Summer Smart Sunshine Tips to Boost Vitamin D Levels

TORONTO, Ont. (April 6, 2017) – The daylight hours are getting longer, the sun is getting stronger and summer is just around the corner. Make this the year that you optimize your vitamin D levels through effective sun exposure. Enjoy the health benefits and disease prevention from optimal vitamin D levels and learn to control your risks from sun exposure.

Vitamin D is made naturally in your body when UVB rays from the sun convert cholesterol in your skin to pre-vitamin D3. We make about 90% of our vitamin D from UVB sun exposure. UVB rays are short and only reach the earth when the sun is directly above us. We can’t make vitamin D in the winter in Canada because the sun is at too low of an angle and the UVB rays are absorbed in the atmosphere.

You make vitamin D in Canada between the months of May and October. The best time for exposure is around midday, between 10am and 2pm, when the UV index is above 3 and your shadow is shorter than your height. The further you get from noon, the lower the amount of vitamin D you’ll make. The sun’s visible light may penetrate through glass, but UVB light will not therefore you will not make vitamin D.

Full body sun exposure at non-burning levels can create between 10,000-25,000 IU of vitamin D in your skin. You can never get too much vitamin D from the sun as your skin self regulates itself, whereas ingesting vitamin D does not have the same control. In addition, vitamin D that you make from the sun lasts twice as long in your body as vitamin D taken through supplements or food.

Statistics Canada reports that Canadian vitamin D levels have dropped by 10% over the past six years. The root cause of this decrease is lower sunshine exposure. People are just not getting outside around midday in the summer and making vitamin D and when they are outside they are using sunscreen which if applied correctly prevents 95%+ of vitamin D production.

In Canada, 12 million Canadians (35%) have vitamin D blood levels below the recommendations from Health Canada. This puts these people at a higher risk for several diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and many more. In fact, a study completed in 2016 reported that if Canadians increased their vitamin D levels to the recommended level of 100 nmol/L, we would save $12.5B in healthcare costs and 23,000 premature deaths annually.

A recent study reported that women who avoided the sun have twice the risk of all cause death. The authors said that “avoidance of sun exposure is a risk factor for death of a similar magnitude as smoking.”

Skin cancer is a concern and risk of sun exposure must be managed and balanced with the benefits from vitamin D and other photoproducts. Research has shown that people with higher sun exposure such as outdoor workers, who have 3-10 times the sun exposure as indoor workers, have a lower incidence of melanoma. The National Cancer Institute reports that melanoma risk is increased as a result of intermittent acute sun exposure leading to sunburn. People who are a skin type 1, with white or very pale skin colour, red or blonde hair colour and who always burn and never tan, should severely limit their sun exposure.

The Vitamin D Society offers the following tips:

• Know your own skin and skin type. Don’t burn. Never overexpose yourself.
• Acclimatize or condition your skin for sun exposure by gradually building or lengthening exposure times as your skin begins to tan to reduce your risk of burning
• Prevent burning and overexposure when required through the use of hats, clothing, shade and sunscreens
• For vitamin D get sun exposure at midday, between 10am and 2pm, when the UV index is above 3 and your shadow is shorter than your height
• Expose more skin for a shorter period of time to generate more vitamin D while reducing your risk of overexposure.

It’s important to manage the risk and enjoy the rewards of moderate sun exposure for good health. Cancer Research UK, through the Consensus Vitamin D Position Statement, offers the following recommendation: “Enjoy the sun safely while taking care not to burn, can help provide the benefits of vitamin D without unduly raising the risk of skin cancer.”

“This advice may go against what current health organizations recommend,” says Perry Holman, Executive Director of the Vitamin D Society. “They typically recommend you stay out of the sun at midday and use sunscreen when outdoors. But this would reduce your potential vitamin D production and does not consider the benefits as well as the risks of sun exposure on overall health. You need to have balance.”

About the Vitamin D Society:

The Vitamin D Society is a Canadian non-profit group organized to increase awareness of the many health conditions strongly linked to vitamin D deficiency; encourage people to be proactive in protecting their health and have their vitamin D levels tested annually; and help fund valuable vitamin D research. The Vitamin D Society recommends people achieve and maintain optimal 25(OH)D blood levels between 100 – 150 nmol/L (Can) or 40-60 ng/ml (USA).

To learn more about vitamin D, please visit www.vitamindsociety.org

Canada's Minister of Health gets a healthy dose of hope and happiness

SOURCE Saint Elizabeth Health Care

Toronto’s Beer-iest 5K Run Returns to Ontario Place

Toronto (April 10, 2017) --- More than 3,000 runners, walkers and beer lovers are expected to lace up for the second annual Famous Canadian Beer Run on Sunday, September 17, 2017. The event features a scenic 5-kilometre run through Ontario Place, followed by a Craft Beer and Food Festival for participants at the finish line. Costumed runners, cold beer and fantastic live entertainment make for a memorable run for beginners, beer lovers and seasoned racers alike!

Recently named by Toronto.com as one of Toronto’s Best Fun Runs, this beer-themed event offers participants stunning views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline as they make their way to the finish line where beer awaits. Crossing the finish line into the heart of the Craft Beer and Food Festival participants are handed a custom beer stein and are invited to sample brews from Ontario’s top craft breweries, including Beau’s All Natural, Lost Craft Beer, High Park Brewery, Great Lakes Brewery and Shawn and Ed Brewing Co. Other alcoholic beverages such as soCIALITE Vodka and Shiny Apple Cider are also on hand for non-beer drinkers.

Enjoying an afternoon relaxing and recovering from the race, the Festival features a live band and food from some of the city’s top food vendors, including Heirloom Toronto. Traditional post-run food like bagels and bananas are also on offer. Vendors such as event sponsor New Balance Toronto and the Society of Beer Drinking Ladies are on-site with running and beer-themed products available for purchase. The Famous Canadian Beer Run is an official Toronto Beer Week event.

Included in run registration is a race t-shirt, custom beer stein, beer chips good for two 8 oz. beers (or 4 samples) at the Festival and a race kit. The run is not a timed event and is open to runners and walkers of all abilities. Those who do not wish to participate in the 5K can attend the Craft Beer and Food Festival by purchasing a Festival Only pass ($25), which also includes the stein and beer chips good for two 8 oz. beers (or 4 samples). Additional beer tokens can be purchased in advance or on-site. Twenty-five “Brew Crew” runners from Toronto’s RUN-TO-BEER club dress up in costume to run alongside and cheer other runners along.

Early-bird pricing for the event is in effect until April 30^th and the first 450 registrants receive a free Run Hoppy toque. Registration is open online at www.runforbeer.ca.

Government of Canada and JDRF join forces to defeat diabetes

Building a strong partnership to accelerate clinical research on type 1 diabetes

OTTAWA, April 10, 2017 /CNW/ - David McGuinty, MP for Ottawa South, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, announced today that the Government of Canada is investing in a new partnership that will help improve health outcomes and quality of care for the more than 300,000 Canadians living with type 1 diabetes, and their families.

The announcement was made at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). Members of the All-Party Juvenile Diabetes Caucus – Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, MP for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, Sonia Sidhu, MP for Brampton South, and Filomena Tassi, MP for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas – were on hand for the announcement.

The Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), is partnering with JDRF to support clinical trials research for type 1 diabetes. Both CIHR and JDRF have committed $15M to the Partnership to Defeat Diabetes, for a total investment of $30M.

JDRF and CIHR share a vision of improved care, outcomes and treatment for Canadians living with Type 1 diabetes. The investment announced today will advance the search for a cure and ensure that research results are applied for patient care for those living with diabetes and other autoimmune diseases. This world-class collaboration also provides an opportunity to maintain Canada's leadership in diabetes research and clinical trials.

CIHR welcomes investments from important charities like JDRF. These partnerships play a key role in advancing world-class research that strengthens the health care system and improves the health of Canadians.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada recognizes the impact that type 1 diabetes has on Canadians and their families. This research will help improve the quality of life for Canadians living with type 1 diabetes and drive efforts to find a cure for this condition."
Jane Philpott
Minister of Health

"CIHR is proud to be working with JDRF to support research on type 1 diabetes. This new partnership will focus the efforts of the diabetes research community in Canada and speed the development of new and better treatments for all Canadians with diabetes. "
Dr. Philip Sherman
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes

"We are honoured to partner with CIHR to continue funding the best and brightest scientists in the field. This partnership will enable JDRF Canada to make significant advancements in the fight against diabetes and to positively impact the lives of the hundreds of thousands of Canadians currently living with type 1 diabetes. I am also grateful for the hard work of the All-Party Juvenile Diabetes Caucus, chaired by MP Pam Goldsmith-Jones. Pam is a strong advocate for the partnership between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and JDRF, and for Canada's leadership in tackling diabetes."
Dave Prowten
President and CEO, JDRF Canada  

"Canada is known for its state-of-the-art type 1 diabetes research, and has played a pivotal role in ground-breaking discoveries. We are pleased to be entering into this exciting partnership with CIHR to advance global science excellence."
Derek Rapp
CEO, JDRF International 

"As a parent of a daughter who lives with type 1 diabetes, I know how challenging life is for these children and their families. Canadians are very grateful to Minister Philpott and for the constant efforts of JDRF, which have resulted in this historic investment in diabetes research."
Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, MP for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country,
Chair of the All-Party Juvenile Diabetes Caucus 

Quick Facts

• Type 1 diabetes is a disease in which the pancreas does not produce insulin. When this happens, blood glucose levels rise and, over time, the high level of glucose can damage nerves, blood vessels and organs.
• An estimated 300,000 Canadians are living with type 1 diabetes. The number of people living with type 1 diabetes is increasing by 5% annually – and the greatest rise is in children under five years of age.
• CIHR and JDRF have established a $30 million partnership to fund clinical research to improve the treatment of type 1 diabetes and accelerate the search for a cure.

At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), we know that research has the power to change lives. As Canada's health research investment agency, we collaborate with partners and researchers to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system. www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. JDRF's goal is to progressively remove the impact of type 1 diabetes from people's lives until we achieve a world without type 1 diabetes. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners and is the only organization with the scientific resources, regulatory influence, and a working plan to better treat, prevent, and eventually cure type 1 diabetes. As the largest charitable supporter of type 1 diabetes research, JDRF is currently sponsoring $530 million in scientific research in 18 countries. 
www.jdrf.ca

SOURCE Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Diversity Grows in Ontario

Food pavilion at the Green Living Show is a chance to Taste Ontario, Taste the World

TORONTO, Ont. — More than 30 chefs, breweries, wineries and cideries will be on hand to showcase the diversity and cultural traditions that make up Canada’s food and drink landscape at the Green Living Show.

This year’s Delicious Local Food & Drink Pavilion, in partnership with Foodland Ontario, features chefs from Canada and around the world, who will use local and sustainably sourced Ontario ingredients to showcase old family recipes and favourite dishes that best reflect their heritage.

“We are thrilled to offer visitors a culinary trip around the world, while highlighting ingredients that can be found in our own backyards,” says Laurie Simmonds, President and CEO of Green Living Enterprises. “Join us as we applaud the community, vibrancy and diversity of our country through the many tastes of its global kitchens.”

Some of the fare available at the Taste Ontario, Taste the World food pavilion includes:

TIBET — Chef Tsewang Chodon from TC’s MoMo will be preparing vegetarian and beef MoMos and vegetarian pasta noodles. @tctibetanmomo.

HAITI & SCOTLAND — Chef Daniel Holloway from Urban Acorn Catering is serving a Haitian black bean Accra with red pepper Ti Malice, cabbage Pikliz and fried parsnip chips and a Scottish lox with house-smoked carrot, chive and potato scone topped with creamed edamame and dill crème fraîche. @UrbanAcornCa

SPAIN & LATIN AMERICA — Chef José Arato from Pimentón is serving up paella and mini arepas. @PimentonTO.

FRANCE — Lavelle Chef Romain Avril is sampling a honey cake with honey lavender ice cream and honeycomb plus a terrine with pickles and crostini. @chezlavelle.

MEXICO — Santo Pecado chef Paola Solorzano will be showcasing a re-interpretation of the iconic tacos on the streets of Mexico City with a vegan three sisters taco and a pulled chicken tinga taco. @santopecadoTO.

CANADA —PEI Foods Chef Robert Pendergast celebrates his Acadian and Irish ancestry through food, music and art and will be serving chicken fricot stew, oysters with a wild blueberry mignonette and a sweet apple cake with maple. @ChefPendergast.

CANADA — European culinary traditions influence the creations of de la terre bakery + café Chef Jan Campbell-Luxton. @delaterrebakery.

SYRIA — Chefs Dalal Al Zoubi, Manahel Al Shareef, Ektimal Al Khabouri and Wafa'a Abo Horan are offering the finest from Karam Kitchen —Halloumi cheese pita, vegetarian kibbeh made with Ontario bulgar and falafels. @karamkitchen

CHINA — Hawthorne Food and Drink Chef Ricky Casipe uses the neighbourhoods of Toronto as the inspiration behind his menus, using local, seasonal and sustainable products whenever possible. @hawthorneto

INDIA — Veggie Samosas, Tandoori Chicken Katchumber Salad are on offer from the Magic Oven and chefs Tony and Abby Sabherwal. @magicoven.

MOROCCO — B’Saha Restaurant brings Moroccan street food to Toronto. Sample Chef Otman Haouzi’s Merguez Sandwich and roasted Ontario beet salad with créme fraîche @bsaha_to.

BELGIUM – Jan Vandenbroeck of Wafel Huis makes the real and rare authentic Belgian sugar waffle (free of any additives), topped with seasonal fruits and whipped cream.

ITALY - Chef Anthony Lamacchia of Porcello Cantina, serves family inspired recipes from Southern Italy with a local inspiration, resurrecting childhood favourites. He will be serving arancini, meatballs and garlic ndoni bread knots. @porcellocantina

COFFEE — Roast Magazine’s top micro-roaster of 2016, Propeller Coffee Co. is passionate about sustainably sourcing, roasting and distributing the world’s best coffees. Head Roaster Jonathan Cox will be pouring drip coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, cold brew and a selection of teas. @propellercoffeeco.

WINE & MEAD — As Canada’s first winery and meadery, Rosewood Estates Winery produces both wine and mead (honey wine) using estate grown grapes and estate produced honey. @rosewoodwine.

WINE — Southbrook Vineyards is Canada’s first winery certified as both organic and biodynamic.  @SouthbrookVineyards.  Megalomaniac is a 110-acre winery resting a top the Niagara Escarpment. @Megalomaniacjhc

CRAFT BEER — Promoting the best craft beer in Ontario, The Griffin Gastropub is bringing a broad selection of 18 brews and ciders to the Green Living Show. @griffingastro.

SPIRITS — Beattie’s Distillers creates potato vodka from the same land the family has been farming for a century with sustainability at the forefront. @BeattiesDistillers.

Food tickets are available for purchase at the Green Living Show Box Office on the main floor of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building and on the main show floor in the Delicious Local Food & Drink Pavilion. All dishes are $4 and under!

BONUS: Admission includes one FREE sample ticket to the gourmet Food and Wine Pavilion. Not applicable to children 12 & under, must be 19+ to purchase or consume alcohol.

WAYS TO GET IN FOR FREE:

• Show your PRESTOcard or April METROPASS
  • Show the Live Greenapp on your phone
  • For all WWF CN Tower climbers - register here!

The Green Living Show takes place April 7^th to 9^th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For more information on living a healthier more sustainable lifestyle, please visit greenlivingshow.ca. Join the conversation on Facebook, follow the Green Living Show on Twitter and Instagram @GreenLivingPage.

Green Living Show

The Green Living Show is Canada’s largest consumer show dedicated to simple solutions for leading a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. This three-day event offers inspiration for all ages and features influential speakers; innovative products; eco home and garden design; local and organic food and wine tastings; health, wellness and yoga pavilions; eco fashion and green beauty makeovers; electric car test drives; nature exhibits and fun activities for the entire family.

About Green Living Enterprises 

Green Living Enterprises is Canada’s leading cause-marketing agency focused on social and environmental program development. Our team is led by award-winning industry experts in the fields of brand and program development; custom content; advertising, marketing and communications; and event management. Green Living Enterprises also includes Greenlivingonline.com and The Green Living Show, Canada’s largest consumer show, dedicated to simple solutions for leading a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

The ParticipACTION 150 Play List Tour, in honor of Canada’s 150th birthday,
is coming to Toronto, ON for May 5th and 6th, 2017!

Join us in celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday at one of our cross-country tour stops! You can find our crew in Toronto at the 2017 Canadian Squash Championships as we challenge Canadians to complete as many physical activities from the Play List as possible. Stop by to knock a few off your own list, or try a unique featured activity. Track activities online for your chance to win great prizes!

Stop by to learn more about the 150 Play List, where you can:

• Register for the 150 Play List and learn about the 150 activities
• Check a few activities off your list all at once, including squash
• Share photos of your experience on social media with the hashtag#150playlist

For more details about the 2017 Canadian Squash Championships, visit:http://www.squash.ca/en/events

Not registered for the 150 Play List yet? Come register at our tour stop or sign up here: www.participACTION.com/150

2017 Canadian Green Car Award Finalists Announced

Overall winner to be revealed April 7^th at the Green Living show

TORONTO, Ont. — In what is likely the tightest competitions in its five-hear history, expert judges have selected six vehicles as finalists for the 2017 Canadian Green Car Award.

The overall winner will be revealed Friday, April 7^th, at the Green Living Show, in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

The finalists were selected after extensive testing and assessment by the judges, all leading Canadian automotive journalists, who picked the top entries in six technology and style categories.*

The finalists are:

The Canadian Green Car Award recognizes vehicles that offer impressive “green” attributes combined with strong mass-market appeal, based on the understanding that any product can have a significant environmental impact only if it sells in large numbers.

To achieve this result, the assessments combined “objective” criteria, such as fuel economy, emissions and price, with the judges’ evaluations of performance, driving experience, value, features and “green” qualities.

“The task for the Canadian Green Car Award judges gets more challenging as automakers continue to raise the bar in technology, fuel economy and quality,” says Laurie Simmonds, President and CEO of Green Living Enterprises, which operates the annual Green Living Show. “The six finalists are all outstanding ‘green’ vehicles, and the judges once again have their work cut out for them in making the ultimate choice.”

The competition began with the Award Steering Committee selecting three nominees in each of the six categories, based on meeting essential “green” criteria related to technology type and fuel economy. The judges then evaluated the nominees, including test drives, data from manufacturers and their own experience. Those scores produced the six category winners announced today.

“This year our judging panel was struck by how mainstream green cars have become,” notes Eric Novak, Co-creator of the Canadian Green Car Award. “The six finalists have demonstrated that by owning a vehicle with minimal environmental impact, one doesn’t need to feel they are making sacrifices in other areas.  Seeing green cars as normal instead of alternative is critical to achieve wide-spread acceptance among car buyers and our finalists this year go a long way towards proving that.”

This open process, in which eligibility doesn’t depend on whether a manufacturer is willing to pay a substantial entry fee, is in line with other global green car awards and makes the program a very meaningful gauge for consumers.

The overall 2017 Canadian Green Car Award winner will be revealed at 11:30 a.m., Friday, April 7, at the Green Living Show in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building.  Andrew Horsman, Executive Director of Ontario Tire Stewardship, will present the trophy. In addition to declaring the winner, Mr. Horsman will announce an exciting environmental achievement in tire recycling.

All six finalist vehicles will be on display throughout the three-day Show, last year attended by more than 35,000 visitors.

*Basic criteria for each category:

• Zero-emission: Battery electric, fuel cell or other zero-emission technology.
• Plug-in hybrid: Hybrid electric vehicle that uses rechargeable batteries, or another energy storage device, that can be recharged by plugging it in to an external source of electric power.
• Conventional hybrid-electric: Must have combined fuel economy of 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres or lower, according to the five-cycle Natural Resources Canada Fuel Consumption Rating or, if that is not yet available, the equivalent U.S. EPA rating.
• Gasoline or diesel internal combustion: Must have combined fuel economy of 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres or lower.
• Efficient Three-Row: A passenger vehicle of any propulsion technology with at least three forward-facing rows of seating, accommodating at least six occupants. If powered by gasoline or diesel internal combustion, or a conventional hybrid, it must have a combined fuel economy of 10.0 litres per 100 kilometres or lower.
• Fun car: Any passenger vehicle of any propulsion technology that accelerates from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in 7.5 seconds or faster. If powered by gasoline or diesel internal combustion, or a conventional hybrid, it must have a combined fuel economy of 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres or lower.

For more details on the 2017 Canadian Green Car Award, including the list of all vehicle nominees and the judges who assessed them, visit www.canadiangreencaraward.ca.

The Green Living Show takes place April 7^th to 9^th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For more information on living a healthier more sustainable lifestyle, please visit greenlivingshow.ca. Join the conversation on Facebook, follow the Green Living Show on Twitter and Instagram @GreenLivingPage.

About Green Living Enterprises 

Green Living Enterprises is Canada’s leading cause-marketing agency focused on social and environmental program development. Our team is led by award-winning industry experts in the fields of brand and program development; custom content; advertising, marketing and communications; and event management. Green Living Enterprises also includes Greenlivingonline.com and The Green Living Show, Canada’s largest consumer show, dedicated to simple solutions for leading a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

About the Green Living Show

The Green Living Show is Canada’s largest consumer show dedicated to simple solutions for leading a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. This three-day event offers inspiration for all ages and features influential speakers; innovative products; eco home and garden design; local and organic food and wine tastings; health, wellness and yoga pavilions; eco fashion and green beauty makeovers; electric car test drives; nature exhibits and fun activities for the entire family.

GeneNews Launches Blood-Based, Biomarker Test for Breast Cancer Risk Assessment

Women with Elevated Risk Scores are Encouraged to Move to Further Screening with 3D Tomography, Screening Breast Ultrasound and/or MRI

TORONTO, March 29, 2017 /CNW/ - GeneNews Limited (TSX:GEN) ("GeneNews" or the "Company") announced today the launch of BreastSentry™, a new risk stratification test for breast cancer, via its Virginia-based clinical reference lab, Innovative Diagnostics Laboratory ("IDL"). BreastSentry incorporates a blood-based biomarker test with a sophisticated algorithm to determine a woman's five-year and lifetime risk for developing breast cancer.

BreastSentry measures the fasting plasma levels of two biomarkers in the blood, proneurotensin ("pro-NT") and proenkephalin ("pro-ENK"), which are highly predictive of a woman's risk for developing breast cancer. Various longitudinal clinical studies have shown that elevated levels of pro-NT and decreased levels of pro-ENK are strong, independent risk factors for the development of breast cancer.^1-17 In addition, BreastSentry measures seven key risk factors, based on the Gail Model, for developing breast cancer to provide an additional level of personal data into the risk stratification algorithm to create an enriched, personalized score. The Gail Model is a statistical breast cancer risk assessment algorithm designed by scientists at the U.S. National Cancer Institute and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project to estimate a woman's risk of developing invasive breast cancer.

BreastSentry is intended for use in average risk women who have no family history of breast cancer. However, it is especially suited for the approximate 50% of women who have dense breasts and, therefore, require further risk stratification where mammography leaves off. Elevated risk scores can help physicians determine if further screening with 3D Tomography, Screening Breast Ultrasound and/or MRI are necessary. Women with elevated risk scores are also encouraged to adopt lifestyle changes in diet and exercise to reduce risk moving forward.

"We are excited to make this test available to women throughout the U.S. who are concerned with their risk for developing breast cancer, especially those 50% of U.S. women with dense breast tissue, who cannot rely on mammography alone to determine if they currently have the disease," said James Howard-Tripp, Chairman and CEO of GeneNews.

Approximately two-thirds of pre-menopausal and one-quarter of post-menopausal women have dense breast tissue, which makes it challenging to detect breast cancer by mammography alone.⁶ High breast density, as seen on a mammogram, is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Women with heterogeneously (40%) and extremely dense breast (10%) tissue are four-to-five times more likely to develop breast cancer than women with low breast density.^18,19

The American Cancer Society suggests women with dense breasts talk to their health care providers about whether they should consider adding MRI and/or Ultrasound to their annual mammography screening.²⁰  To help physicians determine what comes next following either an elevated or normal BreastSentry test score, GeneNews and IDL have also developed a BreastSentry Patient Advocacy Protocol.

"This is a significant breakthrough for women with dense breasts," commented Dr. Belinda Barclay-White, founder and medical director of Arizona Breastnet, a full service diagnostic breast center. "Any additional information that can be added to a patient profile to determine ongoing risk for developing breast cancer is very much needed to help physicians, radiologists and patients determine what the next course of action should be."

About GeneNews

GeneNews is committed to becoming a leader in advanced diagnostics and personalized medicine, serving as a strong commercialization outlet for early detection of cancer and other chronic diseases. Our mission is to identify, assess and make commercially available a comprehensive menu of diagnostics that provide physicians and patients with personalized clinical intelligence and actionable information to improve health out-comes through the early diagnosis of disease.  Our Richmond, Virginia-based Innovative Diagnostic Laboratory clinical reference lab specializes in traditional and advanced clinical evidence-based blood testing that helps find, understand, and address cancer risk in patient populations. Currently, IDL offers risk assessment blood tests for four major cancer types - colon, lung, prostate and breast. GeneNews' common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol 'GEN'. More information on GeneNews can be found at www.GeneNews.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements identified by words such as "expects", "will" and similar expressions, which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual events to differ materially from those projected herein. Investors should consult the Company's ongoing quarterly filings and annual reports for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

References

^{1.        Melander O. et al., Plasma Proneurotensin and Incidence of Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Breast Cancer, and Mortality, JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association). October 10, 2012, Issue 308, 14, P. 1469-75.
2.        Melander O, et al., Validation of plasma proneurotensin as a novel biomarker for the prediction of incident breast cancer, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. August, 2014; 238 : P. 1672-6.
3.        Ernst, A, et al., Proneurotensin 1-117, a stable neurotensin precursor fragment identified in human circulation. Peptides. July, 2006, Issue 27, 7, P. 1787-93.
4.        Dupouy S, et al., The Neurotensin Receptor-1 Pathway Contributes to Human Ductal Breast Cancer Progression. PLoS ONE. 2009;41: e4223
5.        Souazé F, et al., Expression of Neurotensin and NT1 Receptor in Human Breast Cancer: A Potential Role in Tumor Progression. Cancer Res. June 15, 2006;6612: 6243-9.
6.        Carraway, R. et al., Involvement of neurotensin in cancer growth: Evidence, mechanisms and development of diagnostic tools. Peptides. October, 2006;2710: 2445-60.
7.        Devader, C. et al, The Anti-Apoptotic Role of Neurotensin. Cells. March, 2013; 21:
8.        Go, V. et al, Role of nutrients in the gastrointestinal release of immunoreactive neurotensin, Peptides. 1981;2 Suppl 2: 267-9.
9.        Dupouy S, et al, The potential use of the neurotensin high affinity receptor 1 as a biomarker for cancer progression and as a component of personalized medicine in selective cancers. Biochimie. 2011 Sep;939:1369-78. doi: 10.1016/j.biochi.2011.04.024. Epub 2011 May 17.
10.     Somai S. et al, Neurotensin counteracts apoptosis in breast cancer cells, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Volume 295, Issue 2, 12 July 2002, Pages 482â€"488
11.     Melander, O, et al, Plasma Pro-Enkephalin, a stable peptide of the precursor to the endogenous opioid Enkephalin, predicts breast cancer risk, Oncol Res Treat 2014;37(suppl 1): 4
12.     Melander, O. Plasma Pro-Enkephalin adds value to Proneurotensin for the risk prediction of incident breast cancer. Oncol Res Treat 2014;37(suppl 1): 6
13.     Ernst A, Proenkephalin A 119-159, a stable proenkephalin A precursor fragment identified in human circulation.Peptides. July, 2006;27: 1835-40.
14.     Faith, R. et al, Inhibition of Pulmonary Metastases and Enhancement of Natural Killer Cell Activity by Methionine-Enkephalin, Brain Behav Immun. June, 1988;2: 114-22.
15.     Schäfer, M. et al, Opioid therapy and tumor progression. Advances in Palliative Medicine 2009, 8, 53–56
16.     Mernenko OA, et al, Met-enkephalin induces cytolytic processes of apoptotic type in K562 human erythroid leukemia cells. FEBS Lett. April 1, 1996;3833: 230-2.
17.     Maneckjee R, et al, Opioids induce while nicotine suppresses apoptosis in human lung cancer cells Cell Growth Differ. October, 1994;510: 1033-40.
18.     Boyd NF, Guo H, Martin LJ, et al. Mammographic density and the risk and detection of breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 3563:227-36, 2007.
19.     Tamimi RM, Byrne C, Colditz GA, Hankinson SE. Endogenous hormone levels, mammographic density, and subsequent risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. J Natl Cancer Inst. 9915:1178-87, 2007.
20.     Saslow D, Boetes C, Burke W, et al. for the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Advisory Group. American Cancer Society guidelines for breast screening with MRI as an adjunct to mammography. CA Cancer J Clin. 572:75-89, 2007.}

SOURCE GeneNews Limited

New Documentary ‘What the Health,’ the health film that health organizations don’t want you to see, hits top spot on Vimeo

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., – “What the Health,” a new feature-length documentary, captured Vimeo On Demand’s number one trending spot, and racked up more than 6.5 million social media shares, following its release Thursday. “What the Health” exposes the collusion and corruption in government, big business, and the nation’s leading health organizations. With heart disease and cancer the leading causes of death in America, diabetes at an all-time high, costs and healthcare costs in the trillions, “What the Health” reveals possibly the largest health cover-up of our time.

Proceeds from online views raised more than $45,000 for hunger relief organization Food Not Bombs.

Intrepid filmmaker Kip Andersen tracks down the leading and most trusted American health nonprofits to find out why these groups are staying silent, despite a growing body of evidence. Audiences will be shocked to learn the insidious roles played by pharmaceutical companies, agribusiness, and processed animal food companies in the nation’s health, especially in the most vulnerable communities, and will cheer at the transformation and recovery of those who took their lives into their own hands.

“Like a lot of Americans, I have a family history of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, so it was important to me to learn more,” said Andersen, who co-directed the film with Keegan Kuhn. “We are astonished by the support for ‘What the Health’ and hope it contributes to the national conversation about our health, and how big business influences it.”

Surprising, and at times hilarious, the documentary features the insights of urgent care physician Dr. Milton Mills; bariatric medicine specialist Dr. Garth Davis (“Big Medicine”); Dr. Neal Barnard, president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine; physician and bestselling author Dr. Michael Greger (“How Not to Die”); NYU School of Medicine professor Dr. Michelle McMacken; public health attorney Michele Simon (“Appetite for Profit: How the Food Industry Undermines Our Health and How to Fight Back”), and many more.

“We're so grateful to Kip and Keegan for making us part of this incredible film and for their generosity in supporting our efforts to share healthy vegan food with the public, many who are hungry and homeless, struggling to find nourishment in communities across North America and the globe,” said Keith McHenry, co-founder of Food Not Bombs.

For a press kit, photos, and other media resources visit https://app.box.com/s/7um6eicrfbnw6tnviblemc00b7lfjode

For the trailer visit https://vimeo.com/ondemand/whatthehealth

For more information visit http://www.whatthehealthfilm.com.

About AUM Films and Media

AUM Films and Media is a 501c3 non-profit focused on creating films and media that promote thrivability, compassion, and harmony for all life. “Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret,” its first production, premiered in late 2014. This documentary uncovers the most destructive industry facing the planet today – and investigates why the world's leading environmental organizations are too afraid to talk about it. For more information visit http://aumfilms.org.

Understanding the Buzz About Medicinal Marijuana

The Green Living Show features The Weedmaps^TM Speaker Series and Cannabis Exhibit
TORONTO, Ont. — The conversation about medicinal marijuana has gone mainstream.

According to Health Canada, an estimated 130,000 Canadians are registered to purchase medicinal marijuana from licensed producers. This volume of users, changes to regulations and prevalent anecdotal evidence has led to increased discussion about medicinal uses of marijuana.

Although Health Canada governs and regulates licensed producers and there are a variety of sources that contain up-to date information on medicinal marijuana, currently there is no single comprehensive source providing medical advice.

For patients living with chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder — or other illnesses that could be supported by the benefits of cannabis — navigating the information can be intimidating or overwhelming, and it can be an added challenge determining if you are getting your information from a reliable source. Being a relatively new field, many people are hesitant, either because of the associated stigma or they just don’t know where to start.

“As is the case with all matters relating to health, it’s crucial for consumers to be armed with information from credible sources so they can make an informed decision about what’s best for their health,” says Laurie Simmonds, President and CEO of Green Living Enterprises. “The Green Living Show is a great forum to discuss alternative health therapies and bring together a group of experts who can help provide clarity.”

The Weedmaps^TM Speaker Series at the Green Living Show will feature exhibits and experts from GrowWise Health, Mettrum, Apollo Cannabis Clinic, Summertree Medical Clinic as well as Tokyo Smoke — the first Canadian consumer brand to launch as a licensed cannabis producer in Canada. These experts will be discussing a variety of topics such as the current medicinal regulations, what strains are most effective for specific ailments, the different methods of consumption, using cannabis as a treatment for sleep disorders, and a cannabis cooking demo.

Dr. Carolina Landolt, a leading Canadian rheumatologist with more than 10 years experience and the founder of Summertree Medical Clinic, is one of the experts who will be speaking at the Show. One of the fundamentals of her practice is demystifying medical cannabis for patients and other physicians.

“The stigma associated with medical cannabis presents a significant barrier to effective patient care,” says Dr. Landolt. “Medical cannabis is a reasonable option for individuals dealing with conditions such as chronic pain or insomnia, but often patients are afraid to explore this option due to prevailing negative myths and misconceptions regarding medical cannabis. The Green Living Show is a great place to speak directly with practitioners and other experts to get first-hand information.”

If you are looking for alternative therapies to complement your current health regime or are curious about your options, The Green Living Show’s cannabis-centered exhibitors and stage content is the place to help guide you in the right direction.

This April, discover all of these cannabis resources — plus 400 sustainable companies — at the Green Living Show taking place April 7^th to 9^th, 2017, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For more info on leading a healthier, greener lifestyle, please visit greenlivingshow.ca. ‘Like’ it on Facebook, follow the Green Living Show on Twitter and Instagram@GreenLivingPage.

About Weedmaps^TM

Weedmaps^TM is the first and most comprehensive directory in Canada and the United States that provides patients with vital information on where and how they can get their legally prescribed medicinal marijuana.

About The Green Living Show

The Green Living Show is Canada’s largest consumer show dedicated to simple solutions for leading a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. This three-day event offers inspiration for all ages and features influential speakers; innovative products; eco home and garden design; local and organic food and wine tastings; health, wellness and yoga pavilions; eco fashion and green beauty makeovers; electric car test drives; nature exhibits and fun activities for the entire family.

About Green Living Enterprises 

Green Living Enterprises is Canada’s leading cause-marketing agency focused on social and environmental program development. Our team is led by award-winning industry experts in the fields of brand and program development; custom content; advertising, marketing and communications; and event management. Green Living Enterprises also includes Greenlivingonline.com and The Green Living Show, Canada’s largest consumer show dedicated to simple solutions for leading a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.