5 Reasons to Get Dad Outdoors More This Father’s Day

The Fishing Caddy, the world’s first all-in-one fishing system, helps make it more enjoyable for dads to enjoy the outdoors

ORLANDO, Florida – (May 19, 2021) – If asked, most dads would say they would love to spend more time outdoors. Yet there are many things that keep them from being able to. Whether it’s the time they are spending at work, things that have to be done around the house, or life that gets in the way, they often don’t get as much time enjoying the great outdoors as they would like to. This Father’s Day, make it a point to help Dad get more time outside. Doing so comes with a host of benefits.

“One of the great things about The Fishing Caddy is that it helps make getting outside to fish easier,” explains Joe Pippins, creator and founder of The Fishing Caddy. “Whatever we can do to help people get outside and enjoy being in nature, the better off everyone will be. There are a lot of benefits to spending time in nature.”

Due to the pandemic, many people are changing how they entertain, and the types of activities they get involved in. Fishing makes for a good option, because it’s affordable and helps you naturally practice social distancing. By getting dads outside more this Father’s Day and all summer long, they will experience numerous benefits. There are many research studies that demonstrate the variety of benefits that people obtain from spending time in nature, even if it’s for short amounts of time.

Here are five reasons to get Dad outdoors more this summer:

1. Reduce stress. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology reports that there is growing evidence that exposure to natural environments can be associated with mental health benefits. It also reports that spending time outdoors can help with reducing stress and combating depression and anxiety.
2. Boost memory and cognition. In another study in the same journal, researchers conducted an experiment with over 500 people and found that spending time out in nature improved cognitive performance. Essentially, spending time outdoors helps to clear the mind and help people think better.
3. Increase happiness. When dad gets to spend more time outdoors he will end up feeling happier. Research shows that spending time outside improves mood, which is something the whole family can benefit from.
4. Improve health. A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that time spent outdoors increases physical activity, which helps to reduce the risk of chronic health conditions. By spending some time out in nature, families can help Dad to get healthier.
5. Change it up. Over the last year, people have spent far too much time indoors. The pandemic had people changing their routines and often staying indoors. It’s time to get Dad outside for a while. A change of scenery will do everyone good.

“Just about anyone who spends time outdoors and especially fishing can attest to the fact that it helps you in many ways,” added Pippins. “Fishing gives you a way to relax, connect with nature, reduce stress, and just enjoy the moment. Our goal with The Fishing Caddy is to help families make it easier to get Dad outside this Father’s Day. He will thank you!”

Often times, people don’t know what to buy dad for Father’s Day. Rather than spend time trying to figure it out and running around getting items in different stores, The Fishing Caddy makes gift giving simple. It comes with everything dad needs to get fishing, including: 

• 1 padded swivel seat (place to sit comfortably) 
• 2 built-in rod holders (place to put his rods safely)) 
• 2 ultra bright LED lights for tying knots and revisiting at night
• 1 XL Beverage Holder 

It’s everything dad will need to relax, catch fish, and enjoy a peaceful day of family time with his loved ones. Mothers, wives and female family members are the catalyst to finding unique gifts that bring families together, and that’s what will happen when you get him The Fishing Caddy.

Those looking for a great Father’s Day activity this year may want to consider planning a special day outdoors for Dad. Pack a picnic lunch and find a spot near a lake or on a boat, where Dad can enjoy the time outdoors. Surprise him with The Fishing Caddy to top the experience off. This will motivate him to get outside more all summer long. The Fishing Caddy makes a great gift because it will help ensure that fishing trips are less stressful and will be enjoyed more because it’s been designed for organization and to improve the anglers’ experience.

The Fishing Caddy is an all-in-one system that people can easily take with them to go fishing. The system has been designed to help ensure that fishing trips are stress-free, simple, and easy to do. This increases the enjoyment level and makes people want to go more often. The product can be found online, as well as in over 3,800 locations of its newest partners, Walmart and Do It Best hardware stores. It was voted Top Made in the USA Outdoor Gift of 2017, beating out larger competition due to its novelty and modern design. The Fishing Caddy also comes with a two-year warranty.

The Fishing Caddy, which ranges in price from $69.95 to $129, was expertly designed for all types of fishing, and can be used by anglers of all ages. The caddy also comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. The organization system gives people everything they need for a great fishing experience. The fishing system has been designed to help make fishing more enjoyable, and give people more time to fish, rather than track down and organize their tackle and supplies. To see a video of The Fishing Caddy benefits, visit: https://youtu.be/PgphtihKGsI.

The Fishing Caddy is trusted by many large retailers and consistently earns a 5-star review from those who have tried it out. It can be found online, as well as at  Walmart, Do it Best, Ace Hardware, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, and Scheels locations, and at the company website: https://thefishingcaddy.com.

About The Fishing Caddy

The Fishing Caddy is the world’s first all-in-one fishing system. Created by Joe Pippins, the caddy offers anglers an easy and simplified way to head out fishing. Features on the caddy include two rod holders, a cup holder, live well for storing fish, tackle box, and a padded seat option. Pippins also offers business consulting services for those who would like guidance on product launches and business development. For more information, visit the site at: https://thefishingcaddy.com.

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Memoir Details Author’s Journey with Mental Illness and Disability
 
Long Island, NY, May 19, 2021 – As we enter Mental Health Awareness month, one author and artist is sharing her coming-of-age story through the lenses of mental illness, disability and steadfast determination. Long Island native Ruth Poniarski’s first book, Journey of the Self: Memoir of an Artist, published by Charlotte, North Carolina-based Warren Publishing, is a stunning and unflinchingly-honest memoir that challenges the stigmas placed on mental illness. The book has received glowing reviews, including a Kirkus Star review.

It started as a college prank; a friend offered Ruth Poniarski a brownie that, unbeknownst to her, was laced with angel dust. What resulted was a debilitating accident, and the first of many mental breakdowns that spiraled into diagnoses of psychosis, schizophrenia, severe anxiety and bipolar disorder.
 
For years, Poniarski struggled to cope with her new reality as she undertook a rigorous architectural program, sought out new friends (and the perfect mate) and battled through the depths of mental illness. Her journey led her in all directions as she sought comfort, solace, stability and love.
 
Now an accomplished artist, Poniarski considers her memoir to be a portrait of sorts.

“This book, like many of my paintings, is about introspection,” she says. “So many of us, particularly when we’re young, seek definition through labels or through what others think of us. It’s so easy to say, ‘I have bipolar disorder, therefore, X,’ or, ‘So and so doesn’t love me the way I love him, therefore, Y.’ But none of that is who we truly are.”
 
The release of Poniarski’s memoir is particularly timely in light of the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing orders.

“A lot of people are stuck at home right now. This kind of isolation forces a person to examine themselves; what makes them unique beyond who they are to society,” says Poniarski. “That kind of self-reflection allows us to become more available to others. You have to know yourself first.
 
“So, who am I?” Poniarski laughs. “Well … you’ll just have to read the book!”

For more information about Ruth Poniarski or her book, please visit: ruthponiarski.com.
 
Journey of the Self: Memoir of an Artist
222 pages/Paperback/$15.95
ISBN: 978-1734707557
Available at warrenpublishing.net, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com or wherever books are sold.

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New Brunswick introduces new legislation on vaping

Beamsville, ON, May 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Legislation was tabled this week by Health Minister Dorothy Shephard that will create a registry of vape businesses and require retailers to obtain a license to sell vape products. The Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) supports this legislation and views the registration process as a positive step to protect youth.

The CVA has encouraged all governments to implement such policy to aid in developing more consistent and rigorous enforcement. By licensing retailers, New Brunswick is creating a better pathway to enforcement. Through the implementation of this program, irresponsible vendors can now be more easily penalized through fines and license suspension. Licensing also provides a pathway to revoke the license of repeat offenders, baring them from selling vape products.

“Youth vaping prevention is best addressed through consistent enforcement and controlled access points. Licensing requirements limit the number of channels available to youth and are a step in the right direction for accountable enforcement. For this licensing program to be effective the government must implement reporting channels and regular inspections,” said Darryl Tempest, Executive Director of the CVA.

Shephard also stated that New Brunswick can expect to see future bills restricting flavours and increasing the minimum age to purchase vape products to 21. Should New Brunswick move forward with plans to restrict flavoured vapes, implementation must be carefully considered.

Not only will a total ban on flavoured vapes cause an increase in combustible tobacco use, but it will also result in approximately 40 small businesses closing, 250 jobs lost, and dozens of broken lease agreements. As a result, completely banning flavours will have serious consequences on both public health and the economy. Aside from the direct consequences of this policy, New Brunswick can expect illicit sellers to fill the void left by the ban. Historically, prohibition has always led to a strong black market. Illicit sellers will introduce potentially dangerous products to the province with no oversight or age verification.

However, restricting flavoured products to age-restricted specialty vape stores would eliminate all legal access points for youth. This action in combination with New Brunswick’s new licensing requirement creates a straightforward pathway to enforcement and youth protection.

New Brunswick has taken a strong step to protect youth with its registration program. Future legislation on flavours should seek to continue to protect youth while balancing the needs of adult smokers that have chosen vaping to reduce their harm.

Father of Holistic Medicine Helps People Manage Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Naturally

Dr. Norman Shealy, the father of holistic medicine, promotes natural solutions to manage depression, anxiety, and stress.

May is National Mental Health Awareness month. Dr. Norman Shealy, the father of holistic medicine and founder and President of the Shealy Sorin Wellness Institute, provides natural remedies for depression, anxiety, and stress.

With over 70 years of combined experience in true holistic healthcare and scientific research, the Shealy Sorin Wellness Institute strives to provide the highest standard available educational materials, instruction, guidance, and wellness products to achieve successful outcomes where conventional medicine has failed.

“My goal has always been to help people heal. Much of my work has involved helping treat patients who suffer from chronic back pain. I have been working hard for decades to find another way to help patients manage their pain, depression, anxiety, and stress in a truly effective way that doesn’t require highly addictive medications. Our mission at the Shealy Sorin Wellness Institute is to help empower and touch the lives of millions, to promote true holistic health care, and to share our scientific research and the latest innovations to promote health and wellness. We are putting the HEAL back in HEALthcare,” Dr. Shealy said. “We value and practice a forthright, honest approach. Our goal is to provide our patients to proactively treat and prevent disease, achieve and maintain wellness, increase vitality, to create optimal wellness for everyone we work with.”

In contrast to transitional physicians who focus on modern medicine solutions and medications to lessen discomfort without changing behaviors, holistic physicians use a preventative, whole-body approach to healthcare by combines the best of conventional medicine with complementary and alternative medicine.

Dr. Norman Shealy and partner Dr. Sergey Sorin offer a Biogenics course to reduce anxiety and stress, alleviate chronic pain, and manage difficult emotions. The course teaches how to retrain the brain to help detach from things that cannot be changed. The course focuses on mind, body, and spirit.

For more information, visit realholisticdoc.com or normshealy.shop

YouTube - youtube.com/results?search_query=shealy+sorin+wellness

Facebook - facebook.com/ShealySorinWellness

Instagram - instagram.com/shealysorinwellness/

About Dr. Norman Shealy

C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D., D. Sc., FACS, DABNS, is president of Shealy -Sorin Wellness Institute and Holos Energy Medicine Education. He is often called the “Father of Holistic Medicine” and founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1978.

Dr. Shealy created the concept of Holistic Medicine in 1971 with the introduction of the first-of-its-kind Shealy Pain & Rehabilitation Institute, which evolved into the Shealy-Sorin Wellness Institute—addressing patients who have been failed by conventional medicine. Dr. Shealy is a world-renowned neurosurgeon and is well-known for the invention of the spinal cord stimulation procedure and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS Unit), which are utilized all over the world, among numerous other medical breakthroughs.

How to Relieve Post-Workout Pain When You’re Feeling the Burn

There is nothing better than a workout where you set new personal bests. Except for that hot shower afterward that washes away your sweat and eases the soreness. However, sometimes your muscles can become especially sore after intense workout sessions.

Understand the Physiology

So how do you prevent that discomfort from happening? The best way is to understand the physiology causing it. When actin and myosin filaments pull across each other, your muscles contract and extend with each rep you do in the gym. Your body is using adenosine triphosphate to fuel the filament conjunction, and one of the byproducts of this chemical reaction is lactic acid. Over repeated exercise, as you work towards muscle fatigue, lactic acid will build up in the muscle and result in painful cramps and aches.

Utilize CBD to Relax Your Body

Gentle stretching and warming up before an intense workout to loosen and extend the muscles and tendons will prevent injury, but it also prevents post-workout soreness. Many athletes combine yoga practice with strength training and cardiovascular activity to work their muscles strategically. Because the different types of exercise provide different levels of intensity and exertion, a balanced regimen may stave off much of the cramping and pain post-workout. Consider using a topical aspirin-free analgesic, like Hemp Mountain CBD. Products that contain CBD can help soothe sore muscles and joints. Recent research on the many benefits of CBD has more athletes than ever integrating it into their routines. Because CBD does not cause hangovers, you can enjoy its soothing effects without sacrificing your energy later.

Consider Getting a Massage

Another option is to indulge in a deep tissue massage post-workout. A skilled massage therapist is trained to knead out toxins in the fascia (the compartment surrounding the muscle groups) and ease strained musculature. Many gyms now offer these services as a benefit to members, but if you need to source a licensed massage therapist on your own, a good place to start is your state’s board of licensed professions. LMTs may also be certified to provide other holistic services, such as acupuncture, cupping, or hands-on energetic therapies which many athletes consider beneficial to their wellness regimen.

Make use of Supplements

If a good knead is slightly above your price range, don’t forget you can always head to the supplement aisle. By purchasing a good pre-workout, you are fueling your body before you begin exercising with high doses of readily accessible energy and nitrogen to stimulate protein genesis which in turn leads to building more muscle fibers. There are hundreds of brands and varieties available to choose from, with purveyors ranging from online stores to brick-and-mortar vitamin retailers. Another simple and effective solution is to drink lots of water. A good rule of thumb according to the American College of Cardiology is to drink water equal to half your body weight in ounces each day, provided that you do not have underlying kidney disease or congestive heart failure as a medical diagnosis. Of course, with any wellness advice, you should consult your physician to determine the best options for your personalized fitness plan. Be sure to do your research to find a solution that will suit your particular health needs

TELUS Esports Series powered by Northern Arena hosts its first Rocket League Tournament

TELUS is calling upon Canadian gamers of all skill levels to join the Canada-wide Rocket League esports series for a chance to win more than $50,000 in prizes

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, TELUS announced the launch of the TELUS Esports Series powered by Northern Arena, a six-week-long multi-tiered gaming league for Canadians age 15 and up with more than $50,000 worth of gaming and wellness prizes to be won. The TELUS Esports Series will feature the game Rocket League, a free-to-play, family friendly sports-based video game. The tournament will take place virtually from June 12 to July 23, and viewers can watch the tournament finals which will stream on GINX Esports TV Canada on July 31 and August 1.

“With its unmatched symmetrical upload and download speeds, our world-leading PureFibre network gives customers a seamless online gaming and streaming experience, and we are proud to take that experience further with our very own TELUS Esport Series,” said Amit Nag, Vice President of Entertainment at TELUS. “As Canadians of all ages spend time online, it’s important for us to help them form healthy gaming habits, which is why we are also providing literacy programs and tips from TELUS WISE throughout the event to inspire gamers to make healthier gaming choices.”

TELUS is working with Northern Arena, a premier esports and video game content producer to bring this highly produced gaming league tournament to Canadians. The tournament will cater to each player’s comfort and skill level and players can join one of the two divisions for casual or competitive players.

“Northern Arena is thrilled about this great partnership with TELUS. We want to set the standard for esports events in Canada by producing high quality esports tournaments and leagues with high production values,” says Carl-Edwin Michel, Founder and CEO of Northern Arena. “The partnership with TELUS enables us to present the best the gaming community has to offer and the opportunity to showcase the amazing talent of esport players we have in this country.”

Alongside Northern Arena, TELUS is partnering with Adamas Esports, Best Buy Canada, GINX Esports TV Canada, and Turtle Beach to bring the best esport gaming experience to players:

• Adamas Esports is an emerging global leader in esports performance. The team specializes in performance coaching, sports psychology, and exercise science, providing professional services to top tier esports organizations across a multitude of competitive titles, including League of Legends, Call of Duty, and Overwatch.
• Best Buy Canada is one of Canada’s largest and most successful omni-channel retailers. With over 160 Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores across Canada and an expanded assortment of lifestyle products offered through BestBuy.ca, Best Buy is a leader in total retail, catering to customers how, when, and where they want to shop. Best Buy Canada is committed to making a positive impact in the community with programs and partnerships that support youth to connect with technology to advance their education.
• GINX Esports TV Canada is Canada’s only 24-hour esports channel featuring live events, news, and gaming lifestyle programming from around the world and is available via most Canadian cable providers as well as Amazon Prime Video Channels and the Apple TV app.
• Turtle Beach is the world’s best-selling gaming headset brand, known for pioneering first-to-market features and innovations in high-quality, comfort-driven headsets for all gamers. Turtle Beach’s ROCCAT brand combines detail-loving German innovation with a genuine passion for creating award-winning keyboards, mice, headsets, mouse pads, and other PC gaming accessories.

Kicking off June 12, games will take place over the course of six weeks with opportunities to win prizes every week by participating in the online community. Prizes will be awarded to the top ten teams in the casual division and competitive division, and include gift cards, wellness, and training sessions from Adamas, and an ultimate gaming setup from Turtle Beach.

Registration is now open to all Canadians age 15 and over. For more information to register and a full list of prizes, visit http://esports.telus.com

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 long-standing commitment to putting 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 sectors of technology, gaming, ecommerce/FinTech, communications/media, health care and travel/hospitality. 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 our 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.

How to Create the Perfect Outdoor Living (and Work) Room 

Spring is here, and it’s time for pandemic-weary homeowners to ready yards and landscapes for backyarding. Yes, backyarding is a word – and one that we all need right now. 
The pandemic thrust us into a new reality, and the backyard has a starring role. With a year of limitations on where we go, how we gather, and who we connect with, yards and other managed landscapes became a safe haven. 

Backyarding became a way of life as lawns, gardens, patios and decks evolved into outdoor offices, classrooms, family gathering places, and the new ‘hot spots’ in our neighborhoods. So how is the backyard set up to meet all of these needs?

Create activity zones. Consider what needs to happen in the backyard and map activity areas. A shady table can double as a home office, study zone, art table, or dining spot. A hammock or outdoor sofa can suffice for napping, reading or studying. A patch of sturdy grass is perfect for sports, family games and play. A fire pit offers cozy chairs for star gazing and socializing, while a grill near a seating area promises delicious meals. A wall, fence, or pergola may hold an outdoor movie screen for nighttime viewing. An herb or vegetable garden helps kids learn about science and nutrition while reaping the satisfaction of growing food for the table. 

Factor functionality with purpose. Is there a quiet spot for conference calls? Or a shady spot that minimizes glare for online video meetings? Note where electrical outlets are and if an outdoor-rated extension cord will be needed to accommodate all of the electronics that may be used outside. Check wifi coverage and cell service in the yard and determine if there is enough comfortable seating.

Spruce up existing landscaping. Assess the backyard and do some basic “clean up.” Fix bare patches in the grass. Use a leaf blower to clean out flower beds. Prune bushes and trees. Cut the grass to a healthy height. Add a fresh layer of mulch around your trees and in flower beds. Freshen up by weeding, planting flower beds, and filling pots with colorful flowers and verdant plants.

Use plants and shrubs to hide unsightly items and control noise. Trees, shrubs and bushes offer cover from neighbors, deliver shade, camouflage unsightly pool equipment and air handlers, and tamp down noise. Planters with flowers between seating and eating areas on a patio add visual interest and privacy. Shrubs and tall plants are a terrific privacy-creator (and noise canceller for those conference calls).

Put the right plant in the right place. Choosing the right plants for the climate zone and for your lifestyle will create a backyarding space that is attractive. It will also be easier to maintain, and support pollinators and wildlife. Consider watering and sunlight or shade needs for any plants added. A hardy grass variety is more likely to hold up to pets and kids. Save delicate flowering plants for patio containers, and be sure to check out the ASPCA list of toxic plants to keep pets safe.

Invite the outdoors in. Blending interior and outdoor living spaces helps the backyard feel like an extension of the home. Open blinds and curtains to the yard. Use complementary indoor and outdoor décor in similar colors, materials and styles to create a cohesive space. This enables everyone to transition seamlessly from indoor life to outdoor living. 
For more information and tips about living landscapes visit www.TurfMutt.com. 

Medicago and GSK announce positive interim Phase 2 results for adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine candidate

Similar antibody response in adults and in the elderly after two doses 
Neutralizing antibody responses were 10 times higher than people recovering from COVID-19
No related severe adverse events reported

QUEBEC CITY and LONDON, May 18, 2021 /CNW/ - Medicago, a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Quebec City, and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) are pleased to report positive interim Phase 2 clinical trial safety and immunogenicity data for Medicago's plant-derived COVID-19 vaccine candidate, which has been tested in combination with GSK's pandemic adjuvant. These results are part of the ongoing Phase 2/3 study and reiterate the promising profile observed during Phase 1 testing. Immunogenicity, as measured by the neutralizing antibody titer, was high - about 10 times higher than those in a panel of sera from patients recovering from COVID-19. No related severe adverse events were reported and reactogenicity was generally mild to moderate and short in duration. 

"We are very excited to see such positive results from the Phase 2 data. After two doses, the adjuvanted vaccine candidate induced robust neutralizing antibody and cellular immune responses in all subjects, irrespectively of age," said Nathalie Landry, Executive Vice President, Scientific and Medical Affairs at Medicago. "These results give us confidence as we continue to move forward with our Phase 3 clinical trial. We hope to add another tool in the global fight against COVID-19, particularly as cross-protection emerges as an important consideration in vaccination efforts worldwide."

Thomas Breuer, Chief Medical Officer, GSK Vaccines said, "We are delighted to see that the results suggest a very strong immune response. Medicago's COVID-19 vaccine candidate, combined with GSK's pandemic adjuvant, was also well tolerated, reinforcing its potential benefits. We now look forward to the outcome of the ongoing Phase 3 trial of the refrigerator-stable vaccine candidate as the next step forward in our contribution to the global response to the pandemic."

The Phase 3 trial of the vaccine candidate launched on March 16, 2021. Trial sites are currently enrolling subjects in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Brazil, with additional sites expected to be added in the coming weeks. The vaccine candidate has received Fast Track designation by the FDA in the United States, and Health Canada has initiated a review of Medicago's COVID-19 rolling submission under the Interim Order. 

About Phase 2: Results Summary

The interim data from Phase 2 trial in adults and in the elderly have been published on an online preprint server at MedRxiv. 

• This publication focuses on presenting safety and tolerability results, and immunogenicity, as measured by neutralizing antibody (NAb) and cell mediated immunity (IFN-γ and IL-4 ELISpot) responses, in Adults aged 18-64 (Adults) and Older Adults aged 65+ (Older Adults). 
• Medicago's vaccine candidate with GSK's pandemic adjuvant exhibited an acceptable safety profile and adverse events (AE) were primarily mild or moderate and of transient duration. 
• AEs in Older Adults were more limited than those observed in the Adult population. 
• Medicago's vaccine candidate with GSK's pandemic adjuvant induced a significant humoral immune response of similar strength in both age cohorts after two doses. 
• The vaccine candidate induced a greater humoral response in Adults than Older Adults after a single dose but after the second dose both age cohorts responded with NAb titers that were about 10 times higher than those in a panel of sera from patients recovering from COVID-19. 

About the Phase 2/3 study

The Phase 2/3 study is a multi-portion design to confirm that the chosen formulation and dosing regimen of CoVLP (two doses of 3.75 µg CoVLP combined with GSK's pandemic adjuvant given 21 days apart) has an acceptable immunogenicity and safety profile in healthy adults 18-64 years of age, elderly subjects aged 65 and over and adults with comorbidities.

The Phase 2 portion of the trial was a randomized, observer-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the adjuvanted recombinant COVID-19 plant-derived vaccine candidate in subjects aged 18 and above. It was conducted in multiples sites in Canada and the United States on a population composed of healthy adults (18-64y), elderly adults (over 65y) and adults with comorbidities. Each age group enrolled up to 306 subjects randomized 5:1 to receive the adjuvanted CoVLP vaccine candidate: placebo and with 2:1 stratification in older adults (65-74 and ≥75). All subjects will be followed for a period of 12 months after the last vaccination for the assessment of safety and durability of the immune responses to the vaccine candidate which will be the final analysis.

The Phase 3 portion is an event-driven, randomized, observer-blinded, crossover placebo-controlled design that will evaluate the efficacy and safety of the CoVLP formulation, compared to placebo, in up to 30,000 subjects in North America, Latin America and Europe and within the same population.

About Medicago

Medicago is on a mission to improve global public health using the power of plants. Founded in 1999 with the belief that innovative approaches and rigorous research would bring new solutions in healthcare, Medicago is a pioneer in plant-derived therapeutics. We are proudly rooted in Quebec, with manufacturing capacity in both Canada and the US. Our passionate and curious team of over 500 scientific experts and employees are dedicated to using our technology to provide rapid responses to emerging global health challenges, and to advancing therapeutics against life-threatening diseases worldwide.

For more information: www.medicago.com

About GSK and its commitment to tackling COVID-19

GSK is a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com/about-us.

GSK is collaborating with companies and research groups across the world working on promising COVID-19 vaccine candidates through the use of our innovative vaccine adjuvant technology. The use of an adjuvant is of particular importance in a pandemic situation since it may reduce the amount of vaccine protein required per dose, allowing more vaccine doses to be produced and therefore contributing to protecting more people. GSK does not expect to profit from COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic phase and will invest any short-term profit in coronavirus related research and long-term pandemic preparedness, either through GSK internal investments or with external partners.

SOURCE Medicago

Preliminary results suggest nearly 6% of Montreal children tested from October to April had antibodies to SARS-CoV-2

MONTREAL, May 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Preliminary results from a study underway in Montreal shed important light on the extent to which 2 to 17 years-old have had COVID-19 between last October 2020 and this April 2021. As an overall average, 5.8% of participating children were found to have antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. However, the seroprevalence (proportion of children with antibodies in their blood) increased sharply over time. In October and November of 2020, only 3.3% of children had antibodies. By April 2021, in the third wave, 8.9% of the students tested had antibodies. The results of this study are preliminary and have not yet been peer-reviewed.

The study which was announced October 20, 2020, named EnCORE, collected finger prick (dried blood spot) samples from 1,632 children and adolescents attending schools and daycares in four neighbourhoods of Montreal: the West Island, Plateau Mont-Royal, Montreal North, and Mercier-Hochelaga Maisonneuve (HOMA).

“Our preliminary results show infections in children and adolescents grew faster in the February-April 2021 period,” says project lead Dr. Kate Zinszer, Assistant Professor at l’École de santé publique, Université de Montréal, and researcher at the Centre de recherche en santé publique. “The results also suggest that seroprevalence is higher in neighbourhoods with lower socio-economic indexes and at a greater percentage for racialized residents. That said, our results could also simply reflect the later timing of recruitment this winter and spring in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve (HOMA) and Montreal-North areas, corresponding to increased transmission via variants during our third wave.”

Seroprevalence estimates by neighbourhood suggest that 4.8% of children and teens on the West Island had antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, 5.4% in the Plateau, 6.2% in HOMA, and 7.3% in Montreal-North. The blood samples were taken from 354 children in daycare, 725 children in elementary schools, and 553 students in high schools. Looking at the geographical split, 33% were from Plateau-Mont-Royal, 31% from the West Island, 22% from HOMA, and 15% from Montreal-North.

“Interestingly, of the 95 children who tested positive for antibodies with our serology test, 82% had previously tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 or had never been tested for the virus. This means most of the participating children's infections would have gone undetected without this study,” adds Dr. Zinszer.

The survey portion of the study also gives insight into vaccine confidence and the mental health repercussions of the pandemic on Montreal children, teens and their parents.

“Most of the parents surveyed, 86%, said that they were likely to have their child vaccinated against COVID-19, but the percent is lower among visible minorities,” states Dr. Zinszer. “About a third (33%) of parents who were from visible minorities indicated they would be reticent to vaccinate their children.”

When it comes to behaviour and emotional health, surveys filled out by parents suggest 33% of children have had difficulties with emotions, concentration, behaviour, or relationships with other people. In addition, 55% of children have been less physically active, 54% have been spending more time on screens for non-educational purposes, 81% have been spending less in-person time with friends, and 54% are less socially connected. Interestingly, 14% of parents reported their child was more socially connected during the pandemic than she or he had been before COVID hit.

“These preliminary results correspond with growing evidence that COVID-19 is affecting poorer neighbourhoods and racialized communities more than others,” says CITF Leadership Group member Dr. Jim Kellner, a pediatric infectious disease consultant and leader of the CITF’s Pediatric Network. “This means that efforts to protect these communities through public health surveillance, safer workplaces, and tailored vaccine distribution need to be scaled up urgently. As well, vaccinating adolescents is the right thing to do, now that we have vaccines that are Health Canada approved for age 12 and up. Although seroprevalence may have reached 9.6% in some neighbourhoods recently, herd immunity is far off. We need to include younger children in vaccination strategies, offering them safe and effective protection from this very serious illness.”

Recruitment continues

The EnCORE research study is starting its second phase and is calling on all parents and legal guardians with children attending selected schools and daycares to have their children take part. Participation requires a consent form, an online questionnaire, and a home finger prick test. Researchers will inform parents if their child does have antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, although that still does not guarantee immunity against the virus that causes COVID-19. Vaccination is recommended in any case for people who have antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. To participate in the study or see if your child’s school or daycare is participating, please visit the EnCORE website: encorestudy.ca.

About the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force

The Government of Canada established the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force in late April 2020. The Task Force is overseen by a Leadership Group of volunteers that includes leading Canadian scientists and experts from universities and healthcare homes across Canada who are focused on understanding the nature of immunity arising from the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. To that end, the CITF is supporting numerous studies to determine the extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Canada (in the general population as well as in specific communities and priority populations), understand the nature of immunity following infection, develop improved antibody testing methods, and help monitor the effectiveness and safety of vaccines as they are rolled out across Canada. The Task Force and its Secretariat accordingly work closely with a range of partners, including governments, public health agencies, institutions, health organizations, research teams, other task forces, and engages communities and stakeholders. Most recently, the Task Force has been asked to support vaccine surveillance, effectiveness and safety as part of its overall objective to generate data and ideas that inform interventions aimed at slowing—and ultimately stopping—the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Canada. For more information visit: www.covid19immunitytaskforce.ca