Flair Airlines Begins Service with the First of 13 New Boeing 737-8 Aircraft

The growing ULCC starts passenger service with inaugural flight from Edmonton to Toronto

EDMONTON, Alberta, June 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Flair Airlines, Canada’s only independent ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC), begins service today with the first of 13 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft joining the fleet as the airline begins rapid growth to provide affordable, low fare air travel to 19 Canadian destinations.

“Today marks a huge milestone as Flair grows to bring affordable travel options to more Canadians,” says Stephen Jones, President and CEO, Flair Airlines. “Canadians have been paying too much for too long, and Flair is changing that thanks to the addition of the new 737-8 aircraft which provide us the efficiencies and ability to scale our service. Today’s inaugural flight kicks off our rapid growth.”

The inaugural flight of Flair’s first new 737-8 will depart Edmonton at 5:30pm MT and arrive in Toronto at 11:20 pm ET. Piloting the inaugural flight will be two veteran leaders at Flair: Captain Matt Kunz, Vice President, Business Transformation and Operations, and Captain Harold Knop, Regulatory Compliance and Certification Manager.

The new aircraft allow Flair to achieve the lowest cost per seat mile of any Canadian airline. The aircraft will deliver fuel savings and cut the airline’s CO2 emissions by 14%. Lower per passenger emissions are a vital step in lowering Flair’s carbon footprint as it works to become Canada’s greenest and most sustainable airline.

Flair’s pilots, maintenance professionals, flight attendants and safety officers have been conducting extensive testing and training programs to prepare for the addition of the new aircraft. Flair’s team has been working closely with Boeing and been on-site throughout the testing and delivery phase of each aircraft.

Flair began taking delivery of the 13 new aircraft in May. The 737-8 aircraft are joining Flair’s existing fleet of 737-800 aircraft and deliveries continue throughout 2021. By the middle of next year, Flair will have a fleet of 16 aircraft and be well on the way to achieving its “F50” ambition of growing to 50 planes within five years.

About Flair Airlines

Flair Airlines is Canada’s only independent Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) and is on a mission to liberate the lives of Canadians by providing affordable air travel that connects them to the people and experiences they love. With an expanding fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, Flair is growing to serve 19 cities across Canada. For more information, please visit www.flyflair.com

RYAH Group, Inc Publishes Report on Medical Cannabis Use for Pain

TORONTO, June 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via InvestorWire -- RYAH Group, Inc. (CSE:RYAH) (“RYAH” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, RYAH Medtech Inc. ("RYAH Medtech"), has published a data report on use of medical cannabis among patients with pain conditions. The data report features insights into the use of cannabis to treat pain conditions by patients within the RYAH Data ecosystem and whether cannabis may be one of the alternative treatment solutions to reduce opioid use-related problems associated with existing treatment options. The publication is based on user feedback provided by more than 40,000 patients that have reported to the RYAH Data ecosystem.

The report provides a breakdown based on patient gender, main conditions related to pain management and corresponding strain types and reveals that pain is one of the top three conditions for medical cannabis treatment within the RYAH Data ecosystem and also seems to be one of the most interesting symptoms for researchers. As of the date hereof, one of the world’s largest clinical trials in cannabis is focused specifically on pain management, and further to RYAH's recent press release, the RYAH Smart Dry-Herb Inhaler has been selected as the device for such study (with RYAH Medtech recently having completed its initial shipment of RYAH Smart Dry Herb Inhalers and RYAH Cartridges to the U.K. clinic conducting the study).

“The RYAH data report on cannabis use for pain management comes at a turning point as studies on alternatives to opioids in treatment and potential efficacy of chronic pain start to accelerate,” says Gregory Wagner, CEO of RYAH. “The opioid crisis, which began with initially good intentions to more effectively treat pain, created a flood of opioids being prescribed, up from an estimated 70 million prescriptions in the 1990s to more than 255 million by 2012. RYAH is committed to providing the tools needed to effectively monitor and measure dosing in plant-based medicine treatments and to providing data analytics in order for the industry to make more informed decisions around alternative treatments to opioids."

About RYAH Group, Inc.

RYAH Group, Inc. (“RYAH”) is a connected device and big data and technology company focused on valuable predictive analysis in the global medical plant and nutraceutical intake industry. Its robust artificial intelligence platform aggregates and correlates HIPAA-compliant patient data, which is intended to help doctors and patients personalize plant-based treatments to better predict treatment outcomes. The data collection is relevant for clinics, doctors, dispensaries and pharmaceutical companies and licensed processors (LPs) to monitor and manage formulation effects on patients and demographics. With a strong IP portfolio, RYAH gathers deep and insightful data on the complete patient session and formulation life cycle.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute “forward-looking information” as such term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. The words “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “potential,” “will,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect” and similar expressions as they relate to the Company are intended to identify forward-looking information. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements relating to (i) cannabis as a possible alternative treatment option for various pain conditions; (ii) the previously announced study undertaken by the U.K. clinic on the safety and efficacy of cannabis and hemp for the treatment of patients suffering from chronic pain; and (ii) the size of the medicinal cannabis market. Readers are further cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the assumption that (i) the Company's financial condition and development plans do not change as a result of unforeseen events; (ii) there will continue to be a demand and market opportunity for the Company and its subsidiaries' product offerings and/or for cannabis as a potential alternative treatment option for various pain conditions; (iii) current and future economic conditions will neither affect the business and operations of the Company nor its ability to capitalize on anticipated business opportunities; and (iv) the previously announced study undertaken by the U.K. clinic has the potential to lead to results beneficial to the Company's business, although considered reasonable by management of the Company at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and result in actual results differing materially from those anticipated, and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking information reflects the Company’s current views and intentions with respect to future events and current information available to the Company and is subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information to vary from those described herein should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize. These risks include, without limitation, risks associated with or inherent in (i) the general business and economic conditions in the regions in which the Company operates; (ii) the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to execute on key priorities (including completion of acquisitions and strategic plans and the retention of key executives); (iii) the ability of the Company to integrate newly acquired businesses; (iv) ‎the expected benefits of RYAH’s user-generated, HIPAA-compliant data and the anticipated results and experience users may receive from using RYAH products; (v) the Company's ability to implement business strategies and pursue business opportunities; (vi) disruptions in or attacks on (including cyber-attacks) the Company’s information technology, internet, network access or other voice or data communications systems or services; (vii) the evolution of various types of fraud or other criminal behavior to which the Company is exposed; (viii) the failure of third parties to comply with their obligations to the Company or its affiliates; (ix) changes to, or the application of, laws and regulations, legal and regulatory risks inherent in the cannabis industry; and (x) cannabis-related products manufactured for human consumption (including potential product recalls). Should any such factor affect the Company in an unexpected manner, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. The forward-looking information included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable law.

This press release includes market and industry data that has been obtained from third-party sources, including industry publications. The Company believes that the industry data is accurate and that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, but there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of this data. Third-party sources generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of included information. Although the data is believed to be reliable, the Company has not independently verified any of the data from third-party sources referred to in this press release or ascertained the underlying economic assumptions relied upon by such sources.

PharmaTher Provides Research and Development Update and Milestones for 2021

TORONTO, June 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. (the “Company” or “PharmaTher”) (OTCQB: PHRRF) (CSE: PHRM), a clinical-stage psychedelics biotech company, is pleased to provide an update on the research and development initiatives of its psychedelic product programs and upcoming milestones for 2021.

“We are well-positioned, both financially and operationally, to execute on our remaining milestones for 2021, which includes completing a Phase 2 study with ketamine to treat Parkinson’s disease, a Phase 2 study with KETABET™ for treatment-resistant depression, and the development of our novel microneedle patches for delivering psychedelics such as ketamine, psilocybin, DMT, MDMA and LSD,” said Fabio Chianelli, CEO of PharmaTher.  “The recent FDA acceptance of our IND to proceed to a Phase 2 study in Parkinson’s disease will pave the way for us to confidently submit future IND’s and advance clinical studies evaluating novel uses, formulations and delivery forms of psychedelics to treat various mental health, neurological and pain disorders.”

FDA Phase 2 Clinical Studies

For the rest of 2021, PharmaTher will focus on advancing three promising developments through clinical studies:

Ketamine for Parkinson’s Disease

Following the FDA acceptance of the Company’s investigational new drug application to proceed with a Phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate the safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of ketamine in the treatment of levodopa-induced dyskinesia in patients with Parkinson’s disease, the Company has begun clinical trial start-up activities to begin enrolling patients in Q3-2021 and to announce clinical results in Q4-2021.

For those interested in the study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04912115), titled “A Multi-Center, Phase II, Randomized, Double-Blind, Prospective, Active Placebo-Controlled Trial of Sub-Anesthetic Intravenous Infusion of Ketamine to Treat Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia in Subjects with Parkinson's Disease,” please visit https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04912115?term=PharmaTher&draw=2&rank=1.

Assuming the Phase 2 clinical trial is positive, the Company will request a meeting with the FDA to discuss its plan and obtain an agreement to move to a Phase 3 clinical study under the 505(b)2 regulatory pathway in 2022.

KETABET™ for Treatment-Resistant Depression

The Company is preparing a pre-IND meeting request and briefing documents to submit to the FDA to support the clinical development of KETABET™ and the Phase 2 study for treatment-resistant depression.  The Company intends to file the pre-IND meeting request this month, obtain FDA feedback on its clinical study design, and file the IND in Q3-2021.

With the overlap of the clinical operations from the Parkinson’s disease study, the Company has already activated start-up activities and identified potential clinical sites to screen and enroll patients for the proposed Phase 2 study in Q3/Q4-2021.  The aim is to share clinical results by the end of this year.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (“ALS” or “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”)

Following the Company’s recent submission to receive orphan drug designation for ketamine to treat ALS, the Company is working with its clinical advisors in finalizing a proposed Phase 2 study design. The objective is to request a pre-IND meeting with the FDA in Q3-2021 and submit the IND in Q4-2021. 

PharmaTher has an exclusive license agreement with the University of Kansas for the intellectual property protecting the potential use of ketamine to treat ALS, which was discovered by Dr. Richard J. Barohn, M.D., John A. Stanford, Ph.D., and Dr. Matthew Macaluso, D.O.  Preclinical research has shown that the administration of ketamine preserves muscle function in advancing ALS and increases life expectancy when given in the early stages of muscle decline.

Microneedle Patch for the Delivery of Psychedelics

For the second half of 2021, PharmaTher will focus on working with its research and development partners to advance next generation microneedle patches for the delivery of psychedelics:

Hydrogel-Forming Microneedle Delivery System for Ketamine

PharmaTher is working with Professor Ryan Donnelly under a research agreement with The Queen’s University of Belfast to finalize the patented hydrogel-forming microneedle patch development to deliver ketamine and KETABET™. 

The research leverages the successful proof of concept achieved in delivering esketamine, the S(+) enantiomer of ketamine, via the microneedle patch, which may overcome the drawbacks associated with ketamine administration in an intravenous or nasal spray format.  Details of the research can be found in a published paper titled “Hydrogel-forming microneedle arrays as a therapeutic option for transdermal esketamine delivery.”

Validation and tech transfer to support clinical studies will be completed in Q4-2021.  Interim development results will be made available as they arise throughout 2021.

Microdosing Psychedelics with GelMA Microneedle Delivery System

The Company is working with the Terasaki Institute, led by Dr. Ali Khademhosseini, under a research agreement to finalize the development of a proprietary microneedle delivery system comprised of a biocompatible and biodegradable gelatin methacryloy (“GelMA”) composite for use with psychedelics such as psilocybin, DMT, MDMA and LSD.

The GelMA patch delivery system is the driving force of the Company’s psychedelics microdosing program. It is expected that validation results in delivering these psychedelics will be completed in Q4-2021.  Interim development results will be made available as they arise throughout 2021.

Clinical Manufacturing and Supply

The Company entered into a Co-Development Agreement with TSRL, Inc. to jointly develop a patented hydrogel-forming microneedle patch delivery technology licensed from The Queens University of Belfast, to control the manufacturing and supply of microneedle patches for the Companies respective clinical and commercial drug programs. 

PharmaTher is focused on incorporating psychedelics (i.e. ketamine, psilocybin, DMT, MDMA and LSD) and TSRL is focused on incorporating antiviral medications (i.e. Zanamivir, other antiviral therapeutics and vaccines) in a microneedle patch with the potential to improve the safety (i.e. fewer side effects), efficacy (i.e. bioavailability, optimized dosing regimen including continuous system delivery) and compliance (i.e. storage, distribution and self-administration) of these compounds that currently must be taken orally, inhaled, injected and intravenously.

Recent activities included the tech transfer for scale-up and manufacturing of clinical supplies to a GMP contract research lab and a pre-IND meeting with the FDA that achieved agreement with the agency on proposed 505(b)2 product development plans. 

The Company aims to validate clinical production of the microneedle patch this year and to enter into clinical studies in 2022 to deliver certain psychedelics such as ketamine, psilocybin, DMT, MDMA and LSD.

About PharmaTher Holdings Ltd.

​PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. (OTCQB: PHRRF) (CSE: PHRM) is a clinical-stage psychedelics biotech company focused on the research, development and commercialization of novel uses, formulations and delivery methods of psychedelics to treat mental health, neurological and pain disorders.  PharmaTher is currently conducting an FDA approved phase 2 clinical study with ketamine to treat Parkinson’s disease and is developing a novel microneedle patch for the intradermal delivery of psychedelics.
​
Learn more at: PharmaTher.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For more information about PharmaTher, please contact:

Fabio Chianelli
Chief Executive Officer
PharmaTher Holdings Ltd.
Tel: 1-888-846-3171
Email: info@pharmather.com 
Website: www.pharmather.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement

This press release contains 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", "potential", "aim" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. (the "Company") current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company at the date of the information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof, and Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in Company's management's discussion and analysis for the period of February 28, 2021 ("MD&A"), dated April 28, 2021, which is available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state, province, territory or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state, province, territory or jurisdiction.

Khiron Opens First Zerenia™ Clinic in Peru, Prescribing High and Low THC Medical Cannabis Products to Patients

• Company launches first Zerenia™ medical cannabis clinic outside of Colombia, exporting proven clinic model via strategic partnership with Lima-based Clinica Montesur 
• Clinica Montesur is a specialized medical clinic with over 90 doctors covering 19 specialties and 11,000 patient transactions annually; its clinic is centrally located in Lima, Peru, a city of 10 million people or a third of the country's total population 
• Partnership combines Khiron's unique medical cannabis expertise, including the Company's real-world evidence, medical education, best practices and systems, with Clinica Montesur's patient base, clinical infrastructure and medical staff 
• In Q1 2021, Khiron's medical cannabis sales in Peru increased by over 175% compared to total sales in 2020 
• Zerenia™ is the category leader in medical cannabis sales in Colombia, with over 20,000 filled prescriptions and over 8,000 individual patients to date, 50% patient retention, and average 90% gross margins 
• The new Zerenia location brings Khiron's total clinic count to 11 across Latin America 

TORONTO, June 10, 2021 /CNW/ - Khiron Life Sciences Corp. ("Khiron" or the "Company") (TSXV: KHRN) (OTCQX: KHRNF) (Frankfurt: A2JMZC), a vertically integrated cannabis leader with core operations in Latin America and Europe, today announces the launch of its first Zerenia^TM clinic outside of Colombia, in Lima, Peru. Following the success of the Company's clinic strategy in Colombia, the new clinic has been established as a strategic partnership between Khiron and Clinica Montesur, a specialized medical provider in Lima with over 90 physicians and more than 11,000 patient transactions annually. Khiron launches first Zerenia medical cannabis clinic, via a strategic partnership with Lima-based Clinica Montesur 

Alvaro Torres, CEO and Director comments, "I am pleased to announce the first expansion of our Zerenia brand beyond Colombia. Knowing that prescription rates at our Zerenia clinics are 14 times higher than those of our external clinic partners, we are excited to bring a proven marketing, sales, and distribution model to a market of over ten million people. To date, our Zerenia clinics have played a vital role in not only introducing patients to Khiron products, but also in developing an exceptional patient experience and growing base of returning patients. As we continue to develop our unique, service-oriented platform, we are proud to introduce  Zerenia to the Peruvian market, where initial reception to our products has been strong since sales began late last year."

With over 30 years of experience in Peru, Clinica Montesur is dedicated to high quality care across 19 areas of specialization, including oncology, dermatology, ophthalmology, and psychology. As part of the strategic partnership, Clinica Montesur will provide clinic infrastructure, including its medical facility, clinic permits, systems, and medical staff, among others. The partnership will leverage Khiron's unique Zerenia^TM medical cannabis model, including the Company's medical cannabis education platform, real-world evidence, and standard operating procedures. Patients of the clinic will be able to fill prescriptions for High THC and Low THC (CBD) medical cannabis at ten Farmacia Universal S.A.C. locations throughout Lima, as previously announced by the Company.  

About Khiron Life Sciences Corp. 
Khiron is a leading vertically integrated medical cannabis company with core operations in Latin America and Europe. Leveraging wholly-owned medical health centres and proprietary telemedicine platforms, Khiron combines a patient-oriented approach, physician education programs, scientific expertise, product innovation, and agricultural infrastructure to drive prescriptions and brand loyalty with patients worldwide. The Company has a sales presence in Colombia, Peru, Germany and the UK, and is positioned to commence sales in Mexico and Brazil in 2021. The Company is led by Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Alvaro Torres, together with an experienced and diverse executive team and Board of Directors.

Visit Khiron online at investors.khiron.ca and on Instagram @khironlife.

Cautionary Notes

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All information contained herein that is not historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Khiron undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of Khiron, its securities, or financial or operating results (as applicable). Although Khiron believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements in this press release are reasonable, such forward-looking statement has been based on expectations, factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond Khiron's control, including the risk factors discussed in Khiron's Annual Information Form which is available on Khiron's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and is made as of the date hereof. Khiron disclaims any intention and has no obligation or responsibility, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

SOURCE Khiron Life Sciences Corp.

TELUS Health delivers next phase of virtual care to Canadians improving access to primary care and mental health support

TELUS Health MyCare offers variety of expanded services, including in-person public clinics, advanced digital health tools, and access to physicians, mental health counsellors, and dietitians

TORONTO, June 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TELUS Health, Canada’s largest health IT company and the leading provider of virtual care across the country, today introduced TELUS Health MyCare following the recent acquisition of Babylon Health Canada. Previously known as Babylon by TELUS Health, TELUS Health MyCare is an important evolution of virtual care for Canadians offering a robust suite of health and wellbeing services and new and improved features. More Canadians are accessing preventative tools to guide changes in lifestyle for improved overall health, TELUS Health MyCare provides increased access to high-quality primary care with locally-licensed physicians in numerous languages, but also supports access to mental health counsellors and dietitians.

“The pandemic transformed the way that Canadians interact with the healthcare system. Demand for virtual care keeps growing, patients are overwhelmingly satisfied and we are excited to now refresh and enhance our TELUS Health MyCare service to provide more access to locally-licensed doctors, mental health counsellors, and dietitians across the country,” said Juggy Sihota, vice-president Consumer Health, TELUS. “For more than a decade, TELUS Health has been helping Canadians live their healthiest lives, and the evolution of our consumer virtual care service is an important step towards meeting the growing demand for much-needed health support for Canadians and their families.”

Latest evolution of TELUS Health MyCare

Since 2019, TELUS Health MyCare has empowered Canadians and their families to access many important features and continues to innovate with improved access and functionality including:

• New Clinics: Recently, TELUS Health MyCare opened two digital-first public clinics in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia. Patients who live nearby now have the option to see doctors in person if they require an appointment following a virtual consultation. If they are without a regular family doctor, they can choose to have the TELUS Health MyCare clinic as their “medical home,” strengthening the continuity of their care. Plans are underway to open more TELUS Health MyCare clinics across Canada.
  
• Mental Health and Dietitians: To help users address mental and nutritional health concerns TELUS Health MyCare has broadened services beyond primary care to include access to licensed mental health counsellors and dietitians for a more proactive, holistic approach to managing their overall health. 
  
• Enabling proactive health: TELUS Health has added new features to the app including the Healthcheck digital assessment tool which allows patients to proactively manage their health by better understanding their overall well-being, potential risk factors for illnesses, and steps they can take to help reduce those risks. Monitor is also a new tool that allows users to sync data from activity trackers, wearables, and other health apps to help track mood and activity to gain valuable insights on maintaining optimal health, all in one place.

“The adoption of virtual care has skyrocketed since the onset of COVID-19 and has become a complementary tool within our public healthcare system to care for Canadians and their families,” said Dr. Keir Peterson, Chief Medical Officer, TELUS Health MyCare. “According to research by Canada Health Infoway, before the pandemic only four per cent of primary care visits in Canada were conducted virtually. This number now sits at 60 per cent. As we move into a post-pandemic world, services like TELUS Health MyCare will continue to help fill the gaps for the estimated 4.6 million Canadians without access to a family physician, and people living in rural and remote areas with limited resources, and those seeking after-hours care.”

By the Numbers 

• Every 30 seconds someone in Canada downloads the TELUS Health MyCare app 
  • Every 90 seconds a patient sees a doctor via the app
• A recent survey of TELUS Health MyCare users who completed a virtual consultation with a local physician or allied healthcare professional found: 
  • 94 per cent agreed the service addressed their concern;
  • 96 per cent said they felt cared for by the physician; and
  • 96 per cent said they are likely to recommend the service to others.
• 60 per cent of patients do not have a family doctor
• 15 per cent of consultations are related to mental health
• 77 per cent of users are between the ages of 20-49

Privacy by Design

TELUS Health is committed to building privacy safeguards into every one of its products and services, and we take special care when it comes to personal health information. Operating under the highest standards for security by design, TELUS Health MyCare stores all patient medical records in Canada in compliance with federal and provincial privacy legislation and securely transmits information using encryption mechanisms that meet or even exceed, the highest industry-recognized standards. The TELUS Health MyCare service will now fall under the robust TELUS Privacy Management Program Framework, with a new TELUS Health MyCare Privacy Commitment that describes the specifics of how we protect individual privacy and handle data in TELUS Health MyCare.

The TELUS Health MyCare app is available across the country in English and French as a free download for iOS or Android devices. For more information on TELUS Health MyCare, please visit: telus.com/MyCare.

About TELUS Health
TELUS Health is a leader in digital health technology, providing virtual care, home health monitoring, electronic medical and health records, benefits and pharmacy management, and personal emergency response services. By leveraging the power of technology to deliver connected solutions and services, TELUS Health is improving access to care and revolutionizing the flow of information while facilitating collaboration, efficiency, and productivity for physicians, pharmacists, health authorities, allied healthcare professionals, insurers, employers, and citizens, to progress its vision of transforming healthcare and empowering people to live healthier lives.

Through the TELUS Health Care Centres, teams of renowned and passionate healthcare professionals deliver best-in-class patient-centric care to thousands of Canadian employers, professionals, and families in more than 15 medical clinics located across the country.

For more information please visit: www.telushealth.com.

For media i

How to Prevent Aches and Pains When Starting a New Exercise Routine

No matter your level of fitness, a new workout can mean new aches and pains. To protect yourself, you will want to stretch cold muscles that have been pushed in new ways. Staying hydrated is also critical to avoid cramps, some joint massage can help, and resting is critical to building new tissue.

Warm Up, Cool Down, and Stretch

You will need to start your workout with a warm up. If you are trying to start a jogging routine, begin by walking to loosen up your joints and get your leg muscles moving. At the end of your jog, make time to walk again.

Before you shower, take care to stretch your spine, quads, hamstrings, and calves. Do some stretches on the mat as well to fully engage your upper body. Expect some soreness, and be ready to stretch your legs again if you have pain.

Hydrate

Make sure that you take in plenty of water before, during, and after your new exercise routine. Additionally, consider increasing your intake of fruits and juices that are high in antioxidants, including pineapple and cherries.

Massage

Sore knees are often a problem after a new workout. Consider using a 2000 mg CBD joint pain cream after a new routine. CBD is high in antioxidants, so consider applying it right after you shower to keep inflammation low and reduce the intensity of delayed onset muscle soreness. Avoid applying this cream right before a workout. If you are sore before a workout, you either need to do something lighter or focus on another area of your body. Go ahead and warm up those muscles and joints, but do not push.

Build in a Rest Day

There is a reason that leg day is followed by shoulder, back, or arm day. A hard workout creates tiny breaks or tears in existing muscle. Those tears hurt, and new growth takes time. Give the targeted area of the body time to heal to avoid tissue damage outside your muscles. For example, sore knees after a hard stair workout could be an indication of inflammation, or it could be an indication of cartilage damage. Until the muscular inflammation goes down, you cannot be sure you are not doing more serious damage.

Carefully monitor sore joints and muscles for swelling and bruising. Delayed onset muscle soreness can take time to show up and last for a few days. If you notice it lasting longer, you may need to contact your physician.

GOOD TO GO Launches Grain-Free Granola Across Canada

Breaking into the Grain-Free Granola market, this keto-friendly, gluten-free, organic solution will delight both healthy foodies and breakfast lovers

TORONTO, June 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GOOD TO GO, the innovative brand behind one of Canada’s favourite keto-friendly snack bars, are introducing their latest delicious addition, Grain-Free Granola, just in time for summer. The Grain-Free Granola is available in two mouth-watering flavours: Chocolate and Vanilla Coconut.

“We’re excited to launch into the market our highly requested Grain-Free Granola,” says Nima Fotovat, President and CEO of Riverside Natural Foods. “Granola is often considered a healthy breakfast option, but many people don’t often realize the high sugar content found in many varieties on the shelf. Not only is GOOD TO GO Grain-Free Granola packed full of good fats with no added sugar, but it is also gluten-free and paleo-friendly. It’s a delicious mix of organic nuts and super seeds, a flavour that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. While it has a shelf life of 10 months, we promise you it won’t last 10-minutes!”

Made with premium organic nuts and super seeds like pumpkin, sunflower and cashews, this gluten-free granola also boasts an excellent source of vitamin D, all within a recyclable, resealable pouch. Vegan and keto certified by the Paleo Foundation, this low net carb, low sugar option packs up to 7 grams of protein into every serving and is free from artificial colours and flavours.

Whether eaten on its own, enjoyed with milk for breakfast or even added as a garnish on a dessert, GOOD TO GO Grain-Free Granola ticks all the boxes for a balanced diet.

GOOD TO GO is also the maker of these low-sugar snacks:

• Soft Baked Bars
• Savoury Nut and Seed Bites

The Grain-Free Granola is available in select stores, and will be available to purchase online nationwide on Amazon.ca and Good2GoSnacks.ca by the end of this month. MSRP is $9.99 per bag.

For more information, visit Good2GoSnacks.ca or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Media Contact:
Shnane Liem
778.866.0084
shnane@mywhyagency.com

About GOOD TO GO: 
Riverside Natural Foods, producers of GOOD TO GO, creates healthy, allergy-friendly snacks consumers are proud to eat. GOOD TO GO delivers low sugar (2g or less), low net carb (6g or less) snacks that taste great so there is no compromise! It is the perfect, guilt free solution when in need of a feel good treat that takes zero effort. Riverside Natural Foods strives to be the hub for continuous innovation, creativity in healthy snacking and sustainability and maintains a B Corp certification. During the pandemic, GOOD TO GO has played an active role in giving back to the community through product donations to hospitals and front line workers. Additionally, they support organic farmers and nonprofit organizations, like The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Children’s Miracle Network and Daily Table. GOOD TO GO also donates 1% of profit through its 1% for the Planet membership, supporting the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The company operates as a silver rated TRUE Zero Waste business, meaning they divert a minimum of 90% of waste for reuse, recycling, composting and recovery for use in nature or the economy.

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Switch Health driving Canadian-based innovation and creating jobs in Canada

TORONTO, June 8, 2021 /CNW/ - Switch Health is pleased to provide an update on its employment numbers. Since offering its mobile COVID-testing solution in June 2020, Switch Health has created over 2000 Canadian jobs. This includes over 1200 jobs for healthcare professionals.

"As a Canadian company driving Canadian-based innovation and technology, we are incredibly proud to have created over 2000 new jobs in a pandemic," said Dilian Stoyanov, Chief Executive Officer of Switch Health. "We are transforming how Canada delivers healthcare through our patient-focused telehealth solutions to serve Canadians from the comfort of their home or workplace and in the language of their choice." 

Switch Health is an industry leader in providing a safe, innovative, and accessible end-to-end at-home and mobile COVID-testing solution. Its at-home collection kits powered by virtual consults with trusted healthcare professionals deliver digital results directly to the patient through its proprietary telehealth platform from trusted partner laboratories. To date, Switch Health has performed over 900,000 COVID-19 tests throughout the pandemic.

"With the pandemic having a disproportionate effect on women, we're proud that we're not only offering a flexible work experience for our employees, the majority of which are female, but also a company with women in positions of origin and leadership," said Olga Jilani, Chief Financial Officer of Switch Health. "We are pleased that we could also employ individuals from industries that have been negatively impacted by this pandemic, and have provided a secondary source of income for many healthcare workers."

Switch Health recently appointed Dr. Gregory Taylor as its Chief Medical Officer to lead its growing team of healthcare professionals and to advise on medical operations, as it continues to provide safe and reliable at-home and mobile COVID-19 tests to Canadians and expands into new areas. Dr. Taylor, BSc, MD, CCFP, FRCPC, is one of Canada's three Chief Public Health Officers to serve Canadians through the Public Health Agency of Canada. During that tenure, he guided Canada during the global outbreaks of H5N1 and Ebola. 

About Switch Health

Switch Health Holdings Inc. (Switch Health) is an industry leader that is transforming how healthcare is delivered in Canada through cutting-edge decentralized next generation diagnostics and patient-focused digital solutions. Switch Health has developed an end-to-end, innovative, and accessible testing solution in Canada's fight against COVID-19, with its at-home and mobile collection kit to test Canadians safely, rapidly, and reliably for COVID-19. Switch Health offers its gold standard of rapid and PCR testing in over 200 languages from the comfort peoples' homes or workplaces, with the guidance of trusted healthcare professionals and the delivery of results through some of Canada's top laboratories. 

SOURCE Switch Health Inc.

TELUS Health mobile clinics are helping to vaccinate Ontario’s more vulnerable residents

The specially-equipped mobile health clinics, powered by TELUS Health and operated by Sanguen Health Centre, Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre and Ottawa Inner City Health are offering COVID-19 vaccinations to Ontarians in need

TORONTO, June 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, TELUS announced that through its innovative Health for Good program - in partnership with Waterloo’s Sanguen Health Centre, Toronto’s Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre, and Ottawa’s Inner City Health - COVID-19 vaccinations are being provided to at-risk and vulnerable residents of Ontario from its mobile health clinics, powered by TELUS Health. These specially-equipped clinics on wheels have been providing essential primary health and harm reduction services directly to individuals in the communities they serve since they launched in 2020. Operations have recently expanded to offer COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, following the provincial public health guidelines.

Through relationships with local community centres, homeless shelters, and congregate housing facilities, the clinics have administered more than 1,500 doses of the vaccine to at-risk Ontarians, conducted 15,400 COVID-19 tests/assessments, and have supported nearly 30,000 patient interventions to-date.

“At TELUS, we believe that everyone should have access to healthcare when and where they need it, regardless of their socio-economic status. Through our partnerships across the country, we are removing many of the barriers facing underserved and at-risk populations by providing access to critical healthcare, social support and COVID-19 vaccinations,” said Darren Entwistle, President and CEO, TELUS. “As we continue to navigate the global pandemic, our Health for Good program enables us to care for our most marginalized citizens at a time when access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare, including vital support for mental wellness, has never been more important.”

Backed by a $10 million commitment from TELUS, the Health for Good program is active from coast to coast with 13 state-of-the-art mobile health clinics operating in communities where frontline care is urgently needed.

Sanguen Health, Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre, and Ottawa Inner City Health provided the following insights into their COVID-19 response efforts and partnerships with TELUS:

• “The opportunity to partner with TELUS created the means to, first, incorporate COVID assessments, education, and testing into our services back in March of 2020. Since this time, we have developed trusting relationships with the Waterloo Region community, providing vaccinations to those who face daily barriers to their well being.” - Erika Liban, Nurse Practitioner, Sanguen Mobile Health Clinic.
• “The Parkdale Queen West Mobile Health Clinic’s continuous vaccination efforts are critical, especially in light of the rising and recurrent COVID-19 variant infections in shelters and congregate settings that continue to impact the most marginalized and highest-risk populations in our communities. Our partnership with TELUS enables us to continue our tireless efforts to vaccinate the most marginalized and high-risk populations in our community. We need to stay on the vaccination course, improve vaccine uptake while also fighting vaccine misinformation and hesitancy in order to get back to ‘normal’ life.” - Raymond Mackareg, a primary health care nurse practitioner at the Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre (CHC) in Toronto.
• “Despite desperately wanting to be vaccinated against COVID, many of our clients faced insurmountable barriers. Accessing the internet to search for accurate and timely information about vaccines, knowing when they were eligible, and coordinating transportation and support are just a few examples that posed significant challenges for our clients. The Health for Good program has allowed us to bring vaccines right to their doors and reach people who would otherwise not have had the opportunity.” - Wendy Muckle, CEO of Ottawa Inner City Health. 

These mobile health clinics are equipped with TELUS LTE Wi-Fi, TELUS Mobility services, and TELUS Health electronic medical record (EMR) technology. The TELUS Health EMR enables clinic staff to collect and store health data, examine results over time, and provide better continuity of care to patients who previously had undocumented medical histories.

Beyond pivoting its Health for Good program to aid in Canada’s response to the health crisis and in addition to giving $85 million to charitable partners in 2020, representing five per cent of its profits, TELUS collectively contributed more than $150 million to support COVID-19 related initiatives across the country. For more information about TELUS Health for Good, visit telus.com/healthforgood.

About TELUS Health for Good
Since 2014, TELUS Health for Good has been helping to remove many of the barriers Canadians living on the streets face in receiving medical care and reconnecting thousands of patients to the public healthcare system. Mobile Health Clinics, powered by TELUS, were originally inspired by the work being done by Doctors of The World. The Mobile Health Clinics provide essential primary medical care, including electronic medical records, generating over 63,000 patient visits since the program’s inception. Today, through numerous partnerships, volunteers, and the power of technology, TELUS Health for Good is an efficient and innovative mobile healthcare delivery tool to reach communities in need by bringing healthcare directly to the people that need it most.

About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with $16 billion in annual revenue and 16 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. We leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. In 2020, TELUS was recognized as having the fastest wireless network in the world, reinforcing our commitment to provide Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to the people, resources and information that make our lives better. TELUS Health is Canada’s leader in digital health technology, improving access to health and wellness services and revolutionizing the flow of health information across the continuum of care. TELUS Agriculture provides innovative digital solutions throughout the agriculture value chain, supporting better food outcomes from improved agri-business data insights and processes. TELUS International (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience innovator that delivers next-generation AI and content management solutions for global brands across the technology and games, ecommerce and FinTech, communications and media, healthcare, travel and hospitality sectors. TELUS and TELUS International operate in 25+ countries around the world. Together, let’s make the future friendly.

Driven by our passionate social purpose to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS, our team members and retirees to contribute more than $820 million and 1.6 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world.