The #CoverCannabis Project: A Look Into Long-Term Care

According to a recent report from the Ontario Long Term Care Association, approximately 64% of residents living in long term care have been diagnosed with dementia and 90% have some form of cognitive impairment.

This is one of the first areas that the Government should consider covering.

Not only have we seen that cannabinoid medicines have a strong treatment success rate, they have a safer side-effect profile compared to other traditionally used medications and are multi-modal, meaning we can often treat more than one symptom at a time and reduce other meds. This is super important amongst the elderly, as polypharmacy (taking multiple medications) is the number one cause of hospitalizations due to adverse drug reactions amongst seniors.  

So, not only can we improve quality of life and decrease side-effects through cannabinoid therapy, we can often reduce other medications, which has an inherent cost savings. Who else sees this as a win-win?

The #CoverCannabis Project: Ron's Story

I’d like to introduce you to my patient, Ron who was kind enough to share his experience with cannabinoid medicine as part of our #CoverCannabis Project.

Prior to initiating cannabinoid therapy, Ron suffered from extreme chronic pain, resulting from football injuries and a serious car accident. He was prescribed physiotherapy and a number of pain medications but saw no improvement. His pain was so severe that he was unable to walk even short distances. He was also chronically drowsy-- a side-effect of his painkillers and the underlying sleep disorder that developed as a result of his chronic pain.

Here is just a short snapshot of my conversation with Ron, which includes an important message for both patients and practitioners alike: It can take some time to see the benefits of cannabinoid therapy, as dosing and titration is highly individualized. 

Just like you shouldn’t stop taking an antibiotic before the full course is complete, patients should follow their practitioner’s dosing instructions carefully and not get discouraged if they’re not seeing immediate results. Oftentimes it can take 4-6 weeks to reach your personal therapeutic dose -- but if you give up on therapy within a week or two, you’ll never know how your life could have changed. 

The #CoverCannabis Project

Today, I’m excited to announce the launch of The #CoverCannabis Project.

Through this series of conversations with real patients and their families, my goal is to shine a light on the REAL PEOPLE who are benefitting from cannabinoid therapy and raise awareness of the public health and economic benefit of providing coverage amongst Government, private insurance companies, employers, unions and other stakeholders. 

Every day, I see the life-changing effects that cannabinoid-based medicine can have on improving people’s quality of life. Sadly, every day, I also have patients who are forced to stop a treatment that is working due to the cost barrier. In many cases, this means a return to the opioid therapy, antidepressants, benzodiazepines and antipsychotics that medical cannabis replaced.

Quite simply, no one should have to choose between paying for groceries and paying for their medicine. 

It shows a pervasive lack of understanding and bias amongst policymakers--and is frankly discriminatory--that people living with cancer, dementia, refractory epilepsy, or some other serious condition, have to pay out-of-pocket for their PRESCRIBED cannabinoid-based medicines. Not only that, but unlike any other prescription medication, they are taxed in the same way as someone picking up a high THC joint for weekend recreational use. This is not right, and no one should be okay with this.  

I’m so grateful to the many patients, families and care providers who have generously agreed to share their stories so that we can raise awareness of this important cause. This will be one of my top priorities for 2021. If you’d like to show your support, I invite you to share your own story on social media using the hashtag #CoverCannabis or write to your local MP and MPP to show this is an issue that’s important to you. We’d also appreciate it if you could re-share our #CoverCannabis posts on social to help spread the word. Together, we can do hard things. 

Wishing you good health,

Blake Pearson, M.D.

How to Care for Your Body and Mind While Social Distancing

Spending more time in our homes doesn’t mean we should lie around for extended periods of time and abandon our regular health and fitness goals. If anything, the COVID-19 outbreak means we should do more to nourish our minds and bodies—as good self-care could help to keep us stronger and healthier during the global crisis we’re facing. For some tips on caring for your mind and body during this difficult time, check out the resources below. 

Manage Anxiety, Stress, and Negative Emotions

The pandemic is no time to put your mental health on the back burner. Finding ways to cope with stress is crucial during this difficult time. 

Book a Virtual Session with Dr. Blake Pearson to Discuss Functional and Cannabinoid Therapies for Mental Health and Sleep Disorders

Why Your Mental Health May Be Suffering in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Coping With COVID-19

The 9 Best Online Therapy Programs of 2020

Choosing to Be Happy Can Help during COVID-19 Outbreak 

Clearing Bad Energy from Your Home

Get Physically Fit at Home or Outside

There are many creative ways to incorporate at-home fitness into your routine, regardless of the space requirements you may be working with. If you venture outside, make sure you take safety precautions, and if you’re able to go to your gym or studio, try to attend smaller classes if possible. 

From Yoga to CrossFit, Here Are the 10 Best Online Home Workouts

21 of the Best Exercises for Beginners to Try at Home

What Outdoor Activities Are Safe to Do During the Coronavirus Outbreak?

Relax and Unwind with Yoga and Meditation

Strength and flexibility benefits aside, Yoga and Meditation can be powerful stress reduction tools. These helpful links can guide you through your practice, with no need to leave the home.

3 Reasons to Meditate in the Battle Against Coronavirus

5 Free Mindfulness Apps Worthy of Your Attention

7 Best Yoga Apps You Can Use Anytime and Anywhere

Free Online Yoga Classes to Try at Home

Build a Home Gym or Yoga Studio

While waiting for the pandemic to pass, find space in your home to exercise. This could be an extra bedroom or rarely used dining room, or you can build out a new workout space. 

Learn How to Create a Yoga Sanctuary at Home

5 Tricks to Working Out at Home That’ll Help You Maintain Your Motivation

These 50 Best Workout Songs will Fire You Up and Get You Moving

Even if your gym, meditation center, yoga studio, or therapist’s office is closed during the COVID-19 outbreak, you can still care for your mind and body from the comfort and safety of your home. With access to these great tips and resources, you’ll have all the information you need to nourish your mind and body, burn calories, build strength and alleviate anxiety while continuing to maintain distance from others. 

Dr. Blake Pearson is an internationally recognized expert in the field of functional and cannabinoid-based medicine with extensive experience helping individuals manage chronic pain, sleep disorders and mental health conditions. Grounded in evidence, Dr. Pearson’s patient-centred, virtual care model enables him to work with patients to address multiple symptoms at once and improve overall well-being. Visit www.pearsonhealth.ca or call 519-339-9233 to book a consultation.

Written by Stephanie Haywood at mylifeboost.com