Tag: press release

Online community brings innovation offering to more than 2 million Québec caregivers

 

WE THE CARING: Through social connection, Huddol.com empowers caregivers to create better care experiences and health outcomes for themselves and their loved ones

MONTREAL, Nov. 6, 2017 /CNW/ - At any given moment, more than 2 million Québec households are providing care to a family member or friend with a long-term health condition, disability or aging need.1  While many do not immediately identify themselves as a caregiver– with many seeing what they do as part and parcel for being a parent, sibling, child, spouse, friend or neighbour, the magnitude of the caregiving task cannot be ignored.

The reality is, many long-term caregivers face years of distress, disorientation and isolation as they work to map out a solution for their family member or loved one, often without knowing what questions to ask or which path will lead to the best outcomes.

Huddol.com – a digital innovation emerging from Québec, is turning those caregiving masses into a powerful social community that is crowdsourcing solutions to everyday care challenges. Huddol makes it easier than ever before for Canadians to navigate the long-term care of a loved one, while also taking care of their own needs.

"The suffering families face when they become caregivers has a way of turning them in on themselves; there's the stigma of the illness, the time it takes away from social relationships, and the sheer intensity and complexity of the task of having someone else's life in your hands," says Mark Stolow, CEO of Huddol. "Huddol is focused on reversing that trend and using the power of smart, caring connections to improve the health of caregivers and those in their care."

Innovative in its approach, Huddol empowers caregivers to create better care experiences and health outcomes for their loved ones by ensuring that they are treated as critical partners in care from the start. Using data inputs from each individual caregiver, Huddol smart matches members to a dedicated network of their peers, professionals and supportive resources. Time and time again research and real-world evidence emphasizes the importance of social connectivity in improving health outcomes. Through its collective insights and rich social networking, Huddol generates a powerful learning and sharing environment helping everyday people successfully navigate the care experience.

Québec singer-songwriter and La Voix contestant, Elie Haroun recounts his personal struggle and difficulty in witnessing the challenges his family faced when his father's cancer progressed into dementia in 2010.

"When my dad was dying, we were a team of two – me and my mom, but we were so lost in the experience," says Haroun. "I felt like I was losing both parents – one who was dying and the other who was self-sacrificing to the point of compromising her own mental health and self-care. Looking back, it would have meant everything to us to be able to tap into the collective trust of so many others – professionals, but also people like us who had been there or were going through the same experience."

With organizations such as Parkinson Québec, Alzheimer Society of Montreal and ALS Québec on board, and more than 150 professionals across the health and support service sector already as partners, Huddol provides caregivers with exclusive and easy-to-navigate access to an expansive integrated social and health eco-system that brings together all critical caregiver support touch points – private and public resources mixed within peer networks.

"Through their own determination and perseverance, many caregivers are trying to solve complex health riddles," says Monique Nadeau, Executive Director of L'Appui pour les proches aidants d'aînés. "Through the platform, Huddol fosters an online community that brings caregivers, organizations and professionals together. We believe that this initiative, which compliments existing services and aligns with our mission, will enable more caregivers to gain access to resources and supports."

Huddol's lead financial contributors include the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program, Telus and L'Appui pour les proches aidants d'aînés. Huddol was developed by the seasoned team at The Caregiver Network – a group of health innovators, technologists, creatives, educators, researchers and clinicians with more than 15 years of experience working within the caregiver support space and innovating the future of caregiver support.

Caregivers across Québec can sign up for free access at huddol.com or download the Huddol iOS app.

About The Caregiver Network (TCN)

The Caregiver Network (TCN) is Canada's largest online learning network supporting family caregivers, their loved ones and the health care professionals who work on their behalf. TCN hosts free educational events in partnership with associations across the country. Events are led by experts who share up to date information and respond to questions from participants to help them better navigate the care journey. For more information on The Caregiver Network visit www.thecaregivernetwork.ca.

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1 Statistics Canada. (2013). Portrait of caregivers, 2012. Catalogue no. 89-652 X- No.001. Ottawa, ON: Statistics Canada Social and Aboriginal Statistics Division, retrieved from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-652-x/89-652-x2013001-eng.htm

SOURCE Huddol

The Ontario Produce Marketing Association Partners with Student Nutrition Ontario to Implement the "New Fast Food" Initiative in Over 1,000 Schools Across the Province

 

TORONTO, Nov. 6, 2017 /CNW/ - The Ontario Produce Marketing Association (OPMA) has partnered with Student Nutrition Ontario (SNO) to help kids make healthier choices when it comes to food. The "New Fast Food" campaign, consists of four, unique vibrant posters that have been distributed to 1,200 primary grade, middle and high schools, in the province.

"The concept of the program is quite simple," states Virginia Zimm, President of the OPMA. "No matter what age the students are, this series of posters will create a response in the student population that may provoke better, healthier fast food choices like fresh produce! What could be faster than an apple?"

The first of their kind to go into any school in Ontario, the pictorial representations are meant to transcend any language or cultural boundaries that are sure to exist in our diverse society. Children of all ages and backgrounds will understand the message the posters are conveying and hopefully encourage dialogue with friends, teachers, parents and caregivers.

In addition to the physical posters, the OPMA in partnership with SNO, is launching a social media campaign to support this initiative. Each poster has the OPMA "producemadesimple.ca" website across the bottom. Students and parents are encouraged to visit this website and follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. These tools will provide interested parties with access to content concerning everything from how to select, handle, store, and prepare fresh fruits and vegetables. They will also have access to hundreds of 'simple' recipes they can try for themselves or with the assistance of their parent or guardian, depending on their age.

Let's inspire our youth to make better food choices for their continued good health!

About Student Nutrition Ontario: At Student Nutrition Ontario, we stand for community, collaboration, and student success. We empower communities to address local needs and ensure that every student has access to nutritious foods, learns to make healthy choices, and is able to succeed. To support our partners, we bring knowledge, guidance, experience and passion. We offer a unified voice with the power to influence, build capacity, and ensure every student is well nourished.

About Ontario Produce Marketing Association: The Ontario Produce Marketing Association is a member-funded, not-for-profit organization whose primary objective is to increase the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in Ontario.

SOURCE Ontario Produce Marketing Association

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

Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk With Healthy Food Options

1-in7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer

Does what you eat make you more likely to develop prostate cancer? If you have prostate cancer, are there foods that help fight it off and keep it from coming back? November is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a good time to focus on preventing one of the most common types of cancer in men around the world. Experts estimate that in the next 10 years, prostate cancer will be even more common than lung cancer. Early prostate cancer usually has no symptoms, so regular screening is important. Here are some things you can do to assess and reduce your risk.

Are You at Risk?

Men with a family history of prostate cancer are more likely to develop the disease. African American men are 1.6 times more likely than Caucasians to be diagnosed. Asian-American men and men who are Hispanic or Latino are less likely to develop prostate cancer.

The World Cancer Research Fund International conducted extensive studies on risk factors. They studied how diet, weight, and activity level affected risk. Here’s what they found.

  • Strong evidence exists that men who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop prostate cancer.
  • There is strong evidence that developmental factors contribute to increased risk. For example, the taller a man is, the higher his risk of developing prostate cancer.
  • Beta-carotene was thought to reduce risk, but studies show that consuming large amounts of it has no effect on risk.
  • Age is a factor. Men under 40 rarely develop prostate cancer, but the risk rises gradually after men reach 50.
  • Geography matters. Men in North America, Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean islands are more likely to develop prostate cancer than men in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America are. Lifestyle differences such as a diet low in processed foods likely account for the difference.
  • Diet plays a role. Men who eat a lot of red meat and high-fat dairy have a higher risk. These men also typically eat fewer fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Foods That Might Cause Prostate Cancer

Foods that are packaged and processed are often high in fat and calories. If you get it from a drive-through, it probably isn’t going to help you maintain a healthy body weight. Those foods aren’t just bad for your waistline; they might make you more likely to develop prostate cancer.

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle studied men between the ages of 35 and 74. They found men who ate French fries, fried meats, or fried doughnuts once a week or more had a 30 to 37 percent higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Men with the lowest risk ate fried foods once a month or less. Saturated fats have been linked with heart disease, so avoiding them kills two birds with one stone.

Red meat contains heterocyclic amines (HCAs), carcinogens linked to several cancers. Stay away from processed beef, pork, lunch-meat, hot dogs, and sausage.

prostate cancer risk factors

Prostate Protection Diet

Even if you only have one or two risk factors, healthy nutrition can help you prevent prostate cancer. Being overweight or obese is one of the biggest contributing factors to developing prostate cancer. Eating right and staying physically active helps keep your body mass index within a healthy range. Replace unhealthy foods with these options.

Nuts – Selenium is good for prostate health, and Brazil nuts contain 10 times your recommended daily allowance. Nuts also contain high levels of zinc, another mineral important to maintaining a healthy prostate. Nuts are high in protein, magnesium, and thiamin, all of which have health benefits.

Broccoli – Broccoli fights cancer. It is rich in sulforaphane, which helps the body detoxify itself and eliminates outside elements that may cause cancer. It also contains indole-3-carbinol, which suppresses cancer cell growth and lowers the production of protein specific antigen. One trial found men who eat broccoli more than once a week had a 45 percent less chance of developing advanced prostate cancer.

Cayenne – This bright red chili pepper contains capsaicin, which reduces pain and kills cancer cells. Capsaicin attacks cancer cells and causes them to self-destruct. It also fights atherosclerosis, prevents ulcers, and helps reduce your risk of diabetes.

Green tea – Men who drink at least three cups of green tea a day have a lowered risk of prostate cancer.

Pomegranates – Pomegranate extract slows prostate cancer cell reproduction and stops blood vessels from nourishing prostate tumors. Pomegranate juice is a great way to get it in.

Fish – Omega-3 fatty acids in fish both prevent prostate cancer and slow prostate tumor development. Eating fish can reduce your risk even if you’re genetically predisposed.

Fight Prostate Cancer and Make Money

It can be hard to eat healthy with today’s busy lifestyles. You can’t always find food that’s good for you. Vending machines offer convenient snacking, but they’re often full of the worst foods. Consider installing a Naturals2Go healthy vending machine at your office. Operators select inventory based on what their customers want and their own nutritional needs.

Offer nuts, bean chips, and all-natural fruit snacks in place of cookies and candy bars. Keep healthy options handy for yourself and those closest to you, and make money doing it. Contact us today to find out more about our machines.

National Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week 2017

Indigenous right to equitable health without discrimination or stigma

OTTAWA, Nov. 2, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN) announces Indigenous leadership will gather on November 30, 2017 in Ottawa, ON for a Parliamentary Breakfast to launch Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week 2017. It will be followed December 1 – 6, 2017 by events across the country (Vancouver, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Iqaluit, Toronto, and more) to unite an Indigenous response to HIV and AIDS in a parallel theme to international World AIDS Day: Right to Health.

This series of events across Canada will connect Indigenous organizations, government partners, health care providers, and community leaders as they reflect on what has been achieved and what must still be achieved by testing to "know your status", eliminating stigma and discrimination, and ensuring equitable access.

To end the AIDS epidemic, global efforts are aligned around a 90-90-90 Strategy which sets three measures of progress. On World AIDS Day 2016, the Government of Canada reported Canada's advances on these measures: 80% of HIV-infected people in Canada know their status; 76% of those who know they have HIV are on treatment; and 89% on treatment have suppressed viral loads.

"Indigenous communities hold the knowledge needed to close HIV target gaps, as we continue to be over-represented 2.7 times higher than other Canadians," said Ken Clement, CEO of Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network. "Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week is an opportunity for Indigenous Peoples, researchers, and policy makers to share wise and promising practices, learn from each other and build relationships across the country."

Right to Health is attune to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. Barriers exist to Indigenous Peoples' Right to Health including stigma, discrimination, and systemic racism. Indigenous communities hold strengths of traditional knowledge, culture, language and connection to land which supports wellbeing and health equity.

The Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network and its launch day co-hosts, Canadian Global Health All-Parliamentary Caucus HIV TB & Malaria, Interagency Coalition on AIDS and Development (ICAD), and Pauktuutit Inuit Women's Association of Canada invite you to participate in Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week as it brings awareness to the different aspects of HIV prevention and key populations such as Indigenous women and youth living with HIV and AIDS.

For Canada-wide schedule or to RSVP, visit: www.aboriginalaidsawareness.com

About CAAN www.caan.ca 

The Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network is a non-profit organization that leads a national forum for Indigenous Peoples to wholistically address HIV and AIDS, HCV, STBBIs, TB, mental health, aging, and co-morbidity issues; remedy social determinants of health through advocacy; and provide resources on these issues in a culturally relevant manner for Indigenous Peoples wherever they reside.

About ICAD www.icad-cisd.com/

About Pauktuutit http://pauktuutit.ca/

PHAC Budget Cuts Impact Indigenous HIV/AIDS Equity Access         

Imbalanced Federal funding heavily emphasizes prevention, but underfunds care for People Living with HIV; disconcerting given indisputable evidence that support programs improve treatment adherence, drives down viral loads and eliminates further HIV transmission.

"In the case of CAAN, 2018 brings a 46% funding cut. The Public Health Agency of Canada's continued decision to severely reduce funding for CAAN decimates the leading voice of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples living with HIV or AIDS and will have far-reaching consequences on both Indigenous health and reconciliation," stated Ken Clement, CEO of Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network. "Over Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week we hope to find ways to hold the process accountable and restore wellness opportunities for Indigenous Peoples."

SOURCE Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN)

Respect Your Universe collaborates with world renowned artists

 

(VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA), OCTOBER 30, 2017 – RYU Apparel Inc. (TSX VENTURE: RYU.V; Frankfurt Stock Exchange: RYA) creators of urban athletic apparel, are pleased to present world-renowned artists, Jason Dussault and Raphael Mazzucco, in a collaborative effort titled, “No Home”. This blend of photography, paint, and mosaic tile work, embellished with a descriptive narrative crafted by celebrated poet, Prevail of Swollen Members, ushers in a powerful pictorial of a dystopian future. The thematic tone of the show reveals humanities deepest fears, and yet at the same time, highlights our collective strength and determination to survive.

 

“No Home” will be held on November 23 at the Chali Rosso Art Gallery at 549 Howe Street in Vancouver.

 

As a creative extension of Jason’s unique applications and garment work, a one of a kind collection between himself and RYU will debut one week later, November 28, at the company’s marquee downtown destination, located on Thurlow Street in Vancouver. These dynamic pieces are geared and designed to excite, elevating the wearer through a distinctive process focused on challenging classic concepts.

 

“When I was conceptualizing the message for ‘No Home’, I came to realize that it would be best presented alongside strong writing in the form of a short story” says Jason Dussault. “I turned to my longtime friend and partner, Prevail, to scribe some words to help guide the direction of the show. As a person of compassion and an artist of honesty, I am constantly challenged with the current state of affairs that we, as the human race, are faced with. When I came to Prevail for his help on ‘No Home’, I explained my concept and he instantly saw my greater vision. We have been working together on projects since the early 2000's. We have collaborated on everything from design, with my original custom clothing company Dussault, to my first gallery showing at the Hoerle Guggenheim in New York, where I was honored to be debuted alongside the legendary Retna.”

 

“Last year I was blessed to also have my works displayed in London at the Maddox Gallery, one of Mayfair’s premiere destinations for collectors around the globe. I was truly inspired when my mosaic and multimedia pieces were well received, and I was able to sell the entire collection to influencers from around the art world. As an artist I am constantly trying to challenge my understanding of different disciplines. For the first time, I have created jewelry, tools and costumes which have added to the profound medium of photography to my work. By including resin, ceramic and paint to my original images, I feel that I have broken new ground, and thus, have forged a new respect to the applications of art.”

 

-30-

 

 

About Jason Dussault

Represented by Hoerle-Guggenheim Contemporary Art Gallery in NYC and Maddox Gallery in Mayfair, London. Recent FC Barcelona commission to create a mosaic artwork of their coat of arms, where it was presented at the Rainbow Room in NYC and hand signed by all the soccer players. This was then put up for a Charity auction.

 

Last Solo show in NYC was a sellout, hosted by the late Glenn O’Brian editor of interview Mag and Warhol factory member.

Invited to do an Artist in residency for one month during the summer, at Ruschmeyer’s Hotel in Montauk, Long Island, NY. Jason worked at creating a series of vintage mosaic surfboards. Each work was created outdoors where hotel guests could interact with the artist and learn about the process. Each work was proudly presented at the end of the week.

Other achievements include:

  • Invited to host an artist workshop and talk at the Soho House NYC.
  • Rogers production of Reality TV show Dussault Inc
  • Created the Iconic Dussault Hoodies
  • Gene Simmons partnership
  • Indy Car collaboration

jasondussault.com

 

 

About Prevail

As co-founder of Canadian rap group Swollen Members, Prevail has received 5 Juno awards, numerous Much Music Awards, and has sold nearly a million records worldwide over a career spanning two decades. Most recently, his wordsmithing has afforded him rare opportunities in the form of being a Ted X Vancouver presenter, an ambassador for the charitable organization Music Heals and creative speaking engagements with Finger Food Studios, and many others.

 

 

About Raphael Mazzucco

As a Canadian born fashion, art, and music photographer, Raphael has achieved an artist’s dream. He is inarguably one of the most important and influential photographers of our time. Having been featured in campaigns for Calvin Klein, Sports Illustrated, Victoria’s Secret, and Guess, his work is profound. A cameo on the famous show Entourage, also saw Raphael playing himself, conducting a portrait shot of the lead character for a book produced by Sean Puffy Combs and the legendary Jimmy Iovine. His works can be seen the world over and the clientele who have privately commissioned him for pieces are the crème de la crème of the collectors’ art world.

 

The Redemption Project is Transforming Lives
From The Inside Out
PHILIDELPHIA, PA – Matthew L. Harris, Vice President of Sales, The Redemption Project (TRP) announced today the launch of ground-breaking study that addresses the volatile issue facing our country – the problem of mass incarceration. “The Redemption Project is committed to challenging the “school-to-prison pipeline,” a disturbing national trend where children are funnelled out of public schools and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Many of these children have learning disabilities or histories of poverty, abuse, or neglect, and would benefit from additional educational and counselling services” said Harris.
The Redemption Project (TRP) is a multi-dimensional organization that creates opportunities for individuals to transform their lives by fostering behavioral changes that promote personal responsibility, environmental stewardship, cultural competency and positive contributions to society.
“The goal is to provide a comprehensive solution to K-12 schools, juvenile detention centers, state correctional institutions and other societal stakeholders for improving behavior outcomes, reducing recidivism and unemployment while empowering program participants to make sustainable healthy changes in their personal lives” said Harris.
The Redemption Project Research Study (TRPRS) includes a dedicated group of physicians, psychologists, nutritionists, educators, and trainers that are examining and addressing the conditions that contribute to the inmate re-incarceration, challenge with education, skills development and transition support services for imprisoned men and women throughout the State of Pa.
Our research partners, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center will conduct a controlled study to examine the relationship between nutrition, health and anti-social behavior utilizing the inmate population while offering program consultation, research design, best practices, standards and performance monitoring. This research project will run approximately 3-5 years in length, during which time, TRPRS will test the effects of a whole food plant based diet on behavioral and overall health changes among inmates enrolled in the Pennsylvania State Prison System (approx. 2000 inmates).
Our team proposes an integrated program (including a plant-based diet) that examines the physical and psychological status of select participants, introduce them to the Redemption Project principles and practices and measure their performance according to agreed- upon outcomes, such as behavior up until release, health status and post- release employment. These results will not only improve the lives of participants and the inmate population at each facility, but will also have profound implications on recidivism, the community and society.
Currently, 11 school districts (114 schools) and over 250 juvenile facilities have committed letters of support and interest to The Redemption Project! TRP firmly believe in this proactive approach and our unique curriculum- based program.
About The Redemption Project
The Redemption Project (TRP) is an evidenced-based program whose mission is to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline. The TRP addresses the issues that confront our youth at the various stages, from school to the correctional institution. The three-tiered approach for corrective programming is unique to the industry and offers a proven platform that has produced outstanding performance metrics for the participants. The Redemption Project personal development platform includes several significant components including Character Building, Aggression Reduction and Cultural Competency. For More Information visit www.trpcapspse.com.
Get Informed & Be Social with TRP @trpambassadors

The Economic Club of Canada: The Life Sciences Industry of Tomorrow: Healthy Canadians, Healthy Future

OTTAWA, Oct. 30, 2017 /CNW/ - What is the true contribution of the innovative pharmaceutical industry to the Canadian economy and R&D investment? What are the potential impacts of federal policy changes aimed at lowering drug prices? Is there a middle ground where Canada is able to lower prices while still retaining its position as a top tier destination for clinical trials and the launch of new innovative medicines? Innovative Medicines Canada President Pamela Fralick and panelists will discuss the results of a Fall 2017 analysis by Ernst & Young about industry's contributions to Canada and how industry and government can work together to enhance affordable, equitable and timely access to new therapies.

The event will be broadcast live over the internet at http://collaboratevideo.net/imc-mnc

Innovative Medicines Canada President Pamela Fralick will be available for media interviews after the event.

 

WHO: Speakers

Pamela C. Fralick: President – Innovative Medicines Canada
Moderator
Connie Côté, Chief Executive Officer, Health Charities Coalition of Canada
Panelists
Dr. Bill Cameron, Senior Scientist, Division of Infectious Diseases and Respirology, Medical Director, Clinical Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Ed Dybka, President and CEO – AstraZeneca Canada Inc.
WHEN: Tuesday, October 31, 2017 (11:30am-1:30pm)
11:15 am Registration begins
12:15 pm Opening remarks begin
12:25 pm Keynote speech begin
12:40 pm Panel
1:10 pm Q&A
1:30 pm Event concludes
WHERE: Fairmont Chateau Laurier
1 Rideau Street, Ottawa
Drawing Room

 

About Innovative Medicines Canada

Innovative Medicines Canada is the national voice of Canada's innovative pharmaceutical industry. We advocate for policies that enable the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines and vaccines that improve the lives of all Canadians. We support our members' commitment to being valued partners in the Canadian healthcare system.

Manulife Study Finds Canadians Struggle to Discuss Financial Challenges Due to Shame and Embarrassment

 

  • 93 Per Cent of Counsellors* Believe Financial Challenges Affect Work and Productivity

TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC
SEHK: 945

WATERLOO, ON, Oct. 25, 2017 /CNW/ - Manulife today announced the results of its latest study on health and wealth, this year finding that feelings of shame and embarrassment often impede Canadians from acknowledging their personal financial struggles. According to professional Counsellors surveyed in this study, conducted in partnership with Homewood Health Inc., these emotional barriers often have a negative impact on the health of Canadians.

The study shows that these feelings can lead to a perpetual cycle of mental and physical health problems, reducing both quality of life and productivity at work. The professional Counsellors responded that many Canadians are unable to talk about their own financial challenges because of their intimate nature, with one stating "It's very personal, sometimes more personal than sex. When I ask clients if they want to talk about money they are not very open."

"The stigma, shame and embarrassment of being financially unwell often prevents people from taking action to address and overcome these issues," said Sue Reibel, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Group Benefits & Retirement Solutions at Manulife. "We believe that the industry as a whole has a bigger role to play in helping remove these stigmas. Only once an individual is comfortable discussing their own money problems, can they begin to take steps to address them."

Key Findings of the Emotional Barriers to Financial Wellness – 2017 Study Include:

  • Nearly half (46 per cent) of professional Counsellors feel it is difficult for individuals suffering from financial health issues to reveal these issues mainly due to shame and embarrassment;
  • 74 per cent of professional Counsellors feel that personal finances have a high impact on emotional and mental health;
  • Half the time financial challenges are an underlying element beneath the issues for which people seek support from Counsellors;
  • Only one in three professional Counsellors see people making the connection between their finances and other life problems.

"Our industry can help remove these stigmas by encouraging those going through financial challenges to discuss these problems more openly, and to take advantage of free and accessible tools that help alleviate financial distress, which can lead to anxiety, depression and stress," added Reibel.

*Professional Counsellors are defined as those professionals that address a full range of mental health issues including but not limited to family and relationship issues, trauma, depression, anger management, life transitions and personal issues.

Methodology

The study was conducted between April 2016 and July 2017 in three phases, starting with qualitative interviews with nine professional Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) Counsellors.  This was followed by a quantitative survey of 223 EFAP Counsellors.  The final phase was five key qualitative interviews with professional EFAP Counsellors.

About Manulife

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services group that helps people achieve their dreams and aspirations by putting customers' needs first and providing the right advice and solutions. We operate as John Hancock in the United States and Manulife elsewhere. We provide financial advice, insurance, as well as wealth and asset management solutions for individuals, groups and institutions. At the end of 2016, we had approximately 35,000 employees, 70,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving more than 22 million customers. As of June 30, 2017, we had over $1 trillion (US$780 billion) in assets under management and administration, and in the previous 12 months we made $26.7 billion in payments to our customers. Our principal operations are in Asia, Canada and the United States where we have served customers for more than 100 years. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we trade as 'MFC' on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges and under '945' in Hong Kong.

SOURCE Manulife Financial Corporation

A hard look at Ontario's health system

 

TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2017 /CNW/ - Measuring Up 2017 – Health Quality Ontario's 11th yearly report on the health of Ontarians and how the health system is performing – shows that people in the province are living longer and are losing fewer years of their lives to premature death.

The report contains other positive findings that show many parts of Ontario's health system are working well or better than before:

  • More patients are receiving cancer surgery within maximum wait time targets.
  • More people are getting high-priority MRI and CT diagnostic scans within maximum wait time targets.
  • Care for residents in long-term care homes is improving.
  • More people are being screened for colorectal cancer.
  • People are receiving primary care consistently from the same doctor.

However, Measuring Up 2017 also shows Ontario's health system still faces significant challenges, such as people having to wait too long for certain forms of care, not getting the care they need as they transition between parts of the system, or not having equitable access to care. The report identifies several areas where improvements in access, transitions and equity are needed:

  • More hospitals beds are occupied by patients waiting for care elsewhere.
  • Patients are experiencing longer delays when they need to be moved from the emergency department to an inpatient hospital bed.
  • People with a mental illness or addiction continue to face difficulties in accessing mental health care.
  • People who live in certain regions or have lower incomes sometimes have poorer access to health care.
  • Informal caregivers of home care patients are increasingly distressed.
  • Fewer patients are having surgery within target wait times for hip and knee replacements.

Compared to other provinces and countries, Ontario's performance is mixed. Ontario has the lowest rate of premature mortality of any province in Canada, and performs best or second-best in key aspects of long-term care. However, compared to 10 socioeconomically similar countries, Ontario ranks last in access to primary care appointments on the same day or next day when patients are sick, and in the middle of the pack when it comes to patients' ability to pay medical expenses not covered through private or provincial insurance plans.

"This year's Measuring Up report shows that the work done in Ontario to improve health system performance in key areas such as wait times for cancer patients and resident care in long-term care homes has clearly brought positive results," says Joshua Tepper, president and CEO of Health Quality Ontario. "The report also shows many challenges remain that need to be the focus of ongoing efforts to provide the best health care for all Ontarians."

Measuring Up 2017 also includes stories detailing the personal experiences of patients, caregivers and health care providers to illustrate the real-life impact of the health system on real people.

Quick facts

Findings in areas that are doing well or improving

  • The rate of potential years of life lost (in deaths before age 75) improved by 17.6% in Ontario between 2003 and 2013, to 4,221 years per 100,000 people, from 5,120. Ontario has the lowest rate of potential years of life lost among Canadian provinces.
  • The proportion of cancer surgeries completed within provincial maximum wait time targets increased overall between 2008/09 and 2016/17. Depending on the priority level of the surgery, the number of cancer patients who had surgery performed within target ranged from 78% to 93%.
  • Between 2012/13 and 2016/17, the proportion of patients who had their diagnostic scan completed within the provincial maximum wait time target increased to 82% from 79% for Priority 2 MRI scans, and to 96% from 92% for Priority 2 CT scans.
  • The proportion of long-term care home residents without psychosis who were given antipsychotic medication fell to 22.9% from 35.0% between 2010/11 and 2015/16, while the proportion physically restrained on a daily basis declined to 6.0% from 16.1%, and the proportion who experienced moderate pain daily or any severe pain fell to 6.1% from 11.9%.
  • The proportion of Ontarians overdue for colorectal cancer screening decreased to 38.7% in 2015 from 43.6% in 2011.
  • Among Ontarians who had at least three primary care visits to a physician within the previous two years, 57.3% had high continuity of care from the same doctor, 27.4% had medium continuity, and 15.2% had low continuity, in 2015/16.

Findings in areas that need improvement

  • An average of 3,961 Ontario hospital beds per day were occupied by patients waiting to receive care elsewhere in 2015/16. Those 3,961 beds were the equivalent of 10 large hospitals.
  • For patients who were admitted to hospital, the average length of stay in emergency increased 10.9% to 15.2 hours in 2016/17 from 13.7 hours in 2015/16.
  • Between 2006 and 2015, about a third of people who went to the emergency department for a mental health condition had not received mental health care from a primary care doctor or psychiatrist over the previous two years.
  • The rate of potential years of life lost was nearly 2.5 times higher in the area of the province with the highest rate – the North West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) region – at 7,647 years per 100,000 people, than in the region with the lowest rate – the Central LHIN region – at 3,026 years per 100,000 population, during the 2010-2012 period.
  • Among urban residents, those who lived in the lowest-income neighbourhoods had the highest rate of being overdue for colorectal cancer screening in 2015, at 46.5%, while those who lived in the highest-income neighbourhoods had the lowest rate of being overdue, at 32.7%.
  • In the first half of 2016/17, among long-stay home care patients with at least one informal caregiver, 24.3% had caregivers who experienced continued distress, anger or depression in relation to their caregiving role, compared to 21.2% in the first half of 2012/13. That was a 14.6% increase over a four-year period.
  • In 2016/17, the proportion of patients who had Priority 4 knee replacement surgery within the wait target fell to 80% from 85%, so that 1 in 5 had to wait longer than the maximum wait target of six months. Priority 4 is the category of knee replacement with the greatest number of surgeries.

To read the full report visit: www.hqontario.ca/MeasuringUp2017

About Measuring Up
Measuring Up 2017 is Health Quality Ontario's 11th yearly report to Ontarians on health system performance. Its findings are based on data from a set of about 50 health system indicators, called the Common Quality Agenda, developed in association with health care experts and health system partners such as doctors, nurses, hospitals, local health integration networks and home care providers, as well as patients and their families and caregivers. This year's report highlights findings from 28 indicators.

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