Study Urges Public Health to Embrace Sunlight Benefits

Just weeks after research warned Canadians that vitamin D deficiency was costing Canadian healthcare $12.5B annually by leading to a higher risk of developing life-threatening illnesses, a new study from the US is supporting the Canadian research and challenging conventional sun exposure advice. The study calls for public health organizations to re-evaluate their current message of sun avoidance and to promote non-burning sun exposure for vitamin D and other health benefits.

The recently published study, written by one of the most qualified and diverse groups of researchers in the fields of pigment cell research, photobiology, melanoma research, dermatology and vitamin D, “The Risks and Benefits of Sun Exposure 2016” by David G. Hoel, Marianne Berwick, Frank R. de Gruijl and Michael F. Holick, has found that insufficient sun exposure is an emerging public health risk.

Published in Dermato-Endocrinology, the report says that the current state of the science behind the risks and benefits of sun exposure suggests that public health advice should be changed to recommend that all men, women and children accumulate sufficient non-burning sun exposure to maintain their vitamin D blood levels at 75 nmol/L (30 ng/ml) especially in northern climates. The research goes further, reporting about the positive benefits of vitamin D and outlines how many other photoproducts produced by sunlight exposure are beneficial to our health.

In Canada, lab tests relied upon by doctors, consider the sufficient vitamin D blood level range to be between 75 to 150 nmol/L or higher in some provinces. Currently 65% of Canadians, or 2 out of every 3, do not meet the 75 nmol/L vitamin D blood level and have insufficient vitamin D levels.

“The results of our study show that to live a healthier life, it’s important for North Americans to increase their vitamin D levels through non-burning sun exposure,” says Dr. Michael Holick, Scientific Advisor for the Vitamin D Society and Professor of Medicine at Boston University Medical Center. “Insufficient sun exposure has become a major public health problem, demanding an immediate change in the current sun-avoidance public health advice. Generating vitamin D with non-burning exposure to the sun every day or under artificial UVB sources can help prevent the development of serious diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis and others. Remember that the UV index must be above 3 and your shadow shorter than you are to produce vitamin D from the sun.”

A new Canadian study reported that increasing vitamin D intake could spare 23,000 Canadians premature deaths annually and save Canada $12.5 billion in healthcare spending and associated costs. The study found that Canadians vitamin D levels have been dropping  due to lower sunlight exposure putting more people at risk of life-threatening illnesses.

“More and more research is being published urging individuals to increase their vitamin D levels through non-burning sun exposure,” says Perry Holman, Executive Director of the Vitamin D Society. We need to start looking at UV exposure differently and embrace the benefits while controlling for the risks of overexposure.”

Canadians can get their vitamin D levels checked by their physicians, or online, through a simple 25(OH)D blood test to ensure they aren’t deficient.

About the Vitamin D Society:

The Vitamin D Society is a Canadian non-profit group organized to increase awareness of the many health conditions strongly linked to vitamin D deficiency; encourage people to be proactive in protecting their health and have their vitamin D levels tested annually; and help fund valuable vitamin D research. The Vitamin D Society recommends people achieve and maintain optimal 25(OH)D blood levels between 100 – 150 nmol/L (Can) or 40-60 ng/ml (USA).

To learn more about vitamin D, please visit www.vitamindsociety.org

As the New Year approaches, many people begin to ponder about potential New Year’s resolutions. Whether it be getting into better shape, or advancing your career, the first step in making personal and professional enhancements is shoring up the foundation… which is YOU.  As you develop your New Year resolutions, it is important to prioritize mental health and wellness goals. Chinwe Williams is an associate professor at Argosy University, Atlanta. She also has private practice where she helps many of her patients deal with stress and anxiety. Wellness strategies have become essential for the prevention of physical and mental health illnesses.  Below are a few simple self-care tips that Dr. Williams says you can immediately implement to help you optimize your overall mental and emotional well-being.

Dr. Williams' 6 Mental Health and Wellness Tips

1. Limit the use of technology. Technology holds an important place in our modern society. However, the amount of time we spend on technology is astonishing and can impact us socially and psychologically. While technology can provide a nice escape from life stressors (e.g., Netflix binges and Instagram surfing), our attachment to technology can also breed isolation.  A study looking at human behavior noted a negative relationship with increased social media use and happiness in relationships. Additionally, taking a break from technology is a great way to give your brain some much needed down time allowing creativity to flow in.  Intentional disengagement with your smart phone may lead to intentional and meaningful engagement with others.
2. Take a hike. Thanks to cognitive neuroscience, we know that physical health is a key component of mental health.  The mind and body is not just connected but deeply intertwined.  Our bodies immediately respond to the way we think, feel, and behave. Movement based practices have been shown to boost endorphins, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Physical activity can also help clear your head of thoughts making room for sharper focus.  Whether your New Year resolution involves starting a new hobby, losing a few pounds or enhancing your overall health, try to commit to brief, but regular, exercise practices. Yoga, Zumba, or hiking are just a few activities that can calm your mind and your body.
3. Nurture important relationships. Relationships need maintenance, just like anything else. The importance of spending quality time with close friends and family cannot be overestimated. While there are a dozen technological ways to connect with friends, there’s nothing like real face time, specifically sharing the same space and breathing the same air as another human being. Small gestures build strong connections. Plan to spend time with loved ones on a routine basis just to unwind, laugh, and have some old fashion fun. You know that person that keeps popping up in your mind this week? Give him/her a call. It may not be such a random thought.
4. Begin Journaling. The first step in improving your mental and emotional health is recognizing your thoughts and emotions, and understanding the root of them. Expressing yourself through writing can help to ease mental discomfort by releasing negative, destructive emotions.  Begin the practice of journaling by jotting down your thoughts and feelings about events that occurred during the day. Journaling is very therapeutic-it enhances your self-awareness and understanding of what is deeply meaningful to you.  Be sure to start or end each journaling session by including what you are most grateful for.  Gratitude is acknowledging the positive aspects of your life and expressing thanks for them.
5.  Don’t be afraid to say “No”. Although “No” only has 2-letters, it might as well be a four-letter word for some.  At one point or another, we’ve all suffered from the “disease to please.” Saying yes when you want to say no often leads to feeling overwhelmed and sometimes resentful.  It can also do a disservice to yourself and the person making the request. It is important to note that by saying no to that coworker or neighbor means that you are saying yes to other things that you truly value, an afternoon with a loved one, or just time alone re-charging.
6. Be compassionate with yourself. What ever your resolutions are for the New Year, remember to be kind to yourself. Tackling a new challenge is not always easy. The road to progress is pebbled with ups and downs and frequent setbacks. Setting extremely high or unrealistic expectations for yourself increases the likelihood that you may not meet them, which can reinforce feelings of shame or self-doubt. Don't beat yourself up! The key to optimizing efforts toward any goal is to remain persistent, recognize your accomplishments-no matter how small, and to be patient with yourself.

As the holidays draw to an end and the New Year quickly approaches, which mental health and wellness strategy will you begin?

Provata Health Launches Groundbreaking Virtual Reality Guided Meditation App

PORTLAND, Ore. (November 22, 2016) -- Leading digital health company Provata Health announced the launch of Provata VR, a virtual reality (VR) guided meditation app available on the App Store. The app signifies the Portland startup’s aim to pioneer a new category of digital health: Virtual Reality Preventive Care.

With Provata VR, users escape to a variety of stunning locations around the world, including tropical waterfalls, secluded beaches, dazzling Northern Lights and even underwater coral reefs. Selecting from a collection of guided meditation exercises, users train their mind to positively impact their productivity and mood in immersive, idyllic settings.

The app also introduces meditation biofeedback, a patent-pending system that leverages advances in physiological monitoring to enhance the meditation experience. Users can sync popular wearable devices, such as Apple Watch, to visualize the effects of their meditation sessions on their heart rate. Through smart feedback, Provata VR helps users better understand which meditation exercises, locations, and times of day have the greatest impact on their heart rate.

“Virtual Reality presents an opportunity to expand digital health to new frontiers,” said Alex Goldberg, CEO of Provata Health. “The typical guided meditation approach—an audio recording instructing you how to meditate—hasn’t advanced much technologically in decades. Combining VR with mindfulness meditation and biofeedback monitoring lets users transport themselves to relaxing environments while seamlessly tracking their progress, bringing new dimensions to the meditation experience.”

As mindfulness meditation grows in popularity, scientific research reveals its benefits are widespread, including increased productivity, lower stress, as well as improved focus, cognitive skills and memory. The effects extend to physiological measures as studies indicate that meditation can help to lower risk of strokes and heart attacks. Studies suggest mindfulness meditation may even alleviate chronic pain by activating brain regions associated with pain control.

Provata Health provides the first commercial digital health program proven to improve both the physical and mental health of participants in a peer-reviewed medical journal. “Given the mounting evidence of the positive effects of meditation on our mental and physical health, Provata VR truly embodies our emphasis on providing holistic digital health solutions that address our total health,” Goldberg explained.

Currently the fastest-growing private tech and healthcare company in Oregon, Provata Health partners with employers, health plans, and hospital systems to provide evidence-based programs proven to improve the health of employees and lower medical costs. Provata VR marks the company’s first product available to both employers and consumers alike.

Anyone can download the app for free and upgrade to the premium version, which will be available at no cost to employees participating in Provata digital health programs through their employer or health plan.

Watch the Video: http://provatahealth.com/vr-health#provata-vr-video

Website for the app: http://provatahealth.com/vr-health

Download the app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/provata-vr-guided-meditation/id1121506806?ls=1&mt=8

Link to Release: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161122005302/en/Provata-Health-Launches-Groundbreaking-Virtual-Reality-Guided

Celebrate the holidays with swoon-worthy gifts from Toronto's favourite brands: Province Apothecary, Bacchus & Barley, Studio Fitzroy, Erin Tracy Bridal & Fine Jewellery, MISFITSTUDIO and VdeV Maison

The lights are strung, the snow is glistening and the streets are filled with joy. That's right folks, the holiday season is finally here. As the holiday spirit grows, so does your shopping list. Finding uniquely stunning gifts for your loved ones can be a battle. Fear not, Toronto's favourite brands have created exciting holiday gift guides with something for everyone on your shopping list. Celebrate the holidays this year with Province Apothecary, Bacchus & Barley, Studio Fitzroy, Erin Tracy Bridal & Fine Jewellery, MISFITSTUDIO and VdeV Maison. From beauty and fashion to fitness and home, these luxe Canadian brands will brighten your holiday season. 

Give the gift of glowing skin with Province Apothecary's all-natural holiday must-haves

New Radiant Body Oil with Argan + Black Cumin - $28.00 

Province Apothecary is here to gift young, radiant skin this holiday season with the new Radiant Body Oil. Province Apothecary's new Radiant Body Oil with Argan & Black Cumin is a luxurious blend of pure plant oils formulated to benefit all skin types. Let this rich body oil moisturize and nourish your loved one's skin and enliven and empower their spirit. Province Apothecary's beautiful blend of botanical carrier oils softens the skin, while geranium, clary sage, lavender and frankincense essential oils stimulate your creativity, boost cellular circulation, tone your skin and gently detoxify the body.

New Sea Salt Soap - $14.00 

Does someone on your shopping list have sensitive skin? Meet the perfect soap for everyone! Province Apothecary's rich soap gently cleanses with the moisturizing benefits of pure, unscented botanical oils of coconut and olive. Canadian sea salt infuses the skin with beneficial trace minerals and draws toxins out of the body naturally, resulting in soft, healthy skin. Say goodbye to dull winter skin and hello to a radiant complexion with the new Sea Salt Soap.

New Sweet Orange & Bay Essential Oil Incense - $16.00 

For a limited time only, Province Apothecary has the perfect scent for the holidays.Province Apothecary's new Sweet Orange & Bay Essential Oil Incense is the perfect way to uplift spirits and calm the mind through aromatherapy. Let the smell of Sweet Orange & Bay wash over your home with their soothing aromas. Whether your setting the mood for a holiday party or finding that perfect gift for that special someone, Province Apothecary's new Sweet Orange & Bat Essential Oil Incense has got you covered this holiday season.

Bacchus & Barley has leather lovers covered this holiday season with this leather accessory wish list 

The Necessities Tray (Spotted Cow-hide) - $59.00 

The Necessities Tray is designed for those who like to keep their essentials organized. Ever go to head out the door and can't find your keys, wallet, or phone? We used to have that problem until we discovered these trays. Problem solved. Every full-grain leather tray is totally unique as a result of the distinct markings on the hide. The tray also unsnaps to flatten for easy travel. The Necessities tray is a gift everyone can enjoy!

Available in spotted cow-hide, jet black, copper and whiskey brown

Night on the Town Wallet - $59.00 

Bacchus & Barley's minimalist credit card wallets, made of full-grain leather, are perfect for someone who loves a night on the town. Don't pull a Costanza, put away your bulky wallet and keep things simple by taking only the necessities. With a slim design, the Night on the Town Wallet kills "fat pocket syndrom." This is the perfect gift to keep your friends and family organized while painting the town red.

​Available in: copper, whiskey brown, chevron navy, black and red. 

Leather dog collar (brown) - $65.00 - $75.00 

Does fido need a holiday gift this year? Bacchus & Barley teamed up with a local tack shop to bring you these handmade saddle leather collars, giving your dog a look of elegance. In addition to their raw beauty, these leathers have been tried and tested to take on the wear-and-tear of your playful pooch. These products are crafted to grow more beautiful over time and are guaranteed to last the lifetime of your dog. Give that cute doggy in your life a classy gift this year. Matching leashes available as well.

Available in: brown and black

Stun at every holiday party with Studio Fitzroy's glamorous dress rentals 

The Last Word Dress by Pink Stitch -  $65.00 for 4 day rental 

Your favourite LBD is finally here in RED, just in time for the Holiday Party season! Book this one early because she's a magical little number that looks good on everyone. Plus, POCKETS. Also available in Black and Blue.

Fully lined.

Back zipper.

Midi length.

Night Shimmer Mini Dress by Free People - $60.00 for 4 day rental

This piece is the cutest little sequin party dress with nude lining. This dress looks gorgeous layered under a faux fur or even over a black turtleneck for when you're heading straight from the office to the party!

Poly/Nylon blend.

Imported.

Marchesa lace Gown by Elle Zietoune -  $100.00 for 4 day rental 

Be still our beating hearts. Ultra feminine long sleeved lace bodycon off the shoulder gown for when you need to get really fancy this holiday season.

Hidden back zipper.

Built in cups & boning.

Designed in Australia.

Imported.

Perry Set off the shoulder crop and tulle skirt -  $90.00 for 4 day rental

Bring sexy back this holiday season with this flattering number. High waist tulle overlay ballgown skirt with a lace off the shoulder crop top! Crop it like it's hot, ladies.

Designed in Australia.

Imported.

 Sparkle this holiday season Erin Tracy Bridal & Fine Jewellery's his and her gift guide 

For him

Koi Band Ring - $225.00 

Sterling silver or gold

For him

Koi Tag Necklace - $295.00

Sterling silver

For him

Koi Link Bracelet - $295.00

Sterling silver with matte black plating

For her

Talon Necklaces -  $125.00 

Sterling Silver, Gold Fill, Rose Gold, Crystals

For her

Deco Luxe Rings - $390.00

Sterling Silver or 10K Yellow Gold, Crystals

For her

Caldera Earrings - $250.00

Gold Fill, Grey Moonstone, Quartz

Celebrate the holidays with a healthy mind and body courtesy of MISFITSTUDIO

 MISFITSTUDIO Gift Card 

The MISFITSTUDIO gift card is the perfect holiday gift for the spiritual, fitness gurus in your life. Adopting a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to movement, MISFITSTUDIO takes the mind, body and soul on a wild physical journey with the MISFITMETHOD. Rooted in yoga, informed by pilates and inspired by dance, MISFITMETHOD incorporates movement as meditation.With two studios in Toronto, located on Queen Street West and Ossington Avenue, MISFITSTUDIO is the perfect place for health conscious Torontonians to re-centre, balance and move. Simply load up the gift card and wrap for a great holiday gift!

Deck the halls this season VdeV Maison's favourite holiday home accessories and gifts

Wool throw made by Latvia - 178.00$

Get snuggled up by the fire this holiday season with this stunning wool throw. Made with 100% lambswool, this cozy piece comes in red, black and grey.

Dimensions: W:79" X H:51" (W:201cm X H:130cm)

Alpine Candle - $28.00 

Nothing says the holidays like the perfect candle. This soy wax candle comes in a variety of

festive colours and scents. The green Alpine Candle smells of festive evergreen and embers. The indigo Alpine Candle smells of the sea, with a driftwood and indigo. For the man in your life, The brow Alpine Candle has the smell of tabacco and moss. Finally, the white Alpine Candle smells of sweet woods and mint.

Dimensions: H:3" X Ø:3.5" (H:8cm X Ø:9cm)

Fox bar glass - $12.00 

Love to serve spirited holiday drinks? VdeV Maison has the perfect bar glasses for you. These quirky glasses boast a lovely gold rim and a decorative painting of a fox, sun, moon or pineapple. Which one will you choose?

Dimensions: H:5" (H:13cm)

Cinema Lamp - $60.00 

Have fun this holiday season with VdeV Maison's Cinema Lamp. With 100 interchangable letters, you can select a festive, joyful message to illuminate your home. The Cinema lamp has Battery-powered LED or USB cable included, powered by an on/ff switch. The lamp requires 6 AA batteries or USB plug adaptor (not included).

Dimensions: W:12" X H:8.5" X D:2" (W:30cm X H:22cm X D:5cm)

Cindy Necklace - $24.00 

Add some sparkle to your holiday outfit this season with VdeV Maison's stunning Cindy Necklace. Available in three colours, gold, silver and copper, this lovely piece makes for the perfect gift for a lovely lady.

Dimensions: W:17" (W:43cm)

About: Province Apothecary is a holistic skincare and wellness brand recognized both for it’s effective natural skincare products and custom organic facials. PA is leading the way in green beauty with a unique blend of 100% active plant based, synthetic-free ingredients, establishing itself as a brand focused on a whole-body approach to beauty.

Owner and founder Julie Clark's journey into natural skincare developed out of her own struggles with allergies and eczema. Unable to find products that were pure and effective enough to heal her sensitive skin, she began blending her own. Now an accredited Holistic Health Practitioner and Aromatherapist, Julie continues to develop new products drawing inspiration from her facial clients, the weather and the seasons.

Province Apothecary sources the highest quality organic, wildcrafted ingredients from each Canadian Province and hand-blends these ingredients in small batches to create skincare that will nourish + balance skin. Julie’s favorite ingredients include: seaweed from Nova Scotia, maple syrup from Quebec, organic sunflower oil from Ontario, organic beeswax from Alberta, organic lentil flour from Manitoba, and organic raspberry oil and glacial clay from British Columbia. PA is blending the wilds of Canada into nourishing and balancing skincare.

All products are free from: petroleum, parabens, synthetic fragrances and ingredients, endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, dyes, alcohol, solvents, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), palm oil or derivatives, cosmetic grade ingredients and toxins of any kind.

Stockists: 50 Canadian +  USA retailers including Urban Outfitters, Whole Foods Market, The Detox Market, Well.ca and Credo Beauty.   All products can be ordered online both in Canada and the US - and can shipped nationally.

Visibility: Province Apothecary PA has been featured internationally in print and online by Vogue, Huffington Post, InStyle.com, Garance Doré, Wallpaper, Cool Hunting, Protein, Refinery 29, and Our Body Book.  In addition, a number of Canadian publications including: Fashion, En Route Magazine, Chatelaine, Flare, Elle Canada, Today’s Parent, Toronto Life, Globe and Mail, and The Toronto Star.

THINK YOU KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT LIPOSUCTION? THINK AGAIN.  10 OF THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS/MYTHS ADDRESSED

OR YOU COULD DO IT VIA TRAINING - For PT inquiries and online training email go to www.trainitright.com/programs

GUEST POST:

www.zannisplasticsurgery.com

Liposuction is one of the top 5 most common surgical procedures in The United States. Approximately 363,912 procedures are performed each year. While  every lay person knows that ‘liposuction sucks out fat,’ many are misguided about the procedure in terms of who is an appropriate candidate, how long the results last, and what the procedure can and cannot accomplish. Dr. John Zannis is a New Bern, North Carolina plastic surgeon who seeks to set the record straight.

Fat Will Come Back Somewhere Else After Lipo

The “fat return” fear is something plastic surgeons hear about pretty often, which is understandable! “New fat does not ‘find its way’ elsewhere after liposuction. This is one of the most common liposuction myths out there.  Liposuction removes part of the fat in an area, but if the body is overwhelmed by a large amount of calories that are not burned they are stored proportionately in every remaining fat cell in the body, ” Explains Dr. Zannis.  Fat cells aren't distributed evenly to begin with, and after lipo (or any type of fat cell removal) they definitely won't be distributed evenly. Even though individual fat cells grow evenly, there will be fewer in the places where the lipo happened, so those places won't fill out the same way they used to (which is what lipo patients want). Remaining fat cells in the rest of the body will pick up the slack. These cells will gain fat evenly, but not in the areas you're used to gaining in, since the fat cells in those places were liposuctioned out. He adds, “The more fat cells removed, the more the remaining fat cells will gain when you gain weight.”

Are the results of liposuction permanent?

The results of liposuction are intended to be permanent. What this means is that the fat cells which are removed will not reappear, but if you gain weight in the future, fat can accumulate in surrounding areas and the remaining fat cells in your treatment area can become larger. Dr. Zannis adds, “While the fat cells are permanently gone, you can once again find yourself with unwanted fat if you gain weight, so your healthy habits will determine whether you maintain your liposuction results.”

Is Liposuction a Reasonable Treatment for Obesity?

“Liposuction is not a good treatment for obesity,” says Dr. Zannis.  He adds, “Liposuction is not effective, even as a last resort, for people who are unable to lose weight by dieting and exercise.”

Are There Non-Surgical Alternatives to Liposuction?

“Liposuction is still considered the gold standard for body contouring:  It’s the most predictable, and it’s performed in a single treatment, says Dr.Zannis. However, there are minimally invasive alternatives  though they won’t give you as dramatic results and treatments may need to be repeated for the desired effect. The most effective non-invasive options use heat, cold, or ultrasound on the surface of the skin. These alternatives include, but are not limited to:

CoolSculpting

UltraShape

Vanquish

Liposonix

Kybella (currently only FDA-approved for use underneath the chin)

How much weight will I lose from liposuction?

Liposuction actually has little effect on the number on your scale. It is not a method for weight loss but is instead a way to address specific areas of stubborn fat, also known as body contouring. However, many patients who want to lose weight find great success by reaching their goal weight first and then using liposuction to fine-tine the appearance they’ve worked so hard for.

Can liposuction reduce sagging skin?

“Liposuction solely focuses on removing fat, so it will not tighten excess skin. However, some patients benefit from a surgery which combines both fat removal and skin excision, like a tummy tuck or arm lift accompanied by liposuction,” says Dr. Zannis.

Will I have scars after liposuction?

Any surgery will leave a scar, but the scars from liposuction are particularly small and subtle. Dr. Zannis explains that, “The incisions only need to be large enough for the tiny tube which removes the fat, so the incisions are very small and are strategically placed in areas that are as discreet as possible.”

Does Liposuction Treat Cellulite

Cellulite is the fat right below the surface of the skin. It typically looks bumpy and uneven because the fat pushes through the connective tissue. While many people think it is unattractive, cellulite doesn’t present any health concerns. “It’s also not removed by liposuction, although the procedure might make your cellulite less visible. If it’s a concern for you, you can discuss options for reducing the look of cellulite with your doctor,” says Dr. Zannis.

Instant six pack abs & breast reductions are possible with liposuction 

But it's important to manage your expectations. “The less fat you have, the more likely you will achieve sculpted, six pack abs than patients with higher body fat (despite having more fat removed),” Dr. Zannis stresses.

The More Fat Removed, the Better

“Actually, the more fat you remove, the higher the chances for risks you don’t want to deal with such as lumps and bumps.These fears are most likely driven by the fact that patients request aggressive treatment of localized fatty deposits. The more fat that is removed, the greater the potential risk of developing these problems,” says Dr. Zannis. The American Society of Plastic Surgery recommends limiting liposuction to 5 liters (about 11 pounds) in an outpatient setting.

Hispanic Adults with Diabetes Could Benefit from Peer Support Interventions

MU study finds peer support interventions effective at improving blood sugar levels of minority patients

Diabetes is a global health problem that disproportionally affects individuals of ethnic and racial minorities. Minorities are more likely to experience complications from the disease, and the death rate from diabetes among Hispanics is 50 percent higher than non-Hispanic whites, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health.

In the study, researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine examined the effectiveness of peer support interventions, where diabetic patients received support from a person who had knowledge from their own experiences with diabetes or someone who had been affected by diabetes, but may not have the disease themselves, such as a caregiver or family member. The researchers found that the interventions were effective at improving the blood sugar levels of participants from minority groups, especially those of Hispanic ethnicity.

“Peer supporters can help diabetic patients better manage their disease by providing advice on diet and exercise regimens, monitoring blood sugar levels and coping with the new diagnoses,” said Sonal Patil, M.D., assistant professor of Family and Community Medicine at the MU School of Medicine. “Peer support interventions have been suggested by the World Health Organization as a way to improve self-care behaviors of diabetic patients, but an adequate review of the effectiveness of such interventions has not happened.”

Patil and her colleagues analyzed results from 17 randomized control trials on diabetic peer support interventions conducted from 1960 to 2015. The researchers compared blood sugar levels of patients who received peer support to those who received similar care, but did not participate in peer interventions. Patil found that peer support interventions modestly improved patients’ blood sugar levels, with the most significant improvements found in studies with predominantly minority participants.

“Previous research has found that when culturally appropriate health education is provided to people with diabetes who belong to ethnic minority groups, their glycemic control and knowledge of diabetes improves,” Patil said. “Our findings suggest that peer health coaches might provide more culturally appropriate health education in ethnic minority populations, particularly Latino ones.”

Patil said that peer support interventions not only help diabetic patients, but also provide benefits to the peers delivering the support.

“Previous research has found that being a peer supporter to others actually increases one’s own self-management of the disease,” Patil said.

More random control trials are needed with African American participants before she can determine the effectiveness of peer support for that specific community, Patil said.

Additionally, Patil noted that peer support interventions should be done in conjunction, and not in place of, regular visits with the patient’s health provider.

Patil’s study, “Peer Support Interventions for Adults with Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of Hemoglobin A_1c Outcomes,” recently was published in the Annals of Family Medicine. The study was funded with internal funds from the University of Missouri Department of Family and Community Medicine.

###

About the MU School of Medicine

The MU School of Medicine has improved health, education and research in Missouri and beyond for more than 165 years. MU physicians treat patients from every county in the state, and more Missouri physicians received their medical degrees from MU than from any other university. For more information, visit http://medicine.missouri.edu/.

HelloFresh Canada expands nationwide

HelloFresh Canada is now delivering its healthy and convenient meal kits from coast to coast, to help all Canadians answer that age-old question: “What’s for dinner?”

“The entire team is proud of the progress we’ve made in just six months since our launch. We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our current customers in Ontario, and we’re certain people across the country will soon see the benefits of our meal kits,” said Ian Brooks, Managing Director, HelloFresh Canada. “This expansion reinforces our mission to provide nutritious, tasty meals to Canadians.”

HelloFresh’s unique culinary experience streamlines meal preparation by sending at-home cooks inspirational recipes and pre-measured, pre-chopped ingredients to make meals from scratch in 30 minutes or less. HelloFresh takes care of the meal planning, shopping, measuring, and delivery, leaving time for the fun parts: cooking and eating!

The service is simple – customers visit HelloFresh.ca, or download the app on Android or iOS. From there they choose their subscription option (Pronto Plan or Family Plan), and select their meals for the upcoming week. Meals are delivered weekly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays directly to customers’ doorsteps, packed in state-of-the-art boxes to ensure each delivery arrives fresh.

Recipes are developed in the HelloFresh test kitchen by an in-house culinary team headed by Irene Ngo. The meal kits contain seasonal ingredients, along with step-by-step recipes and nutritional information.

“We love sharing the joy of cooking every day in a way that is approachable and rewarding. We believe that healthy eating patterns start in the home, and our kits get Canadians started with easy and delicious recipes, and high-quality ingredients,” said Ngo.  “Our recipes explore new flavours and deliver crowd favourites, and get people on the path to healthy eating.”

The globally renowned organization first launched in Ontario, in June 2016, and will now reach nine provinces, excluding Quebec. The company continues to adapt its services to meet the ever-growing demand for “cook from scratch” meals. Subscribers globally are rediscovering the joy of food with HelloFresh by preparing healthy, tasty meals they can be proud to place on the dinner table. Canadian meal kits start at just $10.85 per plate. Visit HelloFresh.ca for all the available options.

Twitter: @HelloFreshCA

Facebook: Facebook.com/HelloFresh

Instagram: @HelloFreshCA

#HelloFreshLife

About HelloFresh

HelloFresh currently operates in the USA, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, Austria, Switzerland, and Canada. HelloFresh delivered 22.1 million meals in the 3-month period up to 30 September 2016, to about 850,000 subscribers. HelloFresh was founded in November 2011, and is based in Berlin.

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MedReleaf continues to lead on scientific research: Landmark, peer-reviewed study shows medical cannabis dramatically improves lives of veterans with PTSD

MedReleaf, Canada's premium licensed producer of medical cannabis, today announced the findings from a landmark study on the effectiveness of medical cannabis on military veterans diagnosed with PTSD. The study found treatment with medical cannabis improved aggregate patient reported outcomes by 50-60% with a 77% decrease in suicidal thoughts as well as a 50% reduction in the consumption of related medications.

The study, being presented today in Vancouver at the 7^th Annual Military and Veteran Health Research Forum, was conducted by Dr. Paul Smith, MD, using several of MedReleaf's proprietary strains of medical cannabis including AviDekel, Luminarium and Midnight.

From baseline to follow up, the study revealed a number of key insights on patient outcomes including:

• Aggregate score of both PTSD symptoms and social impacts improved by 59%
• Drug and alcohol overuse was reduced by 82%
• Marital and relationship harmony improved 65% and
• Severity of pain experienced by patients decreased 48%

Improvements in outcomes were also associated with a 50% reduction in the consumption of PTSD-related medications, including opioids. 36% of patients on PTSD related medications at baseline discontinued all such medications, for an estimated annual savings of $2,300 to $3,800 per patient.

"The evidence is overwhelming that cannabis is dramatically improving the lives of veterans with PTSD," noted Neil Closner, CEO of MedReleaf. "We're encouraged by Dr. Smith's work; it provides valuable insight and data that will assist the broader healthcare community in their quest to help veterans better manage their healthcare needs."

"In my practice, I see the worst of the worst in terms of PTSD; when all other treatment options fail, these patients come to me," noted the study's author, Dr, Paul Smith, adding "70% of veterans are dropping out of traditional PTSD programs in favour of a medical cannabis course of treatment and as the evidence overwhelmingly shows, it is remarkably effective."

Patients in the study required 9.4 grams of medical cannabis a day to achieve these results leading Dr. Smith to note, "There is no one-size-fits-all approach to effective cannabis dosing but I believe that when veterans get VAC coverage for cannabis oils and capsules, we'll see more veterans turn to this treatment and I think that with these new, accurate dosing methods of delivery we'll see a reduction in the amount of cannabis required for a course of treatment."

Following the presentation of the abstract at Forum 2016, Dr. Smith will submit the results for peer review with the goal of publication in the Journal of Veteran, Military and Family Health.

About the study

The study is based on chart audits of 100 patients with confirmed diagnosis of PTSD and who initiated a treatment of medical cannabis after January, 2014. Self-reported Patient-Related Outcomes (PRO) were captured at baseline and at a follow up visit between 3 and 18 months after initiation of a treatment of medical cannabis. The data review was conducted at a single medical practice with extensive treatment of medical cannabis and which serves a large number of military veterans.

The full abstract, including details on study background, methodology, epidemiology and detailed results can be found at www.medreleaf.com/research-overview.

About MedReleaf

MedReleaf is the leading, research-and-development driven, medical cannabis producer in Canada and the only ISO 9001 certified cannabis producer in North America. They offer the finest range of premium cannabis products sourced from around the globe and cultivated in their Ontario facility under the strictest guidelines and care. MedReleaf focuses on quality, safety, uniformity, and reliability, and they do it all to improve the quality of life for their patients. MedReleaf is setting The Medical Grade Standard^™, because quality assurance is at the core of every product they produce. Through tireless clinical research in concert with the Canadian medical community, MedReleaf is consistently striving to unlock the immense potential of medical cannabis, and is dedicated to leading the way in the discovery of its medical and therapeutic benefits.

For more information on MedReleaf, its products and processes, please visit MedReleaf.com

SOURCE MedReleaf Corp.