Category Archives: health and fitness

Health and Fitness, is important to living a healthy life. Learn the newest research from our Press Releases today.

PEAR Sports® Announces New Multi-Level Product Strategy with Robust Digital At-Home Fitness and Wellness Programs for Remote Workers


PEAR Sports Health & Fitness Platform

How we work and how we consume fitness is changing…PEAR has been empowering coaches for over eight years, and we are prepared to enable companies across the spectrum to deliver customized, connected experiences to members no matter where they are.

PEAR Sports®, creators of the PEAR Health & Fitness Platform™, announced it has expanded its platform of smart digital coaching solutions to help companies connect and engage with their members while many are working and exercising from home. PEAR Sports, a pioneer in delivering personalized digital fitness solutions, is now perfectly positioned to extend the reach and capabilities of businesses both large and small.

Bob Allison, Co-Founder, PEAR Sports, said, “How we work and how we consume fitness is changing. With limited club access now a reality for members, companies are focused on delivery of personalized coaching and content to reinforce the club culture and the importance of continuing fitness and healthy routines. PEAR has been empowering coaches for over eight years, and we are prepared to enable companies across the spectrum to deliver customized, connected experiences to members no matter where they are.”

PEAR Sports provides a range of fitness and wellness platforms, extending from instant-publish, zero development programs to fully custom, mobile solutions. Key features include professional coach programming, engagement tools, and data analytics insights that can trigger automated outreach. These new product offerings include PEAR Connect™, a community-based training tool that simplifies the creation and delivery of visual fitness programming. In addition, PEAR Mobile Fitness™ provides proven, real-time coaching in a customized app or through SDK integration. Finally, PEAR Pro™ is the telecoaching solution that gives gyms the technology to deliver studio-quality, trainer designed, remote fitness programs to their members.

The new PEAR Pro tool enables personal trainers, therapists and others to provide 1:1 human touch telecoaching to their clients. The simple drag and drop interface means trainers can easily create custom workouts and therapy sessions for individuals and groups. The integrated Communicator tool allows for no-latency, private engagement between coaches and clients with video, audio and voice memos for bespoke guidance. PEAR Pro enables operators to virtually extend the walls of their facilities with digital tools that enable connection, communication, and education.

Don Dickerson, Vice President, FITNESS SF, said, “During this time of uncertainty and change, FITNESS SF has partnered with PEAR Sports to ensure we provide our members with engagement beyond our four walls with elite exercise programming wherever our members want to work out. This is an example of how corporate partners have come together to quickly meet the changing needs of our customers and the community. We’re thrilled that PEAR’s technology is able to empower the FITNESS SF Personal Trainers so they can now work effectively with clients at a distance.”

PEAR enables enterprises to build and deliver state-of-the-art fitness and wellness programming. Companies can choose from PEAR’s extensive library of expert-guided sessions or use their own custom-crafted content. The PEAR platforms are designed to activate people with interactive, authentic content that captures meaningful results and performance metrics. To learn more about the PEAR Health & Fitness Platform and to schedule a demo, visit http://www.pearsports.com/pro-enterprise/.

About PEAR Sports

PEAR Sports is perfecting the personalized delivery of digital health, wellness and fitness programs. Our platform and solutions deliver smarter customized coaching that creates great experiences for users and enterprises.

Contact:

Anita Habeich, anita@pearsports.com

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Unidine Launches New Website to Promote Healthy Living at Home


Unidine Live Healthy Website

“Our clients and customers are navigating a new normal. As a partner and leader in the industry, Unidine has developed innovative solutions for all those affected,” said Richard Schenkel, Founder, President & CEO of Unidine Corporation.

Unidine Corporation today announced the launch of the latest extension to their website, Live Healthy, a resource for clients and customers to reimagine health and wellness at home..

“Our clients and customers are navigating a new normal. As a partner and leader in the industry, Unidine has developed innovative solutions for all those affected,” said Richard Schenkel, Founder, President & CEO of Unidine Corporation.

Schenkel added, “Unidine is committed to building consumers’ knowledge around what ingredients lead to healthier choices and environment.”

Unidine’s expert team of executive chefs and registered dietitians worked together to create a modern collection of educational videos, recipes, recommendations, and how-to guides. Live Healthy is a valuable resource in an easy-to-read format that invites a healthy lifestyle—available to anyone from the comfort of their home. Every dish focuses on the transparency of ingredients, satisfying portions, and a clear message of health benefits.

Live Healthy also features culinary influencers guided by the belief that eating real, nutrition-packed food is the key to a person’s well-being.

Explore how you can lead a healthier lifestyle, today at https://www.unidine.com/live-healthy/

About Unidine Corporation

With operations in over 400 facilities, Unidine Corporation is a leading provider of food and dining management services for clients throughout the United States. Founded in 2001, Unidine’s success is derived from consistent execution in four key areas: an exclusive focus on food and dining management services; a commitment to scratch cooking with fresh, seasonal, responsibly sourced ingredients; exceptional customer service; and a corporate culture enlivened by each team member’s passion for culinary and service excellence. For more information, visit https://www.unidine.com/

Media Contact:

William Duffey

Director of Marketing

wduffey@unidine.com

617-834-5877

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Cadence Insoles Adds Free Drop Shipping


We do our best to connect the customer to the retailer

Cadence insoles continues its retailer-centric sales approach by offering free drop shipping for all retail and clinical partners who are otherwise unable to fill orders for their customers. Cadence has been providing free shipping for purchase orders to their retail and clinical partners since late March and has extended this benefit through May.

“We understand that many retail locations are temporarily closed. But ‘closed’ doesn’t mean they can’t get their customer what they want,” says John Hinds, PT, founder and owner of Cadence insoles. John says that while most retail stores are closed for walk-in sales many are open for curbside, home delivery, or drop ship orders. “We get calls and emails from customers asking for direct sales from us but we want the retailer to receive 100% of the sale whenever possible.” Cadence encourages customers to call their local retailer and ask if the retailer can fill their needs. If their local retailer is unable to deliver or drop ship to the customer, Cadence will drop ship direct to the customer for the retailer, without any added fees. “We do our best to connect the customer to a retailer. We understand the multitude of challenges brought on by the current COVID-19 situation, both financial and personal, and we are committed to help in any way we can.”

About Cadence Insoles

Cadence insoles combine varying degrees of semi-rigid support while providing greater shock absorbing comfort in the heel and forefoot. They offer four models, 3 of which are “exclusive” and only available for in-store or in-office sales and not available for online sales. Cadence are available nationwide in various retail, podiatry, pedorthic, and other clinical accounts and have become a #1 selling insole for many. Cadence insoles are designed and owned by John Hinds, a physical therapist with more than 24 years of orthopedic and sports rehabilitation experience with a focus on the lower extremity. For more information, please visit http://www.cadenceinsoles.com.

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Stack Sports Announces Miles 4 My Community, A Nationwide Virtual Race To Support Groups Impacted By The Coronavirus Outbreak In The U.S.


Miles 4 My Community

“Our goal is to get 100,000 people getting active, supporting youth sports, and contributing charitable donations to our non-profit partners. This is our chance to join together virtually and meet this moment to truly make a difference.”

Stack Sports, the largest and fastest-growing global provider of sports technology, announced today that it is launching Miles 4 My Community, a nationwide virtual race, to show support and raise money for youth sports as well as groups impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic in the United States.

This unique virtual race is an opportunity to help us all stay active in these uncertain times while supporting our non-profit partners. We welcome runners, walkers, joggers, bikers, skateboarders, roller skaters, scooters, hula hoopers and other creative ways to come together as a virtual community to log some miles and give back to those in need. Get Active. Save Sports. Support Heroes.

Proceeds will benefit youth sports organizations through GoodSports.org, frontline workers through the American Red Cross, and our communities through The Salvation Army.

“We are thrilled to host Miles 4 My Community and be able to do our part to give back to those in need during these unusual times. Our goal is to get 100,000 people getting active, supporting youth sports, and contributing charitable donations to our non-profit partners,” said Jeff Brunsberg, Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer at Stack Sports. “This is our chance to join together virtually and meet this moment to truly make a difference.”

All ages are welcome to participate beginning now through May 9, 2020, to log 1 mile or 26.2 at your own pace, wherever you like. The choice is up to you. Above all else, we encourage you to follow local ordinances and federal guidelines and find creative ways to participate while social distancing and staying safe. Geoff Smith the 2 time Boston Marathon winner has already challenged runners to get involved.

“Its Boston Marathon week and I know how hard runners have trained because I have been there,” said Geoff Smith 2 time Boston Marathon winner. “What can you do? I know what I am going to do. I am going to run miles 4 my community.”

Let’s Hope Together, Run Alone to make an impact for our communities and youth sports. To learn more or to register, visit miles4mycommunity.org. #Miles4MyCommunity

About Good Sports

Good Sports helps to lay the foundation for healthy, active lifestyles by providing athletic equipment, footwear, and apparel to disadvantaged young people nationwide. By partnering with sporting goods manufacturers, Good Sports is able to provide equipment, apparel, and footwear to programs in need. This lowers their costs which helps them keep fees affordable, create more scholarships, enhance the quality of their activities, and introduce new sports into their schools or organizations. For more information, please visit goodsports.org.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or email cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter: @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood

About Stack Sports

With nearly 50 million users in 35 countries, Stack Sports is a global technology leader in SaaS platform offerings for the sports industry. The company provides world-class software and services to support national governing bodies, youth sports associations, leagues, clubs, parents, coaches, and athletes. Some of the largest and most prominent sports organizations including the U.S. Soccer Federation, Little League Baseball and Softball, and Pop Warner Little Scholars rely on Stack Sports technology to run and manage their organizations. Stack Sports is headquartered in Dallas and is leading the industry one team at a time focusing on three key pillars — Play, Improve, and Engage. To learn more about how Stack Sports is transforming the sports experience, please visit http://www.stacksports.com.

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Joyce Shulman, Founder of 99 Walks, Delivers Hope During Isolation with TEDxTalk How More Walking Leads to Less Loneliness


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If there was one thing you could do to help you lose weight, think better, be happier and live longer, would you do it?

Now available to view on YouTube

“If there was one thing you could do to help you lose weight, think better, be happier and live longer, would you do it?” voiced Joyce Shulman – Pack leader of 99 Walks and Author of Walk Your Way to Better.

In her eight-minute TEDx Talk entitled “How More Walking Leads to Less Loneliness,” Joyce Shulman shares stories and science on how the simple act of lacing up your sneakers and walking out the door can do all of that and more.

Shulman founded 99 Walks to encourage women to get healthier and happier through the simple act of walking together. Her mission? Nothing short of getting a million women walking, encouraging fitness and wellness and helping combat the loneliness epidemic.

Unforeseen and unexpected, Shulman’s wish is manifesting as more people have taken up a regular walking practice in response to COVID-19.

Shulman’s hope is that this trend will continue after less strict global health guidelines are in place. For now, Shulman recommends creative ways to walk while still taking all precautions to stay well.


  • Walk inside! 99 Walks offers 2-weeks free access to their unique house-walking classes. These classes are 15 minutes and can work in any house, home, and apartment. Their coaches also lead 30-minute treadmill classes that get the heart pumping and the time, and miles fly by!
  • Walk with your family in your backyard, around your block, or along sparsely populated trails and open parks.
  • Choose a time with a friend to take a solo walk together via phone. Just pop in your earbuds and reap the benefits of walking with a friend.
  • Zoom-walk together! Encourage a loved one, especially a senior relative or friend, to stand-up and walk-in-place for five minutes while you chat by zoom. Action combined with connection.
  • Discover the transformative power of mindful walking. Shulman’s recently released book Walk Your Way to Better encourages readers to walk toward the things that will bring joy, peace, success and fun.

Shulman, who also co-founded Macaroni Kid, shares in her TEDx talk a quote from Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, who served as the 19th Surgeon General of the United States, “Loneliness and weak social connections are associated with a reduction in lifespan similar to that caused by smoking 15 cigarettes a day and even greater than that associated with obesity.”

Even when done virtually, creating community centered around walking can positively affect lives.

Watch Joyce Shulman’s TEDx talk on YouTube and directly on the 99 Walks website.

ABOUT 99 Walks

99 Walks is a monthly walking challenge app that inspires you to get up, get moving, and crush your walking goals. 99 Walks provides all the tools you need, including a walk tracker, 7 different styles of walking classes, team support and a welcoming and motivational community of like-minded women.  It’s a community of women improving wellness and inspiring happiness through the simple act of walking together. Inspirational exercise classes, podcasts, meditation and workout music to keep going. Monthly rewards for reaching your walking goals. Join with friends or make new friends to keep you motivated. Price: $16/month  https://www.99walks.fit/joincommunity

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FirstService Residential Launches a Virtual Lifestyle Programs for Residents and Associates During the Coronavirus Quarantine


Responding to the COVID-19 outbreak, FirstService Residential launched a Lifestyle@Home series as part of their commitment to enhance resident lifestyle. At the same time, the company is supporting its frontline associates, essential workers during the pandemic, with a Weekly Dose of Wellness.

The Lifestyle@Home program and Weekly Dose of Wellness provide virtual experiences and programming to more than 1.8 million residents and families living in the 8,000 FirstService Residential-managed communities, as well as 15,000 associates, across North America. Both programs aggregate free entertainment, education, health and fitness and wellness content, as well as content being provided exclusively to FirstService Residential residents and associates. Each of FirstService Residential’s six regions is sending localized content to residents and associates.

FirstService Residential’s South Region communicates on themed days of the week: Mindset Monday, Wellness Wednesday and Freestyle Friday, all promoted on their social media platforms. Content includes yoga, boot camp and martial arts workouts; easy-to-prepare recipes; art instruction; kids’ activities; fashion tips and music, led by well-known industry experts, including


  • Green Monkey Yoga – Miami-based yoga studio
  • Tom James – outfitter offering custom-tailored apparel for men and women
  • Built2Evolve – body building
  • Dr. Jinelle Andujar – Dentist/tele-dental hygiene instructor
  • Soul Space – Yoga and wellness studio
  • Chef Calvin – Personal chef
  • Field of Dreams – Jupiter-based spa

“We are excited to partner with the best in the industry to bring this program to our residents,” said David Diestel, president, South Region of FirstService Residential. “It’s one of the many ways we’re working to make a difference in the lives of our residents and the communities we manage as we help them navigate this pandemic.”

The South Region isn’t the only FirstService Residential team going the extra mile to help keep residents happy and engaged while they are staying at home.

FirstService Residential’s East Region partnered with national companies, including One Day University, Curiosity Stream, Les Mills, Evergreen Wellness, Kidvelope and Grow Young Fitness to provide complimentary engagement opportunities ranging from lifelong learning to on-demand fitness.

In FirstService Residential’s Texas region, Friday field trips are all-ages virtual visits to museums and national parks. This region has been bringing in local food trucks to help support small businesses. The Texas team is also sharing live streaming boot camps and yoga classes with residents.

About FirstService Residential

FirstService Residential is North America’s property management leader, partnering with more than 8,000 communities across the U.S. and Canada, including low-, mid-, and high-rise condominiums and cooperatives; single-family communities; master-planned, lifestyle and active adult communities; and mixed-use and rental properties. HOAs, community associations, condos and strata corporations rely on their extensive experience, resources and local expertise to maximize property values and enhance their residents’ lifestyles. Dedicated to making a difference, every day, FirstService Residential goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional service.

FirstService Residential is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (FSV), a North American leader in the property services sector. For more information, visit http://www.fsresidential.com.

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George Peterson, M.D. Launches New, High-End Website Highlighting Years of Excellence in OBGYN and Med Spa Practices


Dr. George Peterson, a highly experienced OBGYN and medical cosmetic practitioner, is thrilled to uncover his new, highly informative website to his new and returning patients in the Key West area. With improved navigation, intuitive site design, and in-depth information on his comprehensive list of med spa, OBGYN, and weight loss services, Dr. Peterson has made his patients’ experience even more enjoyable. Patients can also schedule appointments, read about Dr. Peterson’s qualifications and background, and utilize the many other interactive services.

Dr. Peterson’s website complements his outstanding med spa, OBGYN, and weight loss expertise. In addition to offering the full spectrum of gynecology and obstetrics services at his renowned practice in Key West, Dr. Peterson is also eager to promote the addition of the medical aesthetic branch of his practice. Here, patients enjoy the benefits of CoolSculpting, RF Microneedling, Vaginal Rejuvenation, Botox, Kybella, and numerous other procedures. Keys Med Spa also offers personalized weight loss planning.

Whether patients are preparing for childbirth, enhancing their bodies with CoolSculpting, or enjoying one of the many other outstanding services offered by Dr. Peterson’s exceptional team, patients can rest assured knowing that they will receive the best, most personalized, and cost-effective procedures. Dr. Peterson says:

“My care philosophy is believing in providing the best possible medical care at the lowest cost possible and with the least amount of invasiveness that the medical technology available to me allows. My patients are an integral part of the decision-making process for the management of their conditions, and all available options for their care are discussed and offered.”

About George D. Peterson, MD

Dr. Peterson has been a respected and beloved member of the Key West community for many years. Before starting his practice in Key West, Dr. Peterson served as a medical officer in the United States Air Force for ten years, which included supporting our troops in the first Gulf War. Dr. Peterson obtained his medical degree from the Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico, which is also where he completed his residency. Dr. Peterson has over 30 years of experience as an OBGYN. His patients love him for his personable demeanor and exceptional level of care.

If you would like to learn more about the exceptional services offered by Keys Med Spa, call them today at (305) 293-9555 or visit his new site today at https://www.keysmedspa.com.

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Makers Nutrition Wins Organization of the Year in 2020 BIG Excellence in Customer Service Awards


2020 Organization of the Year

Our team at Makers Nutrition is dedicated to not only standing out, but to serving the nutraceutical industry with an unprecedented level of care and commitment.

Today Makers Nutrition announced it has been named a winner of the 2020 Excellence in Customer Service Award presented by Business Intelligence Group. This is Makers Nutrition’s first nomination and win in the BIG Excellence in Customer Service Awards.

Organizations from across the globe submitted their recent innovations for consideration in the BIG Excellence in Customer Service Awards. Nominations were then judged by a select group of business leaders and executives who volunteer their time and expertise to score submissions.

Most recently recognized with GOLD Customer Service Team of the Year in the 2019 One Planet Awards and GOLD Customer Service Outstanding Performance of the Year in the 2019 Customer Sales and Service® Awards, Makers Nutrition is no stranger to the importance of customer support.

“Good customer service is the cornerstone of any successful business. Excellent customer service is what makes a successful business exceed expectations and stand out from the crowd,” said CEO and President Jason Provenzano. “Our team at Makers Nutrition is dedicated to not only standing out, but to serving the nutraceutical industry with an unprecedented level of care and commitment. To be recognized by Business Intelligence Group upon our first nomination is beyond an honor, and we look forward to continuing our mission to help as many brands succeed as possible.”

“Year after year the role of customer service plays a more important role in all of our lives,” said Maria Jimenez, chief operating officer of the Business Intelligence Group. “We are thrilled to be honoring Makers Nutrition, as the company is leading by example and making real progress on improving the daily lives of so many.”

About Makers Nutrition

Makers Nutrition, a 2019 Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Company in America, is a groundbreaking provider for dietary supplement companies worldwide. Specializing in capsules, tablets, powders, softgels and gummies, Makers Nutrition provides a full-service option for all contract manufacturing, graphic design, packaging and fulfillment service needs. Click here to learn more.

About Business Intelligence Group

The Business Intelligence Group was founded with the mission of recognizing true talent and superior performance in the business world. Unlike other industry award programs, these programs are judged by business executives having experience and knowledge. The organization’s proprietary and unique scoring system selectively measures performance across multiple business domains and then rewards those companies whose achievements stand above those of their peers.

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Alcohol Consumption Report Points to Dramatic Change in Americans’ Drinking Patterns During Coronavirus Pandemic


Alcohol Consumption Report Points to Dramatic Change in Americans’ Drinking Patterns During Coronavirus Pandemic

“We suspected people were drinking more on weekdays while sheltering in place and in analyzing our BAC data, confirmed this to be the case,” said Keith Nothacker, president and founder of BACtrack.

BACtrack®, the leader in personal and professional alcohol testing, examines how drinking patterns have changed during the past month with the majority of Americans sheltering-in-place to slow the spread of the COVID-19.

Anonymous BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) data collected in March and April 2020 and aggregated from BACtrack smartphone-connected breathalyzers reveals a dramatic shift in daily drinking patterns. On average, there’s a notable increase in drinking on weekdays and a decrease on weekends. BACtrack data also indicates drinking increases significantly just after shelter-in-place orders are issued.

Shifts in Weekday and Weekend Drinking

Average BAC levels have increased significantly on weekdays, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which are historically low drinking days. People are drinking at home more and perhaps due to anxiety, boredom, or not being required to wake up early and head out to work. At the same time, average BAC levels are decreasing on weekends, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays, with restaurants and bars closed. These drinking patterns are the complete opposite of typical drinking patterns and those identified previously through BACtrack’s alcohol consumption reports.

“We suspected people were drinking more on weekdays while sheltering in place, and after analyzing our BAC data, confirmed this to be the case,” said Keith Nothacker, president and founder of BACtrack. “The most surprising finding is weekend drinking is actually decreasing in many areas,” Nothacker adds. “It’s the first and only time we’ve seen such a shift in Americans’ drinking patterns.”

BACtrack data also indicates there’s an overall increase in drinking in many regions. This finding is in line with other public reporting: surging alcohol delivery sales, the rise of video happy hours, and Nielsen data, which reports a 55% increase in U.S. sales of alcoholic beverages for the week ending March 21st.

Notable insights comparing pre- and post-shelter-in-place drinking patterns are detailed below. Results, including interactive data, can be viewed on our BACtrack-COVID-19 page and raw data can be found here.


  • In the SF Bay Area, weekday average BACs are up 45%.
  • In California, weekday average BACs are up 47% while weekend average BACs are down 51%.
  • In Chicago, weekday average BACs are up 52% while weekend average BACs are down 26%.
  • In Washington, weekday average BACs are up 72% while weekend average BACs are down 16%.
  • In Arizona, weekday average BACs are up 63% while weekend average BACs are unchanged.
  • In San Diego, weekday average BACs are up 57% while weekend average BACs are down 19%.
  • In Texas, weekday average BACs are unchanged while weekend average BACs are down 21%.


Significant Increases in Drinking Post-Shelter-in-Place

BACtrack data also indicates a significant increase in drinking the very first day shelter-in-place orders are issued compared to the same day two weeks prior. It’s interesting to note drinking increases regardless of the day of the week.

Notable insights are detailed below and can be viewed on our BACtrack-COVID-19 page; raw data can be found here.

  • In Washington, average BACs skyrocketed 426% the first day after the shelter-in-place order was issued and 79% the following day.
  • In North Carolina, average BACs shot up 200% the first day after the shelter-in-place order was issued.
  • In Arizona, average BACs increased 160% the first day after the shelter-in-place order was issued.
  • In the SF Bay Area, average BACs increased 125% the first day after the shelter-in-place order was issued.
  • In Massachusetts, average BACs increased 65% the first day after the shelter-in-place order was issued.
  • In Ohio, average BACs increased 83% the first day after the shelter-in-place order was issued and 86% the following day.
  • In Oregon, average BACs increased 83% the first day after the shelter-in-place order was issued.


BACtrack has been releasing alcohol consumption reports for several years to provide insight into Americans’ drinking habits. See our past reports here.

Methodology

Data was collected anonymously from users of the BACtrack app, which syncs with BACtrack smartphone breathalyzers, and represents thousands of unique BAC tests collected from March 3, 2020, to date. Data used in the report was collected from users in the U.S. with location services turned on and does not represent data from all users.

About BACtrack

San Francisco-based BACtrack is the leader in personal and professional alcohol testing in North America, offering a full range of innovative products for both personal and professional use. Founded in 2001, BACtrack helps people monitor their blood alcohol content and make informed decisions about alcohol consumption. BACtrack has won Popular Science’s ‘Best of What’s New’ Award for its innovation in health, a Good Design award for best in category, among other awards, and has been named the top breathalyzer brand by Car & Driver. In 2016, BACtrack created the first wearable alcohol monitor, BACtrack Skyn, which won the NIH ‘Wearable Alcohol Biosensor Challenge’ and launched BACtrack View, a remote alcohol monitoring system. BACtrack products have been featured in USA Today, The New York Times, WIRED, Fast Company, and other national and international publications. BACtrack breathalyzers are available in 20 countries and at over 15,000 store locations including Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, and Best Buy. BACtrack products can also be purchased online at BACtrack.com, Amazon, Walmart.com and Target.com. Connect with BACtrack via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For more company information, explore our site http://www.bactrack.com.

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Highmark Expands Telehealth Opioid Treatment Program to Pennsylvania, Delaware during COVID-19 Crisis


“The COVID-19 crisis has created even more treatment access challenges, while also fueling feelings of isolation and despair. By expanding this program, we’re harnessing technology to support our members on their path to recovery during this period of social distancing.”

Highmark today announced that its commercial, Affordable Care Act and Medicare Advantage members in Pennsylvania and Delaware now have access to a comprehensive, technology-enabled opioid use disorder (OUD) program. The program, which was first rolled out to Highmark’s West Virginia members in January of 2020, will help preserve treatment access and promote recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

“In the communities that we serve and across the country, patients face extremely limited access to opioid use disorder treatment and medication–assisted treatment (MAT) therapy,” says Dr. Caesar DeLeo, vice president and executive medical director of strategic initiatives for Highmark. “The COVID-19 crisis has created even more treatment access challenges, while also fueling feelings of isolation and despair. By expanding this program, we’re harnessing technology to support our members on their path to recovery during this period of social distancing.”

The OUD treatment program is offered in partnership with Bright Heart Health, an organization that offers nationally-recognized teleaddiction services. More than 90 percent of patients are retained in OUD treatment one month after beginning services, according to Bright Heart Health. More than 90 percent of patients are negative for opioids within 90 days of beginning treatment, and more than 85 percent are negative for other stimulants and sedatives. Health related costs are reduced by $20,000 annually when opioid dependent patients are on MAT.

Highmark members can access services and meet on-demand with medical staff and counselors through a smart phone, tablet, or computer. Members may access Bright Heart Health services via self-referral or through a warm hand-off, a process of transitioning a patient with a substance use disorder from an intercept point, such as an emergency department, to a treatment provider once the patient is stable.

Following an initial intake and assessment process, members are connected to a multidisciplinary care team that includes a physician, therapist, case manager, care manager and a wellness coach. The program offers individualized treatment plans and MAT that allows individuals to stop abusing opioids without experiencing powerful drug cravings or severe withdrawal symptoms.

“We are proud to partner with Highmark in expanding access to high-quality opioid use disorder treatment in Pennsylvania and Delaware, in addition to West Virginia,” says Jon Ciampi, president of Bright Heart Health. “In this time of crisis and limited in-person treatment options, Bright Heart teleaddiction services will help ensure that individuals in need still have a supportive care team.”

The expansion of technology-enabled OUD treatment is Highmark’s latest step to support the communities it serves during the COVID-19 crisis. Highmark has also waived members’ out-of-pocket costs for telemedicine, COVID-19 testing and in-network inpatient COVID-19 treatment; provided $2 million for COVID-19 relief efforts related to food insecurity, financial stability and safety net health care in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia; and assisted local primary care physicians by advancing more than $30 million in payments earned through Highmark’s True Performance value-based reimbursement program.

About Highmark Inc.

One of America’s leading health insurance organizations and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Highmark Inc. (the Health Plan) and its affiliated health plans (collectively, the Health Plans) work passionately to deliver high-quality, accessible, understandable, and affordable experiences, outcomes, and solutions to customers. As the fourth-largest overall Blue Cross Blue Shield-affiliated organization, Highmark Inc. and its Blue-branded affiliates proudly cover the insurance needs of more than 5.2 million members in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia. Its diversified businesses serve group customer and individual needs across the United States through dental insurance and other related businesses. For more information, visit http://www.highmark.com.

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