GoodLife Fitness encourages Teens coast-to-coast to get active with free membership

Now in its sixth year the Teen Fitness Program is helping over 70,000 teens get fit

[London, ON]— This summer marks the sixth annual free Teen Fitness program hosted 

by GoodLife Fitness. The program, running from July 4 - September 4, offers youth

 ages 12-17 complimentary access to GoodLife Fitness clubs coast-to-coast.

“Our purpose is to provide all Canadians with the opportunity to live a fit and healthy

 good life and we know the importance of starting these habits at a young age,”

 said Founder and CEO, David ‘Patch’ Patchell-Evans. “The growth of the 

Teen Fitness Program has been fantastic over the past six summers. 

 Last year we had tremendous success with 70,000 teens registering in the program.”

According to ParticipACTION youth ages 12-17 should accumulate at 

least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. 

 Daily exercise has been proven to improve health, do better in school,

 improve self-esteem and confidence, and maintain a healthy body weight 

and so much more.

“Each and every year we watch the amazing successes of Teen Fitness Program,”

 continued Patch. “These youth are taking it upon themselves to make

 fitness a priority and live a fit and healthy good life. We see them 

become passionate about taking care of themselves – feeling healthier,

 stronger and more confident. It’s a remarkable thing to witness!”  

Online registration for the program opened June 7 (www.teenfitness.ca).

 All teens who register for the program will be given a full orientation that 

outlines: club etiquette, safety guidelines, workout tips, safe and proper

 use of strength and cardio machines, Group Fitness classes and appropriate apparel.

-30-

About GoodLife Fitness

Proudly Canadian since 1979, GoodLife Fitness is the largest fitness club 

chain in Canada and the fourth largest overall in the world. With over 

365 clubs from coast-to-coast, including GoodLife Fitness, Énergie 

Cardio, Fit4Less by GoodLife and ÉconoFitness Clubs, approximately

 14,400 employees and more than 1.25 million Members, GoodLife 

is helping to transform the health and wellness of 1 in 28 Canadians every day. 

Rubbermaid's Breakthrough Innovation In Food Storage Extends The Life Of Produce

Patented FreshVent™ Technology Keeps Produce Fresher Up to 80%* Longer

NEW YORK, June 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rubbermaid has unveiled the FreshWorks™
 Produce Saver,
 a breakthrough food storage container that features patented breakthrough technology
to keep produce fresher up to 80%* longer than traditional produce packaging.
By extending the life of your fruits and vegetables, the FreshWorks™ Produce
 Saver keeps food looking and tasting its very best for longer. Now everyone
can create fresh meals, enjoy healthy snacks and eat the freshest ingredients year-round!

Keeping your fruits and vegetables as fresh as the day you purchased them is
 no easy task. In fact, many people find that their produce has spoiled after
 just a few days, leaving them no choice but to throw it away. As a result,
 Americans waste $24 billion worth of produce every year, which is the
equivalent of $192 per household.**
With FreshWorks™ Produce Saver, consumers can simply move produce
 from store packaging and into the FreshWorks™ containers before
refrigerating to maintain freshness for up to 80% longer. Available in
 three different sizes to fit a variety of produce needs, FreshWorks
 features revolutionary FreshVent™ technology to regulate the flow
 of oxygen and carbon dioxide, while the CrispTray™ helps reduce
moisture and spoilage. From berries to leafy greens, this means that
 Americans can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables for longer.
Rubbermaid will launch the "Long Live Produce Challenge" on June 13,
 encouraging Americans to test and prove the benefits of the FreshWorks™
Produce Saver, while they shop for their favorite fresh produce.
Nicole Feliciano, editor and founder of Mom Trends, will kick off the
 challenge on her site by providing visitors with exclusive tips and tricks.
"There's nothing more frustrating than when I reach into the fridge and
 find that the produce I purchased earlier in the week has already
spoiled," said Nicole. "I'm challenging all Americans that pride t
hemselves on feeding their family fresh produce to change their
existing grocery routine and join me for the 'Long Live Produce
Challenge' to see just how much longer you can make your produce last!"
FreshWorks™ Produce Saver features:

• Keeps produce fresh up to 80% longer versus store packaging.
• FreshVent™ Lid contains revolutionary membrane that
•  naturally regulates the flow of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide 
• to create the optimal environment so produce stays nearly as
•  fresh as the day it was picked.
• CrispTray™ helps keep moisture away from produce to reduce spoilage.
• Lid filter lasts a lifetime.
• Top shelf dishwasher safe, BPA-free.
• Available in three sizes to hold all types of produce:
  • Small (2.5 Cups): Ideal for small berries.
  • Medium (6.3 Cups): Perfect for strawberries.
  • Large (17.3 Cups): Optimal for leafy greens.
• MSRP: $9.99 to $15.99.

Rubbermaid's FreshWorks™ Produce Saver is now at retailers nationwide
 including Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, Costco, Kroger, Target, Amazon
and other fine retailers. For more information please
 visit www.rubbermaid.com/freshworks or on
 Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RUBBERMAID.
* Based on strawberries in FreshWorks™ containers vs. store packaging at day 21.
** Source: USDA 2014

About Rubbermaid™
Rubbermaid is a leader in developing innovative, high-quality solutions
 that help consumers keep their homes in order.  Widely recognized
 and trusted, Rubbermaid designs and markets a full range of
organization, storage and cleaning products to keep the home –
 including closets, garages, kitchens and outdoor spaces – neat
and functional, freeing consumers to enjoy life.  Rubbermaid
 (www.rubbermaid.com) is part of Newell Brand's global portfolio of brands.

South Korea Patent Allowance for Anti-Obesity Pet Vaccines to Braasch Biotech LLC

Braasch Biotech granted Anti-Obesity patent for pets by Korean Intellectual Property  Office. Commercial utility and novelty for first therapeutic vaccine for use in  obese dogs, cats and horses. Garretson, SD, June 11, 2016 --(PR.com)-- Braasch Biotech LLC,  an emerging biopharmaceutical company pioneering a new field  of anti-somatostatin vaccines, today announced a Notice of Allowance  was received from the South Korean Intellectual Property Office for Braasch’ s patent entitled “Compositions and methods for enhanced somatostatin  immunogenicity.” Working in the area of therapeutic vaccines for  non-infectious conditions, the currently described methods target adult onset obesity. The Patent Allowance provides claims for the therapeutic treatment for  obesity in dogs, cats and horses. The source of obesity includes both  diabetic and non-diabetic causes. The Braasch vaccine technologies,  like other veterinary vaccines, utilize specific immunological responses  post-vaccination. In the case of the Braasch vaccine, the endogenous  hormone somatostatin is targeted. By attenuating the effects  of this counter-regulatory hormone, a therapeutic effect on obesity is realized. “Like human obesity, obesity in dogs and cats is at epidemic proportions.  Although prevention is always the best option, once an animal reaches  the obese state, owner intervention is necessary for the pet’s continued  quality of life and longevity. Currently there are no commercially  available therapeutic treatments for both dogs and cats,” stated  Jeralyn Kay Haffer, CEO and Chairman of Braasch. “We are now  pleased the Korean Intellectual Property Office also has recognized the  vaccine’s novelty and commercial utility in the fight against obesity.” Braasch’s intellectual property portfolio includes multiple patent families  with issued or pending claims directed to utility of anti-somatostatin  vaccine technologies, Somatovac® for multiple metabolic challenges.  These applications relate to both human and veterinary use of the technologies. About Braasch Biotech Braasch Biotech is a biopharmaceutical company with a focus on the  development and commercialization of innovative products of therapeutic  approaches utilizing Somatovac® technologies. Currently in the Product  Pipeline are vaccines for livestock productivity enhancement, increased  fertility, GH/IGF-1 deficiencies and obesity treatment. To date, Braasch  has multiple regulatory submissions in progress on the use of vaccines  in metabolic regulation. Braasch Biotech is a privately held  biopharmaceutical with corporate offices in South Dakota. email info@braaschbiotech.com or visitwww.braaschbiotech.com. Contact Information Jeralyn Kay Haffer CEO and Chairman Tel. 605-376-8752 Fax. 605-594-6256 jeralyn@braaschbiotech.com

Savory Spice is a Winning Ingredient at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest

This year, at the 39^th Annual World Championship Barbecue Cooking
 Contest which took place May 12-14, 2016 at the Memphis in May
International Festival in Memphis, Tennessee, the Pitmaker BBQ
Addiction team won 1^st place in the brisket category, 2^nd place
 in ribs and 8^th place in chicken. So what was their secret ingredient?
Savory
William Tischina, an employee at Savory Spice's Houston location,
is also a member of the Pitmaker team. "Now everyone stopping by
 the store wants to buy the Malibar Cracked Pepper because that's
 what we used on the winning brisket," Tischina said. In Texas,
 salt and pepper are the primary spices used on brisket, and Pitmaker'
s win shows just how important it is to use top quality ingredients if
 you're looking for award-winning quality results.
On their 2^nd place ribs, the team used Savory Spice's Team Sweet
 Mama's KC Style Rub along with their own mixture of other additional
 spices.  For their entry in the poultry category, Pitmaker's team
 turned to a Savory Spice original recipe: Chicken Cordon Peru with Poblano Chile Sauce.

In 2015, Savory Spice co-owner Mike Johnston took a road trip of
 a lifetime, visiting 88 barbec
ue joints across the country in 43 days. During this Chasing BBQ
journey, Johnston also visited Pitmaker in Houston. "We've worked
 hard to make sure our spices, blends and recipes are top quality,"
 Johnston said. "I've always been passionate about great barbecue,
 so the fact that our products and recipes helped the Pitmaker team
win big at this world class competition is a real honor." 
For anyone looking to barbecue like the pros, turn to BBQ experts
Savory Spice for all the products, recipes and inspiration to make
 the most of every summer grilling session.

Founded in 2004, Savory Spice (www.savoryspiceshop.com) is
 a collection of locally owned and operated community spice shops
 with locations in 16 states. From the griller to the gourmet chef,
this is a shop for every type of cook. Savory Spice takes great
pride in offering high quality and hard-to-find items at prices that
 average lower than most grocery stores.
With over 500 freshly ground herbs and spices, and over 175
 handcrafted seasonings, Savory Spice is known as a
"cook's paradise," catering to experienced and aspiring cooks alike.
 For more information regarding Savory Spice, please contact
 Molly Martin, Marketing Coordinator, by email or 720-399-5357.

Is New Sola Bar a Nutrition Bar or Savory Mini Meal?

As the dismantling of the traditional

three sit-down meals routine takes place in America, a new eating trend is emerging,
one focused on mini-meals and healthy snacks. Leading in this direction, an
 innovator in a self-created category is SOLA Snacks.

The company's recent new product launch of Sola Bars introduces an
uncommon taste to Americans and the world – a blend of crunchy peanuts,
seeds, spices, and herbs offering superior flavor and wholesome nutrient-dense
ngredients through a patent-pending process that binds ingredients without
the need for sugar. Mainstream snack options have expanded. A sophisticated
 savory meal "snackification" revolution has begun.

In the U.S., $1 out of every $10 now spent on packaged foods is going
toward sweet and savory snacks, according to market research firm Euromonitor
 International. SOLA Snacks puts a new spin on that trend by focusing on
just the savory aspect of America's love affair with snacking. With wholesome
 ingredients that are commonly found in the pantries of most American kitchens
and with only 1 gram of sugar, SOLA Snacks has found the paradoxical
"sweet spot" of healthy savory meal-bar snacks.
"Many find it hard to believe that we are able to deliver healthy bars with
 such simple ingredients and near zero sugar content in flavors that were
 previously almost exclusive to salty snacks," remarks Sola Lamikanra,
founder of the new startup company. "Binding compounds in our blend
of healthy ingredients take the place of added sugars." The result is a
carefully crafted texture and mouthfeel that makes use of the inherent flavors
 of the herbs and spices, a non-invasive way to let nature do the work
and keep the bars as close to their natural goodness as possible.
It's a solid move for a nutrition bar that blurs the lines between a savory
 mini meal and a nutrition bar. That's because a shift in the perception of
 snacking has taken place. "More and more consumers are looking for
 real food and there's increased awareness today of the negative effects
 of sugar," says Sola. At the same time, snackers are looking for a treat
that's more of a meal experience. They want to feel fuller longer and
 reduce their calorie intake at the same time.
Sola Bar's ingredients were chosen with that growing demographic in
 mind, optimizing protein and fiber with culinary-inspired flavors that
can stand on their own or be paired with other foods that don't work
in a sweet or even sweet-savory bar: salads, soups, main
 courses… a glass of wine. What's more, Sola Bars can be
 enjoyed solo as a quick impromptu meal for a snack
anywhere for on-the-go, active lifestyles.

Sola Bars come in four consumer-friendly varieties: Roasted
 Garlic with Sea Salt, Jalapeno, Chipotle, and Cinnamon.
For more information visit http://www.solasnacks.com.
Contact:Jason Fair
817-453-2242
Email

Why Canada needs a national housing strategy now

By providing secure, safe housing, we are also addressing persistent health problems

By Danyaal Raza
and Ritika Goel
EvidenceNetwork.ca

TORONTO, Ont. / Troy Media/ - As family doctors, we see and know the powerful effect proper housing has on the health of our patients.

When you feel unwell, whether from a minor cold or a devastating terminal illness, the feeling of home, the desire for a safe and comfortable place to rest and recuperate is universal. But what if your home itself is a source of stress and illness? Worse yet, what if you don't have a home at all?

On the front lines of health care, family doctors have the rare opportunity to see a person as a whole, in the context of their lives and social situations. As practitioners of evidence-based medicine, we also seek the most effective interventions to improve the conditions of our patients. And the evidence is clear. Social factors, like housing, income and wealth, educational background and race are more powerful determinants of health outcomes than our behaviours, genes or even the health-care system.

And yet, experts in health are often trained to focus on the provision of health-care services, often sending patients back into the social and economic conditions that made them sick. Nowhere is this more evident than for individuals experiencing homelessness or living in unsafe, precarious housing.

We treat chronic back pain and send people back to sleep on concrete streets. We treat insomnia and send people back to chaotic shelters where they cannot sleep. We treat asthma and send people back into mouldy homes where they labour to breathe. We send patients back to the very places that create their disease.

As health-care providers, we know the actual prescription needed is safe, secure and affordable housing. We are not alone.

Canada's former chief public health officer, Dr. David Butler-Jones, agrees that inadequate housing can have several negative repercussions on health ranging from "respiratory disease and asthma due to moulds and poor ventilation, to mental health impacts associated with overcrowding."

This is not a small issue. An overwhelming 1.5 million households in Canada live in precarious housing that is inadequate, unsuitable and unaffordable. In other words, 1.5 million families live in housing that requires major repairs, does not have enough bedrooms for their needs and pay more than 30 per cent of their household income for this unfit housing.

This is not a sustainable and it endangers the health of our communities. The 1.5 million in precarious housing does not even count the over 235,000 a year experiencing homelessness in Canada - those living in shelters, sleeping outside or surfing friends' couches.

The recent federal budget offered $2.3 billion for affordable housing - a step in the right direction. We know some of the funds will be allocated to deal with homelessness, First Nations housing and seniors. While these are positive steps, there is as yet no timeline for promised consultations on allocating these funds. The government's solution to our housing crisis cannot be about writing cheques and walking away.

When consultations are launched, as health providers who see the impact of these policy decisions on the ground, we have suggestions.

First and foremost, housing must be viewed as a health and social justice issue. Safe, secure and affordable housing is crucial to maintaining and improving health and well-being.

Secondly, these conversations must include not just the health sector, community partners and think-tanks but, most importantly, those who have experienced homelessness and precarious housing.

Finally, our approach to the housing crisis cannot be one-off policy changes but should be part of a co-ordinated national housing strategy. This is the approach recommended by the United Nations Economic and Social Council in March. They raised red flags over our insufficient funding for housing, our shortage of social housing units and increased evictions related to rental arrears.

Tackling these problems in a co-ordinated strategy - not just with short-term spending promises but with meaningful long-term partnerships - isn't just good social policy, it's good health policy.

It's time to move from crisis to action, from precarious circumstances to security, and towards improved housing and health for every Canadian.

Danyaal Raza is an advisor with EvidenceNetwork.ca and Upstream, a family physician at St. Michael's Hospital and assistant professor at the University of Toronto. Ritika Goel is a family physician with the Inner City Health Associates working with people experiencing homelessness, as well as a lecturer at the University of Toronto.

© 2016 Distributed by Troy Media

Millie's Plant-Based Gelato Introduces New Summer Flavors at Gelson's and Bristol Farms

Chef Susan Sbicca's gelato on the rise from San Diego roots to LA grocers 
 with dairy-free and nut-free flavors

LOS ANGELES, May 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- San Diego based Millie's
Gelato, an organic plant based good-for-you gelato company, has launched
 their new Summer flavors in the Los Angeles at 35 Gelson's and Bristol
Farms markets. With the success of their decadently rich cashew cream and
sprouted almond milk based creations, Millie's is rolling out new, refreshing
and nut-free variations for summer.

• Strawberry Coconut Creme: Organic fresh strawberries blended with
•  Organic coconut cream and raw agave.
• Vanilla Coconut Creme: Organic coconut cream, raw agave, organic
•  vanilla extract and a hint of rosewater.

Returning favorites include: 

• Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt: A velvety cocoa base with swirls of salty
•  sweet caramel,
• Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake: Creamy lemon cheesecake gelato flecked
•  with tart morsels of organic raspberries.
• Mocha Almond Butter Fudge: Chocolate and organic fair trade decaf coffee 
•  with thick ribbons of crunchy almond butter

"As a small business, dealing with the demand after Los Angeles was named
 PETA's #2 "Most Vegan Friendly City" was a challenge, but we survived.
 I hope our new flavors will be a bridge to introduce the average consumer
to the idea of a plant-based diet." - Susan Sbicca, CEO & Founder of Millie's Gelato.

ABOUT MILLIE'S:
San Diego based Millie's Vegan Gelato was founded by Award winning
chef, Susan Sbicca who committed to a plant-based diet in 2010 to repair
 her health. Her good-for-you gelato, made without dairy, eggs, soy or gluten
 has been served at various Stella McCartney events. Susan started selling her
 homemade creations at Farmer's Markets before catching the eyes and hearts
of all-natural food powerhouses like Whole Foods and Erewhon as distributors.
 She is former co-owner and executive chef of the award-winning Sbicca, in
 Del Mar, CA and the Meritage Restaurant & Bar in Encinitas, CA. In 2006,
Susan was named Chef of the Year by the San Diego Chapter of the California
 Restaurant Association and Chef of the Year at the California Restaurant
Association Educational Foundation Hall of Fame Centennial Celebration.

CONTACT: Alexander Ali, The Society Group  (310) 991-6368

Zespri Kiwifruit Strives for Growth Across North America

Global leader in premium quality kiwifruit responds to growing consumer demands

-- In response to the very positive consumer reaction to Zespri Kiwifruit last season, Zespri
 announces plans to significantly grow its volume across North America in 2016.
 In fact, Zespri's growth extends beyond its distribution: a North American office
is opening in Orange County, California to support customers and distributors
 in the next step in the company's expansion, which includes hiring more staff within the region.

Zespri SunGold—a natural cross between gold varieties of kiwifruit—is one of the
fastest growing new fruits globally, with sales expanding rapidly in the U.S. and
 Canada. Sweeter than a green kiwifruit, the SunGold variety tastes like a
cross between a mango and a strawberry and has a smooth, hairless skin
with a juicy, yellow flesh. SunGold's appeal is also its nutrition benefits: one
 serving has three times more vitamin C than an orange and provides as
 much potassium as a banana.¹
Glen Arrowsmith, ‎Zespri market manager North America, explains the first
 shipments of Zespri Kiwifruit will hit shores in mid-May and consumers will
 see Zespri in stores across the U.S. and Canada by June 1.
"U.S. demand for Zespri Green Kiwifruit also continues to climb as consumers
 discover the delicious and vastly superior eating experience of Zespri Kiwifruit,"
 said Arrowsmith. "Zespri shows steady growth in both Organic Green and
Organic SunGold varietals as well."
The reason behind the superior eating experience is Zespri's comprehensive
 quality system, which is used in every stage of the production process and
 is the basis for all Zespri kiwifruit growers. Zespri is a grower-owned company.
"We are committed to the North America market as we see a real opportunity
 for the kiwifruit category to grow as consumers experience premium quality
 Zespri fruit," said Arrowsmith. "We're elevating our unrelenting focus on
 superior taste and eating experience with a robust, innovative marketing
plan and re-brand strategy to reach consumers."
To support the expanded distribution and re-brand, Zespri conducted research
 in the U.S. around the development of consistent packaging across all platforms.
 The key findings of the research favored the product image as the main focus
 and the taste profile message, along with the usage message "Cut, Scoop &
 Enjoy," to help remind consumers that kiwifruit is an easy-to-eat, delicious
 and refreshing snack. New packaging will roll out through the upcoming
season with full coverage planned for the 2017 season.
Additionally, Zespri's integrated PR and marketing campaign will launch across
 TV, print and digital media to raise awareness of SunGold and educate
 consumers on how to select and enjoy a ripe Zespri Kiwifruit. The company
 is also planning sampling activities that will allow consumers to "Taste the Difference"
 at high-traffic locations in target markets across North America. Zespri will
expand its social media efforts with user-generated videos that will be released
on Zespri's YouTube channel.
¹ U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Nutrient Data
 Laboratory.
USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 28.
Available at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/ba/bhnrc/ndl
About ZespriZespri International exports premium kiwifruit and is recognized as one of the
 world's most successful horticulture marketing companies. Based in Moun
t Maunganui, New Zealand, Zespri is 100 percent owned by current or past
kiwifruit growers, and employs approximately 400 people in New Zealand,
Asia, Europe and the Americas. The Zespri brand is the global leader in premium
quality kiwifruit.  On behalf of 2,500 growers in New Zealand and 1,200 growers
 based elsewhere, Zespri manages kiwifruit innovation and supply management,
 distribution management and marketing of Zespri Green, Zespri SunGold, and
 Zespri Organic. For more information on Zespri North America,
 please visit www.zesprikiwi.com.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160519/369831

CONTACT: Dustin Sveum, 646-935-4272, Dustin.Sveum@ketchum.com