WASHINGTON (PRWEB)
September 15, 2020

Today, Power to Decide is proud to launch Abortion Finder, which can be accessed at AbortionFinder.org. Abortion Finder is an easy-to-use digital search tool designed to provide up-to-date information about the availability of abortion care across the country. Abortion Finder features over 750 clinics and provides the most comprehensive directory of trusted and verified abortion service providers in the United States.

The new abortion finder also can be found on Bedsider, a project of Power to Decide. Bedsider is an evidence-based digital health promotion tool serving people age 18-to-29.

“Despite consistent efforts by abortion opponents to block access to abortion care and to create impossible obstacles abortion seekers cannot overcome, abortion care continues to be part of the full spectrum of reproductive health services available for women,” said Gillian Sealy, CEO, Power to Decide. “As such, the new Abortion Finder was designed to mitigate some of these challenges by helping people locate the nearest abortion clinic and access information to help them prepare for their appointment.”

Users can also find information regarding state laws that might restrict their access to an abortion.

The obstacles some people face to accessing abortion care are significant, as is evidenced by a recent Supreme Court decision. In a 5-to-4 ruling, the Court struck down a law which would have left all but one abortion clinic in Louisiana closed. While the immediate impact was a victory, the ruling also left the door open for future restrictions. Despite abortion being legal in all 50 states, the fight to protect individuals’ ability to access abortion care will continue as there are many other attacks on access to abortion care currently being fought in the courts.

“It has only been 47 years since abortion was made legally available nationwide,” Sealy added. “In that time, women’s advancements have been significant, but efforts to restrict access make abortion care fragile and services unequitable. We live in a time when resources, such as the new Abortion Finder, are critical to helping people access reproductive health care.”

Power to Decide’s new Abortion Finder is made possible through a partnership and coalition of reproductive and sexual health, medical and advocacy organizations, including the National Abortion Federation (NAF) and Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA). The clinics listed are affiliated with NAF and PPFA as well as Abortion Care Network and some unaffiliated independent clinics.

Bedsider.org (Bedsider) is an evidence-based digital health promotional tool and online birth control support network for people age 18-29 operated by Power to Decide.

Power to Decide is a private, non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to ensure all people—no matter who they are, where they live or what their economic status might be—have the power to decide if, when and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child. Please visit us at http://www.PowerToDecide.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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NORFOLK, Va. (PRWEB)
May 15, 2020

Orfit today announced it has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its Aerial® Couch Top for Proton Therapy.

Aerial® is an entirely new couch top that optimizes the positioning and immobilization of cancer patients during proton therapy treatment. A homogeneous treatment area is provided by eliminating all rails or other obstructions underneath the couch top. The smooth shape transitions, minimal sharp corners in the treatment area and thin design characterize the couch top. All of this while supporting a patient load up to 518 lbs. (235 kg).

To immobilize patient’s with a brain tumor or a tumor in the head and neck region, Orfit HP PRO masks help to attain the high level of reproducibility and precision that proton therapy demands. The 3-points single layer HP PRO mask allows for a planning target volume margin of 1 mm which decreases the risk of damage to healthy tissue.

“By prototyping, testing, analyzing and close cooperation with physicists and therapists, we created a couch top that is in line with the highest technical standards, without being too complex. The combination of these factors will help in assuring the best possible clinical outcome for patients”, says Emilie Cuypers, Product Manager Radiation Oncology.

Orfit Industries is proud to bring a couch top on the market that perfectly pairs with advanced proton therapy delivery techniques.

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Telemedicine apps are built for quick and easy clinician-patient connection

We have used the most battle-tested technology to ensure that MyHealthCoach is the right telemedicine platform for remote care delivery.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (PRWEB)
April 27, 2020

The New York Times reported on Friday, Apr. 17, 2020 that 20% of all COVID-19 virus deaths were related to nursing homes. In addition, The New York Times review of COVID-19 cases revealed an astonishing 36,500 nursing home residents and staff contracted the virus. The MyHealthCoach app has been a game-changing ally in the hands of Healthcare workers who have been stretched to their limits in their efforts to halt the spread of infection and to meet the increased demands of caring for vulnerable patients within facilities and in surrounding communities.

Widespread reports of staffing shortages at healthcare facilities caused by workers falling ill or being forced to quarantine at home have created increased opportunities for off-site physicians and other remote clinicians to step up to fill gaps for residents and patients in need of medical attention via telemedicine technologies. The MyHealthCoach app’s innovative design simplifies team-centric workflow, enabling quick and easy video telemedicine consults and text-based communication between caregivers and patients. In addition, MyHealthCoach can be a powerful tool for rounding clinicians— such as attending physicians, to sustain their practice via safe and efficient “virtual rounds” to patients and residents in a wide range of healthcare facilities.

“We have been staying extra close to our customers amidst this formidable crisis. Each day, we hear countless stories of the extraordinary challenges our post-acute partners face,” said Mike Diamond, Telemedicine Solutions CEO. “We have used the most battle-tested technology to ensure that MyHealthCoach is the right telemedicine platform for remote care delivery. It gives teams easy-to-use dashboards that coordinate patient communication and video consults in record time —no matter the location.”

Telemedicine Solutions LLC is a mobile health technology company with a mission to improve the quality of life for people living with chronic diseases via simple apps designed to reduce the costs of care delivery and optimize patient care. The MyHealthCoach app streamlines clinical workflows and enables text, image, and secure video connection with patients. MyHealthCoach also allows clinicians to actively partner with their patients to alleviate chronic disease through easy and secure communication around shared health measures, tracking progress with care plan compliance and wellness goals, and patient education.

For more information about MyHealthCoach, visit: https://www.getmyhealthcoach.com

Tags: telemedicine, COVID-19 virus, nursing homes, virtual rounds, telehealth

Contact: Rhett Gustafson, Exec. Vice President, Finance and Strategic Development / 847-519-3500

Photo credit: © verbaska / Adobe Stock

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WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (PRWEB)
April 23, 2020

Summer: it’s a recipe for spending more time outdoors. Depending on your activities, all that extra time in the sun is sure to leave you with harmful exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays if you aren’t using proper sun protection. Did you know more than five million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year? And of those, roughly 85 percent of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Every year, skin cancer diagnoses outnumber new cases of many other types of cancers such as breast, colon, lung, and prostate.

“Anyone can get skin cancer. Regardless of skin color or background,” says Medical Director of Florida Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centers, Dr. K. Wade Foster. “Fortunately, skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer and we can lessen our chances by taking a few important measures.”

So, what can we do to help protect ourselves from a diagnosis?

Check yourself: Florida Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centers recommends that you regularly perform a self-exam by checking yourself in the mirror and looking for any new, unusual or changing areas, and reporting those to your dermatologist right away. An annual skin exam can also help identify suspicious growths, moles, and other dermatological changes. Areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun are more prone to develop moles or certain growths, and because of this, it’s very important to have an experienced dermatologist or licensed medical professional conduct a yearly body analysis to check all areas of your body, including your scalp, neck, and back.

What should you look for?

Florida Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centers (FLDSCC), along with The American Academy of Dermatology recommends conducting annual skin exams to look for the ABCDE’s of skin cancer. A is for Asymmetry: One half of the mole looks different from the other half. B is for Border: The mole has an irregular or poorly defined border. C is for Color: The mole’s color varies from one area to the next, and may include shades of tan, brown or black, or areas of white, red, or blue. D is for Diameter: May be greater than six millimeters, or about the size of a pencil eraser, and can be smaller when diagnosed. E is for Evolving: The mole or lesion is changing in size, shape, or color over time.

Wear sunscreen: Liberally apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your skin when going outdoors. It’s important to read the label of your sunscreen to make certain it is water-resistant and broad-spectrum with an SPF of 30 or higher. If you are sweating or swimming, you’ll need to reapply every two hours.

Cover up: Sunscreen is only one part of protecting yourself from the sun’s powerful UV rays. In addition to using it, you should wear protective clothing to guarantee extra coverage. Fortunately, lots of companies make long-sleeved and lightweight shirts, pants, hats and sunglasses with UV protection built in. Make use of these especially when around reflective surfaces like the sand, water, and snow. And when you can, during the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., try to stay under shaded areas since the sun’s UV rays are strongest during that time frame.

Avoid tanning beds: Researchers estimate that indoor tanning may cause upwards of 400,000 cases of skin cancer in the United States each year. Luckily there are alternatives to achieving a sun-kissed glow without UV rays with the use of sunless tanning lotions and spray tanning.

Are you in the know?

• More than two people die of skin cancer every hour.
• If you’ve had more than five sunburns, your risk of melanoma has doubled.
• Melanoma is the second most common form of cancer in females ages 15-29 and is increasing faster in females in this age group than in males of the same age group.
• It is estimated that melanoma will affect 1 in 27 men and 1 in 40 women in their lifetime.
• The five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated is 99 percent.

Florida Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centers provides a full spectrum of dermatology and skin care services, and its team of physicians, ARNPs, and PAs are experts in diagnosing and treating skin cancers with the latest technological options. Dr. K. Wade Foster is fellowship-trained in Mohs surgery, the most effective technique for most types of skin cancers, with minimal scarring or risk.

“We bring an unmatched level of services to all of our patients and are confident in our approach to treat skin cancer most effectively and efficiently,” says Dr. Foster. “Fortunately, skin cancer treatment, specifically melanoma, has a very favorable outcome since if it is detected early, it’s almost always treatable.”

For more information about services that Florida Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centers provides, or to make an appointment for a skin exam, visit http://www.fldscc.com or contact us at 863.293.2147.

About Florida Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centers

Florida Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centers, based in Winter Haven, Florida, treats all types of skin and scalp conditions. Medical director K. Wade Foster, MD, PhD, is Fellowship-trained in Mohs surgery, which is the most effective technique for most skin cancers, with minimal scarring or risk. Several convenient locations serve patients throughout Florida. Complete office listings are available online.

For more information about Florida Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centers, visit http://www.fldscc.com or contact Cora Ligon at 863.838.5475. Follow our momentum on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the Florida Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centers blog.

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WASHINGTON (PRWEB)
April 01, 2020

According to data released by Power to Decide, an estimated 631,470 Illinois women of reproductive age (13-44) in need of publicly funded contraception live in counties impacted by the implementation of the Title X Family Planning Program “domestic gag rule.”

The domestic gag rule requires health providers receiving Title X funds to withhold information from patients about abortion services and care. In addition, health centers are required to cease providing abortion care with non-Title X funds at sites that offer Title X supported services, such as contraceptive care, breast and cervical cancer screening and STI testing. The rule requires that abortion services, no matter how they are funded, be performed at a separate physical site, which is impossible for many health centers.

“The implementation of the domestic gag rule could impact more than 630,000 women in need in Illinois,” said Ginny Ehrlich, CEO, Power to Decide. “This federal rule exacerbates an already challenging contraceptive access landscape for women struggling to make ends meet. Even before the domestic gag rule went into effect, nearly 781,000 low-income women in Illinois lived in contraceptive deserts, which are counties without reasonable access to the full range of contraceptive methods. As a result, these women incur untenable financial barriers such as transportation, child care and taking unpaid time from work to just to get the contraception they need.”

Data from Power to Decide show that 780,650 women living at or below 250% of the poverty level in Illinois live in contraceptive deserts, counties in which there is not reasonable access to a health center offering the full range of contraceptive methods. Nationally, more than 19 million U.S. women of low income live in contraceptive deserts.

In this challenging landscape, states like Illinois can take proactive steps to partially alleviate the impact of damaging federal policies and to proactively expand access to contraception in various ways. Illinois has already expanded Medicaid to low-income adults, which helps decrease the percentage of uninsured women, and by extension, give them contraceptive coverage they need to live healthy lives. In addition, Illinois requires insurance to cover an extended supply of prescription contraceptives and has enacted policy that protects insurance coverage of the full range of contraceptive methods. To further expand access, Illinois is currently considering legislation that would allow pharmacists to prescribe contraception. More information about these policies can be found here.

Power to Decide is a private, non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to ensure all people—no matter who they are, where they live or what their economic status might be—have the power to decide if, when and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child. Please visit us at http://www.PowerToDecide.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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WASHINGTON (PRWEB)
March 10, 2020

According to data released by Power to Decide, an estimated 438,730 Michigan women of reproductive age (13-44) in need of publicly funded contraception live in counties impacted by the implementation of the Title X Family Planning Program “domestic gag rule.”

The domestic gag rule requires health providers receiving Title X funds to withhold information from patients about abortion services and care. In addition, health centers are required to cease providing abortion care with non-Title X funds at sites that offer Title X supported services, such as contraceptive care, breast and cervical cancer screening and STI testing. The new rule requires that abortion services, no matter how they are funded, must be performed at a separate physical site, which is impossible for many health centers.

“The implementation of the domestic gag rule could impact nearly 450,000 women in need in Michigan,” said Ginny Ehrlich, CEO, Power to Decide. “This federal rule exacerbates an already challenging contraceptive access landscape for women struggling to make ends meet. Even before the implementation of the domestic gag rule, more than 600,000 low-income women in Michigan live in contraceptive deserts where they face barriers such as transportation, child care and taking unpaid time from work to get the contraception they need.”

Data from Power to Decide show that 629,080 women living at or below 250% of the poverty level in Michigan live in contraceptive deserts, counties in which there is not reasonable access to a health center offering the full range of contraceptive methods. Nationally, more than 19 million U.S. women of low income live in contraceptive deserts.

In this challenging landscape, states like Michigan can take steps to partially alleviate the impact of damaging federal policies and to proactively expand access to contraception in various ways. Michigan has already expanded Medicaid to low-income adults, which helps decrease the percentage of uninsured women, and by extension, give them contraceptive coverage. In addition, other policies that would help include allowing pharmacists to prescribe contraception, requiring insurance to cover an extended supply of prescription contraceptives and enacting policies that protect insurance coverage of the full range of contraceptive methods. More information about these policies can be found here.

Power to Decide is a private, non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to ensure all people—no matter who they are, where they live or what their economic status might be—have the power to decide if, when and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child. Please visit us at http://www.PowerToDecide.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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WASHINGTON (PRWEB)
March 04, 2020

Today, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on June Medical Services v. Russo, and Power to Decide, along with partner organizations, is participating in a rally at the Supreme Court. The rally will raise critical awareness on the impact that the Louisiana law, if upheld, will have on women’s reproductive well-being.

The law being challenged before the Court today would require those who provide abortion care to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles where they provide abortion services. Should the Court uphold the Louisiana law, it would result in the nearly 1 million women of childbearing age in Louisiana having access to only a single abortion clinic in the state.

“The limitations to access to abortion set forth in June Medical Services v. Russo wrest women’s ability to drive their own health care decisions and instead, hands these decisions to lawmakers, hospital administrators and governors,” said Ginny Ehrlich, CEO, Power to Decide. “Doing so would have a chilling effect on the advancements made possible for women since abortion became legal nationwide in 1973,”

There is no medical reason for requiring admitting privileges for those who provide abortion care. Complications from abortion procedures are rare. The Louisiana law is intended to limit access to abortion. Should the Court uphold June Medical Services v. Russo, other states would surely limit access in the same manner.

“The case before the Court today is so important because it will either set a precedent in support of or against access to abortion services,” said Ehrlich. “The result will have emanating effects within and beyond Louisiana.”

Power to Decide is a private, non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to ensure all people—no matter who they are, where they live or what their economic status might be—have the power to decide if, when and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child. Please visit us at http://www.PowerToDecide.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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WASHINGTON (PRWEB)
February 26, 2020

Recent data from Power to Decide, show 310,100 women with low income in South Carolina live in contraceptive deserts, counties in which there is not reasonable access to a health center offering the full range of contraceptive methods. Currently, across the country more than 19 million U.S. women of low income live in contraceptive deserts.

“More than 300,000 women in South Carolina face real barriers in accessing contraception they need and deserve in order to decide if, when and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child,” said Ginny Ehrlich, CEO, Power to Decide. “These women who are already struggling to make ends meet must cover costs associated with transportation, child care and unpaid time off from work just to access basic health care. What’s more, women in South Carolina are also less likely to have health coverage, which limits their ability to get the birth control method that is right for them.”

In South Carolina 15.8% women of reproductive age (13-44) are uninsured, significantly higher than the national average of 11.7% .

“States like South Carolina can help women in need through policies that protect and expand access to contraception,” said Ehrlich.

Expanding Medicaid to childless adults would help decrease the percentage of uninsured women, and by extension, give them contraceptive coverage. In addition, allowing pharmacists to prescribe contraception, and requiring insurance to cover an extended supply of prescription contraceptives can make it easier to access some contraceptive methods. South Carolina can also guard against additional barriers to access by enacting policies that protect insurance coverage of the full range of contraceptive methods. More information about these policies can be found here.

Power to Decide is a private, non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to ensure all people—no matter who they are, where they live or what their economic status might be—have the power to decide if, when and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child. Please visit us at http://www.PowerToDecide.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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HORSHAM, Pa. (PRWEB)
January 07, 2020

Reed Technology and Information Services Inc. (Reed Tech™), a leading provider of data management and analytics solutions for the life sciences industry, is proud to be recognized by The Vision Council, the leading non-profit organization serving as a global voice for eyewear and eyecare, as a provider solution for their association members. Reed Tech offers a full-service solution for medical device manufacturers to manage regulatory and commercial product information, including Unique Device Identifier (UDI) submissions to the European Union Databank on Medical Devices (EUDAMED).

Regulatory product data submissions for the UDI requirements due in 2020 require planning and expertise. The FDA Class I UDI requirements for labeling, direct marking and AccessGUDID submission are due next September. Additionally, for those manufacturers intending to market prescription eyewear products in the European Union, EUDAMED submission will be due in May 2022. Additional global regulators are emerging and will require regulatory expertise for UDI submissions.

“Reed Tech is delighted to be recognized by The Vision Council as they build awareness among their members for upcoming UDI product data management needs. Looking to the future, more global requirements will arise as additional health authorities around the world publish UDI regulations. Reed Tech SingleSource™ for Medical Devices continues to evolve to meet business critical needs of medical device manufacturers, such as vision products. Reed Tech provides a single and reliable data repository, accessible across departments wherever they are located in the world,” said Arshad Rahman, General Manager of the Reed Tech Life Sciences division.

“The Vision Council aims to provide its members with the best resources so they can run a successful business, and we are confident our collaboration with Reed Tech will accomplish this goal,” said Michael C. Vitale, ABOM, The Vision Council’s senior technical director and Lens Division liaison. “Adhering to the UDI requirements is critical for our members, so we are greatly looking forward to utilizing the full-service solution from Reed Tech in the optical industry.”

About Reed Tech:

Reed Tech is the provider of best-in-class data management, conversion, information, and analytics solutions to government agencies, patent-driven companies and law firms, and the life sciences industry. Our solutions offer the means for our customers to increase productivity, comply with regulations and make more informed decisions quickly. Our offerings enable the collection, transformation, submission and analysis of data. The corporate culture is driven by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and a strong dedication to customers, employees and communities. Reed Tech is a LexisNexis® company. For more information, please visit ReedTech.com

About The Vision Council:

Championing better vision for better lives, The Vision Council positions its members for success by promoting growth in the vision care industry through education, advocacy, research, consumer outreach, building strategic relationships and industry forums. By sharing the latest in eyewear trends, advances in technology and advice from eyewear experts, The Vision Council serves as a resource to the public looking to learn more about options in eyeglasses and sunglasses. For more information, visit TheVisionCouncil.org

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