In the lead-up to the 2021U.N. Food Systems Summit,Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is continuing to expand its efforts to address malnutrition in Ethiopia.

Leading up to the United Nations Food Systems Summit, the pressure is on to ensure safe nutritious food is promoted. This presents an opportunity to put nutrition higher on the global agenda, which will help people thrive and ultimately save lives,Ton Haverkort,GAIN Country Director of Ethiopia, tells Food Tank.

The Food Systems Summit plans to launch new actions to help achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and develop more sustainable and equitable food systems.

GAIN, which was launched in 2002, works to end malnutrition through the transformation of the food system in countries like Ethiopia, helping target the first objective of the summit.

An estimated 8 million people in Ethiopiarequire food assistance, with 3.9 million women and children nutritionally vulnerable. The country has made significant gains to reduce malnutrition, but Ethiopia is still facing food insecurity.

Ethiopian children consume one of the least diverse diets in sub-Saharan Africa and, according to the World Food Programme (WFP), about 28 percent of all child mortality in the country is associated with undernutrition, Haverkorttells Food Tank.

Over the last year, in response to COVID-19, GAIN created initiatives to protect the countrys nutritional standing. As part of one initiative, GAINconvenedtheStanding Together for Nutrition (STfN)collaboration to bring together 60 experts to assess COVID-19s impact on nutrition. Recently, the consortium published research ondouble-duty interventions, programs, and policies that prevent or reduce the risk of nutritional deficiencies after COVID-19. In December, their research onCOVID-19s potential impacts on maternal and infant undernutritionalso helped guide new policies.

Additionally, GAIN Ethiopia is leading a project studying the consequences of COVID-19 on food supply, safety, and pricing at two open markets. They plan to provide recommendations and help facilitate solutions once the study is complete.

GAINs other ongoing projects focus on initiatives to boost the nutritional quality of certain commonly used food products like salt, wheat, and oil, reduce post-harvest food loss, and increase sustainable food production and market accessibility.

Through collaborations with businesses, food suppliers, and the Ethiopian government, GAIN has created programs to help address these concerns and improve the nutritional status of peoples diets.

GAIN recognized that one of Ethiopias major problems was micronutrient deficiency in infants and pregnant women, particularly in iodine. Around 50 percent of women and children lacked adequate levels of iodine.

Through the the Large Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) Program, GAIN helped develop the fortification standards for salt iodization, wheat flour, and edible oil and create policies to mandate fortification to combat these deficiencies. They offer support to the government and private sector to understand and enforce the standards of fortification. GAIN also develops opportunities for small-scale millers to fortify wheat flour through the building of laboratories and recommendations for sustainable suppliers.

GAIN has seen fortification coverage increase. For salt iodization, adequately iodized salt from markets and households reached more than 88 percent in 2018, up from 26 percent in 2015.

To prevent the loss and waste of nutritious foods, GAIN also facilitated the creation of the Ethiopia Postharvest Loss Alliance for Nutrition (E-PLAN). Through an Ethiopian business engagement platform, local businesses are matched with industry experts to analyze their supply chains, packaging, crating, and processing. Together, they find ways to reduce food loss and waste.

Haverfort says the program has been particularly successful with tomatoes. GAIN distributed 19,000 reusable plastic crates to unions and trader associations. The crates eliminated overloading and increased aeration and stackability. Because they are much easier to handle as well, postharvest loss was reduced at all levels of the supply chain.

We work with food suppliers to increase their capacity to produce and sell nutritious foods for children, Haverkort explains. We also promote sustainable market development with local processors and smallholder farmers in the dairy value chain, to enhance the nutritional value of high-quality milk-based products to fight malnutrition.

Photo courtesy of Todd Quackenbush on Unsplash.

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Expanding Nutrition Initiatives in Lead-Up to UN Food Systems Summit Food Tank - Food Tank

GENEVA, 15 June 2021 - "I would like to start by reading three paragraphs from a statement just out from UNICEFs executive director:

At least 33,000 children in inaccessible parts of Tigray, Ethiopia, are severely malnourished and face imminent death without immediate help.

In the last month alone, we have seen a four-fold increase in weekly admissions of children for treatment of severe acute malnutrition.

Making matters worse, the malnutrition crisis in the region has coincided with extensive damage to essential systems and services on which children depend for their survival. Mobile health and nutrition teams have been attacked and harassed. Health facilities have been looted or damaged and essential vaccination capacity has ground to a halt. Many health workers have not returned to work. Destruction of water infrastructure has caused an extreme scarcity of safe drinking water.

"That is all attributable to UNICEFs executive director.

"To quickly add to this briefing: This is a man-made catastrophe. And incredulously, things can deteriorate further for children, as food insecurity is expected to worsen over the coming months. We risk many more deaths if crops cannot be planted.

"It is of course imperative that parties to the conflict ensure that humanitarian actors, including UNICEF, have unimpeded and safe access on the ground to stave off widespread famine and to reach those in need.

"Mobile health and nutrition teams who have had their lives threatened as they do their frontline work - require access to the 21 hard-to-reach districts to serve children, and we must be able to safely carry out the upcoming measles, polio, vitamin A and nutrition campaign across all areas of the Tigray region.

"And of course the regions children and their families need an immediate cessation of hostilities so that they can safely obtain lifesaving services and begin to rebuild their lives.

"Beyond the politics, funding for an adequate response remains inadequate. Overall, UNICEF requires US$47m to reach 1.3m children up to September there is a US$13m shortfall, which of course equates to childrens lives. The largest gaps are in the water and child protection response."

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Geneva Palais briefing note on the situation of children in Tigray - UNICEF

Lack of school meal choice appears to be leaving a sour taste in the mouths of some parents.

Trossachs and Teith Tory councillor Martin Earl told a recent meeting of Stirling Councils children and young people committee that he had received a number of complaints about the restricted options being served to youngsters in primary schools and nurseries.

While a restricted menu was introduced last year because of many children being unable to access canteens and dining halls safely during the Covid pandemic, there has been some easing of the coronavirus restrictions.

Burgers and rolls appear to be among the mainstays of the current menu being regularly being served up to youngsters in schools and nurseries.

However the menu which should have been introduced by now also features dishes such as macaroni cheese, spaghetti bolognese, roast chicken and chicken korma among a host of other choices.

Restrictions have also made preparation more challenging for facilities team preparing the meals.

However, officials told the meeting that until all establishments were able to operate as normally as possible, the streamlined menu would remain until at least the end of term.

They said they hoped the more extensive menu could be introduced in August at the start of the new term and that normal service could resume for all schools and nurseries at that time.

Councillor Earl said: I have received a growing number of concerns from parents about the current menu thats available, which is limited.

Theres a roll and link sausage, pizza, beefburgers, fillet of fish, vegetarian burger roll or a panini and thats repeated over a three- week cycle.

I understand there has been a restricted menu because meals are still being served in classrooms and there is limited availability for facilities management through canteens but I have had some contact with several other local authorities including Moray, Borders, East Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire, who are all doing a full menu in canteens and have been for a while.

Early years and early intervention service manager Judy Edwards said: The menu was reduced because it wasnt possible for children to eat in the dining room in all schools because of space restrictions.

As restrictions have eased schools have been able to have children safely back into dining rooms but this has been happening gradually with a view to normal service resuming in August.

Some children are still eating in classrooms in schools as safe practice.

Click here for more news and sport from the Stirling area.

Interim head of education Bryony Monaghan added: This is to do with our current risk assessment around Covid. It is very specific by school and by local authority.

There have been discussions in recent weeks and months. This is a gradual process in the context of specific schools and we can move gradually towards changing it. We are not able to make a wholesale change at this stage but are having to look at the whole context of where we still have positive cases in certain areas and where the whole context in the school wouldnt allow us to move in that direction with confidence.

Councillor Earl said: It would seem you are saying we still have to go with the restricted menu until such times as everybody can get to their normal capacity.

He added: A lot of parents are saying they are not happy with the menu and I can understand it given how restricted it has to be at the moment.

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Parents unhappy with streamlined meal options in Stirling schools and nurseries - Daily Record

New York, June 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Personalized Nutrition Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06096855/?utm_source=GNW

Increasing disposable income in the developing regions and fast integration of digital healthcare technologies are gaining traction. The major countries create demand for personalized nutrition products, such as the US, China, and Japan. In recent years, increasing consumer awareness towards health and a better understanding of health and fitness are significant factors driving the demand in the personalized nutrition market across several regions. Did you know, Segterra one of the players in the market, is offering the InsideTracker platform? The company provides personalized nutrition and fitness plans based on blood testing, DNA, and lifestyle habits. The high acceptance of technologies is helping in food consumption and healthcare plans and support in shaping the food and healthcare industry. Amazon Fresh has collaborated with Habit to deliver customized health plans to consumers. Personalized Nutrition Innovation Summit is a forum for CEO and founders of innovative personalized nutrition and startups to meet potential partners and investors.

The following factors are likely to contribute to the growth of the personalized nutrition market during the forecast period: Rising Technology Innovation and Advancements Increasing Trend of Personalization Shaping Food & Healthcare Industry Introduction of Digitalization in Healthcare Industry Growth Opportunities Through Collaborations and Strategic Partnership

The study considers the present scenario of the personalized nutrition market and its market dynamics for the period 2020?2026. It covers a detailed overview of several market growth enablers, restraints, and trends. The report offers both the demand and supply aspect of the market. It profiles and examines leading companies and other prominent ones operating in the market.

PERSONALIZED NUTRITION MARKET SEGMENTATION The personalized nutrition market research report includes a detailed segmentation by product, form, application, end-user, geography. Dietary supplements and nutraceuticals products have high potential in the Asia Pacific region. This segment accounts for over 52% of the APAC market share due to the increasing health awareness and personalized health diet plans. The usage frequency of nutraceuticals in developed countries is nearly 50% to 70% and is majorly used by females. The acceptance of functional food and beverage products have high potential in the European region. Personalized sports nutrition is designed to modify food recommendations to improve direct and indirect factors that influence athletic performance. In China, the process for dietary supplement requires strict testing compared to the US, processes pharmaceutical approval.

The discovery of compounds such as vitamins, minerals, micronutrients, and other pigments has led to the advent of dietary supplements. It is growing at a CAGR of around 14% in the market. The aqueous coating solution is used to coat the tablets as it makes the tablet safe, protective, and easy to swallow, and the usage of this solution is booming in the supplements segment. Athletes, weightlifters, older adults, and people with chronic disease could require more general protein intake recommendations, pushing the growth of the powder-based supplement across the globe.

Consuming a nutritious diet is essential to maintain a healthy weight and attain the necessary nutrients for healthy body function. People are shifting toward personalized health advice as an individual can get dietary advice tailored explicitly according to the genotype to prevent and treat chronic diseases. Maintaining a healthy weight and eating is crucial for a sportsperson. Personalized nutrition plays a significant role in the sports nutrition market. DNAfit, one of the prominent players, is offering sports nutrition based on DNA.

The companies are collecting health information or nutritional status through tests or devices. They interpret the collected data and offer recommendations for ingredients according to consumers diet requirements. Nowadays, direct-to-consumer genetic testing kits are provided to customers through players websites, advertisements, or the internet. The personalized recommendation is increasing in the hospital patient consumption of protein and calories and improving clinical nutrition outcomes. The healthcare tends, such as short length of stay in acute care facilities, shifted the bulk of nutrition education and nutrition therapy to the ambulatory setting to boost the global market demand.

Segmentation by Product o Dietary Supplements & Nutraceuticals o Functional Foods & Beverages o Sports Nutrigenomics o Digitized DNA

Segmentation by Form o Tablets o Capsules o Powders o Liquids o Others

Segmentation by Application o Standard Supplement o Diseased Based o Sports Nutrition

Segmentation by End-User o Direct-to-consumers o Wellness & Fitness Centers o Hospitals & Clinics o Institutions o Others

INSIGHTS BY GEOGRAPHY The increase in lifestyle disorders is driving the growth of the personalized nutrition market in North America. The US players in this industry use molecular and cellular techniques to provide chemicals, food, and services to meet individual requirements. Personalized nutrition is expected to maintain steady growth during the period and after the epidemic recovers in North America. The change is driven by the increasing pharmaceutical sales and rising development of healthcare products. North America witnessed growth for personalized supplements since the pandemic due to the increase in usage of health products to boost the immune system.

Segmentation by Geography o North America US Canada o Europe Germany France UK Italy Spain Norway Sweden Finland Denmark Belgium Switzerland Russia o APAC China India Japan South Korea Australia Malaysia Singapore Indonesia o Middle East & Africa South Africa Turkey Saudi Arabia UAE Israel o Latin America Brazil Mexico Colombia

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE BASF SE, Herbalife Nutrition, DSM, Nutrigenomix, and Amway are some of the major vendors in the market. Personalized nutrition companies are adopting innovative technologies to retain a strong position in the global healthcare industry. Players are manufacturing personalized nutrition with advanced product specifications. Players are creating a unique value proposition to sustain in the highly competitive environment. Amway, an entrepreneur, leading in the health and wellness organization. Amway operates its business with a multilevel model and direct selling strategy, enabling its consumer to become the companys brand ambassadors.

Key Vendors Amway Herbalife Nutrition Nutrigenomix BASF SE DSM

Other Prominent Vendors Atlas Biomed DNAlysis Persona Bactolac Pharmaceutical Balchem Wellness Coaches DayTwo BiogeniQ Mindbodygreen Helix & Gene Metagenics Baze GX Sciences Viome Zipongo Care/of DNAfit Vitagene InstaFit Segterra Nutrino Nourish3D Rootine Supp Nutrition

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED: 1. How big is the personalized nutrition industry? 2. What factors are enabling the growth of the personalized nutrition industry? 3. Which regions are likely to generate the most revenues for the personalized nutrition market? 4. What are the different segments of the personalized nutrition market? 5. Who are the key players in the personalized nutrition market?Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06096855/?utm_source=GNW

About ReportlinkerReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

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The personalized nutrition market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 16% during 2021 - GlobeNewswire

But the complex molecular profile of many CBD products means steadfast anti-doping guarantees remain difficult to achieve for a category seeking a legitimate seat at the table of clean sports performance.

The sports nutrition category was slow to adopt CBD, but its now appearing in various products including pre-workout formulas, recovery drinks, and post-workout products, said Rick Collins, partner at Collins, Gann, McCloskey & Barry in New York. But drug-tested athletes use CBD products at their own risk.

The US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) puts it this way: Many products which claim to be pure CBD extract or oil from the cannabis plant have traces of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) or other cannabinoids. Thus, a consumer who buys a CBD oil, extract, or other CBD product should be aware that there is a high likelihood it is a mixture of CBD and other prohibited cannabinoids, such as THC.

USADA special advisor Amy Eichner told us anti-doping labs can test for and detect other cannabinoids of which there are more than 100 in common industrial hemp extracts and all of which are banned by WADA in-competition except CBD (cannabidiol) along with THC below a certain threshold.

Our recommendation to athletes is to not use any cannabinoid product, such as a CBD preparation, during or close to a competition, Eichner said.

The main formulation challenge lies in the difficulty in extracting and isolating CBD from industrial hemp hemp cannabinoids like to stick together and traces of the other 100+ cannabinoids invariably remain.

As UK-based nutritionist, food law expert and managing director of Legal Foods, Dr Mark Tallon observed: The only possible products that contain only CBD are synthetic versions and even then there is the possible conversion to other cannabinoids.

Synthetic is really the only route for professional sports with regular testing, said Biosportart chief, Richard OHalloran from Los Angeles where the Brit was refining a CBD trial with its US CBD supplier, PureForm. But synthetic has risks too. It's really important to have third party testing and hosted CoAs (Certificates of Analysis) as we do.

Third party analytics labs including California-based Banned Substances Control Group (BSCG) and ProVerde Laboratories in Massachusetts are certifying CBD products from the likes of athleticCBD in California and UK-based Biosportart.

These programs scan for hundreds of WADA-banned substances and include a selection of prohibited cannabinoids including CBG (cannabigerol), CBN (cannabinol) and CBC (cannabichromene).

BSCG president Oliver Catlin noted the existing ambiguity in that while anti-doping organizations (ADOs) like USADA could theoretically test for any banned cannabinoid, if you look at the practical application of sport drug testing historically none of the other natural cannabinoids like CBN, CBG, or CBC were ever targeted.

It is unlikely they will be in the future either, he said,unless they show a performance-enhancing benefit or a potential to cause harmPrograms like ours demonstrate to sportspeople that CBD products are acceptable for use.

Catlin said commonly synthesized cannabinoids like Delta-8 or Delta-10 deserved greater ADO attention, as they had been linked to health issues and were often being sold by firms looking for loopholes.

Other certifiers are keeping their powder dry when it comes to CBD.

NSF Internationals Certified for Sport program and LGC-owned Informed-Sport flat out refuse to certify CBD products citing uncertainty around cannabinoids like THC and CBG in CBD products like tinctures, creams, pills and gels.

At this point we are not allowing CBD or hemp or cannabis products in our Certified for Sport program, said NSFs Certified for Sport technical manager John Travis. He observed the fact many sporting bodies and even the US Military had developed their own cannabinoid offence criteria further muddied the waters of what constitutes a safe and legal product, and added to its reticence to take on CBD.

(For example the US Militarys Operation Supplement Safety program that employs NSF and other certifications bans all hemp extracts including CBD.)

Natural Products Association (NPA) CEO and president Dan Fabricant said existing certifications would benefit from greater mainstream acceptance. Its not that labs cant do it but until you have the certifications recognized by the major sporting organizations baseball, football, basketball, hockey or even law enforcement, if there is a doping issue, how do you litigate that?

When the big sporting bodies have a certification they recommend thats when you might see things kick up a gear.

Since WADA green lit CBD in 2018 and upped the THC-permissible threshold 10-fold from 15 nanograms to 150 ng per milliliter of urine the following year, there have been around 60 CBD-related doping infringements internationally, with a majority triggered by THC, although many infringements do not specify the particular cannabinoid in question, according to DopingList.com.

WADAs increased THC threshold acknowledged the psychoactive cannabinoids potential (non-performance-enhancing) presence in tests from full-spectrum CBD products at trace levels, as well as from vapes and passive marijuana smoke intakes, but Informed-Sports UK-based internationally focused business development manager, Terence ORorke, said CBD certification hurdles remain before it could address the significant interest from CBD brands in the US, Europe, Pacific, Japan, and South Africa it had received.

WADA may have upped the THC threshold to address the burgeoning use of CBD products for recovery, muscle soreness, sleep and more but that threshold still presented a doping risk due to the potential accumulated effect if an athlete consumes CBD products over a period of time.

The risk most likely is minimal, but until a study shows it conclusively we have decided not to certify CBD products.

Not to mention the risk presented by the other 100+ banned cannabinoids.

So while CBD is permitted, and the THC levels are within threshold, there is still risk from prohibited cannabinoids, ORorke said. A collaboration between a laboratory, an academic institution and a CBD brand might be a good way of setting up a feeding study.

Amid such uncertainty, the CBD sports nutrition market remains relatively buoyant despite a on CBD advertising on Facebook, Instagram and Google and the hit COVID-19 delivered to the whole CBD category as household spending belts tightened and premium-priced items like CBD were squeezed from many shopping lists.

CBD companies continue to sponsor sports, events and athletes despite high-profile doping cases like those of triathlete Lauren Goss and skier Devin Logan, both of whom received USADA suspensions after in-competition anti-doping tests returned elevated THC levels they attributed to CBD creams and drops they were using legally out-of-competition.

OHalloran said such prolonged in vivo THC levels could be down to the fact cannabinoids are also absorbed into adipose tissue and can accumulate.

Some studies have shown that this can be re-released into the bloodstream after long exercise.

Such physiological uncertainty means many high-profile athletes keep their CBD use to themselves. We sell to quite a few athletes but none will go on the record as using our product because they're afraid that they'll be targeted with specific cannabinoid panel tests even though it would be safe, OHalloran said.

Jonathan S Miller, general counsel to the US Hemp Authority and the US Hemp Roundtable called for a pragmatic regulatory re-appraisal of the CBD sports nutrition category and how cannabinoids function within it.

The fact is demand is so strong for these products, its time organizations started reflecting that, Miller said.Id hope groups recognize trace levels of these cannabinoids are not performance-enhancing and should be allowed.

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The challenges with CBD and sports nutrition - NutraIngredients-usa.com - NutraIngredients-usa.com

The warm, sunny days of summer are upon us. Now that COVID restrictions are easing in certain areas, a summer vacation may be possible again for many families. Jesspreet Gowan, MD, a pediatrician at Pediatric Associates, has tips for parents who want to plan a fun and safe family vacation.

Vacations are about more than just getting out of town. They give us a chance to relax and reconnect with loved ones. Living in a pandemic for more than a year has been hard, and a vacation can be a much-needed mental health break from the stress of work and school.

Weve seen an increase in anxiety and depression in children, and its not hard to understand why, Dr. Gowan explains. Parents are feeling anxious. Theyre staying home and not able to be with peers. This was going to happen, right?

With vaccinations becoming increasingly available, adults can get out and do a lot more. However, families with children under 12 need to take extra precautions, since that age group cant get vaccinated yet. However, Dr. Gowan says, with some planning, a summer vacation can still be an option.

I hope that families are able to experience some trips this summer, and do so in a way that makes them comfortable and safe, she says. Were finally seeing some consistent positive news that will allow parents and kids to venture out again and enjoy some time together.

She recommends keeping plans as flexible as possible in case the pandemic situation changes. Things have changed rapidly since the beginning of the pandemic, she says. This is a very liquid situation, and what I tell you today could be very different from what Im going to tell you in a few weeks.

Make sure youre aware of any travel restrictions at your destination. Additionally, research activities, lodging, and meal options in advance. And if you dont feel comfortable with how a business is handling COVID precautions or cleanliness, dont be afraid to speak up, Dr. Gowan emphasizes. Dont stay in an uncomfortable situation.

You should also consider the ages of your children. Teens may be vaccinated, but younger kids are more vulnerable and may struggle with not touching public surfaces or wearing a mask for an extended period of time, such as on a long flight. The younger the child, the less likely they are to wear masks or respect social distancing, says Dr. Gowan. You have to look at your family independently and ask, how consistent are my kids with following guidelines?

When it comes to kids and masks, Dr. Gowan says, the best mask is the one that is going to stay on your face. If you put a double mask on a kid but they are constantly messing with it and touching surfaces and then touching it, thats not going to help you.

When planning your trip, consider how crowded your destination will be. Dr. Gowan advises avoiding crowds as much as possible. Keep meals and activities outdoors when you can, to limit time spent indoors and in communal spaces. And dont forget to have everyone wash their hands frequently. The proximity to others is whats going to really increase your risk of coming into contact with COVID, she says.

Hygiene is especially important when traveling. On top of handwashing, try to keep surfaces that your family will touch often, like hotel doorknobs and airplane seat trays, clean. I would carry my disinfecting wipes and wipe down wherever Im going to be sitting, try to find a seat near some kind of ventilation, and minimize movement throughout the journey.

For kids who are old enough to understand, you can talk about some of the ways to be careful during a trip. Dr. Gowan suggests keeping the conversation relaxed so that it doesnt make them feel scared. You can explain that some people wear masks and some people dont, she says. It shouldnt be, Youre going to get sick if you dont do this. We dont want to make it a fearful situation, but you just want to gently explain, This is our familys decision.

And if you dont feel ready for a family trip, that is OK. Dr. Gowan stresses that the priority should be having time together to connect as a family. It doesnt have to be an exotic location or theme park; camping in the backyard or living room counts, too!

The important thing to me is that families find ways to bond and get time away from school and work where they can be together, Dr. Gowan says. Find that quality time, whatever that is. I dont think it necessarily requires travel, but if you can, and you can do it in a way that youre comfortable, I think it allows a nice reprieve for families.

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How to Vacation Safely With Your Kids This Summer - Stanford Children's Health Blog - Stanford Children's Health

The Toronto Maple Leafs leadership group has worked hard to make the organization a safe place where players want to be. For a short period of time, it seemed like the organization had become just that. However, the fallout from another playoff disappointment paints a different story.

On May 21, 2015, Mike Babcock was hired as the head coach. He appeared on Prime Time Sports and gave one of the most revealing interviews about the Maple Leafs. He talked about the challenges of playing under the microscope and how he and the team brass wanted to turn that around. My point is this, if we create an environment not if when we create an environment that allows these players to be safe, its going to be way better. The other thing is, how many people from Ontario are playing the National Hockey League? Once we make it safe, theyre coming home.

It had become a safe place. Perhaps the most notable example was when John Tavares signed with his hometown team. Jason Spezza signed a league minimum shortly there after. When he was put on waivers, Spezza said he would retire before playing anywhere else. Wayne Simmonds and Joe Thornton came home, and Travis Dermott signed a deal under market value to play for his local team.

During the 2015 interview, Babcock asked the media and everyone listening to put themselves in the players shoes. He wanted fans to imagine being scrutinized for every mistake, you get paid to hack all over us. I understand that totally, said Babcock to the interviewer. But just think of it as a player when you go to a press conference. You go talk to the media after you win media is not so bad. They are actually saying good things about you. Knowing you worked really hard, and you bring it every day, and they say good things about you.

That certainly wasnt the case in Toronto when Babcock arrived. Nothing good was said, and the star players were hearing the bad daily. Phil Kessel went toe-to-toe with media more than once. After Kessel was traded, an article in a Toronto paper gave some insight into how he had been treated. The hot dog vendor who parks daily at Front and John Sts. just lost his most reliable customer. Almost every afternoon at 2:30 p.m., often wearing a toque, Phil Kessel would wander from his neighbourhood condominium to consume his daily snack. (from Leafs were Sick and Tired of Phil Kessel, Toronto Sun July 2, 2015). The writer went on to say Kessel didnt eat right, train right, play right, and was laissez-faire, flippant, mostly uncoachable. Of course, Kessel went on to win two Stanley Cups (eating hot dogs from those Cups), and he is still being paid by the Maple Leafs.

The new crop of stars has been treated much differently than Kessel. Practically adored by the media for several years. Its hard to bash kids doing their best in the big leagues. But those kids are now grown-ups, and they are millionaires. The criticism has escalated with the paycheque. Much of that was aimed at William Nylander and his $6.9 million deal. However, Mitch Marner has been in the crosshairs since he signed his big $10.9 million contract.

After being among the NHLs leaders in scoring 67 points in 55 games, that deal seemed to be accepted. Then Marner struggled in the playoffs with some mental mistakes. He only put up four assists and no goals in the seven-game series loss to the Montreal Canadiens. The disappointing playoff performance has given the impression that Marner is the new whipping boy. Marners exit interview, and last media interview to date, he said, its a complete lie, when asked about a report stating he refused to play a goal-line role on the powerplay. Its just people trying to get their name out there. It sucks that stuff like thats being said.

If he thought that was bad, the talk since then has been worse. Media outlets and comment sections are trying to piece together trade scenarios to get the hometown boy out of Toronto. The same kid who, at four years old, appeared on a Toronto television station telling the world his favourite team was the Maple Leafs is now a top candidate to be traded away. Granted, this is speculation as the front office has stood behind Marner and the other core-four stars. The point is even mentioning trading out a guy who bleeds blue is evidence the safe place is gone. Another indication is Maple Leafs jerseys being burned, catching the attention of one of the franchises legendary players, Doug Gilmour.

Team President Brendan Shanahan mustve been feeling that safety slip away. In his last interview, he said, Its hard for them (fans). I know it. I understand. We gave them hope they believed in us. By admitting he had the fan perspective in mind, he continued to reach out to urge the fan base not to turn on the team. The trust is shaken at times like this, for all organizations that dont meet their expectations, so trust is wounded. It is up to us to come back and earn it back again.

Who will be wearing the maple leaf on their chest to start the process of earning the trust back is unknown. Toronto may have lost its safe place moniker to bring homegrown talent in at a discount. Maybe Marner, who has admitted he doesnt follow social media because of how toxic it can be, will want to get out of the microscope, and he will request a trade. As Babcock suggested, look at it from a players point of view. When you do that, it may be challenging to want to play in Toronto right now.

Kevin Armstrong is an award-winning journalist with more than two decades of experience. Hes been rink side for World Juniors, Memorial Cups, Calder Cups and Stanley Cups. Like many Canadian kids, his earliest memories include hockey. Kevin has spent countless hours in arenas throughout the country watching all levels of the game.

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Maple Leafs No Longer the "Safe Place" Management Wanted to Create - The Hockey Writers

Contrary to myth, the birth control pill does not cause polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Its quite the opposite, actually. Birth control pills are typically used to help treat symptoms of PCOS.

While the exact cause of PCOS isnt known, its generally assumed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors are at work, along with some lifestyle factors in some people.

Knowing more about PCOS can help you talk with a health professional about the condition and find help managing your symptoms.

Birth control pills dont cause PCOS. While the exact cause is not known, environmental and genetic factors work together to cause the condition. The particular gene is unknown, but family histories of PCOS are common.

In PCOS, there are abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, insulin secretion and action, and ovarian function. People typically go to their doctor because of changes in weight, acne, menstrual problems, or infertility, and are then found to have PCOS.

The myth that birth control pills cause PCOS may be related to a condition called post-birth control syndrome. This is a collection of symptoms that can occur in some people when they stop taking hormonal birth control.

Symptoms can include:

The pill does not necessarily cause these symptoms. Many health professionals feel that they are a normal occurrence and that it is the body adjusting to the change in hormones. These usually resolve in a few months.

PCOS is a hormone disorder that may also lead to other conditions. It is a common cause of infertility. Signs and symptoms can vary and may include:

Treatment for PCOS can vary and depends on several factors, including:

Oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, are often a treatment for PCOS. The main diagnostic part of PCOS is hyperandrogenism, which is having too many androgens, or male sex hormones.

Combined hormonal contraceptives can help reduce the production of androgens as well as reduce the risk of metabolic disorders associated with PCOS.

Birth control pills can also:

Many have no side effects from the pill, but some do. There are different kinds of pills, and each person can react differently. Side effects of the birth control pill can include:

If you are short of breath, have pain or swelling in your leg, or have chest pain, seek medical care immediately. This could be a sign of a blood clot.

Before going on the birth control pill, talk with a healthcare professional about any family history of blood clots or clotting disorders or if you smoke.

Other treatments can include:

If someone has overweight and PCOS, a healthcare professional may recommend weight loss. This can help lower androgen, luteinizing hormone, and insulin levels. It can also help regulate ovulation.

Many with PCOS explore vitamins, supplements, and complementary treatments. Before using any of these, ask your doctor if it is safe to do so. Some vitamins may interact with certain medications, so its always good to check before taking anything, even if its a natural remedy.

If you are having menstrual irregularities or notice any symptoms of PCOS, talk with a healthcare professional. If you are trying to conceive and having difficulty, you might want to ask your doctor about PCOS.

Telling them about your symptoms and how long they have been going on can let them know more about your situation and provide you with the treatment that is best for you.

PCOS is a hormone disorder, and while it cannot be cured, it can be managed and treated. Although the exact cause of PCOS is not known, birth control pills do not cause the condition. In fact, its just the opposite they are used to help treat PCOS.

If you have questions about the causes of PCOS or your own health and medical situation, talk with a healthcare professional. They can provide you with the most personalized information to address any questions or concerns.

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Pill-Induced PCOS: Is Oral Contraception a Cause? - Healthline

Four teachers and eight classified employees were honored by the San Joaquin County Office of Education for their hard work and dedication.

The annual awards honor the best of the best in the education profession and celebrate the talented, caring, and committed educators and school personnel who make a difference in the lives of their students and in the community, the San Joaquin County Office of Education said in a news release.

The 12 honorees, who were nominated by their colleagues, were announced during a virtual celebration. The Teacher of the Year finalists and Classified School Employees of the Year winners received $400 each from Premier Community Credit Union and the Teacher of the Year received a $1,000 award.

Texas Keo, with 14-years of experience teaching at Ripon Elementary School, was named the 2021 San Joaquin County Teacher of the Year by the San Joaquin County Office of Education.

Keo currently teaches TK-3 as a Title 1 Response to Intervention teacher. She is also a nominee for California Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Keo gets to know her students as individuals. She differentiates instruction for each and every one of her students, as well as provides clear and effective guidance for teachers struggling to help students from the general education classroom,"Principal Dana Phelps wrote in her nomination letter."Texas takes the time to get to know each of the students she comes into contact with at Ripon Elementary. She is knowledgeable of their interests, family situations, and hobbies. She utilizes this knowledge to enhance her lessons to make them more meaningful and engaging for all her students in her program.

Renae Potts, a sixth grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, Jefferson Unified: You can't teach, you can't reach kids unless you reach them emotionally so if you're not, if you're not an interesting person or you're not kind, you're not smiling or you don't have a connection with the kids, they're not going to learn from you so she, she not only does that type of thing in her classroom to make kids just like her and want to learn from her, she, she does that on my entire campus,Principal Alyssa Wooten said in her nomination letter.

Amanda Bailey, a second grade teacher at Bohn Elementary School, Tracy Unified: She is the first one on campus, and the last one to leave every day. She creates activities that engage her students and help them bring life to what they are learning. You'll often hear her helping students make connections with their learning based on experiences they have shared with them. "Jonathan, what was the weather like when you went to (the) beach?" How can that weather impact sea walls?" The students love her because she listens to them and remembers what they tell her,Principal Michael Burstein said in an email.

Hans Schmitz, high school teacher at Sierra High School, Manteca Unified: I can say without hesitation that Mr. Schmitz is not only an exemplary educator, but a valuable piece of overall school culture and climate on campus to our students and school community in more ways than one. Each and every day he brings a tremendous amount of passion and advocacy for digital media education and overall student growth. Mr. Schmitz possesses a tremendous work ethic and is the consummate professional, Assistant Principal Anthony Chapman said in his nomination letter.

Devon Vallon, third grade teacher at Bethany Elementary School, Lammersville Unified: Mrs. Vallons classroom is her canvas, and she paints a rich and inviting environment where expectations are high and learning is fun. Slinkies are used to model syllabic principals and the expansion of sentences. Desks are made into covered wagons and children are organized into pioneer families to create enthusiasm for social studies curriculum. Dissections are utilized to support and enhance science curriculum. Readers Theater and poetry recitations are used to enhance reading fluency and intonation. Instruction in Mrs. Vallons classroom is never boring, Principal Deborah Wingo said in her nomination letter.

Pamela Wampler, LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse), health and student services, McFall School, San Joaquin County Office of Education. Wampler was also named the California Classified Employee of the Year in the category of Health and Student Services: Pam is the mother to staff and students alike. She mentors young nurses and health aides by helping them to learn all of the organizational and technical skills needed for the position. More importantly, she mentors them in compassion and understanding for the unique needs of each individual in our student population. Pam takes the time to get to know our students, so she can best support them and their families. She is a role model for employees regarding best practices in working with our student population, BSN RN Director 1, Nursing Services SJCOE Donna J. Beckman said in her nomination letter.

Manuel Faria, mechanic specialist, skilled trades, transportation shop, Tracy Unified: On my end based on his professionalism, his attention to detail. He's always willing to step in and help when needed, and he's cordial, hes respectful of both his fellow employees and his supervisors, he's not afraid to give his opinion. said Director of Maintenance Anthony Flores. He has attention to detail, his number one priority is to make sure that those buses are safe for the students, and he won't let us out if he has any concern that it's not safe for the students to ride on, Coordinator of Maintenance Lisa Sawyer said.

Darla Harmon, data analyst, clerical and administrative services, District Office, Ripon Unified: Darla has been our data analyst and so much more for nearly six years now. The data analysts primary focus is maintaining the student information systems, Aeries and CALPADs. Mrs. Harmon is very thorough and accurate in all of her tasks and makes certain that projects and related reports are completed in a timely basis. She has received recognition from state entities for her lack of errors. Darla also manages the software for online curriculum, assessment systems, library and food service programs and other necessities. I last counted a list of about twenty-five programs that she maintains, Director of Curriculum Kathy Coleman said in her nomination letter.

Harold Moore, head custodian, custodial and maintenance services, Van Buren Elementary School, Stockton Unified: Mr. Harold, as he is known in our school and community is a vital part of school family. He takes pride in his job performance and it is evident by the compliments we receive from visitors. He is trustworthy, professional, reliable and you will never hear no I am not able to do that from him. He will do whatever needs to be done to make sure our school is safe and clean and that our community members feel welcomed and heard at our school, Principal Isabel Arellano said in her nomination letter.

Nick Watson, information technology coordinator, technical services, District Office, Jefferson Elementary School District: Nick is kind, professional, and has a big heart. He has a genuine passion for his craft. That is conveyed in the manner in which he answers every tech call, follows up with every email, and takes the extra time to explain the hows? and whys?, no matter how silly the question. In our office, we joke that he either tucks in his wings or hides his superhero cape really well! Within seconds of submitting a service request ticket, he magically appears in the office, ready to address all of our technology needs. Amazingly, he does this on each and every campus, each and every day! (We still have not figured out how he does it!) Over the years, Nick has built great relationships with administration, staff and even our families. He treats everyone with kindness and respect, and we all genuinely enjoy working with him. He is truly the fixer of all things! Principal Emily Stroup said in her nomination letter.

Joan Gonzalez, cook manager, food and nutrition services, John R. Williams Elementary School, Lincoln Unified: Joan helped spearhead our districts effort of feeding all children during the pandemic, working weekends beyond her normal work hours. She prepared meals at the district and site level. At our school site alone, Joan and her team at one point were distributing over 1,500 meals weekly! Not only is the number of meals prepared and distributed remarkable, but we received tremendous comments from parents about the meal contents and how wonderful they were. Joan personally selects what goes in the meals and she takes great care in her preparation. Joan accommodates parents who cannot receive meals at the set distribution times due to work, Principal Jennifer Heck said in her nomination letter.

Mike Kuhnlenz, campus monitor, security services, East Union High School, Manteca Unified: From the first day Mike started on our campus five years ago as a Campus Monitor, he stood out for his initiative and willingness to go above and beyond the job description. I actually had noticed him picking up papers with a bucket after lunch had ended and I had thought some of the guys were pranking him about his responsibilities and questioned who had told him to do that, I was quite taken aback when he responded I just saw all the trash left behind and figured if I was walking around campus anyway…I would just pick it up. Soon others began to follow his lead as well as myself. When calls go out for any task on campus, Mike is always the first to respond or volunteer and is often sought out as the go to guy by office staff and administration when a job is needed quickly, Principal Raul Mora said in his nomination letter.

Ashley Fisher, library technician, paraprofessional, McKinley Elementary School, Tracy Unified: Ashley began in this position in January 2018 and has gone above and beyond since day one. She has taken her love of books and reading and has not only shared it with families of McKinley, she has shared this love with families at other sites as well. Over the summer, Ashley delivered books to EVERY McKinley students home. These were books that she worked to have donated and she organized and distributed them. This school year, Ashley has had more books donated and on some of our students materials distribution days, she has students go through and pick out books to keep, Principal Shannon Bancroft said in her nomination letter.

Record reporterAngelaydetRocha covers breaking news. She can be reached atarocha@recordnet.comor on Twitter @AngelaydetRocha.Supportlocal news, subscribe to The Stockton Record athttps://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.

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San Joaquin COE names teacher of the year finalists, classified employee of the year winners - Stockton Record

HALIFAX There will be a lot of grills fired up in Halifax this Sunday as families give thanks to the dads in their lives. As everyone knows, they love to barbeque on a sunny Sunday, and Fathers Day is no exception. But where can you find one-of-a-kind meat he hasnt already eaten a thousand times from a grocery store?

Well, a Halifax company that specializes in delivering amazing cuts of meats from local farms has taken Fathers Day gift ideas to a new level. Charboyz, which began its delivery service in 2020, offered three different meat kits based on famous cartoon dads: the Homer, the Fred, and, most brilliantly, the Hank- named after the famous Texan known for his love of barbequing with propane.

This amazing marketing idea was the brainchild of Katelyn Bourgoin, who co-owns Charboyz with her husband, chef Jason Bourgoin. Although it does raise the question: what if someone ordered the Hank and planned on using charcoal? Any King of The Hill fan knows charcoal is a big no-no for Hank Hill.

We wont tell Hank, the couple, who are new parents of a week-old child, said in unison.

Youre going to laugh at this, added Jason. I did start cooking with charcoal a lot, to begin with, and I was getting a lot of shit from these propane people. So, I literally went out and bought a $20 Kijiji barbequeand it doesnt matter what you have, its all about technique.

Hank Hill would strongly disagree with Jason.

The Hank is the medium-sized package Charboyz offered for Fathers Day. For $99, customers got two pounds of AAA tri-tip steak, one pound of Picahna steak, one pound of Andouille Sausage, three pounds of pork shoulder, and more.

The marketing ploy was such as success, that both the Hank and the Homer meat kits sold out very quickly.

If you want to treat your dad like a bejeweled king on Fathers Day, however, Charboyz still has a few of their elite-level Fred packages left.

This $199 package comes with just one 50-ounce steak, but its one of the best steaks in the world: blue dot reserve cowboy steak. The kit also comes with Jasons own herb garlic butter and, most incredibly, edible sheets of 24 karat gold to put on the steak. Thats right, you can give your Dad the chance to eat gold on Fathers Day, along with a rare cut of steak.

That golden cowboy steak, thats usually what they serve at (high-end) restaurants thats a $1,000 steak, said Jason.

Its going to be a memory of something youve never had before. And youre learning how to cook a cowboy steak, which a lot of people are intimidated by.

Cooking instructions is one of the core services offered by Charboyz. Each kit comes with recipe cards, and Jason regularly uploads cooking tutorials online.

Jason and Katelyn view Charboyz as a company that encourages people to see a meal as an experience to enjoy, which is why they put so much thought and effort into their meat kits.

We dont see Charboyz as your typical food box. Its really a full food experience, says Katelyn.

Its more about food as a form of entertainment, than food to throw in the freezer to have ready when you want it.

Charboyz has also proven successful in partnering with local businesses. In the HRM, the company offers delivery for a $5 fee. But they also have drop off places with a series of businesses that have offered to keep the meat refrigerated before customers pick up their kits. The locations include:

We couldnt exist without these local partners, said Jason.

Ironically, Jason and Katelyn consider themselves out-of-the box Thinkers. They admit that they were crazy to open a new business in 2020 during the pandemic.

Jason spent years as a chef and restaurateur, but eight years ago he decided to make a dramatic career shift. Suddenly, he was working in the offshore oil industry in Newfoundland, teaching people how to work safely in extreme conditions such as 300 feet from the ground.

But oil exploration off the coast of Newfoundland came to a halt in 2020 after Covid-19 hit, so it was time for the couple to get back to their love of food.

When the pandemic happened and there was obviously no offshore jobs theres no travel allowed we couldnt open a restaurant because everything was closed, so we said, what could we do to help get Jason back into food, which has always been his passion, recalls Katelyn.

When the pandemic hit, it was like the universe telling you it was time back to food.

Jason and Katelyn are excited to see that they have encouraged people to try new cuts of locally produced meat and that their customers are becoming more passionate about food.

We have butcher friends of ours saying I dont know what you guys did, but everyones asking for tri-tip now, says Jason. Thats awesome because now people are understanding different cuts of meat, instead of just a striploin of a ribeye.

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Halifax Meal Kit Company Selling Cuts Of Meat Worthy Of Homer, Hank Hill And Fred Flintstone - Huddle - Huddle Today