Pure Dental Health’s Dunwoody Location is Recognized as a 2023 Top Patient Rated Dentist by Find Local Doctors


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“We are so proud to always provide our patients with the very best that modern dentistry has to offer,” says Dr. Justin Scott of Pure Dental Health Dunwoody

Pure Dental Health’s Dunwoody, Georgia, location provides the very best in oral health for the entire family. The Dunwoody location delivers a wide range of services, using state-of-the-art technology and the skills of a top-notch team, with expertise in many dental procedures and treatments. In one place, patients can receive routine cleaning, smile makeover, oral surgery, or a full set of implant-supported dentures. This clinic has been selected for this prestigious recognition as a result of a large number of five-star ratings and superior online reviews it has earned. Find Local Doctors provides a trusted online directory, helping patients easily locate qualified and reputable physicians and dentists in their area. Pure Dental Health Dunwoody’s highly skilled dentists specialize in all facets of dentistry, including general dentistry, advanced cosmetic procedures, dental implants, emergency dentistry, and orthodontics. They strive to deliver an excellent patient-centric experience, with relaxing, spa-like amenities, convenient scheduling options, insurance acceptance, and monthly payment plans.

“We are so proud to always provide our patients with the very best that modern dentistry has to offer,” says Dr. Vanmali of Pure Dental Health Dunwoody

Pure Dental Health Dunwoody:

Dr. Suraj Arvind Vanmali, also known as Dr. V, was born in Panama City, Panama, and has lived in Georgia for 20+ years and attended The University of Georgia, where he received his B.S. degree in microbiology. He obtained his DDM from The Kornberg School of Dentistry in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Singh was born and raised in India, and after completing her undergraduate studies, moved to the United States to pursue her dream of becoming a dentist. She attended the Medical College of Georgia, where she received her degree in dentistry. Dr. Singh has been practicing for over 25 years and gained extensive experience in all aspects of the field. Pure Dental Health offers two convenient locations at 2390 Mount Vernon Road in Dunwoody, GA, and 2285 Peachtree Road, Suite 203, in Atlanta, GA.

For more information about Pure Dental Health Dunwoody, please visit http://www.puredentalhealth.com or call (404) 343-2855.

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FCC Culinary Institute First in the Nation to Offer Culinary Medicine Program


“I am thrilled to bring this innovative program to our community to teach professionals this new approach to healthy AND delicious cooking based on research,” said HCTI Manager Elizabeth DeRose.

The Hospitality, Culinary & Tourism Institute (HCTI) at Frederick Community College (FCC) is offering a new certification program, Culinary Medicine for Foodservice Professionals. FCC is the first culinary school in the country to offer this program and certification.

The Culinary Medicine for Foodservice Professionals program is designed for foodservice professionals with at least three years of industry experience, those employed at a healthcare facility, Certified Dietary Managers, graduates of accredited culinary schools, or those holding a certification from the American Culinary Federations (ACF). Those who complete the program earn a Certified Culinary Medicine Professional (CCMP) certification.

The goal of the program is to equip foodservice professionals with a unique combination of nutritional knowledge and improved culinary skills so they can integrate healthy choices into menus and aid consumers in making healthier dietary decisions. Comprised of online education and hands-on cooking modules, this course is designed for those passionate about integrating science-based nutrition research into their culinary skillset.

“I am thrilled to bring this innovative program to our community to teach professionals this new approach to healthy AND delicious cooking based on research,” said HCTI Manager Elizabeth DeRose. “This program is designed for professionals cooking/developing menus for restaurants, cafes, caterers, schools, hospitals, healthcare, institutions, hotels, country clubs, resorts, contract food service companies, sporting and entertainment venues, airlines, cruise ships, and more. We are proud to be the first culinary school in the country to offer this program and professional certification in partnership with the George Washington University Culinary Medicine Program.”

Culinary Medicine refers to the educational “health meets food” curriculum originally designed for healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, physicians assistants, registered dieticians, and pharmacists. The goal of this curriculum is to improve conversations between healthcare professionals and patients when it comes to health and nutrition.

The course begins June 6, 2023, and registration is open. A $500 scholarship is available to those enrolling in the program. This is a Continuing Education course. All students interested in the scholarship will need to complete the Continuing Education Scholarship Application.

For more information about this offering, visit http://www.frederick.edu/culinarymedicine.

Complete the Continuing Education Scholarship Application

https://app.perfectforms.com/PresentationServer/App.aspx/Play/a-QmgAYp?f=a-QmgAYp.

More information about Culinary Medicine is available at https://culinarymedicine.org/.

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Frederick Community College (FCC), located in Frederick, Maryland, provides affordable, flexible access to lifelong education that responds to the needs of diverse learners and the community. Offering more than 85 degree and certificate programs through credit and Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD), FCC has been the learning destination for more than 200,000 students since 1957. FCC recognizes the different learning needs and preferences of students and offers flexible learning formats for students interested in opportunities for career and transfer, job credentials, professional development, and personal enrichment.

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Gay Parents To Be Launches New Website Featuring The Latest Resources for LGBTQ+ Family Planning


Gay Parents To Be unveils new website in time for Pride 2023

“As a physician and a father who has been through the surrogacy process twice in order to grow my own family, I want other hopeful parents in the LGBTQ+ community to know that they have options, and that all their hard work will pay off,” said Dr. Mark Leondires.

Gay Parents To Be (GPTB), the leading international fertility resource serving the LGBTQ+ community, announces the launch of its new website, featuring a modernized virtual hub for LGBTQ+ family planning. In partnership with renowned fertility clinic Illume Fertility, the new GPTB website offers comprehensive guides for those pursuing fertility treatment and surrogacy, a diverse collection of patient stories, information about affording treatment, and other resources to support LGBTQ+ parents-to-be. Together, GPTB and Illume Fertility are committed to providing an inclusive patient experience, exceptional care, and innovative treatment options, all under the guidance of eight board-certified reproductive endocrinologists. Founded in 2012, Gay Parents To Be strives to help LGBTQ+ patients explore and understand the various pathways to parenthood so they can achieve their biological family-building goals.

“As a physician and a father who has been through the surrogacy process twice in order to grow my own family, I want other hopeful parents in the LGBTQ+ community to know that they have options, and that all their hard work will pay off,” said Dr. Mark Leondires. “At times, navigating a family-building journey can feel completely overwhelming. This is why I originally founded Gay Parents To Be, and why we work to continually expand the resources, information, and treatment options we offer to LGBTQ+ families.”

The new GPTB website features a wealth of resources for those exploring potential pathways to biological family building, as well as foster-to-adopt and adoption. Through articles released weekly on a comprehensive Resource Center, free eBooks on topics such as surrogacy, IVF and donor conception, and a library of LGBTQ+ family-building stories to inspire and educate, GPTB’s newly launched website demonstrates its strong commitment to supporting all members of the LGBTQ+ community.

About Gay Parents To Be

Gay Parents To Be is the leading international fertility and family-building resource serving the LGBTQ+ community. In partnership with East Coast-based fertility practice Illume Fertility, Gay Parents To Be offers a full suite of family-building services and support to help LGBTQ+ patients explore their options and navigate their chosen pathway to parenthood. The program was founded in 2012 by Dr. Mark Leondires, a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ+ family-building community, and a gay dad through egg donation and surrogacy himself. Gay Parents To Be is a single-source destination with a trusted partner network, including surrogacy agencies, egg donor banks, and reproductive attorneys. Designated as an LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign for the past six years, Gay Parents To Be continues to signal its dedication to inclusion and equity in reproductive care. Learn more at GayParentsToBe.com.

About Illume Fertility

Illume Fertility, formerly RMA of Connecticut, is a leading modern fertility practice with an exceptional patient experience, providing care, guidance, and expertise to help patients achieve their fertility and family-building goals. Led by an award-winning team of eight highly credentialed Board Certified reproductive endocrinologists, many of whom have received Castle Connolly’s prestigious Top Doc award, Illume Fertility specializes in a range of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) including intrauterine insemination (IUI), in-vitro fertilization (IVF), preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), and Invocell (IVC). Illume Fertility’s internationally recognized Gay Parents To Be® program specializes in LGBTQ+ family building. For the last six years, Illume Fertility has been recognized as a Leader in Healthcare Equality by the Human Rights Campaign. Illume Fertility is one of the largest fertility clinics and egg donation centers in the region, also offering egg freezing, oncofertility preservation, and PCOS management, helping patients as young as 16. Illume Fertility is the only regional fertility clinic offering on-site holistic patient support services including nutrition counseling, individual and couples psychological counseling, acupuncture and yoga.

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AI, Lung Sounds, Remote Coaching and Alternate Endpoints, Upcoming Webinar Hosted by Xtalks


With the recent pandemic and the shift to a decentralized trial approach, trial participants are looking to test from home; however, without coaching and with standard overread timelines, there is a great risk of unusable data, retests and missed timepoints.

For decades, respiratory trials relied almost exclusively on large, site-based spirometer units and required protracted timelines for data analysis and overread. Achieving repeatable, high-quality forced spirometry maneuvers was challenging and required in-person coaching to ensure that maximal effort was achieved.

With the recent pandemic and the shift to a decentralized trial approach, trial participants are looking to test from home; however, without coaching and with standard overread timelines, there is a great risk of unusable data, retests and missed timepoints. In this webinar, Dr. Marko Topalović, co-founder of ArtiQ, will discuss new artificial intelligence approaches to spirometry data overread that enable instant feedback and make at-home, just as in-clinic, testing more robust and cost-effective. Clario’s Kevin McCarthy and Dr. Phil Lake will address new options for at-home spirometry that bring the clinician into the participant’s home, virtually, and the impact that has on data quality.

Respiratory endpoints have moved beyond standard spirometry metrics and sponsors now have more flexibility in demonstrating drug efficacy, and in ways that are more repeatable and less taxing on the trial participant. Dr. Adrian Marinovich of Strados Labs will discuss remote lung sound monitoring, the respiratory endpoints it provides, and how it fits into respiratory trials. Lastly, Dr. Kai-Michael Beeh of Clario will discuss additional respiratory endpoints that provide low-strain alternatives to forced spirometry as well as complementary endpoints that provide additional insight into lung health.

Join a cross-industry panel of experts as they examine new and upcoming developments in respiratory trials.

Attendees are encouraged to sign up early to get their question in the queue for the panel!

Join Kevin McCarthy, RPFT, Director, Respiratory Science, Clario; Kai-Michael Beeh, MD, Founder and Medical Director, insaf Respiratory Research Institute; Phil Lake, PhD, Senior Director, Respiratory Solutions, Clario; Marko Topalović, PhD, CEO & Co-Founder, ArtiQ; and Adrian Marinovich, MD, MPH, Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Strados Labs, for the live webinar on Friday, June 16, 2023, at 11am EDT (4pm BST/UK).

For more information, or to register for this event, visit New Frontiers in Respiratory Trials: AI, Lung Sounds, Remote Coaching and Alternate Endpoints.

ABOUT XTALKS

Xtalks, powered by Honeycomb Worldwide Inc., is a leading provider of educational webinars to the global life science, food and medical device community. Every year, thousands of industry practitioners (from life science, food and medical device companies, private & academic research institutions, healthcare centers, etc.) turn to Xtalks for access to quality content. Xtalks helps Life Science professionals stay current with industry developments, trends and regulations. Xtalks webinars also provide perspectives on key issues from top industry thought leaders and service providers.

To learn more about Xtalks visit http://xtalks.com

For information about hosting a webinar visit http://xtalks.com/why-host-a-webinar/

Contact:

Vera Kovacevic

Tel: +1 (416) 977-6555 x371

Email: vkovacevic@xtalks.com

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How to Improve Accuracy and Save Time, Upcoming Webinar Hosted by Xtalks


Manual cell counting is time-consuming, subjective due to reliance on human interpretation and requires a high degree of skill.

Accurate and timely cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell counts are critical in the diagnosis of meningitis, malignancy, demyelinating disease and hemorrhage. Due to historical limitations with the linearity of automated analyzers, CSF cell counts have traditionally been performed manually with a hemocytometer and the aid of a brightfield optical microscope. Manual cell counting is time-consuming, subjective due to reliance on human interpretation and requires a high degree of skill. This poses significant challenges for clinical laboratories of all sizes facing unprecedented staffing shortages. It also poses challenges for physicians who rely on timely results to provide appropriate patient management.

In this webinar, the featured speakers will discuss the importance of accurate and timely CSF cell counts and the positive impact of implementing a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared advancement in CSF cell counting technology through case studies from three hospitals in the US, including MercyOne, Des Moines Medical Center.

Register for this webinar to develop a comprehensive understanding of the criticality of accurate and timely CSF cell counts and an automated solution designed to:

(1) free up tech time & improve result turnaround times,

(2) increase lab staff satisfaction & decrease stress levels, and

(3) eliminate errors associated with manual CSF cell counts & improve result accuracy.

Join the featured speakers from Advanced Instruments, LLC., Julie MacKenzie, MBA, Director, Clinical & Artel Product Portfolios; and Brandon Haller, Clinical Applications Scientist, as well as our special guest Andrea Haynes, MLS (ASCP)CM Laboratory Director, Hospital Services at MercyOne for the live webinar on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 1pm EDT (10am PDT).

For more information, or to register for this event, visit Patient CSF Cell Counts: How to Improve Accuracy and Save Time.

ABOUT XTALKS

Xtalks, powered by Honeycomb Worldwide Inc., is a leading provider of educational webinars to the global life science, food and medical device community. Every year, thousands of industry practitioners (from life science, food and medical device companies, private & academic research institutions, healthcare centers, etc.) turn to Xtalks for access to quality content. Xtalks helps Life Science professionals stay current with industry developments, trends and regulations. Xtalks webinars also provide perspectives on key issues from top industry thought leaders and service providers.

To learn more about Xtalks visit http://xtalks.com

For information about hosting a webinar visit http://xtalks.com/why-host-a-webinar/

Contact:

Vera Kovacevic

Tel: +1 (416) 977-6555 x371

Email: vkovacevic@xtalks.com

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USMLE Step 1 Changes Prompt TrueLearn to Launch New Faculty Platform


Now that the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 has moved to a pass/fail vs. a three-digit score model (1), and pass rates have declined, it is more important than ever for faculty and deans to have real-time insight into how their learners will perform on exam day. A recent study shows the majority of learners are spending less time studying for USMLE Step 1, and medical schools are noticing a difference. (2)

“We are finding that many learners aren’t preparing as much for USMLE Step 1, and that deficit will create a trickling effect,” explained TrueLearn CCO Kate Campbell. “Research shows that historically high Step 1 scores have a positive impact on Step 2 outcomes and that there is a significant correlation between scoring high on Step 1 and passing Step 2 on the first try.” (3)    

Studies also show that there is a gap when it comes to racial achievement. Underrepresented populations are more likely to fail or receive lower scores on all three USMLE exams..(4) To close this gap and ensure diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), it is critical for all learners to have equal access to the USMLE tools they need to succeed. Furthermore, it is important for faculty and deans to have the resources they need to understand learners’ strengths and weaknesses and gain insight into what concepts need more focus before they take their exams.

To help medical schools easily predict which learners might be at risk for failing Step 1 and how to optimize performance on Step 2, TrueLearn, a leading healthcare digital learning and analytics platform, has launched new technologies that enable programs to put measures in place to improve both outcomes and residency match rates. With TrueLearn, programs can easily monitor how their learners will perform on Step 1, Step 2, and Subject Exams, identify any gaps in their curriculum, and compare longitudinal trends by cohort, year, and exam — all in real-time from a centralized location.

“There are many vendors that offer USMLE test prep and Qbanks for learners, but TrueLearn is focused on a more holistic and integrated approach, supporting the students, while ensuring outcomes for the program are met as well,” said Campbell. “If programs do not have the data they need to mitigate risk, especially in light of USMLE Step 1 changes and a recent decline in pass rates, their outcomes and residency match rates could be jeopardized.”

Available today, TrueLearn’s digital learning platform is powered by a robust analytics engine and includes an innovative USMLE solution that connects students and faculty. TrueLearn delivers data-driven insights, ensuring readiness to test and optimal outcomes.

About TrueLearn (http://www.truelearn.com)

TrueLearn is a leading digital learning and analytics platform that focuses on training healthcare professionals in the areas of medicine, nursing and therapy. TrueLearn is headquartered in Mooresville, NC.                                                                    

(1) USMLE step 1 transition to pass/fail only score reporting. Usmle.org. Accessed December 12, 2022. https://www.usmle.org/usmle-step-1-transition-passfail-only-score-reporting

(2) Girard AO, Qiu C, Lake IV, Chen J, Lopez CD, Yang R. US medical student perspectives on the impact of a pass/fail USMLE Step 1. J Surg Educ. 2022;79(2):397-408. doi:10.1016/j.jsurg.2021.09.010

(3) Jacobparayil A, Ali H, Pomeroy B, Baronia R, Chavez M, Ibrahim Y. Predictors of Performance on the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 Clinical Knowledge: A Systematic Literature Review. Cureus. 2022 Feb 16;14(2):e22280. doi: 10.7759/cureus.22280. PMID: 35350504; PMCID: PMC8933259. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8933259/#:~:text=According%20to%20research%2C%20the%20predominant,the%20first%20attempt%20%5B15%5D

(4) Jones AC, Nichols AC, McNicholas CM, Stanford FC. Admissions Is Not Enough: The Racial Achievement Gap in Medical Education. Acad Med. 2021 Feb 1;96(2):176-181. doi: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000003837. PMID: 33149091; PMCID: PMC7855342.

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Dr. John C. Lantis named Editor-in-Chief of HMP Global’s WOUNDS journal; Dr. Terry Treadwell transitions to Editor-in-Chief Emeritus


Wounds logo and three headshots

WOUNDS, the official journal of SAWC Spring and Fall, is indexed in MEDLINE/PubMED.

HMP Global’s industry-leading journal WOUNDS today announced that Dr. John C. Lantis II is the new Editor-in-Chief, with Dr. Terry Treadwell transitioning to the role of Editor-in-Chief Emeritus. The journal has also announced that Dr. Vickie R. Driver will be named as a Clinical Editor. The new leadership will guide the journal’s management and strategic planning as the premier peer-reviewed publication features a growing body of practice-changing research in wound care.

The announcement coincided with the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) Spring | Wound Healing Society meeting co-located with the Diabetic Limb Salvage (DLS) conference, held April 26-30 in National Harbor, Maryland. WOUNDS, the official journal of SAWC Spring and Fall, is indexed in MEDLINE/PubMED and publishes research and commentary on tissue repair and regeneration, biology and biochemistry of wound healing, and clinical management of various wound etiologies.

Dr. Lantis is the Site-Chief of Surgery at the Mount Sinai West Hospital and professor of surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Prior to October 2020, he served as Vice Chairman and professor of surgery at Mount Sinai West and Morningside Hospitals from 2013, and the Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery since 2007. He is the past president of the New York Vascular Society, a founding member of the Vascular Study Group of Greater New York, and the American Board of Wound Medicine and Surgery. Lantis has served on the editorial boards of numerous peer-reviewed journals and to date, has been the principal investigator on more than 70 multi-center and single center chronic wound and vascular surgery trials.

“I look forward to working with the outstanding board and editorial staff at WOUNDS as we provide the latest research on best practices and innovation in the wound care field,” Lantis said. “Our multidisciplinary readership relies on WOUNDS to be well equipped to deal with a myriad of chronic wound conditions affecting their patients, and we work closely with researchers to ensure that significant, original abstracts and articles are published.”

“Dr. Lantis has a heart for research and is known throughout the wound care community and beyond as a leading expert at the forefront of innovation and improving the lives of patients,” Dr. Treadwell said. “We are honored to have a physician of his caliber leading the WOUNDS journal, and he will do great work as Editor-in-Chief.”

Dr. Treadwell first joined the WOUNDS Editorial Advisory Board in 2002 and has been the Editor since January 2007. In his emeritus position, Dr. Treadwell will remain an integral part of the journal and provide guidance to the WOUNDS Editorial Board and to Dr. Lantis in his new role. Treadwell, a graduate of The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, founded The Institute for Advanced Wound Care at Jackson Hospital in Montgomery, Ala. He served as Medical Director of the Institute after it moved to Baptist Medical Center in Montgomery in 2006. He is a member of the World Association of Medical Editors, WHS, and the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care.

Prior to being named Editor-in-Chief, Lantis served as the journal’s Clinical Editor. Joining WOUNDS in this role on the Editorial Board is Dr. Driver, System Wide Medical Director of the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Centers at INOVA Healthcare in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and professor, University of Virginia School of Medicine. Dr. Driver is also Fellow, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons-Glasgow, PM and Inaugural Fellow, Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (FAAWC).

As Clinical Editor, Dr. Driver will work closely with Dr. Lantis, as well as with Clinical Editor Dr. James McGuire and other Editorial Board members to review abstracts and articles submitted to WOUNDS. Dr. Driver will also advise on the development of additional reporting criteria that will further strengthen the quality and value of studies.

Vanessa Gabler, Assistant Editorial Director of HMP Global’s Wound Care group, said Dr. Treadwell’s leadership as Editor-in-Chief has been vital to the journal’s success over the years and he will continue to be vital in his emeritus role.

“Dr. Treadwell’s knowledge, experience, and passion for wound care has had a significant global impact on the field, and he has continued to build upon a solid foundation for the publication in his years of service,” Gabler said. “We are honored to have him continue to be involved and are looking forward to furthering the strategic goals of WOUNDS with Dr. Lantis.”

These changes to the editorial team and leadership mark the first of many changes to the Wounds publication to be announced in the coming months that will strengthen the publication’s quality, impact, and reach.

WOUNDS is part of HMP Global’s Wound Care Learning Network, which features the publications Wound Management & Prevention, Today’s Wound Clinic, and Podiatry Today, as well as WoundCon and SAWC Spring and Fall meetings. For more information, visit hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/wounds.

ABOUT HMP GLOBAL 

HMP Global is the force behind Healthcare Made Practical — and is an omnichannel leader in healthcare content, events, and education, with a mission to improve patient care. The company produces accredited medical education events — in person and online via its proprietary VRTX virtual platform — and clinically relevant, evidence-based content for the global healthcare community across a range of therapeutic areas. Its brands include the HMP Global Learning Network, healthcare’s most comprehensive source for news and information; Psych Congress, the largest independent mental health meeting in the U.S.; the Evolution of Psychotherapy, the world’s largest independent educational event for mental health professionals; the Leipzig Interventional Course (LINC), the leading, global gathering for interdisciplinary cardiovascular specialists; EMS World Expo, North America’s largest EMT and paramedic event; and the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC), the largest wound care meeting in the world. For more information, visit hmpglobal.com.

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ASL is delighted to announce asthma & allergy friendly® CERTIFIED building materials are now approved by USGBC’s LEED® Building Rating System


ASL is delighted to announce asthma & allergy friendly® CERTIFIED building materials are now approved by USGBC’s LEED® Building Rating System

ASL is delighted to announce asthma & allergy friendly® CERTIFIED building materials are now approved by USGBC’s LEED® Building Rating System

“This recognition by USGBC reinforces our commitment to promoting healthy indoor environments through certification, education, and science,” said Dr. John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards

Allergy Standards Ltd. (ASL) announced today that its asthma & allergy friendly® certification standards for building materials have been approved by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED® Building Rating System, making it a qualified third-party certification for the LEED v4.1 low-emitting materials credit. LEED is a widely used green building rating system run by USGBC, and provides a framework for healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-saving green buildings.

Resilient and textile flooring, paint, and insulation products that are CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® are now compliant with LEED Low-Emitting Materials credit requirements.

The asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program takes a whole-of-home approach to healthier indoor air, and its suite of over 50 certification standards assess products as diverse as electrical appliances, bedding, cleaning products, and building materials. The standards address a wide range of triggers of asthma and allergy in the indoor environment. For building materials, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are an important factor in ensuring a healthier indoor environment.

The asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program sets strict criteria in terms of VOC emissions for paint, insulation, and flooring, and in terms of VOC content for paint. It is these criteria that have been approved by USGBC for LEED low-emitting materials credits.

“Transforming our buildings and spaces requires partnerships with organizations that are committed to creating products that support the LEED rating system,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC. “Allergy Standards Ltd. understands the value of LEED and using products that promote the health and wellness of building occupants.”

ASL’s certification standards also go beyond VOCs to look at the broader impact of these product types on the indoor environment. Testing also assesses allergen removal from flooring, particulate and dust release during insulation installation, and performance testing for paint. In addition, a detailed review of the constituent materials of each product is undertaken, to ensure that potentially hazardous chemicals are either not present, or present at suitably low levels.

ASL’s certification clients all over the world can now have their products included in LEED-certified building and renovation products. Dr. John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards, said, “There is great alignment between ASL’s mission to make the right to breathe clean air a reality, and the LEED approach to healthy and green buildings. It is imperative that manufacturer claims around healthier indoor environments are supported by good science. This recognition by USGBC reinforces our commitment to promoting healthy indoor environments through certification, education, and science.”

About ASL

Our mantra is design thinking and innovation for the air aware consumer. As an independent, international certification company, we create peer-reviewed, scientific standards for a wide range of products and services to determine their impact on indoor air quality. ASL’s intellectual property portfolio includes unique protocols for products to be CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly®. Our mission is to make the United Nations human right to breathe clean air a reality, through science (Standards), education (Academy) and innovation (Institute). http://www.allergystandards.com/

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Viewing the world through jerk-colored glasses


Assuming there are potential enemies everywhere can compel us to become a villain ourselves.

Mistrusting everyone and assuming the worst of others might offer some protection, but cynicism is a doubled-edged sword.

As long as you think the world is filled with evil and take up your proverbial sword, all you’ll really be doing is feeding your own inner demon.

Author Lemony Snicket aptly described the fallacy of using cruelty to deal with cruelty when he said, “if everyone fought fire with fire, the whole world would go up in smoke.” When researchers at PsychTests.com looked into the personal and social consequences of assuming the worst of people, they discovered that cynics who think the world is a cruel place may use it as a reason to mistreat others.

Analyzing data collected from 12,259 people who took the Emotional Intelligence Test, PsychTests’ researchers compared the attitudes, beliefs, and personality of people who assume the worst of others (“Cynics”) and those who don’t (“Non-Cynics”). Here’s what the results revealed:

AS EXPECTED, CYNICS TEND TO BE RATHER CLOSED-MINDED.

  • 52% of Cynics believe they are better off distrusting everyone (vs. 5% of Non-Cynics).
  • 41% assume that most non-profit organizations use their donations dishonestly (vs. 6% of Non-Cynics).
  • 35% refuse to accept opinions that differ from their own (vs. 3% of Non-Cynics).
  • Paradoxically, 44% of Cynics tend to blindly adopt their family’s or friends’ beliefs (vs. 19% of Non-Cynics).

PREDICTABLY, CYNICS ARE NOT ALWAYS ALTRUISTIC AND CAN BE EGO-CENTRIC.

  • 15% of Cynics have never donated to charity (vs. 5% of Non-Cynics).
  • 18% have never given food or money to a homeless person (vs. 11% of Non-Cynics).
  • 15% said that they would rather have powerful, inauthentic friends than real, uninfluential friends (vs. 2% of Non-Cynics).
  • 22% would rather be feared than loved (vs. 3% of Non-Cynics).
  • 43% have dated or befriended someone strictly to gain something (vs. 23% of Non-Cynics).

CYNICS MAY SOMETIMES OFFER UNSOLICITED AND POTENTIALLY HARSH ADVICE.

  • 14% of Cynics think it’s okay to tell an obese stranger how to lose weight (vs. 3% of Non-Cynics).
  • 18% would have no problem telling a homeless person to get a job (vs. 5% of Non-Cynics).
  • 29% believe it’s a good idea to encourage a depressed person to “toughen up” (vs. 10% of Non-Cynics).
  • 16% consider it acceptable to tell a mother that her son will turn out gay if she continues to allow him to play with dolls (vs. 2% of Non-Cynics).

CYNICS ARE MORE LIKELY TO STRUGGLE WITH A NUMBER OF PERSONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES.

  • 63% of Cynics find it hard to express their feelings (vs. 18% of Non-Cynics).
  • 59% are unwilling and/or unable to accept compliments (vs. 25% of Non-Cynics).
  • 51% admitted that they change their attitude, behavior, or appearance in order to please others (vs. 12% of Non-Cynics).
  • Deep down, 55% of Cynics desperately want to be liked by others and have a strong need for approval (vs. 40% of Non-Cynics).
  • 26% are unhappy with their lives (vs. 5% of Non-Cynics).

“When you come into contact with someone who is staunchly cynical, there’s a good chance that it stems from an unresolved issue or hang-up,” explains Dr. Ilona Jerabek, president of PsychTests. “For example, in our study, 63% of the Cynics said that they frequently put other people’s needs ahead of their own even when they don’t want to, and 62% feel they have been taken advantage of one too many times. This is telling: more than half have been seriously mistreated, and when emotional injuries remain unhealed and unresolved, we carry them with us. This is what leads Cynics to see the world as cruel and to feel that the only logical response is to be cruel themselves…or to strike first by biting the snake before it can bite them, even if the snake is only imagined. Unfortunately, this approach to life offers little in terms of creating a sense of security or happiness. Granted, there are circumstances when you’ve got to be tough and assertive to deal with an unscrupulous person, but fighting cruelty with cruelty is not a path to resolution. And the reality is, as long as you think the world is filled with evil and take up your proverbial sword, all you’ll really be doing is feeding your own inner demon.”

What’s your EQ? Find out the Emotional Intelligence Test: at https://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3979

Professional users, such as HR managers, coaches, and therapists, can request a free demo for this or other assessments from ARCH Profile’s extensive battery: http://hrtests.archprofile.com/testdrive_gen_1

To learn more about psychological testing, download this free eBook: http://hrtests.archprofile.com/personality-tests-in-hr

About PsychTests AIM Inc.

PsychTests AIM Inc. originally appeared on the internet scene in 1996. Since its inception, it has become a pre-eminent provider of psychological assessment products and services to human resource personnel, therapists and coaches, academics, researchers and a host of other professionals around the world. PsychTests AIM Inc. staff is comprised of a dedicated team of psychologists, test developers, researchers, statisticians, writers, and artificial intelligence experts (see ARCHProfile.com).

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Mobile Community Health Leadership Awards Honors AltaPointe Health Recreational Therapist Megan James


Megan James (center), recreational therapy coordinator for AltaPointe Health’s two psychiatric hospitals, was recognized at the Mobile Community Health Leadership Awards.

If you follow the sounds of joy and laughter echoing through BayPointe or EastPointe Hospital, you’re likely to find Megan James, CTRS, in the midst of it all. Megan serves as the recreational therapy coordinator for AltaPointe Health’s two psychiatric hospitals.

Every day, Megan leads a diverse range of activities including games, exercises, sports, and art, with the aim of enhancing the well-being of each patient and progressing towards their treatment goals. However, this Saturday, the spotlight was on Megan herself and her remarkable achievements.

Megan was honored at the Mobile Community Health Leadership Awards, hosted by the Mobile Medical Museum. These awards honor local leaders who demonstrate exceptional dedication in education, awareness, and action regarding Mobile’s most pressing community health concerns.

Dr. Daryn Glassbrook, Executive Director of the Mobile Medical Museum, explained, “We have not previously recognized a recreational therapist and saw this as a prime opportunity to shed light on this aspect of community health and acknowledge Megan’s outstanding work.”

During the ceremony, Megan was commended as “a passionate advocate for recreational therapy, utilizing therapeutic activities and community reintegration to assist individuals with disabilities or debilitating conditions in regaining skills, improving mood, and fostering social connections.”

In order to enhance her recreational therapy efforts, Megan has also trained her two goldendoodles as Certified Therapy Dogs, affectionately named Zeke and Ollie. These furry companions accompany Megan to the hospitals, providing emotional support to both patients and fellow staff members.

Nicolette Harvey, associate director for AltaPointe’s hospitals, expressed immense pride in Megan’s accomplishments, stating, “We are incredibly proud of Megan and consider ourselves fortunate to have her as an integral part of the treatment teams at BayPointe and EastPointe. Our patients face significant challenges, but Megan consistently goes above and beyond to enhance their experience and cultivate an atmosphere of encouragement and enthusiasm.”

Megan was further commended for her commitment to passing on her expertise to the next generation of recreational therapists, serving as an adjunct instructor at the University of South Alabama.

Megan James’ unwavering dedication to improving the lives of psychiatric patients through recreational therapy has earned her well-deserved recognition. Her exceptional contributions and compassionate approach continue to make a lasting impact within the community.

ABOUT ALTAPOINTE

AltaPointe Health is an extensive mental health and family medical healthcare system. Our clinicians provide more than 1.3 million hospital, outpatient, residential and crisis services annually. Rounding out the continuum, AltaPointe operates two psychiatric hospitals serving children and adults, 20 outpatient behavioral healthcare clinics, and a behavioral health crisis center. AltaPointe’s providers also serve as the administration and faculty for the University of South Alabama, College of Medicine-Department of Psychiatry.

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