Office of the Chief Health Innovation Strategist enables better care for patients - right at home in eastern Ontario

OTTAWA, Nov. 30, 2017 /CNW/ - A select group of complex-care patients in eastern Ontario will be cared for using new technology right in their own homes. Today, William Charnetski, the Chief Health Innovation Strategist for Ontario (OCHIS), is kicking off the deployment of aTouchAway by Aetonix Systems, in the Arnprior Region & West Ottawa (AROW) and Upper Canada (UC) Health Links.

This project is one of 15 that received funding in the first round of Ontario's $20-million Health Technologies Fund (HTF). Administered on behalf of OCHIS by Ontario Centres of Excellence, the HTF is part of the OCHIS mandate to strengthen Ontario's health innovation ecosystem.

"The Health Technologies Fund is already having an impact in the health system because of the collaborations it has created between health service providers, health technology innovators and patients," says William Charnetski, Ontario's Chief Health Innovation Strategist. "We are finding new ways to solve our greatest challenges by harnessing the power of innovation to provide better care while creating jobs in Ontario."

The AROW and UC Health Links are partnering with both private and public organizations to deploy the innovative telehealth technology developed by Aetonix.  aTouchAway is a communication platform designed for seniors and others with complex healthcare needs. It connects all of their healthcare providers and caregivers, including family members, on one secure, easy-to-use digital platform. Members of a patient's circle of care can see, speak with, assess and support the patient directly through a tablet or smartphone application. aTouchAway provides one-touch secure video conferencing and treatment / care plan information-sharing.

In Ontario, five per cent of patients account for two-thirds of all healthcare costs.¹ These are most often patients with multiple, complex conditions. There are 90 Health Links across Ontario that are providing a new service delivery model focused on coordinated care planning. Care coordinators work with each patient to develop individualized care plans. When the hospital, family doctors, community organizations, informal caregivers and others work as a team, patients receive better, more coordinated care.

"Health Links have allowed me to create, and enjoy, a new life," notes one AROW Health Link client. "Everyone has been fantastic and I now have someone who looks after me where it's most comfortable – my home. My care coordinator is my ambassador."

The AROW and Upper Canada Health Links connect patients with more than 50 agencies, including hospitals, primary care teams and community service agencies.  "Enhanced connectivity will significantly improve the flexibility and capacity of our Care Coordinators. They can work with the care team to address each patient's unique healthcare goals," says Cholly Boland, CEO, Winchester District Memorial Hospital, which is the lead partner for the Upper Canada Health Link.

"Minister Hoskins is committed to integrated, accessible care closer to home and this is a great example of what is possible.  Health Links focus on the most complex and vulnerable patients and this type of coordinated care will support them right in their own homes," adds Eric Hanna, President & CEO of Arnprior Regional Health, which is a lead partner for the AROW Health Link.

The program is further enabled through financial and in-kind contributions by partners, including: Samsung Canada, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., and the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement (CFHI).  The Women's College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care (WIHV) is also leading the evaluation to see how effective the tool is at improving access to care for patients with complex needs.  Total funding for the program is $1.2 million.

"Aetonix is so proud to be working with these health and technology partners to innovate in home healthcare and help Ontarians receive better care at home," explains Michel Paquet, CEO and Founder at Aetonix.  "We are offering Ontario's Health Links a truly unique solution that will improve patient outcomes and experiences, while enabling efficiency."  Based in Ottawa, Aetonix is an Ontario-born virtual home care technology company whose mission is to revolutionize how families, healthcare professionals and caregivers connect a patient's circle of care.

PARTNER VOICES

"We're pleased to be among the group of partners selected to implement the Aetonix aTouchAway solution, an innovative model that will empower health care providers to bring coordinated care into the homes of patients. As an organization committed to the development of solutions that will improve healthcare delivery for patients, we are excited to witness the positive impact this model will have on Ontarians living with chronic and complex conditions."  - Richard Mole, President and CEO, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.

www.boehringer-ingelheim.ca

"Samsung is proud to partner with Aetonix on this milestone achievement in healthcare technology. Together with the Aetonix aTouchAway application, our innovative mobile solutions are keeping healthcare practitioners and patients more connected and impacting patient care across Canada." -  Paul Brannen, Executive Vice President, Mobile Solutions at Samsung Canada

www.samsung.com/ca/

"WIHV is committed to finding new ways of keeping seniors and all patients with complex care needs closer to home. We're excited to evaluate the aTouchAway solution to look at the potential it has to help patients and the healthcare system overcome some of the biggest barriers to care and create better outcomes for everyone." - Dr. Sacha Bhatia, WIHV Foundation Director, The WCH Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care

www.wchwihv.ca

¹ http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/transformation/community.aspx

SOURCE Aetonix Systems

Diet success may depend on your DNA, research from the Texas A&M College of Medicine shows

(BRYAN, Texas) — Research in animal models with different genetics shows that one diet really doesn’t fit all, and what works for some may not be best for others, according to a Texas A&M study recently published in the journal Genetics.

“Dietary advice, whether it comes from the United States government or some other organization, tends to be based on the theory that there is going to be one diet that will help everyone,” said David Threadgill, PhD, with the Texas A&M College of Medicine and College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, senior author of the study. “In the face of the obesity epidemic, it seems like guidelines haven’t been effective.”

Threadgill thinks he knows why. The researchers used four different groups of animal models to look at how five diets affect health over a six-month period. The genetic differences within each group were almost non-existent, while the genetics between any two of the groups would translate to roughly the same as those of two unrelated people. The researchers chose the test diets to mirror those eaten by humans—an American-style diet (higher in fat and refined carbs, especially corn) and three that have gotten publicity as being ‘healthier’: Mediterranean (with wheat and red wine extract), Japanese (with rice and green tea extract) and ketogenic, or Atkins-like (high in fat and protein with very few carbs). The fifth diet was the control group who ate standard commercial chow.

Although some so-called healthy diets did work well for most individuals, one of the four genetic types did very poorly when eating the Japanese-like diet, for example. “The fourth strain, which performed just fine on all of the other diets, did terrible on this diet, with increased fat in the liver and markings of liver damage,” said William Barrington, lead author on the study and a recently graduated PhD student from the Threadgill lab.

A similar thing happened with the Atkins-like diet: two genetic types did well, and two did very badly. “One became very obese, with fatty livers and high cholesterol,” Barrington said. Theother had a reduction in activity level and more body fat, but still remained lean. “This equates to what we call ‘skinny-fat’ in humans, in which someone looks to be a healthy weight but actually has a high percentage of body fat.”

“In humans, you see such a wide response to diets,” Barrington said. “We wanted to find out, in a controlled way, what was the effect of the genetics.” They measured physical signs, especially evidence of metabolic syndrome, which is a collection of signs of obesity-related problems, including high blood pressure and cholesterol, fatty liver and levels of blood sugar. They also studied any behavioral differences, from how much they moved around to how much they ate.

“I wanted to get the diets as close to popular human diets as possible,” Barrington said. “We matched fiber content and matched bioactive compounds thought to be important in disease.”

Perhaps as could be expected, both in earlier research and in anecdotal evidence in humans, the animal models tended not to do great on the American-style diet. A couple of the strains became very obese and had signs of metabolic syndrome. Other strains showed fewer negative effects, with one showing few changes except for having somewhat more fat in the liver. With the Mediterranean diet, there was a mix of effects. Some groups were healthy, while others experienced weight gain, although it was less severe than in the American diet. Interestingly, these effects held, even though the quantity of consumption was unlimited.

The results demonstrated that a diet that makes one individual lean and healthy might have the complete opposite effect on another. “My goal going into this study was to find the optimal diet,” Barrington said. “But really what we’re finding is that it depends very much on the genetics of the individual and there isn’t one diet that is best for everyone.”

The research team’s future work will focus on determining which genes are involved in the response to the diets. “One day, we’d love to develop a genetic test that could tell each person the best diet for their own genetic makeup,” Barrington said. “There might be a geographical difference based on what your ancestors ate, but we just don’t know enough to say for sure yet.”

About Texas A&M University Health Science Center
Texas A&M University Health Science Center is transforming health through innovative research, education and service in dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health and medical sciences. As an independent state agency and academic unit of Texas A&M University, the health science center serves the state through campuses in Bryan-College Station, Dallas, Temple, Houston, Round Rock, Kingsville, Corpus Christi and McAllen. Learn more at vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu or follow @TAMHSC on Twitter.

CRAFT Beer Market taps open first location in Toronto on Dec. 6
Canadian restaurant houses Ontario’s largest
selection of craft brews

Toronto, ON – Opening its doors on Dec. 6, CRAFT Beer Market officially taps open its first Toronto location in the city’s Financial District (1 Adelaide St. E.). The new two-storey restaurant houses over 400 seats inside, as well as a 250-person beer garden outdoors opening in summer 2018. The Toronto location features Ontario’s largest selection of craft beers, ranging from local Toronto breweries to well-established classics, in addition to sustainably sourced dishes.

“Toronto is such an amazing city with great food, beer and culture, and we’re so excited to be a part of this community and the growth of the craft beer scene,” said PJ L’Heureux, president and founder of CRAFT Beer Market. “We’re passionate about supporting the local communities we’re a part of, whether it’s through neighborhood breweries or local farms. Toronto has been so welcoming, from our existing long-term relationships, to the amazing new friends we have met. We cannot wait to open the doors to the great people of Toronto.”

Upon entrance, guests are greeted by a glass-enclosed keg room, which holds more than 250 kegs. Stainless steel draft beer lines connect the keg room to the restaurant’s centrepiece – an oval-shaped bar lined with 160 taps ready to pour great beer – traditional lagers to obscure ales, ciders and wine.

In addition to its wide selection of beers, CRAFT is committed to preparing fresh food using locally-sourced ingredients. The menu offers an elevated and sophisticated take on traditional comfort foods, such as Shrimp Tacos, a signature dish grilled with Ocean Wise shrimp and served with fresh cabbage, pico de gallo and CRAFT’s signature house made hot sauce.

House favourites include CRAFT’s Grilled West Coast Salmon, sustainably raised salmon served with quinoa, almonds and green beans sautéed with chili garlic vinaigrette. The Dark Beer Braised Beef Brisket, locally sourced Ontario beef from Sanagan’s braised for 10 hours and marinated in CRAFT’s house made sauce and served with smashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

CRAFT Beer Market’s Shrimp Tacos
Photo Credit: CRAFT Beer Market

CRAFT Beer Market’s Grilled West Coast Salmon
Photo Credit: CRAFT Beer Market

Served only on Saturdays and Sundays, CRAFT’s brunch menu offers casual yet delectable fare sure to wake up taste buds. Whether guests are craving an extravagant meal like Breakfast Tacos filled with scrambled eggs and beer can chicken or a more Classic Breakfast with two farm fresh eggs and sides, CRAFT has options suited for everyone.

“At CRAFT, we take great pride in our menu – it’s as important as our beer selection and it is carefully hand crafted daily in house and reflective of our great local suppliers here in Ontario,” said L’Heureux. “Whether you’re joining us for brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks, we want guests to feel relaxed and enjoy their food as they would in their own home.”

CRAFT Beer Market Toronto opens to the public on Dec. 6 and is open daily for lunch, dinner, late nights and weekend brunch. For hours of operation or more information, please visit craftbeermarket.ca/Toronto.

Website: CRAFTbeermarket.ca/toronto
Instagram: @CRAFTtoronto
Twitter: @CRAFTToronto
Facebook: /CRAFTToronto
Hashtag: #CRAFTBeerMarketTO

About CRAFT Beer Market
Calgary-based CRAFT Beer Market opened the doors to its first location in Calgary’s Beltline district in 2011. They followed up with locations in Vancouver and Edmonton in 2013 and Ottawa in May 2016. This year CRAFT opens up two more locations; a second Calgary location at Southcentre and downtown Toronto. Keep up to date on the opening of CRAFT Beer Market by visiting them online at www.craftbeermarket.ca where you can subscribe to the e-newsletter.

Greatist Launches a Movement To Help Expose Unhealthy Thinking About How To Get Healthy - Join the Movement!

"Healthy" has been co-opted by celebrities and 1-percenter lifestyle gurus as entertainment, and it's become about expensive athleisure and matcha detoxes instead of what's real for everybody. Greatist, a fast-growing health media company attracting eight to ten million millennials monthly, announced today that they have launched #HealthyForEveryBODY.

This program is aimed at exposing unhealthy thinking about how to get healthy, replacing it with confidence-boosting mantras. Greatist is encouraging consumers to stand with them as they say, "F*ck trying to be perfect. Just try." There are more than twelve different social graphics that debunk unhealthy attitudes in the same honest, provocative, and humorous voice that has made Greatist so popular. Here's how you can stand with Greatist and show your commitment to real health for the 99 percent:

1. Visit www.Greatist.com/HealthyForEveryBody
2. Share one of the pre-designed mantras on social media using #HealthyForEveryBody
3. Discover how healthier happens when you have the confidence to know healthy isn't about trying to be perfect or following fads, it's about trying.

"We ground everything we do in ideas that are accessible to real people—and we speak to millennial men and women like me who want to get healthy, but still have a life and friends," said Derek Flanzraich, Founder and CEO of Greatist. "The idea is that health and fitness can be a part of living a better, longer life but doesn't have to be the whole point."

Greatist provides realistic, achievable ways to get "healthyish" across content categories including healthy cooking, exercise, and personal journeys. Greatist has approximately 40-thousand people using their chart-topping Facebook Bot, and early next year will be releasing an app dedicated to pairing up like-minded groups of people who share in a similar health journey.

Window Aquatica.

Grow fresh, organic herbs in any space! Window Aquatica is a mini-ecosystem, where the fish waste feeds the plants and the plants clean the water. This is simply the easiest and most economical way to have fresh organic herbs all year round.

Best of all, Window Aquatica lets you enjoy your aquarium and garden, without all the stress/labor. No need to clean the tank or water the plants; the self-contained system makes growing herbs at home easier than ever before. The fish waste provides plants with the necessary nutrients to grow, and the plants clean the tank by absorbing the fish waste.

Window Aquatica  is available on Indiegogo. Early Bird pricing starts at $70.00.

The holidays are quickly approaching and everyone is scrambling to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Whether they are looking for a gift for the tech lover or the fitness fanatic, there is something on this list that will bring them joy this holiday season.

I have provided product descriptions down below. Please let me know if you need additional press materials and I would be happy to provide. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Company Name: i-BLADES
Product: i-BLADES Smartcase

Website: https://i-BLADES.com/
Product Description: An award-winning protective Galaxy S8, S8Plus and Note 8 case with built-in technology that allows you to do more. The i-BLADES Smartcase with removable battery and memory Smartblade is the world's first Smartcase that wirelessy adds +10 hours of talk time, up to 64GB of extra storage and monitors the air quality around you with the state-of-the-art 4-in-1 Enviro Sensor™ embedded inside the Smartcase. Weighing 40g and a slimline 12.33mm, the i-BLADES Smartcase and Smartblade is the smartest phone case for Samsung Galaxy users this holiday season.
Price: $79 to $129

Company Name: SoundWhiz
Product: Turbo Wireless Running Headphones
Website: https://www.soundwhiz.com/
Product Description: The Turbo Wireless Running Headphones by SoundWhiz deliver incredible HD sound that can take any workout to the next level thanks to crystal clear 10mm drivers. The Bluetooth enabled headphones feature a sound profile specifically designed to enhance performance by boosting the body’s rhythm center during sports and activities. The Turbo Wireless Running Headphones ergonomic design combines high quality sound with stability and comfort that allows users to zone in to peak performance. The Turbo headphones are made using a nanocoating process that ensures they are completely protected against sweat, rain, and accidental immersion. Equipped with a long lasting battery, the Turbo headphones deliver up to 8 hours of talk of play time and take only two hours to be fully charged. In addition, the headphones support voice commands on both Apple and Android devices.
Price: $35.99
URL: https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Bluetooth-Running-Headphones-Waterproof/dp/B01FS01SVG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504638866&sr=8-1&keywords=soundwhiz&th=1

Company Name: Brinno
Product: SHC500
Website: http://brinno.com
Product Description: Brinno has released the first in its next generation of front door cameras with one of the best image qualities to date. The SHC500 Digital Peephole Camera records visitors without their knowledge thanks to its conspicuous design. The images or videos are recorded and stored on a micro SD card. The bigger the SD card, the more images or video you can store (supports up to a 32GB card). Replay who was at the door on the 2.7" LCD screen with the push of a button, or remove the SD card and review your activity on your PC or tablet. A set of AA batteries (included) are good for 3,000 activations. Review each day’s images or videos with a simple button push. The new user-friendly menu makes it quick and easy to see who was at the door. Every image and video comes with a time and date stamp so you know who was there and when they were there. Like all Brinno Peephole Viewers and Smart Home Cameras the new SHC500 takes 5 minutes to install and is impossible to detect from outside the door.
Price per Unit: $219.99
Website Link: http://brinno.com/time-lapse-camera/TLC200Pro

Company Name: Witti
Product: ROSSI
Website: www.wittidesign.com
The ROSSI by Witti Design is the perfect gift for that friend who is obsessed with chakra crystals and green juices.
The USB powered aromatherapy diffuser features multicolored LED mood lighting making it the perfect gift to turn any room into an oasis.
Price Per Unit: $29.99
Link to Purchase: https://www.wittidesign.com/products/rossi?variant=40753222602

Consonant Skincare Launches:
Maximum Glycolic Meta Serum™ 

The innovative new product transforms skin without irritation

Toronto, ON – Consonant, Canada’s leading line of premium natural skin care introduces a new high performance product, Maximum Glycolic Meta Serum™, to its collection. The serum boasts the maximum allowable concentration of glycolic acid in an over-the-counter serum in Canada, but is clinically proven to be 100 per cent non-irritating and ideal for sensitive skin.

Specially formulated to exfoliate to reveal smoother, brighter and firmer-looking skin, Maximum Glycolic Meta Serum retails for $60 CAD and USD, and is available at ConsonantSkincare.com, sephora.ca, Consonant Skincare stores and select retailers starting December 4, 2017.

Consonant Skincare’s new Maximum Glycolic Meta Serum
Photo Credit: Consonant Skincare
When used regularly, this powerful serum dissolves the bonds that prevent dead skin cells from being sloughed away; at the same time loosening dirt, makeup and clogged pores to reveal clearer, healthier and younger looking skin. The Meta Serum is also clinically proven to minimize the look of fine lines, brighten skin and add hydration.

“We are extremely proud of our innovative formula and how it transforms your skin naturally with little to no irritation,” said Bill Baker, founder of Consonant Skincare. “By nature, glycolic products are irritating due to their low-pH level, however, our Maximum Glycolic Meta Serum boasts four all-natural botanical extracts to soothe skin and minimize or eliminate irritation altogether. The hydrating and firming properties are all added benefits.”

A clinical trial revealed overwhelmingly positive response to the Maximum Glycolic Meta Serum:

• 100 per cent of clinical trial users experienced no burning sensation or redness – a rarity with glycolic products with the maximum concentration of glycolic
• 95 per cent reported smoother, softer skin
• 95 per cent saw no tightness or dryness to their skin
• 90 per cent reported skin was more hydrated
• 85 per cent claimed skin was firmer, more elastic and supple

Maximum Glycolic Meta Serum is available at ConsonantSkincare.com, sephora.ca, Consonant Skincare stores and select retailers beginning December 4.

About Consonant Skincare:
Located at 2479 Yonge St. in Toronto, all Consonant Skincare’s 100 per cent natural products are created and produced in Canada, and are made with the highest possible concentration of organic botanical ingredients. They are formulated to work in harmony with the body’s natural chemistry to improve the health of skin over time, rather than just covering up irritating symptoms. Skin appears firmer, healthier and younger without the use of synthetic ingredients such as parabens, sulphates, petroleum ingredients, phthalates and silicone.

Website:         www.consonantskincare.com
Twitter:          @Consonant
Facebook:      /ConsonantLife
Instagram:     @ConsonantLife
Hashtag:       #ConsonantSkincare

Most diaper creams promise fast relief and are loaded with ingredients (chemicals) that are said to treat and eliminate diaper rash, but consumers are not seeing the truth in these products.

Baby Butz diaper cream creator Majda Ficko’s son Demitri was born 15 years ago with a rare condition called Cornelia de Lange syndrome and has been in diapers 24-hours a day ever since. “Demitri spent the first three years of his life in and out of hospital and a pharmacist there had formulated a skin cream for him,” says Ficko, a mother of three. “But when the pharmacy closed, the cream was no longer available and I was at the mercy of whatever diaper creams were on the market, none of which worked and are packed with harsh chemicals.”

​Desperate, Ficko tracked down the ingredients used by the hospital pharmacy and with a Research Chemist, spent two years perfecting a diaper cream for Demitri. “I never intended to sell this cream but a doctor at the Children’s Rehabilitation Centre in Winnipeg said to me ‘Why should your son be the only one to benefit from this?’ As a mother, that really struck a chord with me,” says Ficko, owner of Olen Cosmetics, manufacturer and distributor of Baby Butz and other natural hair and body care products.

So, Baby Butz diaper cream was born! The certified all-natural product, which is gluten and paraben-free and never tested on animals is unlike any diaper cream on the market today. Once launched, Baby Butz quickly won a Seal of Approval from Parent Tested, Parent Approved website which catapulted Ficko and her diaper rash cream straight to Hollywood. “I was invited to gifting suites at the Oscars and Golden Globes and handed out Baby Butz diaper cream to celebrity parents and expectant parents,” says Ficko, “Knowing celebrities are using my son’s diaper cream is so surreal!”

Not only is Hollywood clamoring for Baby Butz but doctors are too. Backed by doctors because the cream is 100% natural and begins the healing process immediately and stays put. Just four hours after applying the cream parents notice visible improvement in their child’s diaper rash. “Demitri has never come in with a diaper rash since he has been using it,” says Dr. Janet Grabowski, Demitri’s pediatrician. “Because of (Baby Butz’s) success, I’m now recommending it to my patients.”

Every new mom needs this cream in case their baby ever has diaper rash. Diaper rash is no laughing matter, it can lead very quickly to raw skin and worse. Olen Cosmetics has created *the* best solution to this dilemma with their Baby Butz Cream. The safest and most effective diaper rash treatment available without a prescription. 100% natural ingredients and 30% zinc oxide. Used in hospital neonatal units and many pediatricians hand out samples plus medical professionals have endorsed this cream. No Chemicals, no Alcohol, no perfumes and hypoallergenic!

Age range: Birth+
MSRP: $6.49 (2 ounces)
Available online: https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Butz-Diaper-Cream-Natural/dp/B00IK6BI0M/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1499817933&sr=8-1&keywords=baby+butz+cream