Twenty-nine Ontario hospitals compare themselves to international peers on surgical quality

 

TORONTO, Nov. 23, 2017 /CNW/ - A new report by Health Quality Ontario focuses on 29 Ontario hospitals who are participating in an international quality improvement program for surgery. Hospitals in Ontario performed just as well or better than their international peers on key metrics before, during and after surgery. Nearly 700 other hospitals around the world participate in this program.

Quality Surgery: Improving Surgical Care in Ontario (CNW Group/Health Quality Ontario)

The report, Quality Surgery: Improving Surgical Care in Ontario also shows areas for improvement.

This international program collects and compares surgical data on 14 indicators.  More than data, it also provides hospitals with best practices and programs to reduce the risks of post-treatment complications, and to make every stage of surgery as safe as possible.

"Ontario hospitals are stepping up to deliver on patient safety, showing a clear commitment to reduce complications after surgery and improve care," says Dr. Timothy Jackson, Provincial Surgical Lead at Health Quality Ontario.  "They are using high quality data to benchmark performance and identify areas for quality improvement."

All 29 participating Ontario hospitals are performing at expected levels or better than expected on:

  • C. difficile: a common hospital-acquired infection that affects the colon
  • Extended ventilation: patients needing ventilation longer than 48 hours after surgery (which can increase the risk of pneumonia)
  • Unplanned intubations: patients unexpectedly needing a breathing tube during or after surgery

Areas where the majority of the 29 hospitals highlighted in this report are performing as expected or better than expected are:

  • Mortality: a measure of the overall rate of death during or in the 30 days following surgery (96% of the 29 hospitals were as expected or better than expected)
  • Return to the operating room: patients needing another surgery to address a complication (96% of the 29 hospitals were as expected or better than expected)
  • Pneumonia: breathing devices like ventilators can increase the risk of lung infections (96% of the 29 hospitals were as expected or better than expected)
  • Blood clots (venous thromboembolism or VTE): patients generating blood clots because they aren't as active during recovery and their blood flows more slowly (96% of the 29 hospitals were as expected or better than expected)
  • Heart complications: heart attacks or cardiac arrest because of stress on the heart due to surgery (92% of the 29 hospitals were as expected or better than expected)
  • Hospital readmissions: patients readmitted to hospital due to complications like infections or blood clots (96% of the 29 hospitals were as expected or better than expected)
  • Kidney failure: kidney injury during surgery which can affect the kidney's function or even lead to kidney failure (92% of the 29 hospitals were as expected or better than expected)
  • Sepsis: a life-threatening illness caused by the body's response to infection (85% of the 29 hospitals were as expected or better than expected)

Areas where most of the 29 participating hospitals have the most room for improvement are:

  • Surgical site infections: different levels of infection setting into the incision or body part involved in the surgery (50% of the 29 hospitals needed improvement)
  • Morbidity: the overall rate at which patients experience common complications (38% of the 29 hospitals needed improvement)
  • Urinary tract infections: infections in the bladder and urinary tract that have an increased risk due to catheters (35% of the 29 hospitals needed improvement)

"During their time in the operating room and in the days of recovery that follow, surgical patients are vulnerable and their safety is of prime importance," says Dr. Joshua Tepper, President and CEO of Health Quality Ontario.  "Hospitals are to be commended for embracing a proven program of data gathering, program enhancements and culture change to improve the quality of care they provide to surgery patients."

The program is already helping to improve care at hospitals like Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital where they have reduced surgical site infections by 50% using the program's data and best practices. For example, a new change implemented by the hospital is that patients must use antiseptic body wash the day before and day of their surgery.

"If you want to make things better, you have to measure them," says general surgeon Dr. Duncan Rozario at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. "Sometimes you need a protocol and program to make real change."

For a closer look at how quality improvement efforts have been implemented at Ontario hospitals, see the full Quality Surgery: Improving Surgical Care in Ontario report for patient stories and surgeon insights at www.hqontario.ca/surgicalquality.

Additional Facts:

  • Surgeons performed over 600,000 adult surgeries in Ontario in 2016-2017.
  • 46.4% of Ontario's adult surgeries now take place in a hospital that is part of this surgical quality improvement program.
  • 29 Ontario adult hospital facilities were included in the Health Quality Ontario comparison after voluntarily participating. 31 Ontario hospitals are now participating in the program
  • This is the largest quality improvement network of its kind in Ontario.
  • Worldwide, nearly 700 hospitals are taking part in the program.
  • Hospitals in the following provinces are also taking part: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec and Newfoundland.

About Health Quality Ontario
Health Quality Ontario is the provincial advisor on the quality of health care. With the goal of excellent care for all Ontarians, Health Quality Ontario reports to the public on how the system is performing, develops standards for what quality care looks like, evaluates the effectiveness of new health care technologies and services, and promotes quality improvement aimed at sustainable positive change. Visit www.hqontario.ca for more information.

SOURCE Health Quality Ontario

How to Live a Healthy Life Without Spending Too Much Money

Life seems to move along, and so does our health. When money is tight, it’s difficult to eat as healthy as you should. Yes, eating organic food is healthier but can become costly if you’re not careful. There are ways to get the high cost of food and gym memberships down. Here are some ideas to help.

Eating Affordable Organic Food

You can grow organic fruits and vegetables in your very own garden. If this is not feasible, purchase them from other farmers that grow organic foods. You will want to look for a farmer that grows their food organically but are not organic certified. They cost about 50 percent less than buying your fruits and vegetables elsewhere. Most grocery stores raise the price to pay for their employees and supplier.

Organic is not necessary with fruits and vegetables that have protective layers such as melons and bananas. Some places can verify that the supplier didn’t use heavy pesticides on the fruits and vegetables they’re selling. Take time to check! Eating healthy on a budget is possible when you look carefully at the meat and produce sales. If you find meat or product sales, buy them first, and you will save money.

Don’t Eat Out

Eating out cost extra, don’t get me wrong this statement doesn’t mean you should never go out to eat. It merely means in moderation. Cooking a meal at home that serves a family of six will cost around $4 a person to prepare, compared to eating out at a restaurant for approximately $15 a person. Naturally, the prices vary depending on what you feel like cooking or where you go out to eat. If you watch what you buy when getting groceries, you will lower your food cost while eating healthier.

Cost Effective Ways to Exercise

Set up a gym at home. Look for gym equipment that people are tired of being in their homes. You can do this by looking at yard sales, checking on Craig’s list, or at the gym. For those individuals who can afford to update their gym equipment, they sometimes will give their old stuff away. Others will sell them cheaper than you would get them new. In fact, some still look just as new depending on how often they were used, by the owner.

For aerobics, you could get an affordable exercise DVD or go for a fast pace walk, jog, or run. Nothing says more about exercise than climbing a mountainside. These exercise activities also will build endurance and strength as well. If a home gym isn’t for you, shop around for the cheapest gym membership. For that matter, you should see if your employer offers a gym membership discount.

Go to Social Events

Social events help you stay connected with others and have a healthy inner core. Some social events provide food, games, and other activities that will help you to stay healthy and keep the cost down. Keeping yourself healthy is not just about eating correctly, but also has to do with emotional and spiritual connections. Being out in a social atmosphere can also prevent you from becoming depressed, emotionally drained, or disconnected. You can find these types of events at churches, social dances, family gatherings, or just a simple get together with friends.

These ideas will help you efficiently stay healthy while keeping the family budget intact. When leading a healthier lifestyle, it can be rewarding to you and the people around you. Why wait until New Years to begin a more robust lifestyle change, when you can start today. It will become a reality when you are utilizing these helpful information methods.

Canadian economy takes $7.1 billion hit annually due to pain, according to Global Pain Index

GSK study finds Canadians missing out on work and family time due to pain1

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Body and head pain take a serious toll on the personal and professional lives of Canadians, according to a recent study by GSK. The Global Pain Index (GPI) examines the impact that pain has on people's lives, and found that Canadian workers lost an average of 1.8 working days due to body pain over the one-year survey period.2 Two-thirds (66%) of workers suffering from body pain say they regularly work through their pain, which causes a detrimental effect on their performance,3 as well as a hit on the Canadian economy.

EFFECTS OF PAIN ARE FAR-REACHING
Most Canadians are affected by pain, with two-thirds (65%) of Canadians experiencing body pain on a weekly basis.4 Beyond the economic implications, the GPI identified that pain is holding Canadians back in their personal lives, affecting time spent with friends and family. What's worse, over half of the respondents (58%) agreed that they would be better parents without pain.5

"The GPI results describe what I see in my office. The effects of body and head pain experienced by patients go beyond physical symptoms," says Dr. Yvette Lu. "Patients are burdened by their pain and it's impacting relationships with loved ones, as well as their emotional health and well-being."

According to the GPI, pain has a significant emotional and social impact on Canadians, with a majority of body pain sufferers feeling worried or anxious (77%).6 Surprisingly, pain also affects sufferers' self-perceptions, with more than half reporting that their pain makes them feel older than they are (57%) and four in ten feeling unattractive when they are in pain (42%).7

GAP IN KNOWLEDGE OF PAIN MANAGEMENT
The study identified that while many Canadians are looking to non-prescription treatments to help manage their pain, it turns out that they don't know very much about the treatments they're using most often. The GPI found that only about one-third (31%) of Canadians are very or extremely knowledgeable about the potential risks associated with their medication,8 and only one in four (24%) report they know how it compares to other medications.9

Half of Canadians turn to oral pain treatments as a first method for treating their pain, and about 17% of patients look to treat pain with a cream or gel.10

"Patients are looking for solutions when it comes to managing pain," said Lu. "Most often, they grab a bottle of pills at the pharmacy, but there are also effective medicated topical options that work as anti-inflammatory pain relievers, reducing joint and muscle pain and helping to speed up the body's natural healing process, allowing sufferers to get back to doing the activities they love."

Visit www.GSK.com for further information on the Better for Everyone commitment and existing GSK initiatives to help reduce the impact of physical pain.

About Voltaren
Voltaren®, part of GSK Consumer Health, is an anti-inflammatory pain reliever. Voltaren® contains medicated topical gels that provide patients with the relief of pain associated with acute, localized minor muscle or joint injury. Voltaren® is available in more than 130 countries worldwide. Diclofenac, the active ingredient, is one of the world's most widely-used pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medicines. It has been used effectively since the discovery of the agent in Switzerland 40 years ago. To learn more about pain and how to relieve pain effectively, go to www.global-pain-index.com.

About GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world's largest over the-counter consumer healthcare products companies. Its more than 30 well-known brands include Voltaren Emulgel®, Aquafresh®, Sensodyne®, and TUMS® – which are trademarks owned by and/or licensed to GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies. These brands are successful in over 100 countries around the world because they all show our passion for quality, guaranteed by science. They are inspired by the real wants and needs of the millions of people who walk into pharmacies, supermarkets, market stalls and go on-line all over the world every day, and choose us first.

GlaxoSmithKline's goal is to build a global, growing business called Fast Moving Consumer Healthcare (FMCH), dedicated to everyday healthcare with all of the scientific expertise and quality guarantees that demands, working at the speed and with the genuine consumer understanding the modern world expects.

About GlaxoSmithKline Inc. (GSK)
One of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information, please visit www.ca.gsk.com.

About the Global Pain Index
The Global Pain Index research was completed by Edelman Intelligence, a global insights and consultancy firm. Interviews were conducted online between 14 September and 2 November 2016 with controlled samples to ensure a nationally representative sample of the online population in each country surveyed (age, gender and region).

In total, Edelman Intelligence spoke to 19,000+ respondents in 32 markets (Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, UK and USA). A minimum of 500 interviews were completed in all countries except in the US, UK, Germany, Sweden and Australia (1,000 interviews).

References

 

1 Global Pain Index. Canadian data. 2017.
2 Global Pain Index. Canadian data. 2017.
3 Global Pain Index. Canadian data. 2017.
4 Global Pain Index. Canadian data. 2017.
5 Global Pain Index. Canadian data. 2017.
6 Global Pain Index. Canadian data. 2017.
7 Global Pain Index. Canadian data. 2017.
8 Global Pain Index. Canadian data. 2017.
9 Global Pain Index. Canadian data. 2017.
10 Global Pain Index. Canadian data. 2017.

 

SOURCE GlaxoSmithKline Inc.

European doctors learn to access the heart from any approach with Baylis devices and expanded training program

 

Video Link: https://youtu.be/jS-sLqhQ5Fk

TORONTO, Nov. 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Baylis Medical Company Inc. has launched a hands-on workshop in Europe that will train cardiologists on innovative tools that enable access to the heart from any approach. This includes a growing number of procedures that require physicians to use major veins that feed into the heart from above – something the Baylis Medical SupraCross® RF System enables with ease.

Such alternate pathways offer a minimally invasive way to deliver life-saving treatments. Prior to the development of these tools, open heart surgery was the only option available for many high-risk patients.

Following its initial launch in Toronto, Canada, the SupraCross® Workshop has now expanded to Europe, a growing market for this one-of-a-kind technology. The program offers specialized training on the use of the Baylis Medical SupraCross RF System to interventional cardiologists – specialized physicians who provide catheter-based treatment of various heart diseases.

"The SupraCross workshop was excellent," says Dr. Zachary Whinnett, a consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist at Hammersmith Hospital, London UK, who participated in a recent Baylis training workshop in Amsterdam. "The superb hands-on experience with these advanced tools made superior access to the left atrium easy."

Baylis Medical's SupraCross RF System includes a steerable sheath and flexible radiofrequency wire that were designed to achieve controlled and precise transseptal access to the left side of the heart from any approach, including from above the heart. For example, these dedicated tools make it easier for physicians to place a pacemaker lead into the left heart in cases where traditional cardiac resynchronization therapy fails.

"These tools are also used for accessing the heart from the subclavian vein or internal jugular vein above the heart in cases where the lower femoral vein is blocked or does not otherwise have a continuous pathway to the heart," says Chris Bermingham, Team Leader, Clinical Education at Baylis. "This is a technically challenging procedure for even the most skilled physician, unless you have the right tools."

"Baylis is committed to developing innovative solutions that help all patients, particularly those for whom no other medical options are available," says Kris Shah, President of Baylis Medical. "That's why we developed the SupraCross system, and why we are expanding our specialized training program to Europe. We know the importance of offering best-in-class clinical support to physicians who must stay abreast of a constantly evolving medical field."

About Baylis Medical Company

Baylis Medical develops and markets high-technology medical devices used in the fields of interventional cardiology, interventional radiology, and spinal procedures. Our vision is to develop and market innovative medical therapies while improving the lives of people around the world. The company has offices in Montreal and Toronto (Canada), Boston (U.S.), London (U.K.) and Munich (Germany). For more information, visit www.baylismedical.com. ;

PRM-00273 EN J-1,2,3 V-1 © Copyright Baylis Medical Company Inc., 2017. Baylis Medical Company Inc. reserves the right to change specifications or to incorporate design changes without notice and without incurring any obligation relating to equipment previously manufactured or delivered. SupraCross and the Baylis Medical logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Baylis Medical Company Inc.in the USA and/or other countries. Patents Pending and/or issued. CAUTION: Federal Law (USA) restricts the use of these devices to or by the order of a physician. Before use, consult product labels and Instructions for Use for Indications for Use, Contraindications, Warnings, Precautions, Adverse Events and Directions for U­­­se.

SOURCE Baylis Médical

New Guide Shows How Sleep Revitalizes the Soul

Dita Wegman reveals insight on how to interpret dreams

LAC-SIMON, Ottawa. (Oct. 30, 2017) – Humans spend almost one third of their life asleep, and yet, hardly any thought is given to this vital task. Dita Wegman gives testament based on natural law, that the true value and beneficial nature of sleep has been forgotten.

Wegman asserts that sleep provides more than just physical and mental nourishment, but also provides spiritual and soul revitalization. Now, she explores the interplay between sleep, dreams and the soul in “Treasures of Sleep: Connect with the Universe and Nourish Your Soul.” It covers what the soul gathers from the cosmos and why we must sleep.

“Treasures of Sleep” emphasizes the difference between resting and sleeping. Wegman explores why we need sleep and promotes the fact that every human being’s core of is existence is their individual Spirit, which many refer to as their Soul. She states we have to separate the Spirit from the mind and that the Soul and Spirit has to be nourished and recharged while we sleep, since the brain assigned for daytime activity is at rest. Additionally, she showcases sleep as the source of nourishment that is essential for every living form on earth under Creation-law to maintain health, happiness and overall well-being.

The book also enlightens readers about dream interpretations, the work of the great astronomer and physician Nostradamus, and how the stars and planets communicate in a silent language of nature symbols seen during sleep and prophetic messaging.  She uses Nostradamus’ fundamental work of intuitively perceived images, which are referred to as “dreams,” to contrast the mind-produced images that interrupt sleep and disturb a good night’s sleep. The book guides readers on how to achieve the desired REM sleep, which is the state of the “deep sleep,” and states we must enter it every night to be recharged and have the energy for a new day.

“Sleep is not only for when we are tired,” Wegman said. “It is a natural component that keeps every form of life on the planet in balance. Treasures of Sleep shows you the how to get the most out of your time sleeping and rejuvenate your entire being.”

For more information, please visit www.TreasuresofSleep.com, www.ditawegman.com or www.nostradamusdreams.com.

Excess Acidity Finally Meets Its Match!

Mineral-Rich Multiforce Powdered Supplement Treats Lactic Acid Build-Up Associated With Muscle Fatigue & Strenuous Exercise; Helps Prevent, Minimize Acid-Related Gout, Osteoarthritis & Uric Acid                                       

Proprietary Blend of 100% Natural, Gluten-Free Ingredients Offers Safe & Proven Complete Body Solution for Athletes & Active Consumers Seeking Healthier Balance Between Acid & Alkaline  

SARASOTA, FL., November 17, 2017 – Representing one of the greatest ironies in personal wellness today, millions of athletes and fitness devotees who watch every bite they eat are being challenged by the very same culprit affecting those who regularly consume processed foods, salty snacks and sugary desserts. Their shared enemy? Excess acidity.

Consider this: if you’re a serious athlete, “weekend warrior,” or an active consumer who values the life-affirming benefits of strenuous regular exercise, it’s likely you’ve experienced the muscle discomfort and fatigue often associated with lactic acid build-up. Conversely, if you follow the typical “Western diet” that’s low in fruits and vegetables and find it difficult to resist foods you know aren’t good for you, it’s likely you’ve experienced such excess acid-induced health issues as gout, uric acid, heartburn, joint pain, chronic fatigue, osteoarthritis and many more.

Fortunately, however, whether you’re a fitness junkie, a junk food junkie or some combination of the two, help is here at last!

Introducing Multiforce (www.multiforcehealth.com), a globally-popular multi-mineral powdered supplement newly available in America that’s already helped millions around the world not only to treat but in many cases to prevent the development of excess acidity resulting from extreme workouts or poor diet. Featuring a breakthrough blend of 100% natural, gluten-free, vegetarian and clinically-proven essential natural minerals such as Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Calcium, Multiforce helps your body re-calibrate its pH balance between acid and alkaline so you can feel your best in the fastest and most comprehensive manner possible.

The Growing Need To Cut Excess Acidity Down To Size                

With more Americans than ever before embracing extreme sports and demanding workouts, and with the majority of us still favoring processed foods over nutritious fruits and vegetables, we’ve achieved perfect storm-level conditions for making excess acidity one of today’s most problematic health concerns. And when it comes to diet, it’s not just the obvious foods we need to be wary of: even seemingly healthier food staples as dairy products, animal protein and even low-sugar cereals are responsible for generating acid-forming chemicals in our body that over time can lead to muscle fatigue, slow down muscle recovery and cause many of the troubling health issues mentioned above.

Multiforce To The Rescue!                                                                                                                                                                 

Specifically formulated to treat the causes of various health issues associated with excess acidity and not just their symptoms, Multiforce makes use of the citrate form of minerals which are able to neutralize three acid molecules and are much more easily absorbed by the body. This is what makes Multiforce so effective. In addition, unlike traditional treatments for excess acidity on the market, Multiforce works systemically from head to toe as opposed to just zoning in on one select part of the body. What’s more, Multiforce doesn’t rely on digestion to be absorbed – thus ensuring consumers won’t face the stomach discomfort or nausea often associated with mineral supplements.

A natural alkaline powder that’s safe, proven and incredibly easy to use (just mix a teaspoon of powder with water), Multiforce is ideal for virtually anyone anxious to tackle the acid-based causes of muscle fatigue, gout, uric acid, joint pain, chronic fatigue and osteoarthritis (please find a clinical study showcasing Multiforce’s effectiveness in dealing with this condition at www.multiforcehealth.com/new-hope-for-osteoarthritis-sufferers).

Multiforce is offered in three flavors: Natural Lemon Flavor; Natural Mango Flavor; and Naturally Unflavored. All three are sold on thewww.multiforcehealth.com site for $29.99 (a free two-week supply is also available at www.multiforcehealth.com/free-sample.html), other online sites and in a growing range of retail stores in Florida (with other states to follow soon).

The Science Behind Multiforce                                                                                                                                                                                      

Body acids are neutralized through various buffering systems in the body, but for these systems to properly maintain the perfect pH balance, sufficient alkaline mineral compounds are required – the very same minerals (including Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium) typically found in fruits and vegetables.

In order to maintain this ideal balance, nutritionists suggest we eat seven to ten servings of fruits and vegetables as well as drink two liters of water daily. Since that represents a tall order for almost all of us, the solution is simple: let Multiforce’s alkalizing blend of multi-minerals supplement your body’s nutrients, replenish these life-balancing minerals and, over time, reduce the symptoms caused by over-acidity completely.

Check out these alarming facts to see just how prevalent exceed acidity really is:

• Coffee – far more acidic than tap water

• Sodas – contain corrosive acid  

• Animal Protein – can form uric acid

• Sugary Desserts & Salty Snacks – linked with increased obesity

A Commitment to Balanced Health                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Commenting on Multiforce’s longstanding mandate to help offset the conditions associated with excess acidity, Garth Woolley - CEO of Multiforce parent company SANP International LLC - said, “Anyone coping with muscle issues or with the numerous concerns stemming from excess acidity can rest assured we’ve gone to great lengths over many years to create the most potent and effective all-natural solution offered directly to consumers today. We’re heartened by the highly enthusiastic response Multiforce has already received from consumers and retailers in the U.S. and look forward to helping countless more people eliminate the corrosive effects of acid in their lives over the years ahead.”

For more information about Multiforce, visit www.multiforcehealth.com; to read a clinical study about the brand’s efficacy, visitwww.multiforcehealth.com/new-hope-for-osteoarthritis-sufferers.

4 Reasons A Great Meal Is About How You Eat – Not What You Eat

 

Everyone knows it’s important to eat the right foods to live a long and healthy life, but many of us fall short of that ideal.

We eat on the run, pulling into a drive-through and scarfing down a hamburger on the way to the next appointment. We grab a candy bar at the grocery checkout and munch it on the way to the car.

And somewhere along the line we realize that just as you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can’t judge food by its taste, says Jane Bernard, an educator and author of Lucid Living in the Virtual Age (www.sensualthinking.com).

“We know that taste can be misleading, at least when it comes to what’s best for us,” she says. “People love donuts, but they don’t make a nutritious breakfast. Spinach isn’t popular with many people – especially children – but it’s beneficial to our health in many ways.”

But for Bernard, a great meal is less about what you eat than how you eat it. She advocates something she calls “intuitive eating” that’s aimed at improving every dining experience – and perhaps making for a healthier diet along the way.

“Intuitive eating is deceptively simple,” Bernard says. “Focus on one meal at a time to get the most pleasure and nutrition from your food. Notice what you see, smell and taste. Check in with your body to see if you’re really hungry – because sometimes we keep eating when it’s actually time to stop.”

Although you might find yourself shedding a few pounds, intuitive eating isn’t necessarily about losing weight, she says. It’s about getting more pleasure out of your meals – and getting more pleasure from the people you have meals with.

Bernard suggests a few exercises that can help turn you into an intuitive eater:

  • Smell food before putting it in your mouth. Nearly everyone has memories tied to the aroma of food. Perhaps it’s your mother baking cookies on Christmas Eve. Perhaps it’s hamburgers sizzling on a backyard grill. With most meals, people don’t take the time to savor the aroma, Bernard says.   Does it smell inviting? Greasy? Fresh? Bad? “If the food doesn’t smell right, it isn’t,” Bernard says. “Let your nose protect you and help guide choices.”
  • Taste food as you chew. You may think you already do this, but too often people don’t really take time to enjoy the taste, Bernard says. They wolf down their food so they can move on to whatever is next on their agenda. Tasting food helps your body relax and digest more efficiently, she says. Tasting and savoring what you eat also is good for overall health.
  • Be thankful for your meal. Giving thanks doesn’t have to be limited to Thanksgiving. “Think about what food is giving you: energy, strength, health, nourishment and pleasure,” Bernard says. “If you take a little time to meditate on that, your body will relax and you will get more nourishment from your food.”
  • Give your stomach time to inform your brain. It takes 15 minutes before your brain gets the message from your stomach that you’ve eaten. That’s no doubt one reason people over eat. They don’t give their body time to get the message that they are getting full before gulping down even more food. “Take time to have conversations when you eat and you will eat less – and enjoy the meal more,” Bernard says.

“Eating is a necessity of life,” Bernard says. “But there’s no need to rush things. Eat just enough to feel good and trust that hunger will return and another meal will be found.”

About Jane Bernard

Jane Bernard, author of Lucid Living in the Virtual Age (www.sensualthinking.com) and other books, is a philosopher and educator who writes and teaches about intuition and sensual thinking. She has appeared on TV and international radio, talking from the intuitive perspective. Jane introduced her first book, Fine Tuning, on The Montel Williams Show, in 2006.  Her easy-going combination of common sense and originality is a natural eye-opener.

Will marijuana play a role in the future of American politics?

 

If people let government decide which food they eat and medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny. 

– Thomas Jefferson

 

“Ready or not, marijuana is fueling massive change and has become a mainstream topic of significant importance to people of all ages in most households across America,” says Dr. David Bearman, expert in the history and role of marijuana. “Right now, all but four states have legalized at least some form of medical cannabis and the legalization of recreational use is growing faster than ever before.

 

“While neither political party has made marijuana a major centerpiece for discussion, marijuana politics stands to make a major difference in state and national political outcomes in the next elections.”

 

Dr. Bearman says that medical marijuana matters to the young, middle aged, and the old.

 

“It is more widely used, enjoyed, and appreciated than any of its detractors is willing to admit. There are numerous political candidates seeking to reform federal marijuana policies - from pushing to protect state laws to advocating marijuana's reclassification from a Schedule I drug like heroin to Schedule III drug so long term studies can be done on the drug's medical benefits. Cannabis reform is now occurring on multiple fronts.”

 

An August 2016 study published by Harvard Medical School identifies over 20 million people use medical marijuana in the United States.

 

A partial list of the known medical marijuana uses now includes:

 

  • As an appetite stimulant in AIDS and chemotherapy patients

 

  • To relieve pain (and its use is being recommended to doctors in lieu of prescribing opiates)

 

  • To help treat inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

 

  • To treat chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting

 

  • To treat muscle spasticity and pain in multiple sclerosis

 

  • To reduce the growth of cancers

 

  • To treat cancer-related pain not managed by other pain medication

 

  • To treat drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly in children

 

  • To treat psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use disorders, and bipolar disorder)

 

  • To reduce the symptoms of conditions in the autism spectrum disorder

 

  • To reduce the side effects of treatment for Hepatitis C (nausea, fatigue, muscle aches, and depression).

 

  • To reduce the symptoms of autoimmune disease (e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, fibromyalgia, Restless Leg Syndrome, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)

 

  • To help people get to sleep, get better quality sleep and awaken without a drug hangover

 

Although marijuana can help relieve the symptoms of many medical conditions and is used as medicine most states, its use is still prohibited by federal level.  In something of a Catch-22, the DEA and FDA complain that there is no data from large, long-term, well-designed studies.  In order to say that, they have to ignore at least 20 tincture of cannabis/Nabixamol studies that have been done in the UK.

 

These double-blind studies can only be legally done with the government’s cannabis, and the government rarely approves such studies.  Why?  Marijuana was made illegal in 1970s for political reasons and similar political reasons remain. The DEA seems more concerned with job protection than science or truth. The Federal Drug Administration continues to have concerns about potential risks versus benefits.

 

Forty-six states have passed laws, contrary to federal laws, to allow the use of marijuana for medical conditions. States have also made the move to decriminalize recreational marijuana use by adults or have similar measures on upcoming ballots.

 

“Medical and recreational marijuana is going to energize large portions of the voting populace, particularly among students, those looking for alternative health care options, and minorities,” Dr. Bearman says. “The growing awareness that marijuana is medicine is forcing change.”

 

One thing is for certain. Any attempts by Donald Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions to stamp out further legalization efforts is going to be met with a loud public outcry.  Their efforts would also be unconstitutional because of the states rights guaranteed by the 9th and 10th amendments as well as the 1925 SCOTUS decision in Linder v. United States that confirmed the regulation of the practice of medicine is a right reserved for the states.

 

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Drugs are Not the Devil’s Tools

Dr. David Bearman

 

Color $65.00 B&W $45.00

Revised and updated November 2017

8 ½ x 11, 498 pages

 

Entertaining, lavishly illustrated and full of amazing stories, Drugs are NOT the Devil’s Tools takes the reader through the history of drugs and the origin of the onerous United States drug laws.

 

Dr. David Bearman shows how, through intertwining motives of discrimination and greed, often under the guise of morality, how those in power have created a drug policy that is completely dysfunctional. He details how drug laws have been very effective in further marginalizing discriminated-against groups and have been a total failure in every other respect.

 

Additionally, did you know:

 

  • We all have cannabis receptors in our bodies
  • Cannabis was legal in the US until 1943 and only removed because the powers that be wanted to get rid of hemp and create a market for nylon and other petroleum-based products
  • The American Medical Association opposed the removal of cannabis from pharmacies
  • There is no such thing as cannabis addiction

 

 

 

Digital Health Transformation in Action at HealthAchieve

The Intelligent Health Pavilion introduces four new partners

TORONTO, Nov. 3, 2017 The Ontario Hospital Association's annual signature event, HealthAchieve, is taking place next week on November 6 and 7 in Toronto. A unique learning and engagement experience for health care leaders, this year's event truly focuses on the future of health system transformation – where digital health is a key driver. With this in mind, we are introducing the Intelligent Health Pavilion (IHP) in partnership with the Intelligent Health Association (IHA).

"The Pavilion creates a platform for education and an opportunity for our health system partners to raise awareness around the adoption of new technologies in the health and wellness community," says Isabella Wai, Director, Commercial Partnerships, HealthAchieve. "We have 30 partners who are here to showcase how technology is improving patient care and safety while reducing costs."

HealthAchieve and the IHA are delighted to feature four new partners:

  • Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) will display their innovative, new models of care in the home by way of the iHome Pavilion;
  • Mi2 will share Mackenzie Health's journey to the smart hospital;
  • Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) will showcase their digitally connected hospital and home,  where they are working hard to extend the hospital beyond the four walls of their sites; and finally,
  • Mohawk College, one of the leaders in mHealth, together with MEDIC, will present Apps Alley.

"Our partners will also take to the stage in the Pavilion's Leadership and Innovation Theatres for several speaking sessions throughout the two days," says Harry P. Pappas, Founder & CEO, Intelligent Health Association. "Learn how these technologies are being seamlessly integrated to support caregivers and patients at each step of the health care journey."

None of this would be possible without the Intelligent Health Association, which is designed to showcase revolutionary technological advancements. We hope to see you at this world-class Pavilion where you can experience how technology is driving the future of patient care.

About HealthAchieve
HealthAchieve is more than an annual conference and trade show. It's an agent of change that drives the evolution of the health care system by focusing on the future. Global health care and business leaders come to HealthAchieve to be empowered by the potential that change holds. They seek new ways to push boundaries that move the health care system forward, to learn from and collaborate with industry leaders and innovators, and, ultimately, to change lives by helping to create a high-performing health system that is truly focused on putting patients first. Learn more about HealthAchieve online at www.HealthAchieve.com.

About the Intelligent Health Association
The Intelligent Health Association (IHA) is a not-for-profit, global organization founded to elevate awareness and to educate the life sciences community on the adoption of new technologies. Educationally focused, IHA is a vendor-neutral, technology and frequency agnostic association dedicated to promoting the use and adoption of auto-ID, NFC, RFID, RTLS, sensors and wireless technologies in the health care, assisted and independent living and nursing home industries. For more information, please visit: www.ihassociation.org.

SOURCE Ontario Hospital Association

 5 Healthy Foods for the Women of All Ages

 

Every woman needs to take the required nutrients for good health. Although eating the right diets are good for both sexes, but women have their own specific dietary requirements. According to research, when women eat the right things, they will live better and happier.

 

Here are 5 healthy foods for women of all ages. They have been tested and trusted to be effective in boosting feminine immune systems.

 

Cranberries

Studies have proven that the advantage of cranberries can never be overemphasized. Among other things, it reduces the risk of urinary tract infections, heart disease and breast cancer.  Healthcare professionals recommend every woman should take at least one glass of juice daily. It nourishes their skin and boosts their immune systems.

 

Oats

High cholesterols can give rise to building up of plaque in your artery walls. However, if it is left untreated, it can lead to other ailments such as stroke and heart attack. Stroke and heart attack are among the killer diseases in most American women.

 

The good news is that it is difficult to combat; you can handle the situation effectively by eating healthy diets that includes oatmeal, fiber-rich whole grains etc. Oats can perfectly protect you against various forms of heart diseases.

 

Oats are filled with amazing nutritional benefits, and they are truly great for female health. They can aid digestion, stabilize blood pressure, wards off potentially dangerous dips in glucose and derailing hunger and keep your heart healthy.

 

Oats contains vitamin B6, which aids in the prevention of mood swings, birth defects in children and PMS. Overall, women are recommended to eat oats both during and after pregnancy.

 

Milk

 

One of the major health challenges that women face around the world is calcium deficiency. Regular intake of milk is highly recommended in women of all ages. If possible, try and combine the milk with vitamin D, it will help in keeping osteoporosis at bay. Milk prevents women from all symptoms of the killer PMS.

 

Further studies shows that milk helps in building up a woman’s nerves, muscles, teeth and bones. If you don’t take enough milk, it can lead to osteoporosis, thereby causing brittle and weak bones. Milk is the main source of calcium.

 

Drinking milk both during and after childbirth helps the woman to remain healthy and energetic. According to research, almond milk is more effective in women than whole drink especially during pregnancy.

 

Dark chocolate

 

Dozens of research shows that chocoholics or people who consume more of dark chocolates stay in better shape than those who don’t take it. Another study in the Circulation Heart Failure journal discovered that women that take about one or two servings of quality chocolates per week had 32% risk of developing heart failure than those who bluntly refused to take cocoa.

 

Further studies shows that cocoa contains anti-inflammatory compounds, flavanols and polyphenols, which helps in protecting the heart. When you are buying dark chocolate, ensure you take the one that contains about 74% or more cocoa solids, due to their flavanol-rich compounds.

 

Mushrooms

Studies shows that mushrooms are best dietary sources. Women are recommended to take about half cup of it on a daily basis. Mushrooms are rich with potassium; they can offset all negative effects of excess sodium, as well as lowers your blood pressure levels. Another study at the University of Florida says that people who eat at least 4 ounces of cooked mushrooms daily for about 4 weeks, develops increased immunity and boost greatest concentration than those that don’t.

Author Bio:

Ryan Varela is the CEO of Boost Health Insurance which provides customized and affordable health care plans for thousands of customers across the United States. Ryan has nearly a decade of experience in the health care industry and continues to serve the greater need to educate and deliver access to affordable options to those who need health care the most.