Represented by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) and the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC), the consortium's mandate is simple — to improve patient care by using a consistent model to educate doctors in training and evaluate those in practice.

"Traditionally, CanMEDS has been used to train and evaluate new doctors during residency training, but the new consortium has pledged to embed CanMEDS values throughout their entire education and career, from the undergraduate years in medical school through to lifelong learning in practice," said Dr. Royal College CEO Dr. Andrew Padmos, FRCPC, FACP. "Each organization has pledged to embed CanMEDS in their respective areas of work. It's a move that represents a major step forward for the profession."

The CanMEDS Framework organizes the many competencies of a doctor under seven different roles: Medical Expert, Communicator, Collaborator, Leader, Health Advocate, Scholar and Professional. Numerous organizations in Canada and abroad have used aspects of the CanMEDS model for up to 25 years. Going forward, the consortium will enable a more systematic and coordinated adoption across the country.

"We see the new consortium as a great way to enable use of the CanMEDS Framework for family physicians and all other specialists," said CFPC Executive Director and CEO, Dr. Francine Lemire, CCFP, FCFP, CAE. "It will help to guide continuing professional development throughout physicians' careers, create more consistent professional standards and support better outcomes for our patients."

A consistent approach to education and evaluation will increase efficiency for the organizations delivering the training and the physicians receiving it. It will also help the medical regulatory authorities — who monitor the professional behaviours of residents and licensed doctors — to evaluate them along the same benchmarks.

"The CanMEDS Framework is a pivotal part of our education programs and the AFMC is delighted to be a co-chair of this transformative consortium," said Dr. Geneviève Moineau, FRCPC, President and CEO of the AFMC. "The pan-Canadian collaboration to further CanMEDS is a wonderful statement of our commitment to physician education and a manifestation of our social accountability to patient care."

CanMEDS Consortium members include: 

• The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
• The College of Family Physicians of Canada
• The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada
• The Canadian Federation of Medical Students
• The Canadian Medical Association
• The Canadian Medical Protective Association
• The Canadian Patient Safety Institute
• The Collège des médecins du Québec
• The Fédération médicale étudiante du Québec
• The Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada
• The Fédération des médecins residents du Québec
• The Medical Council of Canada
• The Resident Doctors of Canada

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (Royal College) is the national, not-for-profit organization that oversees the medical education of specialists in Canada by setting high standards for postgraduate medical education and continuing professional development. In collaboration with health organizations and government agencies, the Royal College also plays a role in developing sound health policy in Canada.

The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) represents more than 35,000 members across the country. It is the professional organization responsible for establishing standards for the training and certification of family physicians. The CFPC reviews and accredits continuing professional development programs and materials that enable family physicians to meet certification and licencing requirements and lifelong learning interests. It also accredits postgraduate family medicine training in Canada's 17 medical schools. The College provides quality services, supports family medicine teaching and research, and advocates on behalf of family physicians and the specialty of family medicine.

The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) represents the country's 17 faculties of medicine and is the national voice for academic medicine. Our organization was founded in 1943 and functions to support individually and collectively Canada's medical schools through promotion of medical education, research, and clinical care. 

 

CSPL white paper calls for changes to increase physician involvement

Effective reform of the Canadian health care system cannot occur without the involvement and leadership of physicians.

That's the main conclusion of "Accepting our responsibility: a blueprint for physician leadership in transforming Canada's health care system", a white paper prepared by the Canadian Society of Physician Leaders (CSPL).

The document outlines actions that must be undertaken by individual physicians, the medical profession as a whole, health care organizations, and governments to bolster the role of physicians as leaders to help change the system.

"The current framework for creating and supporting physician leaders in Canada today is disorganized, episodic, and limited in scope," said CSPL past-president and study co-author, Dr. Johny Van Aerde.

"While there are examples of physicians being meaningfully involved in helping shape health care transformation and innovation in Canada, these examples are limited," said Dr. Van Aerde, who is also clinical professor of pediatrics at the universities of British Columbia and Alberta.

Findings in the paper are based in part on the first-ever survey of physician leaders in Canada conducted by the CSPL, in partnership with the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and the Centre for Health Innovation at the University of Manitoba.

Among the findings from the survey of 689 physician leaders:

• Many physicians take on a leadership role with no compensation or only a minimal stipend
• Only 54% of physicians in formal leadership roles are compensated for pursuing leadership training or education
• Only 39% said they were involved in innovative projects in their organization

"Organizational policies often exclude physicians from meaningful leadership roles, but the culture of medicine must change to acknowledge the responsibility of physicians to the system as a whole," said Dr. Van Aerde.

The white paper contains a number of recommendations to enhance physician leadership and improve physician participation in health care reforms, including the following:

What physicians should do

• Explore and challenge their personal mental models and the world views that restrict them from engaging in the health care system and realizing their potential as leaders.
• Be willing personally to participate in and champion efforts by colleagues to understand the reform agenda within their provincial health care system and the implications for their own area of responsibility.
• Take steps to negotiate appropriate working conditions for physicians in a reformed health care system.

What health care service organizations should do

• Make changes in organizational structure and design, jointly advocated by the organization and physician representatives, to alter policies and practices toward involving physicians in informal and formal leadership roles.
• Use informal and formal communications approaches to ensure that physicians are aware of organizational issues and priorities and are able to respond and provide feedback on such issues.

What provinces and medical associations should do

• Initiate negotiations to formalize and support regional and organizational efforts to realize effective physician leadership and engagement.
• Work with universities and health research agencies, both provincially and nationally, to identify best practices; either conduct or gather research on the impact of various models of physician leadership and engagement; and share that knowledge widely with potential partners.
• Provide financial support for physician leadership development and remuneration for physicians in leadership roles.

What Canada should do

• The Government of Canada and Health Canada are encouraged to endorse the recommendations of the Advisory Panel on Healthcare Innovation and, in the spirit of human resource development, instill in the national innovation hub strong support for physician leadership development and engagement.
• The Canadian Medical Association should develop a policy statement that recognizes the importance of physician leadership in health care reform and, through its subsidiary, Joule, reform and expand its existing efforts to increase physician leadership.
• The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the College of Family Physicians of Canada, provincial colleges, and medical schools across the country should expand their efforts to embed leadership development in formal medical education and professional development.

"This paper is the first step toward improved physician engagement and leadership in the Canadian health care system," said Dr. Becky Temple, president-elect of the CSPL. "We are asking all stakeholders to initiate a dialogue and take action to support physician engagement and leadership in the context of their own organization or setting."

"The thoughtful and encompassing white paper from the Canadian Society of Physician Leaders is a valuable document, showing the way to the overdue health care reform urgently required in Canada.  The paper acknowledges the essential leadership of physicians in health system design and management at all levels, while also focusing on the required collaborative approach to system improvement.  Only by working in partnership with all stakeholders in the health care system may we expect to develop sustainable and high quality care," said Canadian Medical Association president Dr. Granger Avery.

"The document acknowledges the important step taken by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in changing its basic framework for medical education (CanMEDS 2015) to acknowledge the role of physician as 'leader'," said Dr. Andrew Padmos, president and CEO of the Royal College. "We agree with the CSPL that every physician is a leader and leaders can and should be found at all levels."

"Family physicians can be leaders, both in their local communities and at the national level," said Dr. Francine Lemire, executive director and CEO of the College of Family Physicians of Canada. "This white paper provides the rationale for all family physicians to consider taking leadership roles."

About the Canadian Society of Physician Leaders (CSPL)

The Canadian Society of Physicians Leaders is the "go to" organization for physician leaders. Since 1998, it has been providing support and development opportunities for Canadian physicians to help them succeed in their leadership and management roles in health care. The CSPL, with Joule (a CMA company), hosts the only annual meeting in Canada dedicated specifically to physician leadership.

 

http://www.tfri.ca/en/NewsEvents/news/news-releases-detail/2017/02/02/the-terry-fox-research-institute-princess-margaret-cancer-centre-and-bc-cancer-agency-launch-innovative-pilot-project-to-accelerate-precision-medicine-in-canada

In a national first, today the Terry Fox Research Institute and two leading cancer centres in Canada -- the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto and the BC Cancer Agency in Vancouver -- launched an innovative pilot project to accelerate precision medicine for their cancer patients.

The initiative comes at a time when other developed countries are investing heavily in strategies to improve survival from cancer through precision medicine and increased collaboration. The pilot will provide much-needed evidence on how best to roll out a broader vision for data sharing and collaborative translational and clinical research to enable precision medicine for cancer patients.

The pilot is the first phase for developing and implementing a national program that will link high-performing comprehensive cancer research centres, hospitals and universities and their clinical and laboratory programs across Canada through the Terry Fox Designated Canadian Comprehensive Cancer Centres Network.

"With the support of The Terry Fox Foundation, TFRI is pleased to have provided catalytic funding to bring this novel and innovative research initiative forward. A project of this scope with two leading cancer care and research institutions working together in this way has never been done before," remarks Dr. Victor Ling, president and scientific director of the Terry Fox Research Institute. "Our ultimate goal through this collaboration is to create a national network of designated Terry Fox comprehensive cancer centres that will be able to deliver excellence in personalized and precision medicine from coast to coast to coast."

"As a world-leading comprehensive cancer centre, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre has made strategic investments to enable personalized cancer therapy through efforts in immune therapy, genetic sequencing and molecular imaging, thanks to the ongoing support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.  We are excited to participate in this new strategic partnership with the Terry Fox Research Institute and the BC Cancer Agency to enable collaborative efforts in these areas and to accelerate the implementation of effective, targeted therapies for patients," said Dr. Bradly Wouters, executive vice-president, science and research, University Health Network.

"This project will leverage BC's pioneering contributions in massively parallel sequencing and cutting-edge research in cancer immunology and molecular imaging.  Along with our funding partner, the BC Cancer Foundation, we are committed to excellence in cancer care and research and we are pleased to be a founding partner in this initiative. We will share our expertise and learn from each other to make a substantive difference for cancer patients in British Columbia and across Canada" said Dr. François Bénard, vice-president research at the BC Cancer Agency.

"As a long-time supporter and Terry Fox Run organizer who is inspired by Terry's selfless example, courage and unwavering determination, I am delighted to witness these world-leading organizations working together, bringing hope and innovative care to help more patients survive their cancers," said Pam Damoff, Member of Parliament for Oakville North-Burlington. "Terry Fox reminded us that anything is possible if we try. This partnership is an example of that."

Through the pilot project, these organizations will provide complementary analyses of specimens (e.g. tumour biopsies and blood samples), identify and determine ways to harmonize their research processes, set up an IT infrastructure for data sharing, and develop resources required to conduct multi-centre precision medicine clinical trials.  The initial focus will be on colorectal, ovarian, and prostate cancers, with the goal of improving the health outcomes of patients through treatment by precision medicine.

Each organization is contributing $4 million over the next two years for a $12-million total investment that will see multidisciplinary teams focus on four specific research thrusts that are institutional priorities: genomics, immunotherapy, molecular imaging and data sharing.

Networking and shared efforts of comprehensive cancer centres already operate in many other countries, including the US and Europe.  A multimillion-dollar continuing annual investment from many funding sources is required for the pan-Canadian network to become fully operational.

Several national and international cancer experts have voiced their support for the TFRI-led initiative, saying that Canada already has many elements that would contribute to the network's success and its aim to transform cancer care so current and future generations will benefit from precision medicine.

About The Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI)
Launched in October 2007, The Terry Fox Research Institute is the brainchild of The Terry Fox Foundation and today functions as its research arm. TFRI seeks to improve significantly the outcomes of cancer research for the patient through a highly collaborative, team-oriented, milestone-based approach to research that will enable discoveries to translate quickly into practical solutions for cancer patients worldwide. TFRI collaborates with over 70 cancer hospitals and research organizations across Canada. TFRI headquarters are in Vancouver, BC. www.tfri.ca

About Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network
The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre has achieved an international reputation as a global leader in the fight against cancer and delivering personalized cancer medicine. The Princess Margaret, one of the top five international cancer research centres, is a member of the University Health Network, which also includes Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the Michener Institute for Education; all affiliated with the University of Toronto. For more information, go to www.theprincessmargaret.ca or www.uhn.ca.

About BC Cancer Agency
The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. For more information, visit www.bccancer.bc.ca or follow us Twitter @BCCancer_Agency.

For more information, or to schedule an interview with any of the institutional leads, please contact:TFRI: Kelly Curwin, 604-675-8223; 778-237-8158 (cell) kcurwin@tfri.ca

PM/UHN: Jane Finlayson, Public Affairs, (416)946-2846 jane.finlayson@uhn.ca
BCCA:  Pamela Gole, Communications, 604-877-6282 pamela.gole@bccancer.bc.ca
Pilot Project Backgrounder: http://www.tfri.ca/docs/default-source/default-document-library/pilot-project-backgrounder-f.pdf

Q&A about The Terry Fox Canadian Comprehensive Cancer Centres Network: http://www.tfri.ca/docs/default-source/research/tf4cn-faq_v7_online.pdf

"Medcan has always focused on behaviour change to drive better health outcomes.   By moving onto a digital health platform, we are striving to reach more clients in ways that are convenient for them and on an ongoing, more personalized basis," says Shaun Francis, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Medcan. "Currently, Medcan's virtual care offering allows clients to have a video medical appointment from anywhere in Canada via their mobile device. This is just the tip of the iceberg of what we want to achieve."

Francis adds that the solutions Medcan offers employers today will continue to evolve, with an even deeper focus on solving for some of the most challenging issues employers face in keeping all employees healthy and productive.

Francis explains: "Employers are faced with the rising costs of prescription drugs, absenteeism, and disability leave, associated with diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and other chronic conditions. They are also motivated to enhance their commitment to supporting employees with mental health conditions, and solve for the increasing prevalence and business impact of mental illness. We want our services to be extended to employees at all levels, to educate them and inspire them to make the right choices and address their health needs.  Our platform and solutions will support employees with chronic conditions in developing healthy habits and reversing downward health trends."

To achieve these priorities, Medcan is building partnerships with relevant digital health navigation and care journey providers. "We want to be relevant to all employees in all stages and situations.  We are driving toward a solution that serves our clients where, when, and how they need care most," says Francis.

About Medcan
Medcan provides organizations and individuals with services that inspire them to live well through achieving their very best health – in both body and mind. Medcan offers a comprehensive range of screening and diagnostic assessments, which, in combination with innovative programs tailored to specific needs, are designed to successfully reach improved health outcomes. The Medcan team of 350 staff includes more than 65 physicians. For more information, visit www.medcan.com.

Celebrate Canada150 by Train!
Win a Rail Vacation from CanadaRail.ca at Canada's Marathon 

Canada's Marathon – Scotiabank Calgary Marathon – is pulling out all the stops for Canada's Sesquicentennial, including partnering with a celebrated Canadian artist on a commemorative Toonie medal and giving away a trip for two by rail, courtesy of CanadaRail.ca.

Not only will participants experience the Coast to Coast to Coast course when they run in the 2017 Scotiabank Calgary Marathon, runners will also take home a piece of Canadiana thanks to the generosity of well known Canadian artist and illustrator, David Crighton.  His iconic 1995 illustration titled "Canada Coast to Coast" was originally commissioned by a Canadian Corporation that had offices in 5 major Canadian cities – east to west, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver.  Now the illustration will be on the 2017 finisher's ribbons and technical T-shirts for participants.

"We are proud to partner with David to commemorate such a special year for Canada. Runners will experience the coast to coast to coast course on race day and take home both their finisher's medal and t-shirt with David's beautiful illustration to remind them of their achievement and Canada's Sesquicentennial," says Executive Director of Run Calgary, Kirsten Fleming.

David Crighton was born in Edmonton, son of an Anglican minister, his father's career took him to Ontario where the family eventually settled in Toronto.  A love of cartoon doodling leads him to enter Central Technical High Schools Art Program in 1973.   It was here that he found his first success with his talents as an architectural illustrator when given a project to go out and illustrate a building.   The rest, as they say is history.  David's ability to capture the memories and heart of a city and its communities through illustrations of its iconic landmarks is legend.

"I am thrilled my artwork has been selected to represent the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Race Weekend in honour of Canada's 150^th Birthday in the province of my birth." says David Crighton,

Runners will experience the diversity and charm of the entire country as the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon is paying tribute to the Sesquicentennial by adding experiences along the course unique to the different parts of Canada. You can kiss a cod in Newfoundland, eat watermelon with a Rider fan in Saskatchewan and get your medal from a cowboy in Alberta.

Register for any of the distances (from 5K to the special one-time only 150K in celebration of the Sesquicentennial) and you will receive a unique technical white t-shirt with David's illustration sublimated across the bottom and your distance on the back of the shirt. When you finish the race, you'll receive a commemorative Toonie medal with the same illustration on each ribbon.

And finishing the race will enter your bib number in a draw. If you win, you will enjoy a four-day tour travelling aboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Vancouver in style. The Scotiabank Calgary Marathon is partnering with CanadaRail.ca to give away two tickets aboard the luxury train for a four-day trip from Banff to Vancouver worth $5800.

"As runners we see parts and pieces of the country by foot while we train and when we race. Having the opportunity to see parts of the country by train is a pretty special way to celebrate crossing the finish line at Canada's Marathon and commemorating this momentous year for our country," says Fleming.

CanadaRail.ca is a Canadian company, based out of Calgary, dedicated to sharing the wonder and beauty of the country with its clients.

"It's an experience you will never forget, seeing the beauty and splendor of the Rockies while enjoying the luxury and service of the Rocky Mountaineer is a memorable way to top off the achievement of a big race during this milestone year for Canada," says Martin Flanagan, CEO of CanadaRail.ca on partnering with Run Calgary on this unique prize.

Register for any of the distances (from 5K to the special one-time only 150K in celebration of the Sesquicentennial) and cross the finish line on May 28 and you will be entered in the draw. The catch? You have to be in the stands to claim your prize and will only have one minute to make your way to the stage from the 17,000 seats in the Grandstand. The draw will be made at random by a computer that has all the bibs that have crossed the line at 2:01p.m., one minute after the finish line closes.

CanadaRail.ca Video & Trip Details:
http://canadarail.ca/specials/charity/hope
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cALrfgeLkYw
Images of medals and t-shirts Courtesy: Dave Holland

Whole Health Pharmacy Partners and #SickNotWeak work together to provide better support for patients with mental health needs through pharmacies.

"Our new partnership with Michael Landsberg and #SickNotWeak is exciting, because we know there is a real need for more tools and training in pharmacies to better serve the mental health needs of  our communities," commented Dean Miller, CEO of Whole Health Pharmacy Partners. "Between driving awareness, providing more education and resources, and connecting to the #SickNotWeak community, we believe our pharmacies will be better positioned to support mental health needs."

The first initiative in this new partnership is #Here4MentalHealth, which is a program designed to raise awareness of mental health needs within the pharmacy, and the communities they serve.  After completing extensive patient and caregiver research, a comprehensive program was developed and includes:

1. Education day with specialized training from a multidisciplinary team deepening capabilities of pharmacy staff to support patients in their respective communities.
2. Handouts developed through conversations with patients and caregivers, so the contents are inspired and guided by people who truly understand the experience.
3. In-store peer-to-peer support through interactive weekly challenges encouraging people to share their tips and perspectives related to the management of their mental health needs.
4. Mental Health Mondays, wherein pharmacy staff will be wearing #SickNotWeak attire to build awareness for mental health.
5. Social media campaign highlighting the findings from the patient and caregiver research, and engaging online communities about mental health.
6. Downloadable support tools for all pharmacists interested in delivering better care for these patients.

The #Here4MentalHealth supports Canada's mental health strategy Changing Directions, Changing Lives, by supporting the recommendation to "Provide access to the right combination of services, treatments and supports, when and where people need them."

Michael Landsberg, the founder of #SickNotWeak, added, "We patients know so much about being on the receiving end of health care.  Whole Health Pharmacy Partners came to us and asked how they can do a better job on the giving end. This is rare and amazing.  These conversations helped build tools that will make a significant difference in the lives of people who can really use the support."

"Given that most people see their pharmacist more regularly than they see their physician, we think this initiative will make the burden that so many patients feel they carry around, a little bit lighter.  And sometimes that little bit of help can make all the difference," says Michael Landsberg.

With one in five Canadians being affected by mental health problems or illness, there is a real need to deliver better care at pharmacy.  Especially since patients often overlook the pharmacy as a source of support and help for mental health needs.

Dean Miller added, "We want patients and caregivers to know that the pharmacy is a safe and accessible place to get additional help and support.  The uniqueness of the contents for this initiative is that it was effectively developed by patients, for patients, which is not as common as you'd expect.  After #Here4MentalHealth launches, we will continue to work with the #SickNotWeak organization to develop more programs which can connect with patients through a deeper understanding of their needs, and what works for them."

About Whole Health Pharmacy Partners
One of Canada's newest and fastest growing pharmacy banners, with stores from British Columbia to Ontario, Whole Health Pharmacy Partners is a like-minded partnership of independent pharmacists, committed to delivering the best possible patient programs and a business model that helps ensure long-term sustainability.  Along with over 20 stores already part of the network, hundreds of pharmacists have already expressed interest in this unique new model that offers partners: Long-Term Equity, Transparency, Operational Autonomy, Geographic Exclusivity, and Proven Leadership.  For more information visit www.wholehealthpharmacy.ca.

About #SickNotWeak
Founded by Michael Landsberg, #SickNotWeak is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping people understand that mental illness is a sickness, not a weakness. With his decades-long television career, combined with his decades-long battle with depression and anxiety, Landsberg is uniquely qualified to fight back against the stigma that surrounds mental illness. #SickNotWeak hopes to lead by Landsberg's example of approaching the conversation surrounding mental illness in a raw and candid way, mixed with a dash of that Landsberg attitude and humour. For more information visit www.SickNotWeak.com.

RELATED LINKS: http://www.wholehealthpharmacy.ca; http://www.sicknotweak.com

Dexcom Inc., the leader in Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM), has expanded with Canadian headquarters

Dexcom, Inc. (NASDAQ: DXCM) announced today that it is expanding its global presence with a new Canadian headquarters in Burnaby, British Columbia. The move aims to make it easier for more Canadians to get started with CGM.

The launch of Dexcom (Canada) Inc. means that Canadians living with diabetes can expect enhanced customer experience and support, and the ability to purchase CGM systems directly at Dexcom.com/Canada. This expansion reflects Dexcom's mission and commitment to make it easier for Canadians living with diabetes to experience the benefits of CGM for diabetes management. Unlike blood glucose testing which gives a number for a single point in time, CGM shows where glucose is, where it's going, and how fast it's getting there – so patients can take quick action to avoid dangerous glucose events or increase time spent in range.

"Dexcom is committed to transforming diabetes care and management by delivering best-in-class solutions and by responding to the needs of the community," explains Kevin Sayer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dexcom. "We are excited to share our dedication to driving better outcomes and improved quality of life for people living with diabetes in Canada."

Dexcom's new Canadian operation coincides with the launch of the Dexcom G5 Mobile CGM system. It is the only CGM system in North America approved to replace painful fingerprick glucose testing for diabetes treatment decisions, making it a significant leap forward in diabetes management (fingerpricks are only needed every 12 hours to calibrate). The Dexcom G5 is also the first and only fully mobile CGM system that sends glucose data directly to a compatible smart device. Securely transmitted every five minutes, this glucose information allows for real-time diabetes management.

The Dexcom G5 Mobile CGM System is approved to use in patients as young as 2 years of age, without the need for confirmatory fingerpricks. And with the ability to share data, parents can remotely monitor their child's glucose information and receive alerts – for peace of mind while their child is beyond their supervision.

"When I'm running long distances, hypos are a constant danger," explains endurance athlete Sébastien Sasseville, who lives with Type 1 diabetes. "With the Dexcom G5, I get glucose readings every five minutes so I know right where I stand, and where I'm headed. I can act immediately to bring my levels into the right zone. And all of this data is right on my phone, so I don't have to carry around my receiver which was a hassle. But the best part is I don't have to stop mid-run and do annoying, painful fingerpricks – I can really just focus on the finish line." With the help of his Dexcom CGM system, Sasseville has completed six Ironman Triathlons, run the Sahara Race, and, most recently, run 7,200 kilometres across Canada, the equivalent of 170 marathons.

The Dexcom G5 Mobile CGM System will be available within the first quarter of 2017. And marking Dexcom's commitment to helping Canadians access this technology, the company will be offering monthly pricing options for the first time globally. Canadians interested in the Dexcom G5 Mobile CGM system and staying up to date on its launch are encouraged to visit Dexcom.com/Canada.

About Diabetes and Continuous Glucose Monitoring
With diabetes, the body cannot produce or use the hormone insulin effectively, causing a buildup of glucose, or sugar, in the blood. People with diabetes who take insulin must monitor their blood glucose levels frequently. Uncontrolled glucose can cause health complications and even death.^i,ii

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is considered the most significant breakthrough in diabetes management in the past 40 years.ⁱⁱⁱ CGM is important because, in addition to providing the glucose level, it provides the direction and rate of glucose change with the push of a button and alerts users when glucose is too low or too high with built-in and customizable alarms. A recent study showed that after one year, patients with type 1 diabetes who used CGM alone had significant A1C reductions regardless of the type of insulin delivery method used, including insulin pumps.^iv

About Dexcom, Inc.
Dexcom, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, CA, and has operations in Canada, is dedicated to helping people better manage their diabetes by developing and marketing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) products and tools for adult and pediatric patients. With exceptional performance, patient comfort and lifestyle flexibility at the heart of its technology, users have consistently ranked Dexcom highest in customer satisfaction and loyalty.^v For more information on the Dexcom CGM, visit www.dexcom.com.

References
i Hyperglycemia (High blood glucose). American Diabetes Association Web site. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/hyperglycemia.html. Updated August 5, 2013. Accessed December 3, 2013.
ii Hypoglycemia (Low blood glucose). American Diabetes Association Web site. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/hypoglycemia-low-blood.html. Updated July 16, 2013. Accessed December 3, 2013.
iii Clarke SF and Foster JR. A history of blood glucose meters and their role in self-monitoring of diabetes mellitus. Br J Biomed Sci. 2012;(3)2:83-93.
iv J. Soupal, J. Skrha Prazny, M. Flekac, L. Petruzelkova, J. Skrha, et al. Comparison of different treatment modalities for Type 1 diabetes including Sensor-Augmented Insulin Regimens (SAIR), in 52 weeks of follow ups: A COMISAIR Study. Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics. Vol 18, No. 9, Sept. 2016.
v dQ&A research, 2009-2016

Research highlights motivations, plans to achieve fitness/nutrition goals

One in three (33%) Canadians say improving their personal fitness and nutrition is their top new year's resolution, compared with only 21 per cent who chose to focus on financial goals, based on a recent Ipsos survey.

The survey, conducted on behalf of GoodLife Fitness, also found 13 per cent of Canadians resolved to dedicate more time to travel and leisure, 11 per cent plan to quit bad habits like smoking or drinking, and 10 per cent would spend more time with family and friends.

"It's great to see more Canadians choosing fitness and nutrition as their number one resolution for 2017 because it suggests people are making positive choices when it comes to eating well and being active, with the goal of feeling better overall," said David 'Patch' Patchell-Evans, founder and CEO of GoodLife Fitness.

More than half (53%) of Canadians say improving their overall quality of life is the primary motivation for pursuing a health and wellness resolution. Preventing health risks (45%), losing weight (42%) and increasing their energy (41%) ranked as other top reasons to exercise more and eat better.

Many Canadians say they're willing to make lifestyle changes to achieve their fitness and nutrition goals. Nearly half (45%) say they would plan to change their eating habits by developing a healthy meal plan, while one in three (34%) say they would set a weight loss goal for themselves.

Other Canadians are looking to become more active. Four in 10 (41%) would spend more time outdoors, while one in four (24%) say they'd find a friend to be active with. One in five Canadians (18%) say they would join a gym.

"These are all concrete steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Whether it's joining a fitness club, consulting with a personal trainer, making a meal plan or just getting out for a walk, Canadians are finding ways to eat healthier foods and exercise more in 2017," said Patch. "The important part is to build healthier habits into your daily routine. That way you're more likely to stick with your resolution beyond the first few weeks."

To find out more about what helps Canadians stay motivated to work out, GoodLife Fitness polled 1,100+ longer-term members who have work out at the gym a minimum of 10 times per month, over the past two years or longer.

GoodLife Fitness' research experts conducted a topic-modelling analysis on the responses, and found the top three motivating factors for long-term members are:

• The positive feeling or emotional boost that occurs after exercise – whether it's more energy, a productivity boost, a better mood or a sense of relaxation.
• The community and people they meet when they go to the gym: their personal trainers, the group class instructors, the team trainers, the people in their group classes, and their friends. The members often looked to others for accountability and motivation.
• The long-term benefits of exercise, including that chance to feel younger and have a better quality of life as they age.

 

When asked about the secret to long-term fitness success, the most popular response was to rely on a personal trainer or group fitness instructor to motivate them and keep them accountable. Another secret was to make exercise a non-negotiable part of the daily routine. Finding something you love to do is also a major part of success – whether it's running, yoga, weights or group fitness classes.

"Making a personal connection at the gym, by bringing a friend, taking a group fitness class, working with a personal trainer, or by signing up for a team training camp seems to be an essential step in establishing a fitness routine," explained Tracy Matthews, GoodLife Fitness Executive Director of Member Services. "We heard repeatedly that members feel better after a workout, and would actually push themselves to go to the gym to boost their mood and productivity. These immediate emotional and psychological benefits are major drivers in helping members stick with their routine."

About the research
Ipsos survey
Ipsos conducted a poll on behalf of GoodLife Fitness. A sample of 1,000 Canadians were interviewed between December 15 and December 19, 2016 as part of Ipsos' online panel. Weighting was then employed to balance demographics to ensure the sample's composition reflects that of the adult population according to Census data and to provide results intended to approximate the sample universe. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval.  In this case, the poll is accurate to within +/ - 3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, had all Canadian adults been polled.

GoodLife Fitness long-term member survey
The survey of long-term members was led by Scott Leith, Ph.D, data scientist and research psychologist with GoodLife Fitness. GoodLife received 1,120 responses to an online survey of long-term active members, who have worked out a minimum of 10 times per month for two years or more. Members were asked a series of closed and open-ended questions and a topic-modelling analysis was performed to determine overarching themes in the open-ended questions. The average age of respondents was 45, and the 25^th percentile age was 33. Respondents were approximately 55 per cent female and 45 per cent male.

About GoodLife Fitness
Proudly Canadian since 1979, GoodLife Fitness is the largest fitness company in Canada and the fourth largest in the world. With over 375 clubs from coast-to-coast, including 40 Énergie Cardio and ÉconoFitness Clubs in Quebec, approximately 14,400 employees and more than 1.3 million Members, GoodLife is helping to transform the health and wellness of one in 28 Canadians every day. GoodLife also provides workplace wellness programming and services to more than 3,000 corporate partners across Canada. www.goodlifefitness.com