As you age, what steps are you taking to enter the next phase of your life with a healthy outlook?
I’m looking at the years that I have left and realizing that the most important thing is to be healthy in body, mind, and spirit.
This means taking time to lower stress. I want to make sure every waking moment of life is what I really want it to be so whether it's gardening, taking a walk on the beach, spending time with friends, catching up with people on Zoom, or talking to people who are going through a tough time, I'm taking care of my health to the best of my ability.
As a well-known actress, how have you stayed motivated while aging in the spotlight?
It's very interesting. Usually, as an actress, when you turn 40, it’s over — you’re done in film and television. When I turned 40 and my financial life disappeared into a big dark black hole, along with my marriage and everything I thought I had and knew and trusted, I came out of that black hole and was given the gift of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. It was a TV show that nobody believed in. Now, as we know, it turned out to be an amazing gift, and I’ve had an amazing career ever since.
The difference is that I keep changing it up. I was offered to play roles of women who were much older than I was. In B Positive, I play an 85-year-old who’s very sexually active in an old person’s home. Then, of course, I also played an older woman in my own series, Harry Wild, which I did last year in Ireland. I think what has kept me relevant is that I have energy. I love to work and act, and I’m not afraid to look old, or put a grey wig on, or be silly and
Q + A
Jane Seymour, Emmy and Golden Globe Winner
We chatted with British-American actress, author, and entrepreneur Jane Seymour about aging well, her philanthropic initiatives, and finding joy and happiness in life.
funny. I’m at a time in my life where I’m not afraid to try something different, and I think that’s what has kept me going.
What motivated you to become so involved in philanthropy?
I’ve been asked over the years to support several different organizations, and what I really wanted to do was to take my mother's advice, which was to support and encourage philanthropy — whether it’s financially or physically in terms of volunteering. I thought by having the Open Hearts Foundation, I could benefit a lot of different organizations and shine a spotlight on different needs. Recently, during the COVID-19 times, we’ve been doing a lot of volunteering and raised a lot of money through Zoom — in this case, for 23 different organizations. Mostly, we support organizations in which somebody has gone through something — either with a family member or somebody close to them — and having gone through it, they have either created an organization or supported a smaller organization that’s really making a huge difference.
What is something that you’ve become extremely passionate about?
I’ve always been an artist. I took my art, and I created the Open Hearts Jewellery Collection, which became very well-known. I have real passion for expressing, story-telling, and connecting people through art. I think that’s what happens when you paint and when you create something — it becomes my vision of the world, my vision of something beautiful. Ultimately, I think finding your joy and finding happiness in life are important.
Publisher: Meredith Burt Business Development Manager: Chelsea Siemon Country Manager: Nina Theodorlis Content & Production Manager: Raymond Fan Designer: Kylie Armishaw
Vaccination Is Key for Canadians to Stay Healthy in All Stages of Life
As populations age globally, the public health and economic burden of vaccine-preventable disease among adults is set to increase; adult immunization rates need to improve.i,ii
Immunization is often thought of as something only for kids as childhood vaccination has become so well ingrained in our society today.
But, the importance of vaccination continues throughout life — teenagers receive vaccines to prevent meningococcal disease, HPV, and hepatitis B. There are also vaccines recommended for adults, as well as for people with certain chronic diseases.
Since our immune systems gradually weaken as we age and our bodies aren’t as well-equipped to fight infection, immunization is especially important for Canadian adults as they age. In fact, there are diseases that are more common in older age, even in healthy adults, for example, shingles and pneumonia.
Additionally, as we get older, protection from previous vaccination against some diseases can wane. In this case, getting a booster dose can increase immunity to provide the best protection. In other cases, adults may have missed one or more of their vaccines from childhood and need to catch up.iii
Immunization is a public health success story
“Immunization is a public health success story,” says Marni Freeman, Country Medical Director at GSK, adding that the World Health Organization estimates that vaccines prevent two to three million deaths worldwide every year.iv
“Despite this, we’re seeing that vaccination rates in Canadian adults are historically low.v The success of vaccination programs has meant that many people no longer see diseases such as polio, tetanus, and measles, that used to be common,” says Freeman. “They may have forgotten how potentially devastating they can be. We need to get better at helping people understand the benefits of vaccination beyond childhood, particularly as there are vaccine preventable diseases that can significantly impact older adults, including shingles, influenza and pneumonia.”
Creating greater access to vaccines around the globe
GSK is a leading vaccine company, delivering vaccines that help protect people at all stages of life. The company invests in scientific and technical excellence to develop and launch innovative vaccines and is committed to creating greater access to vaccines around the globe.
GSK has 12 vaccine manufacturing sites across nine countries, including its SteFoy vaccine manufacturing site in Quebec, which produces a portion of Canada’s seasonal influenza vaccine, delivered as part of the national immunization program. This global network produced and delivered 767 million doses in 2021.
The company’s research and development team has 21 potential vaccines in development vi which includes vaccines for diseases such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and meningococcal disease. GSK’s current portfolio of 20 vaccines is the broadest in the industry, helping protect people worldwide from a range of diseases, including meningitis, shingles, influenza, whooping cough, measles, hepatitis, and more.vii
Since our immune systems gradually weaken as we age and our bodies aren’t as well-equipped to fight infection, immunization is especially important for Canadian adults as they age.
“Vaccine manufacture is a complex and time-consuming process, involving multiple operations with total cycle times of approximately 18 to 24 months, of which, 70 percent is focused on quality control and assurance steps. It was extraordinary to witness industry and governments work at an incredible pace to deliver vaccines to address the COVID-19 pandemic around the world,” Freeman says. “Our vaccines scientists are focused on discovering and developing novel vaccines to help address public health challenges and get ahead of disease around the world. Their work in vaccine platform technologies enables us to select the most promising approach to develop new vaccines previously not thought possible.”viii
Greater awareness of vaccine benefits is critical While vaccine development is vital, Freeman says it’s also critical to educate people on the benefits of adult vaccination. “If adult vaccination coverage rates don’t improve, I’m concerned we could see an increase in illness and death caused by vaccine-preventable diseases,” she says.
Influenza can cause mild flu symptoms resolving for most people within a couple of weeks. However, some people may develop more severe symptoms leading to complications, like, pneumonia, some of which can be life-threatening.
For seniors and adults with chronic diseases, pneumonia is a major cause of hospitalizations and can be life-threatening. In 2017 and 2018, pneumonia led to 138,485 emergency department visits across Canada. ix It was also the ninth-leading cause of a trip to the ER.x
Additionally, due to the natural aging of our immune systems, adults 50 years and older are at increased risk for shinglesxi — 1 in 3 will develop the disease in their lifetime.xii It typically presents as a painful, itchy rash that develops on one side of the body and can last for two to four weeks.xiii Once the rash is gone, some people have experienced what is known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a painful condition that can last for several months, and in some rare cases, up to several years.xiv
But there are encouraging signs that Canadians are changing their attitudes toward vaccination. A recent survey found that since the onset of the pandemic, eight out of 10 people have a greater understanding of the benefits of vaccination as a means of self-protection.xv “The COVID-19 pandemic has bred a broader awareness about the vulnerability of our immune system and the very real benefits of vaccination,” Freeman says.
“I hope that Canadian adults can take this awareness and apply it towards routine vaccinations. Canadians should know that they have access to many effective vaccines. The first step is to speak with your health care provider about the benefits and safety of vaccines and to understand which ones are right for you.”
REFERENCES i WHO.PlanfortheDecadeofHealthyAging. https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/ decade-of-healthy-ageing/final-decade-proposal/decade-proposal-final-apr2020-en.pdf?sfvrsn=b4b75ebc_3 iiOzawaetal.HealthAff(Millwood).2016Nov1;35(11):21242132 iii Canada.AdultVaccination.https://www.canada.ca/en/ public-health/services/vaccination-adults.html iv https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization#tab=tab_1 vhttps://www.canage.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ VRC_2022_MedRel-NTL.pdf viOurpipeline.https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/ research-and-development/our-pipeline(accessed March2022) vii GSK2021AnnualReport,p.32 viii GSK2021AnnualReport,p.19 ix CanadianInstituteforHealthInformation.(2018). EmergencyDepartmentVisits:Volumesand MedianLengthofStaybyTriageLevel,VisitDispositionandMainProblemhttps://www.cihi.ca/en/ nacrs-emergency-department-ed-visits-volumes-andmedian-length-of-stay-by-triage-level-visit xCanadianInstituteforHealthInformation.(2018).NACRS EmergencyDepartmentVisitsandLengthofStay, 2017–2018https://www.cihi.ca/en/nacrs-emergency-department-visits-and-length-of-stay-2017-2018 xiWeinbergAetal.Influenceofageandnatureofprimary infectiononvaricella-zostervirus-specificcell-mediated immuneresponses.TheJournalofinfectiousdiseases, 201(7),1024-1030.Availableat:https://academic.oup. com/jid/article/201/7/1024/807004 xiiCDCShingles(HerpesZoster)BurdenandTrends.Availableat:https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/surveillance.html xiii Shingles(HerpesZoster).Signs&SymptomsAvailableat: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/symptoms.html xivVaccineInformationStatements(VISs).LiveShingles VIS.Availableat:https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/ vis-statements/shingles.html xv https://ca.gsk.com/en-ca/media/press-releases/ changing-attitudes-to-vaccination-post-covid-suggestinvesting-in-our-own-health-is-a-key-priority-for-manycanadians/
Abigail Cukier
Marni Freeman Country Medical Director, GSK Canada
AgeTech Allows Older Adults to Remain Independent, Active, and Connected
Betty Faulkner had a successful career, raised three sons, and travels extensively with her husband, but she struggles with everyday tasks due to hand tremors.
Faulkner was diagnosed with essential tremor more than 30 years ago. Both of her hands are affected but the right hand is worse, and she's right-handed. She struggles to drink from a cup without spilling and finds it difficult to fasten jewellery, tie shoelaces, or type on her smartphone. Her husband has done most of the cooking for the past decade because she’s worried about handling a knife.
“These are many little things, but when you can’t do them, it makes a big impact on your life,” says Faulkner, who’s 76.
But Faulkner says the Steadi-Two glove by Steadiwear Inc. has been life-changing. The lightweight, battery-free glove is designed to “intelligently” stabilize the wrist joint and forearm in people living with essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease. The technology is inspired by design used to stabilize buildings
“It's worth its weight in gold. I can do things I couldn’t do before. It’s made a real difference,” says Faulkner, who’s back to eating soup, applying makeup, and doing jigsaw puzzles with her grandchildren.
Products to support healthy aging Steadiwear Inc. is supported by AGE-WELL, Canada’s technology and aging network. For the past seven years, AGE-WELL has served as a catalyst for technological innovation that helps older Canadians maintain their independence, health, and quality of life while driving Canada’s AgeTech sector. AGE-WELL includes more than 250 researchers at 47 universities and research centres across Canada, more than 1,000 trainees, and over 400 industry, government, and non-profit partners.
AGE-WELL supports more than 60 Canadian startups, like Steadiwear, that are commercializing and launching AgeTech products. Approximately 5,000 older adults and caregivers are also involved in the AGE-WELL network, ensuring that technologies are practical.
“Technology-based solutions are needed to support older adults to stay independent, active, and connected and to enable aging in place, alleviate pressure on our health system, and transform care across all settings,” says Bridgette Murphy, Managing Director and COO of AGE-WELL.
Solidifying Canada’s leadership in AgeTech
AGE-WELL works across the full breadth of the innovation pipeline, from early-stage research to implementation and commercialization. More than 170 technologies, services, policies, and practices are in development — or already bringing benefits. These include virtual exercise programs, remote therapies, non-intrusive health monitoring technology, and medication and daily life management apps and services for people living with dementia.
For example, smart home sensors are being created to identify potentially risky situations in the kitchen and signal people to take corrective actions. There’s an app that helps people with arthritis track how they’re doing between doctor and physiotherapy visits. For people living in long-term care homes, a wearable device made by Tenera Care alerts staff if a resident falls or goes into the wrong room. The list goes on.
Eight Challenge Areas drive AGE-WELL’s research and innovation in supporting older adults and caregivers and achieving social and economic impact. AGE-WELL also advocates for equitable access to technology.
“It's about empowering older Canadians and helping people remain independent in the setting of their choice for as long as possible,” Murphy says. “The increase in the acceptance of digital solutions, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic along with our aging population, makes this the right time to move technology forward to really make a difference in people’s lives.”
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new relationships. With that said, planning a trip can be stressful — knowing where to go, where to stay, and what sights to see is often a timely and overwhelming process. With Senior Discovery Tours, travelling has never been so easy. Senior Discovery Tours takes care of all your travel details, so
Technology-based solutions are needed to support older adults to stay independent, active, and connected and to enable aging in place, alleviate pressure on our health system, and transform care across all settings. Senior Discovery Tours takes care of all your travel details, so all you have to do is enjoy our beautiful world.
against earthquakes — a technology called magnetic tuned mass damping.
Abigail Cukier
Bridgette Murphy Managing Director
Betty Faulkner utilizing the Steadi-Two glove. This device is designed to stabilize the wrist joint and forearm.
Reverse Mortgages: Is It Time to Give Them a Second Look?
COVID-19, inflation, and the high cost of living are prompting more Canadians to give reverse mortgages a second look.
Anne Papmehl
Reverse mortgages are gaining popularity among older Canadians. Soaring real estate values, lower interest rates, and inflation are helping to drive this trend — as is COVID-19. In a recent Financial Post article, Andrew Moor, President and CEO at Equitable Bank, noted that the pandemic has caused a shift in attitudes toward retirement among Canada’s aging demographic. “People have really seen the value of living in their own homes versus congregate living settings,” says Moor. This sentiment is reflected in the results of a September 2021 poll, published by Home Care Ontario, of 1,034 Ontarians over the age of 55. Ninety-six percent of the respondents said they plan to live in their home — or age in place — for as long as possible.
A great solution in different circumstances
Reverse mortgages let people cash in the equity in their home for a lump sum of cash or a consistent flow of advances. Long a misunderstood product, reverse mortgages are increasingly seen as a useful financial tool to keep older Canadians in their homes.
In other financial markets, such as the UK and Australia, reverse mortgages are even more popular. The UK market is five times as large as Canada’s when the target demographic is adjusted on a per capita basis. There are as many options for using reverse mortgages as there are individual situations and circumstances. Seniors with a mortgage-free home, for example, can leverage a reverse mortgage to improve cash flow, leave an early inheritance or gift to their children, or purchase a second home, cottage, or investment property.
Elders still paying off a traditional mortgage or other high-interest debt such as from
a credit card or car loan can use a reverse mortgage to ease the debt burden and free up cash. A reverse mortgage can also be used to access capital when a traditional loan or line of credit isn’t an option. “Most traditional credit products require proof that the borrower can service the debt each month, which can be hard for a senior on a fixed income,” says Mahima Poddar, Senior Vice President and Group Head of Personal Banking at Equitable Bank. “With a reverse mortgage, you’re not required to make regular payments.”
Competitive interest rates and more product choice
With more competitive interest rates and more flexibility in how the product can be designed, reverse mortgages have evolved to meet the needs of today’s older Canadians. The terms and types of advances have changed. “Clients can now design a solution to suit them and take their reverse mortgage as a lump sum, flexible recurring advances, ad hoc advances, or a combination, so there’s a lot of flexibility,” says Poddar. That flexibility extends to borrowing amounts, which are between 15 and 59 percent of the home’s value, depending on the client’s age and selected reverse mort gage product. Several post-financial crisis innovations have been added to provide better protection to the customer, including a no negative equity guarantee, ensuring a homeowner never owes more than their home is worth when they meet their mortgage obligations, like paying property taxes and maintaining their home.
Education at the Forefront of Building a Successful Financial Future
The CFEE has developed several programs designed to assist older Canadians in making better money management decisions.
Gary Rabbior
After retiring, Sally, 73, found her mortgage and car payments were eating into her cash flow, and her pension wasn’t keeping up with inflation. When her mortgage came up for renewal, Sally started researching her options. She learned about Equitable Bank and took out a reverse mortgage of $195,000, 30 percent of her home’s $650,000 value. Now with her mortgage and car loan paid off in full, Sally is breathing a sigh of relief. “This really simplifies my life,” she says.
Most Canadians have never received any financial education — especially in the rapidly changing financial world around them. Unfortunately, we live with that legacy. As a result, many Canadians live with persistent financial stress and anxiety — not by design or intent — by trying to manage their financial life affairs with little education and training.
Today, many of our seniors struggle with managing financial challenges. With all of its options, choices, products and services, the financial world has dramatically changed from the world our seniors experienced in their earlier years. As a result, seniors now face financial decisions and choices — and important money discussions with their adult children — often with little background and experiences to draw on.
The past is the past. We can try and assist those — such as our seniors — in the present. However, we can change the future by educating our kids and preparing them for their future financial decisions and responsibilities.
Many factors influence our actions in life. A significant one is our level of confidence. A confident person is more likely to ask questions, recognize when they need advice from others, set their own debt limits, establish goals they aspire to — and feel they can achieve — and stay in control of their financial lives.
We can do what we can to build financial confidence and competence in the adult and senior generations of today. We can also try to help them contend with, and hopefully alleviate, the situations of financial stress and over-extension in which they may find themselves.
Most Canadians have never received any financial education — especially in the rapidly changing financial world around them.
The future is sitting in our classrooms today — and on the baseball diamonds, in the hockey rinks, on the dance floors, at the malls, and on the couch in the basement. We can change those futures and dramatically reduce the number of Canadians living lives of financial stress and anxiety in the future. But we have to act now and take steps to educate our kids, build their financial confidence, and enable them to feel confident, act with confidence, and build a successful financial future.
The Canadian Foundation for Economic Education (CFEE) has developed several programs designed to assist older Canadians in
making better money management decisions as they transition through various life events in their “golden years.” The first program, Managing Your Money, is an interactive workshop for seniors that explores major challenges related to key life events identified in Canada’s national financial strategy. The workshops will begin in person as the world returns to a new normal — offered in partnership with local community-based organizations.
Over 20 virtual workshops have been offered annually with the financial support of IG Wealth Management. Our second program, Let’s Talk Money: Seniors, takes some of the challenges of engaging in inter-generational conversations about challenging topics ranging from legacy planning to do-not-resuscitate orders. In addition, the program provides tools and resources to help seniors and their adult children talk about important and difficult issues to navigate.
Our last program, Money and You: Seniors edition, is an online primer for financial literacy topics of importance based on the format of the highly successful youth resource, Money and Youth, targeted at youth. This new resource combines the best of the Youth version with a senior-friendly layout — white space and larger font — and age-appropriate content and examples. The Money and You: Seniors edition program will launch in October.
Visit equitablebank.ca/reversemortgage for more information on reverse mortgages.
This article was sponsored by Equitable Bank
Andrew Moor President & CEO, Equitable Bank
Poddar
Considering Retirement Living?
Now Is the Perfect Time
Ben and Margaret* wanted to stay forever in the home they had shared for more than 45 years.
But when Margaret broke her leg, she learned that she would be unable to navigate stairs for several weeks. Meanwhile, Ben wasn’t able to manage all the household responsibilities without his wife’s help. The couple decided to move to a retirement residence while Margaret’s leg healed. They intended to return home as soon as possible, but after a few weeks at a Chartwell retirement residence, they changed their plans.
Margaret and Ben enjoyed not having to do household chores or maintain their home. They appreciated the opportunity to easily socialize with others. Margaret had always been involved in many community activities but had given most of them up due to her limited mobility. This was a chance to get involved again. They found that rather than take away their freedom, living in a retirement residence increased their independence and peace of mind. Margaret and Ben decided to sell their home and stay.
Spend more time on the people and hobbies you enjoy
Like Margaret and Ben, many seniors find that a retirement residence helps make their lives happier, healthier, and more meaningful. Since retirement staff take care of cooking, cleaning, and home repairs, residents can spend their energy and time on the people and hobbies they most enjoy.
After 10 years of living in a Chartwell retirement residence, Richard feels strongly he made the right choice to move from his house. “I made this decision as I no longer wanted the responsibility of maintaining my home repairs, snow removal, and lawn care,” he says. “My residence is centrally located to grocery stores, drug stores, and banks. I can participate in activities like exercise, bingo, cards, live music, and dancing, and the staff and neighbours have made living here very enjoyable.”
Some of the convenient services typically offered at a Chartwell retirement residence include nutritious meals, activities and outings, housekeeping and laundry, personal support services, 24-hour staff on-site, fitness and wellness programs, social events and clubs, and volunteer opportunities. On-site amenities may include a chapel, craft room, fitness room, library, outdoor patio, hairdresser, theatre, and walking paths.
After Margaret’s leg healed, she started to go on many outings with Ben where they made many friends.
About six months later, Ben had a stroke and needed some support while he was rehabilitating. Personal care was available at the retirement residence, so they didn’t need to move to get the help Ben needed.
Family members can focus on making meaningful memories
Living in the retirement residence also enriched their relationship with their children, Jenn and Brian. Prior to the move, Jenn had been helping with grocery shopping and often cooked for her parents. Brian was managing many of the household repairs. Once their parents moved, their visits were no longer about doing chores. Instead, they had time to take their parents out to eat, bring them to visit their homes, or stay in to play cards. Jenn and Brian felt they got to really enjoy time with their parents, rather than being focused on helping them manage their lives.
When Margaret passed, Jenn and Brian were thankful their dad was living in a retirement residence. He had always relied on Margaret to arrange their social life and if he had been in his home, he would have been isolated. In the retirement residence, Ben continued to socialize with the friends they had made together. This support made it much easier for him to cope with the loss of his wife.
Around-the-clock staff provide peace of mind
Peace of mind is definitely a key benefit for children with parents living in a retirement residence because there’s consistent access to staff who are devoted to helping seniors live worry-free. Optional care services are also available to accommodate changing needs so older adults can age in place without the need for a move. “From our perspective, our mom has been well looked after, and we no longer worry as staff are always there to help,” says Tasha, whose mother lives in a Chartwell retirement residence. “The staff have even accommodated my teen daughter staying for sleepovers so my mom and daughter can continue their traditions.”
As society shifts back to pre-pandemic norms, older adults who have delayed a decision to seek a transition that provides more freedom from the responsibilities of home ownership have begun to consider their options again. For many, the pandemic has affirmed the desire to spend less time at home alone and more time socializing, pursuing hobbies, and being more active.
“Retirement is a time when you can finally release some of the obligations that may be holding you back from focusing on yourself and what’s important to you,” says Karen James, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience at Chartwell. “Reconnecting with the people or hobbies you hold most dear or spending time on recreation and relaxation may now be what you need to enjoy your later years with the health and happiness you deserve.”
Retirement is a time when you can finally release some of the obligations that may be holding you back from focusing on yourself and what’s important to you.
Abigail Cukier
Chartwell retirement residences offer older adults increased independence and peace of mind with convenient support and social connections.
Karen James Senior Vice President of
Better Cardiovascular Health Improves Rheumatoid Arthritis
Exercise and mindfulness can help people with rheumatoid arthritis manage their disease and improve heart health.
Abigal Cukier
Carrie Barnes has always been active. She used to play volleyball regularly and jog up to 10 kilometres a day. When she developed rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Barnes had to find other activities that weren't as hard on her most affected joints. She has played in a ball hockey league, trained for and participated in several extreme trail runs, walks or bikes to work, and logs hundreds of kilometres a year of cross-country skiing and hiking. “When you're diagnosed with a chronic illness, it can be quite overwhelming,” she says. “What helps me is being active, eating well, and having strong relationships with the people around me. This helps me remember that I'm so much more than the fact that I have RA.” While these habits help Barnes feel better in her daily life, they're also beneficial for her long-term health, says Dr. Yan Yeung, a rheumatologist in Waterloo, Ont.
RA increases your risk of heart attack
“Managing cardiovascular health is crucial in patients with RA. RA increases your risk of heart attack, perhaps to the same degree as having diabetes,” Dr. Yeung says. “The best way to avoid that higher risk is to take your medication, because that controls the added inflammation. But we also have to address lifestyle factors to improve cardiovascular health and RA.”
RA is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. It's an inflammatory disease that can affect multiple joints in the body. The same inflammation that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and joint damage also increases the risk of heart disease. This risk increases further in people with RA who smoke, are overweight, or have high blood pressure. Dr. Yeung recommends that people with RA eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds — for example, a Mediterranean diet, which may improve cardiovascular health. He also suggests practising meditation or taking short mindfulness breaks. “It's about learning to just stop and take a breath or a moment to reflect,” he says. “This can reduce stress.” Smoking cessation is also important for improving your cardiovascular health.
“There's also higher risk of lung cancer in RA and there are connections between smoking and RA,” Dr. Yeung says. “Smoking has been shown to possibly increase your risk of getting RA and once you get it, smoking can make it more difficult to control your disease.” Dr. Yeung also recommends regular exercise. If new to exercise, he suggests starting with short walks a few days a week. “In addition to cardiovascular health, exercise has benefits for RA,” he says. “Strength training can improve the structures around the joints, so
that they're not so easily strained. Walking or cycling can enhance cartilage integrity. Mobility exercise, like tai chi and yoga, can improve the range of motion of your joints.”
“The fact that I keep moving keeps me moving” Barnes, who has completed several 100 Mile Wilderness challenges, says people sometimes worry that so much activity might make her RA worse. “I tell them, the fact that I keep moving keeps me moving,” she says. “It maintains the strength around my joints and improves my stability. It keeps my weight down and it keeps my heart healthy.”
Dr. Yeung says lifestyle changes can be difficult. “It requires a lot of persistence, but my patients who make these changes seem to be happier,” he says. “They're more active and live with less pain. There's less missed work and they can do more things around the house and more activities with friends and family. Medications are important, but lifestyle changes help improve overall function, happiness, and quality of life.”
From Biologics to Biosimilars: The Art of Equivalence
Drugs derived from complex biological sources, known as biologics, have been in use for over a century, but with recent advances in genetic technology, the field has exploded.
D.F. McCourt
As patents on some biologics expire, pharmaceutical companies are bringing their own, less costly versions of these treatments, known as biosimilars, to market.
Different but equivalent Biosimilars, by definition, aren't perfect molecular copies of the drugs they mimic. The validation standards for similarity, however, are very high. “The biosimilar molecules must be demonstrated to have the same basic protein structure, with only minor folding or side-chain differences,” says Dr. Janet Pope, a rheumatologist at St. Joseph’s Health Centre and a Professor of Medicine at Western University. The onus of responsibility is on drug manufacturers to demonstrate that minor differences between biosimilars and the original biologic won't affect patient treatment outcomes, meaning that health care providers can have confidence in the safety and efficacy of the biosimilar. Moreover, according to the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board, the use of biosimilars can save the Canadian health care system approximately $1.8 billion per year.
As they come to market, biosimilars are providing new options for treating a wide variety of conditions, including ulcerative colitis. “Characteristic symptoms of ulcerative colitis include rectal bleeding, reduced stool consistency, and increased frequency and urgency of bowel movements,” explains Dr. Neeraj Narula, Director of the IBD clinic at McMaster University and President of the Canadian IBD Research Consortium. “Biologics have changed the landscape of ulcerative colitis and are very effective therapies. Biosimilars are effective and they work in the same fashion as the originator molecule, so I don't have concerns when using biosimilars for patients in need of biologic therapy.”
More choices, better outcomes Rheumatology is another field of medical care where biologics and biosimilars are changing the treatment landscape. Biologics have proven to be very effective in managing severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis, and some of the first biosimilars to be approved in Canada were indicated for arthritis. As a result, rheumatologists have been on the front lines of patient concerns about switching.
“There was a time when the public and some physicians didn't understand that generics would save a lot of money without putting someone at risk,” says Dr. John Esdaile, Scientific Director of Arthritis Research Canada. “Those on a chronic prescription for a drug often don’t notice when they're being switched back and forth among the generics. No one thinks much about this anymore. The main difference today is that the injection system to administer a biosimilar is different from the originator’s. In the future, we'll talk of biogenerics and no one will care. Both the rheumatologist and their pharmacist will be knowledgeable about the topic and help their patient make the transition.”
Biosimilars are expanding the breadth of treatments available to patients and health providers in rheumatology, ulcerative colitis, and many other medical disciplines, but there remains a need for public education. It's essential that patients taking or considering biologics have an informed dialogue with their doctors about biosimilars and whether they may be a wise option in their personalized treatment plans.
Biologics, Biosimilars, and Inflammatory Arthritis
IA
Dr. Yan Yeung Rheumatologist, Waterloo Rheumatology
Dr.
Got Joint Pain? Take Action Now
Many people who experience joint pain as they get older think it’s a normal part of aging. It’s not, so don’t dismiss it. Joint pain can worsen when left untreated and lead to mobility issues. If you’re experiencing joint pain, it’s time to take control and take action. The Arthritis Society can help you do just that.
UNDERSTAND YOUR RISK OF DEVELOPING ARTHRITIS
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing arthritis, such as a previous injury to a joint, smoking or not exercising regularly.
To learn if you’re at an increased risk, check out the Arthritis Society's risk assessment tool at arthritis.ca/riskassessment
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS
Walk yourself through the Arthritis Society’s comprehensive symptom checker at arthritis.ca/riskassessment to see if what you’re experiencing might be arthritis, and if so, what kind. You can print your results so you have them handy at a medical appointment.
MANAGE PAIN
Learning to manage a new diagnosis can be overwhelming, but the Arthritis Society’s website, arthritis.ca, includes a wealth of information to help you take control. For example, a patient journal portal for several different kinds of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, walks you through pre-diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. The website also includes helpful resources such as exercise videos, recipes and lifestyle advice.
STAY INFORMED
The Arthritis Society hosts monthly Arthritis Talks webinars featuring experts sharing information and answering questions on topics such as complementary therapies, medical cannabis, joint replacements, assistive devices, and how to get active again to manage your pain. You can also sign up for flourish, the Arthritis Society’s monthly lifestyle newsletter.
GET HELP
The Arthritis Society’s Arthritis Line can help if you have specific questions. Accessible via email or telephone, the Arthritis Line is staffed by trained volunteers ready to answer — or find the answers to — questions you might have. Call the Arthritis Line at 1-800-321-1433 and press “ 2” or email info@arthritis.ca
No matter the exertion, it's always good to follow up rigorous exercise with a topical remedy to ease muscle tenderness.
Arthritis can be a painful and frustrating journey, but you don’t have to do it alone. Armed with the right information and good support, you can get back to living the best life possible.
Innovative New Cream Taps into Plant-Based Ingredients for Pain Relief
A Canadian company has introduced a unique, topical product designed to tackle acute and chronic pain naturally without drugs.
Michele Sponagle
Many Canadians live with chronic pain, a condition with many significant impacts. As a result, several people are looking to natural, drug-free options when seeking solutions.
Awaye Pain Relief Cream is a new therapeutic product that has been introduced into the market. Developed by Lumiera Health Inc., Awaye is suitable for those suffering from painful ligament or tendon sprains, muscle strain, backache, joint pain, and arthritis. Awaye is a ground-breaking product — the first specially designed to leverage the body's pain defence mechanism, known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
More Canadians seeking natural solutions for chronic pain
Approved by Health Canada as a natural health product, Awaye has been clinically tested to be safe and effective. In addition, Awaye is indicative of the natural approach to health that many people have
embraced. Health Canada data shows that 71 percent of Canadians have used natural health products. Natural products' appeal is multi-faceted and offers alternatives to prescription medications, which can come with side effects, impair daily functioning, and cause drowsiness or addiction.
Getting back to everyday life, pain-free
Many people with chronic pain want something that'll allow them to enjoy everyday life. “No matter the exertion, it's always good to follow up rigorous exercise with a topical remedy to ease muscle tenderness,” says Dr. Maher Obeid, a chiropractor from The Healing Path Chiropractic and Wellness Centre in Burlington, Ont.
For those seeking safe and effective relief from acute and chronic pain caused by various conditions, Awaye is a low-odour, non-greasy, non-staining, and non-habit-forming solution that can complement existing pain treatments and therapies.
Awaye comes recommended by health care professionals, like Dr. Obeid. “I like to use a topical cream like Awaye, which works with the body's ECS to relieve soreness and acute pain,” he says.
with Awaye Pain Relief Cream, available online at awaye.ca and amazon.ca without a prescription.
Early Detection and New Treatments for Lung Cancer Offer Hope
Lung cancer has had a significant impact on Canadians, but patients now have more reasons for optimism with new treatments and screening programs.
Michele Sponagle
Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada and is also the leading cause of death from cancer for both men and women.1 It’s a disease that typically doesn’t have good outcomes, with 75 percent of cases diagnosed at stage 3 or 4. Diagnosing it earlier, before it has spread, may improve the chances of survival.
For well over a decade, Dr. Paul Wheatley-Price, a medical oncologist with The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre and an associate professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Ottawa, has spent most of his practice focused on lung cancer. Increasing awareness, screening programs, and new treatment options are giving hope to those with the disease.
A new focus on screening and early diagnosis
Lung cancer screening programs will play an increasingly important role as progress continues to expand access.
“Screening is quite new,” says Dr. Wheatley-Price.
recent years, targeted therapy* and immunotherapy** have been added as options, thanks to innovations in cancer research. “Historically, we haven't had very many good treatments,” says Dr. Wheatley-Price. “Now, that’s starting to change. As a result, we’re seeing survival rates improve.” A decade ago, the chances a lung cancer patient would survive five years beyond their diagnosis was 13 percent. Based on the most recent data from 2021, the rate has increased to 22 percent. It jumped three percent over 2020, which is “the biggest improvement seen to date,” he notes.
Historically, we haven't had very many good treatments. Now, that’s starting to change. As a result, we’re seeing survival rates improve.
“What this does is take people at risk of lung cancer and offer them an annual CT scan of their chest, which can be done with very low exposure to radiation. Across the globe, we’ve known for several years that it will identify lung cancer successfully at stage 1 or 2 effectively. However, it's quite new to Canada.”
Current guidelines recommend that high-risk adults ages 55 to 74, who currently smoke or have quit less than 15 years ago with a significant history of cigarette smoking, should be screened for lung cancer. Currently, screening is available sporadically across Canada — a key issue being addressed by Lung Cancer Canada (LCC). Dr. Wheatley-Price, who served as the organization’s president from 2016 to 2021, says that LCC is encouraging provincial health ministries to establish lung cancer screening programs and widen their availability.
“When I first got involved, there was no real patient advocacy,” he says. “Lung cancer is more common in older populations, rural populations, lower socioeconomic groups, and those with lower levels of education. And frankly, people weren’t surviving lung cancer. They didn’t have anyone advocating for them. Fortunately, through various initiatives, it's much better now.”
New innovations help improve survival rates
Physicians have several tools available to treat lung cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. These may be used on their own or in combination. In
“And it’s not because of screening,” Dr. Wheatley-Price adds. “It hasn’t been around long enough to impact the data. It’s because there are now more treatments helping people live a lot longer than they used to. And we hope that will continue to improve in the coming years. We’ve seen so many people with stage 4 lung cancer who are now multi-year survivors. Pre-immunotherapy, they wouldn’t have survived for as long. Now, immunotherapy is also effective in stage 3 lung cancer and is boosting the cure rates. It’s truly revolutionary and has completely changed the outcomes and health of many patients.”
It also takes a dedicated multidisciplinary health care team to create healthier futures — from physicians, like medical or radiation oncologists, respirologists, thoracic surgeons, pathologists, palliative care physicians, and radiologists, to nurses and allied health professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers, personal support workers, and clerical staff. “Now, as a team, we're able to offer people, if not a cure, at least realistic hope of living for much longer and much better than they may have imagined,” says Dr. Wheatley-Price. These efforts, coupled with new therapies, help patients achieve better outcomes.
It takes collaboration
Pfizer Canada strives to profoundly impact the health of Canadians through the discovery, development and delivery of medicines and vaccines.
When it comes to research and improving patient care, collaboration is key. We work with the best and brightest scientists and healthcare professionals across the country through investments in independent research, partnerships, knowledge sharing, and clinical trials.
Through collaboration, we offer the possibility of a healthier world.
