All posts by imreal

Health

Navenio Named One of UK’s Financial Times Tech Champions of 2023

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Shortlisted in the Healthcare Sector

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Navenio, a global leader in intelligent Workforce Solutions featuring innovative Real-Time Location Services (RTLS) designed for hospitals and health systems, announced today that they have been named by the UK’s Financial Times as one of Europe’s Tech Champions in the healthcare sector. For the third successive year, a call for entries was released in July to Financial Times readers who nominated companies contributing to improving issues including AI bias, deforestation, and health threats. From this list, Financial Times journalists created short lists of 4-5 entries in nine different sectors from which a panel of judges chose a winner.

The Navenio indoor location mapping technology was recognized for being highly scalable within healthcare environments. Through the use of smartphone sensors, hospital efficiency is transformed, and workloads become more streamlined for healthcare staff. Navenio’s technology empowers healthcare teams to be proactive versus reactive by identifying and tasking the right resource, in the right place, at the right time, offering more time for care and easing pressure on nurses and other healthcare professionals.

A total of four companies made the healthcare shortlist, with Airfinity taking the win. Isomorphic Labs and Mediktor were also shortlisted ranging from improving patients’ access to a medical chatbot to speedy drug discovery. View the full list of this year’s Tech Champions here.

About Navenio

Launched in 2015 from proprietary technology developed at the University of Oxford, the Navenio team has grown to more than 60 people with a global footprint encompassing the UK and US. Navenio’s Real Time Location Service is smartphone-based, and through the fusion of four unique technologies creates a highly scalable indoor location service leveraging an artificial intelligence tasking engine delivering immediate actionable insight. Privacy and security are inherent within the Navenio technology, and the company is Cyber Essentials Plus certified, GDPR, HIPAA and NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit compliant. Navenio was given a strong commendation in KPMG’s British Tech Pioneers 2020 Program and has been named as part of the DIT100 and Tech Nation’s Upscale 6.0 this year, as well as winning both commercial and academic awards. Find out more about Navenio here: navenio.com | Twitter | LinkedIn

Media Contact

Amanda Cecconi, Punching Nun Group, 1 615-473-7536, [email protected], https://punchingnungroup.com/

SOURCE Navenio



Health

Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation Celebrates Continued Collaboration With QBE North America

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QBE maintains a deep commitment to supporting CPARF’s work, including sponsoring STEPtember — CPARF’s flagship fundraising campaign — as a corporate partner at increasing levels since 2020. In 2023, their $25,000 platinum sponsorship more than doubled their support from the prior year. QBE employees also rose to the challenge and raised over $50,000 during the 2023 event, bringing QBE’s total lifetime fundraising for CPARF to more than $150,000.

Excited by CPARF’s disability innovation work, QBE’s 2023 fundraising supported Remarkable US, CPARF’s startup accelerator. “QBE exemplifies what it means to be an ally,” said CPARF Executive Director Michael Pearlmutter. “Beyond increasing their financial support each year, they maintain a real curiosity about our work. How can we make the biggest difference right now? Which research needs the most support? How can we best help the cerebral palsy community and the wider disability community? What conversations will drive the most change? And this approach has led to our deepened relationship over the last year.”

In 2023, this unique collaboration broadened to include thought leadership. Several members of both organizations regularly met to help QBE launch Workability — an employee resource group dedicated to disability inclusion and amplifying disabled voices — in the US. CPARF also led multiple webinars about increasing inclusion and accessibility in the workplace.

CPARF and QBE are continually committed to making the world more open, accessible, and inclusive for people with cerebral palsy and co-occurring disabilities, and they are proud to work together to make it happen.

About Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation
Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation funds life-changing research to change what’s possible for people with cerebral palsy, implements proven science, and advances innovation to benefit people with disabilities worldwide. Learn more at http://www.cparf.org.

About QBE North America
QBE North America is a global insurance leader helping customers solve unique risks, so they can stay focused on their future. Part of QBE Insurance Group Limited, QBE North America reported Gross Written Premiums in the first half of 2023 of $5 billion. QBE Insurance Group’s results can be found at qbe.com. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, QBE operates out of 27 countries around the globe, with a presence in every key insurance market. The North America division, headquartered in New York, conducts business primarily through its insurance company subsidiaries. The actual terms and conditions of any insurance coverage are subject to the language of the policies as issued. Additional information can be found at qbe.com/us or follow QBE North America on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Media Contact

Jocelyn Cohen, Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation, 646.340.1208, [email protected], https://cparf.org/

SOURCE Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation

Health

Virtue Technologies establishes strategic agreement with GO2 Delivery to leverage best in class Pharmacy and Durable Medical Equipment logistics technology solution

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Companies Working Together to Address Post-Acute Care Delivery Management Needs Through Strategic Agreement

CHAPIN, S.C., Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Virtue Technologies, a leading provider of Home Infusion, Specialty Pharmacy, Long Term Care Pharmacy, and Durable Medical Equipment logistics technology solutions, announced today a Strategic Agreement with final mile delivery leader GO2 Delivery. The agreement will allow GO2 Delivery access to solutions being offered to Virtue Technologies’ pharmacy and home medical equipment technology subscribers.Virtue Technologies’ namesake solution,VirtueScript, automates delivery workflow processes and increases the level of communication that occurs across the continuum of post-acute care.

“Value Innovation is at the core of what we do at GO2 Delivery. Our unique approach and process helps our clients grow and scale creating lean and profitable operations, while increase customer retention,”stated Eric Brown, CEO of GO2 Delivery. “This collaboration is a step forward in strengthening our interconnected role within the healthcare ecosystem and supporting the communities we serve.”

“Partnering with GO2 Delivery allows us to strengthen our vision of taking an agnostic, interoperable approach to healthcare technology solutions. Our focus remains to increase automation while reducing friction as it relates to delivery management in the post-acute market,” says Gibran Ameer, Chief Executive Officer of Virtue Technologies. “We look forward to leveraging our expertise while applying GO2 Delivery’s last mile delivery expertise to propel our customers’ businesses collectively.”

About Virtue Technologies

Virtue Technologies is a provider of cloud-based software committed to solving the challenges of the highly fragmented durable medical equipment and pharmacy markets. The solutions strive to drive out cost and improve the revenue cycle by improving staff efficiency, removing waste, increasing patient satisfaction, and providing unparalleled visibility to pharmacy operations. In an environment of shrinking reimbursements, growing audit risk, and persistent demand from patients and caregivers, Virtue Technologies provides the solutions the market demands.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.virtuescript.com

About GO2 Delivery

GO2 Delivery is Mid Atlantic’s premier delivery service provider. As a forward thinking integrated delivery partner, we connect you seamlessly with your customers. We’ve been in business for 27+ years, formerly known as Mobile One. We believe in a tailored, data-driven delivery experience. Our innovative approach ensures our services are fully aligned with your business needs, allowing us to optimize scheduling, predict budgets, enhance tracking, prioritize sustainability, and, ultimately, build lasting customer satisfaction. To learn more, please visit: go2delivery.com

Media Contact

Jason Jacobs,COO, Virtue Technologies, 1 (800)345-5308, [email protected], www.virtuescript.com

Yedda Stancil, 1 (804)-405-4358, [email protected], www.go2delivery.com

LinkedIn

SOURCE Virtue Technologies

Health

Ohio State University Student Receives SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship

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The SBB Research Group Foundation has named Alex Ochoa a STEM Scholarship recipient

CHICAGO, Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The SBB Research Group Foundation named Alex Ochoa a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Alex, a senior, studies Public Health at Ohio State University. He was awarded second place at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Research Institute Retreat for his research project titled “Assessing the Nutrition Environment in the South Linden Neighborhood” and serves as the University Council of Latinx Organizations (UCLO) representative in the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Chapter.

“Alex is an exciting up-and-coming expert in Public Health, and we are honored to be part of his path,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation.

For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit http://www.sbbscholarship.org.

About the SBB Research Group Foundation
The SBB Research Group Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that furthers the philanthropic mission of SBB Research Group LLC (SBBRG), a Chicago-based investment management firm led by Sam Barnett, Ph.D., and Matt Aven. The Foundation sponsors the SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship, supporting students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degrees. In addition to its scholarship program, the Foundation provides grants to support ambitious organizations solving unmet needs with thoughtful, long-term strategies.

Media Contact

Erin Noonan, SBB Research Group Foundation, 1-847-656-1111, [email protected], https://www.sbbscholarship.com/

SOURCE SBB Research Group Foundation

Health

Kento Health announces know-how agreement with Mayo Clinic

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“We are thrilled to partner with Mayo Clinic on this mission-driven initiative, where our goal is to transform cardiac care, enhancing the patient journey and boosting health outcomes for individuals managing cardiovascular disease.” says Mike Furino, co-founder of Kento Health.

The goal of the collaboration is to democratize access to top-tier cardiac rehabilitation by combining both parties’ technological innovation and medical expertise through a shared vision of equity and patient-centered care.

Kento’s cutting-edge virtual cardiac rehabilitation platform equipped with AI-driven insights, and personalized care paths is designed to make cardiac rehabilitation accessible to all, regardless of location or economic status.

Mayo Clinic has a financial interest in the technology referenced in this press release. Mayo Clinic will use any revenue it receives to support its not-for-profit mission in patient care, education and research.

For more information, please contact :

Mike Furino

Co-Founder and COO

Kento Health

Email: [email protected]

www.kentohealth.com

About Kento Health :

Kento Health is a digital health company dedicated to transforming cardiovascular care. We blend the latest scientific insights, cutting-edge technology, and medical expertise to deliver life-transforming, clinically-backed programs for individuals living with heart disease. Our mission is to make heart health a universal right, empowering people to live healthier and bolder lives.

SOURCE Kento Health Inc.

Health

Treat yourself and improve personal health during the “12 Days of Tech” sale from FSA Store® and HSA Store®

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Don’t miss these “12 Days of Tech” deals:

In addition to these high-tech health items, FSA Store and HSA Store carry more than 2,500 products that are eligible for purchase with tax-free funds. Use our comprehensive, searchable FSA or HSA eligibility list and visit our FSA Learning Center for more deadline tips.

What is the FSA use-it-or-lose-it deadline? FSAs and HSAs are tax-advantaged accounts that allow individuals and families to set aside pre-tax income to pay for IRS-approved products and services. All FSAs have an annual deadline by which account funds must be spent. For most account holders, that deadline is December 31. Unused funds are forfeited after December 31, unless the employer that sponsors the FSA offers an optional carryover of funds or a deadline extension.

About Health-E Commerce
Health-E Commerce is the parent brand to FSA Store, HSA Store and WellDeservedHealth, a family of online stores that serve the 70+ million consumers enrolled in pre-tax health and wellness accounts. The company also created Caring Mill(TM), a popular private-label line of health products through which a portion of every purchase is donated to the Children’s Health Fund. Since 2010, the Health-E Commerce brands have led the direct-to-consumer e-commerce market for exclusively pre-tax health and wellness benefits. Health-E Commerce plays an essential role in expanding product eligibility for important new categories within the list of eligible medical expenses.

Media Contact

Barbara Tabor, Health-E Commerce, 6512309192, barbara@taborpr.com

SOURCE Health-E Commerce

Health

Makers Nutrition Demonstrates Commitment to Mental Health

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Makers Nutrition’s donation aims to support the center’s mission in delivering essential mental health care to those who need it most. As a socially responsible company, Makers Nutrition recognizes the profound impact that access to mental health services can have on individuals and their families.

“We are thrilled to be able to contribute to the YES Community Counseling Center,” said Makers Nutrition’ Senior Vice President Stephen Finnegan. “The effort they put forth in our community is truly invaluable, and we believe in their mission to serve others. We hope this donation will help them to continue their important work.” 

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and those we serve at YES Community Counseling Center, we would like to thank Makers Nutrition for the generous donation and support!” said a spokesperson of YES. “As a community-based and non-profit organization, we deeply value and rely upon our relationships with our partners to strengthen the foundation for children, families, and communities. Our mission is to help increase awareness about personal and community issues, prevent and treat substance misuse, and promote healthy families and a safe community. We assist young people, adults, and families in our effort to enable them to develop to their potential.”

About Makers Nutrition

A two-time Inc. 5000 honoree, Makers Nutrition is an innovative supplement manufacturer serving vitamin brands globally. 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.

About YES Community Counseling Center

The YES Community Counseling Center is a non-profit community-based organization dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of individuals and families across Long Island. The center provides accessible, high-quality, and comprehensive mental health services and support to people of all ages. 

For those who are in need of assistance or would like more information about YES, please visit http://www.yesccc.org or contact the organization at (516) 799-3203.  

Media Contact

Rosemary Tambini, Makers Nutrition, 6314565397, [email protected], https://www.makersnutrition.com

SOURCE Makers Nutrition

Lifestyle: Self Help

MEDPLI Offers “A” Rated Tail Malpractice Insurance for Doctors Losing Coverage Due to American Physicians Partners (APP) Bankruptcy

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Without tail malpractice coverage, doctors formerly contracted by American Physicians Partners (APP) can be exposed to an unexpected lawsuit if a former patient files a malpractice claim against them. A MEDPLI advisor can offer physicians affected by the APP bankruptcy multiple options for tail malpractice insurance from “A” rated carriers.

CARBONDALE, Ill., Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — MEDPLI, a leading independent medical malpractice insurance broker, is reaching out to help doctors formerly contracted by American Physicians Partners (APP) to obtain tail malpractice insurance. The Tennessee-based hospital staffing firm announced its closure in July 2023. APP later filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October and plans to liquidate. As a result, APP will no longer honor its contract to provide the firm’s over 2,500 physicians with tail malpractice insurance.

“Without tail malpractice coverage, these 2,500 physicians will be exposed to a lawsuit and risk potentially heavy personal financial loss if a former patient files a malpractice claim against them for an incident that occurred while they were under contract with APP,” says Max Schloemann, CEO of MEDPI. “Our independent MEDPLI advisors have deep experience and knowledge of medical malpractice insurance trends and carriers to help these physicians prepare themselves now for any unexpected prior acts claims with a strong tail coverage policy.”

A medical staffing firm typically provides its newly contracted doctors with medical malpractice insurance, but that coverage ends on the last day of employment, or termination of the doctor’s contract. However, a staffing firm will usually make provisions for a tail policy in the contract terms. But in APP’s bankruptcy’s case, doctors are left scrambling to secure their own tail malpractice insurance to cover them retroactively from their first day of employment with the staffing firm.

MEDPLI’s CEO Max Schloemann also noted that a new employer’s medical malpractice insurance policy will not cover a physician for prior acts that occurred while working for APP. Thus, standalone tail malpractice coverage is the only way to protect against personal financial loss if sued.

“As an independent medical malpractice insurance broker, MEDPLI can offer physicians affected by the American Physicians Partners bankruptcy multiple options for tail malpractice insurance from “A” rated carriers,” Schloemann says. “The volume of medical malpractice lawsuits in the U.S. shows no sign of decreasing, so we encourage physicians to speak with a MEDPLI advisor about securing strong tail malpractice coverage for their specialty as soon as possible.” Not all physicians will qualify for standalone tail coverage.

Physicians who have lost tail malpractice insurance due to the American Physicians Partners bankruptcy can contact a MEDPLI medical malpractice advisor online at www.medpli.com or call 1-800-969-1339 for a quote.

About MEDPLI

MEDPLI is an independent insurance practice specializing in medical professional liability insurance. Through our A-rated insurance partners, we provide insurance solutions to doctors and healthcare providers in the United States. Visit www.medpli.com to learn more.

Media Contact

Max Schloemann, MEDPLI, 1 800-969-1339, [email protected], https://medpli.com/

SOURCE MEDPLI

health and fitness

A New Report Shows Lung Cancer Survival Rate Gains, Lingering Disparities, And an Urgent Need to Increase Screening and Proactive Prevention

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To proactively prevent lung cancer, the American Lung Association partnered with Protect Environmental, to provide no-cost professional radon testing in Chicago, IL; Columbus, OH; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Lexington, KY; Louisville, KY; New Jersey, and New York City, Salt Lake City, UT. Homeowners can request no-cost professional radon testing here.

Through this initiative, a qualified professional will conduct a radon test using a certified radon measurement device, providing a detailed report to the homeowner upon completion of the test. If elevated levels are identified, the problem can be fixed through the installation of a mitigation system.

“We discovered my childhood home had high levels of radon when my father was diagnosed with lung cancer, even though he was a non-smoker,” said Kyle Hoylman, chief executive officer of Protect Environmental. “Our team is doing its part to reduce exposure to radioactive, cancer-causing radon gas in the communities we serve, but more awareness and action is needed to prevent this deadly disease. That’s why we partnered with the American Lung Association to break down barriers and empower individuals to reduce their risk of radon exposure through no-cost professional radon testing.”

“Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in America. As we have made tremendous strides in raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use, there is more work to do to increase awareness about radon and how to prevent radon-induced lung cancer. Since reducing the risk of radon-induced lung cancer starts with a test, we encourage everyone, regardless of where you live, to test the spaces where you live, work, and learn,” said Deb Brown, chief mission officer for the American Lung Association. “It will take all of us working together to end lung cancer stigma and raise awareness that anyone can get lung cancer. Test for radon – it could save your life.”

To mark Lung Cancer Awareness Month, everyone is urged to:

  1. Test Your Home for Radon: Every home should be tested for radon. Exposure to radon causes no immediate symptoms, but the long-term threat of lung cancer is important to everyone. People who have never smoked make up one out of seven radon-related lung cancer deaths each year. Learn more at Lung.org/radon and reserve your appointment for a professional radon test at no cost today. If you live outside the no-cost professional radon testing project area, you can purchase a test kit here. You can also explore radon results recorded in your community using the Radon Risk Search™ Tool. If radon levels need to be reduced use a licensed and certified radon professional.
  2. Take a quiz to see if you or a loved one are eligible for lung cancer screening: Lung cancer screening is key to early detection of the disease. Although radon exposure is not considered a risk factor for lung cancer screening, a person is eligible for lung cancer screening if they are 50-80 years of age, have a 20-pack-year history (1 pack/day for 20 years, 2 packs/day for 10 years), and are a current smoker, or have quit within the last 15 years. Find out if you are eligible for lung cancer screening with this 2-minute quiz at SavedByTheScan.org.
  3. Join the Patient & Caregiver Network for Critical Lung Cancer Resources: The Lung Association’s Patient & Caregiver Network provides people living with lung cancer and lung disease and their caregivers with critical support, education, and access to emerging research like clinical trials. Learn more and sign up for the Patient & Caregiver Network at Lung.org/PCN.

There are not currently any effective, community-wide screening methods available for medical prevention or early diagnosis and treatment of radon-included lung cancer, according to the [U.S. Agency For Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Patients with potential exposure to increased radon levels should undergo a thorough medical evaluation.

Radon-induced lung cancer claims two (2) American lives each hour. More must be done to raise awareness to end radon-induced lung cancer once and for all.

About Protect Environmental

Protect Environmental is a national leader in the environmental consulting and construction industry, focusing on radon and chemical vapor intrusion management. With a proven track record spanning 18 years and more than 200,000 completed projects in all 50 U.S. states and 2 U.S. territories, the company provides expert service from its trusted professionals to provide peace of mind protection to property owners seeking to build and maintain healthy, safe, and sustainable indoor environments. Join our rapidly expanding team, and apply today. For more information, call 502-410-5000 or click on https://www.protectenvironmental.com.

Media Contact

Andrea Stephens, Protect Environmental, 5026496870, [email protected], https://www.protectenvironmental.com/

SOURCE Protect Environmental

Home and Family: Marriage / Relationships

Playonwords.com Presents Their Fall 2023 PAL Awards

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Play On Words, led by highly respected speech-language pathologist Erika Cardamone, announces Fall 2023 PAL Award Winners, a high recognition directed by a credentialed speech-language expert recognizing the language learning edge in exceptional toys, games and media. Erika’s 17 years of child development experience working with kids empower her PAL Award selections, video reviews, blog, media appearances (PHL17 Philadelphia, FOX6 Milwaukee, and ABC9 Syracuse), and consulting practice.

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — A new acronymic is making heads turn in the toy industry — MESH. The acronym was around long before the pandemic had parents and caregivers really talking about our children’s mental and social health. But now, it seems we’re all a bit more tuned in to our children’s needs. MESH focuses on building skills to create resiliency in children. Giving them the means to successfully adapt to difficult life experiences.

We’ve long known that kids learn through play. We know that play develops important skills used later in life. But now, ThinkFun has identified 8 crucial MESH skills that help children develop resiliency. Many of these skills are the foundation of what we do as speech-language pathologists. Practicing communication strategies, problem-solving, adaptation, and other higher-level cognitive skills, are exactly what we do when playing in our therapy sessions. It’s incredible to see such a positive response from the toy industry. These guidelines can actually shape new products to maximize their ability to foster MESH skills.

The PAL Award continues to seek out the best toys and games that cultivate learning through play and encourage communication, flexible thinking, problem solving, and creativity. Playonwords.com helps toy brands and consumers alike see the strategic value of language learning in play through its helping to build vocabulary, foster cooperation, express emotion, kindle creativity and expand descriptive and problem solving capacities. The PAL Award differentiates brands who know the marketplace now demands products that are not only fun, but also infused with learning potential. The gold seal with three smiley faces tells customers that more than great entertainment is to be found on the box, book cover or app license.

EARLY DEVELOPMENT: Erika’s experience in pediatric speech-language therapy has given her an eye for the best products to build attention, vocabulary and concepts through play, preparing children for their first sounds, words and sentences. While working a bead maze and, playing music and guessing sounds, learning early math vocabulary and practicing early problem-solving with shape sorters, kids learn essential early language skills.

  • 8-in-1 Activity Cube by Viga Toys
  • ABCs & Activities Wooden Table™ by LeapFrog
  • Chompers the Number Dino™ by VTech
  • Dino Multi-Activity Volcano by Janod
  • Food Truck Playset by GUND
  • Lolo’s Boat Bead Maze by Bababoo and friends
  • My Fun Day by SimplyFun
  • Rainy Ranch by Ravensburger
  • The Happy Marshmallow by MindWare’s Peaceable Kingdom
  • Touch & Learn Wooden Activity Cube™ by LeapFrog
  • Tracy the Fidget Triceratops by Learning Resources
  • Sustainably Soft Baby Doll Collection by GUND

READING AND WRITING: As children grow older, literacy becomes a focus in academics. Learning their first functional words and phrases, rhyming words, identifying letters and sounds, practicing holding a writing utensil while simultaneously being wow’d by scents, and reading rhythmic fairytales, all pick up essential skills to advance reading and writing.

  • All About the Planet by Highlights
  • Crayola Triple-The-Fun See-Thru Easel by Grow-n-Up Limited
  • Doodle & Draw by Crayola
  • Grandpa Kevin’s Updated Classics by Missing Piece Press, LLC
  • HD Coloring Kit by Crayola
  • Imagine and Draw Activity Book by Highlights
  • Moonlite Story Collections by Moonlite
  • Silly Scents Smash Ups by Crayola
  • Slide-to-Read ABC Flash Cards by LeapFrog
  • Tangram Puzzle Fun by Highlights
  • The Great Big Book of Really Hard Puzzles by Highlights
  • Wild Animals Deluxe by Highlights

LANGUAGE STRUCTURE, CRITICAL THINKING AND REASONING: These outstanding products can build language structure, critical thinking and reasoning, often teaching vocabulary, concepts or grammar while delivering fun. Making observations, solving problems, and drawing conclusions, designing and constructing marble runs and castles, and transporting to a Las Vegas stage or prehistoric dinosaur chase, all further language learning, flexible thinking and promote innovative thinking.

  • Cauldron Quest by MindWare’s Peaceable Kingdom
  • Electronic Motors Catalyst by Tinkering Labs
  • Erggs’ Crash Arena by Squaregles
  • Go’s Spiral Drop by Squaregles
  • GraviTrax Junior Jungle Starter Set by Ravensburger
  • Gravity Maze Builder by ThinkFun
  • Hedbanz Lightspeed by Spin Master
  • KEVA Design Woods by MindWare
  • Logic! CASE Starter Set by HABA
  • Meet MahJong by Ravensburger
  • Penn & Teller Magic Lab Virtual Reality by Abacus Brands
  • Qwirkle Color Blind Friendly Edition by MindWare
  • Rubik’s Coach Cube by Spin Master
  • Safari Park Jr. by Smart Games
  • Tightrope by MindWare
  • VR Dinosaurs by Abacus Brands
  • Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles by Ravensburger

STORY-TELLING / PRETEND PLAY: Whether telling stories using familiar characters, heroic Oggs or misunderstood Erggs, taking a pizza order and baking cookies, pretending to clean up, or serving ice cream, children enter the world of pretend, creating their own stories with plenty of flexible props to guide their imagination. Oral story-telling precedes writing as kids learn the steps to create a good narrative.

  • 1.2.3 & Disney: Winnie’s & Piglet’s Tree House by PLAYMOBIL
  • Build-a-Slice Pizza Cart™ by LeapFrog
  • Design & Drill Bolt Buddies Crane by Educational Insights
  • Gabby’s Dollhouse Gabby Cat Friend Ship by Spin Master
  • Hatchimals Alive Hatch Nursery Playset by Spin Master
  • Ice Cream Booth by Janod
  • Kinetic Sand Deluxe Beach Castle by Spin Master
  • My Baking Oven With Magic Cookies by Hape
  • Oh So Fun! Cleaning Cart by MindWare
  • Oggsmore Keep: A Castle Saga by Squaregles
  • PAW Patrol the Might Movie: Skye’s Mighty Movie Jet by Spin Master
  • Rainbow Learning Lights Mixer™ by LeapFrog
  • Scribble Scrubbie Glow Lagoon by Crayola
  • Squinkies Originals Cupcake Surprize Bake Shop by Blip Toys
  • Storytime With Sunny™ by VTech
  • Yeti Yikes! Ski Mountain by Squaregles

SOCIAL LANGUAGE: Complementary to pretend play, social language blossoms when children play with toys and games and interact with media that encourage extended social interactions. Naming, and recognizing emotions in oneself and others, listening to dynamic stories, improving mindfulness, perseverance and attention with fidgets, or working cooperatively during gameplay, children understand and learn self-regulation.

  • 12 Days of Fun & Focus by MindWare’s Sensory Genius
  • Bumpas by Good Soul Brands
  • Emotional Support Fries by Relatable
  • Finger Food Frenzy by MindWare
  • Furry Fidget Friend by Tangle
  • Future Fans Football by Future Fans
  • Goo Games by Sky Castle Toys
  • Home Grown Growing Kit by MindWare
  • Narwhal Waterfall by MindWare’s Peaceable Kingdom
  • Pawvocados by Blue Orange Games
  • Storypod by Craftie Fox, Inc.

ABOUT PLAYONWORDS.COM

Playonwords.com is fueled by well-respected speech-language pathologist, Erika Cardamone. Her 17 years championing language rich play, lead reviewer for the PAL Award, popular blog, and insightful tips to parents set her apart as the leading advocate for the language component in toys.

Over 10,000 hours working directly with children has shown her that a unique set of the best toys, games and books have the capability to develop language while delivering great play.

Studies show:

Kids with highest IQs at three, had the most words at one and two

Language learning is cumulative – early words => early sentences => language & reading

Most kids maintain their verbal advantage through childhood

Creative pretend play that sparks story-telling can advance future literacy

Erika hopes that parents will recognize the PAL Award to identify unique toys, games and books that through their design, quality and character, encourage play that advances language. PAL winners in the hands of kids, spark fun and creative play with lots of talk. Such toys, recognized on the basis of her child development expertise, are complemented by practical coaching in her blog and videos, showing parents, caregivers and teachers how to get the most from toys, games and books to build language and underlying cognitive skills.

Media Contact

Erika Cardamone, Play On Words, 1 2032284438, [email protected], playonwords.com

SOURCE Play On Words