Robin Williams’ Widow and Ben Utecht Headline American Brain Foundation’s Twin Cities’ Fundraiser
Standing Strong Tackles Brain Disease at Minnesota Vikings’ New Home
Recently appointed to the American Brain Foundation’s Board of Directors, Susan Schneider Williams, the widow of actor and comedian Robin Williams, will be the keynote speaker at the foundation’s third annual fundraising event entitled Standing Strong: An Evening Benefiting Brain Disease Research.
This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, October 26 from 6:30 pm -10:00 pm in the Delta 360 Club at the new U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
In an intimate concert setting, Super Bowl XLI winning-tight end Ben Utecht will perform his event namesake anthem Standing Strong, along with other songs focused on his fight with traumatic brain injury.
In addition to her keynote address at the fundraiser, Susan Schneider Williams shares her and Robin’s powerful and personal struggle with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia in an article published in the September 26, 2016 edition of Neurology®,the official medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Schneider Williams also speaks candidly about her story in an interview on the September 27, 2016 Neurology podcast.
“It is my belief that when healing comes out of Robin's experience, he will not have battled and died in vain,” said Schneider Williams. “By raising awareness with events like Standing Strong, I trust that a cascade of cures and discovery is imminent.”
The evening includes an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of generally restricted areas of U.S. Bank Stadium.
“We are very excited to have Susan take such a lead role in our quest to find a cure for debilitating brain diseases that affect 1.4 million Americans and their families,” said Kevin Goodno, JD, Chair of the American Brain Foundation’s Board of Directors.
The American Brain Foundation is a national charity whose mission is to bring researchers and donors together to defeat brain disease.
In its annual review of Ontario's health system, Health Quality Ontario reveals a new perspective on quality care for all
Alicia Bell - Fitness Trainer with exercise band.
Health Quality Ontario is offering those who live in the province the broadest portrayal of quality health care, to date.
In this 10th publication, the yearly report offers those who work within the health system and those who use it the most comprehensive overview of two key matters: Measuring Up 2016 looks at both how the health system is performing, and also looks at the health of those living in Ontario.
"To broaden the lens on health care quality, Health Quality Ontario worked with experts and patients across the system to incorporate new areas to monitor and measure," says President and CEO, Dr. Joshua Tepper. "The significance of this latest report lies in this newfound perspective. Areas in need of attention emerge clearly, allowing the system to better focus its efforts."
A new chapter on palliative care, as an example, reveals one such area in need as the population ages: Nearly two-thirds of those who received palliative care died in hospital despite the fact most would prefer to die at home. This is indicative of a larger issue involving available and appropriate care at home or elsewhere in the community.
Applying a broader health equity lens to many areas throughout the report – another new addition – has, too, allowed for a fuller picture of quality care in the province. Health equity can be understood as all people being able to reach their full health potential – meaning some will need more help than others. It's not the equal dividing of resources so that everyone gets the same; rather, it's an approach whereby factors like income, race, language, geographic location, and disability don't impede health.
This report, however, reveals gaps in equitable care, and therefore, gaps in a key aspect of health care quality: People who live in the north west region of the province do not have the same access to care than those living in the GTA; people who've been hospitalized for a mental illness or addiction continue to struggle disproportionately with transitioning from one part of the system to another; people who live in poor neighbourhoods are much less likely to have prescription medication insurance - the same is true for people with low levels of education and those who've recently immigrated.
"With these areas under the spotlight, there is reason to be hopeful," adds Dr. Tepper. "Health Quality Ontario finds an unmistakable trend as it tracks progress. This annual review finds a relationship between health quality and concerted efforts, often including a combination of policy changes and public health interventions."
A notable example can be found in population health: Smoking rates have decreased significantly in recent years. This is due in part to combined efforts involving changes in policy, changes in regulations, and public health interventions. Other examples include cancer care, cardiac health, and emergency department care.
While certain areas are showing results because of concerted efforts, those in need of similar attention are now starting to be enabled by the Ministry and subsequently implemented by the health system.
Quick facts:
From Measuring Up 2016: Key areas in need of attention:
Smooth out the transitions: Ontario can do better as patients transition from one place of care to another.
a. Less than one-third (30.2%) of patients hospitalized for a mental illness or addiction saw a doctor within seven days after discharge in 2014/15. This rate has not changed in the past five years.
b. Nearly two-thirds (62.7%) of patients who received palliative care had an unplanned emergency department visit in their last month of life. Although some unplanned visits may be unavoidable and appropriate, this can be a sign that people are not receiving enough supports at home or elsewhere in the community.
Improve access to care: People in Ontario still lack timely access to their regular primary care provider.
a. Ontario continues to lag behind, in terms of patients getting timely access to primary care, when compared to other developed countries. In 2015, less than half (43.6%) of people aged 16 or older were able to get appointments with their primary care provider (or another primary care provider in their office) the same day or next day when they were sick or had a health concern. This remains unchanged over two years and is the worst rate compared with people in 10 other Commonwealth countries.1
b. In 2014/15, 85% of the adult complex home care patients (aged 19 and older) who received personal support service received it within the five-day target, however there was substantial variation between regions. The aim is that all these patients receive the service within target.
Reduce inequities: While Ontario's overall numbers look good in many areas, we continue to see unacceptable variation by geography and population groups.
a. Less than one-quarter (23.8%) of adults in the north west region of the province (covering the district of Thunder Bay over to the Manitoba border) were able to see their primary care provider on the same day or next day when they were sick, compared with more than half (53.0%) of adults in the central west region (covering the Greater Toronto Area).
b. Nearly nine out of 10 (85.7%) people aged 12 to 64 living in the richest neighbourhoods had prescription medication insurance, compared with fewer than six out of 10 (56.0%) people living in the poorest neighbourhoods. The ability to afford medication is an important aspect of care, especially among people with multiple chronic conditions.
About Measuring Up:
Measuring Up centres on a set of performance measures called the Common Quality Agenda, as a barometer for two things: The performance of Ontario's health care system, and the health of those who live in Ontario.
Based on these performance measures, work is underway in many parts of the health system to improve care and outcomes, in addition to how to better measure them. For example, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's Patients First action plan is initiating changes to the system to address the key areas of primary care and home care.
Health Quality Ontario (HQO) is the provincial advisor on the quality of health care. HQO reports to the public on the quality of the health care system, evaluates the effectiveness of new health care technologies and services, and supports quality improvement throughout the system. Visit www.hqontario.ca for more information.
1 Health Quality Ontario. Measuring Up 2015: A yearly report on how Ontario's health system is performing. Toronto: Queen's Printer for Ontario; 2015.
Image with caption: "2016 marks the 10-year anniversary of Health Quality Ontario’s yearly report on the performance of Ontario’s health system and offers the broadest portrayal of health care quality to date. (CNW Group/Health Quality Ontario)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161013_C4697_PHOTO_EN_794561.jpg
SOURCE Health Quality Ontario
Trust Your Gut…6 Stomach Issues Not to Ignore
We’ve all eaten or have drunk something that didn’t agree with us. We’ve all caught a stomach bug that was settled with rest, and over-the-counter aid and some chicken broth. While many times we can go at it alone and solve a stomachache ourselves, there are certainly times where it’s necessary to see a doctor. Dr. Gina Sam Gastroenterologist with Mount Sinai in New York City and Associate Professor provides insights on symptoms indicative to common conditions and advises when it’s time to see the doctor.
Indigestion
Common symptoms include feeling full fast during a mean, a slicing pain, burning or tightness between your breastbone and navel or bloating. The tricky thing with indigestion is that it can be triggered by something else that is worse. Persistent indigestion may be a side effect of a medication, caused by smoking, thyroid disease, ulcers, infection, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). “If you rarely have indigestion and feel funny or discomfort after a spicy meal that may go away on it’s own. However, if indigestion is a daily occurrence for more than 2 weeks and is coupled with trouble swallowing, fatigue or weakness then absolutely see your doctor to be sure it isn’t due to something more serious,” advises Dr. Sam.
Lactose Intolerance
When the small intestine fails to product enough lactase, an enzyme that digests milk sugar (lactose) food reaches the colon before it has been processed and absorbed. Undigested lactose interacts with normal bacteria in the colon leading to diarrhea, nausea, bloating, cramping, gas and sometimes even vomiting. These symptoms usually begin 30 minutes to two hours after consuming foods or drinks with lactose. Dr. Sam explains that the challenge with lactose intolerance is that it often leads to calcium deficiency so it’s always a good idea to see your doctor to create a plan that explores which foods trigger discomfort and which are still okay.
Kidney Stones
According to Dr. Sam kidney stones don’t cause symptoms until they pass on from the kidney towards your bladder. That’s when there may be cloudy or foul smelling urine that can appear brown, or pink. There may also be a frequent need to urinate but the ability to urinate small amounts. Nausea and vomiting along with fever and chills are also symptoms. Usually when lower back pain is so severe sleeping and even sitting is difficult the patient seeks medical attention. “When you have kidney stones you just know something isn’t right, yet sometimes it takes people longer to see several symptoms before they seek medical attention,” explains Dr. Sam.
Gallstones
Gallstones are stones that form in the gallbladder, a tiny sac that hangs out under the liver, emptying bile as needed to digest fats. These stones cause swelling and can block the duct into the intestine, resulting in pain. Gallstone pain tends to strike the right side of the upper abdomen, particularly after fatty meals triggering the gallbladder to contract. “If the gallbladder is inflamed, any contraction of that nature will be amplified and typically will cause pain to the patient,” says Dr. Sam.
Appendicitis
While it’s more common to people ages 10-20 it can strike at any age. Typical symptom is pain specifically in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen however, half of those with appendicitis have pain elsewhere. Also not everyone has his or her appendix in the same place making the pain site vary. “This is why it is important to monitor symptoms closely. Many of the symptoms are similar to ones associated with other conditions such as kidney stone, Crohn’s disease even ectopic pregnancy,” offers Dr. Sam. She further explains that the patient can expect several tests (blood, urine, MRI, CT or ultrasound) to confirm diagnoses. Some doctors don’t want to risk waiting for test results and based on how the patient describes his or her own symptoms may opt to surgically remove the appendix.
Side Effects From Medications
“No drug is without side effects and sometimes that includes abdominal pain.
Oral bisphosphonates, a popular class of drugs that helps preserve bone density and prevent osteoporosis, can cause swelling—and therefore pain—in the lower esophagus,” says Dr. Sam. Pain medications known as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin can also cause swelling in the stomach lining and may even lead to ulcers.
Rule of thumb is to trust the gut. When something feels more serious, it usually is. Some stomach issues can either be symptoms of other more serious issues or if left unaddressed, can escalate into something worse. “Whenever you’re feeling prolonged discomfort and sharp pain it’s worth seeing your doctor,” advises Dr. Sam.
About the doctor:
Dr. Gina Sam, MD/MPH is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York. She is the Director of the Mount Sinai Gastrointestinal Motility Center specializing in achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux, functional disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroparesis, and anorectal disorders including pelvic floor dyssnergia and fecal incontinence.
A MINDFUL SOCIETY BRINGS TOP EXPERTS TOGETHER TO EXPLORE BEST PRACTICES IN GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
With mental health and addiction facing one in five Canadians (as reported by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)), more and more leaders are understanding the importance of integrating mindful practice in the public and private sectors.
On Wednesday, November 2, 2016, an intimate group of professionals at all levels will gather with field experts for "A Mindful Leader", a forum dedicated to exploring the transformative impact that mindfulness can have on society at this critical time. Geared toward bringing together individuals who are interested in connecting with a community and gaining knowledge to be more effective, clear and compassionate leaders, this highly anticipated event will take place at Ottawa's historic Canadian Museum of Nature.
Hosted by A Mindful Society (AMS), "the forum will educate participants on the mindful methods being used by some of Canada's most influential politicians along with international leaders in the business, education and health sectors. Participants will walk away with the language to share this new model of integrity with colleagues," comments Michael Apollo, Founder, A Mindful Society. "Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with speakers via a series of fireside chats and also a dinner. Our goal is to connect a community of peers and experts in the field."
The inspiring line-up of presenters consists of respected thought leaders and best-selling authors who have successfully integrated mindfulness into their fields, including representatives from Google's Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute, School of Public Service, WestJet the University of Toronto and more.
Speakers at "A Mindful Leader" Forum are the following:
Peter Weng, Former Director at Google and Dell, VP Sales & Marketing Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute.
Maria Gonzalez, Award-winning, best-selling author of "Mindful Leadership" and President of Argonauta Consulting Inc.
Michele Milan, CEO of Rotman Management Executive Programs, specializing in best practices for being an effective leader.
Christina Tector, Senior Learning and Development Specialist for Canada School of Public Service.
Jamie Bristow, Director of Mindfulness Initiative UK at Oxford University and committee member of Mindful Nation UK Report.
Chris Ruane, Former Member of UK Parliament and committee member of Mindful Nation UK Report.
Pam August, Organizational Development Specialist at WestJet
Michael Apollo, Founder of A Mindful Society conference and Program Lead at the Applied Mindfulness Meditation program at the University of Toronto.
Elli Weisbaum, Former international program coordinator for Wake Up Schools an initiative by Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Thich Nhat Hanh, researcher at the Institute of Medical Science studying the integration of mindfulness into healthcare.
"A Mindful Leader's objective is to bring Canada into the growing global conversation of how mindfulness can change the way people think about leadership across the public, private and nonprofit sectors," adds Apollo. "The forum will be an intimate setting of fireside chats and roundtable discussions focused on ground-breaking research and emerging leadership strategies."
To view the full list of speakers, the forum agenda and to register, please visit www.amindfulleader.com. Tickets are limited and first come, first served.
For Individuals or organizations interested in supporting or advocating the ground-breaking fields of mindful leadership as partners or sponsors, please contact info@amindfulsociety.org
About AMS
A Mindful Society (AMS) seeks to understand current challenges within key sectors of society that are influenced by the human mind and bring to light the benefits of integrating mindfulness applications within these areas. Our conferences aim to bring together the knowledge of leaders within the government, health care education and management sectors with a focus on the methods and findings of contemporary research.
Doctors should know what supplements patients take to prevent interactions with medications
Botanical supplements are used by people around the world to treat a wide range of physical and mental ailments. Some of these botanical supplements have high levels of antioxidants, which may have some positive health effects for certain conditions. However, a new study from the University of Missouri in partnership with scientists in Africa has uncovered evidence that these supplements and their antioxidants may reduce the effectiveness of prescription medications. The researchers examined the effects of a widely used African botanical supplement, called Sutherlandia, and found that it may disrupt the effectiveness of a common anti-tuberculosis drug. This could lead to the development of active tuberculosis and perhaps drug resistant forms of the pathogen in some patients.
For the study, William Folk, a professor of biochemistry in the University of Missouri School of Medicine and College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and his colleagues monitored South African patients who were taking either Sutherlandia or a placebo, along with the world-standard anti-tuberculosis drug, isoniazid. Sutherlandia is a supplement commonly taken in Africa to fight symptoms of infection and some chronic diseases, such as diabetes. The researchers observed that several patients taking the Southerlandia supplement developed active tuberculosis despite taking Isoniazid.
“We believe that the antioxidants in Southerlandia can directly disrupt how Isoniazid functions within the body to prevent tuberculosis,” Folk said. “Isoniazid is very reliable in preventing the active form of this potentially deadly microbe, which is present in nearly one-third of all humans, but if individuals concurrently take a botanical supplement, they could undo the good that the scientifically proven drug is accomplishing. More than one-third of the world’s population is susceptible to active tuberculosis, so it is unfortunate that Sutherlandia, which traditionally is taken to prevent or treat infections, can actually cause them to develop the disease, and perhaps also cause the microbe to become a drug-resistant ‘super bug.’”
Folk says this finding could apply to many different botanical supplements and many different medications, including cancer-fighting drugs. He says it is important for future research to examine potential interactions between drugs and antioxidant-laden supplements.
“With so many people around the world turning to botanical supplements to help with a wide range of health issues, it is vital that we explore how these supplements interact with established medical drugs,” Folk said. “Many drugs use pathways that could be disrupted by antioxidants, so we need for physicians to better advise their patients. Many physicians do not know everything that their patients take, so it is important for people to inform their physicians, and for physicians to ask, so they can better advise their patients what is best for their health.”
The study, “Does Concurrent Use of Some Botanicals Interfere with Treatment of Tuberculosis?” was published in Neuromolecular Medicine DOI 10.1007/s12017-016-8402-1. Coauthors include Aaron smith, Hailong Song, Dennis Chuang, Jianlin Cheng, Sezong Gu and Grace Sun. This study was funded by grant P50AT006273 from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) and the University of Missouri. The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsors.
The Real-Time Nutritional Biosensor, One X, Nears $50K Funding Goal on Indiegogo to Give Individuals Control Over Diet and Lifestyle
One X measures antioxidant levels directly from one’s palm and helps individuals make healthier choices by tracking habits that impact their body
Mountain View, CA - One X’s Indiegogo campaign to raise funds for their nutritional biosensor has raised over $44K, putting them just $6K shy of their $50K funding goal. One X is designed with the most advanced materials and sensors to provide the most accurate insight on how habits, such as nutrition, sleep, exercise, stress, alcohol, pollution and sun exposure, impact the body and its health.
One X is the first real-time nutritional biosensor that measures skin carotenoids from fruit and vegetable consumption and the effects of eating well. By measuring skin carotenoids, One X’s feedback reflects what the body effectively absorbs and actually stores. One X has an elegant, functional design with a soft touch and ergonomic shape, and it’s the first non-invasive, consumer antioxidant tracking system.
“We believe in creating an accessible way for everyone to uncover how their lifestyle affects their daily wellness, and we want to provide them with ways to improve their health,” said One X CEO Anthony Weil. “One X is perfect for families, couples and anyone looking to improve their day-to-day health. We used the perfect blend of science and technology to develop something that’s simple, portable and affordable for most.”
Users activate the device through the finger-touch sensor to automatically pair their measurement with the One X ID. By using fingerprint recognition, it allows the tracking of up to five different individuals on one device. Users will then hold One X in the palm of their hand for 20 seconds and will start to see the lateral LED start displaying the ongoing measurement. One X automatically syncs with the mobile app so that users can easily check their previous antioxidant levels and quickly track their progress. Individuals can also set challenges with their friends and measure their family at home.
One X is available on Indiegogo and will give individuals control over their diet and lifestyle in ways that other diets, apps and tracking devices fall short. Early adopters can pre-order one for $109, which is over 50% less than the market retail price. For more information on all of One X’s features, visit http://bit.ly/OneXIndie.
ABOUT ONE X
Based out of Mountain View, California, One X was created with the vision to empower everyone to take back control of their health. One X’s non-invasive design was created to be simple and affordable so that everyone can measure how their lifestyle impacts their body. For more information, visit www.one-x.co.
Go Bananas Over Bananas
It’s no surprise that bananas are a fruit favorite around the world, packed with nutrients and antioxidants, rich in fiber and low in fat, they are little powerhouses of good nutrition. In our never-ending quest to stay healthy without sacrificing our taste buds, bananas are a clear go-to and they are quite versatile. Dr. Christopher Calapai D.O. a highly accredited New York City anti-aging and stem cell specialist, and long-time nutrition advisor to the New York Rangers hockey team explains, “Bananas are packed with health benefits throughout every stage of their lives, from green to fully ripe. As the banana ripens some of these health benefits change, making it a rare fruit that is enjoyable in many forms.”
Typically when we think of bananas we think of a lunch-box addition or a quick on-the-go snack, more so than a cooking staple? Here are 5 healthy ways to incorporate bananas into your meals and the health benefits of each.
When they’re green...
Fill Up on Mashed Plantains.
Green bananas are often referred to as plantains, they are not sweet like ripe bananas and they contain most of their fiber in the form of resistant starch. “Plantains are rich in starches that regulate appetite,” says Dr. Calapai. “Resistant starch may even slow stomach emptying, making you feel full longer and thus reducing the urge to eat sooner after a meal.”
Bonus! Mashed plantains could not be easier to whip up. Simply peel and cut the green plantains into chunks and boil in a full pot of water for 20-30 minutes or until tender, then mash with a fork until they achieve the consistency of mashed potatoes. Sautee garlic and onions in olive oil and add to the plantains along with salt and pepper and any other seasonings you enjoy. You can serve the dish with fish, chicken or meat, sprinkle with bacon bits or eat plain.
Satisfy your craving for something salty, crunchy with plantain chips.
“All bananas, green, ripe or in between are very low in calories, about 105 per fruit” explains Calapai “So you can get away with frying them in your choice of light, heart-healthy oil.” Plantain chips are a great snack or side dish and are also incredibly simple to whip up. Peel the plantain completely and cut off about half an inch on both ends, then thinly slice the rest of the plantain into chips. When the oil is piping hot fry your chips until golden and salt to taste. Voila!
When they’re semi-ripe...
Eat "Maduros" for younger, healthy skin.
"Maduro" (pronounced mah-doo-row) means "ripe" in Spanish and it’s what Latin Americans call this tasty plantain dish. You can eat plantains this way once they are very yellow and spotted, or have turned fully black. Simply peel, cut into thick diagonal slices and deep fry until golden brown in heart-healthy oil. Bonus! “Bananas at any stage of ripeness are very rich in Vitamin C, an antioxidant also known as called ascorbic acid,” says board certified dermatologist Dr. Kally Papantoniou. “Vitamin C assists in collagen production, which keeps your skin healthy and also blocks free-radical damage which is believed to potentially contribute to the aging process.”
When they’re ripe...
Manage blood sugar with a banana smoothie.
This one takes five minutes and a blender. Cut up two nice yellow, ready to eat bananas into chunks, add milk or yogurt of your preferred variety, some ice, and blend until thick! “Bananas have shown by studies to possibly regulate blood sugar as they are very moderate in the glycemic index, meaning they don’t cause dangerous spikes to your blood sugar levels,” says Dr. Calapai “Having a good banana smoothie for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, as opposed to high-sugar options make sure you are balanced throughout the day.”
Amp up the flavor!
If simply eating a banana starts to get boring amp up the flavor with a healthy pairing. Cut up your banana into chunks and add a healthy spoonful of peanut butter, sprinkle with some almonds or cinnamon, or mix with some dark chocolate chunks!
Bananas are a great, affordable way to add some goodness into your meal plan. Enjoy!
Bureau releases report questioning restrictions on health care advertising - International best practices shared with regulators
Restrictions on advertising in health care industries in Canada may be having unintended consequences, including higher prices, lower quality of service and reduced innovation.
In a report released today, the Bureau finds that most health care industry regulators tend to restrict advertising in some form, but there is insufficient evidence to assess whether these restrictions are achieving their policy objectives.
Regulators may restrict advertising to address legitimate concerns such as protecting consumer safety. However they may also restrict advertising for other reasons.
For example, when it comes to advertising low prices, regulators may be concerned that consumers associate low price with poor quality and this could damage the image of the profession. Regulators may respond by banning price advertising altogether, which makes it difficult for consumers to make informed purchasing decisions . This overly broad response could have the unintended consequence of driving prices up, reducing competition and stifling innovation.
The Bureau's report reviews economic literature related to the effects of advertising restrictions. The literature shows that when restrictions are lowered or removed, consumers do not experience significant quality reductions, and may even benefit from lower prices.
The report calls on governments and self-regulatory bodies to begin collecting and compiling data on the outcomes of their policies, such as changes in prices and consumer preferences, and to move toward evidence-based decision-making.
In support of this recommendation, the Bureau's latest issue of the Competition Advocate includes internationally-accepted best practices for regulators to follow when developing effective regulation.
Quick Facts
The four key principles for effective regulation that are outlined in the CompetitionAdvocate are:
Regulate only when really necessary,
Use the best available evidence to inform decisions,
Strike the right balance between policy objectives and minimal intrusion, and
Review regulations regularly.
Greater competition leads to innovation that can result in lower prices and increased choice for consumers.
Quote
"Competition is good for business and for consumers. The Bureau is calling on governments and other regulators to collect evidence on the impacts of their policies and to move toward more evidence-based regulation. Better regulation means more competition for the benefit of all Canadians."
The Competition Bureau, as an independent law enforcement agency, ensures that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace.
SOURCE Competition Bureau
CMHA's inaugural Mental Health For All Conference 2016: Together by Design
The most creative and inspiring mental health and addictions thinkers and leaders in the country gather for a two-day exchange
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is hosting an inaugural national conference that promises to become the premier professional mental health and addiction conference in Canada.
One hundred and twenty-five speakers from across the country; 68 workshops; compelling keynotes. CMHA's inaugural Mental Health for All Conference 2016: Together by Design (MH4A Conference) - taking place just one year before CMHA's 100th anniversary - will be a two day "think-fest" to advance work in the dynamic fields of mental health and addictions.
"This conference is the first-of-its-kind opportunity for individuals and organizations in mental health, mental illness and addiction to put their collective minds together", says Dr. Patrick Smith, National CEO, CMHA, who will open the conference proceedings. "It's the one place in Canada where people with lived mental health experiences, decision-makers, funders, researchers, front line workers and practitioners can gather under one big tent, and work together toward making big change."
It will be held on Thursday September 29 and Friday September 30, 2016 at the Hilton Toronto Hotel, (145 Richmond Street West, Toronto). It is preceded by CMHA Ontario's pre-conference on Wednesday September 28 focusing on quality improvement in the mental health and addictions sectors.
Conference Partners CMHA is proud to have the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) and the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) as national partners for this year's conference.
Both organizations see the conference as an important opportunity to bridge these sometimes disparate sectors.
"This conference, which gathers together key experts and organizations in mental health, mental illness and addictions, creates a unique opportunity to break down the silos that have sometimes been a barrier to collaborative action on mental health and addictions" said Louise Bradley, President and CEO of the Mental Health Commission.
"Issues of substance use and mental health are complex. They are diverse and they impact millions of Canadians in a variety of ways," adds Rita Notarandrea, CEO of the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA). "This conference is a real reflection of that complexity. By drawing together people with a variety of expertise and perspectives, we can learn from one another and make progress on designing a system that is collaborative, compassionate, and based on our shared experience and expertise."
Keynotes speakers and panels Dr. Catherine Zahn, President and CEO of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), will speak about closing the gaps in mental health.
A keynote panel, entitled "Mental Health Reform is a Team Sport" will focus on youth mental health services and will be led by Ian Boeckh, President of the Graham Boeckh Foundation.
A second keynote panel, "I've stood up to stigma and reached out for help: Now what?" features panelists exploring from personal and professional perspectives what happens when Canadians go looking for mental health and addictions services. Panelists include Dr. Karen Cohen (CEO, Canadian Psychological Association), Mark Henick (CMHA National/MHCC board member), Robin Payne; and Ann Dowsett Johnston (author of Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol).
Conference Highlights Suicide Prevention Panel with Mara Grunau (Centre for Suicide Prevention), Jonny Morris (CMHA BC Division), Karla Thorpe (MHCC), Marion Cooper and Reid Hartry (both of CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg) Panel highlights suicide prevention across Canada and identifies "Zero Suicide" as an approach to transformation.
Clearing the Smoke: An Evidence-Based, Public Health Approach to Cannabis Policy with Dr. Amy Porath-Waller and Rebecca Jesseman, (CCSA); Ian Culbert (Canadian Public Health Association)
Mino Bimaadiziwin - A Healthy way of Life with Ken Syrette (Indigenous Counsellor), Shivani Gupta and Troy Hayden (Addiction Services for York Region). How to make mental health programs appropriate and relevant for indigenous people.
Change Maker Sponsor The conference has been made possible with the generous and continued support of our Change Maker Sponsor, Lundbeck Canada.
For program information: conference.cmha.ca / Follow us on Twitter: @CMHA_NTL #MH4A16
WRAPPING YOUR MIND AROUND THE “NEW YOU” AFTER WEIGHT LOSS
Whenever someone chooses to commit to a weight loss journey, it’s not just a physical transformation that happens, but a mental transformation as well. Regardless of how long it takes for people to reach their goal weight, there are significant things that occur along the way that impact their body image and confidence. For all of the positive reinforcement once receives, they might also notice some negativity or odd reactions from those they are close to. Read on for tips and insights from leading experts that will offer clarity and solutions for anyone seeking to transform or who already has.
You shed friends along with pounds.
Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD a NYC based licensed neuropsychologist, a teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College, explains that, “It is normal to lose friends as you lose pounds. As you see the payoff from the lifestyle changes you’ve made you may feel disconnected with friends who may still eat and drink things you no longer do. You’re evolving,” offers Dr. Hafeez. She also adds that, “It’s common to notice jealousy, and digs. You may even experience exclusion from dinners out presuming you wouldn’t want to indulge.”
Have faith that your true friends will love you at any size. “It will actually be difficult to tolerate any gossip, negativity or activities that are counterproductive. The last thing you need are people who bring you down when you are doing something positive for your well being. Look out for yourself. At times that may mean distancing from certain people,” advises Dr. Hafeez.
Loose skin becomes the new thing you notice.Once you reach your goal weight, you may love how you look in clothes but naked in or a bathing suit is a whole other story. This is most common when weight loss is significant. Even when weight training is part of the regimen, loose skin does happen.
Dr. John Zannis a board certified plastic surgeon based in New Bern, North Carolina frequently sees and treats patients who went through a weight loss transformation. According to Dr. Zannis, “Loose skin can gather at the stomach, under arms, breasts, buttocks, inner thighs, face and neck. The more significant the weight-loss is, say 50 pounds and above, the more likely a plastic surgeon is sought out to explore body lifts that specifically address loose skin after weight-loss.”
You have more energy, are excited about life and can do more!
As you change your diet, add daily exercise to your new lifestyle and see the weight melt off, you gain energy! You don’t feel the need to hit the snooze button anymore. You may wake up energized for that 7am powerwalk or you may be inspired by that beautiful new dress you get to wear to work, another dress size dropped. Yay!
“Use newfound energy to your advantage, encourages Dr. Hafeez, your brain is forming new neuropathways as your perception about your body starts to change. That flight of stairs that was once an obstacle is much easier. Simple things like putting on shoes, picking up toys and pushing a vacuum are done with ease. As you take notice of what your body can do, you gain more confidence and want to do more. This energizes you both physically and mentally,” she adds.
Shopping gets interesting.
It is common to get overwhelmed with options now that you can shop the way you always dreamed of. Perhaps your new strong, shapely legs have inspired you to wear dresses again for the first time in years. Or after always covering your arms, you may opt for sleeveless tops. Either way, trying new looks outside of your comfort zone can be daunting. Dr. Hafeez advises to, shop on your own or with someone you really trust. “It is important that shopping is made to be fun by approaching it as a style experiment. Don’t expect everything to look perfect just because you are a much smaller size. Some things will work, others won’t. Look for clothes that feel good. When you smile in the mirror that’s a sign you’re on track.”
You make yourself, your health and well being top priority and start to inspire others.
When you lose a noticeable amount of weight other people want to know how you did it and how you are keeping the weight off. Your immediate family may also adapt to your dietary changes and experience weight loss by association. When your kids see you wake up every morning to exercise they see that anything worth having requires commitment. Your significant other may be inspired to also lose weight. “When you take care of yourself and are in a positive mindset, it has a positive impact on everyone you interact with. When the mind and body are aligned you love the way you look and feel, you’re happy and someone others can look up to.”
