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American Business Systems Partners With Schooley Mitchell

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ABS owners can help medical professionals do their jobs more efficiently while we provide a blueprint for entrepreneurial success. Our partnerships, like the one with Schooley Mitchell, increase the likelihood of success exponentially.

American Business Systems, or ABS, guides entrepreneurs as they set up their own medical billing and patient-management businesses.

ABS accomplishes this through its innovative business model, as well as through partnerships with other firms. One such partner is Schooley Mitchell, the largest independent cost reduction consulting firm in North America.

Partnerships like the one with Schooley Mitchell provide ABS’s client-entrepreneurs with industry-leading billing and complementary software services. In short, it is business ownership with minimal downside and maximum training and support so that industrious people can achieve success on their terms, with access to the best minds in the business.

“No one succeeds alone,” said Phillips. “Our goal at ABS is to ensure entrepreneurs have every tool possible so that they can succeed in a business with almost unlimited growth potential.

“ABS owners can help medical professionals do their jobs more efficiently while we provide a blueprint for entrepreneurial success. Our partnerships, like the one with Schooley Mitchell, increase the likelihood of success exponentially.”

Schooley Mitchell reduces essential business service expenses by an average of 28% and have delivered over $540 million in documented savings to its 26,000+ clients to date.

“This is a powerful business partnership that allows our individual entrepreneurs to provide their physician and dentist clients with an array of services beyond billing,” Phillips said. “It is evidence of our company’s original commitment to easing medical billing responsibilities, and our latest commitment to build a generation of entrepreneurs who can live life on their own terms.”

Phillips concluded by noting this is just one of the many partnerships ABS has with companies providing its clients with the best and most innovative services to assist the medical community, and, in some cases, other industries as well.

For more information on how to become an ABS’s Business Owner and begin a career providing services to the medical community, interested entrepreneurs should go to the ABS website at https://absystems.com/ and download “5 Secrets of Success.”

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ABOUT AMERICAN BUSINESS SYSTEMS

American Business Systems offers aspiring individuals a template for business ownership in the medical billing field with minimal downside and maximum training and support so that hard-working people can achieve success on their terms. For more information, visit http://www.absystems.com.

ABOUT SCHOOLEY MITCHELL

Schooley Mitchell is the largest independent cost reduction consulting firm in North America, with offices from coast-to-coast in the United States and Canada. On average, the company reduces essential business service expenses by 28% and have delivered over $540 million in documented savings to clients to date. For more information, visit https://www.schooleymitchell.com/thubbard.

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EverythingALS Joins Forces with Aural Analytics, FeetMe, ZEPHYRx and Others for a First-Of-Its-Kind ALS Research Study

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“This is the first time that companies are working in conjunction to capture quantifiable data that could change how ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are treated and diagnosed.”

EverythingALS, a patient-focused non-profit that brings together people living with ALS, caregivers, physicians, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies to collaborate on an open innovation platform using cutting-edge technologies and data science to improve progression measurements for neurological disease like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), has initiated a new study, The Radcliff Study, with partners in the quest to find a diagnosis, treatment, and cure for ALS. EverythingALS is teaming up with Aural Analytics, a leader in clinical-grade speech analytics, FeetMe, a medical device company that produces smart and connected insoles for improved running, walking and gait analysis, ZEPHYRx, a leading provider of end-to-end remote respiratory monitoring solutions, and a major pharmaceutical company. The Radcliff Study is a novel research-as-a-feasibility study to inform the likelihood of success for a pre-competitive collaboration focused on developing an end-to-end digital alternative for the ALSFRS-R that supports clinically meaningful outcomes tailored for use in ALS. There is not one test or procedure to establish the diagnosis of ALS and there is also no known cure or treatment options available.

The Radcliff Study is a multidisciplinary study focused on gait analysis, pulmonary function testing, and speech analytics to make strides towards a digital biomarker. The study uses AI, remote patient monitoring technologies, and algorithms to determine possibly clinically meaningful characteristics for persons living with ALS.

The research study requires participants to partake in a series of tasks that help track and monitor changes in speech, walking and breathing. Unlike traditional medical tests that need to be done in a medical office, all Radcliff Study components can be completed at home.

“EverythingALS is excited to work with Aural Analytics, FeetMe and ZEPHYRx on this unique study,” said Indu Navar, Founder of the Peter Cohen Foundation and CEO of EverythingALS. “This is the first time that companies are working in conjunction to capture quantifiable data that could change how ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are treated and diagnosed.”

The Radcliff study is named after Tom Radcliff, an ALS patient who fought to find a cure for ALS before passing away from the disease. “It’s an honor to know Tom’s legacy is continuing on through the study,” said Erin Radcliff, Tom’s wife. “He fought tooth and nail to help find a cure for ALS before he passed and more importantly, he cared about other ALS patients, having been through the treacherous diagnosis phase himself and then living with the disease for a year before he passed. The Radcliff Study honors his legacy by putting the focus on patients and allowing them to be heard. It’s amazing what strength in numbers can accomplish, especially in the ALS community.”

Aural Analytics will be providing tech that can analyze participant’s speech patterns. “We are looking forward to the impact of the Radcliff Study through the partnership with EverythingALS and the participating organizations,” said Judy Smythe, Chief Executive Officer of Aural Analytics. “Speech is a leading objective data stream that is highly sensitive to subtle motor changes in the speech of ALS participants. We are highly optimistic about the powerful combination of speech, gait, and pulmonary function.”

Participants of the Radcliff Study will be wearing FeetMe smart insoles for gait analysis. “We want to support this research effort to build new and innovative disease specific markers and potentially help to detect earlier signs of ALS with non-invasive digital technology disease evolution. It will be powerful to see the combination of multiple high quality data sources in this multimodal study to improve disease knowledge,” said Alexis Mathieu, Founder and Senior Advisor of FeetMe. “Motor impairment is a common feature across neurodegenerative disorders, and we are expecting to see subtle changes thanks to real world data collection.”

The ZEPHYRx solution will collect pulmonary function test data from participants and share that data with the study team in real-time through a cloud-based platform. “Having the ability to perform a pulmonary function test at any moment and from the comfort of home is fundamental for study participants with neuro-muscular diseases like ALS,” said Mike DiCesare, President of ZEPHYRx. “We’re thrilled to be a part of this research study as spirometry is an important indicator of ALS disease progression.”

Some of the inclusion criteria are:

· Are 18 or older

· Can provide informed consent

· Fully able to communicate

· Able to read and write intelligibly in English

· Own a smartphone and able to download and consent to App usage without assistance

· Independently ambulate without gait assistive devices

· Able to ascent and descend stairs independently safely

· Have been diagnoses with ALS by a neuromuscular specialist or people who have ALS as a consideration for a cause of their symptoms

Recruitment will open shortly, and anyone interested in participating can get more information and apply at: http://everythingals.org/research.

About EverythingALS

EverythingALS is a patient-focused non-profit, part of Peter Cohen Foundation, a 501(3)c organization, bringing technological innovations and data science to support efforts — from care to cure — for people with ALS, by offering an open-data platform for direct engagement with patients, caregivers, researchers, and drug companies. For more information, please visit: http://www.EverythingALS.org

About Aural Analytics

Aural Analytics is the industry’s leading speech neuroscience company harnessing the clinical utility of the world’s speech across the age range and around the world. Their suite of applications and embeddable SDKs and APIs are available in 25 languages across Android, iOS, and the web are easy to use, secure, and provide robust, clinically relevant, interpretable, and validated metrics reflecting the neurological and respiratory health of its users. For more information, please visit:

http://www.auralanalytics.com/

About FeetMe

FeetMe is a certified medical device company developing smart medical wearables to improve mobility based on connected insoles. The innovative technology from FeetMe allows gait and posture analysis in real-time and real-life conditions. The technology combines pressure sensors, motion sensors and learning algorithms to analyze patients’ functional capacity, as well as empower rehabilitation among sufferers of gait disorders. FeetMe proposes the world’s first and most advanced technology platform for real-world disease diagnostics, monitoring and rehabilitation based on movement data. For more information, please visit:

http://www.feetmehealth.com/

About ZEPHYRx

ZEPHYRx is a leading provider of end-to-end remote respiratory monitoring solutions. Our solutions combine a cloud-based provider dashboard with real-time video coaching, patient mobile app, and MIR’s FDA-cleared spirometer. Our mission is to empower patients to actively manage and improve their own respiratory health through leading-edge technology and gamification. For more information, please visit: http://www.zephyrx.com/

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Gaize and dicentra Open Participant Enrolment for VR Cannabis Impairment Clinical Trial

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“Our mission is to improve the lives of millions, worldwide. Working with great partners like Gaize helps make this mission a success, by providing the clinical evidence needed to bring Impairment Detection Devices like this to market, and make our roads safer.” – Peter Wojewnik, Partner, dicentra

dicentra, a world-renowned Contract Research Organization (CRO) and global consulting firm, is pleased to announce that it has opened participant enrolment for a new groundbreaking cannabis impairment study with its client, Gaize. The study is seeking 350 participants to volunteer at dicentra’s clinical research site in Toronto, Canada.

Cannabis use can negatively impact a driver’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle by affecting motor skills, slowing reaction time, and impairing short-term memory and concentration. Despite this, according to research done at Western University, drug-impaired driving increased by 43% in the first full year after Canada’s federal legalization of cannabis. This statistic is further compounded by findings from 2021’s Canadian Cannabis Survey that one in four cannabis users admit to having operated a vehicle while under the influence of cannabis.

Approved alcohol screening devices (ASDs) have been available to law enforcement agencies for over four decades. These devices provide an easy means of ascertaining both the presence and the concentration of alcohol at a roadside traffic stop. Unlike alcohol, there are currently no comparable screening devices to ascertain the level of cannabis impairment. In fact, studies suggest that the Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST), and roadside oral fluid screening may be unreliable measures of cannabis impairment.

The Gaize Cannabis Impairment Detection Device administers an automated standardized field sobriety eye test and captures high-definition eye movement video. The eye movement data is used to determine cannabis intoxication and the captured footage is securely stored and can later be used as evidence to demonstrate the signs and symptoms of impairment. This product simultaneously tackles the issue of safety, accuracy, and fair and reliable evidence in potential prosecution and defense cases.

“The implications of this study on road safety are immense. That’s what makes studies like this one so important,” says Peter Wojewnik, Partner, at dicentra. “Part of our mission is to improve the lives of millions, worldwide. Working with great partners like Gaize helps make this mission a success, by providing the clinical evidence necessary to bring Cannabis Impairment Detection Devices like this to market, and help make our roads safer.”

“The Gaize Cannabis Impairment Detection Device was designed specifically to provide a safe and reliable investigational device for cannabis detection,” says Ken Fichtler, CEO at Gaize. “Our proprietary cannabis detection software is the first of its kind to be used in a VR headset. This study will help us to determine how safe, effective, and reliable our device is.”

dicentra’s Toronto site will allow for fast recruitment of participants due to its downtown location being located on multiple transit routes, providing access to millions of potential participants within a 20-mile radius. dicentra prides itself on having the capacity to recruit participants quickly to meet the needs of clinical trial sponsors, offering a state-of-the-art clinical research clinic strategically located in the heart of Toronto, Canada.

To participate in this trial, or inquire about upcoming clinical trials, please visit: https://cannabis.vitalabs.clinic/

About Gaize

Gaize was created with a singular goal in mind. We see a world where the inevitable legalization of cannabis has been met with a technology that keeps roads and workplaces safe. We strongly believe that our approach is uniquely well suited to the challenges that cannabis impairment presents. We’re going to succeed because we must! https://www.gaize.ai/

About dicentra

dicentra is a leading Contract Research Organization (CRO) and global consulting firm that specializes in addressing all matters related to safety, quality, and compliance for all product categories in the life sciences and food industries. We evaluate, implement, and provide all the necessary support for products and operations to gain market access and build confidence in your brand. We achieve this through our three business divisions: consulting, clinical trials, and certifications. Since our inception in 2002, we have completed over 24,000 projects and serviced over 1,400 companies internationally. https://dicentra.com/

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SightMD Welcomes Mukesh Kumar, MD to Their Expert Team in New York

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When asked why he chose the SightMD team, Dr. Kumar said “I chose SightMD because I saw that they have the passion to always put the patient first. Whether it’s offering access to a clinic 7 days a week or having the latest vision correction technology in-office.”

SightMD, a leading multi-specialty ophthalmology platform in New York, welcomes Mukesh Kumar, MD to its expert team.

Dr. Mukesh Kumar, a comprehensive ophthalmologist, aims to give back to the community that has given him so much. His philosophy is to teach and involve the patient in their journey to improve and maintain their vision. Dr. Mukesh Kumar started his educational journey at Macaulay Honors College at City College of New York obtaining a degree in biochemistry. He then went on to achieve his Medical Degree from Hofstra/Northwell School of Medicine. Dr. Kumar is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Medical Society of the State Of New York and the American Medical Association. In his free time Dr Kumar enjoys traveling, hiking, and virtual reality. Dr. Kumar will be seeing patients at the SightMD Smithtown location (260 Middle Country Rd).

When asked why he chose the SightMD team, Dr. Kumar said “I chose SightMD because I saw that they have the passion to always put the patient first. Whether it’s offering access to a clinic 7 days a week or having the latest vision correction technology in-office. They also give the physician all the support and tools they need to focus on the patient instead of endless administrative tasks.”

SightMD is actively seeking ophthalmology professionals who are interested in joining our outstanding team. If you are an ophthalmology practice owner interested in merging or selling your practice, please contact our VP of Growth, Franc Galinanes, at (631) 396-8340 or fgalinanes@sightgrowthpartners.com

About SightMD

SightMD is a rapidly-growing integrated ophthalmic provider group, offering patients access to over 80 eye care providers through the convenience of 40 locations across New York. SightMD’s track record of providing clinically-excellent care spans over 50 years, and its services include general eye exams, laser cataract surgery and lens implantation, glaucoma management, retinal disorder treatment, corneal services, neuro-ophthalmology, LASIK laser vision correction, oculoplastic surgery, pediatric ophthalmology, and audiology. Sight Growth Partners is the administrative services provider for SightMD. For more information about SightMD, please visit https://www.sightmd.com/sightmd-ny/

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Welcome to the World of OrthoCush (http://www.orthocush.com). A Premium Brand of Orthopedic Seat Cushions Designed To Enhance the Quality of Life

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“It should be noted that persons who sit for long periods of time with pressure on the end of their spine (tailbone) risk developing herniated discs and other back injuries. OrthoCush’s unique wedge design with coccyx cut-out is intended to promote a healthy and safe sitting position”.

OrthoCush™, a premium brand of orthopedic seat cushions is now available to North American consumers online at http://www.orthocush.com.

OrthoCush™ seat cushions provide quick relief from lower back pain and numb buttocks, and also reduce the discomfort of pain, when in a seated position, that may be caused by Hemorrhoids, Piles, Pilonidal disease, and Pilonidal cysts.

The OrthoCush™ product range is comprised of 4 product formats Standard, Firm Standard, Car/Computer, and Firm Car/Computer. Each of the OrthoCush™ product formats is available in either Navy Blue, Graphite, or Black. The OrthoCush™ is priced, subject to currency exchange, between $CDN 97.95/$US74.50-$CDN104.95/$US79.50 depending on the product selected. There is NO CHARGE for delivery in Canada or the United States.

According to a spokesperson for OrthoCush.com, “It should be noted that persons who sit for long periods of time with pressure on the end of their spine (tailbone) risk developing herniated discs and other back injuries. OrthoCush’s unique wedge design with coccyx cut-out is intended to promote a healthy and safe sitting position”.

Working from home? OrthoCush™ premium seat cushions will add comfort and provide relief from chronic back pain, sore buttocks, and disabilities in the lower body. When ready to return to work, OrthoCush™ is lightweight and easy to carry to a workplace.

OrthoCush.Com is a unit of VMS Rehab Systems, Inc. Ottawa, Ontario Canada.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performances. The use of any of the words “will” and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Corporation’s current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Corporation. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Corporation is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained here.

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YogaRenew Launches Unlimited Access to Extensive Library of Online Yoga Classes and Workshops

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“Yoga is an incredible practice with so many benefits and it has always been our mission to expand the reach of these benefits,” says Kate Lombardo

YogaRenew, the international leader in online yoga teacher training, today released a massive library of online yoga classes and workshops. The streaming service, YogaRenew Online, provides a wide range of classes, workshops and courses for subscribers to practice, learn and grow.

“Yoga is an incredible practice with so many benefits and it has always been our mission to expand the reach of these benefits,” says Kate Lombardo, YogaRenew Director. “For an affordable price, our online yoga classes and workshops are a convenient and high-quality way to continue your education and practice mindfulness from anywhere at any time.”

“Simply put, a great yoga class should make you feel great and that’s what our classes are designed to do,” says Patrick Franco, YogaRenew’s Co-Director. “We put emphasis on the way our classes are structured because the sequence has a lot of control over each classes journey. Music also plays a big role in getting those moments that really raise the hair on your arms.”

Our online yoga classes span any experience level from beginner to intermediate in any style     and format imaginable including Vinyasa, Yin, Hatha, Restorative, or Prenatal yoga. There are also a wide range of meditation videos that users can dip into.

The workshops included are immersive and designed to enable self-study across a variety of topics including physical elements of yoga like learning how to perform a handstand, or breathing 101. There are also workshops covering yoga’s philosophical elements and related fields such as Ayurveda, nutrition, and sound healing.

Aside from the extensive library of content now available, YogaRenew already has a ton of upcoming workshops scheduled for release directly into the streaming platform along with a wide variety of new content in development.

You can sign up for the new online streaming service at http://www.yogarenewteachertraining.com/classes

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Leveraging AI to Improve the Financial, Operational and Scientific ROI of Clinical Research, Upcoming Webinar Hosted by Xtalks

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A single trial can cost $70,000 per year or more in unreimbursed expenses when recruitment isn’t moving forward.

Clinical research is a core component of academic medical centers’ identity and mission, but increasingly complex trial designs and staffing challenges make it difficult to deliver results while managing a budget. Highly targeted inclusion criteria require research teams to complete time-intensive chart reviews and use unreliable recruiting strategies, often to find that patients are not available or have already been enrolled on a competing trial. This leads to hidden costs borne by research sites for patient recruitment and ongoing study management, which often are not reimbursed by study sponsors. A single trial can cost $70,000 per year or more in unreimbursed expenses when recruitment isn’t moving forward.

By making full use of a wealth of unstructured patient data, which is typically hard to search through standard reporting processes, research sites can better manage their study portfolio by selecting the right trials and then finding patients faster.

Using artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP), sites increase the accuracy of feasibility checks up front, turning down studies where the patient population is too small. Better data means sites avoid failing or stalled trials and can put their resources to studies that will be able to gather sufficient data to push the research forward. Once a trial is open, sites can use precision-matching technology to quickly identify matching patients, speeding time to recruitment.

Join this webinar to understand the hidden costs of stalled trials and strategies to use technology to mitigate risk, increase efficiency and improve the return of investment (ROI) of clinical research operations.

Join Rachel Heiss, VP of Operations, Deep 6 AI; and Mary Veazie, Principal Clinical Research Consulting & Education Services, LLC, for the live webinar on Friday, October 7, 2022, at 12pm EDT (5pm BST/UK).

For more information, or to register for this event, visit Leveraging AI to Improve the Financial, Operational and Scientific ROI of Clinical Research.

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/

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The Importance of Quality in the Informed Consent Process, Upcoming Webinar Hosted by Xtalks

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The need for a complete informed consent process that better educates and retains patients while minimizing errors is key.

For decades, issues with paper-based consent have been the source of the most common and most significant violations raised by Global Health Authority inspectors. In 2019 alone, more than 1/3 of all issued US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Form 483s were related to informed consent findings, while the European Medicines Agency (EMA) reported that consent issues represented the 4th highest cause of critical inspection findings and the 5th highest cause of all site inspection findings.

These errors are costly, time-consuming and can jeopardize the completion of a trial. And these issues cannot be remediated with the continued use of paper-based consent, as they stem from the physical properties of paper itself.

That is why more and more sponsors have switched from paper consent to eConsent. But making this change must be more than just digitizing paper consent forms, the need for a complete informed consent process that better educates and retains patients while minimizing errors is key.

Join this webinar as industry experts identify the most common issues with the paper-based consent process, and what to look for in a complete consent management solution in order to reduce quality issues while improving oversight.

Join Andrew Mackinnon, Vice President & General Manager, Consent Management, Medable; and Shyanne Ali, Founder, Clinical Quality Associates LLC and Vice President, Quality Assurance, Aditum Bio, for the live webinar on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at 11am EDT (4pm BST/UK).

For more information, or to register for this event, visit The Importance of Quality in the Informed Consent Process.

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/

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Shawmut Corporation Respirator Fit Comparison Study Shows that Many Popular N95 Disposable Respirators Do Not Meet Fit Capability Standard

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Protex™ N95 molded-cup respirator from Shawmut Corporation

“Achieving high filtration is relatively easy; achieving a good seal in a mask that has high filtration is a challenge.” – James Wyner, CEO of Shawmut

A recent comparison study of some of the most popular commercial N95 disposable respirators shows many of those N95s struggle to seal well against the wearer’s face and therefore may not protect as well as they claim. The study was conducted using the relatively new ASTM F3407-20 Respirator Fit Capability (RFC) Standard to evaluate respirator product designs on overall fit capabilities.

The study pointed out the dangers of wearing a disposable N95 respirator without ensuring that it fits and seals well around your face. 75% of the N95s tested did not meet the fit capability standard. As a result, they did not provide the 95% filtration protection they were designed for.

Global advanced materials manufacturer Shawmut Corporation recently presented the comparison study of popular commercial N95 filtering facepiece respirators at the 2022 International Society for Respiratory Protection Conference (ISRP2022). Held once every two years, the ISRP conference serves as a global forum for the exchange of knowledge related to the science, technology, regulation, development, and practice of respiratory protection.

The purpose of Shawmut’s comparison study was multi-fold, with an emphasis on assessing the ability of the ASTM F3407 Respirator Fit Capability (RFC) Standard to compare the fit capability performance of a range of several popular commercial NIOSH-approved disposable N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) of various designs – molded cup, flat-fold, trifold and duckbill. A focus was also placed on understanding how FFR design and construction factors may impact overall fit performance, as well as assessing the relative performance of other popular FFR designs in the market at the time of the study (such as KN95s) compared to N95 FFR designs.

“The ASTM RFC Standard will enable respirator manufacturers to develop better designed models that fit the worker population. Respirators passing the RFC Standard test method are expected to have better fitting characteristics for a wider range of face sizes,” said James Wyner, CEO of Shawmut. “Achieving high filtration is relatively easy; achieving a good seal in a mask that has high filtration is a challenge,” Wyner added. “That’s why evaluating how well a respirator fits a wide range of people, in accordance with the ASTM F3407 standard, is so valuable.”

Several years prior to the start of the pandemic, NIOSH identified that a standard was needed to evaluate the fit capability of an FFR prior to its inclusion in an OSHA-regulated workplace fit testing program, as that was not a part of its N95 regulatory process. NIOSH requested ASTM International develop such a standard. Working with NIOSH, ASTM developed the F3407 RFC Standard and published it in October of 2020. Per NIOSH, the purpose of the RFC standard is to increase the probability that available respirators fit a general worker population. NIOSH is currently reviewing how to incorporate the ASTM F3407 RFC Standard into its regulatory process. The RFC Standard is currently voluntary for respirator manufacturers.

Shawmut’s comparison study included 450 individual subject tests and 3,600 interior air samples of 18 popular and readily available disposable respirator market models using a 25-person test group. The respirator model lineup comprised 12 N95s, 5 KN95s and 1 KF94.The test group included 13 males and 12 females and selected in accordance with the NIOSH bivariate test panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. civilian workforce.

Overall, there were large differences between N95 designs tested in terms of fit capability and minimum levels of protection. 75% (9 of the 12) of the N95s tested did not meet the fit capability standard (which calls for a minimum fit capability of 50% of the 25 panelists), and fit performance varied dramatically across individual N95 models. The study found that there is a great deal of variability in the fit of different respirator models across the human test group. Some models performed consistently across subjects, while others performed inconsistently or poorly on most subjects.

Of the 12 N95 models tested, only 3 passed the RFC standard. Two others fell 1 panel subject short of passing. Six of the 12 tested did not even achieve a 25% passing score.

Fit variability may be an important metric for general consumer use with some respirators offering a more consistent fit across wearers than others. With regard to form factors, some styles seemed to be more robust than others, with cup designs performing better than duckbills and flat-folds. However, within each style there was still a great deal of variability in performance across subjects. The results suggest that fit variability is an important consideration for consumers who will be selecting an FFR. There appears to be an advantage to choosing a style that performs well on individual test subjects as opposed to one that fits poorly on everyone; however, there are no guarantees that a given style will perform consistently over time or across different individuals.

No KN95 mask passed a fit test on any individual in the comparison study panel. This indicates that KN95 masks do not perform well even with high-quality 95% filtration. Wyner added, “The idea that a properly vetted KN95 is any way comparable to an N95 is categorically wrong and dangerous, and KN95 masks do not deliver comparable safety performance. The KN95s tested may pose risks to the general public and should not be conflated with N95s.”

The Importance of Respirator Fit and Seal

Since their development in the 1970s, NIOSH-approved N95 filtering facepiece respirators have been at the forefront of respiratory protection. However, in recent years, there has been debate regarding the dynamic fit characteristics of these respirators and there appear to be large differences between N95 designs in terms of fit capability and minimum levels of protection.

Until recently, public health organizations have not had a tool to identify which NIOSH certified filtering facepiece respirators adequately protect workers in the workplace. Product development efforts have lagged, creating worker protection gaps, and users are hard pressed to know if an FFR will fit their face or protect them from harmful gases, vapors and/or particles while they are working. The ASTM F3407 standard represents a significant step forward in respiratory protection and will make it much easier to select appropriate respiratory protection based on face fit capabilities. It is expected that as knowledge of respirator fit increases among users, increased use will also lead to increased demand for better-designed respirators that fit and seal to the wearers specific face shape and size.

Ultimately, if a respirator does not fit you and seal properly, it cannot protect you, no matter how comfortable it is, what fancy features it has or how much marketing muscle is behind it. The ASTM F3407 Standard was found to be essential to understanding respirator fit performance and adoption of the standard is likely to produce improvements in respirator design effectiveness.

About Shawmut Corporation

Shawmut Corp. uses materials innovation to improve people’s lives, employing expertise in fabric formation, coating, and laminating to deliver high-performance materials and components to the Automotive, Health & Safety, Military & Protective, and Custom Laminating Solutions verticals. Shawmut applies its keen understanding of the unique challenges of materials for medical applications to its Protex line of personal protective equipment (PPE), including high-quality N95 respirator masks and non-surgical isolation gowns, all manufactured in the U.S. To learn more about Shawmut’s N95 respirator click here. As a fourth-generation, family-run global company headquartered in West Bridgewater, Mass., Shawmut employs over 700 employees worldwide in multiple manufacturing plants and commercial offices across North America, Europe and Asia. Shawmut can be found online on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. To learn more, visit http://www.shawmutcorporation.com.

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Recipients of the Inaugural “Susie Ellis Scholarship for Equity in Wellness” Announced

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I believe that the wellness industry can do much more when it comes to fostering inclusion and equity; this is a simple but incredibly powerful step

The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the leading research and educational resource for the $4.4 trillion global wellness industry, is pleased to announce the first two recipients of its Susie Ellis Scholarship for Equity in Wellness. The scholarship fund was introduced at last year’s Global Wellness Summit (GWS), GWI’s sister organization and the most prestigious conference on the business of wellness, as a way to build a bridge for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford attending the Summit, but who demonstrated passion and commitment for the wellness industry.

This unique scholarship fund was made possible thanks to generous initial donations from Katrine and Bill Formby, Rick Stollmeyer, Lynne and Victor Brick, and the Szekely Family Foundation and continues to grow. Learn more about the fund and how to donate and/or apply for a 2023 scholarship here.

“This scholarship lets us offer those who have perhaps dreamt of attending the Summit an opportunity to participate in conversations with global wellness leaders, exposing them to the topics and issues that are shaping the business of wellness now and into the future,” said Nancy Davis, GWI’s Chief Creative Officer & Executive Director.

Nearly 100 applications from 36 countries were considered and the two well-deserving recipients chosen by both the GWI and GWS board members are: Esther Ajari, founder and director of The TriHealthon, a Nigerian-based multi-award-winning non-profit that promotes health and wellness equity in Africa via research and community development projects; and Demetria McNeal, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Associate Director of Health Equity in the Division of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine at the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus.

“Both of this year’s very worthy recipients are already wellness leaders in their communities and it’s my sincere hope that this scholarship will accelerate and amplify the impact they are already making in their own communities,” continued Davis. “Both recipients were grateful and excited when they were notified that they would be coming to Tel Aviv.”

Ajari, who was born in rural Nigeria where she says “opportunities to thrive are limited,” has thrived nonetheless. In 2019, her commitment to wellness was recognized by the Dalai Lama Fellowship, an organization for emerging social innovators and future leaders committed to making a positive impact in the world, and, in 2021, she was named a COVID-19 Hero by the Nigerian Vice-Presidency. Ajari looks forward to bringing an African perspective to the Summit, while also learning how to improve her own NGO’s financial standing so she can generate the revenue required to “attain our vision of achieving wellness equity among vulnerable Nigerian women and children.”

McNeal describes herself as a Black American scientist who is thirsty for expanding her wellness knowledge and seeks to learn, among many things, more about the integration of wellness and the healthcare system; explore the new discoveries being made in mental wellness that could be applied in a clinical setting, as well as the ways emerging wellness innovations can be leveraged to promote better access to wellness in her local community.

The scholarship is named for Susie Ellis, GWS Chair & CEO, who has been at the helm of the Summit and its sister non-profit organization, the GWI, since inception. Ellis said, “I believe that the wellness industry can do much more when it comes to fostering inclusion and equity; this is a simple but incredibly powerful step. I thank all the donors who made it possible for us to put our mission statement of ‘Joining Together. Shaping the Future.’ into tangible action; my hope is that next year we will be able to provide a greater number of scholarships.”

This year’s auction, held on the evening of November 2 as part of the GWS Gala, will be dedicated to growing this unique scholarship fund and individuals or companies interested can learn more here.

Registration for the 2022 Summit remains open.

About the Global Wellness Institute: The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a nonprofit 501(c)(3), is considered the leading global research and educational resource for the global wellness industry and is known for introducing major industry initiatives and regional events that bring together leaders to chart the future. GWI positively impacts global health and wellness by educating public institutions, businesses and individuals on how they can work to prevent disease, reduce stress and enhance the overall quality of life. Its mission is to empower wellness worldwide.

About the Global Wellness Summit —The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) is the premier organization that brings together leaders and visionaries to positively shape the future of the $4.4 trillion global wellness economy. Its future-focused conference is held at a different global location each year and has traveled to the United States, Switzerland, Turkey, Bali, India, Morocco, Mexico, Austria, Italy and Singapore. GWS also hosts other virtual and in-person gatherings, including Wellness Master Classes, Wellness Sector Spotlights, Investor “Reverse Pitch” events and Global Wellness Symposiums. The organization’s annual Global Wellness Trends Report offers expert-based predictions on the future of wellness. The 2022 Summit will be held in Tel Aviv, Israel from October 31 to November 3.

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