All posts by imreal

Celebrating the Women of SAASTEPS with Co-Founder Rachel Beck


In support of this value, we are excited to launch Women of SAASTEPS, a press release series where we will dive deep with each of our women leaders (who make up over half of our C-Suite), starting with our co-founder and Chief of Design, Rachel Beck.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE A WOMAN IN LEADERSHIP AT SAASTEPS?
It’s different from any company I’ve ever worked for! One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in the past as a woman is to simply be heard. I’m a bit introverted, so I’ve never been comfortable expressing my ideas when there are others in the room with louder voices. And not many people who run meetings make sure there is room for the quiet people. At SAASTEPS (SS), I don’t have to scream. There is space intentionally made for me, and people turn to me for my expertise.

HOW DOES SAASTEPS EMPOWER AND CELEBRATE WOMEN, ESPECIALLY WOMEN OF COLOR?
We celebrate the women at SS by encouraging them to bring in their whole selves to the table, especially the challenging experiences they’ve had and how they’ve overcome them. Women’s voices are often overlooked, undervalued, or spoken over, but we cherish and encourage the unique perspective they contribute to the company’s dynamic. There is value in both the feminine and masculine and it’s important to incorporate both so we can see and solve issues from different perspectives.

HOW DO YOU CULTIVATE A STRONG AND SUPPORTIVE TEAM CULTURE?
Open and transparent communication is crucial. Communication builds trust and lets the team know we’re all working towards the same goals. It lets them know that I see them, not just as an employee but as a human first and foremost. We’re a remote-first company, so communication is even more important without a traditional office setting. We also have a really fun monthly virtual company meeting organized by our Director of Brand. It’s not your average all-hands. We play music to open up and close the meeting (from a playlist that we’ve all contributed to), we celebrate non-work wins and milestones in addition to all of the business stuff. It’s really a people-first approach that I think makes all the difference.

WHAT/WHO KEEPS YOU INSPIRED AS A LEADER?
All women! As cliché as it may sound…I’m continually blown away by their strength, knowledge, kindness, and sass, expressed in their own unique way. To me, leadership is about being a listener and a lifetime learner. Ruth Bader Ginsberg didn’t become a powerhouse by just barging through and claiming her place in the supreme court; she listened, learned, and challenged the system. I think in a similar but obviously very different way, we’re trying to do the same at SS and as women in general. We listen, learn, and then we try to push the boundaries of the box we’ve been put in every single day.

Follow SAASTEPS on LinkedIn to be the first to hear about future editions of Women of SAASTEPS, coming soon.

Media Contact

Dana Jung, SAASTEPS, (650) 759-0508, [email protected], www.saasteps.com

Twitter

SOURCE SAASTEPS



New Christian Book Helps Navigate Life’s Path with Purpose


“I tackle and address familiar life challenges in my book,” Dr. Kjosa said. “By addressing everyday obstacles, I encourage and motivate my readers to make choices which will honor Christ and provide a bright future for themselves.”

By sharing his encouragement and positivity, Dr. Kjosa hopes he may be an optimistic influence on his reader’s faith as he believes, by embodying the “Simply Safe Choices” technique, a new person and a bright future is waiting all around.

“Their captain, Jesus Christ, is waiting to show them his plan for their lives,” Dr. Kjosa said. “A life bright and beautiful lies ahead for them to discover their untouched, untapped and unexplored talent.”

“The Oars of Our Lives: Navigating the Oars of Our Lives Through Making the Right Christ Honoring Choices”
By Dr. David L. Kjosa Sr.
ISBN: 9781664288881 (softcover); 9781664288874 (hardcover); 9781664288898 (electronic)
Available at WestBow Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author

David L. Kjosa Sr. draws on his many years of experience in the ministry as a Chaplain in the United States Army. Feeling inadequate as a young man and seemingly lacking the ability to tackle the challenge to rise to the divine mandate he was being called to fulfill, he says he found the strength and focus/hope in Christ. Now, in a novel approach to addressing the core questions of life, he shows how to live a purpose-filled life. He distills his lifetime of counseling, motivational and practical wisdom into proven steps to making Christ-honoring choices – “Simply Safe Choices.” He draws on his deep knowledge of human experience, and the struggle for authenticity. His ministry as a United States Army Chaplain at many stateside locations and several countries overseas has given him unique insight and enabled to him provide the tools and the keys to living a life of faith and love thru Jesus Christ. To learn more, please visit https://www.westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/849378-the-oars-of-our-lives.

General Inquiries:            
LAVIDGE – Phoenix                        
Taylor Moralez
[email protected] 

Media Contact

Taylor Moralez, LAVIDGE, 4803066597, [email protected] 

SOURCE WestBow Press

New Study Reveals a Staggering 40% of ADHD-Diagnosed Individuals Also Struggle with Anxiety


ADHD and Anxiety: A Complex Intersection Unveiled in New Research by ADHDtest.ai

LONDON, Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — A ground-breaking study conducted in partnership with the ADHDtest website and supervised by MD Adeel Sarwar has brought to light a significant correlation between ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and psychiatric comorbidities. Among the most startling of these findings is that a whopping 40.40% of individuals diagnosed with ADHD also show symptoms of anxiety.

The comprehensive study meticulously analyzed a diverse cohort of 1,528 participants to determine the prevalence of ADHD and its associated conditions. The sample included 756 females, 378 males, 36 non-binary individuals, 32 transgender participants, and 52 whose gender was not specified.

This study highlights the significant overlap between ADHD and anxiety disorders considering ADHD has been linked with numerous psychiatric disorders.

Dr. Adeel Sarwar commented on the findings, stating, “This research not only reinforces the intricate relationship between ADHD and other psychiatric disorders but also emphasises the importance of holistic therapeutic approaches when addressing ADHD. It’s essential to consider potential comorbidities for an effective treatment strategy.”

Beyond the staggering correlation with anxiety, the study illuminated a myriad of psychiatric comorbidities associated with ADHD. Specifically, 12.50% of ADHD-diagnosed participants struggled with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), 11.30% reported symptoms of insomnia, 8.60% were identified with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and 4.10% had dyslexia. The presence of other conditions like autism, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and borderline personality disorder further underscores the intricate web of challenges many ADHD individuals face.

The research, backed by a diverse and substantial sample size, offers a unique perspective into the complex psychiatric landscape that often surrounds ADHD. This study highlights the need for the medical community to take a more integrated approach to handling ADHD and its comorbidities.

ADHDtest.ai, renowned for pioneering rapid and cost-effective ADHD assessments, has made the study’s raw data available for other researchers to access and download.

Media Contact

Adeel Sarwar PhD, ADHDtest.ai, 888-888-8888, [email protected], ADHDtest.ai

SOURCE ADHDtest.ai

News/Media Alliance Grows Membership to Over 2,200 News, Magazine & Digital Media Organizations in 2023


“We are delighted to welcome these 16 news, magazine, and digital media organizations to the Alliance family, and we are grateful for their support and their recognition of the need to share a voice on important issues facing the industry,” stated News/Media Alliance President & CEO Danielle Coffey. “The support of these innovative, multimedia businesses are invaluable as we continue to advocate on behalf of the industry and fight for the future of journalistic and creative content.”

The need to support and sustain quality journalism has reached a new level of urgency this year, as the rapid adoption of generative AI has introduced yet another threat to publishers of original content. The Alliance published a White Paper in October that found AI companies significantly overweight publisher content in their crawling of the web – often while not paying the publishers who invested in producing that content – to train their generative AI systems, coming in direct competition with publishers, as well as infringing on publishers’ copyrights.

The Alliance continues to push for legislation to require Big Tech platforms such as Meta and Google to pay publishers for the use of their content, with the Journalism Competition & Preservation Act (JCPA) being reintroduced in the Senate earlier this year. Canada recently passed similar legislation, which is modeled after the law in Australia that has been extremely successful, and the California State Assembly introduced a state journalism compensation bill that was the subject of a Senate informational hearing last week.

In addition, the News/Media Alliance works on behalf of its members to advocate on press freedom/First Amendment issues, privacy, digital advertising, copyright, postal delivery and more.

New News/Media Alliance members in 2023 include (not a complete list):

  • AlterNet
  • American Craft Council
  • California Broker Magazine
  • The Economist
  • Future PLC
  • G/O Media Inc.
  • Grandstand Publishing LLC
  • The Guardian
  • Hughes Media Corp.
  • Raptive
  • Raw Story
  • Rookie Road
  • Style Media Group Inc.
  • Today Media Inc.
  • Ziff Davis

Coffey continued, “We look forward to working with our new members and all of membership to move forward key legislative and policy initiatives and demonstrate the importance and need for high-quality content in an information-driven world.”

For more information about membership in the News/Media Alliance, please click here.

The News/Media Alliance is a nonprofit organization representing more than 2,200 news, magazine and digital media organizations and their multiplatform businesses in the United States and globally. Alliance members include print and digital publishers of original journalism. Headquartered just outside Washington, D.C., the association focuses on ensuring the future of journalism through communication, research, advocacy, and innovation. Information about the News/Media Alliance can be found at http://www.newsmediaalliance.org.

Media Contact
Lindsey Loving, News/Media Alliance, 5713661000, [email protected], https://www.newsmediaalliance.org

SOURCE News/Media Alliance

Jörg Schüttrumpf Discusses Grifols’ Innovation Strategy in the Plasma Medicine Space, Exclusive Interview by Xtalks


In an interview by Xtalks, Jörg Schüttrumpf, Chief Scientific Innovation Officer (CSIO) at Grifols, sheds light on the company’s commitment to innovation in the global healthcare industry, both in the plasma and non-plasma medicines sector. Grifols is a global healthcare company with a century-long history of innovating in plasma-derived medicines. It is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of people worldwide.

TORONTO, Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — In an exclusive interview with Xtalks, Jörg Schüttrumpf, Chief Scientific Innovation Officer (CSIO) at Grifols, sheds light on the company’s commitment to innovation in the global healthcare industry, both in the plasma and non-plasma medicines sector.

When asked about his decision to join Grifols as CSIO, Schüttrumpf mentioned the company’s centenarian legacy of patient-centric innovation and a culture fostering curiosity and inquisitiveness. He was particularly impressed by Grifols’ commitment to pushing scientific boundaries and its role as a growth engine through innovation.

Grifols focuses on expanding its rich portfolio of plasma-based therapies. Schüttrumpf mentioned the exploration of new proteins with therapeutic value, as well as new therapeutic targets for their existing plasma-derived medicines, including immunoglobulins, alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor, fibrinogen, albumin and antithrombin-III. The company is also venturing into non-plasma treatments and various therapeutic areas like hematology, pulmonology, infectious diseases and oncology.

Grifols is poised to announce results from several Phase III clinical trials, including studies on a next-generation fibrinogen and a new triple-action immunoglobulin, Trimodulin. Schüttrumpf expressed excitement about upcoming projects, including a Phase II study on an ocular surface immunoglobulin for dry eye disease and advancements in recombinant polyclonal antibody therapies.

To sustain a culture of innovation, Schüttrumpf believes in the importance of executive commitment, hiring passionate and curious talent and maintaining strong external connections for fresh ideas. He affirmed that Grifols meets these requirements, continually striving for the next breakthrough in healthcare.

To read the full interview, visit Grifols’ Innovation Strategy in the Plasma Medicine Space.

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, or a recommendation for any security, nor does it constitute an offer to provide investment advisory or other services.

ABOUT XTALKS

Xtalks, powered by Honeycomb Worldwide Inc., is a leading provider of educational webinars and digital content to the global life science, food, healthcare and medical device communities. Every year, thousands of industry practitioners (from pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, healthcare and medical device companies, private & academic research institutions, healthcare centers, etc.) turn to Xtalks for access to quality content. Xtalks helps professionals stay current with industry developments, regulations and jobs. 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/

Media Contact

Vera Kovacevic, Xtalks, +1 (416) 977-6555 x371, [email protected] 

SOURCE Xtalks

Westside Future Fund Celebrates Next Chapter In Atlanta’s Historic Westside With Groundbreaking Ceremony


The new development at 839 Joseph E. Boone will include 33 units of rental housing and 1,200 square feet of space for retail. This development will be located next to Kathryn Johnston Park, one of several greenspaces WFF has partnered with community leadership to bring to the community. Building near green space has been a key focus for WFF’s real estate acquisition and development.

“This project is a significant contribution to one of our city’s priority neighborhoods, and reflects WFF’s commitment to revitalizing our historic Westside to healthy, safe and thriving communities,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “Thank you to WFF and their Chair, Dr. Tatum, the Woodruff Foundation and Invest Atlanta for their partnership, and for believing in the future of Atlanta’s Westside by investing in our residents through sustainable, affordable housing.”

This project was made possible through a grant from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation. Additional funding for the development was provided by Invest Atlanta and WFF’s Impact Fund. To ensure permanent affordability and retention of legacy residents, WFF relies on philanthropy to help fuel its efforts. WFF’s high-quality affordable housing efforts come at a time when Atlanta, and the nation, are grappling with limited housing inventory. WFF’s signature program Home on the Westside prioritizes residents with “live, work and learn” connections to the community and includes rental housing, homeownership, and property tax assistance.

“As the representative for District 3, I am proud to witness the groundbreaking of a project that will have a lasting impact on our community,” said Councilman Amos. The work of Westside Future Fund demonstrates a commitment to equitably revitalizing the historic Westside. This development in English Avenue aligns with our vision for a community that thrives economically, socially, and culturally. I look forward to the positive changes this project will bring to our residents.”

With all its work, WFF aims to advance a compassionate and equitable approach to neighborhood revitalization. The organization is focused on moving quickly to increase high-quality affordable housing options within its service footprint because stable housing is the foundation for a healthy neighborhood. Over the last decade, WFF has championed several key impact strategies that take a holistic approach to restoring the historic Westside.

“This groundbreaking symbolizes a pivotal moment for our organization and the entire community,” said John Ahmann, President, and CEO of WFF. “It’s not just about breaking ground on a project; it’s about breaking barriers and building bridges towards a more vibrant and inclusive future for Atlanta’s historic Westside. We have been diligent in our process of acquiring land, and thinking about the future ahead, to ensure we help build a community that will positively impact the lives of generations to come.”

WFF is currently developing an additional 104 high-quality, affordable housing units, in both new construction and substantial rehab projects, throughout its service footprint.

About Westside Future Fund
The Westside Future Fund is a place-based non-profit dedicated to restoring the historic Westside to a vibrant community on Atlanta’s Westside. WFF advances a compassionate approach to equitable neighborhood revitalization through strategic partnerships and community-driven initiatives. The organization serves residents with live, work, and learn connections to five historic neighborhoods including English Avenue, Vine City, Atlanta University Center, Ashview Heights, and Just Us. WFF’s signature quality affordable housing program Home on the Westside enables legacy residents to stay in their communities through three service areas: rental housing, homeownership, and property tax assistance. Learn more about our work and Our Next Chapter to enhance the quality of life for residents and build a sustainable future for this historic neighborhood.

Media Contact
Candace Wheeler, Westside Future Fund, 404-545-6570, [email protected], www.westsidefuturefund.org

SOURCE Westside Future Fund

Bringing Cheer to Those We Hold Near


“On behalf of my team here at Makers Nutrition, I would like to say that we are sincerely happy to help Friends of Karen any way we can,” said CEO and President of Makers Nutrition Jason Provenzano. “Everyone knows someone with an illness, many of whom are in our own family. No one should go a holiday without feeling the joy that Friends of Karen works so hard to provide young individuals and their families. We are proud to help those individuals and their parents especially who might not have the financial means to get that skateboard or video game, sweatshirt or sneakers their child really wanted this Christmas.”

Friends of Karen is a non-profit organization that provides emotional, financial, and advocacy support for children with a life-threatening illness and their families in order to keep them stable, functioning, and able to cope. For families living in the New York tri-state region, Friends of Karen gives them more time for what’s most important: each other. The organization helps hundreds of ill children and their families every month, at no cost to them. Friends of Karen has received top ratings from Charity Navigator, an independent organization that evaluates the financial efficiency and responsibility of thousands of U.S. charities. Friends of Karen also meets the 20 Standards of Charity Accountability of the BBB of Metropolitan New York. Donate here.

A two-time Inc. 5000 honoree, Makers Nutrition, is a groundbreaking nutraceutical manufacturing company specializing in capsules, tablets, powders, softgels and gummies. Makers Nutrition provides a full-service option for all contract manufacturing, graphic design, packaging, and fulfillment service needs.

Media Contact
Rosemary Tambini, Makers Nutrition, 631-456-5397, [email protected], https://www.makersnutrition.com

SOURCE Makers Nutrition

Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP) to Open Registration for 2024 Summer Camp in January


Registration will open in January 2024 at https://campcamp.org/campers/summer/. The actual cost of one week of summer camp is $2,500. HOWEVER, Camp CAMP (as it is known locally) believes income should never be a barrier to attending programs. Families may pay the full fee; use respite units to attend; utilize CAMP’s scholarship program; or request additional financial assistance.

These summer sessions will be held in the beautiful Texas Hill Country at CAMP’s 55-acre property located directly on the Guadalupe River in Center Point Texas. Campers can participate in many activities including canoeing, horseback riding, swimming, music, recreation, karaoke, arts & crafts, outdoor cooking, and so much more. Everything is adapted to meet the needs of the individual camper, so they experience success. CAMP’s cabins are large, climate-controlled and wheelchair-accessible. Meals can be modified to accommodate most special dietary needs. Each camper’s medication administration is overseen by healthcare professionals.

“While at Summer Camp, campers are partnered with a trained counselor who provides a caring and supportive environment for the camper while fostering the social development of campers and their connections with peers,” says Susan Osborne, CEO of CAMP since 2012 (and Director of Operations eight years before that).

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
CAMP is heavily recruiting teen, young adult, and healthcare volunteers for its summer camp sessions. Applications are now available at https://campcamp.org/volunteers/. CAMP offers a unique 1:1 camper-to-counselor ratio that provides safe and fun-filled experiences; teen and young adult volunteers beginning at age 14 are welcome and receive training before any camp sessions begin. Volunteers can earn up to 198 service hours with training and one week of camp; healthcare volunteers can earn CEUs.

“Our volunteers tell us they leave CAMP with a deeper compassion for all walks of life, as well as lifelong friendships,” adds CAMP’s Chief Program Officer, Brandon G. Briery, PhD. “Many of our young volunteers decide to pursue careers in the healthcare fields, because of their experiences at CAMP; many of our healthcare volunteers have been with us for 30+ years.”

Visit http://www.campcamp.org for more information or contact the CAMP team at [email protected] for more information.

Media Contact

Jeanne Albrecht, CAMP, 2103929047, [email protected], https://campcamp.org/

SOURCE CAMP

Impact Advisors Hires John Lanari and Kristi Lanciotti as Vice Presidents


The duo combines over 30 years in the healthcare industry and has demonstrated success building AMS practices while delivering exceptional results to clients.

  • Lanari levels financial realities with experiences and outcomes, aligning the goals, risks, rewards, and investments that guide IT in the service of patient care. He embeds agility for long-term partnership and shared success, and he earns trust by matching expectations with execution.
  • Lanciotti fuses the vision of healthcare leaders with the dedication of trusted teams, balancing change with operations and continuous improvement initiatives. She has earned trust leading physician groups, EHR implementations, and managed application teams at scale.

Their combined talents, collaborative approach, and entrepreneurial spirit will enable Impact Advisors to further penetrate the healthcare market with its continuum of services and accelerate value to clients.

About Impact Advisors

Impact Advisors is a leading healthcare management consulting firm committed to solving the industry’s emerging and evolving challenges. Our high-performing team of clinical, financial, operations and technology experts collaborate to architect quality solutions and deliver measurable value for our clients. We are the most awarded consulting firm in healthcare, with services recognized among Best in KLAS® for 16 consecutive years and a culture designated “Best Place to Work” by Modern Healthcare for 14 years. To learn more about our service quality and innovative culture, visit www.impact-advisors.com.

Media Contact

Catherine Povalitis, Chartwell Agency, 1 7793486927, amoon@chartwellagency.com

SOURCE Impact Advisors

Novel blood test helps determine efficacy and side effects of immunotherapy in lung cancer patients, AHN, Johns Hopkins Study Shows


Additionally, the research article said that blood tests that monitor the patient’s immune repertoire – that is, the specific genetic arrangements found within the patient’s T-cell receptors – help doctors to better understand the patient’s adaptive immune system, and how it will respond to an immunotherapy. Together, these “liquid biopsies” and other samples can identify a wide range of biomolecular cancer and immune system features, and as the blood tests become more sensitive, they can lead to more optimal cancer care and immunotherapies.

Immunotherapies treat diseases – typically, cancers – by activating or suppressing the immune system using certain vaccines, antibodies, or synthetic products. When activated properly, the adaptive immune system can be trained to destroy cancer cells.

“This is the future of cancer medicine – therapy regimens that are designed to match the cancer’s genetic profile and the patient’s immune system,” said Dr. Zaidi. “At the AHN Cancer Institute, we are committed to testing and developing tomorrow’s therapies, leading to more precise care and better outcomes for patients challenged by lung cancer.”

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the United States. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and grows more slowly than small cell lung cancer. Because small-cell cancer has often spread to the lymph nodes and elsewhere in the body by the time it’s discovered, it’s typically first treated by chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

NSCLC, meanwhile, because it’s typically confined to the lungs, is often a better candidate for surgical intervention, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy – if the cancer has the right mutations and biomarkers.
Historically, tissue biopsy is the gold standard for tumor assessment and diagnosis. However, there are risks associated with invasive sampling, particularly when it comes to fragile organs such as the lungs or brain.

But the advent of liquid biopsies – which capture circulating tumor DNA and other pertinent immune-system information – has made it easier to learn about a cancer’s genetic characteristics, to learn if a cancer has spread, or to detect important genetic alterations in the cancer. Liquid biopsies also usually have quicker turnaround times than tissue biopsies, allowing treatment to start more quickly.

“AHN has been using liquid biopsies for years to learn more about non-small cell lung cancer,” said David Bartlett, MD, Chair of the Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute. “This paper confirms that the right blood tests, combined with the right analysis, can guide clinical decision-making and help doctors better predict clinical response to immunotherapy in lung cancer.”

The article was published in November in the American Association for Cancer Research clinical journal. Among the co-authors are David Bartlett, MD (chair of the AHN Cancer Institute), Benny Weksler, MD (system director of Thoracic Surgery at AHN), Nathan Bahary, MD (academic chief of Medical Oncology at AHN), and co-corresponding author Ali H. Zaidi, MD (medical director of Aerodigestive Research at the AHN Cancer Institute).

Dr. Zaidi was one of the paper’s co-senior/corresponding authors; researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine, the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, AHN, and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center also co-wrote the paper. Additionally, researchers from the Netherlands Cancer Institute, the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre in Ireland, and the California Institute of Technology participated in the study. The paper was supported, in part, by grants from the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and utilized blood samples from 49 AHN patients with advanced-stage (III or IV) non-small cell lung cancer.

These patient samples were provided from AHNCI Moonshot, the largest clinically annotated pan cancer biorepository in western Pennsylvania. 

Media Contact

Emily Beatty, Allegheny Health Network, 5136789620, [email protected], www.ahn.org 

SOURCE Allegheny Health Network