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Tag: press release
Pioneering Digital Mental Health Solution Bridges the Care Gap for Sufferers
Inspired by a serial entrepreneur's personal experience and proven through clinical testing, digital solution BEACON gives Canadians affordable access to CBT-based treatment for mental illness
TORONTO, Oct. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - A leading cause of suffering and disability in Canada, mental illness is truly non-discriminatory. It affects people of all ages, cultures and socio-economic backgrounds and comes at tremendous cost to individuals, employers and the economy. In fact, according to the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), it is the number one cause of disability claims in Canada.1
The statistics are staggering.
In the last year alone, 7.5 million Canadians struggled with a mental health or addiction problem.2 In any given week, 500,000 Canadians miss work due to a mental health problem or illness,3 while the estimated combined cost of absenteeism and presenteeism on the Canadian economy is more than 50 billion dollars annually.4
Witnessing these challenges first-hand, BDC Chairperson Sam Duboc (Air Miles, EdgeStone Capital, Pathways to Education Canada) and his wife Claire Duboc (Trustee, SickKids Hospital) decided it was time to make a change. Having experienced the impact of mental illness in their home and on their friends, they sought out and partnered with Dr. Peter Farvolden and Dr. Eilenna Denisoff – who ran a leading Cognitive Behavioural Therapy clinic in Toronto, called CBT Associates.
The result? BEACON. A brand new digitally delivered solution aimed at helping Canadians improve their mental and emotional well-being through timely and affordable support. Using the proven principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and a therapist relationship, BEACON delivers high-quality, consistent, evidence-based treatment via highly trained clinicians. Utilizing a diagnostic assessment, core components of in-clinic best practices and the flexibility associated with innovative digital delivery, BEACON reduces the cost of treatment by up to 75 per cent, eliminates barriers of geography and time, significantly reduces the barrier of stigma and ensures the delivery of evidence-based personalized care.
"There's an urgent need to make mental healthcare solutions accessible and affordable in this country," says Sam Duboc, BEACON Executive Chair. "With provincial health agencies covering only a small portion of these costs, Canadians are left with hefty bills, incredibly long wait lists and the task of navigating a system of barriers to care."
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| 1 | Mental Health Commission of Canada (2014). Why investing in mental health will contribute to Canada's economic prosperity and to the sustainability of our health care system. http://strategy.mentalhealthcommission.ca/pdf/case-for-investment-en.pdf |
| 2 | Smetanin et al. (2011). The life and economic impact of major mental illnesses in Canada: 2011-2041. Prepared for the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Toronto: RiskAnalytica. |
| 3 | Mental Health Commission of Canada (2014). Why investing in mental health will contribute to Canada's economic prosperity and to the sustainability of our health care system. http://strategy.mentalhealthcommission.ca/pdf/case-for-investment-en.pdf |
| 4 | Mental Health Commission of Canada. Bridging the gap. Available at http://bridgingthegap.mentalhealthcommission.ca/ |
CBT is a psychotherapy treatment that helps change negative and anxious thoughts, as well as behaviours, so a person can feel and function better to improve his or her quality of life. Numerous clinical trials over many years prove CBT's effectiveness for treating the most common mental health problems, including mood and anxiety disorders. Of significance to the development of BEACON, research has demonstrated that digitally delivered therapist-assisted CBT (or TAiCBT) for common conditions, such as depression and anxiety, is equally beneficial as traditional in-person CBT.1 In fact, studies show that TAiCBT results in significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and improvements in quality of life.2 TAiCBT with therapist guidance – which is what BEACON delivers – consistently results in better treatment outcomes compared to self-guided iCBT.3 For example, iCBT for depression has been found to be twice as effective when supported by a therapist compared to when it is self-guided.4
"Through outcome data and patient experience, we've seen first-hand the difference BEACON can make in the lives of those in need of mental health treatment," says Dr. Peter Farvolden, BEACON Lead at CBT Associates. "Technology has changed the way we live our daily lives, so why shouldn't this also include the way we access mental health treatment? Offering CBT methodology through digital means is an effective way to provide sufferers with not only an immediate channel to their e-therapist, but also accessibility to their individual treatment plan and subsequent tools. Many of our clients, who have tried both, strongly prefer BEACON TAiCBT to traditional face-to-face therapy."
Proven through rigorous testing in a clinical environment, BEACON is available both as a digital support to traditional CBT as well as a standalone, fully digital CBT solution, with therapist support delivered via the platform and accessible by mobile or desktop. An individual's journey begins with either a rigorous self-assessment or full diagnosis (with the addition of a call with a registered Clinical Psychologist). Users are then guided by a credentialed e-therapist to ensure patients achieve comparable outcomes to traditional treatment – something that is out of reach for so many Canadians. BEACON ensures continuous care delivery by allowing patients to complete the readings, worksheets and outcome measures that are part of a typical CBT treatment plan, on both mobile and desktop. BEACON is also available as a digital adjunct, complementing traditional in-person psychologist sessions at CBT Associate offices.
Some of the forward-thinking organizations partnering with BEACON to develop innovative mental health programs for Canadians include Carrot Insights, Cossette, Deloitte, League, Manulife Financial, Medisys Health Group, Porter Airlines, Public Services Health and Safety Association, Sun Life Financial, and Wilfrid Laurier University.
Physicians interested in referring a patient, can do so via the website at www.mindbeacon.com. Patients interested in signing up for BEACON can do so by visiting the website to complete the rigorous online self-assessment or diagnostic assessment.
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| 1 | Hedman, E., Ljotsson, B., & Lindefors, N. (2012). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Via The Internet: A Systematic Review of Applications, Clinical Efficacy and Cost-Effectiveness. Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research, 12 (6), 745-64. http://dx.doi.org./10.1586/erp.12.67 |
| 2 | Hadjistavropoulos, H.D., Pugh, N.E., Nugent, M., Hesser, H., Andersson, G., Marchildon, G.P., et al. (2014). Therapist-Assisted Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Depression and Anxiety: Evidence to Practice. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 28, 884-893. |
| 3 | Richards, D. and Richardson, T. (2012). Computer-Based Psychological Treatments for Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 32 (4), 329-42. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2012.02.004, 329-342. |
| 4 | Andersson, G. and Cuijpers, P. (2009) Internet-Based and Other Computerized Psychological Treatments for Adult Depression: A meta Analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 38(4), 196-205. |
BEACON
Developed by CBT Associates, BEACON is a digitally delivered solution using the proven principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and therapist relationship to treat mental illness. Utilizing validated core components of in-clinic best practices, BEACON eliminates the barriers of cost, geography and time, reduces the barrier of stigma and ensures the delivery of evidence-based personalized care to those suffering with mental health issues across Canada. www.mindbeacon.com
SOURCE Beacon
SPINCO SUPPORTS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Throughout the month of October, SPINCO will be supporting Breast Cancer Awareness with the below initiatives, and welcomes the local community to join them and get involved!
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH CHARITY RIDE
On Sunday, October 29that 1:00pm, SPINCO is hosting a charity ride at their studio with all proceeds going towards Breast Cancer research. There will be a donation fee of $25 per person.
SPIN-IT-FORWARD
For the month of October, all proceeds from SPINCO's Spin-it-Forward classes every Monday at 6:30pm will be going towards Breast Cancer research via the Canadian Cancer Society.
SPINCO X PEACE COLLECTIVE
In light of Breast Cancer month, SPINCO and Peace Collective have partnered on a limited-edition Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirt collection. All proceeds from sales will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
SCOTIABANK TORONTO WATERFRONT MARATHON
On Sunday, October 22nd, team SPINCO will be running in the 5km race at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. The 5km race will kick off at Exhibition Place at 8:15am. SPINCO will also have a cheer station located at Cherry St. and Eastern Ave., where they will be cheering on all marathon runners from the side lines!
The SPINCO race package includes the STWM technical t-shirt, registration for the 5km run/walk, a SPINCO x Peace Collective limited-edition tee and a generous donation towards Breast Cancer research. This can be purchased in-store and online [https://www.spinco.ca/pricing-toronto]
CYREX LABORATORIES INTRODUCES SALIVARY ASSESSMENT FOR EARLY AUTOIMMUNE DETECTION
Mucosal Immune Reactivity Screen is First to Encompass All Areas of The Cyrex System
PHOENIX (OCTOBER 10, 2017) – Cyrex Laboratories, a clinical laboratory specializing in functional immunology and autoimmune reactivity, continues to revolutionize the way healthcare professionals approach immune reactivity and intolerance. Today, Cyrex Laboratories unveils the Array 14 Mucosal Immune Reactivity Screen™, the first and only test capable of assessing mucosal immune reactivity in saliva as it measures SIgA and SIgM (Salivary Secretory Immunoglobulin A and M).
Early diagnosis of autoimmune reactivity is an essential step toward minimizing the severity and impact of a patient’s symptoms and condition. Mucosal production of IgA and IgM antibodies appears to be an early event in immune reactivity to dietary proteins, bacterial toxins and tissue antigens.
“Array 14 offers patients an excellent opportunity to identify an autoimmune response early,” said Jean Bellin, president of Cyrex Laboratories. “If an autoimmune issue is in the nascent phase of development, the dysfunction may not have reached the blood stream and standard blood tests would read as normal. There has never been such a comprehensive, early stage immune reactivity test like Array 14.”
Array 14 is the first test to encompass all areas of The Cyrex System™, including:
- markers of barrier integrity
- immune reactions against all three environmental triggers associated with autoimmune reaction (food, chemical and pathogens)
- autoimmune reactivity to self tissue
Array 14’s comprehensive range and ability to identify autoimmune reactivity early makes it an ideal test suited for annual wellness visits, and anyone who suspects a recent change in diet may be impacting their overall health. The complex and comprehensive Array 14 is also an excellent option for pediatricians, patients who have trouble with blood draws, or naturopathic doctors who prefer saliva screens to blood tests.
Patients with chronic inflammatory bowel conditions, a family history of autoimmune disease or who think they may be suffering from immune reactivity and intolerance are advised to inquire with their physician about ordering this innovative Array 14 from Cyrex Laboratories.
The Cyrex clinical consulting team is readily available for a consultation to discuss the results of patient testing upon request from a patient’s healthcare provider.
Physicians and other licensed healthcare professionals, as well as patients, can learn more about Array 14 and the other unique arrays that comprise The Cyrex System, at www.joincyrex.com.
About Cyrex Laboratories
Cyrex is a clinical immunology laboratory specializing in functional immunology and autoimmune reactivity. Cyrex offers multi-tissue antibody testing for the early detection and monitoring of today’s complex autoimmune conditions. Cyrex develops innovative testing arrays through continuous collaboration with leading experts in medical research and clinical practice. Cyrex technology is built on four pillars of excellence, including the antigen purification system, optimized antigen concentration, antigen-specific validation and parallel testing technology. Cyrex is a CLIA licensed laboratory based in Phoenix, Arizona and holds a Medical Device Establishment License in Canada.
Avon Foundation for Women (Canada) funds new breast cancer recovery trial in partnership with two Canadian universities
MONTREAL, Oct. 3, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The Avon Foundation for Women (Canada) has announced funding for a new breast cancer program/trial called ACTIVATE in partnership with the University of Ottawa and the University of British Columbia. ACTIVATE stands for Aerobic Exercise and CogniTIVe Functioning in Women with BreAsT CancEr. The study aims to determine if a targeted exercise program can prevent the severe and long-lasting effects that chemotherapy treatment can have on cognitive functioning in breast cancer patients and survivors.
Each year, approximately 25 000 women across Canada are diagnosed with breast cancer, with an estimated 1.7 million women being diagnosed globally. While outlooks for breast cancer diagnoses are improving, healthcare professionals continue to rely on chemotherapy as the main source of treatment. Chemotherapy can result in many short and long-term health problems, including a prolonged reduction in cognitive ability.
Chemotherapy can drastically impact a patient's ability to think, concentrate and recall even the most commonplace of details. Its effect on the brain, aptly dubbed, "chemo-brain," makes it difficult for patients to perform ordinary tasks and nearly 75% of all women diagnosed with breast cancer have reported experiencing "chemo-brain" both during and after treatment. Researchers have found that women with breast cancer may be unable to return to their previous occupational, family and social activities as a result of the negative impact that chemo-brain has on their cognitive functioning.
For this reason, the ACTIVATE trial research team led by Dr. Kristin Campbell (Associated Professor at the University of British Columbia) and Dr. Jennifer Brunet (Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa) will be testing if exercise can help to reduce the impact of chemotherapy on the brain to determine if it can be prescribed to prevent or reduce "chemo brain." "With this grant of $47,500 from the Avon Foundation for Women (Canada), the ACTIVATE trial research team will endeavour to determine if the large economic burden due to demand of health care resources and lost workforce productivity resulting from chemo-brain could be prevented with a controlled exercise regimen."
Roberta Lacey, President of the Avon Foundation for Women (Canada), said: "The Avon Foundation works to improve the lives of women and their families, which is why we believe that this donation can play a key role in addressing the impact of "chemo-brain" on both the patient and their family. The possibility that exercise could be an accessible and affordable complementary treatment is all the more promising."
Avon is the largest corporate donor to the breast cancer cause with $815 million donated globally. The Avon Foundation for Women (Canada) raises funds to support important causes like breast cancer research and awareness through the sale of its Shop for the Greater Goods collection of fundraising products. Purchases of Avon Breast Cancer fundraising products have helped fund numerous research initiatives like the ACTIVATE trial in the fight to end breast cancer and have enabled more than 18 million women to access breast cancer screenings and educate more than 145 million people about breast health around the globe. Sales of Avon's fundraising products can help to turn diagnoses into stories of survival. Avon Canada donates 10% of the sale price from breast cancer fundraising products to the Avon Foundation for Women (Canada) to support Avon Breast Cancer Crusade programs across the country.
About Avon Canada Inc (New Avon LLC)
New Avon LLC ("Avon") is the leading social selling beauty company in North America, with Independent Sales Representatives throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. Avon's product portfolio includes award-winning skincare, color cosmetics, fragrance and personal care products, featuring iconic brands such as ANEW, Avon Color, mark. by Avon, and Skin So Soft, as well as fashion and accessories. Avon has a 130 year history of empowering women through economic opportunity, and supporting the causes that matter most to women. Together, Avon and the Avon Foundation for Women have contributed over $1 billion globally toward eradicating breast cancer and domestic violence. Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avon.ca.
SOURCE Avon Canada Inc.
For further information:
For more information about the ACTIVATE trial: cep.lab@ubc.ca, activatetrial@uottawa.ca, 613-562-5800 ext.: 7300, 604-827-1914; For more information about the Avon Foundation for Women (Canada): Elizabeth Munro, elizabeth.munro@avoncanada.com; Natalie Laurence, natalie.laurence@avoncanada.com, 514-630-8771
#CANADAvsHPV: Canada paves the way globally with first HPV Prevention Week, October 1–7, 2017
OTTAWA, Sept. 26, 2017 /CNW/ - Led by the Federation of Medical Women of Canada (FMWC) and supported by 14 other major health organizations, the world's first national Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Prevention Week — dubbed #CANADAvsHPV for its inaugural year — runs October 1–7, 2017 and will continue to be held the first week of October annually.
"HPV Prevention Week's activities are designed to increase awareness and prevention of an infection that is estimated to affect more than 75% of sexually active men and women in their lifetime, and that can cause six different types of cancer," said Dr. Vivien Brown, Past President, FMWC. "Our vision is to reach every Canadian this October with valuable information that can help protect their loved ones from HPV-related diseases and cancers."
Announced in the House of Commons in Canada's Parliament on May 30, 2017 and receiving bipartisan support, the inaugural HPV Prevention Week aims to encourage public dialogue about the prevention of HPV-related diseases and cancers. The Federation of Medical Women of Canada will campaign nationally and locally using social media, pledge posters in doctors' offices and educational resources to raise awareness about HPV prevention among the public. Numerous organizations will also host educational events for health care professionals throughout the week.
Canadians from all walks of life including patients, doctors, nurses, organizations, public health officials, researchers, experts as well as government and industry are encouraged to engage in the conversation using the campaign hashtags #CANADAvsHPV and #HPVPW17 and encourage others to learn something about HPV.
Made possible through the support of Merck Canada Inc. The opinions expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Merck Canada Inc.
To get involved in #HPVPW17, click here.
For logos, videos and other #HPVPW17 resources, click here.
For quick facts about HPV, click here.
For more detailed information about HPV in Canada, click here.
Available for Interviews:
Dr. Vivien Brown, Past President, FMWC
Local physician spokespeople across Canada
Hon. Peter Kent, HPV-related cancer survivor
Canadian patients and families affected by HPV
SOURCE Federation of Medical Women of Canada (FMWC)
The Runner's Workout Handbook
Run Your Way to Fitness and Health
September 20, 2017 (New York, NY): Running is the easiest and most affordable way to build and maintain fitness, targeting both muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance. However running can be monotonous with plateaus easily reached. Until now...
Let expert and multi-sport coach Terri Schneider fire up your runs with a combination of skill training with variations in speed, distance, and technique as she presents 100 of the best running workouts designed for all experience levels.
These expert-designed plans guide you to get the most out of your running program and helps you break through training barriers. Clearly, The Runner's Workout Handbook for an effective and easy-to-follow series of running workouts designed to make for stronger, faster, and more proficient runners.
Whether you run competitively, to get fit or to stay fit, The Runner’s Workout Handbook is your complete guide to finding innovative and engaging running plans to make the most of your training time, providing a wide variety of workouts to keep you challenged and motivated, all while improving your performance.
About the Author
Terri Schneider is an ultra-endurance athlete, speaker, author, coach, and sport psychology consultant. A former 10-year professional triathlete focusing on the IRONMAN® distance, she expanded her challenges to include adventure racing with the inception of the Eco Challenge in 1995, as well as ultrarunning and mountaineering. Terri earned a degree in exercise physiology as well as a master’s degree in sport psychology with a research emphasis on risk taking and team dynamics. She is co-author of Triathlete’s Guide to Mental Training and author of Dirty Inspirations and Triathlon Revolution: Training, Technique and Inspiration.
# # #
THE RUNNER'S WORKOUT HANDBOOK
Written by Terri Schneider
978-1-57826-697-5, $15.00 paperback
978-1-57826-698-2, $9.99 eBook
New from Hatherleigh Press.
Distributed through Penguin Random House.
Available wherever books are sold.
www.hatherleighpress.com
Honoring A True Health Food Visionary
Family-Owned Karen’s Naturals (Formerly Just Tomatoes) Expands Range of Deliciously Healthy, Farm-Fresh Freeze-Dried Fruits & Veggies To Realize Dream Late Founder Began 30 Years Ago
A Pioneer In Freeze-Dried Category, Karen’s Offers Wide Range Of Purely Natural Products All Picked At The Peak of Flavor
WESTLEY, CA. The first Whole Foods Market had only opened five years earlier and the chain was just beginning to expand out of its native Texas. The first Sprouts wouldn’t open in Arizona for another 17 years. Vegetarians were relegated to the shadows in most supermarket settings, and for much of the population, the term Vegan sounded like something out of “Star Trek.”
The year was 1985 and the health food revolution was in its infancy. But on a picture-perfect farm in Northern California that wouldn’t be out of place in a mid-century Norman Rockwell painting, a young woman named Karen Cox saw the future. And it was delicious.
Married to fourth generation family farmer Bill Cox and mother to their two young children Matt and Megan, Karen envisioned a brand that would utilize dehydration and freeze-drying technology to bring farm fresh fruits and vegetables to the public year-round in the most nutritious, convenient, cost-conscious and flavor-packed manner possible.
And so Karen and Bill created Just Tomatoes - initially selling dehydrated tomatoes from their farm, then quickly outgrowing their name by adding apples, persimmons, berries, corn and mix to their family of naturally-fresh, chemical-free products. As farmers devoted to growing not only crops but relationships, the couple built partnerships with other farmers and Just Tomatoes began an ascent that continues to this day.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
When the family lost Karen a couple of years ago, they found the perfect way to honor her memory – re-branding Just Tomatoes as Karen’s Naturals. Commented Matt Cox recently, “My Mom lived to nurture others, and I can’t imagine a more fitting way to continue sharing that nurturing spirit than having her name on every package. Thanks to her, countless people can now enjoy nature’s most wholesome fruits and vegetables anywhere, anytime and I look forward to continuing to grow the brand she and my Dad created for at least the next 30 years.”
Currently experiencing a significant expansion of both its product line and retail distribution reach, Karen’s Naturals today offers 37 distinct fruit and vegetable variations, along with a new line of 100% natural fruit powders. Available online at www.karensnaturals.com, through Amazon.com and other online retailers and at such health food stores as Whole Foods, Karen’s Naturals offers individual “on-the-go” snack bag versions of its freeze-dried and dehydrated fruit and veggie products (all under two dollars each), as well as bulk packages and Variety Packs.
Available in all-natural and Organic versions, Karen’s Naturals fruit products include: Just Apples, Just Bananas, Just Strawberries, Just Blueberries, Just Grapes, Just Peaches, Just Mango, Cherries, Just Raspberries, Just Fruit Munchies, Just Persimmons, Just Fruit Salad and several combo packs. Likewise offered in all-natural and Organic versions, vegetable products include: Just Tomatoes, Just Corn, Just Peas, Just Hot Veggies, and a Veggie Variety Pack. As mentioned, the company also recently introduced a line of 100% natural Fruit Powders – ideal for flavoring a wide range of dishes and desserts.
Like Having Your Very Own Farm
Ideally suited to consumers of virtually all ages looking for affordable snacks that seamlessly blend great taste with important nutrition, Karen’s Naturals products are manufactured with natural purity and freshness uppermost in mind.
All fruit and vegetables offered by Karen’s Naturals are grown on farms, ranches and orchards where they’re allowed to ripen naturally before being picked at the peak of flavor. The produce is handled with great care, washed gently, and cut into bite-size pieces before being flash frozen. All water is then extracted by vacuum. Because the temperature never exceeds 90ºF, freeze-dried foods are considered a raw food (the company’s dehydrated products are dried at 125ºF). Whether freeze-dried or dehydrated, Karen’s Naturals’ fruits and veggies always maintain their color, nutrients and mouth-watering natural flavors.
All Karen’s Naturals products are naturally free of gluten, dairy, wheat and nuts.
Comments Bill Cox, “We produce everything in small batches the old fashioned way with absolutely nothing added—no salt, sulfur, fat, artificial flavorings, sweeteners, or preservatives. Nothing but what Mother Nature intended. It’s the next best thing to eating straight from your garden! Although we’ve grown, we’re still a small, family-run business at heart. We care deeply about what we do and are committed to offering the highest quality farm-grown products possible.”
For more information and to purchase Karen’s Naturals products, please visit www.karensnaturals.com.
THE FAMOUS CANADIAN BEER RUN & FESTIVAL @ ONTARIO PLACE THIS SUNDAY
WHAT:
- The Famous Canadian Beer Run & Festival - a 5-kilometre fun run/walk followed by a craft beer and food festival.
WHO:
- More than 2,000 runners and festival-goers are expected to participate in the event.
WHEN:
- This Sunday, September 17th. Event waves run every 30 minutes from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The festival is open from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
WHERE:
- The start and finish line and festival area are located on the West Island of Ontario Place. The 5-kilometre course runs through both the East and West Islands, including Ontario Place’s new greenspace.
EVENT DETAILS:
- 5 kilometre run/walk course through Ontario Place offering views of city skyline, Lake Ontario and Ontario Place’s new greenspace
- Vibrant post-run festival featuring Canada’s best craft beer vendors, food trucks, beer yoga classes, live music and more
Online course to explore the amazing biological systems that keep us alive
The Physiological Society, in partnership with the University of Liverpool, have designed a free online course: ‘Physiology: the Science of Life’ to explore the amazing biological systems that keep us alive. The course is open for enrolment now and starts on 25 September 2017.
The course is designed for anyone who wants to gain an insight into how our bodies work. It will be of particular relevance to 16-19 year olds studying biology, and considering a subsequent undergraduate degree such as medicine, dentistry or the life sciences. Students will boost their understanding in key areas including cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems and explore career opportunities. It’s also ideal for anyone looking to refresh their knowledge of how the body works and learn about cutting-edge science.
Learners will have the opportunity to discuss the material with fellow participants, giving everyone the chance to become part of a community of thousands and interact with other learners from across the globe.
The course is hosted by online learning platform FutureLearn. It lasts three weeks and material each week takes around four hours to complete, which learners can complete at their own convenience in bite-sized chunks.
Physiologist Dr Terry Gleave, programme director for Human Physiology in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Liverpool and lead educator of the course, said:
“I love physiology as it is all about investigating how things in nature work. If we are to design effective new treatments, then we must first understand the detailed workings of the human body all the way down to the cellular and molecular processes. This innovative programme has been built in-house by our Centre for Educational Development and Support Team. We have used state of the art technology to create a fun and engaging programme packed with videos, quizzes and resources including timelines of the histories of each of the systems covered. “
The Physiological Society’s Dr Sarah Hall said:
“This exciting course will enable learners to explore the fascinating physiological systems that keep us alive. It is ideal for young people considering studying physiology, as a resource for teachers, or for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of how the body works.”
Nigel Smith, Head of Content at FutureLearn said:
“At FutureLearn, we want to help everyone fulfil their potential by transforming access to education. We’re thrilled that The Physiological Society and the University of Liverpool are making such an interesting and complex topic accessible to all, whether it’s those looking to enhance their understanding of life sciences in preparation for university, or simply anyone with an interest in life sciences and how the body works.”
As with all FutureLearn courses, learners can study the course for free, or there is the option to upgrade for a fee to get extra benefits including a Certificate of Achievement when you complete the course.
Link to course: bit.ly/physiologymooc
