The organization says several blood types are now at limited inventory levels, creating concerns about maintaining a stable supply for hospitals if donation rates do not improve.

Every week, Canadian Blood Services requires approximately 18,000 booked blood donation appointments to meet the ongoing needs of patients across the country. Over the past six weeks, however, weekly appointments have fallen short by between 1,500 and 2,500 donations, forcing the organization to rely on existing inventory to keep up with hospital demand.

Although blood donations typically decline during the summer months, Canadian Blood Services says this year’s decrease has been significantly greater than expected.

“We’ve seen the blood supply decline by about 20 per cent in just a matter of weeks and we need more donors to come forward now to reverse this decline,” said Ron Vezina, Vice President of Donor Engagement and Corporate Reputation at Canadian Blood Services.

Because donated blood has a shelf life of just 42 days, maintaining a consistent supply depends on people donating regularly throughout the year rather than only during emergencies.

The organization also notes that demand remains constant regardless of the season, with blood needed daily for surgeries, cancer treatments, trauma care, chronic illnesses and emergency situations. With the August long weekend approaching, officials say trauma cases often increase, making it especially important for hospitals to have adequate supplies on hand.

To help meet demand, Canadian Blood Services has added additional weekend appointments at many donor centres and is also offering whole blood donation appointments at several plasma donor centres.

Officials are encouraging both first-time and returning donors to book an appointment as soon as possible. Those who already have an appointment are also being asked to keep it, or cancel in advance if they can no longer attend so another donor can take their place.

Eligible donors can book an appointment through the Canadian Blood Services website, the GiveBlood app or by calling 1-888-2-DONATE.

For many patients, a single donation can make a lifesaving difference, and with inventories currently under pressure, Canadian Blood Services says now is one of the most important times of the year to roll up a sleeve and donate.

The post Blood Supply Drops Nearly 20% as Canadian Blood Services Urges More Donors to Book Appointments appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

For decades, the Yonge and Lawrence neighbourhood was known as an area that had all the conveniences for young professionals with young families. Now the neighbourhood is seeing a renewal of energy as it grows alongside these families. New businesses have made the area home and not just for the neighbourhood residents but also for the rest of the city. Foot traffic in the area has increased as Torontonians are exploring options beyond the core thanks to the accessibility of public transit and public bike shares.

Transcend co-founders Nida and Karim are no strangers to the area. As residents, they are immersed in the community that is evolving right before their eyes. They’ve always been deeply passionate about holistic health and fitness. However, like many of us, they found themselves constantly commuting downtown to find the kind of immersive and premium boutique experience they craved.

They recognized there was a gap midtown in the area that was already busy with traditional gyms and focused workout studios. They felt the area was poised for something more elevated and transformative. Yonge and Lawrence was more than ready for an all-encompassing wellness and fitness space that builds its strength with a like-minded community.

Transcend’s high-end, transformative experience right at the doorsteps of people living in midtown and uptown is in it for the long run. By eliminating the commute to downtown studios and without compromising on the quality of the sweat, it’s destined to be a go-to.

Recently we chatted with co-founders, Nida and Karim, to learn more about Transcend…

You’ve created this space that is unlike what we’ve seen uptown Toronto, so far.  What was your inspiration for the design aspect? 

We absolutely wanted to bring that edgy, cosmopolitan “downtown vibe” north of Eglinton, but with a deeply welcoming touch. Our design inspiration was rooted in creating a modern sanctuary that intentionally activates the sense of sight. It is a mindfully designed studio featuring biophilic design elements and soothing, smooth edges. We incorporated the warmth of terra-cotta found in Morocco—a colour that is grounding yet simultaneously energizing. Paired with moody lighting and raw textures, creating an atmosphere that makes you immediately feel like you are here to heal and connect with the community.

Tell us about some of the details that you’ve incorporated into the space that you were really excited about. The infrared heat and air control are so great!

The environmental controls are definitely a point of pride, but we are most excited about how the studio engages the rest of the senses! For touch, we invested in state-of-the-art infrared heating panels, allowing you to truly feel that deep, detoxifying heat and sweat on your body. For scent, a custom essence is pumped through all of our fans, specifically chosen to help regulate hormones and bring balance to the nervous system. For sound, we integrated binaural soundscapes to calm the mind, paired with a premium surround sound system so you physically feel energized by the music during a workout. Pair all of that with our hospital-grade air filtration system, and you get an incredibly crisp, breathable environment.

Who is the space for?

This space is truly for anyone who values their physical and mental wellbeing and is looking for a premium, supportive environment to pursue it. Whether you are a seasoned athlete looking to cross-train, a busy parent needing an hour of pure “me time,” or someone just beginning their fitness journey, our doors are open. We designed the studio to cater to people who want more than just a quick workout; it’s for individuals looking for a holistic lifestyle upgrade, expert guidance, and a beautiful place to disconnect from their daily stressors.

It already feels very much like a community within a community –  intentional?

Absolutely. Fostering a genuine sense of connection was at the very core of our business plan. The fitness industry can sometimes feel intimidating or highly transactional, so we designed our physical layout—like our spacious lounge and seating areas—to encourage members to linger, chat, and connect before and after class. We want people to know each other’s names, celebrate each other’s milestones, and feel a true sense of belonging. Yonge and Lawrence is already a tight-knit neighbourhood, and we simply wanted to create a beautiful clubhouse where that community could gather, sweat, and socialize.

Tell us about how you found your instructors and the classes that are currently being offered?

We were incredibly meticulous in our recruitment process. We didn’t just look for fitness expertise; we looked for magnetic personalities, emotional intelligence, and a genuine passion for uplifting others. Many of our instructors are industry veterans we’ve admired for years, while others are incredible rising stars we discovered through rigorous local auditions.

Right now, our class roster offers a balanced blend of intensity and restoration, featuring Yoga, HIIT strength, mat pilates, and box HIIT. The goal was to offer a comprehensive weekly routine under one roof, guided by the best motivators in the city.

Tell us about the Smoothie Bar!

Our Smoothie Bar is where the sense of taste comes alive! We really envisioned it as a central hub—a place for people to gather with their community over incredible, functional drinks. We collaborated with a holistic nutritionist to ensure every single menu item is packed with high-quality protein and is absolutely vegan, with zero added sugars. We only use natural ingredients like honey and dates for sweetness. We spent months in the kitchen testing different flavour profiles until we got the taste and texture exactly right. We wanted to prove that nutrient-dense food doesn’t have to taste “earthy” or boring. Our signature blends are formulated to taste like absolute treats, while giving your body exactly what it needs post-workout.

What’s the reception been like so far?

The reception has honestly blown us away. We quietly opened our doors hoping for a warm welcome, but the response from the neighbourhood has exceeded our wildest expectations. We are seeing familiar faces returning day after day, bringing their friends and family, and truly embracing the space as their own. Hearing members say that “this was exactly what the neighbourhood needed” validates all the hard work and late nights that went into building this studio. We are just so incredibly grateful to be here and excited to keep growing alongside this amazing community.

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Transcend owners also wanted to make the space convenient for even those on the go. The space is equipped with showers, towels, hair dryers and a few grooming products for those who want to squeeze in a workout before work or a night out.

Being right on the subway line with steps from the Lawrence Station entrance, and ample side street parking, Transcend has become more than a convenient fitness studio. It’s also a sanctuary for those seeking an inspiring yet soothing space that has all the amenities for a mindful workout.  It’s a studio that takes priority in ensuring that everyone feels supported and welcomed. I’ve been consistently taking their Boxing HIIT classes even at 6 am. I don’t think I’ve ever been inspired to wake up this early to punch a bag and squat! The infrared heated Hatha Yoga is great, and my skin looks great even days after this class (and so far, the room never smells of sweat). The variety of classes will keep me from getting bored!

By the way, the Rest & Reset class is the perfect way to give yourself a much-needed break from this crazy world. People indeed briefly fall asleep here! Also, keep an eye on their social media pages to learn about some fun high-energy sessions, including live DJs on the weekends.

Transcend Studio is now officially open at 3229 Yonge Street, Toronto. Check out their classes and memberships here.

The post Transcend Elevates Wellness and Fitness Midtown Toronto appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

The eufy Wearable Breast Pump S2 Pro (S2 Pro), released this spring, builds on that foundation with upgrades that are not just spec-sheet additions. A few of them change how the device actually works. Read on, for our thoughts on the brand-new S2 Pro, and how it compares to the S1.

What the S2 Pro Does Differently

The most significant upgrade to the S2 is a vibration massage system built around four spring-loaded vibrating discs that apply movement directly to the breast during a session. The massage operates independently from the suction, with its own intensity settings and modes.This matters because gentle movement during pumping is something lactation consultants have recommended for years to support let-down, prevent clogs and encourage more thorough emptying. On the S1 Pro, if you wanted that, you did it yourself. The S2 Pro builds it in, with four modes accessible through the app. For anyone who has dealt with engorgement or recurring blocked ducts, that addition alone makes a serious case for upgrading.

The warming function has also been reworked. The S1 Pro’s HeatFlow was one of its most impressive features, delivering targeted warmth that supported let-down and made a real difference in comfort. The S2 Pro expands it to 360-degree wrap-around warmth that heats in about 10 seconds across seven adjustable settings, surrounding the whole cup rather than a portion of it. For many users that fuller coverage makes a real difference in how quickly let-down happens.

The smaller additions are worth noting too. The cup is now transparent with a built-in nipple light, so you can check alignment at a glance without fumbling in the dark or second-guessing the fit. The S2 Pro also adds sensors that stop the pump automatically when the cup is full and alert you to leaks when bending. The charging case has been upgraded to wireless and now provides up to seven days of power, extending what was already one of the S1 Pro’s practical strengths.

What Hasn’t Changed, and Why That Matters

What has not changed is worth noting, because it is the reason both pumps are worth considering.

Both offer 300 mmHg hospital-grade suction, both run on a quiet 46 dB, and both are fully app-controlled without touching the device. We’re big fans of the app, which makes it very easy to adjust comfort settings and track pumping sessions! The in-bra, tubeless design is also unchanged. The S2 Pro keeps the part count at five pieces to clean per session, which matters when you are running it multiple times a day.

The S1 Pro is still one of the better wearable pumps available, and that has not changed. The S2 Pro simply takes everything that made it good and pushes it further. If you are starting fresh, start here. If you are already an S1 Pro user and are curious about the massage feature, or just wishing the warming went a little further, this is the version that delivers it.

The eufy S2 Pro and S1 Pro are both available at eufy.com.

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