National organization wants Canada to be the Silicon Valley of natural products
Natural Products Canada (NPC), the national centre of excellence for the commercialization of natural products, has completed its initial round of hiring, setting the stage for Canadians to benefit from a thriving natural products sector.
"We have formed a national team to help Canada benefit from the growing global demand for natural products," says Shelley King, CEO of NPC. "We're ready to help companies and researchers access the resources they need to bring validated ideas to market faster, cheaper, and more efficiently."
The initial hires will focus on NPC's mandate to align and optimize Canada's assets – natural resources, technologies, platforms, expertise, and world-class research – into a vibrant, pan-Canadian natural products ecosystem that can save time and effort for natural product companies.
Along with King, the NPC team is comprised of Sue Coueslan, VP Communications and Stakeholder Relations; and Karen Wight, VP Investment and Finance. In addition, NPC has hired its first three regional directors: David Gauthier of NPC-West will work closely with the regional node, Ag-WestBio; Paul-Thomas Lacroix of NPC-Quebec will work closely with Quebec's regional node, the Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Université Laval; and Stephen Ball of NPC-Atlantic will work closely with the Atlantic node, the PEI BioAlliance. Other regional directors will be recruited in the near future.
NPC was announced February 12, 2016 by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. Since then, King and the Board of Directors have been engaged in strategic planning and recruitment.
"There is real potential for Canada to be a global leader in the commercialization of natural products and technologies," says Board Chair, Robert Orr, a 35-year veteran of the food, nutritional ingredient, and private equity investment business. "We have spent the last few months working with stakeholders across the country to shape the plan that will turn that potential into reality."
Partnering with a wide range of private and public investors, experts, and organizations, NPC will create a unique commercialization system to help companies and researchers address the many factors involved in bringing high value products to the marketplace.
Key initiatives for the first year of operations include launching the NPC investment program and developing a database of the technologies, platforms, service providers, investors, and expertise essential to the successful commercialization of natural products.
Natural Products Canada (NPC) is a not-for-profit organization with a vision to make Canada flourish as the Silicon Valley of natural products. It aims to align, expand, and optimize the pan-Canadian natural products ecosystem to accelerate the development of products and technology platforms that bring real value to real customers. NPC was established in 2015, and is funded by a range of public and private investors, including the Government of Canada's Centre of Excellence in Commercialization and Research (CECR) program administered by the Networks of Centres of Excellence.
NPC
Image with caption: "Newly formed Natural Products Canada will align and optimize existing assets, expertise, and investments into a national ecosystem to accelerate the commercialization of natural products and technology platforms. From left to right: Sue Coueslan, Paul-Thomas Lacroix, Karen Wight, David Gauthier, Shelley King (CEO), and Stephen Ball. (CNW Group/Natural Products Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160926_C4884_PHOTO_EN_780944.jpg
SOURCE Natural Products Canada
Sun Life Financial, Fitbit and new rewards for daily steps contribute to app's growth
Canada's celebrated wellness incentives app, Carrot Rewards, recently introduced new initiatives and partnerships as part of its long-term growth strategy.
A new daily step tracker feature allows users of the popular free app to earn rewards for achieving their personalized walking goals. A large majority of BC users are already earning daily rewards for walking and nearly ten billion steps taken by British Columbians this summer have been tracked and rewarded through the Carrot app.
Starting today the Carrot app will also be integrated with the industry leading activity tracking device, Fitbit. BC residents will now have one more convenient option for connecting and earning daily activity rewards through Carrot (in addition to Health Kit and Google Fit).
Also starting today Sun Life Financial, in close collaboration with the Canadian Diabetes Association, is proudly joining the broader Carrot coalition in British Columbia as the sponsor of all the Steps rewards that BC residents earn through the app.
"Thousands of British Columbians have already taken steps toward a healthier lifestyle with the Carrot Rewards app," Government of British Columbia Health Minister Terry Lake said. "We know that increased activity can have positive benefits for our health and, thanks to these new partnerships, there are now even more incentives to get people moving and receive rewards for healthy behaviour."
"We're proud to be expanding the Carrot eco-system and functionality so significantly again," says CARROT insights (developer of Carrot Rewards) CEO Andreas Souvaliotis. "By joining hands with genuine game-changer organizations like Sun Life, Fitbit and the Canadian Diabetes Association, we are further enhancing the effectiveness of our powerful program and we're helping build an even healthier Canada."
"One in three Canadians is affected by diabetes or prediabetes," says Rick Blickstead, President and CEO, Canadian Diabetes Association. "The good news is that in many of the cases, type 2 diabetes can be delayed and/or prevented with healthier eating or increased physical activity. By partnering with Carrot and Sun Life, we hope to encourage people to take charge of their health and be rewarded for achieving a healthy lifestyle."
Sun Life is committed to the prevention of diabetes and its related complications. Since announcing support of the cause in late 2012, Sun Life has proudly committed over $13 million towards diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research initiatives.
"Sun Life is proud to partner with CARROT Insights and the Canadian Diabetes Association in supporting this unique health initiative in British Columbia," says Chris Denys, SVP Possibilities, Digital Health Solutions, Sun Life Financial Canada. "It aligns with our mission to proactively engage Canadians and empower them to take a more active role in managing their health and well-being."
The Carrot Rewards app has seen significant success since it launched in BC six months ago. To date, nearly 2% of British Columbians have downloaded the app and have earned over a hundred million loyalty points just for learning how to live healthier and for achieving simple daily activity goals. Carrot is now being rolled out across the rest of Canada with similarly impressive results.
The Government of Canada, through the Public Health Agency of Canada, invested $5 million over five years in the Carrot Rewards app project. The Government of British Columbia provided $2.5 million to support the early launch of the app in B.C. Including contributions from the private sector, a total of more than $15 million has already been invested in this world-leading program.
Sweet News: Review of Literature Indicates Sucralose Is Not Linked to Cancer
In a society where obesity is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for disease, low- and no-calorie ingredients are logical choices for those wishing to manage their weight. However, some people have concerns that sucralose, a no-calorie sweetener, may be linked to cancer. A new article published in Nutrition and Cancer: An International Journal may finally put those fears to rest; a comprehensive review of studies testing the safety and carcinogenicity of sucralose has confirmed that the artificial sweetener does not cause cancer, and is safe to ingest.
“This latest review of sucralose studies should reassure those who choose sucralose, and can be particularly useful to scientists and healthcare professionals, who may be asked for information on low calorie sweetener safety,” says lead author of the study, Professor Dr. Sir Colin Berry, Emeritus Professor of Pathology at the University of London.
Sir Berry and his fellow researchers conducted a review of studies assessing sucralose carcinogenicity potential, and placed them in the context of the types of studies relied upon by national and international regulatory agencies to make recommendations on the safety of new food ingredients. These studies are designed to maximize the possibility of detecting potentially adverse effects, and as such, adverse outcomes are expected to occur at some point.
To that end, many of the studies observe the results of dosages hundreds to thousands of times greater than any reasonable level of consumption. For example, the studies reviewed include observations on consumption of sucralose in quantities equivalent in sweetness to 74 to 495 pounds of sugar per day for an average weight (e.g., 75 kg) adult.
The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for sucralose, established by the Joint Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives, is 0 to 15 mg/kg body weight/day. In the studies reviewed, even when exposure levels were several orders of magnitude greater than the recommended ADI, sucralose did not demonstrate carcinogenic activity.
“Concerns are raised from time to time on what components of our lifestyle affect the rates of cancer,” continues Sir Berry. “Smoking and sunlight are on all our lists and obesity is beginning to be recognised as a major factor. So low calorie sweeteners, which are important to many in managing their weight, need to be examined carefully in terms of lifetime use.”
Disclaimer: Funding for both the independent literature review, which formed the basis for the current paper, and the preparation of the manuscript, was provided by McNeil Nutritionals (creator of Splenda, since sold to Heartland Food Products). All study authors were employees of, or consultants to, McNeil Nutritionals at the time the manuscript was prepared. Some of the studies on sucralose’s safety reviewed in this study were also funded by the artificial sweetener industry.
Shower Clear To Revolutionize Bath Industry With The Debut Of The First And Only Shower Head Enabling A Consumer To Open, See And Clean Interior
YOUR BATHROOM'S DIRTY LITTLE SECRET - THERE IS MOLD & BACTERIA IN YOUR SHOWER HEAD...MEET THE SOLUTION: SHOWER CLEAR Shower Clear To Revolutionize Bath Industry With The Debut Of The First And Only Shower Head Enabling A Consumer To Open, See And Clean Interior
Most people think that their bathroom is the cleanest room in their home. Right? WRONG! A bathroom can be a dangerous breeding ground for bacteria AND mold; especially in one's shower head. Ask yourself, what does the inside of your shower head look like? When was the last time you cleaned it?
Prior to the invention of Shower Clear, consumers had NO way of seeing the inside of their shower heads; and therefore, consumers had NO idea what’s growing inside. Again, most consumers expect a hot shower to be the cleanest place in their home; however, the bathroom is a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria and mold that can potentially cause pulmonary disease.
Shower Clear is the SOLUTION to bacteria and mold growing in one's shower head. Shower Clear is a NEW and REVOLUTIONARY, ONE-OF-A-KIND shower head with a patented design featuring a uniquely engineered latch, which enables the consumer to open a shower head with ease and see the interior of the shower head, to either clean or let “air-dry,” thus preventing bacteria and/or mold growing in the shower head. There is no mystery with a Shower Clear shower head, because with one quick and easy snap of a latch, a consumer can CLEARLY see the inside, to ensure the inside of their shower head is as clean, safe and healthy as possible. UNIQUE POSITIONING / VALUE PROPOSITION:
Patented design with uniquely engineered latch
First to market; only product of its kind in the market
Easy to open uniquely engineered latch; which enable the consumer to easily open the shower head to see the interior and either clean with ease or let air-dry
The ability to open one's shower head prevents the development of bacteria and mold
Shower Clear shower heads are 100% BRASS and LEAD-FREE
Kanye West and adidas Originals drop the YEEZY BOOST 350 V2
In 2015, the YEEZY BOOST 350 changed the game. This September, Kanye West and adidas Originals introduce a bold evolution of this style. The world’s most influential and sought-after shoe debuts with a flash of colour, as first seen at the epic YEEZY SEASON 3 presentation at Madison Square Garden during New York fashion week in February 2016.
Redesigned yet true to its roots, the YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 is crafted with beautiful, premium materials that infuse adidas’ technology with Kanye West’s unmistakable aesthetic. The 350 V2 makes an audacious play for colour with an upper composed of Primeknit in three impactful hues of yarn. A streak of solar red bears the mark ‘SPLY-350’. A semi-translucent rubber outsole and TPU sidewalls create a striking effect while providing superior traction.
The YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 midsole utilizes adidas’ innovative BOOST™ technology to create a durable, shock-resistant, responsive sole. At the same time, the breakthrough Primeknit material leverages adidas’ most advanced digital knitting techniques to fit like a second skin. Featuring the distinct center stitching on its upper as well as the signature ribbed outsoles, the YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 pays homage to its predecessor.
The YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 will hit stores globally on September 24, 2016 and retails for $300.00 CDN.
CIHR Canadian Pain Research summit's groundbreaking collaboration will help in fight against pain
Canadian and international pain researchers, clinicians, partners, charities, patients and policymakers discuss the development of a national pain research agenda
From September 18-20, 2016, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is hosting a Canadian Pain Research Summit where researchers, clinicians, partners, charities, patients and policymakers will work together to create a national agenda that will help CIHR Institutes develop new funding opportunities for pain research.
Canada is an international leader in basic and pediatric pain research. The Government of Canada, through CIHR, has helped address the treatment and quality of care of patients suffering from pain by providing $16 million in annual funding support to over 1,200 physical and psychological pain researchers. Through Canada's Strategy for Patient Oriented Research (SPOR), CIHR and its partners have also created a Chronic Pain Network which specializes in directing new research, training researchers and clinicians, increasing access to care for chronic pain sufferers, and speeding up the translation of the most recent research discoveries into care of patients. The development of an evidence-based Canadian Pain Research agenda at this summit will help Canadian researchers and clinicians create better care and treatments for patients who suffer from pain in social, psychological or physical ways.
Quotes "The Government of Canada applauds all participants at the Canadian Pain Research Summit. Their collective effort to address gaps that currently exist between basic research and clinical practice will further the ability to improve treatments for Canadians who suffer from chronic, acute and psychological pain."
The Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Health
"CIHR has been a staunch supporter of pain research over the years, most recently through the establishment of a Chronic Pain Network within the framework of Canada's Strategy for Patient Oriented Research. While Canada remains a prominent leader in this field, more needs to be done to address the complexities of pain on a physical, psychological and social level. Through this summit, CIHR is encouraging the type of multi-stakeholder collaboration that will allow the expansion of pain research and its translation into better pain management." Dr. Alain Beaudet
President, CIHR
Quick Facts
In addition to its impact on quality of life, chronic pain costs Canadians $43-$60 billion per year in health care expenses and lost productivity at work (which is more than cancer, heart disease, and HIV combined).
Launched in 2011, Canada's SPOR initiative represents federal, provincial and territorial members (including patients, caregivers, researchers, policy makers, charities, private sector and university representatives) who work together to bring innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to health care, and improve quality and accessibility of various treatments.
This summit was organized by CIHR Institutes of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (CIHR-IMHA), Aboriginal Peoples' Health (CIHR-IAPH), Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction (CIHR-INMHA), Cancer Research (CIHR-ICR), and Gender and Health (CIHR-IGH).
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's health research investment agency. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened health care system for Canadians. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 13,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada.
SOURCE Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Teen Body Builder - Is She Too Young?
Teen reconciles studies, work and training to fullfill her dream of being a successful bodybuilder.
Karina Chaves just turned 16 years old and will participate on Sunday in the South American Championship. The competition, organized by the WFF federation and to be held in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil will be the fourth of the young athlete's career.
Karina decided to change the dolls to iron bars at the age of 13 and began training alone at home imitating Youtube training videos without nutritional counseling or diets. The teen did cut out some foods, snacks, soft drinks and any kind of sweets, including chocolate although she loved it so much. All in order to fulfill her dreams of becoming a bodybuilder.
" I started training early because I used to see my brother go to the gym. It made me realize that I could actually lose weight and no longer be the chubby girl as I was called by other children at the time , "recalls Karina.
Even with her family's financial difficulties, it didn't stop Karina: "I never had financial support from anyone, but on the other hand, I can't complain about the moral support given to me by family and friends."
At 14 she began working as a receptionist at a gym and only then she began to eat better and buy supplements. It was also there that she met a bodybuilder Victor Soares, responsible for presenting the championships to Karina. At the time she did not know that at her age she already could attend these events. Her passion for the sport increased more and more.
Today Karina trains from Monday to Saturday for about an hour and a half accompanied by professionals, while following a strict diet recommended by a nutritionist, which is based on good carbs, fats, proteins and sometimes some fruits.
With all this dedication, when she was 15 years old, the teenager competed in a Brazilian Championship and won first place in three categories.
" It was all due to discipline that got all these victories and I hope all will go well on the next one too ," she says proudly and confident.
With the fully defined body, the young girl, who lives in the city of Apucarana, Parana, Brazil is constantly questioned and criticized by colleagues, but says she does not mind.
" Once I was using the stair master and a lady asked me:
- Why is your body all deformed? - I will never forget that day! How can someone compare definition with deformation? I found a bit of an exaggeration on her part , "sighs.
Karina says that even with all running around all day, she can still get good grades in school, be a good worker and a promising athlete.
" I need to always commit myself to school, I plan to study physical education in the future and cannot give in ," she adds.
The 16-year old has become an inspiration for other young people who end up following a heavy workout routine. However raising once again questions about the risk of starting weight training as an adolescence.
We decided to talk to Rickson Moraes, a Brazilian Orthopedic doctor and post graduate in Sports Medicine. During the interview, the doctor confirmed that there are benefits of weight training for teens and adolescents. It has been proven by the medical literature, however, it is essential that the exercises are done under the supervision of professionals used to working with young people, using load and volume and appropriate training.
" The exercises in this age group has always created a lot of discussions among physicians. Not long ago, it was not uncommon that these young people were prohibited from performing these activities, because many were afraid the practice could compromise somehow, growth and development , "concluded the doctor.
Im interested to know your thoughts on the topic? Please comment below. Teen Body Builder - Is She Too Young?
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada Launches Shine A Light Campaign to Raise $100,000 in Support of 100,000+ Canadians Affected by Blood Cancers
Campaign gets extra boost with matching gift of $100,000
TORONTO, Sept. 7, 2016 /CNW/ - The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) is making a bold statement to show Canadians affected by a blood cancer that they are not alone with the launch of its virtual Shine a Light campaign at the start of Blood Cancer Awareness Month in September. The country's only voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancers is rallying the country to raise $100,000 in support of the 100,000+ people affected by a blood cancer in Canada. Throughout September and until October 22, an LLSC donor will match donations to the campaign, dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000 – doubling the campaign's revenue potential to $200,000.
"We know that a cancer diagnosis can be an isolating journey and this is our chance to show Canadians affected by a blood cancer that they have the support of thousands across the country," says Shelagh Tippet-Fagyas, LLSC president. "With a boost from the donor match, the time to give is now so that the $100,000 can have double the impact in advancing blood cancer research and providing valuable programs and services to patients, survivors and caregivers."
Approximately every 25 minutes, a Canadian receives a blood cancer diagnosis, making the disease the fourth-most frequent cancer diagnosis in men and women. New cases of leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma accounted for 10 percent of the estimated 191,300 new cancer cases diagnosed in Canada in 2014. In children, leukemia and lymphoma make up nearly half of all cancer cases.
Every donation made on the Shine a Light campaign site will add a light of support on a virtual map of Canada. Those who donate can select a red light as supporters, a white light as a patient or survivor, or a gold light in memory of a loved one.
"The coloured lights on the map are an extension of the red, white and gold lanterns that our participants receive at Light The Night Walks, which take place in cities across the country throughout the month of September and October" explains Tippet-Fagyas. "The Shine a Light campaign is our way of giving Canadians a meaningful virtual venue to show their collective support for this important cause."
Monies raised through the Shine a Light campaign will help to fund world-class blood cancer researchers working on the most promising projects that have the potential to improve treatments or find cures for the various forms of blood cancers. In addition, donations make it possible for the LLSC to provide free programs and services to blood cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers.
About the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) is the single largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancers in the country. It is an affiliate of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in the U.S., the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancers. LLSC funds lifesaving blood cancer research across Canada, and provides free information and support services. The LLSC mission: cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
National Office Location:
804-2 Lansing Square
Toronto, ON M2J 4P8
Charitable Registration#: 10762 3654 RR0001
Follow #BCAM, #SomedayisToday
Solutions for Life - Know Your Options
Starting this Saturday 9/3/2016, Mr. Paradise will host his own radio show titled Solutions for Life – Know Your Options 4 to 5 pm EST on Family Talk Sirius XM Radio, station 131.
Are you living in pain and sick and tired of being sick and tired? Are you addicted to pain medication [or worse!], and feeling depressed and frustrated that you are not getting better? If not, there’s a high probability you know someone who is….
Meet Mr. Lou Paradise - a driving-force in today’s healthcare who is dedicated to bridging the gap between natural biomedicines innovation and all specialties of healthcare practices. This is a contribution to give doctors and patients 21st century options to improve the standard of care and provide better outcomes - ending suffering and restoring hope and quality of life.
Starting Saturday, 9/3/2016; Mr. Paradise will host a LIVE, call-in talk radio show teaching listeners natural safe effective options on how to treat the cause of their pain in an entertaining educational forum sharing his decades of experience as an accomplished natural medicines researcher and biomedicines product innovator. His show, Solutions for Life, airs Saturdays on Family Talk Sirius XM Radio, station 131, from 4 to 5 pm EST.
Family Talk radio features the best in Christian teaching ministries, powerful talk radio, and entertainment.
Mr. Paradise’s listeners will learn how pain and inflammation are integral to the healing process and why analgesics and oral pain medication having no curative power and fail to bring relief of pain, leading to worsening medical conditions and addiction. Discussions will explore pain and the body’s healing chemistries, the important role of inflammation and the immune system, and how lifestyle factors such as exercise, hydration, and nutrition affect our health. In addition, specific conditions and ailments will be addressed, including: why obesity and diabetes are significant problems alarmingly on the rise, as well as how common arthritis is; carpal tunnel; and sports injuries such as plantar fasciitis, and other foot ailments. In addition, a natural approach to treating the pain associated with diabetic and chemo-induced neuropathy, fibromyalgia and more!
Mr. Paradise will also monitor and accept all calls, answering listeners prudent questions while providing hope in healthcare and inspiring people to thrive in life again.
The Caller Line: 877-956-9566
Says Mr. Paradise,
“Along with our dedicated staff, I am humbled to be a very dedicated part of the patient revolution and I am grateful to God to have a strong intuition, and humbled to be allowed a role in serving humankind...”
Mr. Paradise’s passion to contribute his voice is driven by his own journey that started following two tours of duty in Vietnam as a US Marine Corps, helicopter combat/rescue crew chief. Mr. Paradise sustained cumulative trauma injuries from the physical demands of combat and performing hundreds of rescue missions of fellow Marines, Air Force, and Navy personnel, as well as humanitarian missions of Vietnamese civilians.
Mr. Paradise is also honored to host after The Kat James Show, lead by notable nutritionist Kat James.
So Listen, Learn, Ask, and Receive Answers. Why? Says Mr. Paradise
“Because Every Citizen of the World deserves to know all their available pain relief options upfront. No one should have to live in pain or suffer the consequences of chemical over-the counter, or prescription pain pill, simply because they do not know all your options….”
Under Armour is looking for Canada’s most passionate runners to participate in UA Run Camp. This is not for the faint of heart. I thought your readers would be interested!
UA Run Camp brings together the world’s most passionate runners and pits them against some of the world’s worst conditions. The goal is to push the limits of athletes farther than they ever thought possible.
If that looked challenging, just wait until you see what’s next when runners take on “The Desert”. Want to be there? Here’s how you can earn your spot. Canadian runners have until September 16 to earn their spot at UA Run Camp by:
Sharing their most intense run on Instagram or Twitter tagging @uarunning #earnyourspotca and #uacontest
Logging an intense run on the MapMyRun or Endomondo app and sharing on Twitter or Instagram using #earnyourspotca, #UAContest and tag @UARunning with a statement about why they deserve a spot.
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