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MEDIA RELEASE: Voting for the CAA Worst Roads campaign is now open to all Ontarians
Tired of swerving around potholes? Worried about your safety as a cyclist or pedestrian? Voting is now open for the annual CAA Worst Roads campaign and CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is giving Ontarians the opportunity to voice their concerns about the bad roads in their community. “We know that through CAA’s research, almost three quarters (72 per cent) of Ontarians are venting about the state of our roads to either their spouses, friends or co-workers and not always to local government officials,” says Teresa Di Felice, AVP government and community relations, CAA SCO. “As we kick off another year of the CAA Worst Roads campaign, we are calling on all Ontarians to vote for their Worst Roads today and join the community of drivers, cyclists, transit riders and pedestrians committed to improving Ontario’s roads.” The campaign informs decision-makers across various levels of government which roadway improvements are top of mind for road users, and where improvements could be prioritized. Ontarians can vote on issues ranging from congestion, potholes, poor road signs and the timing of traffic lights to pedestrian and cycling safety. “The key to economic recovery is the investment in roads and supporting infrastructure because when we invest in our roads, we also create jobs,” says Di Felice. “Throughout the pandemic, our roads have been the arteries used every day to keep essential workers, goods and services flowing. Now more than ever, funding for roadway improvements and proper infrastructure needs to be consistent to ensure that quality and safety is maintained for everyone.” According to the 2019 Canadian Infrastructure Report Card, a concerning amount of municipal infrastructure is in poor or very poor condition. The report card also highlights spending $1 on pavement preservation may eliminate or delay spending $6-$10 on costly repairs later. CAA’s research also shows that more than 80 per cent of Ontarians say poor road conditions such as cracks in pavement (89 per cent) and potholes (82 per cent) are still the most common issues in their neighbourhoods. The damage to a vehicle caused by a pothole can range from $300, with some fixes topping $6,000 depending on the make and model of the car. “As the inventory of vehicles continues to remain scarce due to the global semiconductor chip shortage, more people are now trying to hold on to their cars for longer. Not only can poor roads cause damage to vehicles but they also contribute heavily to the wear and tear of tires and increased fuel consumption which is why the maintenance and quality of our roadways is so important.” added Di Felice. Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure echos the importance of investing in quality roadways and infrastructure. “Our government has made a historic investment of an additional $1 billion over the next five years through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) that will provide stability and predictability to 424 small, rural and northern communities. This funding will allow them to repair, upgrade, and modernize their critical infrastructure so that they are safer, healthier and more reliable for all. Our government acknowledges the important role that road infrastructure plays in our province, and we recognize the work that the CAA does to engage with our communities to further strengthen Ontario’s critical infrastructure and contribute to the province’s economic growth.” Nominations for CAA’s Worst Roads can be cast at caaworstroads.com until April 19. Once voting is closed, CAA will partner with Ontario Road Builders’ Association (ORBA) to verify and compile a list of the top 10 Worst Roads in Ontario, along with the top five Worst Roads in regions across the province. The regional lists will help shine further light on the state of local roads in municipalities across Ontario. “The goal of the CAA Worst Roads campaign is to get roads repaired in a timely manner by working in partnership with government to invest in road maintenance, repair and replacement,” says Bryan Hocking, CEO, ORBA.” “The Ontario Road Builders’ Association’s role in this campaign is a technical one. We will assess each road on the list, offer a life cycle analysis, and analyze how long the road can last in its current condition and offer an explanation for its deterioration,” added Hocking. CAA will present the list of 2022 Worst Roads to local and provincial officials to help inform future funding and planning decisions.
As the war rages in Ukraine, what's next? Augusta University expert answers key questions
For a month now, the world has watched the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces. The war has dominated news coverage since before the invasion, with journalists asking why Russia would invade a sovereign country and whether this could expand to an all-out war in Europe for the first time since World War II? There are still many questions to be asked, which is why we’ve enlisted Dr. Craig Albert, from Augusta University. Albert has been speaking extensively with the media answering key questions about the invasion. Q: How has Russia ramped up their war efforts and are the latest attacks a signal that they are going "all in" in taking over Ukraine? “Right now, Russia is still not fighting the war they are prepared for. In other words, they have a massive war-machine but are still only using small parts of it in this war. There are several reasons for this: they may not want to expose their hands to great powers; they may want to bring Ukraine back to the fold, so annihilating them, vis-à-vis, Grozny, might not be the best play. As it is, Russia is still poised to take Kyiv within a few months unless Ukraine has alliance boots on the ground, which is not likely since it will raise the specter of WWIII." Q: What do you expect we will see next? "I think we will most likely see the rise in dirty war tactics and techniques, with more mercenaries, more artillery bombardment, and more foreign fighters joining on both sides, especially former NATO special operations forces moving into the Ukraine International Legion, and well-paid Syrians on the side of Russia. With this increase in contract soldiers, we can expect more human rights atrocities and atrocities committed against soldiers as well as a relaxation of Geneva rules for armed conflict amongst combatants." Q. Do you expect to see Russia direct more cyber warfare the U.S. way? "I expect a steady, prolonged consistent cyber-conflict campaign waged by Russia against Ukraine and its allies, including the US. I don’t expect an escalation on this front at least at it applies to NATO forces. Russia is saving its most savvy cyberweapons for a possible larger-scaled conflict against a major power." If you’re a journalist looking to know more about what lies ahead as the war between Ukraine and Russia continues and how it may impact the United States, then let us help with your questions and coverage. Dr. Craig Albert is director of the Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies at Augusta University. He is a leading expert on war, terrorism, and American politics. This is an important national and international issue. Albert is available to speak with media – simply click on his name to arrange an interview today.
Photo Credit: Sandy Nicholson / FUZE Reps Longing for your next adventure? Look no further because CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) has unveiled a new set of luxurious travel packages designed for travellers who are ready to embark on an iconic Canadian adventure. As part of each package, travellers will be flying on a CAA chartered jet with all business class seating, offered in partnership with Air Canada. They will be joined only by those travelling on a Premier Collection tour. Itineraries are curated with affordable luxury in mind. “Our research has shown us that Canadians are looking to experience travel in a more intimate setting and at this time, are still looking to stay closer to home,” said Susan Postma, Regional Manager, CAA. “By coupling the best of Canadian culture, food and heritage, with the safety and luxury of travelling on a CAA chartered plane, we are confident that these packages will give travellers a delightful option to start exploring again.” Travellers will rediscover the nation’s greatest sights, sounds and smells on one of five journeys showcasing Canada’s unforgettable wonders and hidden gems. “For many of us, travelling again for the first time is a momentous occasion and we wanted to make that extra special by cultivating a premium experience with the utmost attention to health and safety,” said Postma. “Each destination encourages travellers to immerse themselves in every moment and create lasting memories.” Packages feature everything from stargazing to whale watching; enjoying a pancake brunch on a maple farm to World Famous “Digby Scallops” in Nova Scotia; witnessing the highest tides in the world in New Brunswick to taking in Quebec’s most breathtaking waterfall and many more unique experiences in between. “We are very pleased that CAA is recognizing our superior customer service in choosing Air Canada for its unique, luxury travel packages. Our private charter service, Air Canada Jetz, is specially designed for ultra-premium customers, such as pro athletes, celebrities and music stars, ensuring CAA’s explorers will travel in extraordinary style wherever their adventure takes them,” said Eric Bordeleau, senior director, Network Scheduling and Charters at Air Canada. Tours and dates include: Glorious Lakes and Glaciers: Banff, Jasper and Beyond (August 13-20, 2022) – 8 Days Savour Quebec: A Culinary Journey Through Quebec City, Charlevoix and Montreal (August 15 – 24, 2022) – 10 Days Rich and Enticing Quebec: Explore the Spectacular Gaspé Peninsula (August 15 – 24, 2022) – 10 Days Magical Maritimes: Acadian Culture, Delicious Flavours and Historic Charms (September 10-19, 2022) – 10 Days Platinum Journey - Mountains and Memories: Wonders of the West and Rocky Mountaineer (September 13-21, 2022) – 9 Days CAA Travel has over 50 years of experience in helping members plan and book unforgettable travel excursions around the world. CAA’s new Premier Tours Collection packages are part of CAA’s Extraordinary Explorations collection and range in price starting at $6,300 CDN. Extraordinary Explorations is CAA’s collection of unique travel adventures designed for adventurous travellers looking to embark on a luxe vacation for an affordable price. Experience one-of-a-kind destinations, intriguing itineraries and exceptional excursions. Available as escorted and hosted packages, every exploration is guaranteed to create lasting memories. The 2022 Premier Collection packages can be purchased at all CAA stores or by phone at 1-844-202-8045. Click here for more information.
Journalism, Libel, and Political Messaging in America - UConn's Expert Weighs in
Former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin didn't cause the deadly 2011 shooting in Tuscon, Arizona, that injured Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, says former journalist and UConn expert Amanda Crawford in a new essay for Nieman Reports. Palin is asking for a new trial after a jury in February rejected her libel lawsuit against the New York Times. Palin sued the newspaper after it published a 2017 editorial that erroneously claimed she was responsible for the shooting. The Times quickly issued a correction. But Crawford says that, in her opinion, Palin has contributed to increased vitriol in American politics today, and that libel laws protecting freedom of the press need to be guarded: Palin, the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee known for her gun-toting right-wing invective, is now asking for a new trial in the case that hinges on an error in a 2017 Times editorial, “America’s Lethal Politics.” The piece, which bemoaned the viciousness of political discourse and pondered links to acts of violence, was published after a man who had supported Sen. Bernie Sanders opened fire at congressional Republicans’ baseball practice, injuring House Majority Whip Steve Scalise. The Times editorial noted that Palin’s political action committee published a campaign map in 2010 that used a graphic resembling the crosshairs of a rifle’s scope to mark targeted districts. It incorrectly drew a link between the map and the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, the Democratic incumbent in one of those districts, while she was at a constituent event in a grocery store parking lot in Tucson less than a year later. I was a political reporter in Arizona at the time, and I remember how Giffords herself had warned that the map could incite violence. “We’re on Sarah Palin’s targeted list,” she said in a 2010 interview, according to The Washington Post, “but the thing is that the way that she has it depicted has the crosshairs of a gun sight over our district, and when people do that, they’ve got to realize there are consequences to that action.” In the wake of the mass shooting in Tucson, some officials and members of the media suggested that political rhetoric, including Palin’s, may be to blame. In fact, no link between the campaign map and the shooting was ever established. As the judge said, the shooter’s own mental illness was to blame. That is where the Times blundered. An editor inserted language that said, “the link to political incitement was clear.” (The Times promptly issued a correction.) This was an egregious mistake and the product of sloppy journalism, but both the judge and the jury agreed that it was not done with actual malice or reckless disregard for the truth. That’s the standard that a public figure like Palin must meet because of the precedent set in the Sullivan case and subsequent decisions. Even if Palin is granted a new trial and loses again, she is likely to appeal. Her lawsuit is part of a concerted effort by critics of the “lamestream media,” including former President Donald Trump, to change the libel standard to make it easier for political figures to sue journalists and win judgments for unintentional mistakes. They want to inhibit free debate and make it harder for journalists to hold them accountable. -- Nieman Reports, March 14, 2022 If you are a reporter who is interested in covering this topic, or who would like to discuss the intersection between politics and media, let us help. Amanda Crawford is a veteran political reporter, literary journalist, and expert in journalism ethics, misinformation, conspiracy theories, and the First Amendment. Click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.
EY Government and Public Sector Cyber Security team and the Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) Centre at Aston University won £180,000 in funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Experts will work with the UK Government to find appropriate opportunities for investment in cyber security The research will map blind spots within the UK’s regional security innovation systems. Cyber security experts at Aston University will work with the Government to support its national cyber security strategy by mapping blind spots in the UK’s regional cyber security systems. The Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) Centre at Aston University will work with EY Cyber Security Consulting on the £180,000 project for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to research and map the UK cyber security ecosystem. The project will consider the current environment, conditions and interventions that exist to influence or affect companies providing cyber security products, services or solutions to support and contribute to the development and growth of cyber security businesses in the UK. The aims of this research are to provide the DCMS with robust evidence of a region-by-region picture of where public, private, academic and industry support mechanisms are in place and to identify service and geographical gaps in their provision. It comes after the CSI Centre helped launch the UK government’s National Cyber Strategy 2022 in Birmingham at a special event last December, for which Aston University professor of cybersecurity management, Vladlena Benson, was an instrumental member of the organising committee. The current project will enable the strategy implementation to support the UK Government’s ambition to grow innovation and academic research in cyber. Dr Anitha Chinnaswamy, lecturer in cyber security management at the CSI Centre at Aston Business School, says: “From the datasets collected that includes different cyber security businesses, incubators, accelerators, clusters, academic centres of excellence and other different mechanisms from across the UK, analysis will be conducted to provide a region-by-region basis of practices involved. “The mapping of the cyber security landscape will also enable the enhancement of skills and diversity across the cyber security sector. “The diversity in cyber security market lags other digital sectors, with the cyber workforce consisting of only 15% females, 16% ethnic minority backgrounds and 9% neurodivergent. The results of this project will be an important contribution for the government to foster the growth of a sustainable, innovative, and internationally competitive cyber and information security sector.”
Will voters 'hit' or 'hold' on allowing legal gambling in Georgia?
Could we see horse racing and other forms of gambling come to Georgia in the near future? The Georgia state legislature is looking at the possibility of legalizing gambling on horse racing and the decision could land in the hands of the voters. Proponents say there is potential for a billion dollars in economic benefits, from job creation to a boost in revenues. Marsha Loda is an associate professor at Augusta University’s Hull College of Business. She said if approved, it will likely take more than horse racing for a track to survive. Loda cites Kentucky as an example of what tracks are doing there. “A lot of people think of Kentucky as the mecca of horse racing, but they don’t realize it might not exist without historical horse racing machines," said Loda. "HHRs are slot-like machines that let players wager on past horse races by a random number generator.” Many tracks nationwide have also expanded into casino and sports betting. While this isn’t what Georgia is looking to do initially, it’s not far off to think it could be on the horizon, with horse racing being the first step. Loda, who previously served as marketing director at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort in North Carolina, knows if casino gambling is approved in the future, most of those people who visit need to come from out of town. “You need to be able to import your people who are going to bet. That means you’re importing revenue. Otherwise you’re taking what’s already spent in your community and just slicing it up and giving it to different places. You’re not growing the pie at all,” said Loda. She has also seen the benefits of legalized betting, citing the added jobs a casino would offer. One aspect of gambling that has exploded is sports betting. More than two dozen states have legalized sports betting. Loda thinks if sports betting was on a ballot and went in front of the public for a vote, it would stand a better chance of passing. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see Georgia pass sports betting. I think sports betting has been very well accepted. I think they would come much closer to getting more voters to approve it if it were sports betting than if it’s horse racing or casino gambling.” This is an important topic with many angles to cover, and if you are a reporter looking to know more, then let our experts help. Loda is a leading marketing expert helping businesses in the hospitality industry bounce back from crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and also has had extensive experience in the gambling industry. She is available to speak with media regarding the idea of gambling coming to Georgia. Simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.
10 resume mistakes to avoid when applying for jobs in Canada
As a newcomer to Canada, applying for your first job can be stressful. The recruitment process may be different from what you’ve experienced back home and it can take some time to understand what will make your application stand out in Canada’s competitive job market. As you look for your first job in Canada, your resume will likely be key in determining whether or not you get the role. In Canada, most companies run the resumes they receive through a resume-scanning software to filter ones that best match the requirements laid out in the job description. If you’re shortlisted, your resume and cover letter will be sent to a recruiter or hiring manager, and they’ll decide whether you’re an ideal candidate for the position. Since your resume will determine the first impression you make on the hiring manager, there’s a lot riding on what you include––or not. Should you really submit that extra page? (Maybe.) Is it okay to exaggerate your credentials? (No!) What about using a fun font? (Better not to.) Here are 10 common resume mistakes newcomers tend to make and guidance on how to avoid them. 1. Using the same resume for different job applications Landing your first job in Canada can take a few months and it’s easy to get overwhelmed and exhausted by the process. When you’re applying to hundreds of job positions, the idea of using the same generic resume for multiple positions can be tempting. However, customizing your resume significantly improves your chances of being selected. Every job is unique––and your application should be too. While your applicant profile won’t vary significantly from one application to the next, the way in which you present it should be customized for each company and job opening. A good way to do this is to look for keywords in each job posting and sprinkle them throughout your resume where they make sense. This will help your resume get past both the resume-scanning software and human recruiters tasked with reading dozens, if not hundreds of applications. Be sure to include experience and behavioural traits mentioned in the job posting. (For example, if the ideal candidate is proficient with a certain type of software, you should definitely mention any experience you have with it.) At the same time, remove experiences and skills that aren’t a match, so whoever reads your resume isn’t distracted by non-essential items. 2. Not reading the job description before creating your resume Reading the job description will give you vital information about the role and the potential candidate an organization is looking for, including key skills and experiences. Not only will this information help you determine if you’re a good candidate, it’ll also help you craft the perfect resume. Many Canadian employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes and shortlist ones that match the job description. This means it’s essential your application takes the job ad into consideration. As mentioned above, you’ll want to look for keywords and descriptions you can include in your cover letter and resume. It’s also a good idea to include some synonyms and similar words to these keywords. The idea is to include just enough keywords for your resume to pass the ATS, while ensuring that it reads well for a human recruiter. Only include keywords where it makes sense to do so and don’t include too many in a row. Your cover letter and resume should always be grammatically correct, easy to read, and flow naturally. 3. Listing job responsibilities instead of achievements Unlike some countries where resumes are supposed to outline your past roles and responsibilities, in Canada resumes focus on achievements. Listing past job responsibilities doesn’t tell future employers how you performed in a role. The goal is to make you stand out from every other applicant with similar job experience, so make sure you emphasize what you brought to a company or team as an individual. The best way to do this is by listing achievements, citing numbers or data that may grab an employer’s attention, or describing challenges you overcame. This isn’t the time to be modest! You want to share what makes you special. 4. Grammatical errors and typos in your resume Proofread, proofread, and proofread again before hitting “send.” Missing grammatical errors and typos is the worst resume mistake you can make and can cost you a job, even if you’re a good candidate for the role. Grammatical errors will make your resume stand out in all the wrong ways, undermining your credibility and bringing into question your attention to detail. If possible, have a friend, family member, or mentor proofread your cover letter and resume as well. This is even more important if English isn’t your first language. You can use spell check as a guide, but don’t rely on it to catch all your errors. 5. Creating a resume that’s too long or too short One of the biggest questions Canadian job seekers have is how long their resume should be. The exact answer depends on the specific job at hand and an applicant’s work experience, but generally resumes should be one to two pages long. A cover letter should be no longer than one page, but not shorter than three to four paragraphs. The more years of work experience you have under your belt, the closer to two pages your resume can be. If you’re fresh out of school or less than a decade into your career, it’s better to stick to one page. As you progress in your career, it’s also normal to cut out early-career work experience and keep educational experience to a single line. A recruiter for a senior-level position doesn’t need to read about your early-20’s internships or time spent in debate club. 6. Not using action verbs You want to use powerful and impactful language in your resume, which means using action verbs. Action verbs are verbs that imply that the subject (you) is doing something. These are a great way to showcase your initiative, rather than passively saying you were “responsible for” something. Good examples of action words to use in a cover letter or resume include “led,” “managed,” “succeeded,” “surpassed,” “created,” and “delivered.” Try to use a mix of action words and avoid repeating the same ones in consecutive points. 7. Including information not typically included in Canadian resumes In Canada, you’re not supposed to include information like your marital status, religion, gender, age, or sexual orientiation in your cover letter or resume. Unless you’re applying for a modelling or acting job, you’re also not supposed to include a photo or headshot. Not only will this extra information take up valuable page space, it could cause a potential employer to avoid your resume for fear of accusations of unintentional or intentional discrimination. It’s actually illegal in Canada for an employer to ask for information like your sexual orientation, age, or ethnicity in a job application process or interview. To avoid putting a recruiter or employer in an awkward situation, it’s best to stay away from these topics. It’s also considered improper to include salary expectations or irrelevant personal hobbies in your application. In Canada, you can skip writing “references available upon request,” as that’s understood and doesn’t need to be stated. 8. Submitting a cluttered or improperly-formatted resume First and foremost, a resume should always be organized and easy to read. An employer should be able to easily pick out your work experience, any volunteer experience, and educational background. Be sure to leave enough white space around text. This typically means 1 or 1.5 line spacing and wider margins. Job applications also aren’t the time to get creative with fonts. Stick to classics like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri with a size of at least 10, but not larger than 14. Avoid mixing fonts or using too many different font sizes. Also avoid going overboard with bolding, underlining, or italicizing. If you need more guidance on formatting your resume in the Canadian style, you’ll find the tips and templates you need in our article on Canadian resumes and cover letters. 9. Listing inaccurate contact information It doesn’t matter how great your resume is if a potential employer can’t contact you. If you’ve recently moved or changed your phone number or e-mail address, make sure the information included in your cover letter and resume is up to date. Either way, proofread this information multiple times to avoid typos. It’s also important to make sure your email address is professional (avoid using contact email addresses like cutiepie468@hotmail.com or rockstar732@yahoo.com). Ideally, it should be formatted firstname.lastname or using your initials and not include any nicknames or slang language. 10. Lying on your resume You may be tempted to exaggerate your experience or accomplishments, but this is a big ethical no-no and a dealbreaker for any potential employer. Many Canadian recruiters and employers will verify your credentials and background through other sources, whether that’s by calling references, conducting background checks, or looking you up on LinkedIn or other social media platforms. If you lie, you’re very likely to get caught. If you’re worried about an employment gap, it’s better to plan to explain it than cover it up with a lie. As a newcomer, landing a first job can be challenging. However, it’s important to avoid the urge to embellish or lie to make your resume more impressive. Remember, most employment contracts include a clause that allows an employer to terminate your position if they find you lied on your job application. That’s not the type of stress you need hanging over your head! Having a good resume is crucial for your job search. Your resume is essentially your first interaction with a prospective employer and it should convey why you’re an ideal candidate for the job. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make a positive impression and stand out among a pool of candidates to land a job in Canada. Original article located here, published by Arrive. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all.
Bowel or fecal incontinence, according to the Mayo Clinic, “is the inability to control bowel movements, causing stool (feces) to leak unexpectedly from the rectum. Also called bowel incontinence, fecal incontinence ranges from an occasional leakage of stool while passing gas to a complete loss of bowel control. Common causes of fecal incontinence include diarrhea, constipation, and muscle or nerve damage. The muscle or nerve damage may be associated with aging or with giving birth.” Dr. Satish Rao is a seasoned gastroenterologist and an expert in digestive health, particularly the brain-gut connection. Rao, a professor of medicine at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, recently offered a Q&A on the topic of fecal incontinence with the journal Gastroenterology & Hepatology. What is the prevalence of fecal incontinence in the adult population? Surveys have indicated a prevalence of approximately 9% to 10% in the United States. A recent study reported a 14% prevalence, although this study was Internet-based and, thus, may not have included many elderly patients, as they may not be as computer-savvy as younger patients. It is safe to say that one in seven Americans currently suffers from fecal incontinence. Prevalence appears to be equal in men and women, although women outnumber men almost three to one when it comes to gastroenterology clinic visits and health care-seeking. Men may be too embarrassed to bring the issue of fecal incontinence to the attention of a physician, but when asked about it, they will admit and discuss it. Also, extracting information from a patient about fecal incontinence depends on how the question is asked. Asking patients whether they have daily leakage vs whether they ever have had leakage or have had leakage in the past month will elicit different responses that a clinician may interpret differently. It is important to remember that leakage is not a physiologic event that a healthy adult should have at any time, even once a month or once a year. Not having the capacity to control bowel evacuation or having leakage unaware of its occurrence signals an abnormality. What are notable risk factors for fecal incontinence? In women, pregnancy can be a risk factor, particularly if giving birth involves pelvic tissue damage, such as injury inflicted by forceps use or the unfortunate occurrence of a significant tear. Neurologic or back injuries are other common risk factors. Also, chronic diarrhea can progress to fecal incontinence owing to severe irritation of the rectum or irritants in stool. Further, any condition that changes the ability of rectal capacity can result in fecal incontinence. These circumstances can include surgery or radiation to the rectal area. Hear from a patient and learn more about Rao's research using magnetic stimulation to treat fecal incontinence. What treatment modalities are currently available? Simple, conservative treatment consists of educating patients about fecal incontinence and instructing them to avoid precipitating events. For example, although many people love to have a meal followed by a cup of coffee and a walk, such a sequence of activities is ill-advised for an incontinent patient: the meal provokes a gastric-colonic response, coffee is a powerful colonic stimulant, and exercise also stimulates motility. This triad creates the perfect storm for a stool leakage or accident while the patient is out on the after-dinner walk. Antidiarrheal therapies can be very effective but only in approximately 15% to 20% of patients. Another treatment is biofeedback, which can correct muscle weakness using behavioral techniques. Biofeedback provides resolution in approximately 50% to 70% of patients. The traditional model of office-based biofeedback requires that the patient make 6 or even up to 10 visits to a specialty clinic. This may mean that some patients must drive very long distances to an appropriate care facility that is staffed with trained personnel or physical therapists. This scenario presents a significant challenge for many patients, which is increasingly being recognized by health care professionals and researchers. Good devices for home-based biofeedback have been scarce; however, such a device was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. The research center at Augusta University has tested it in a clinical trial setting and found it to be quite effective as a home biofeedback treatment. Dextranomer is another treatment modality. It involves injection of small beads of dextran polymers into the anorectal region. The beads form a protective cuff or a buffer to stop stool leakage. Another treatment modality is sacral nerve stimulation using the Medtronic InterStim system. The patient is outfitted with a pacemaker-like device with wires that continuously stimulate the sacral nerves that control stool events. In the case of a torn muscle, suturing the torn ends to reduce the size of the anorectal opening is usually useful for women postpartum, although the effect may not be sustained in the long term. What emerging treatments and research should clinicians be aware of? One emerging treatment developed at Augusta University’s Clinical Research Center is called translumbosacral neuromodulation therapy (TNT). TNT is similar to TAMS and involves the fecal delivery of magnetic energy through an insulated coil to the lumbosacral nerves that regulate anorectal function. The pulses generated are of the same strength as those of magnetic resonance imaging. The team at Augusta University’s research center has shown that TNT mechanistically improves nerve function and substantively improves stool leakage. A sham-controlled study and long-term study are currently underway at Augusta University and Harvard University’s Massachusetts General Hospital. These studies are being sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. A multicenter study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health that the team at Augusta University also is involved with is the FIT (Fecal Incontinence Treatment) trial. This randomized study compares biofeedback with dextranomer injection. Also, as mentioned, tools are becoming available for home biofeedback that should allow many more affected patients to receive treatment because they can do so in the comfort of their own home. The research center at Augusta University is working on a novel home biofeedback protocol for the treatment of constipation and fecal incontinence. Thus, novel noninvasive tools are emerging for fecal incontinence. The repertoire of current and emerging tools holds the promise of improved outcomes for patients with fecal incontinence. Rao is also the founder of the Augusta University Digestive Health Center. He is available to speak to media regarding any aspect of digestive health -- simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
An Opening Day Predicament—Will Baseball Fans Side with Billionaire Owners or Millionaire Players?
A percolating labor showdown between well-heeled Major League Baseball team owners and well-paid baseball players threatens spring training and Opening Day. For the time being, it is an amicable negotiation to carve a new Collective Bargaining Agreement in time for the 2022 season, but it could turn sour, as these things tend to do. As usual, the fans are in that empty, helpless space between billionaire owners and millionaire players. “There’s still a little bit of time here before panic and pressure set in,” said Mike Lewis, Goizueta professor of marketing and a national expert on fandom who also serves as the faculty director of the Emory Marketing Analytics Center (EmoryMAC). “If we get to Opening Day and there is no baseball that is going to be a major shock to the system, and it is going to have major ramifications.” Lewis explains, “Fandom is built by the epic moment, the walk-off home run and the spectacular catch, but fandom is also hurt by the epic failure, such as canceling Opening Day. You might not see it in the data for this season, but it is going to be a hit on the fans’ long-term appreciation for their team.” So, whose side should fandom be on? The billionaire owners or the many millionaire players? The Baseball Collective Bargaining Agreement, Explained Lewis spells out the current baseball dilemma. Players want to reduce the time they have to wait to enter full free agency, which is currently six seasons. The players also want teams to be able to spend at least $245 million a season, per team, on salaries before MLB hits the clubs with a luxury tax, which is a way to keep rich teams from buying all the talent. The luxury tax ceiling is currently $210 million. Players are not happy with the luxury tax because it resembles a “soft” salary cap, or a limit on their pay. “A lot of what the players are looking for is the freedom for the owners to spend,” Lewis says. “And more freedom for the owners to spend is going to make the competitive balance issues in Major League Baseball worse.” Do the fans really want that the players to win this labor fight? Major League Baseball instituted a luxury tax system in 2002 with a new Collective Bargaining Agreement that charged a fee to teams whose payrolls passed a certain threshold. It was done to keep clubs like the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, and Cubs with their massive local television revenues from stockpiling all the stars, Lewis explains. He goes on to say that the luxury tax penalty has slowly lost its effectiveness because revenues have grown in MLB. The rich teams shrug at the tax and the results have been awful for competitive balance in the game. Fans of less wealthy teams despair in this state of oligopoly in baseball. There have been as many 100-loss teams in the past three full seasons (2018, 2019, 2021) as there were from 2007-2017 combined (11). Good players flee the less wealthy teams, losses pile up, and fans are put off. If we move back to the wild west with the market it is going to be harder to keep the franchise superstar in town. “We know what the system’s going to look like with a more open market. It’s going to look like the New York Yankees dominating, as they did in the late 90s and early 2000s. It’s going to look like Alabama in college football.” If the players have their way in this latest bargaining, they will be “stuck” for just three or four years with the team that drafts them, not six, before they hit free agency. Morgan Ward, Goizueta assistant professor of marketing with a research focus on consumer behavior, said the labor tussle between wealthy owners and wealthy players is a “rich people problem” that threatens the “folklore” of the game. “I think it could have a really alienating effect overall on the general public just because it changes the focus of the game, it takes something very communal and familial and makes it very transactional,” Ward says. “It can be very distancing for the fans and, if anything, illustrates the schism between the fans and these players. These are not your friends or neighbors. They are in a very different place in life.” So, Will Fans Side with the Owners? It’s more complicated than that. “The fans have an emotional attachment with the players and no real emotional attachment with the owners,” Ward says. What the Major League Baseball Players Association, or the union, better not count on, Ward notes, is the fandom rallying to the players just because we have seen a national shift toward worker’s rights that arrived with the COVID-19 pandemic. One of those shifts was college athletes, at last, being able to make money off their name, image, and likeness. Labor has been humanized on a certain level, but even though the baseball players are “labor” and in a “union,” Ward says there is no comparison between the fight for college athletes against the majordomo NCAA, the governing body of college athletics, and baseball players against baseball owners. “The public is sympathetic with people in low-wage, high-service industries that finally have the ability to negotiate,” Ward says. “But it’s hard for me to see the same victimization of baseball players that happened with college athletes.” The last time there was a prolonged labor dispute between the owners and players, which was in 1994, it was disastrous for baseball. The players went on strike in August that season, which canceled the World Series. Average attendance per game that season was a then-record of 31,256. It took 10 years for baseball to average more than 30,000 fans to a game because fans became disgusted with the owners and players. “How much should we expect fans to endure this time?” Lewis asks. “They just came off Covid when there were restrictions on attendance and a shortened season,” Lewis said. “This stuff adds up. The fan is going to say, ‘Why am I loyal to these guys?’” If you're a reporter looking to know more - then let us help. Professor Mike Lewis is an Associate Professor of Marketing at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and is an expert in sports analytics and marketing. Morgan Ward is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and is an expert in consumer behavior. Both experts are available to speak with media - simply click on an icon to arrange a discussion today.
Understanding Ukraine and Russia's long history - let UMW's expert help
As the war in Ukraine now extends past a week, many people are trying to understand the reasoning behind Russia’s invasion of its neighbor. Like most of Eastern Europe, the ink that draws the modern borders we see now on maps is still not dry. If you are a journalist looking to know more about this topic and how the past is now affecting the future of Russia, Ukraine and likely Europe – then let our experts help with your stories. Steven Harris is a professor in the University of Mary Washington's Department of History and American Studies. He is a sought-after expert on modern Russian and European history. Dr. Harris is available to speak with media about this important aspect of the crisis in Ukraine – simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
