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Health

Genomenon Accelerates Rare and Genetic Disease Research with Mastermind v2.0

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Mastermind Genomic Search Engine, version 2.0

“This new functionality will be invaluable in our ongoing work to diagnose and treat babies with rare diseases.” Shareef Nahas, Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine.


ANN ARBOR, Mich. (PRWEB)

Genomenon® announced the release of Mastermind® version 2.0 today. The Genomic Search Engine now includes the ability to search the entirety of the genomic literature by phenotypes (symptoms). This new functionality will further accelerate diagnosis of patients with genetic and rare diseases.

Patients, particularly those with rare diseases, don’t always have a name for their condition. This makes it very difficult to diagnose and treat their disease. The ability to search the genetic literature by symptoms (following the Human Phenotype Ontology, or HPO) helps clinicians narrow their diagnosis to the appropriate disease and treatment.

Genomenon’s Mastermind Genomic Search Engine is the world’s largest and most complete source of genomic evidence. Doctors and researchers use Mastermind to find the scientific evidence relevant to their patients’ DNA profile for diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations. The new release of Mastermind includes a more streamlined search function to help doctors more quickly scour through the millions of research articles to find cases that match their patients’ genomic profile and symptoms.

The ability to search by phenotype was the top feature requested by the children’s hospitals and genetic testing labs that use Mastermind for variant interpretation. A preview of the new version was well received at the American Society for Human Genetics annual meeting in October.

“We are world-renowned for the speed of our WGS (whole genome sequencing) interpretations, and using Mastermind has been a crucial step in accelerating our progress.” said Shareef Nahas, Senior Director of Clinical Operations for Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine. “This new functionality will be invaluable in our ongoing work to diagnose and treat babies with rare diseases.”

“The ability to search by phenotype gives Mastermind users even more power to discover which genes in a patient’s DNA are most likely to be relevant based on empirical data in the medical literature.” Said Dr. Mark Kiel, co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Genomenon.

About Genomenon

Genomenon connects patient DNA with the billions of dollars spent on research to help doctors diagnose and cure cancer patients and babies with rare diseases. Our flagship product, the Mastermind Genomic Search Engine is used by hundreds of genetic labs worldwide to accelerate diagnosis, increase diagnostic yield and assure repeatability in reporting genetic testing results. We license our Mastermind Curated Genomic Datasets to pharmaceutical and bio-pharma companies to inform precision medicine development, deliver genomic biomarkers for clinical trial target selection, and support CDx regulatory submissions with empirical evidence.

For more information, visit Genomenon.com.

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Legal / Law: Criminal Law

Greenberg Traurig Mexico City Office Named White Collar Crime Law Firm of the Year by The Latin American Lawyer

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MEXICO CITY (PRWEB)

The Mexico City office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP received the Law Firm of the Year – White Collar Crime Award at The Latin American Lawyer Energy & Infrastructure Awards 2019.

The awards ceremony and dinner took place on Oct. 23 at the JW Marriot in Mexico City, gathering guests from the Energy and Infrastructure legal sectors from numerous Latin American countries. Hugo López Coll, a shareholder in the White Collar Defense & Special Investigations Practice in Mexico City, accepted the award on behalf of the firm.

“We are honored to receive this recognition as a reflection of our commitment to excel in client service,” said López Coll. “Our White Collar Defense & Special Investigations Practice has consistently been ranked as one of the strongest, not only in Mexico and Latin America, but globally. Our global practice utilizes the significant knowledge of veterans in related fields across the firm to develop and integrate global strategies for our clients.”

The event aims to highlight the excellence of lawyers in firms who are experts in the energy and infrastructure sector in Latin America. Winners were selected by a jury composed of general counsels from leading industry companies in the region, according to the publisher.

“We are very pleased to receive this award, as it reflects our attorneys’ commitment to our clients throughout Latin America,” said the Co-Chairs of Greenberg Traurig’s Global White Collar Criminal Defense Practice Nathan J. Muyskens and Barry Vitou in a joint statement. “We have handled many high-profile criminal cases in Mexico and Latin America, and look forward to continuing our role as strong advocates for all of our clients in the region.”

López Coll advises Mexican and regional entities and their holding companies, both in regulated and non-regulated industries, on regulatory and compliance matters with Mexican laws, and assists clients with issues arising under the laws comprising the Mexican National Anti-Corruption System, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the OECD Convention, and the UN Convention Against Corruption. He also represents domestic and international clients on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, regulatory and compliance matters, internal investigations, shareholders’ disputes, and gaming issues.

About Greenberg Traurig’s White Collar Defense & Special Investigations Practice: Greenberg Traurig’s White Collar Defense & Special Investigations Practice protects companies and individuals under government scrutiny. GT’s creative defense lawyers in the US, Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific are at the forefront of white collar defense, with wide-ranging experience in structuring internal investigations, developing guidelines, implementing compliance programs, and addressing issues of voluntary disclosure. Their representations involve alleged securities and commodities fraud, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations, health care/pharmaceutical fraud, environmental crimes, money laundering, financial services fraud, public corruption/campaign finance, tax corruption, defense contracting, and bankruptcy fraud. In addition, the majority of GT’s litigation shareholders and counsel have first-chair trial experience.

About Greenberg Traurig Mexico: Greenberg Traurig’s Mexico City office offers clients innovative, strategic advice and legal services that span both traditional fields and contemporary regulatory sectors. The office has more than 60 bilingual attorneys who have been contributors to major national projects in Mexico and leverages the resources and reach of the firm’s global platform to provide clients with tailored legal services reflective of the specific industry and market conditions in which they operate. The Mexico City office is an integral part of the firm’s award-winning Latin America Practice, and has been recognized with leading banking, corporate, M&A, infrastructure, real estate, privacy, energy, administrative litigation, and competition practices in Mexico.

About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has approximately 2100 attorneys in 41 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law.

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Society: Christianity

Margaret Ann Fiore’s newly released “The Radiance of Christ” is a profound and personal read that shows the beauty and true meaning of being a priest

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)

“The Radiance of Christ: The Priesthood of Monsignor Kenneth W. Roeltgen”: a touching biography of a promising priest in pages that speak about his extraordinary life in faith and service. “The Radiance of Christ: The Priesthood of Monsignor Kenneth W. Roeltgen” is the creation of published author Margaret Ann Fiore, a nurse practitioner for over four decades. She serves on the Rector’s Council of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. She was also the third president of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses and founded the Brain Tumor Support Group in the Metropolitan Washington area. Additionally, she has written several scholarly papers on the science and practical management of patients with neurological tumors that she presented to distinguished audiences worldwide.

Fiore shares, “The memory of Msgr. Roeltgen has not been dimmed by time. Those who knew him and were trained to virtue by his precepts and example love to speak of him, to repeat his words, and tell incidents of his holy life.

“Monsignor’s life and character had a beauty few achieve. The gentleness of his manner, the strength of his character, the validity of his priestly commitment, and the unswerving love of God, the Church, the priesthood and, of course, his brother priests and his parishioners were so apparent to all who knew him that we knew we experienced a rare blessing and were especially gifted by the Lord in him.

“This book will be of immense spiritual value to all who know and want to know God, and will strengthen their faith, hope, and charity in these days when there is an apparent conspiracy at work to erase the consciousness of God from the minds of men.

“‘We are but high up old windows through which the grace of God still shines.’ This sentence aptly describes our much loved and deeply missed friend. Monsignor Roeltgen was, indeed, a man who let the light of God shine through.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Margaret Ann Fiore’s new book is a great preservation of the life of a good and holy priest that will also inspire others who wish to serve God and His people. This creation is also a wonderful gift to seminarians, priests, laity, and everyone who acknowledges the commitment of men to the holy priesthood.

View a synopsis of “The Radiance of Christ: The Priesthood of Monsignor Kenneth W. Roeltgen” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “The Radiance of Christ: The Priesthood of Monsignor Kenneth W. Roeltgen” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “The Radiance of Christ: The Priesthood of Monsignor Kenneth W. Roeltgen,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Technology: Computer

KnowBe4 Brings Security Awareness Training to the State of Texas Thanks to New Certified Status

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Government organizations really need this type of training to build up their human firewall, which will help to protect them against the ongoing problem of social engineering. -Stu Sjouwerman, CEO, KnowBe4


TAMPA BAY, Fla. (PRWEB)

KnowBe4, the provider of the world’s largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, today announced that it is now certified by the Texas Department of Information Resources for state and local government employees in Texas.

House Bill 3834 (86R) was created to require that state and local government employees take mandatory cybersecurity training to help better protect the government. It requires that the Texas Department of Information Resources, in consultation with the Texas Cybersecurity Council, certify cybersecurity training programs for state and local government employees. KnowBe4 has been selected to be certified. The course requirements include a focus on information security habits and procedures that protect information resources and teach best practices for detecting, assessing, reporting and addressing information security threats.

“We’re excited for the opportunity to bring our security awareness training and simulated phishing to more of the government employees who work for the state of Texas,” said Stu Sjouwerman, CEO, KnowBe4. “State and local governments have been making headlines recently due to an onslaught of ransomware attacks. Government organizations really need this type of training to build up their human firewall, which will help to protect them against the ongoing problem of social engineering.”

An organization can measure its Phish-proneTM Percentage, which indicates how many of their employees are likely to fall for a phishing or social engineering scam, to evaluate the security mindset of its employees. Every organization regardless of size and vertical is susceptible to phishing and social engineering without computer-based training. The average initial baseline Phish-prone Percentage is around 30% and after one year of testing and simulated phishing, drops down to just 2%.

For more information on KnowBe4, visit http://www.knowbe4.com.

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Technology: Electronics

Two Superior Controls Automation Experts to Present at the 2019 Rockwell Automation Process Solutions User Group November 18-19

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Tag McCormick and Matt Martin to present at the Rockwell Automation PSUG event November 2019

We are thrilled that two of Superior Controls’ process automation experts have been selected to share their knowledge and experience at this year’s Rockwell Automation Process Solutions User Group.


SEABROOK, N.H. (PRWEB)

Superior Controls, Inc., a leading Life Sciences control system integrator of custom industrial automation and IT solutions with 135 engineers and professionals on both the east and west coasts, today announced the details of the company’s two technical presentations at the 2019 Rockwell Automation Process Solutions User Group (PSUG), which will take place November 18-19, 2019 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.

Superior Controls, a Rockwell Automation Certified Solution Partner, works with Rockwell Automation technology to provide automation and control systems integration services to the highly-regulated life sciences industry. Experts on process control, Tag McCormick and Matt Martin will present Recipe Management for Single Units on November 18, 2019 at 3:15 pm and again on November 19, 2019 at 10:30 am. The presentation will cover process batch recipe management for small-scale production, including for a single unit. McCormick and Martin will share the details of a recent successful single unit project in the biotechnology industry which used the 56eATM-TMGR module from Softing, a Rockwell Automation Encompass Product Partner. They will discuss the project’s technical challenges, solution selection criteria, design and implementation details, and benefits realized upon successful project completion.

“We are thrilled that two of Superior Controls’ process automation experts have been selected to share their knowledge and experience at this year’s Rockwell Automation Process Solutions User Group,” said Rick Pierro, co-founder and president of Superior Controls. “Small scale batches are complex to manage, and Softing offers the perfect solution to this common problem.”

Tag McCormick is a project manager at Superior Controls with more than 15 years of experience in the process automation, water/wastewater treatment, and power generation industries. McCormick was the project manager for the single unit system discussed in this presentation, which was also the topic of a recent article he authored.

Matt Martin is a senior project engineer at Superior Controls and has six years of experience in process automation. Martin completed the majority of the technical design, development, and testing of the PLC to SQL database module and the architecture of the recipe on the single unit system discussed in this presentation.

The Process Solutions User Group conference gathers process industry professionals from around the world for a two-day event featuring technical application sessions, practical hands-on labs, and presentations on best practices and innovative approaches to common problems using Rockwell Automation technology.

In 2019, Superior Controls and Banks Integration were acquired by Falfurrias Capital Partners-backed E-Tech Group. The combined company has 14 offices across the U.S., and has an experienced, diverse technical staff of more than 360 engineers.

About Superior Controls

Since 1993, Superior Controls, an E-Technologies Group Company, has reliably delivered professionally executed automation and control systems integration services to leading biotech and pharmaceutical companies in 36 states and 15 countries. In addition to being seven-time certified by the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA), Superior Controls has passed over fifty quality management and validation audits and is a Rockwell Automation Solution Partner. With the 2017 addition of Banks Integration Group, a ten-year Rockwell Automation Solution Partner on the West Coast, the company works nationally with industry leaders such as Pfizer, Biogen, GE Healthcare, Genentech, Gilead and more. Superior Controls and Banks Integration Group have four engineering offices located in Seabrook, New Hampshire, Albany, New York, Vacaville, California and South San Francisco, California. For more information, visit Superior Controls’ website, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

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Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Elaine Katz of Kessler Foundation Named Humanitarian of the Year by Community Access Unlimited

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Photo of Elaine Katz giving a speech

“All of us share the same needs,” said Elaine Katz, “for independence, self-sufficiency, and the opportunity to contribute our talents to society through work that sustains us personally as well as financially.”


EAST HANOVER, N.J. (PRWEB)

Elaine E. Katz, MS, CCC-SLP, senior VP of grants and communications at Kessler Foundation, received the Humanitarian of the Year Award from Community Access Unlimited. The award was presented at the organization’s Annual Gala Dinner Dance at the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott on October 24, 2019.

Katz was one of three members of the community recognized at the event, which marked Community Access Unlimited’s 40th year of service to the disability community. Stephen Hehl of the law firm Hehl and Hehl received the Public Leadership Award, and community organizer Arthur “Skip” Winter was honored with the Ira Geller Award for volunteerism.

“All of us share the same needs,” noted Katz, “for independence, self-sufficiency, and the opportunity to contribute our talents to society through work that sustains us personally as well as financially. Partnering with organizations like Community Access Unlimited enables Kessler Foundation to invest in programs that help people with disabilities attain their goals. I am honored to accept this award from those who share our mission,” she said. “Together, we will continue to change the marketplace and increase the participation of people with disabilities in competitive integrated employment.”

Rodger DeRose, president and CEO of Kessler Foundation commented: “At the Foundation, we prioritize employment as the pathway to independence for people with disabilities. With Elaine’s leadership, our grant making program has provided nearly $45 million to support the proposals of local and national partnerships for effective and sustainable employment programs. This award is most fitting since her influence in the field extends well beyond the individuals who benefit from these programs,” he emphasized, “allowing us to leverage dollars and human capital to stimulate new ideas that may be models for policy change.”

For more than 25 years, Katz has worked with non-profit organizations in the areas of board development, fundraising, marketing, and business development. Katz often speaks about innovative practices for employing people with disabilities, and is the author/co-author of articles and papers on related topics. She currently serves on the board of directors of JESPY House, New Jersey Association of People Supporting Employment First (NJAPSE), Essex/Newark Disabilities Issues Committee, and on the program committee of the Council of NJ Grantmakers. She is also an appointed member of Empower NYC Advisory Board, Workforce Matters National Steering Committee, ReelAbilities NY Advisory & Council, ReelAbilities 2019 Selection Committee and the NJ Veterans and Community Collaborative Network. Her awards and recognitions include the GiGo Fund Civilian of the Year Award, Community Options’ Betty Pendler Award, and the Jespy House Award for Leadership.

About Community Access Unlimited

Community Access Unlimited (CAU), celebrating its 40th year in 2019, supports people with special needs in achieving real lives in the community. CAU gives a voice to adults and youth who traditionally have little power in society, assisting its members with housing, life skills, employment, money management, socialization and civic activities. CAU also supports opportunities for advocacy through training in assertiveness, decision-making and civil rights. Currently serving more than 5,000 individuals and families, CAU continues to grow each year. For more information about CAU and its services, contact us by phone at 908.354.3040, info@caunj.org or by mail at 80 West Grand Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202.

About Kessler Foundation

Kessler Foundation, a major nonprofit organization in the field of disability, is a global leader in rehabilitation research that seeks to improve cognition, mobility, and long-term outcomes – including employment – for people with neurological disabilities caused by diseases and injuries of the brain and spinal cord. Kessler Foundation leads the nation in funding innovative programs that expand opportunities for employment for people with disabilities. For more information, visit http://www.KesslerFoundation.org.

Contacts:

Carolann Murphy, PA; 973-324-8382; CMurphy@KesslerFoundation.org

Rob Gerth, 973.323.3675; RGerth@KesslerFoundation.org

For more information on Kessler Foundation’s research, visit KesslerFoundation.org.

Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/KesslerFoundation

Twitter | twitter.com/KesslerFdn

YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/user/KesslerFoundation

iTunes & SoundCloud | soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation

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health and fitness

Weight Loss Surgery Improves Health, Quality of Life while Highlighting Need for Better Understanding of Obesity, says West Medical

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Obesity remains a serious health and quality of life problem that is extremely hard to conquer without assistance.


LOS ANGELES (PRWEB)

An October 2 article on Wicked Local Framingham reported on the story of a woman who underwent a successful weight loss surgery nearly 20 years ago; she lost over 100 pounds and has remained petite ever since. Nevertheless, she says she still bears traces of the years of schoolyard bullying and adult fat-shaming she endured prior to her procedure. Southern California healthcare group West Medical says that obesity is a complicated issue many people who do not struggle with weight problems may have difficulty understanding. The healthcare clinic adds that everyone deserves to both be treated with respect and to feel confident in their own body, no matter their size. At the same time, obesity remains a serious health and quality of life problem that is extremely hard to conquer without assistance. Fortunately, for those looking to slim down significantly, weight loss surgery can help patients defeat obesity once and for all.

Most people – particularly those who engage in fat-shaming – misunderstand how intractable severe obesity is as a condition, says West Medical. The reason is that nature is committed to keeping people at their current weight – whatever that is. The clinic notes people with weight issues tend to produce more of certain hormones that give them larger appetites than thinner people. The weight loss center says that, when people begin to eat less as they attempt to lose weight, the body reacts as if a food shortage may be imminent and produces even more of the hormone; it only gets worse for as long as the patient is able to continue losing weight.

Procedures like a gastric sleeve, says the clinic, reliably solve the weight loss conundrum as they remove the majority of the stomach. A smaller stomach, says the clinic, makes overeating uncomfortable, reducing the appetite. It also appears that permanently removing 75%-85% of the stomach restricts the production of hunger hormones, so the urges that make patients want to overeat in the first place are greatly reduced. Defeating obesity with a sleeve surgery, says West Medical, is far less difficult.

The Southern California clinic comments that people who are not regarded as severely obese may not qualify for weight loss surgeries, but there are an increasing number of powerful nonsurgical options. West Medical now offers a leading-edge procedure known medically as the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG). Also called an accordion procedure, an ESG sews accordion-like folds into the stomach, which result in a smaller capacity and a smaller appetite, West Medical says. It adds that also offers all of the most popular gastric balloon procedures. As the name implies, these procedures reduce the stomach’s capacity for approximately six months by placing a balloon-like sphere in the stomach, significantly reducing the appetite and giving weight loss efforts a significant jumpstart.

Readers interested in learning more about West Medical and its weight loss services can call their offices at (855) 678-4778 or visit the clinic’s website at http://www.westmedical.com/.

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Industry: Healthcare

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

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NEW YORK (PRWEB)

The National Lung Cancer Roundtable (NLCRT) has expanded its portal of resources to help Americans fight lung cancer. Efrén J. Flores, Staff Radiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, teamed with the American College of Radiology (ACR) and YourUpdateTV to discuss the initiative during National Lung Cancer Awareness month.

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/Bpb0qu7V5mA

This year more than 220,000 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer. More than 140,000 will die of the disease — more than will die from breast, colon and prostate cancer combined. Please know that:


  • Anyone can get lung cancer. 65% of people newly diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked or are former smokers. 20% have no history of tobacco use at all.

  • If you smoke, talk to your doctor to get support to stop smoking. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer.

  • Lung cancer was once considered a terminal diagnosis, but today new treatments are improving survival for many patients.

  • If you are a current or former smoker – ages 55-to-80 – talk to your health care provider about getting an annual lung cancer screening exam. This low-dose C-T or “CAT” scan is the only test proven to significantly reduce lung cancer deaths and is covered by Medicare and private insurance for those who qualify.

For more information, visit the National Lung Cancer Roundtable website at NLCRT.org.

About Efrén J. Flores, MD:

Efrén J. Flores, MD is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico Medical School. He trained in radiology at the Massachusetts General Hospital, a Harvard Medical School affiliate, where he currently serves as board-certified staff radiologist in Thoracic and Emergency radiology since 2011. Dr. Flores interest in patient outreach and advocacy led him to focus his research on identifying social determinants of health impacting access to radiology among underrepresented minorities, and develop and implement low-cost programs to bridge he healthcare disparities gap. Dr. Flores research has led him to scientific presentations at national meetings and has also published in this subject. In recognition of Dr. Flores work in this area, he was appointed Director for Community Health Improvement in the Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Radiology in 2016. Dr. Flores also serves in the Radiology Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

About YourUpdateTV:

YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content, produced by award-winning video communications firm, D S Simon Media (http://www.dssimon.com). It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology.

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Health: Mental Health

Conversations about Mental Health in the Legal Profession

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MLA_ErasingTheStigma-General-Tagline

Erasing the Stigma

“I am excited that MLA has provided me with the ability to dig into deep and compelling issues around mental health in our profession,” said Mark. “Only through dialogue and awareness can we create safe-places where people can ask for help without fear of being labeled or stigmatized.”


HANOVER, Md. (PRWEB)

Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA), the world’s leading legal search firm, has launched a new podcast, Erasing the Stigma: Conversations about Mental Health in the Legal Profession. In each episode of the podcast, Mark Yacano, Global Practice Leader for MLA’s Managed Legal Services team, engages in thought-provoking dialogues with legal, mental health and wellness experts discussing the state of mental health and well-being in the profession and exploring the opportunities that exist to destigmatize the challenges and build awareness. The series will release a new episode every two weeks.

The first episode features Patrick Krill of Krill Strategies. An internationally known expert on mental health and substance abuse issues in the legal profession, Patrick and Mark chat about the ABA/Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s study on substance use and mental health, its findings and the state of mental health in the industry.

“I am excited that MLA has provided me with the ability to dig into deep and compelling issues around mental health in our profession,” said Mark. “Only through dialogue and awareness can we create safe-places where people can ask for help without fear of being labeled or stigmatized.”

Fans of the podcast can email Heather Travaglini at htravaglini@mlaglobal.com to provide feedback and suggest topics as well as future guests.

To listen to the podcast, visit MLAGlobal.com as well as SoundCloud, Google Podcasts, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn and Blubrry.

About Major, Lindsey & Africa

Founded in 1982, Major, Lindsey & Africa is the largest and most experienced legal search firm in the world. With more than 25 offices worldwide, Major, Lindsey & Africa has earned recognition for its track record of successful general counsel, corporate counsel, partner, associate, and law firm management placements. The firm also provides law firms and companies with highly specialized legal professionals on project, interim and temporary-to-permanent hire basis. Combining local market knowledge and a global recruiting network, Major, Lindsey & Africa recruiters are dedicated to understanding and meeting client and candidate needs while maintaining the highest degree of professionalism and confidentiality. The firm considers every search a diversity search and has been committed to diversity in the law since its inception. Major, Lindsey & Africa is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in talent solutions.

To learn more about Major, Lindsey & Africa, visit http://www.mlaglobal.com.

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Business: Insurance

SmartFinancial Simplifies Health Insurance Options

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COSTA MESA, Calif. (PRWEB)

Just in time for Open Enrollment, SmartFinancial, a leading insurance-technology company, published an article simplifying the tier-system, which most Americans find downright confusing.

“The value of each tier is important to keep in mind when you choose your health plan,” said Lev Barinskiy CEO of SmartFinancial. “Otherwise, you may not be making the best decisions that result in savings.”

SmartFinancial makes navigating the world of healthcare options easy by partnering with the nation’s leading insurance providers to offer thousands of consumers a wide range of affordable options. SmartFinancial focuses on providing actionable advice and rich tools to help insurance customers compare and find the best insurance coverage.

Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze: What Does it All Mean?

The value of each of these metals is reflected in the extent of coverage and price of the health plans found in the marketplace. This means that premiums for platinum health care plans will cost the most in monthly premiums, but they will also cover more health care needs so the consumer doesn’t pay as much out-of-pocket when visiting doctors and specialists. The consumer also pays less for treatments and surgery.

Bronze health plans cost the least monthly but when visiting a doctor, the consumer pays more than they would with a higher-tier plan.

In a platinum plan, the consumer only pays roughly 10% of the cost of a healthcare provider’s services. Compare that to paying 40% out of pocket with a bronze plan.

It makes sense for a young, healthy person, who does not see a doctor more than once a year, to buy the bronze plan. Of course, there are sometimes unforeseen circumstances, like a sudden illness or accident, that may require more doctors visit and possibly a hospital stay, which would end up being very costly at 40% of the cost out-of-pocket. For this reason, even the healthiest young person who doesn’t have an emergency fund may be better off with a silver plan (paying 30% of costs) or even gold (paying about 20% of costs). In the end, it’s the consumer’s choice to take as much risk as they see fit.

Overall, the majority of Americans opt for a silver tier health insurance plan. It’s a good idea to calculate the number of annual doctor visits. If it is only one or two times, a platinum plan may be a waste of money, unless the consumer became gravely ill, or has a debilitating accident.

A Health Plan Fits Should Fit One’s Lifestyle and Budget

If a consumer’s kids are in high school or up to the age of 26 and on their plan, it may not be a bad idea to buy a bronze plan, but only if everyone is healthy and not involved in sports activities or any risky hobbies. Generally speaking, it’s not advised for people over the age of 70 to be on such a bare-bones plan.

A silver plan may be right if the consumer is under 70 years old and has elementary-school age kids who are not involved in any activities that would expose them to injury. This plan is advised over a bronze one if a family member sees a doctor and/or specialist a few times a year and only requires one or two medications.

If a family member has a condition that needs closer monitoring, the gold plan is preferable. This plan is for those who have frequent doctor visits and need expensive medication. Older people and younger children who see the doctor more frequently should be on this or a platinum health plan.

A platinum plan may be expensive but it may be cheaper overall if a family member suffers from a chronic condition that also requires frequent trips to medical care providers. If they take several expensive medications, this tier plan can be very cost effective. A platinum plan is perfect for the elderly and those prone to illness and injury.

At a Glance:

Bronze

Lowest monthly premiums

Highest out-of-pocket costs

High deductibles

This is really meant for emergency medical situations for people who are otherwise very healthy.

Silver

Moderate monthly premiums

Moderate out-of-pocket

Moderate deductibles

This is a good plan for an individual or family that needs routine care only

Gold

High monthly premium

Low out-of-pocket costs

Low deductibles

This is a great plan for someone who needs routine care on a regular basis and can pay a little more each month as opposed to paying more for each visit.

Platinum

Highest monthly premium

Lowest out-of-pocket expenses

Very low deductibles

This is a great plan for someone who regularly needs care and can pay higher monthly premiums while having most if not all costs covered.

What About Short-Term Medical Plans?

Short-term medical insurance (also called temporary health insurance and term health insurance) is also becoming very popular in underserved demographics and with people who need to fill gaps in coverage. People often elect term health insurance before they are eligible for Medicare, while waiting for other coverage to begin or if they are between jobs.

“Let us help you find the right coverage at the right price,” says Barinskiy. “SmartFinancial has built a recommendation engine that takes the guesswork out of the process of shopping hundreds of the most popular plans.”

Compare multiple health insurance plans by starting a quote with SmartFinancial or call 855-214-2291. Our licensed agents are always available to discuss plans coverages in detail and make recommendations based on that individual’s unique needs.

About SmartFinancial

SmartFinancial is a leading insurance technology company. Its mission is to provide consumers clarity and savings with its insightful data and intelligent carrier-matching process. Founded by a team of insurance and technology experts, SmartFinancial focuses on delivering measurable results and exceptional service. With offices in Columbus, OH and Costa Mesa, CA, the company ranked 227 on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™.

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