Nabati Foods Now Listed on Leading Vegan Marketplace, GTFO It’s Vegan
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nabati Foods Global Inc.(CSE: MEAL Reserved) (“Nabati Foods” or the “Company”), a plant-based food tech company offering whole, natural, plant-based foods for health-conscious consumers, is announcing that its dairy free cheesecakes are now listed online with the major online vegan retailer, GTFO It’s Vegan.
GTFO It’s Vegan launched in May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now offers more than 2,500 vegan products including plant-based meat, dairy, bread, beverages, prepared meals, and pet food. This now also includes Nabati Foods’ tiramisu cheesecake and chocolate cheesecake.
“Nabati Foods is excited to partner with a company like GTFO It’s Vegan, given our shared values and a shared commitment to plant-based foods that can improve the health of people and the planet,” Nabati Foods CEO Ahmad Yehya said. “Nabati, like GTFO It’s Vegan, is also a family-founded company committed to environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility to empower consumers to live a healthier, fulfilling life. We look forward to introducing ourselves to and reaching more customers through its advanced digital platform.”
Founded in Edmonton, Nabati Foods is leading the evolution of food. All of its products are kosher, vegan, and made without refined sugar or GMOs. Nabati Foods products are now available in more than 170 stores in the U.S.
Working with GTFO It’s Vegan will accelerate the success of Nabati’s ecommerce strategy and help to grow its online footprint.
“Nabati Foods is steadily building its market share and reach, through our distinct grocery, industrial and food service offerings,” Yehya said. “This additional online exposure will help drive increased demand and interest in Nabati’s healthy, flavourful cheesecakes as the company expands across North America and looks towards entering the European market next year.”
About Nabati Foods Global Inc. Nabati Foods Global Inc. is the owner of Nabati Foods Inc. (“Nabati”), a family-founded food tech company offering whole, natural, plant-based, gluten, and soy-free foods for health-conscious consumers. Nabati was founded in 2014 and has four signature product lines including dairy-free cheesecakes, cheese alternatives, and plant-based meats. Nabati products are distributed in Canada and the U.S. through grocery, foodservice, and industrial channels. Learn more: https://invest.nabatifoods.com/
For further information, please contact: Ahmad Yehya at ir@nabatifoods.com
Disclosure and Caution
Completion of the financing is subject to a number of conditions, including ensuring the financing and listing application are compliant with CSE requirements. The transaction cannot close until the required conditions are satisfied and required approvals are obtained. There can be no assurance that the financing will be completed as proposed or at all. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative – there is no active market for Company’s securities at this time. No regulatory body has reviewed or approved the terms to this financing.
This news release contains forward-looking information, which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectation. Important factors - including the ability to complete the financing, the ability to satisfy the conditions required and approvals needed to complete the transaction, availability of funds and the results of financing efforts, - that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time on SEDAR (see www.sedar.com). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The securities referred to in this news release have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States unless pursuant to an exemption therefrom. This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction.
2021 Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF
Virtual fundraiser unveiled in support of type 1 diabetes research
TORONTO, June 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF is the largest fundraising event in Canada that rallies the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community to unite and raise funds for T1D research.
This year’s Walk is a family-friendly, virtual, and interactive event that will bring together those impacted by T1D. The Walk aims to raise critical funds for research that will get us closer to giving Canadians freedom from T1D. Join us for a uniquely immersive and interactive experience filled with fun challenges, prizes, entertainment, and the celebration of coming together to change the future of T1D. Our community will experience the Walk within a brand new virtual and interactive world. They will be able to discover the Walk route as if they were physically there, browse our different booths, meet with friends along the way and celebrate with us during the main show.
As we commemorate the 100 years since the discovery of insulin, we are challenging participants to each walk 100km to mark this milestone and to raise funds for T1D research that will move us beyond insulin, accelerating toward a cure. Whether it is a route in your room, a track in your backyard or a loop around your neighborhood, it doesn’t matter where you walk, just that you register. And if walking isn’t your thing – we’re encouraging participants to ‘think 100!’ Like 100 bottle returns, 100 sit ups, or 100 donations.
“Research much be accelerated forward and during this period of uncertainty, it is heartening to see that we can rely on the power of community to support one other,” says Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada. “The Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF is a testament to the passion and resolve of a group of people who are inspired by a common goal: to create a world without T1D.”
Sun Life has been involved with the Walk since 2014 as the National Sponsor and increased its already strong commitment to diabetes in Canada by becoming the National Title Sponsor of the Walk in 2018. Since announcing global support of the cause in 2012, Sun Life has committed more than $38 million globally in support of diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research initiatives.
“One of the fastest growing health challenges of our time, diabetes and prediabetes affects 11.5 million Canadians,” said Milos Vranesevic, Senior Vice-President, Chief Marketing Officer, Sun Life. “As we celebrate the discovery of insulin and the improvements it has had on the treatment of diabetes, there is still no cure. That is why our partnership with JDRF is so important. Sponsoring the Walk is one of the ways we can raise awareness and money to help those with diabetes live healthier lives.”
While we may not be together in person this year, we will still come together to walk the distance for the more more than 300,000 Canadians touched by T1D and their families. It is a movement that empowers people who refuse to be defined by their disease – a way the T1D community can come together and accelerate towards a cure.
JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. Our goal is to raise funds to support the most advanced international type 1 diabetes research and progressively remove the impact of this disease from people’s lives – until we achieve a world without type 1 diabetes. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners and is the only organization with the scientific resources, regulatory influence, and a working plan to better treat, prevent, and eventually cure type 1 diabetes. JDRF is the largest charitable funder of and advocate for research to cure, prevent and treat T1D in the world. For more information, please visit jdrf.ca.
Sun Life in the community At Sun Life, we are committed to building sustainable, healthier communities for life. Community wellness is an important part of our sustainability commitment and we believe that by actively supporting the communities in which we live and work, we can help build a positive environment for our Clients, employees, advisors and shareholders. Our philanthropic support focuses on health, with an emphasis on diabetes awareness, prevention, and care initiatives; and mental health, supporting programs and organizations with a focus on building resilience and coping skills.
We also partner with sports properties in key markets to further our commitment to healthy and active living. Our employees and advisors take great pride in volunteering close to 12,000 hours each year and contribute to making life brighter for individuals and families across Canada.
Can robot doctors and nurses ever replace humans? The jury is still out on that, but an artificial intelligence (AI) ‘robot revolution’ is already sweeping through healthcare.
And even as debate rages in the UK over a post-COVID return to normal face-to-face consultations with family doctors, Dr Alan Stout, of the British Medical Association, said:
“It’s highly unlikely that we will have the desire or the capacity to return to a 100% face-to-face model. The phone-first model and the use of technology will allow surgeries to remain sustainable and accessible and provides a better service than pre-Covid.”
Caption – The future is here, with a ‘robot revolution’ sweeping through healthcare.
MarketsandMarkets says the AI in healthcare market was worth $4.9 billion in 2020also creating substantially more value for an overall healthcare industry worth up to $410 billion per year by 2025.
For instance, health issues can be prevented in the first place by wearables and apps, which can make health recommendations for patients. Devices such as smartwatches and biosensors could also help detect health issues before conditions become critical.
But the next big step is virtual assistants, a market expected to take off in the next decade $2.8 billion by 2027 AI offers healthcare workers more time to focus on patient care and, with more patients willing to use home diagnostics, should enable a more decentralised healthcare system.
Paul Stannard, Chairman of the not-for-profit World Nano Foundation that fosters the nanotechnology sector, which has enabled so many healthcare breakthroughs, said:
“We may be resistant at first but virtual assistance and robotics are the future of healthcare. Japan is leading the way with a government-funded national initiative to develop data-driven AI and internet of things technologies that will increase the efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery.
“AI also offers more precision as it can automate the analysis of test results, while robotics can increase the success rate of surgeries.
Stannard also co-founded the Vector Innovation Fund, which recently launched a $300 million sub-fund for pandemic protection and future healthcare, and he added:
“This pandemic has taught us a lot; we can learn from the flaws it identified and maintain investment in technologies for a more sustainable future in healthcare and prepare and protect ourselves against future pandemics so that we can meet them in a timely, systematic, and calm manner.”
Healthcare is just part of a trend towards more use of AI following the COVID outbreak. According to the Global AI Adoption Index 2021, 43% of IT professionals surveyed say their company has accelerated the rollout of AI due to the pandemic. An NHSX survey of 368 AI developers and procurers also found that the pandemic had helped accelerate progress in some areas.
Ocugen Expands COVAXIN™ Commercialization Rights to Include Canada
Ocugen to have exclusive co-development, manufacturing, and commercialization rights to COVAXIN™ in Canada, in addition to its existing US rights
MALVERN, Pa. and HYDERABAD, India, June 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ocugen, Inc. (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing gene therapies to cure blindness diseases and developing a vaccine to save lives from COVID-19, and Bharat Biotech, a global leader in vaccine innovation, today announced that they have entered into an amendment to their Co-development, Supply, and Commercialization Agreement to expand Ocugen’s exclusive territory to commercialize COVAXIN™ to now also include Canada, in addition to Ocugen’s existing rights to commercialize COVAXIN™ in the United States.
“This amendment to expand our rights to commercialize COVAXIN™ into Canada speaks to our strong relationship with Bharat Biotech and our joint dedication to bring this unique yet traditional vaccine to additional countries. As we work towards the submission of the emergency use application in the US, we will simultaneously seek authorization under interim order for emergency use in Canada. We believe COVAXIN™ has the potential to play a key role in saving lives from COVID-19 in the US and Canada, as well as across the globe, due to the strong immune response it generates against multiple antigens,” said Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-founder of Ocugen.
“COVAXIN™ has demonstrated an excellent safety record in human clinical trials and in vaccine administration under emergency use in India. Our goal for all vaccines developed at Bharat Biotech is to provide global access. With its potential effectiveness against multiple existing and emerging variants, we believe that COVAXIN™ is an important vaccine for everyone, including children, based on its unique yet traditional vaccine platform. We are diligently working with Ocugen to bring COVAXIN™ to the US market and now to the Canadian market,” said Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Biotech.
As consideration for Bharat Biotech’s grant of the rights to commercialize COVAXIN™ in Canada, Ocugen will make an upfront payment and milestone payment upon first commercial sale in Canada to Bharat Biotech, in addition to sharing the profit from sales of COVAXINTM in Canada. Similar to the US profit share arrangement, Ocugen will retain 45% of the profits from sales of COVAXINTM in Canada.
About COVAXIN™
COVAXIN™, India's COVID-19 vaccine by Bharat Biotech, is developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV). COVAXIN™ is a highly purified and inactivated vaccine that is manufactured using a vero cell manufacturing platform. This platform has an excellent safety track record of more than 300 million doses of various vaccines supplied. Based on a traditional vaccine platform that has a long-established safety profile, COVAXIN™ continues to show strong results in all the studies conducted to date including a vaccine efficacy rate of 78% overall efficacy and 100% in severe COVID-19 disease, including hospitalizations, in second interim results of Bharat Biotech’s Phase 3 clinical trial.
In addition to generating strong immune response against multiple antigens, COVAXIN has been shown to generate memory T cell responses, for its multiple epitopes, indicating longevity and a rapid antibody response to future infections. With published data demonstrating a safety profile superior to published safety data from separate studies for several other vaccines, COVAXIN™ is packaged in multi-dose vials that can be stored at 2-8⁰C.
COVAXIN™ studies show potential effectiveness against three key variants of SARS-CoV-2. Scientists at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Virology, using an in-vitro plaque reduction neutralization assay, have found that COVAXIN-vaccinated sera effectively neutralized the Brazil variant of SARS-CoV-2, B.1.128.2, the UK variant, B.1.1.7, as well as the Indian double mutant variant, B.1.617. These studies suggest that COVAXIN vaccination may be effective against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Based on the more than 30 million doses supplied in India and other countries, COVAXIN™ has an excellent safety record. COVAXIN™ is currently being administered under emergency use authorizations in 13 countries, and applications for emergency use authorization are pending in more than 60 additional countries.
About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing gene therapies to cure blindness diseases and developing a vaccine to save lives from COVID-19. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with one drug – “one to many” and our novel biologic product candidate aims to offer better therapy to patients with underserved diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy. We are co-developing Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN™ vaccine candidate for COVID-19 in the U.S. market. For more information, please visit http://ocugen.com/
About Bharat Biotech:
Bharat Biotech has established an excellent track record of innovation with more than 140 global patents, a wide product portfolio of more than 16 vaccines, 4 bio-therapeutics, registrations in more than 116 countries, and World Health Organization (WHO) Pre-qualifications. Located in Genome Valley in Hyderabad, India, a hub for the global biotech industry, Bharat Biotech has built a world-class vaccine & bio-therapeutics, research & product development, Bio-Safety Level 3 manufacturing, and vaccine supply and distribution.
Having delivered more than 6 billion doses of vaccines worldwide, Bharat Biotech continues to lead innovation and has developed vaccines for influenza H1N1, Rotavirus, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Chikungunya, Zika and the world’s first tetanus-toxoid conjugated vaccine for Typhoid.
Bharat’s commitment to global social innovation programs and public private partnerships resulted in the introduction of path breaking WHO pre-qualified vaccines BIOPOLIO®, ROTAVAC® and Typbar TCV® combatting polio, rotavirus, typhoid infections, respectively. The recent acquisition of the rabies vaccine facility, Chiron Behring, from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has positioned Bharat Biotech as the largest rabies vaccine manufacturer in the world. To learn more about Bharat Biotech visit https://www.bharatbiotech.com/.
Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include information about qualitative assessments of available data, potential benefits, expectations for clinical trials, and anticipated timing of clinical trial readouts and regulatory submissions. This information involves risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as risks associated with preliminary and interim data (including the Phase 3 interim data referred to in this press release), including the possibility of unfavorable new clinical trial data and further analyses of existing clinical trial data; the risk that the results of in-vitro studies will not be duplicated in human clinical trials; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including during the peer review/publication process, in the scientific community generally, and by regulatory authorities; whether and when data from Bharat Biotech’s clinical trials will be published in scientific journal publications and, if so, when and with what modifications; whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be satisfied with the design of and results from preclinical and clinical studies of COVAXIN, which have been conducted by Bharat Biotech in India; whether and when any biologics license and/or emergency use authorization applications may be filed in the United States for COVAXIN and whether and when an application for authorization under interim order for emergency use will be filed in Canada; whether and when any such applications may be approved by the FDA or Health Canada; decisions by the FDA or Health Canada impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of COVAXIN in the United States or Canada, including development of products or therapies by other companies. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release.
COVID-19 has put Cadila Healthcare at the forefront of innovation in India, says GlobalData
Cadila Healthcare Ltd. is among the leading players in India which focuses on bringing in-house developed innovative therapies for patients. Cadila Healthcare has developed a diversified COVID-19 portfolio among the Indian players through in-house development and licensing opportunities. In line with this, the COVID-19 situation has put Cadila Healthcare at the forefront of innovation in India, says GlobalData, a leading data analytics and research company.
According to GlobalData’s ‘Pharmaceutical Intelligence Center’ (as of 27 May 2021), Cadila Healthcare’s COVID-19 portfolio includes one repurposed marketed drug and ‘seven in-house’ candidates in the pipeline, including two in Phase III, one each in Phase II and Phase I and three candidates in preclinical development.
Recently, its repurposed drug Virafin (peginterferon alfa-2b) received approval in India for the treatment of moderate cases of COVID-19. However, its vaccine ZyCoV-D, currently in Phase III (emergency approval filing expected within the next few weeks), is expected to play a crucial role in India’s vaccination drive following emergency approval.
In the past, Cadila Healthcare launched Lipaglyn (saroglitazar), a novel first-in-class molecule to treat diabetic dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and is the first drug to secure approval for NASH in India. Moreover, it became the first company to launch Humira’s (adalimumab) biosimilar in India.
Prashant Khadayate, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Cadila Healthcare has consistently focussed on innovation through its own research and development capabilities. The launch of India’s first innovative therapy Lipaglyn is credited to Cadila Healthcare. Additionally, the company has launched biosimilars of complex biologics in India ahead of other companies. Cadila has leveraged COVID-19 opportunities as fuel to enhance its innovation engine.”
To further strengthen its position within the COVID-19 market, the company has recently applied to the Indian regulatory body, the Drugs Controller General of India, to conduct clinical trials of ZRC-3308, which is a cocktail of two monoclonal antibodies to treat mild COVID-19 patients.
Cadila had initially partnered with Gilead for remdesivir commercialization in 127 countries, including India. In the latest deal, it has partnered with TLC to commercialize AmphoTLC (Amphotericin B Liposome for Injection 50mg) in India to treat black fungus or mucormycosis, which has emerged as a post-COVID-19 complication in India.
Mr Khadayate concludes: “Cadila Healthcare is the only company in India with its own in-house developed vaccine and treatments for COVID-19. The company has focused on the entire COVID-19 patient journey through its marketed and pipeline drugs, including treatment for mild, moderate, and severe patients and a COVID-19 vaccine, along with a focus on COVID-19 associated mucormycosis.
“The company has tapped existing opportunities within the COVID-19 space by quickly acting through its research and development efforts and partnerships. This innovation-driven model should certainly bring long-term growth and would help Cadila Healthcare differentiate from other Indian players in the long run.”
New research from Earth Rangers, Ipsos & mental health experts shows rising climate concerns among children can be healthy with the right support
TORONTO, June 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
Research led by Earth Rangers shows some levels of “eco-anxiety,” or concern for the environment, can actually be healthy when it leads to eco-action
The children’s conservation organization is calling on parents to be ‘all ears’ with new campaign to talk to kids about their worries and help the whole family act for the planet
Today, Earth Rangers released new research to provide insights and guidance on the risks posed by eco-anxiety and solutions to help turn these worries for the environment into actions. The white paper – Anxious for Action: Channeling Children’s Environmental Concerns Into Empowerment – outlines practical ways parents and caregivers can help children build resilience, create a sense of agency, and have fun at the same time.
“Children are on the front lines of climate change,” said Tovah Barocas, co-author of the paper and the President of Earth Rangers. “Health experts have been calling for a better understanding of how the global climate crisis impacts not only their physical but also mental health. Given our long-term vision of creating a generation of conservationists, it was critical to dig deeper on what this means for kids – and their adults.” While public conversation around eco-anxiety has been on the rise, most academic research has been focused on the negative impacts of eco-anxiety among adults and older youth. This white paper presents a rare study focused on school-age children and effective solutions to address eco-anxiety.
“Eco-anxiety is not an official diagnosable disorder, however, it does affect children in very real ways. This includes feelings of fear, hopelessness, and despair,” explains Katie Hayes, co-author of the white paper and climate change and mental health researcher. “It is important to research and understand the ways in which we can help children find effective strategies to cope with these feelings.”
In partnership with Ipsos Canada, Earth Rangers conducted a survey of 4,000 Canadians in 2020 to capture attitudes and actions regarding environmental issues by children and their parents. Survey participants included Earth Rangers members and their parents, and general population children in the same age cohort and their parents. Dr. Hayes then interpreted the finding within the context of existing global literature on eco-anxiety to generate new insights.
A key research finding is that some level of concern for the environment can actually be useful and healthy when it leads to environmental action. As seen in earlier studies, children who were hopeful and concerned about climate change were more likely to take environmental action. In contrast, children who felt climate despair were less likely to take action. This is further evidenced in the Earth Ranger survey. Approximately 44% of Earth Rangers members (vs. 26% for non-members) expressed worry about climate change. However, 78% of Earth Rangers members felt more empowered to act on environmental issues (vs. 54% for non-members).
To support parents in channeling their children’s eco-anxiety into empowerment and help them discover their agency to act, Earth Rangers is asking caregivers: “Got Your Ears On?” By visiting www.earthrangers.com/earson, families can choose their favourite pair of animal ears that can be attached to a headband. When children put these ears on, it signals to their adults a desire to talk about their worries about the planet. Parents can wear the ears to show they’re listening and ready to help the whole family start a fun new eco-activity.
Additional Findings & the 5 E’s to Drive Eco-Action:
Empowering kids means empowering the whole family. Research shows when children grow concerned about issues like climate change and are spurred to take environmental action, they also prompt their parents to feel more empowered and take action. This is called the “passthrough effect.”
Earth Rangers’ survey revealed that not only are Earth Rangers members significantly more empowered to act on environmental issues, but Earth Rangers parents are as well (60% vs. 43% for parents of non-members).
Empathy: Provide ample space and opportunities to discuss climate change and other environmental concerns, and allow kids to identify and express their feelings about these issues.
Education: Offer opportunities to learn about climate change and suggest actions that kids and families can take to protect the natural environment.
Environmental Stewardship: Find opportunities to spend more time outdoors. This will help foster a deeper connection to nature and spark new, tangible ways that kids can protect the natural environment.
Excitement: Make conservation activities and learning about the natural environment something to look forward to for kids.
Empowerment: Give kids ways to teach their parents and other adults how to protect nature and become leaders in their households.
Additional Quotes:
“The study results are intuitive and speak to the resilience and positivity of children. As adults, we often see ourselves as teachers and guides for children as they grow and develop. Yet this study suggests that children’s engagement in Earth Rangers may influence their parents’ understanding of environmental issues and their willingness to engage in environmental action. Earth Rangers is an example of an environmental organization that fosters environmental stewardship in children and their parents by educating them about the realities of climate change and empowering them to act.” - Dr. Anna Gunz, Paediatrician, Children’s Environmental Health Clinic
“We have proof now of what we might have guessed: the suffering of the natural world is most assuredly not just the province of adults. The damage to all the miraculous and magnificent animals and plants and places – is having a profound toll on our children. Our challenge is big, but the mission is simple. Let’s give kids—and their grownups— the power to act.” - Dr. Lise Van Susteren, Psychiatrist, Climate Psychiatry Alliance
“It can be very challenging to measure the impact of outreach and education programs, and one of the fundamental reasons why we embarked on this research. Our research was consistent in showing Earth Rangers is effective and I hope this work has helped adults see that the job isn't to make children’s concerns go away – it's to help channel them into action.” - Steve Levy, co-author of the white paper and senior leader at Ipsos Canada
RESOURCES
Executive Summary and the full Anxious for Action: Channeling Children’s Environmental Concerns Into Empowerment white paper can be downloaded here.
‘Got Your Ears On?’ materials and parents’ guide can be downloaded here.
‘Got Your Ears On?’ photos, campaign videos and b-roll of kids and families can be downloaded here.
Cascades Launches its Fourth Sustainability Action Plan "Driving Positive Change"
KINGSEY FALLS, QC, June 2, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - In the context of the upcoming World Environment Day, and following a year of work and consultations with stakeholders, Cascades, the 17th most sustainable company in the world according to Global 100, is pleased to launch its fourth Sustainability Action Plan, the most ambitious in its history: "Driving Positive Change".
"Sustainable development is part of our DNA. Nearly 60 years ago, long before environmental principles and social impacts were taken into account in business practices, our company became a pioneer in the circular economy by making products from recycled materials. This new sustainability plan, in addition to being aligned with the priorities of our clients and partners, reaffirms our leadership amidst the growing challenges facing our society and our planet," said Mario Plourde, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cascades.
The plan, which includes 15 defined targets for 2025 and 2030, is based on four main pillars: Respectful of the Planet, Solutions Driven, Community Minded, and People Focused. It is also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and with the recommendations of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to having already reduced the intensity of its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to 1990 and being an industry leader in terms of water and energy consumption, Cascades is launching a plan which contains several targets to further reduce its environmental footprint. Among these are:
Reducing Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions of paper manufacturing plants by 38.7% by 2030 compared with 2019 (kg of CO2 eq./metric tonnes)
Reducing Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 22% by 2030 compared with 2019 (kg of CO2 eq./metric tonnes)
Sourcing 100% renewable electricity by 2030
Reducing paper mill water effluents by 15% by 2025
Drawing on its experience in R&D and innovation, Cascades is committed to providing its customers and consumers with products developed in accordance with recognized eco-design principles such as:
By 2030, 100% of the packaging manufactured and sold by Cascades, regardless of the materials used, will be recyclable, compostable or reusable
By 2025, 100% of the fibres or paper used to manufacture Cascades products will be recycled or certified
From a social and community perspective, Cascades will remain focused on people and their well-being by strengthening its culture of health, safety, equity, diversity and inclusion. Through its sustainability action plan, the company is targeting:
50% reduction in the number of days lost due to work accidents (severity rate)
100% of employees trained on unconscious biases related to equity, diversity and inclusion
"Cascades is proud of its renewed ambition in the area of sustainable development, and we are confident we will achieve the targets we have set out thanks to our updated and ingrained governance practices. By partnering with us or by purchasing our products, Cascades' clients, consumers, investors and other stakeholders will also be able to improve their own social and environmental footprint and we are proud to be able to help facilitate this progress. More than ever, our company is determined to create increasingly eco-friendly, high-performance products and give life to the circular economy," said Hugo D'Amours, Vice President, Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability.
Founded in 1964, Cascades offers sustainable, innovative and value-added packaging, hygiene and recovery solutions. The company employs more than 11,700 women and men across a network of 85 facilities in North America and Europe. Driven by its participative management, half a century of experience in recycling, and continuous research and development efforts, Cascades continues to provide innovative products that customers have come to rely on, while contributing to the well-being of people, communities and the entire planet. Cascades' shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CAS.
SOURCE Cascades Inc.
Silk'n Introduces Innovative Breakthrough with ToothWave Toothbrush
ToothWave Reinvents Oral Care with DentalRF® Technology
TORONTO, June 2, 2021 /CNW/ - Silk'n, a global leader in medical aesthetics technology for home-use, is bringing innovative technology to at-home oral hygiene. First unveiled at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, ToothWave is the first and only toothbrush that uses Radio Frequency (RF) energy. ToothWave reduces tartar (calculus), prevents, and reduces gingivitis, reduces stains and improves discolouration.
Silk'n and its parent company, Home Skinovations, have been at the forefront of aesthetic innovations for over 10 years. Silk'n developed the first Intense Pulse Light (IPL) at-home hair removal device that permanently eradicates unwanted hair for both men and women. The company has also developed skin care technology solutions incorporating Infrared Heat, LED Red Light, and Blue Light technologies for home use.
ToothWave utilizes DentalRF® technology, a mild Radiofrequency wave of charged molecules that surrounds the surface of each tooth, providing effective oral hygiene that will not damage the enamel or gums. These charged molecules loosen the bonds between the surface of the tooth and the tartar and stains, allowing for easy removal.
"ToothWave is raising the bar for oral hygiene by reducing tartar," says Michael Bank, President, Home Skinovations, North America. "It is the first toothbrush to utilize DentalRF®, a revolutionary technology."
ToothWave's RF energy streams between two electrodes, bouncing back and forth over a silicon barrier, eliminating the need for vigorous brushing. RF energy has been used in surgical and aesthetic medical applications for several decades. DentalRF® Technology is patent protected in the US, China, Europe, Japan, and Russia and is pending in several other countries including Canada.
ToothWave is the first and only toothbrush clinically proven to reduce existing tartar. "Tartar is inevitable," says Dr. Yair Lenga, a Toronto-based Periodontist. "Plaque mineralizes in nooks and crannies. ToothWave is clinically proven to reach these hard to access areas."
Clinical studies undertaken by Salus Research Inc. in Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States, compared ToothWave to a regular electric toothbrush, with participants brushing twice daily for two-minutes. After six weeks ToothWave demonstrated the following results:
ABOUT Silk'n Silk'n and its parent company, Home Skinovations Ltd, is an award-winning, internationally acclaimed leader who has been pioneering the at-home beauty business for more than a decade. Silk'n stands for authentic beauty and is a private company with a mission to develop, manufacture and sell high quality consumer devices to help people improve their appearance, defy aging, and reshape their bodies. Over 10 million Silk'n Beautiful Technology devices are currently used worldwide.
SOURCE Silk’n
Top NYC Doc: Let’s Crush COVID — Get Vaccinated!
New York, NY, June 2, 2021 —Do you miss hanging out with your friends? Want to see live sports or concerts? Done with Zoom? Then roll up your sleeves and get vaccinated, encourages top NYC plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Westreich.
He has joined the movement to help spread the truth about the efficacy and safety of the COVD-19 vaccines and to dispel misconceptions swirling on social media.
“If you’ve held off on getting a COVID-19 vaccine because you think it was created too quickly, this is definitely not the case,” Dr. Westreich says. “The vaccines have been more than three decades in the making. They were pulled off the shelf and used and began being developed for SARS-COVID-1 in 2003. This outbreak stopped and there was no need to continue. It was pulled off the shelf again in 2012 for the MERS outbreak; this was a very limited outbreak. Misinformation should not be a reason to not get vaccinated.”
He and his dedicated team have created fun and informative videos featuring familiar tunes with re-tooled lyrics to encourage more Americans to “crush COVID” by getting their vaccines.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that 30 percent of the entire U.S. population is fully vaccinated and that more than 43 percent have received at least one dose. But medical experts agree that herd immunity is still a distant dream if more people can’t be persuaded to get the vaccine.
“Based on what we know, getting a COVID-19 vaccine also helps keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19 and will protect those around you,” Dr. Westreich adds. “My staff and I created these videos as a fun way to not only shed light on a serious situation, but also to spread very important awareness about the importance of getting the vaccine and to save lives.”
Dr. Richard Westreich graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Biological Basis of Behavior, Neuroscience concentration in 1995 from the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his medical school training at the New York University School of Medicine in 1999 with an M.D. and Honors in Cell Biology Research. Dr. Westreich then did his post-graduate training in Facial Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology at the prestigious Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City.
He has been selected multiple times by Castle Connolly and New York magazine as one of the top doctors in facial plastic surgery. He is an assistant professor at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and is on staff at Lenox Hill and Mount Sinai Hospitals. He is a faculty member and teacher at a fellowship in Facial Plastic Surgery at Mount Sinai. His private practice is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, where he specializes in rhinoplasty, septoplasty, secondary and reconstructive rhinoplasty, facelifts, eyelid surgery and nonsurgical procedures.
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The Canadian Vaping Association: Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control continues to deny the science on vaping
BEAMSVILLE, Ontario, June 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control issued a release advocating for the implementation of a flavour ban and a nicotine ceiling in Quebec. The Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) cautions the Government of Quebec, that while these measures are well intentioned, they will result in increased smoking rates and harm public health.
For decades, governments around the world have relied on quit smoking hotlines, online resources, and low efficacy cessation products to end the tobacco pandemic. Despite limited success with this model, it continues to be the ‘right way’ to quit smoking. Vaping could be the greatest harm reduction product of our lifetime if it weren’t for unfounded fears and the misinformation surrounding vaping.
“Quitting smoking is very difficult and there is no right way to quit. Smokers who manage to quit, should be commended on their achievement, regardless of the method used. The CVA supports the use of all quit aids. However, the current tobacco control strategy ignores the reality of quitting smoking. On average, smokers make 30 attempts to quit and only 7% are successful. Public Health England recently declared vaping to be more effective than all leading nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products and has reaffirmed that vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking. If Canada is to meet its goal of 5% smoking prevalence by 2035, the current tobacco control strategy needs an overhaul,” said John Xydous, Regional Chair of the CVA.
More than 90,000 Canadians have emailed their Member of Parliament, stating the importance of flavours for quitting smoking. The testimony of vapers is further validated by Yale researchers, who found that adults who quit using a flavoured product were 2.5 times more likely to be successful quitting smoking. 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, there is little evidence to suggest that banning flavours would reduce youth experimentation. The idea that flavours are a primary influence for youth vaping is a common misconception that has been discredited by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the CDC report, “Tobacco Product Use and Associated Factors Among Middle and Highschool Students”, 77.7% of young people indicated that they vape for reasons other than “because e-cigarettes are available in flavours, such as mint, candy, fruit or chocolate.” The most common reason for use among youth was, “I was curious about them.”
Recently, The Youth and Young Adult Vaping Project survey results were published. Flavours were not listed as a primary influence for youth and young adults in Canada. Respondents indicated that peers, followed by the desire to quit smoking and social media exposure were the primary motivators. Flavours continue to be scapegoated long after the data has found they are not driving youth use.
The QCTC’s recommendations are not routed in science. The arguments to support their recommendations have all been debunked. Vaping is proven to be both effective for quitting smoking and 95% less harmful. Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control claims that vaping acts as a gateway to smoking, but the data suggests vaping is a gateway out of smoking. If vaping truly increased youth’s likelihood of smoking, we would have seen an increase in smoking prevalence among the young adults who were teenagers at the peak of vaping prevalence among youth. Yet, smoking rates continue to decline among all age demographics.
In QCTC’s release, Madame Doucas states, “One should not have to choose between prevention for young people and cessation for adult smokers.” The CVA agrees that it doesn’t have to be one or the other, we can balance youth protection with adult harm reduction. Canada has already implemented strong regulation to protect youth, but it has lacked consistent enforcement. Banning flavours will do little to protect youth and instead will push thousands of vapers back to smoking. Restricting flavours and high nicotine vape products to age restricted specialty stores eliminates legal access points for youth. Effective regulation should seek to restrict access and increased enforcement, while maintaining reasonable access for adult harm reduction.
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