All posts by imreal

Advanced Periodontics and Dental Implant Center of Connecticut Calms Dental Anxiety in Monroe, CT with Soothing Sedation Dentistry


The Periodontists and Team at Advanced Periodontics and Dental Implant Center of Connecticut  in Monroe, CT

Advanced Periodontics and Dental Implant Center of Connecticut Offers Sedation Dentistry Monroe, CT

I would recommend this practice to anyone. Dr. Amato really put me at ease. It was the best thing I ever did.

Drs. Richard Amato and Michael Kang work to counter dental anxiety in Monroe, CT by offering sedation dentistry at their practice. Sedation dentistry helps make oral care simpler and more painless for patients. Drs. Amato and Kang have seen and treated countless patients whose severe dental anxiety has kept them from getting the oral health care they need, but who now keep coming back thanks to the warm atmosphere and sedation options provided at this state-of-the-art practice.

“I was having issues with my gums and I was afraid. Over time, my teeth were getting loose and I put it off out of fear. I used to have a lot of anxiety about going to the dentist and would not go, resulting in these gum disease problems,” says Christopher, a patient of Dr. Amato. “I would recommend this practice to anyone. Dr. Amato really put me at ease. It was the best thing I ever did.”

Sedation dentistry is an excellent solution for patients who experience mild to severe dental anxiety or fear. The practice offers oral sedation and nitrous oxide, as well as local anesthetic to help numb areas of the mouth where treatment will occur. Once a patient is sedated, they will feel calm, at ease and relaxed, but can still respond to the doctors if need be. This helps many patients receive their dental treatments, no matter how complex or extensive the need. In many cases, with the help of oral sedation or nitrous oxide, patients can have multiple treatments completed during one appointment, reducing the number of times they will need to visit the periodontists.

To supplement their calming sedation dentistry services, Drs. Amato and Kang offer modern, minimally invasive solutions for many dental treatments. The practice offers LANAP laser dentistry for treatment of gum disease without the need for scalpels or sutures, the Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST™) for easy treatment of gum recession and full mouth dental implants as a more permanent and comfortable solution to complete tooth loss. For treatments like LANAP and PST, often minimal to no sedation is needed. Full mouth dental implant treatment always utilizes sedation dentistry and is typically completed in just one appointment, giving patients a brand-new set of teeth the same day.

In addition to sedation dentistry and minimally invasive care, Advanced Periodontics and Dental Implant Center of Connecticut offers comprehensive care from bone grafting, to periodontal maintenance and tooth extractions. The practice strives to stay up to date on the latest dental technology and trends, offering digital x-rays and 3D scanners. The doctors and team are compassionate, patient-centered and focused on providing lasting results.

Those interested in receiving gentle, pain-free dental care in Monroe, CT and surrounding areas are encouraged to connect with Drs. Amato and Kang to learn about their sedation dentistry options Consultations can be made by calling 203-268-2000 or visiting http://www.connecticutperiodontist.com.

About the Periodontists

Founder of Advanced Periodontics and Dental Implant Center of Connecticut in Monroe, Connecticut, Dr. Richard Amato, and his associate Dr. Michael Kang, are leading periodontists and dental implant specialists who offer personalized care using advanced technology. He earned his DDS degree from Stony Brook University and his Certificate of Proficiency in Periodontics from Eastman Dental Center at the University of Rochester. Dr. Amato has placed thousands of dental implants. He is the first and most experienced provider of LANAP® laser gum disease therapy in Fairfield County, CT as well as the first periodontist in Connecticut to provide the minimally invasive gum recession treatment, the Pinhole® Surgical Technique. Dr. Kang is a board-certified Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology. He completed his residency in periodontology from Columbia University and has published numerous articles on implant dentistry. To learn more about Dr. Amato, Dr. Kang or the services they offer visit http://www.connecticutperiodontist.com and call 203-268-2000.

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EMulate® Therapeutics Announces Multiple Presentations on the Voyager and Hælo® systems


EMulate Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage therapeutic device company developing non-invasive treatments for cancers and other serious diseases, announced it will have 5 poster presentations related to its medical devices for treating adult and pediatric brain cancers at the upcoming 24th Annual Society for Neuro-Oncology SNO Meeting in Phoenix, beginning on November 20 .

Two posters will be presented by Mike Butters, EMulate’s co-founder, at the affiliated SNO-SCIDOT Joint Conference on Therapeutic Delivery to the CNS on Wednesday, November 20 at 5-7 pm. One poster describes the ability of the magnetic field of the device to penetrate the entire brain. The other poster provides early data to demonstrate that specific signals, referred to as cognates, can elicit differential behavioral responses in live animals.

Three poster presentations at the annual SNO meeting on Saturday, 23rd November, will provide updated data on the use of the Voyager ulRFE® system for treatment of patients with recurrent and newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) and of the Hælo system to treat diffuse midline glioma (DMG), including diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).

The EMulate Voyager and Hælo systems appear to be safe for the treatment of adult and pediatric brain cancers; no serious device-related adverse events were reported. Additionally, the data from these feasibility studies suggest the EMulate Voyager and Hælo systems have clinical utility for the treatment of brain cancers and warrant further study in pivotal studies. Copies of the posters will be available at the EMulate exhibit table #312 at the SNO Conference.

Chris Rivera, EMulate Therapeutics President and Chief Executive Officer, made the announcement stating, “This year will mark our most active involvement in presenting clinical data and scientific technology regarding our proprietary Voyager and Hælo systems.”    

Rivera added “Our novel technology has the potential to transform the way we treat cancer. With these encouraging data in hand, we will continue to develop the EMulate Voyager system for the treatment of GBM and the Hælo system for the treatment of DMG/DIPG, with the aim to expand the underlying technology to additional indications in the future.”

Most recently, EMulate announced it had entered into an exclusive agreement for the distribution in India of the company’s proprietary systems for treatment of patients with selected brain cancer indications – both recurrent and newly diagnosed GBM and DMG/DPIG. The exclusive distributor is Sayre Therapeutics (Sayre), a Bangalore, India-based company that provides access to differentiated medical solutions to patients and clinicians in emerging markets by identifying high unmet needs across the healthcare continuum. The agreement with Sayre is EMulate’s second agreement with a highly-regarded international firm, the first being with Teijin Limited for the territory of Japan for the treatment of GBM.

EMulate will once again support the Annual SNO Conference at the Benefactor Sponsor Level.

About EMulate Therapeutics

Headquartered in Seattle, EMulate Therapeutics® is a clinical-stage therapeutic device company. EMulate has invented and patented a groundbreaking technology that utilizes precisely targeted ultra-low radio frequency energy (ulRFE®) to specifically regulate metabolic pathways on the molecular and genetic levels – without chemicals, radiation or drugs – delivered via a simple-to-use non-sterile, non-invasive, non-thermal, non-ionizing investigational device. The company’s goal is to transform disease treatment on a global scale with ulRFE, which can potentially be applied to a wide range of medical conditions as well as to veterinary medicine and non-medical applications. EMulate’s initial focus is on the treatment of patients with brain cancer, who are not well served by conventional standard of care therapies, which often result in poor outcomes and devastating side effects. Pre-clinical work is focused on exploring new applications in oncology. In addition, EMulate’s Voyager system for adults with GBM and its Hӕlo pediatric system are investigational medical devices in clinical development.

Media Relations Contact:

Dennis Kroft

dkroft@emulatetx.com

201-602-8354

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Mohr Partners, Inc. Hires Patrick Hulsy as Managing Director in the Jersey City Office


Mohr Partners, Inc. the world’s largest wholly-owned commercial real estate advisory firm exclusively focused on representing tenants, today announced Patrick Hulsy has joined the firm as Managing Director, working directly with Managing Partner, Andrew Grabis.

Patrick will be responsible for developing new business and strategically servicing existing business for his clients that have international real estate portfolios. His extensive background as a results focused sales leader and strategic thinker with international experience will be a huge asset for Mohr Partners.

Prior to joining Mohr Partners, Patrick was a Senior Business Development Executive with Iron Mountain in New York. There, he cross-sold a host of information management and protection solutions to a book of 50 global firms, developed the largest pipeline on National Sales East team and identified $500,000 in previously undiscovered business.

Before that, Patrick was an Area Sales Manager for DHL Express where he recruited, developed and supported DHL’s Manhattan-based Sales Team, realized 40% book growth rate against a goal of 18% and sold close to $500,000 in new customer acquisition in one quarter against a goal of $125,000.

Mr. Hulsy holds a Bachelor in Foreign Services from Georgetown University’s A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and a Masters from Cornell University, School of Management.

About Mohr Partners, Inc.:

Mohr Partners, Inc. is a global corporate real estate advisor, providing corporate tenants with an integrated set of portfolio services including strategic planning, business intelligence, lease administration/accounting & FASB ASC 842 compliance, research and site selection, labor analytics, facility management, project & development, comprehensive demographics analysis, economic incentives negotiations and transaction management. Since 1986, Mohr has been managing real estate portfolios for corporations, and each year completes transactions for its clients in all 50 U.S. states, all provinces of Canada and locations around the world. Mohr seamlessly provides corporate real estate services globally through its strategic alliance partners in Canada, Mexico/Latin America, EMEA and the Asia Pacific. For more information on Mohr, please visit http://www.mohrpartners.com.

For more information contact:

Andrew Grabis

Managing Partner

908 672 3371

andy.grabis@mohrpartners.com

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Bioclinica Medical Imaging Achieves Milestone with Celebration of Primary Endpoint Data Analysis Contributions to 200 FDA Approvals


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“At Bioclinica, we are proud to have played a part in helping our clients assess the safety and efficacy of new treatments that improve people’s lives,” said David Herron, President & CEO of Bioclinica.

Bioclinica Medical Imaging, the world leader in centralized imaging services for clinical trials, announced today that it has reached a milestone in the company’s history: the company has contributed reliable data to the primary efficacy endpoint in more than 200 regulatory submissions from biopharmaceutical clients for therapies and indications subsequently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“At Bioclinica, we are proud to have played a part in helping our clients assess the safety and efficacy of new treatments that improve people’s lives,” said David Herron, President & CEO of Bioclinica. “We are grateful to our scientific and project teams, and to all the patients and their families who participated in the clinical studies.”

Bioclinica provides science and technology expertise to assist the life science industry in advancing the development of medical therapies through services in Medical Imaging, Drug Safety Solutions, and Software Solutions. Bioclinica Medical Imaging provides comprehensive support across multiple therapeutic areas, with particular expertise in oncology, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neuroscience, endocrinology, infectious and respiratory disease.

“Every day, Bioclinica’s team of professionals works to ensure the quality and integrity of the data we process, ensuring that our clients and regulatory authorities have information they can rely upon to evaluate the safety and efficacy of investigational treatments,” said Todd Kisner, Senior Vice President, Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance. “We look forward to continuing to partner with the biopharmaceutical industry as the pace of innovation accelerates and the demand for high-quality image and clinical data analysis combined with regulatory expertise increases.”

About Bioclinica

Bioclinica is a global life science provider that utilizes science and technology to bring clarity to clinical trials – helping companies to develop new life-improving therapies more efficiently and safely. Successful clinical trials require the ability to see key details and uncover hidden insights, and Bioclinica’s experienced scientific, medical, and domain experts bring unmatched insight across the development lifecycle, from the initial protocol to post-approval. The company’s offerings include medical imaging and cardiac safety services; clinical adjudication; randomization and trial supply management and optimization; electronic and eSource data capture; site and patient payments and budget forecasting; pharmacovigilance and trial management. The company’s thousands of employees serve more than 500 pharmaceutical, biotechnology and device organizations – including all top 20 biopharmaceutical companies and leading CROs – through offices in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Learn more about Bioclinica at http://www.Bioclinica.com. Follow the latest company news and happenings on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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Colic Calm® Launches Colic Calm Probiotic – a new product for the digestive wellness of infants


Colic Calm, the leading effective natural solution for infant digestive discomfort, has just announced the launch of their specially formulated five-strain probiotic with guaranteed live active cultures and 5 billion CFU per serving. Colic Calm and Colic Calm Plus have been a trusted companion for many moms with infants who struggle with colic, gas, and reflux. With the launch of the Colic Calm Probiotic, many parents may find continued relief and support of infant and child gut and digestive health.

Building a healthy microbiome is critical in the very early days to establish a healthy immune system, which not only prevents serious infections but is also thought to help prevent things like allergies, eczema, asthma, autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes, and even neurodevelopmental issues like autism and ADHD. The demand for safe, effective and living probiotics prompted Colic Calm to create a five-strain formulation with specific probiotics known to support digestive health. Colic Calm Probiotic comes as a one-time prep kit and includes a sachet of probiotics, a one-time use funnel, a bottle of MCT oil and a syringe.

“As leaders in infant gut health, we understand how important it is to have “good bacteria” to start your baby’s digestive system off right. We wanted to create a probiotic that had guaranteed live cultures, the most effective probiotic strains available and the highest CFU count per serving and is also free from sugar, gluten, wheat, soy, dairy and animal products,” said Keith Page, CEO of Colic Calm. “Colic Calm Probiotics are safe, gentle, and intended for everyday use.”

Since it was founded, Colic Calm has been dedicated to providing babies and parents with the highest-quality remedy for colic, gas and reflux. Now with the launch of the Colic Calm Probiotic, moms can trust they will receive the same quality and effectiveness that they’ve come to depend on with Colic Calm and Colic Calm Plus. Available nationally at Buy Buy Baby, Colic Calm Probiotic is also available online at Amazon.com, Walmart.com and ColicCalm.com with a suggested retail price of $19.95.

About Colic Calm

Colic Calm is the leader in effective natural solutions for infant digestive discomfort. From the start, Colic Calm has made it their mission to develop innovative, effective and natural wellness solutions. All products are made with the highest quality natural ingredients to empower families to be their best, and healthiest selves. Colic Calm, Colic Calm Plus and Colic Calm Probiotic provide effective relief without relying on synthetic-laden formulations.

For more information contact:

Anna Chase, Director of Marketing & Digital

US: +1 941 202 4802

E: anna@ketomi.com

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Retail Gift Card Association Announces 2019-2020 Board of Directors


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“Our newly formed board is full of well-established and respected industry trailblazers and will help us to grow our association as an even stronger voice for closed-loop gift cards.

Today the Retail Gift Card Association (RGCA) announced its 2019-2020 leadership, including new board members and the appointment of two current board members to executive-level positions.

Founded in 2008, the Retail Gift Card Association is a trade association of more than 100 diverse, closed-loop gift card retailers and non-retailer supporting members committed to promoting and protecting the use of gift cards. Members collectively fuel consumer confidence in the industry, evolve best practices for gift card programs and optimize emerging opportunities to meet demand for digital payments and contextual commerce.

Effective immediately, the 2019-2020 RGCA board of directors includes the following new and returning members:


  • Chair: Erin Wood, Subway® Restaurants
  • Vice Chair: Ken Bott, Darden Restaurants
  • Treasurer: Lesa Hernandez, GameStop
  • Chair Emeritus: Nathan Ehrlich, The Home Depot
  • Colleen Dorwart, Travel Tags
  • Kevin Halvorsen, Macy’s
  • Krista Lee, Fiserv
  • Laura Parker, Best Buy
  • Jen Porras, Brinker International
  • Ryan Post, Starbucks
  • Chet Putnam, Walmart
  • Kim Sobasky, Inspire Brands
  • Abby Teigland, AMC Theatres
  • Jeff Weatherly, Optimum Card Solutions
  • Alternate: Alex Barseghian, Blackhawk Network
  • Alternate: Kathy Cook, DSW
  • Alternate: Jeff Hood, Zaxby’s
  • Alternate: Martha Weaver, Raise

“It is an exciting time to be involved with the RGCA, as consumers and businesses are quickly evolving the way they use gift cards as stored value payments tools—and no longer just as gifting options,” said Erin Wood, RGCA Board Chair. “Our newly formed board is full of well-established and respected industry trailblazers and will help us to grow our association as an even stronger voice for closed-loop gift cards. I am invigorated to work with the new RGCA leadership team to propel our association toward continued success in the future.”

The RGCA board of directors thanks former board members for their unwavering support and commitment while serving on the board.

  • Tim Anderson, AMC Theatres
  • Michelle Brown
  • Andy Choi, The Walt Disney Company
  • Nicole Glass, Gift Card Impressions
  • Marina Hodges, Blackhawk Network (formerly with Walmart)
  • Jayne Stegemiller, Zaxby’s

For more information, including details on becoming a member, visit theRGCA.org.

About the Retail Gift Card Association (RGCA)

The Retail Gift Card Association is the nonprofit trade association that represents the closed-loop gift category. The Association’s mission is to protect, promote and enhance the use of retail gift cards as forms of branded currency and stored value solutions that enable, enrich, and encourage commerce in today’s digital age. All RGCA members abide by a Code of Principles that supports consumer-friendly policies for the purchase and redemption of closed-loop gift cards. RGCA’s membership is comprised of retailers from all sectors, including restaurants, general merchandise, apparel, sporting and leisure, and non-retailers. For more information, visit us at thergca.org.

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La Plata, MD Dentist, Dr. Patrick Cieplak, Equips Entire Staff with Safety Training


Dr. Patrick Cieplak, Dentist in La Plata, MD, and His Team at Cieplak Dental Excellence

Cieplak Dental Excellence Completes Safety Training in La Plata, MD

This respect for training and technology overflows in the level of care provided at Cieplak Dental Excellence.

The dental team at Cieplak Dental Excellence completed their annual OSHA, HIPAA and Bloodborne Pathogens training to stay ahead of the curve on ways to keep patients healthy, safe and protected. The practice and dentists in La Plata, MD pride themselves on promoting the highest-level of safety and security with each patient and every treatment they perform, whether general dentistry or advanced dental implant treatment.

This combination of annual trainings ensures that the dentists and staff at Cieplak Dental Excellence offer and maintain the highest level of excellence when it comes to safe and healthy working conditions. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training deals with workplace safety by setting and enforcing safe working standards for the team. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training establishes data privacy and security protocols to protect medical information of patients in the office. The OSHA sponsored Bloodborne Pathogens training equips the practice with the knowledge on how to prevent the transmission of, or exposure to, blood or other potentially infectious matter such as Hepatitis or HIV.

Dr. Patrick Cieplak requires that his entire team, including the dentists, dental assistants, and office staff, complete this training annually in order to provide patients with the highest level of safety, privacy and care. Practice Administrator, Sharon Garner, recently completed training to become a Certified Dental OSHA Specialist and is excited to lead the practice in this training next year.

In addition to staying current on the latest safety guidelines and trainings, the dentists at Cieplak Dental Excellence stay up to date on modern dental technology and services. With a plethora of advanced technology available in-office, patients can receive gentle, accurate and safe care. Some of the advanced technologies offered include:

  • Digital x-rays
  • Intraoral cameras
  • Topical anesthetic
  • Operating microscopes


This respect for training and technology overflows in the level of care provided at Cieplak Dental Excellence. The practice offers a variety of treatments to improve both function and aesthetics of the mouth, including teeth-in-a-day dental implants for those with missing or failing teeth. With this procedure, the dentists are able to extract a failing tooth, place a dental implant and restore the tooth all in just one day. Dental implants are the modern solution to tooth loss as they mimic the function and appearance of a natural tooth. After receiving dental implants, patients can eat, speak and smile confidently again.

The dentists at Cieplak Dental Excellence offer comprehensive dental care covering a wide range of services. Patients can seek traditional family dentistry, gum disease care, cosmetic dentistry treatments as well as advanced dental implant solutions. The practice prides itself on offering comfortable and caring dentistry, while ensuring patient trust and safety.

Those interested in learning more about the La Plata, MD dentists or who are seeking dental implants from a practice that values safety, security, and the latest in technology, can schedule a consultation at Cieplak Dental Excellence. To make an appointment, call 301-609-9999 or visit http://www.patcieplakdds.com.

About the Dentists

Cieplak Dental Excellence has been offering trusted dental care to patients in the La Plata, MD area for over 30 years. Founder, Dr. Patrick Cieplak, is dedicated to learning the latest dental techniques and has completed thousands of hours of continuing education courses. Dr. Cieplak is one of only 3,000 dentists worldwide to achieve Mastership with the Academy of General Dentistry. He is a Fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantology as well as Associate Fellow in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. His associate, Dr. Charniece Whitaker, is a general dentist who received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. She strives to always develop her skills and serve her community with minimally invasive and effective techniques. To learn more about Dr. Cieplak, Dr. Whitaker, their team or the services they offer, please visit http://www.patcieplakdds.com or call 301-609-9999 to schedule an appointment.

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PlayCore Receives Distinguished Service Award and Industry Legacy Award from Auburn University CADC


CEO Roger Posacki poses with Industry Legacy Award and cake at the PlayCore corporate campus in Chattanooga, Tenn.

“Over the past fourteen years, Tom has been fully engaged in building the collaborative relationship between PlayCore and the AU/INDD and is being recognized for his leadership in the PlayCore-sponsored Industrial Design play-based design studio,” said Vini Nathan, Dean and McWhorter Chair, CADC.

Tom Norquist, Senior Vice President of Innovation & Business Development at PlayCore, received the honorable Industry Legacy Award on October 25, 2019 for his contribution to the Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction’s (CADC) as Professor of Practice in the School of Industrial Graphic Design (SIGD).

“Over the past fourteen years, Tom has been fully engaged in building the collaborative relationship between PlayCore and the AU/INDD and is being recognized for his leadership in the PlayCore-sponsored Industrial Design play-based design studio,” said Vini Nathan, Dean and McWhorter Chair, CADC, at their 2019 Annual Awards Banquet.

As a collaborative partner with the SIGD for 15 years, providing financial investment and instructional support, Tom has championed the partnership resulting in internship and employment opportunities for numerous students of the program. For this, the CADC has awarded the Industry Legacy Award to PlayCore.

PlayCore President and CEO Roger Posacki, accepted the award on behalf of PlayCore. As a special gift, the CADC provided Roger with a playground cake on his birthday for all to enjoy!

About PlayCore

PlayCore is a purpose driven Company committed to building healthy communities around the world by advancing play and recreation. The company infuses scholarly learning, through its Center for Outreach, Research, and Education, into its comprehensive family of brands. PlayCore combines best-in-class educational programming with the most comprehensive portfolio of play and recreation products and services to create tailored environments that match the unique needs of each community served. Visit playcore.com for more information.

About the College of Architecture, Design and Construction:

More information about the College of Architecture, Design and Construction and the opportunities it offers can be found at cadc.auburn.edu or through a visit to campus.

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SpaSeo to Hold Grand Opening, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in New Location November 21, 2019


I just want my clients to know how much I appreciate the continued support over the years and how lucky I am to have such loyal and faithful clients. I feel blessed to have such wonderful people in my life and know they have helped me get to where I am today.”–SpaSeo Salon Owner Kayla Ward

SpaSeo Salon will hold its grand opening in its new location in the Venus Healing Arts Center on November 21, 2019 from 3:30-6 p.m. From 4-4:30 p.m., the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce (PDACC) and owner Kayla Ward as well as the staff and practitioners at SpaSeo Salon will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony. Members of the PDACC will cut the ribbon with Ward and celebrate SpaSeo’s launch.

Guests can enjoy demos from spa experts, including revealing skin analysis, skincare advice, illuminating light therapy, healing salt cave sessions, and dazzling nail art.

Guests are invited to tour the Salt Cave, the only halotherapy (salt therapy) spot in the Palm Springs area and the spa facilities.

The event will also include food and drink, live music, and exciting giveaways.

“I just want my clients to know how much I appreciate the continued support over the years and how lucky I am to have such loyal and faithful clients. I feel blessed to have such wonderful people in my life and know they have helped me get to where I am today,” Ward said.

Guests can RSVP by November 18 to kayla@spaseosalon.com or call (971) 506-7111. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/520871792026210/. For more information about SpaSeo, visit http://www.spaseosalon.com. Also visit http://palmdesertchamber.chambermaster.com/events/details/ribbon-cutting-spaseo-salon-14882.

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Shady Grove Fertility Reports Increases in Black Women Starting IVF Treatment One Year after Michelle Obama Opens Up about Her Infertility Struggle in Memoir, Becoming


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Michelle Obama’s openness along with other prominent celebrities such as Gabrielle Union, sparked a national conversation about equity in women’s healthcare for black women along with a need to break the taboos in the black community about infertility, something we should all be grateful for.

Just 1 year ago, former First Lady, Michelle Obama, opened up about her own infertility struggles in her personal memoir that, after 15 days, became the best-selling book of 2018 in the United States.

In the book, described by Obama as her “deeply personal experience,” Obama shared of feeling “lost and alone” after suffering a miscarriage 20 years ago and eventually undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment to have her daughters, Malia and Sasha. At the time, Obama was in her mid-30s and expressed how “the biological clock is real” and “egg production is limited.”

Obama continued, “I think it’s the worst thing that we do to each other as women … not share the truth about our bodies and how they work and how they don’t work,” a statement that has since struck a very real cord with many women.

“I’m so thankful to our former First Lady for elevating the conversation of miscarriage, loss, and infertility to the level of importance it deserves. It’s encouraging to see the increasing rate of black women now seeking infertility care,” says Desireé McCarthy-Keith, M.D., M.P.H., a board certified reproductive endocrinologist who sees patients in SGF Atlanta’s Atlanta-Northside and Alpharetta locations.

“Too often black women don’t seek care at the same rate as white women, but infertility can impact anyone, regardless of their race,” added McCarthy-Keith. “And while we are still a long way away from equality when it comes to the number of black women who seek care compared to white women, Michelle Obama shedding an important light, and igniting more women to take action, is definitely a step in the right direction.”

SGF, a national fertility center dedicated to advocating on behalf of making high quality and affordable fertility more accessible for all, is now reporting a larger share of women self-reporting as black, African, or African-American, that are going through IVF treatment—a previously underserved population when it comes to electing fertility treatment.

“I cannot encourage my sisters of color enough to reach out, make the call, heed the warning signs, and get help. You do not have to suffer in silence. Infertility is a real medical condition, and there are outstanding treatments available that can help almost any woman conceive, provided she seeks appropriate help early,” added McCarthy-Keith.

When comparing treatment data from SGF’s mid-Atlantic fertility centers from January 1 to June 30, 2018, to the same time period in 2019, the share of black women starting treatment grew 50 percent faster compared to treatment rates as a whole.

In a survey of over 1,000 women published by Women’s Health Magazine and Oprah Magazine in 2018, black women were less likely to talk with their friends, family, or doctors, compared to their white counterparts. The lack of conversation doesn’t impact the support of black women on their path to parenthood, but the likelihood that they will seek the needed medical care to grow their families.

To learn more about how SGF or to schedule a consult with a physician to discuss options for overcoming infertility, call 1-888-761-1967 or fill out this brief online form.

About Shady Grove Fertility (SGF)

SGF is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence with more than 85,000 babies born and counting. With 36 locations throughout FL, GA, MD, NY, PA, VA, D.C., and Santiago, Chile, we offer patients individualized care, accept most insurance plans, and make treatment affordable through innovative financial options, including treatment guarantees. More physicians refer their patients to SGF than any other center. Call 1-888-761-1967 or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com.

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