chief knowledge and innovation officer, March of Dimes Canada. "It showcases the unique role community organizations like March of Dimes Canada can play in bringing care closer to home and tailoring it to the unique needs of each person, recognizing all the things that can contribute to their wellness."
The After Stroke program model places stroke survivors and their families at the centre of care. The development of the model was a collaborative effort between teams within March of Dimes Canada, people with lived experience of stroke, and health professionals and academic experts in stroke recovery and rehabilitation.
For more information on the After Stroke program visit www.afterstroke.ca.
About March of Dimes Canada
March of Dimes Canada is a nationally registered charitable organization that has been providing support services to people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers across Canada for 70 years. Our goal is to enhance the independence and community participation of people with disabilities every day through a wide range of programs and services across Canada. Now we're applying that expertise to build After Stroke, so we can support, connect and inspire every person impacted by stroke nationwide.
For more information, please visit www.marchofdimes.ca or call 1-800-263-3463.
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, June 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DELTA 9 CANNABIS INC. (TSX: DN) (OTCQX: DLTNF) (“Delta 9” or the “Company”), is pleased to announce its vaccination reward program called the Delta 9 "Joints for Jabs" program to encourage Manitobans to become fully vaccinated with two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Starting Monday, June 21, 2021, people who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to enter into a vaccine rewards program at every Delta 9 Cannabis Store location in Manitoba.
“We want to encourage all Manitobans to get vaccinated as soon as possible to help ensure that we can all get back to doing the things we love with our friends and family,” said John Arbuthnot, CEO of Delta 9. “Our hope is that the “Joints for Jabs” program will contribute to achieve this objective.”
As a Winnipeg based company that employs hundreds of Manitobans across the province the Company’s objective is to help contribute to the re-opening of our local communities and economy in any way possible and support the Provincial Government’s “4-3-2-One Great Summer Re-Opening Path” program.
The Delta 9 “Joints for Jabs” is a tiered program with prize draws to be held on a monthly basis and will include:
Three Grand Prize Draws for a One Year Supply of Cannabis ($100 per month for 12 months – equivalent to approximately 28 grams per month).
20 Free Joints Each Month at Every Delta 9 Cannabis Store Location in MB
Delta 9 Branded Apparel Giveaways
The Delta 9 Joints for Jabs program will run from June 21 – Sept. 30, 2021. No purchase is necessary to enter the draw. Participants must show proof of being double vaccinated. Winners will be drawn on July 31, August 31, and September 30. Delta 9 store staff will verify eligibility by checking an individual's immunization record, either printed or on-line. The individual must provide their name and email address to enter.
About Delta 9 Cannabis Inc.
Delta 9 Cannabis Inc. is a vertically integrated cannabis company focused on bringing the highest quality cannabis products to market. The Company sells cannabis products through its wholesale and retail sales channels and sells its cannabis grow pods to other businesses. Delta 9's wholly-owned subsidiary, Delta 9 Bio-Tech Inc., is a licensed producer of medical and recreational cannabis and operates an 80,000 square foot production facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Delta 9 owns and operates a chain of retail stores under the Delta 9 Cannabis Store brand. Delta 9's shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "DN" and on the OTCQX under the symbol “DLTNF”. For more information, please visit www.invest.delta9.ca.
Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information
Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding the Company’s future business plans and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Forward looking statements in this news release include statements relating to the Company’s “Joints for Jabs” program. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including all risk factors set forth in the annual information form of Delta 9 dated March 31, 2021 which has been filed on SEDAR. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
Advocis: How should Canadians handle big-ticket summer purchases with savings from the pandemic? Ask their advisors.
Toronto, ON, June 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The combined effects of sizzling weather, falling COVID-19 case counts, steady progress in vaccinations and healthy savings from the pandemic have created a perfect storm for Canadians to look towards making big-ticket purchases for themselves and their families this summer – and to seek the counsel of their financial advisors when doing so.
“The first thing to discuss with a client is to find out what is truly motivating the need to spend,” said Norris Walker, a financial advisor at Kabs & Associates Inc. in Clarington, ON. “Is this something they’ve always wanted to do and only put aside in the past because of finances, or have they become caught up in the euphoria of COVID restrictions beginning to lift?” Walker also added that it is important to keep the fundamentals in mind: How much enjoyment will clients get from it? Is this something that can appreciate? How will it affect their long- and short-term plans?
Heidi Blondin, CFP®, EPC, a financial planner from Kingston, ON, agrees. “Clients are looking for things that will bring them joy over the last many months as we have been in and out of lockdown,” she said. “My advice to them has been to not make emotional decisions based on current frustrations. We still need to look at the big picture and your long-term financial needs.”
Once carefully evaluated, however, big-ticket items can be responsibly purchased, and financial advisors are there to help. “If there is disposable income and savings beyond the rainy-day fund, and other financial planning components are in place, then I would have no reservations with clients making a big-ticket purchase,” said Jeffrey Graham, CFP®, CLU® of First Oak Financial Inc. in Port Moody, B.C. “Your financial advisor understands what these purchases might mean to you after such a challenging time, so have the conversation with them to ensure that what you’d like to do is in alignment with the financial plan that you’ve built.”
All told, a poll of 100 Advocis members showed that investing in cottages and major home renovations were the most-frequently discussed topics between advisors and their clients, with approximately 20% of advisors responding that between 20% - 40% of their clients started conversations about big-ticket purchases in one form or another.
"A professional financial advisor is always ready to assist you in moving forward with big financial decisions,” said Greg Pollock, President and CEO of Advocis, The Financial Advisors Assocation of Canada. “After such a long and uncertain period, it would be expected that many individuals and families would be looking to purchase something that will help them bounce back from the stress of COVID-19 – and working with their advisor can help to ensure that it won’t result in even more stress down the road!”
About Advocis
Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, is the largest voluntary professional membership association of financial advisors in Canada, representing more than 17,000 member-clients and 40 Chapters across the country. Advocis offers designations, continuing education opportunities, industry-leading publications and membership in a chapter network with comprehensive mentorship programs, study groups and practice development resources. For more information, visit http://advocis.ca.
Best Athletes Ltd. Announces New CEO
Former Toronto FC captain, English Premier League player takes helm of youth sports analytics company.
TORONTO, June 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Best Athletes Ltd. announced the appointment of Steven Caldwell to CEO as the company embarks on its next phase of growth as the leading sports analytics & video technology platform helping youth athletes get recruited and take control of their future. He takes over from Steve Currie, who has held the CEO role since the company’s inception and will stay on in an Operations role.
In the highly competitive youth sports market, athletes strive to get recruited and coaches compete to build great teams. What’s missing for the athletes and their parents is the ability to benchmark performance and understand the path to University/College scholarships and elite team participation.
Barry MacLean, co-founder and Chair of Best Athletes, said, “We are thrilled to have someone of Steven’s calibre leading our company at this critical time in our growth. We’ve built a really solid software analytics platform and our sales pipeline is robust. As the youth sports market opens up post COVID, we are positioned well to expand across Canada and enter the lucrative US market.”
Steven joins Best Athletes after a distinguished professional soccer career that includes stints with five English Premier League Clubs, the Scottish National team and as captain of Toronto FC from 2013 to 2015. Currently he is a Soccer Analyst with TSN, and an assistant coach with the Canadian Men’s National team. And of particular note, he is a proud soccer parent.
His experiences as an international professional, a coach and a parent allow Steven to really understand the challenges and needs in youth sports. Steven said, “We’re allowing athletes to really take control of their future by accessing professional level tools at a fraction of the cost and what excites me most about this opportunity is that it’s solving a real problem - something that I’ve experienced as a parent and also in my playing and coaching careers.”
Best Athletes is poised to tap into a large and growing market opportunity in North America. According to US-based Wintergreen Research, the Youth Sports market is estimated to triple in size from $25b to $75b by 2026. Currently, Best Athletes is focused on soccer, the world’s largest youth team sport, and will quickly expand to other verticals such as hockey, basketball and rugby. Early interest in the platform has been strong with more than 190 coaches and 700 athletes signing up with the launch on June 1st and expectations of 2,000 athletes onboarding through the fall of 2021.
Caldwell’s appointment comes at a time when the company has just launched their platform and is seeking additional investment. As part of fundraising activities, Best Athletes also announced today the launch of an equity crowdfunding campaign on FrontFundr, Canada’s leading online private markets investing platform. The crowdfunding campaign will provide Best Athletes with funds to expand data-science and machine learning capabilities and launch into the lucrative US market. The company previously raised $1 million in pre-seed money that has been used to build a robust online platform and intellectual property focused on sports analytics and performance metrics.
For more information about Best Athletes Ltd and this investment opportunity, visit FrontFundr.com/bestathletes.
Details of the offering can be found in the offering document at frontfundr.com/bestathletes. This communication is for informational purposes only.
About Best Athletes Ltd.
Best Athletes is a sports analytics platform providing professional-level software for youth athletes and coaches. Leveraging machine learning and video we help youth athletes develop & get recruited, and we help coaches build better athletes & teams. Led by CEO Steven Caldwell, current TSN Soccer Analyst, former captain of Toronto FC and English Premier League player, our experienced team of sports and technology industry professionals is redefining how data science allows youth athletes to take control of their future through leading edge sports analytics for recruitment and performance development. Best Athletes is the common performance connection between Athletes/Parents, coaches, clubs, universities & colleges, Associations and Scouts.
Canada’s proposed flavour ban will harm public health
Beamsville, ON, June 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the Canada Gazette, Part 1, proposing a ban on flavoured vape products except for tobacco, mint and menthol was published. The Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) is disappointed that Canada has proposed harmful regulation to address misguided moral panic, instead of supporting the greatest harm reduction opportunity of our lifetime. If the flavour ban is implemented, hundreds of thousands of smokers may be pushed back to smoking or to the black-market and many will die.
There is mounting evidence that flavours reduce cravings and increase smoking cessation success. Research from Yale School of Public Health finds that smokers that quit using a flavoured product are 2.5 times more likely to be successful. The study concludes, “While proposed flavour bans are well-intentioned, they have disastrous outcomes. Legislation on vaping flavours must take the facts of smoking cessation and harm reduction into account, and we urge legislators against the widespread implementation of such bans”
Additionally, through a campaign launched by consumer advocates, to date more than 90,000 Canadians have notified their Member of Parliament and Health Canada of the harm a flavour ban would inflict on themselves or their families. It is evident by today’s publication that there is little sympathy for smokers as the lives and health of adult smokers have been disregarded.
“We have repeatedly shared the science on vaping. Regulators are aware of the important role flavours play in the adoption of vaping by smokers. A flavour ban will reduce the appeal of the product and will sentence many smokers to their death. There is sufficient data from regions with flavour bans to provide a clear understanding of the consequences. Flavour bans do little to protect youth and instead increase smoking rates and strengthen the black-market,” said Darryl Tempest, Executive Director of the CVA.
Moreover, the Canadian Constitutional Foundation has stated, “…flavor restrictions, have the potential to make [vapes] less attractive or effective as quit-aids—and are considered from the standpoint of potential interference [that could potentially interfere] with the right not to be deprived of life, liberty, and the security of the person protected by section 7 of the Charter.”
“The CVA encourages all stakeholders to submit feedback during the consultation period. We also encourage all elected members of the legislature to educate themselves on this issue. There are thousands of individual vapers that have chosen vaping to reduce their harm in every riding across the country. Surely, if the UK can track to be free of combustible tobacco by 2030, we can build better policies to exceed our current stated goal of 5% smoking prevalence by 2035. We must do better,” said Tempest.
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