All posts by imreal

Baker Electric Home Energy’s Keith Randhahn Elected to California Solar & Storage Association Board of Directors


Solar energy, solar panels, San Diego, Southern California, renewable energy,

Keith Randhahn has been key in the growth of Baker Electric Home Energy from a handful of employees to a Southern California company that installs over 2000 PV solar systems per year.

“This new role allows me to bring my experience and passion for renewable energy to help California achieve its solar commitment…” – Keith Randhahn

Baker Electric Home Energy announces that Keith Randhahn, Director of Engineering, Products, Services and Policy, has been voted onto the California Solar & Storage Association’s (CALSSA) Board of Directors. Randhahn’s work as a member of the CALSSA Board will be focused on fostering further adoption of residential solar and home batteries, helping to drive favorable California solar policy and regulations, and advocating for the solar industry at-large. Randhahn is one of five newly elected Board members and will be serving a three-year term starting December 5, 2019.

“After nine years as an enthusiastic CALSSA Contractor Representative, I’m honored to have been elected to the Board of Directors. This new role allows me to bring my experience and passion for renewable energy to help California achieve its solar commitment during a time when energy independence is more important than ever,” commented Randhahn.

Bernadette Del Chiaro, Executive Director of CALSSA’s Board of Directors commented about the recent Board election saying, “Keith’s extensive experience, professionalism, and integrity will be a welcome addition to the CALSSA Board. His years of work with CALSSA and extensive industry experience will help advance our mission to bring clean, local and reliable energy solutions to communities throughout California.”

The California Solar & Storage Association is committed to putting renewable energy production and storage into the hands of more California homeowners and businesses. CALSSA protects consumers while driving viable renewable energy solutions that allow more Californians to benefit from the financial and environmental benefits that come from solar energy production and storage. As California works to achieve its mandate of 50% renewable energy by 2030, CALSSA’s continued leadership will be instrumental in meeting that goal.

About Baker Electric Home Energy

Built on over 80 years of electrical contracting expertise, San Diego-based Baker Electric Home Energy has provided home energy solutions to more than 12,000 Southern California homeowners. Known for exemplary customer service and business ethics, Baker designs, engineers and installs solar power systems and home batteries for residences across Southern California. Additionally, the company provides full heating and air conditioning services and smart home solutions.

The company is a BBB accredited business with an A+ rating and has been the winner (2016, 2017,2019) or finalist (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) for the BBB Torch Award for Ethics in the 200+ Employee Category. In addition to the regional award, Baker received the BBB’s coveted International Torch Award in 2017. Baker has also been ranked by the San Diego Business Journal as its No. 31 Fastest-Growing Private Company and is a four-time winner of the Angie’s List Super Service Award. Baker Electric Home Energy

About the California Solar & Storage Association

The California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA) has advanced the common interest of the solar and storage industry for over 40 years, making California the most robust market in the U.S. The association is the state’s largest clean energy business group with over 500 member companies representing an array of businesses that manufacture, design, install, finance and provide other resources to the growing local solar and storage market in California. Learn more at http://www.calssa.org

About Keith Randhahn

Keith holds the position of Director of Engineering, Products, Services and Policy with Southern California-based Baker Electric Home Energy. Keith joined Baker 9 years ago as Operations Manager and has helped grow the residential solar division from about a dozen to nearly 300 employees. With that team, Baker is now installing over 2,000 residential PV installations per year and has installed more than 12,000 residential systems since 2007. This puts Baker in the #1 market position for a locally owned Southern California solar and battery provider. Keith’s leadership has also been instrumental in Baker’s achievement of several BBB Torch Awards for Ethics, Angie’s List Superior Service Awards, SunPower Regional Top Producer and Dealer of the Year, The San Diego Business Journal’s Best Places to Work and Solar Power World’s #11 spot on the Top 500 North America Residential Solar installers. Before his tenure at Baker, Keith served as the Operations Manager for GRO Solar and Borrego Solar’s residential businesses in San Diego.

Keith’s passion for the advancement of solar and battery solutions within California has driven his nearly 10 years as an active member of the San Diego Chapter of CALSSA. During that time, he has served on CALSSA committees including rate design evaluation, Net Energy Metering and Member Recruitment. In addition, he regularly participates in Codes, Standards, Consumer Protection, Energy Storage and Policy meetings.

Keith holds an MBA from the University of San Diego and a BA from San Diego State University. He brings over 10 years of residential community development experience in single and multi-family residential housing project design and construction management as a Project Manager with Lennar/Pacific Greystone Homes. He also serves as Board President for numerous Homeowner Associations throughout San Diego.

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JawFixers Oral Surgeons Improve Oral Function and Smiles with Jaw Surgery in Manchester, CT


Drs. Joel Rosenlicht and Ryaz Ansari, Oral Surgeons in Manchester and West Hartford, CT

Oral Surgeons at JawFixers Restore Oral Function in Manchester, CT

We provide great care to our patients using the most technologically advanced procedures and equipment that is out there in oral surgery.

Board-certified oral surgeons, Drs. Joel Rosenlicht and Ryaz Ansari, offer over 55 years of combined experience in helping patients improve their speech, eating and swallowing through jaw surgery in their Manchester and West Hartford, CT practices. Oral surgery performed by experienced oral surgeons can help improve the function and aesthetic look of a flawed jaw. JawFixers combines experience with technology to offer this successful leading care.

“One of the great things about being an oral surgeon is the fact that we can do so many different things on patients, whether it be fractures, pathology, dental treatment, implants or bone grafting. We provide great care to our patients using the most technologically advanced procedures and equipment that is out there in oral surgery,” says Dr. Joel Rosenlicht. “There is no better feeling than seeing the changes we can give to our patients.”

Jaw surgery can be used to treat minor and major dental or skeletal abnormalities to the mouth, face, and jaws. This surgery can help those with functional concerns who have trouble eating, speaking or swallowing due to jaw abnormalities. Additionally, jaw surgery can be used for cosmetic reasons, such as to fix irregularities or reshape facial structure. Patients may require jaw surgery if they experience any of the following:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Speech problems
  • Facial irregularities
  • Birth defects
  • Facial trauma
  • Jaw misalignment


JawFixers offers comprehensive oral surgery and advanced dental procedures to help improve patient oral and overall health. The practice offers wisdom teeth extractions, bone grafting to correct bone loss and dental implant placement to replace missing teeth. Patients can also receive screenings for oral pathology and undergo biopsies with minimally invasive dental lasers. For those with dental anxiety, sedation dentistry, including advanced IV sedation, is available to help put patients at ease and reduce feelings of discomfort.

Those in need of jaw surgery in Manchester or West Hartford, CT are encouraged to schedule a consultation with the experienced oral surgeons at JawFixers. The practice can be reached by calling 860-649-2272 for the Manchester, CT office or 860-232-4606 for the West Hartford, CT practice. Appointments can also be made online at http://www.jawfixers.com.

About the Oral Surgeons

The board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Jawfixers are skilled specialists offering leading-edge and minimally invasive care at their two practice locations in Manchester, CT and West Hartford, CT. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Joel Rosenlicht is an esteemed author and lecturer and has developed techniques to further his field. Dr. Ryaz Ansari brings a passion for technology and oral surgery with extensive experience in implant therapy and dentoalveolar surgery. Using advanced imaging, Yomi® robotic-assisted technology and EXPAREL® for opioid-free pain management, this team strives to provide the best care and experience possible for their patients. To learn more about this practice, Drs. Rosenlicht and Ansari or their services, visit http://www.jawfixers.com or call 860-649-2272 for their Manchester, CT office or 860-232-4606 for their West Hartford, CT practice.

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GoMarketing’s CEO Richard Uzelac, Announces New Americans with Disabilities Act Website Compliance Services


Americans with Disabilities Act screen grab from GoMarketing.com

ADA Website Compliance Services by Richard Uzelac’s GoMarketing

Compliance to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is not an option, it is the Law. – Richard Uzelac

“ADA Website Compliance is not an Option; it is the Law.”


“We have been following the drama around the Americans With Disabilities Act Website Compliance Law for over two years. After the Domino’s Pizza case went to the Supreme Court, and Domino’s lost the suit, things got serious, ADA Compliance was real, and it was here to stay,” said Richard Uzelac, CEO of GoMarketing. “Before that case’s outcome finalized, we had continued to work as we had, with high quality Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for our Clients. Good SEO almost equated to ADA Compliance. In fact, in many ways ADA is simply better SEO Optimization, “ Richard Uzelac added.

The team at GoMarketing decided to offer specific ADA Website Compliance Services to their Clients, and any business that wanted to become compliant. Compliance is basically adjusting the site to be usable for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, and Partially Blind.

“In early 2019 we were approached by quite a few Companies that wanted bids and pricing for website Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. In some cases, the companies gave us the fees others were charging for compliance and we were astounded at the astronomical prices,” said Richard Uzelac. “Companies with thirty-page websites were getting quotes of $20,000 or more to get their sites ADA Compliant. We saw quite a bit of price gouging going on because business owners simply did not know what was involved and what it took to become compliant. Many owners were terrified to become the next sued company in their space,” added Uzelac.

GoMarketing offers several programs designed to meet the needs of any company and their websites. The process to compliance is usually straight forward and it is clearly explained with no mystery to our Clients.

Analysis: Analyzing the current website and identify all issue the site has that is keeping the site from becoming compliant.

Development: Developing the backend and frontend code and content of the website to meet ADA Compliance, this includes providing changes to the site for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, Partially Blind.

User Adjustable Interface: GoMarketing uses a proprietary software that enables all users to modify their experience of being on the site to meet their own individual needs.

Here are examples of just some of the items addressed during ADA Compliance Optimization by GoMarketing:

  • Logical overall layout of the site and navigation
  • Forms are logical and follow a pattern throughout the website.
  • No auto-submissions of forms, all must have an action performed to be submitted.
  • Images: Adding Titles, Captions and/or Alt-Text to each picture that explains what is on the picture to someone with sight impairment.

Videos: Adding closed captions to all videos for the hearing disabled to understand what is being communicated in the video. Also, ability for all users to pause, stop or replay a video.

  • Audio Transcriptions: For recorded sound media, adding the transcription text from the media to the page or quickly reachable by a link for the hearing impaired.
  • Keyboard Accessibility: The website must be navigable by just a keyboard, without the use of a mouse or similar.
  • Easy to read Text, Contrast, and Sizing.

These are just a sample of the requirements for ADA Website Compliance.

In addition to the actions taken above to become compliant, GoMarketing offers a new proprietary website program that allows all impaired users to alter their individual interface with the Clients website.

This new ADA User Interface Controller, ADA UIC, allows the blind/partially blind or deaf/partially deaf to adjust the following:

User Accessibility Interface (Foreground App.) allows users to change:

  • Fonts and Font Sizes
  • Site Colors and Contrasts
  • Use a Virtual Keyboard
  • Control Cursor type and size
  • Engage an Online Glossary
  • Stop/Pause Animations/Videos

Artificial Machine Learning (Background App.) supports users with:

  • WAI-Aria 1.1 Compliant
  • Adds Alt tags to Images to Describe them to the blind, auto updated daily.
  • Menus-Made compatible for accessibility software
  • Dropdowns- Made compatible for accessibility software
  • Popups- Made compatible for accessibility software
  • Forms- Made compatible for accessibility software
  • Widgets- Made compatible for accessibility software
  • Icons- Made compatible for accessibility software
  • Buttons- Made compatible for accessibility software

Should you become compliant? Yes, it is now the law to be compliant.

The industries that have been hit the most with ADA Lawsuits so far are:

  • Travel/Hospitality
  • Restaurants/Food Service:
  • Medical/Health
  • E-Commerce
  • Universities/Educational
  • Beauty/Fitness/Wellness
  • Entertainment/Leisure:
  • Insurance
  • Retail Stores
  • Home Services
  • Banking/Financial
  • Real Estate
  • Automotive
  • Government

But when a company from a different field is sued successfully, there seems to be a lot more lawsuits for that industry or field being filed.

“Every week a new industry or field is highlighted in a lawsuit and other companies are soon hit over ADA non-compliance very quickly. The list of industry grows so fast that it can be said ALL industries and fields are now in jeopardy of being sued for ADA violations. Key new industries are Home Services and Professional Services,” offers Richard Uzelac.

If you want to get started, or have questions, call GoMarketing.com at 805-413-7893.

About GoMarketing

Based out of Thousand Oaks, California, GoMarketing uses the following mission statement to deliver digital marketing results to their clients: “Understand. Engage. Succeed. Grow.” Acting as digital marketing professionals within a wide range of industry sectors, the GoMarketing team specializes in many Services, including; SEO, content strategy, website design and website development, and more. GoMarketing provides a full suite of marketing solutions that generate online leads through SEO and Google and Facebook Ads and sales for businesses throughout the country. For more information about their custom marketing plans, contact GoMarketing directly at 805.413.7893 or visit GoMarketing.

About Richard Uzelac, CEO of GoMarketing

Founder of GoMarketing and RealtyTech Inc., Richard Uzelac is an Emmy award-winning graphics producer, former Director of Realtor.com, and sits on several boards of directors. Richard Uzelac’s GoMarketing works with Corporations and Small Businesses to generate exposure, sales and improve online reputation. Mr. Richard Uzelac is also available as a Technology Speaker, Seminar Provider and Business Consultant. For more information, contact Richard Uzelac at 805.413.7893.

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Best Investment Manager Executive Search Firm United States


CFI.co judge’s panel cited Mack International as “dominating its area of specialization” and being exceptional in serving ultra-high net-worth private-investor and family markets.

Chicago based Mack International led by Linda C. Mack is a premier boutique firm specializing in providing C-suite retained executive search and strategic consulting solutions to family offices, family investment firms and the full spectrum of wealth and investment management firms who serve family office, foundation and other philanthropic clients. The deep specialization in the family office niche and unique approach extended to all their clients was recently recognized by CFI.co, a print journal and online resource reporting on worldwide trends and market in business, economics, and finance. Mack International’s clients range from first generation business owning wealth creators/entrepreneurs through multi-generational families of six or more generations. Clients also include multi-client family offices, investment and wealth management firms and financial institutions that serve family office clients on a global basis.

The CFI.co judge’s panel cited Mack International as “dominating its area of specialization” and being exceptional in serving ultra-high net-worth private-investor and family markets. “Mack International’s personalized approach carries through to the boutique firm’s consultancy services where it tailors solutions to overcome business, human capital, marketplace, and industry challenges.” Highlights of the judging panel’s findings include:

  • Mack International’s reputation of “getting it right the first time, every time…on time and on target”
  • Engagements led by a dedicated, senior-level team to fully understand each company’s vision and objectives.
  • A character of utmost discretion and confidentiality
  • A far-reaching network of contacts that ensures the firm stays abreast of the latest market trends and developments such as social impact investing and succession planning.

The panel noted that Mack International takes a comprehensive approach to each assignment, using a proprietary methodology to assess each client’s needs and cultural philosophy. “Culture trumps skill” is a mantra frequently heard during Linda’s speaking engagements. “We are distinctive in that we find the CIO who not only has the experience and track record of performance to enable the client to successfully achieve their goals, but is also aligned with their clients’ vision, values, and philosophies.”

According to Linda, the firm exercises a self-imposed limitation to only accept a select number of assignments at any one time. “This is another key factor that enables us to maintain our superior track record of success on every assignment.”

“This recognition is particularly meaningful because it is a repeat award. What an honor and privilege to once again be acknowledged for our expertise in investment management executive search,” said Linda. “It underscores our commitment to continuously striving for higher levels of excellence.”

About Mack International LLC

Mack International is the premier, boutique retained executive search and strategic management/human capital consulting firm serving national and international clients. The firm serves family office, investment and enterprise clients as well as wealth and investment management firms who serve family offices, foundations and other philanthropic clients. Founded in 2002, the firm has achieved an exceptional track record of success as evidenced by its unmatched industry expertise, in-depth market knowledge and unparalleled track record of success. Founder and President, Linda C. Mack has established proprietary methodologies such as the Mack 360© and is credited for having coined the term “expert generalist” in the industry.

About CFI.co

CFI.co is a print journal and online resource reporting on business, economics, and finance. The journal recognizes that the traditional distinction between emerging and developed markets is now far less meaningful as world economies converge. Headquartered in London, the world’s most multicultural city, CFI.co covers and analyses the drivers behind that change. Combining the views of leading multilateral and national organizations with thought leadership from some of the world’s top minds – CFI.co’s dedicated editorial team ensures that readers better understand the forces influencing and reshaping the global economy.

Firmly established in a small but crucial niche of the recruitment market, Mack International attracts clients from all over the world. Mack International is not an embellished head hunter; it is, rather, a boutique purveyor of closely-matched talent that operates stealthily, seeking out the best and providing a seamless cultural fit.

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When a Train of Thoughts Goes Off the Rails


The world of a ruminator is rife with worries and negativity.

Ruminators’ proclivity for over-thinking things and creating problems where none exist, comes at a significant emotional and psychological cost.

Rumination is like a line of dominoes: You have a negative thought that then feeds and breeds another, and then another.

The potential of the human brain seems limitless. We have the ability to learn and process complex information, store memories, as well as strategize and plan. In a world of instant messaging and people who intentionally film themselves doing painfully stupid things, the ability to deliberate carefully before taking action should be praised, should it not? But even thinking can be taken too far. Extreme rumination is the tendency to engage in repetitive and obsessive negative thinking.

Analyzing data collected from 1,123 ruminators who took the Emotional Intelligence Test, Queendom researchers attempted to answer one seemingly simple question: What was it like to be in the mind of a ruminator? What they discovered was a world of chaos and spiraling negativity.

WILD, RAMPANT THOUGHTS

Ruminators’ proclivity for over-thinking likely won’t come as a surprise. For example:

  • 91% recognize that they have an obsessive mind.
  • 93% admitted that they spend hours reflecting on what people say to them, including offhand or seemingly innocent remarks.
  • 98% said that they tend to overanalyze situations, finding problems that don’t really exist.
  • 90% said they keep themselves up at night thinking about their problems.
  • 73% admitted that it’s difficult to forget about their problems and just have fun.


INABILITY TO LIVE IN THE MOMENT

Keeping their mind in the present and being mindful is a struggle for ruminators.

  • 54% said that they feel like they’re running on “auto-pilot” and just going through the motions.
  • 74% admitted that it “terrifies” them not knowing what the future holds.
  • 60% said that they can’t figure out what they want out of life.


INABILITY TO REGULATE AND CHANNEL NEGATIVE EMOTIONS

Wayward thoughts trigger wild emotions, and vice versa.

  • 64% said that they feel like they’re on an emotional roller coaster.
  • 51% admitted that they are high strung.
  • 62% avoid discussing touchy or sensitive subjects.


A PESSIMISTIC AND CYNICAL OUTLOOK

Ruminators tend to view their life and the world through a rather dark filter.

  • 64% believe that it’s better not to get their hopes up, so that they don’t end up disappointed.
  • 50% said they are never satisfied with what they have achieved.
  • 54% see their life as being one problem after another.
  • 57% hate change.
  • 51% said that they often feel sad.


LACK OF RESILIENCE

Ruminators struggle to adapt to life’s ups and downs, and to move on from disappointments and hardships.

  • 64% said that they get angry or sad when even the smallest thing goes wrong in their life.
  • 54% said they feel helpless.
  • 60% feel discouraged.
  • 59% said they feel so overwhelmed that they shut down completely.


SELF-ESTEEM AND CONFIDENCE ISSUES

Along with their sense of helplessness, many ruminators struggle with self-acceptance.

  • 54% don’t feel confident about a decision unless others approve of it.
  • 64% find it difficult to accept compliments.
  • 59% downplay their achievements.
  • 66% panic when given a task that is outside their comfort zone.
  • 73% are not comfortable asking for what they want.
  • 83% second-guess themselves.
  • 53% change their attitude, behavior, or appearance in order to please others.
  • 61% engage in harsh self-talk – they insult themselves or call themselves nasty names.
  • 75% admitted that they want everyone to like them.


“Ruminating tends to follow one of two patterns,” explains Dr. Jerabek, president of PsychTests, the parent company of Queendom. “The first pattern is like a line of dominoes: You have a negative thought that then feeds and breeds another, and then another. So let’s say that a colleague snubs you during a meeting. If you are a ruminator, you will immediately jump to the conclusion that his behavior had a hidden agenda. You start thinking about all your recent interactions with the person, trying to figure out what you could have done to deserve that treatment. Suddenly, your mind sprints through all your recent tasks, looking for an error. You find nothing, so you figure the person must not like you. Like that colleague who avoided you because she didn’t want to confront you about something you did. Or that guy who stood you up 5 years ago. Or the little girl who refused to play with you in 3rd grade. And round and round, the wild train goes. Then you realize that it’s 3AM and you have to get up at 6:30, and now you’re worrying about the fact that you can’t sleep, that you will be so tired in the morning, and your boss will see how tired you are, and off you go again. So what seemed like one problem propagates into a million other ones.”

“The second pattern feels like you’re being engulfed by negativity and worry. It feels like a wave crashed into you, and you are drowning in impending doom. This is where your thoughts are completely occupied by a problem, to the point where you lose sleep, lose focus, and cannot think about anything else except what’s bothering you. Yet, all that thinking yields no solution. This obsessive tendency to worry and over-think things can lead to major self-esteem issues, as well as anxiety and depression.”

So the question is, how does one stop a runaway train of thought? The answer, according to Queendom researchers, is by breaking the pattern. Here’s how:

  • When you feel the negativity coming on, distract yourself with an activity that requires all of your attention, like baking, gardening, crafts, chess, drawing, sculpting, etc.
  • Set aside some time every day (30 minutes, for example) where you allow yourself to worry. That’s right – let all those thoughts and worries come to the surface. Research shows that this can actually reduce the tendency to worry. So if a negative thought pops into your head, simply say to yourself, “Not now. I will worry about this later.”
  • Set up a daily 30 to 45-minute brainstorming session, where you come up with at least one possible solution to the problem you’re dealing with. This is controlled rumination: You’re giving a problem the thought it requires, but not in an excessive manner.
  • Seek help if you’re really struggling. Repetitive, intrusive thoughts are one of the symptoms of Obsessive/Compulsive Disorder, or could also stem from an anxiety disorder, both of which need to be treated by a professional. If your problem is limited to rumination, however, mindfulness exercises and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy can be quite effective.


Want to assess your EQ? Check out our Emotional Intelligence Test at

https://www.queendom.com/tests/access_page/index.htm?idRegTest=3978

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

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

About PsychTests AIM Inc.

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

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How Old Are You? Your Body Might Disagree With That Answer


Dr. Nathan Price, left, and John C. Earls.

Dr. Nathan Price, left, and John C. Earls.

“While most people agree that they know (wellness) when they see it, holistic quantification of wellness has proven to be elusive. This study is one step toward making that quantification more rigorous and understandable by the general population.” — John C. Earls, lead author

Is age really just a number? Traditionally, our chronological age — the number of birthdays we’ve celebrated — has also broadly served as a marker of health, disease and mortality.

But what if our chronological age isn’t the best way to make those assessments?

Researchers at the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) harnessed deep molecular and physiological information to determine an individual’s biological age, which they found was reflective of overall health compared to chronological age. The findings were published in the Journals of Gerontology: Series A, in a special issue on Healthy Aging, sponsored by AARP.

“A major interest of the Hood-Price Lab for Systems Biomedicine at ISB is understanding ‘wellness’,” said John C. Earls, lead author of the study. “Wellness is a term that is used a lot. While most people agree that they know it when they see it, holistic quantification of wellness has proven to be elusive. This study is one step toward making that quantification more rigorous and understandable by the general population.

“People don’t understand what it means that their biochemistry puts them in a certain region of high-dimensional space enriched for a negative phenotype,” Earls said. “That is not the sort of information a person can internalize and act on. On the other hand, telling a person that they have the biochemistry of a 50-year-old when they are only 40 is something that makes sense to people. Then being able to tell them that most of this deviation is coming from sugar levels or inflammation, gives them a path to improve their wellness.”

Earls, et al, applied an algorithm to longitudinal data collected from more than 3,500 people participating in a consumer wellness program. The personalized data consisted of genetic, clinical laboratory, metabolomic and proteomic assays.

Researchers found that biological age estimates from deep phenotyping changed in expected directions for both positive and negative health conditions — “healthy” behaviors (such as participation in a wellness program) were associated with delta age (biological age minus chronological age) becoming lower over the time periods tested, while “unhealthy” conditions (such as self-reported diseases) were associated with increased biological age compared with chronological age.

These findings suggest that biological age can be modified, and that lower biological age compared to chronological age could, in general, be a sign of healthy aging. “We believe biological age represents one general and interpretable metric for wellness that may aid in monitoring aging over time,” said Nathan Price, PhD, the corresponding author of the study and co-leader of the Hood-Price Lab.

“Importantly, not all measurements that change with age are bad,” Price said. “Some of them can be protective or important responses to damage over time. However, many of these are associated with decreased health and increased likelihood of developing disease, and so having a comprehensive view of biological aging across multiple systems can provide much actionable information about the current state of health and how it may be improved.”

The study sampled men and women who varied by age and health status and who participated in Arivale (now closed), which was a consumer data-intensive “scientific wellness” program. The wellness program also included lifestyle coaching on exercise, nutrition, stress management, and sleep — all tailored to participants’ health goals, specific genetic markers, and clinical metrics.

The study used data collected over three years ending in July of 2018 from those who gave research consent. The Arivale data were de-identified following consent from program participants.

This study builds on other important ISB findings, notably that the alpha diversity of an individual’s gut microbiome can be accurately predicted by examining metabolites in the blood, and that combining personal, dense, dynamic data (PD3) clouds with tailored behavioral coaching can optimize wellness, and that the PD3 clouds can identify early transitions into disease states and facilitate the reversal of some disease states back to wellness.

“We are thankful to everyone in the Arivale program who wanted to provide their (de-identified) data for this research,” said Lee Hood, MD, PhD, who co-founded ISB in 2000. “These individuals are absolutely critical to understanding health and wellness, and transforming the health care system into the modern era. Arivale has made striking advances in the formulation of 21st Century Medicine.”

ABOUT ISB

Institute for Systems Biology is a collaborative and cross-disciplinary non-profit biomedical research organization based in Seattle. We focus on some of the most pressing issues in human health, including brain health, cancer, sepsis and aging, as well as many chronic and infectious diseases. Our science is translational, and we champion sound scientific research that results in real-world clinical impacts. ISB is an affiliate of Providence St. Joseph Health, one of the largest not-for-profit health care systems in the United States.

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Vicksburg, MS Dentists, Drs. Kenneth and Jonathan Nash, Complete Extensive Dental Implant Continuum


Drs. Kenneth and Jonathan Nash, Dentists in Vicksburg, MS

Dentists, Drs. Kenneth and Jonathan Nash, Complete the Implant Dentistry Continuum™

What dental implants do is allow you to maintain the space without losing any more teeth.

Respected dentists in Vicksburg, MS, Drs. Kenneth and Jonathan Nash, complete the fourth and final session of the Implant Dentistry Continuum™. This comprehensive continuing education course provides in-depth lectures and hands-on courses for attendees covering all aspects of dental implants. The dentists at Nash Family Dentistry offer full-service dental implant treatment, both placing and restoring implants for patients who have missing teeth.

The Implant Dentistry Continuum is a four-session course held in multiple cities across the United States. The final course was taken by Dr. Kenneth Nash in Atlanta, GA and by Dr. Jonathan Nash in Nashville, TN. This fourth session focused on patient acceptance and acquisition, who to treat and why, as well as implant complications. Both doctors will participate in a two-day, live patient, hands-on experience follow-up to the continuum. This follow-up course will be held on January 16-18, 2020 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. By attending this continuum, both dentists are able to provide better dental implant care for patients in their Vicksburg, MS office.

“Implants help to maintain the bone in the area where the tooth is missing. What dental implants do is allow you to maintain the space without losing any more teeth,” says Dr. Jonathan Nash. “An implant is just a titanium screw that fits into the space of a missing tooth. After the bone has healed, we restore the implant by placing an abutment and crown over top.”

A dental implant is an effective solution for tooth replacement. Composed of a titanium post inserted into the jaw and a lifelike crown restoration, dental implants restore both function and appearance to the smile. As a surgical procedure, dentists must perform the treatment with precision and care. Once placed and restored, patients can eat, chew, smile and speak with confidence. With proper care, dental implants can last a patient the rest of their life.

Nash Family Dentistry offers patients comprehensive dental care, including advanced dental implant placement and restoration. The practice also offers bone grafting and tooth extraction to help a patient qualify for dental implants. The dentists believe in staying up to date with advanced technology to offer patients the best possible care. With laser dentistry, the doctors can treat gum disease, soft tissue concerns, and TMJ problems virtually painlessly.

Those interested in learning more about dental implants or other services offered at Nash Family Dentistry are encouraged to contact the dentists in Vicksburg, MS to schedule a consultation. The practice can be reached by calling 601-634-1812 or visiting http://www.vicksburgdentist.com.

About the Dentists

Nash Family Dentistry is a general practice offering personalized dental care for patients in Vicksburg, MS. Dr. Kenneth Nash, Dr. Jonathan Nash and their team provide patients with the latest in dental technology in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Drs. Nash offer a variety of services including laser dentistry, dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry services, among others. To learn more about the services offered at Nash Family Dentistry please visit the website at http://www.vicksburgdentist.com or call 601-634-1812 to schedule an appointment.

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Insurance Commission Advance Signs On As An Elite Member Of Peloton Global


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Insurance Commission Advance will provide Peloton Members and their downlines with the expertise and tools necessary to get the most for their commissions.

Peloton Global Distribution Services® (Peloton –http://www.PelotonGlobal.com) is pleased to welcome to their platform of Elite Members, Insurance Commission Advance – a finance company specializing in providing agents and agencies with the hard earned capital they deserve.

Insurance Commission Advance was founded on the principal of helping insurance producers acquire debt free capital by utilizing their existing commission assets. With the understanding of what it takes to build a successful book of business, Insurance Commission Advance focuses on customizable solutions for today’s producers.

“Insurance Commission Advance will provide Peloton Members and their downlines with the expertise and tools necessary to get the most for their commissions,” said CEO of Peloton Global, Andy Holden. “Agents are able to take advantage of debt free capital for whatever may arise – whether it’s looking to grow a presence, make a career change, or simply have better investment opportunities.”

Said Joe Botteron, Managing Partner at Insurance Commission Advance, “As much as commission valuations are our business, customer satisfaction and the ease of doing business has been our focus from the beginning. We are able to execute on customized monetization solutions where banks and financial institutions can’t compete.”

About Peloton Global Distribution Services®

Peloton is a consortium of elite individual organizations that are top performers within their industry. By aligning with Peloton, members have access to the powerful synergy of shared market intelligence, world-class marketing and lead generation capabilities, extensive products, services, technologies, systems and a superior level of support to create unmatched performance in the insurance and financial services industry.

Peloton membership allows the individual member entities and the group as a whole to combine strengths in order to reach the highest level of competitive success. Membership includes some of the premier general agencies, valued specialty companies and innovative industry suppliers on a global level.

To learn more about Peloton please visit: http://www.pelotonglobal.com.

About Insurance Commission Advance, LLC

Insurance Commission Advance draws on years of successful outcomes and customized solutions for agency executives and producers alike. Exploring alternative structures while having a deep understanding the value of your existing book, Insurance Commission Advance (ICA) is able to help craft unique solutions for whatever the need. While cash buyouts are the core business for ICA, succession and estate planning, mergers and acquisitions, agency valuation, principal dividends, and profitability forecasts are all alternative services. Ready to take your business to the next level? Find out what options are available to you.

For more information about LTC Advance, email jbotteron@insurancecommissionadvance.com or visit http://www.insurancecommissionadvance.com.

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Michelman Appoints James Xue Country Manager for Greater China


Michelman Hires James Xue as Greater China Country Manager

We’re thrilled that Mr. Xue accepted this appointment, and have the utmost confidence in his leadership and experience to grow the increasingly important Chinese market.

Michelman is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. James Xue as the company’s new Country Manager for Greater China. Hired in 2017, he has lead Michelman’s sales efforts over the past two years, developing meaningful customer relationships and building Michelman’s regional sales team.

Mr. Xue has over 20 years of experience in the advanced materials industry sector, having spent time with several leading international chemical companies. He began his career in 1996 as a Shanghai-based chemist, then added extensive sales and technical service expertise before moving into sales management and senior leadership positions. Before joining Michelman, he served as a commercial manager at Huntsman Advanced Materials China and a channel and business manager for Dow Corning (China) Holding Co., Ltd.

According to Mr. Rick Michelman, Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President, Asia. “We’re thrilled that Mr. Xue accepted this appointment, and have the utmost confidence in his leadership and experience to grow the increasingly important Chinese market. His leadership and experience will allow us to expand our presence across the country.”

Mr. Xue gained his bachelor’s degree in polymer chemistry at Tongji University in Shanghai, then added an MBA from the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business.

About Michelman

Michelman is a global developer and manufacturer of environmentally friendly advanced materials for industry, offering solutions for the coatings, printing & packaging, and industrial manufacturing markets. The company’s surface additives and polymeric binders are used by leading manufacturers around the world to enhance performance attributes and add value in applications including wood and floor care products, metal and industrial coatings, paints, varnishes, inks, fibers, and composites. Michelman is also well-known as an innovator in the development of barrier and functional coatings used in the production of consumer and industrial packaging and paper products, labels, and commercially printed materials. Michelman serves its customers with production facilities in North America, Europe and Asia, product development and technical service centers in several major global markets, and a worldwide team of highly trained business development personnel.

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Adolfson & Peterson Construction Regional Controller Wins Top Women in Finance Award


Sara emphasized, “this position allows me to contribute to the strategic initiatives of a company working towards the alignment of its processes and regions into a collaborative, national firm.”

Adolfson & Peterson Construction’s (AP) Regional Controller, Sara Hordyk Portner was recognized as a Circle of Excellence honoree at the Finance and Commerce Top Women in Finance awards on Thursday, November 21. Top Women in Finance are honored for their significant career achievements and for their impressive impact on their companies and communities. Circle of Excellence honorees have been Top Women in Finance twice in their careers.

Since Sara joined AP in 2012, her primary responsibilities have included reviewing subcontractor pre-qualifications, developing and managing the region’s annual overhead budget, managing accounts receivable and collections, assisting project teams with budgets, and reviewing projects for proper financial reporting. With the support of management’s improvement to drive more growth, Sara emphasized, “this position allows me to contribute to the strategic initiatives of a company working towards the alignment of its processes and regions into a collaborative, national firm.” This past year, Sara has been implementing better assessments of revenue and profit through the development and roll out of AP’s new CRM system. Utilizing this tool has helped her to create more accurate budgeting for each project.

In her free time, Sara enjoys being actively involved with her daughter’s school and dance team. She leverages her financial expertise to help coordinate and manage the team’s annual fundraiser, a competition that typically raises thousands of dollars to support the program. Through Sara’s leadership and career dedication, she is a role model to many both professionally and within the community.

About AP

Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP) is a family-owned company that is consistently ranked among the top construction managers and general contractors in the nation. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the company delivers innovative and collaborative building solutions for clients across the country from its regional offices in Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis and Phoenix. Founded in 1946, AP serves clients in the Aquatics and Recreation, Healthcare, Higher Education, Hospitality, Industrial, K-12 Education, Multi-Family, Municipal, Office and Senior Living market sectors. For more information, visit http://www.a-p.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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