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).

SOURCE GlaxoSmithKline Inc.

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

SOURCE Baylis Médical

Crawford Street, Natural Skin Care, Opens NEW lab in Toronto

-- Protect your skin naturally this winter with these four NEW and all-natural products --

Crawford Street Natural Skin Care® reinvents itself, in the new Toronto lab, with a transformed line of skin care offering: plant-based, hi-end products in unique, efficient and environmentally friendly packaging. Crawford Street is well known and appreciated for its all-natural, high quality, and hypo-allergenic skin products. https://www.crawfordskincare.com/

Canadian winters can wreak havoc on the skin: windy, cold, dry outside temperatures combined with hot, dry or damp indoors conditions. Winter naturally invites relaxation, renewal and rejuvenation. Crawford Street welcomes winter with a NEW survival kit containing four new products including mineral baths, deodorant, body oil and cuticle oil - all in environmentally responsible glass packaging.

“I am excited about the new and all-natural formulas. Our customers want quality products, environmentally friendly options, catchy names and unique packaging. Crawford Street products work well and look beautiful on the shelf”, said Gaelyne Leslie, Founder of Crawford Street Skin Care.

Mineral Baths ($25): Soak away your winter blues with a relaxing mineral bath.

Crawford Street introduces three new mineral baths: Detox, Relax and Steam. Each contains high quality Dead Sea salts, and a carefully selected combination of therapeutic essential oils, to cleanse the body, unwind or soothe tired muscles.

Natural Deodorant ($10): A all-natural deodorant that works! Be prepared for everything winter throws: shovelling the drive, hitting the slopes or cozying up by the fire. When the heat is on, be prepared!

Crawford Street’s natural, HARD WORKING, deodorant cream contains a power packed combo of essential oils - all anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and deodorizing. It combines wetness absorbing cornstarch that will keep you smelling fresh all day! There is no aluminum, propylene glycol, phalates, or parabens but instead it contains beneficial botanical plant oils that deodorizes and kills bacteria. New scents include: Herbes de Provence inspired by the fields of Southern France; lavender essential oil, rosemary, marjoram, parsley and thyme creating a delightfully herbaceous scent, Woods, an earthy blend, includes cedarwood, juniper and clove, it’s a bit woodsy and a bit spicy but appeals to women as much as men. Think “Old Spice”!

Body Oil ($45): After a nice soak, indulge in a little self-care. The simple application of oil has an amazing effect on the body and the mind. Body oils offer an intensely hydrating treatment for the skin, as they help lock in moisture and are quickly absorbed into the deepest layers of the skin keeping it moisturized longer than any lotion.

Toning and Smoothing Cypress Body Oil is the perfect way to combat dry skin caused by the harsh winter elements.  Carefully selected essential oils, in a base of grapeseed oil, will gently detoxify congested layers of skin tissue, improving skin tone and texture, while at the same time deeply moisturizing the skin.

Cuticle Serum ($25): Hands and nails take a beating in the winter due to lack of humidity, dry and cold air, along with repeated polish changes during the holiday season.  Serums don’t need to be limited to just the face. This luxurious Cuticle Serum, infused with Rose Otto and Borage Oil, delivers a deeply protein-rich treatment that will keep your cuticles healthy and soft, and it also smells divine!

ABOUT THE BRAND & FOUNDER

Crawford Street Skin Care was founded in 2010 after owner Gaelyne Leslie had a severe allergic reaction to a commercial brand of face moisturizer. Her background as an investigative journalist led her to research the long list of ingredients in her moisturizer and the whole experience left her horrified, she having extremely sensitive skin.  As a result, she started to experiment with natural ingredients, eventually coming up with a moisturizer that was not only 100 percent natural, but it really worked! Friends noticed her glowing, smooth skin and soon she was whipping up cream for them too.

As a journalist, Gaelyne was committed to quality, integrity and education. She brings this same commitment to her skin care line. “I believe that what you put on your body is as important as what you put in it. And what is left out, is as important as what is mixed in.”

Every ingredient included in the product is carefully researched and chosen for its unique properties. Gaelyne is always looking for the best plant-based ingredients she can find for her customers. She always chooses fair-trade, sustainable and organic ingredients when available.

Today Crawford Street Skin Care products are produced in small batches in our laboratory on Crawford Street in Toronto. We take special care to ensure that each product arrives to you as fresh as possible.

Crawford Street Skin Care products are 100% natural. They are free of petrochemical derivatives, such as mineral oil and petroleum, PEGs, Parabens, DEA, Sodium Laurel Sulphate, artificial dyes and fragrances, chemical preservatives.

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.

FEED Your Gut with Genuine Health’s fermented organic gut superfoods+

November 15, 2017 (Toronto, ON): The health of our entire body depends on one thing: how happy and healthy our gut microbiome is. Our microbiome is made up of trillions of microorganisms that influence not only our digestion, but also our mood, immunity, and even body composition! As the experts in gut health, Genuine Health understands the importance of a healthy, thriving microbiome and has developed the ULTIMATE nourishment for gut microbes with its NEW fermented organic gut superfoods+.

For the past 25 years, Genuine Health has established itself as a global leader in superfoods, fermentation and the microbiome, and has created its very own PRIME, SEED and FEED approach. With these three easy steps, individuals can keep their gut microbiome on its best behaviour. PRIME the gut with fermented nutrition, SEED the gut with the healthiest live microbes, and FEED the microbes with the ultimate nourishment to keep them happy.

How do you keep your gut microbes happy? PREBIOTICS! We need to eat not only to nourish ourselves but to nourish our microbiome. Prebiotics can also help to produce beneficial short chain fatty acids, improve gut function, help digestion and enhance mineral absorption. But, for many people with digestive issues, most prebiotics can lead to digestive discomfort. The most common type of prebiotic on the market today is made from inulin, which can irritate the gut lining, and may even feed both “good” and “bad” bacteria, and can lead to gas and bloating.

Enter fermented organic gut superfoods+, the ultimate prebiotic gut superfood with a 1-2-3 punch. It includes 21 phytonutrient-rich superfoods, easy-to-tolerate prebiotic fibre, and is fully fermented, all which intensifies the strength of the nutrients, and helps to encourage the growth of “good” bacteria. 1. Phytonutrients are plant nutrients and polyphenols are the best-known class of phytonutrients that provide benefits throughout the body. Each of the ingredients in fermented organic gut superfoods+ were carefully chosen for its high polyphenol content. 2. The rich source of prebiotic fibre is VitaFiber, which is easy-to-tolerate and helps to encourage the growth of good bacteria. 3. fermented organic gut superfoods+ is fully-fermented improving gut microbial profile and increasing the anti-inflammatory properties of phytonutrients by 20%!

“The new fermented organic gut superfoods+ is extremely rich in polyphenols - twice that of even the healthiest mix of a 2-dozen-ingredient salad, and it has the advantage of having the polyphenols microbially transformed pre-consumption through traditional fermentation.” – Dr. Alan Logan, ND, FRSH

fermented organic gut superfoods+ is available in unflavoured and unsweetened (stevia-free), Summer Berry & Pomegranate, and Orange Ginger. 21-day - $59.99, and 7-day servings – $24.99. fermented organic gut superfoods+ can be found at your local health food, grocery and drug retailers. Visit www.genuinehealth.com to find a store near you.

About Genuine Heath

For 25 years, Genuine Health has been making natural supplements that people are passionate about because they work. Founder and CEO Stewart Brown’s love for natural health started early in life when he suffered with health issues and found solutions through holistic modalities and supplements. Upon opening his own chain of natural supplement stores, he witnessed first-hand how some products worked and some didn’t for his customers. He then collaborated with Sam Graci, the formulator of greens+, and experienced the amazing effects of taking a product that makes a real difference to your health. Today, Genuine Health has over 170 products sold in both Canada and the US, and is focused on empowering people to live life with passion by embracing natural health products that improve their lives – every day!

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.

First Ever Effective Intervention Against Dementia Shown in Large Study

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA) — Researchers just published the first randomized controlled trial ever to show an intervention effective at lowering the risk of dementia.  A computerized brain exercise licensed exclusively by Posit Science, maker of the online (and in app) BrainHQ brain training platform, significantly reduced the risk of dementia among older adults over a 10-year period, according to an article in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, a peer-reviewed journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“Relatively small amounts of training resulted in a decrease in risk of dementia over the 10-year period of 29 percent, as compared to the control,” said Dr. Jerri Edwards, lead author of the article and a Professor at the University of South Florida, College of Medicine, “And, when we looked at dose-response, we saw that those who trained more got more protective benefit.”

To place the size and importance of this protective effect in context, the researchers quantitatively compared the risk reduction for dementia from the computerized brain training to the risk reduction for major cardiovascular events (such as heart failure, heart disease and stroke) yielded by blood pressure medications, and found that this non-pharmacological intervention had a 2-4 times greater protective effect against its targeted disease condition.

“No health professional would suggest that any person with hypertension forego the protection offered by prescribed blood pressure medication,” observed Dr. Henry Mahncke, CEO of Posit Science. “We expect these results will cause the medical community to take a much closer look at the many protective benefits of these exercises in both older and clinical populations.”

The journal article, “Speed of Processing Training Results in Lower Risk of Dementia,” reports on the latest results from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) Study, funded by the National Institutes of Health. That study followed 2,802 healthy older adults for 10 years (as they aged from an average of 74 to 84).

The ACTIVE Study looked at the impact on aging of different types of cognitive training by randomizing participants into a control group and three intervention arms: 1) a memory group receiving classroom instruction on memory strategies; 2) a reasoning group receiving classroom instruction on reasoning strategies; and 3) a speed of processing group receiving individualized computerized brain training in a classroom setting. Participants in the cognitive training groups were asked to engage in a total of 10 sessions of training (about an hour per session) conducted over the first five weeks of the study.

All participants were assessed on a number of cognitive and functional measures at the beginning of the study, after the first six weeks, and at the end of years 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10. Subsets of each intervention group also received four additional “booster” training sessions in the weeks before the assessments at the end of years 1 and 3.

At the end of 10 years, researchers found no significant difference in incidence of dementia for the strategy-based memory or reasoning training groups, as compared to the control group. However, the speed of processing group engaged in computerized brain training showed a significant reduction in incidence of dementia – with a 29 percent reduction in the hazard of dementia.

When reviewing the impact of each computerized speed training session completed, researchers found those who completed more sessions had lower risk.  The researchers also reported on the dementia incidence rate of those who completed the most sessions of each type of training (including five or more booster sessions) and the control. The incident rate of dementia for those who completed the most sessions in speed training (at 5.9 percent) was 45 percent lower than the control (at 10.8 percent); 42 percent lower than the incidence rate for those who did the most memory training (at 10.1 percent); and 39 percent lower than the incidence rate for those who did the most reasoning training (at 9.7 percent). Only the comparison of the entire speed group to the control was reported as significant.

The newly published results confirm and extend preliminary results first announced last year.  Those results used a broader definition of dementia to reflect the under-reporting of dementia in the community. The preliminary results, indicating a 33 percent reduction in risk, relative to the control are contained in this report. However, to be more conservative, the authors now also include and highlight a narrower definition of dementia (restricted to reports of a dementia diagnosis or falling below a cut-point on a standard test). Even with the narrower definition, the effects are substantially similar – with a 29 percent reduction in dementia risk (at any given point in time) for the overall speed group as compared to the control.

Participants in the computerized brain training group were trained on a highly specific task designed to improve the speed and accuracy of visual attention, including both divided and selective attention. To perform the divided attention training task, a user identified an object (i.e., car or truck) at the center of gaze while at the same time locating a target in the periphery (i.e., car). As the user gets the answers correct, the speed of presentation becomes faster.  In the more difficult training tasks, the target in the periphery is obscured by distracting objects.

There is substantial prior scientific literature on this training exercise, which is referred to as “speed of processing training”, “useful field of view training”, or “UFOV training.” The exercise was developed by Dr. Karlene Ball of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Dr. Dan Roenker of Western Kentucky University. It is now exclusively licensed to Posit Science, and is available as the “Double Decision” exercise of the BrainHQ.com brain training program.

The paper notes that this particular type of computerized brain training, as updated by its inventors and Posit Science over the years, has previously been shown effective across multiple clinical trials in older adults on standard measures on cognitive abilities (e.g., speed of processing, attention and memory) and functional abilities (e.g., maintaining the ability to live independently, depressive symptoms, feelings of control, and health-related quality of life), as well as in real world activities (e.g., driving safety, balance and gait). In other studies in pre-dementia conditions, it has shown improvements in cognitive and functional abilities, as well as brain structure.

“This study highlights that not all cognitive training is the same,” said Dr. Edwards. “Plasticity-based, computerized, speed of processing training has differentiated itself based both on the data and on the neurophysiological model from which it was developed.”

“There are now well over 100 peer-reviewed studies on the benefits of our brain exercises and assessments across varied populations,” said Dr. Mahncke. “The neuroplasticity-based mechanisms that drive beneficial changes across the brain from this type of training are well-documented, and are increasingly understood even by brain scientists not directly involved in their development. This type of training harnesses plasticity to engage the brain in an upward spiral toward better physical and functional brain health.”

“We work with a global team of independent researchers who are continuously pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the brain,” Dr. Mahncke observed. “We expect many more exciting announcements in the year ahead, and we plan to work with the medical community and regulators to expand beyond our wellness and performance offerings to assist people with specific medical conditions and concerns.”

SOURCE Labtician Ophthalmics Inc.

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 9^th and 10^th 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.

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

Think Research to deliver comprehensive healthcare solutions on the IBM Cloud

TORONTO, Nov. 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Think Research, a leading digital healthcare platform provider, today announced that it has partnered with IBM to drive further scalability for their suite of cloud-based clinical decision support tools using IBM Cloud.

To address modern medical challenges, health providers need access to the best clinical knowledge in easy-to-use and well-designed tools. Think Research provides this executable knowledge through a broad collection of health care applications, including Patient Order Sets, eForms, medication reconciliation, progress notes, eReferrals and more.

"We're dedicated to using modern tools to bring transformational change to the healthcare industry," said Saurabh Mukhi, Chief Technology Officer at Think Research. "Our suite of health care applications provide solutions across the health care spectrum. From primary providers and acute care settings through to long-term care facilities, we know their diverse needs demand the best infrastructure technology available."

To support their expanding global customer base, Think Research partnered with IBM to help deliver the robust technical infrastructure their highly-regulated customers' demand, while maintaining world-class security. IBM Cloud will help Think Research scale with success without compromising privacy concerns.

"Healthcare organizations need efficient and sustainable solutions to address this industry's challenges in new and innovative ways," said Nathalie Le Prohon, vice president of IBM's healthcare industry in Canada. "IBM Cloud provides a secure and reliable platform for healthcare companies, such as Think Research, to deliver better outcomes and drive much-needed transformation."

About Think Research

Think Research's mission is to organize the world's health knowledge so everyone gets the best care. The company takes the ever-growing body of clinical evidence and health care algorithms to create software applications that drive high quality clinical decision making.  Think Research's solutions are provided through a secure, multi-application platform that is used by clinicians and patients at the point of care, and is deployed in over 1,000 facilities in Canada, the US and the EU, with millions of patients being impacted annually.

SOURCE Think Research