An Inconvenient Truth
Brenda Irwin
Managing General Partner @ Relentless Venture Fund | Health Technology Venture Capital
Relentless RoundUp - Edition #8
Were you ever a member of a 4-H Club? Chances are high if you grew up in a rural community as I did. As a member you will also be familiar with the 4-H Pledge:
I pledge My Head to clearer thinking, My Heart to greater loyalty, My Hands to larger service, My Health to better living, For my club, my community, my country and my world.
My strong preference was to participate in the 4-H calf club, and that is not a reference to a club that could develop my leg strength, but the one that would develop my skills in raising of livestock and understanding of animal health.
Alas, I was redirected to the homemakers’ club to learn how to cook at the age of 12, and as such am well versed in the art of bread making. Thus, I have resisted the urge to feed a sourdough starter, master ‘no knead’ bread, or board the banana bread bandwagon.
So, if not baking arts, what new positive behaviour changes have you made during your self-isolation time?
For my mental health, I have implemented daily “French Hour” – refreshing my French language skills. It has been a perfect brain break and brain boost at the same time. J'aimé apprendre de nouvelles choses!
To promote optimal physical health, we all know what we need to do to give ourselves a fighting chance – nourish our bodies, be active daily, stay hydrated and get a good night’s sleep. These are lifestyle choices, and in most cases, make the choice and you will have a favourable health outcome.
However, far too many who slip into poor lifestyle choices, get stuck there. And physical isolation is increasing the risk of poor habit formation. So, a reality check.
Did you know, that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the greatest health risks facing North Americans was the rising prevalence of metabolic syndrome? This epidemic has not disappeared, it co-exists.
This is an inconvenient truth.
In brief, you have metabolic syndrome with the presence of at least three of these five health problems: too much fat around the waist, high blood pressure, high levels of triglycerides, elevated blood sugar and low levels of the ‘good cholesterol’ (high-density lipoproteins). Metabolic syndrome heightens your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease or having a stroke.The good news? Positive behaviour change can address many of the metabolic risk factors, and reduce your risk of developing a chronic disease. Changes to diet and exercise can prevent, control or even reverse metabolic syndrome. It can also reduce your risk of new health complications.
The better news? Positive behaviour change is possible during physical isolation. Develop new habits, healthier ones.
The stupendous news? Maintaining positive behaviour change as isolation restrictions begin to ease will translate to a reduced risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.
SUSTAINABLE BEHAVIOUR CHANGE
As a fund dedicated to investing in preventative and proactive technology solutions that optimize health, activity and longevity, Relentless made an investment in Newtopia. The company’s thesis is to promote and enable sustainable positive behaviour change, specifically supporting individuals with metabolic syndrome.
By addressing metabolic risk factors, Newtopia is both a preventative health and proactive health management company. Habit change is key. And as Jeff Ruby, CEO of Newtopia (TSXV:NEWU) stated during his inaugural address following the company’s recent public listing, “we are combining the best of human, with the best of digital.” Newtopia’s corporate customer base is a testament to the growing acceptance of preventative practice as core to chronic disease prevention.
Employers are finally embracing and offering, digital health solutions to their employees. Newtopia clients range from pharmacy giant CVS Health to Fortune 500 company Accenture to global financial services firm JP Morgan Chase.
You have likely heard that pre-existing health issues, or underlying conditions, increase the potential for a negative outcome if you contract the brutal coronavirus. Individuals with heart disease and diabetes fall within the most vulnerable populations for succumbing to the virus. It is critical that we continue to shine a light on positive behaviour change as a fundamental strategy to manage health risks and reduce the potential impact of Covid-19.
Determine the best options for your circumstance and risk profile, just commit. And if you need a commitment buddy to help keep you on track, drop me an email and we will do this together: [email protected] > Subject Header: The New 4-H
Virtual commitment social circles may be the 4-H for adults!
I propose: Head, Heart, Humanity, Health, and the following 4-H pledge:
I pledge > My Head to clearer thinking > My Heart to beat more robustly > My Humanity to shine through > My Health to better living > For myself, my family, my virtual club, and my community.
Brenda
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Healthcare Consultant, Advisor, and Experienced Clinician/Surgeon
4 年Hi Brenda, so true, and the stats say that likely the prevalence of metabolic syndrome will increase as food access becomes more difficult for those who most at risk, ie, those with limited incomes already living in food deserts. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.