Category Archives: health and fitness

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

Nine Team USA Athletes Demand the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) Stop Peddling Unhealthy Products to Olympians and to the Public


2012 Olympic Silver Medalist Dotsie Bausch

As an organization that promises in its bylaws to protect and promote its athletes’ wellbeing and champion the integrity of sport, the USOPC has failed yet again to do what’s right,” said Dotsie Bausch, Olympic silver medalist.

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) is being called to task by Team USA silver medalist Dotsie Bausch in an open letter for failing to take seriously the health concerns raised by nine Team USA athletes. The letter was printed as a full-page ad on Thursday, February 4, in three daily newspapers where Olympic facilities are located (including the USOPC’s Colorado Springs headquarters). Nonprofit Switch4Good, which champions a dairy-free lifestyle, applauds the effort.

In October 2020, nine Team USA athletes sent the USOPC a detailed letter regarding major concerns about (unhealthy) cow’s milk’s prominent role in the Team USA culture, advertisements and overall promotions. Their concerns were dismissed outright by USOPC’s leadership team. Combined, these dedicated athletes have participated in 12 Olympic games, competed in over 50 countries, won 100 medals, and honorably represented Team USA on the world stage for nearly two decades.

The Oct. 2020 letter and Feb. 4, 2021 letter are both available at the links provided.

“As an organization that promises in its bylaws to protect and promote its athletes’ wellbeing and champion the integrity of sport, the USOPC has failed yet again to do what’s right,” said Dotsie Bausch, Olympic silver medalist. “The promotion of unhealthy cow’s milk to Team USA athletes and to the public is unacceptable and another example of the USOPC’s willful disregard for the wellbeing of those it’s entrusted to protect.

In 1980, the U.S. Olympic committee allowed tobacco as a sponsor. Now it’s big dairy. Following are several, science-based reasons dairy is unhealthy. The USOPC should know better. Many athletes certainly do.

The Science About Cow’s Milk:

● How cow’s milk impedes athletic performance:

○ Constricts blood vessels and slows blood flow to muscles.

○ Promotes inflammation.

○ Increases mucus production in the gut and respiratory tract.

○ Affects and limits lung function.

● Cow’s Milk is Unhealthy. Problems from lactose intolerance: Globally, 65 percent of the human population is naturally lactose intolerant. Individuals who cannot digest cow’s milk suffer from a range of mild to severe symptoms if they consume dairy products. These symptoms include bloating, gas, stomach pain, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues, and typically occur within 30 minutes to two hours of consuming dairy. There is no cure for lactose intolerance, and symptoms often increase in severity as one ages due to the decreased activity of the lactase enzyme.

Breast cancer: Mounting evidence links dairy to breast cancer. A 2020 study added to the growing body of evidence linking cow’s milk with hormone-dependent cancer – women who consumed three or more servings of dairy a day increased their relative risk of breast cancer by upwards of 80 percent.

Trans & saturated fats: Dairy represents the single largest source of artery-clogging trans and saturated fats in the average American’s diet. It is not a healthy food for anyone – intolerant or otherwise.

Simply unnecessary: In February 2020, Harvard researchers Walter Willet and David Ludwig published a comprehensive review in the New England Journal of Medicine clearly stating that milk is not only unnecessary, but potentially harmful to human health.

Several health problems associated with dairy: All dairy – even the “low-fat, no added hormones” variety so heavily recommended by the guidelines – contains 15 bovine hormones that can negatively impact one’s health. Even for the minority of the global population that is not lactose intolerant, dairy can still cause bloating, respiratory issues, and chronic inflammation over time.

● Cow’s Milk Disproportionately Impacts Communities of Color. The National Institutes of Health lactose intolerance and malabsorption statistics highlight that up to 95% of Blacks, American Indians, Asians, and Hispanics/Latinx are disproportionately affected by lactose intolerance, putting them at high risk for suffering from painful and debilitating symptoms.

Dotsie Bausch is an Olympic silver medalist, activist, speaker, and nonprofit founder. After recovering from a life-threatening eating disorder, she found her love and talent for cycling, which led to a 14-year professional career concluding with a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics. She stars in the 2018 film “The Game Changers,” is featured in the Netflix documentary “Personal Gold,” and gave a TEDx Talk titled Olympic Level Compassion.

Media Contact:

Jason Sherman

312-577-7650

SHERMAN communications and marketing

jason@shermancm.com

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Wellvii™ Announces World’s First At-Home 11-in-1 Consumer Wellness Vital Sign Measurement Platform


With a simple finger scan, Wellvii’s proprietary “Wellvii Score” monitors 11 key health indicators, including blood pressure variability, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, temperature variability and many others.

Wellvii Device with Companion App Screen Shots

Today, Wellvii Inc., the creators of wireless, non-invasive vital sign measurement technology, introduces its 11-in-1 clinical grade vital sign measurement device with accompanying iOS and Android applications. Wellvii applies state-of-the-art technology with precise, clinically validated medical-grade measurements, to provide users with accurate, real-time results and trending insights into their underlying health. Replacing the need for multiple health devices, Wellvii’s robust technology, and user-friendliness empowers individuals to quickly and accurately measure and monitor vital health markers.

“We created Wellvii to enable users to take control of their wellbeing and provide them with an enhanced view into their overall health,” said Keith Lampert, Wellvii CEO. “Knowing one’s own baseline measurements is key to managing one’s health. By tracking vital signs at home, our hope is that Wellvii will arm our users with the knowledge they need to serve as their own health and wellness advocates.”

11 VITAL MEASUREMENTS

By inserting one’s index finger for under two minutes, Wellvii measures 11 vital signs including: blood pressure variability, heart rate, temperature variability, blood oxygen saturation, heart rate variability, respiration rate and others. Additionally, Wellvii adds advanced blood flow measurements including perfusion index, Pleth variability rate, microvascular flow, and nitric oxide activity. When synchronized with the Wellvii app, these measurements paint a comprehensive picture of a user’s wellness.

IT’S YOUR HEALTH, KNOW YOUR SCORE

Understand your health trends through a simple intuitive personalized dashboard. Wellvii uses proprietary algorithms to analyze and interpret vital measurement data into four easy to understand scores, removing the complexity of trying to interpret each measurement on its own, allowing users to take charge of their health and wellness. A propriety assessment, the Wellvii Score, gauges one’s overall wellness and presents the result on a 0-100 scale. By analyzing all of a user’s measurements Wellvii compiles one’s score and displays the result in a user-friendly module, which can help users easily track progress and identify areas for improvement.

BOOST YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH IQ

Wellvii empowers the sharing of wellness insight with the whole family through a personal connected family health network. Not only can one track one’s own health, but Wellvii can also track the wellness of the entire family— an effective way to monitor family members’ health and wellness in one simple and easy to use app. Sharing your progress and encouraging loved ones to aspire to and maintain healthy lifestyle habits has never been easier.

FITNESS CHALLENGE STRESS TEST

Wellvii introduces the first at-home “stress test” through its proprietary fitness challenge. Users can challenge themselves to discover whether their efforts are paying off by embarking on Wellvii’s guided fitness challenge. Wellvii assesses a user’s response to exercise and provides feedback immediately after exercise, arming users with the insights they need to make adjustments and improve performance.

WELLVII PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP FOR iOS AND ANDROID

Wellvii iOS and Android applications give users instant access to their information in a simple and intuitive format. The application provides users with all of their individual measurements, historical trends, understandable health summary scores (including the Wellvii Score), Fitness Challenge, Family Health Network, out-of-trend health alerts, customized tips, advice, and feedback to help users improve their overall health via the application.

AVAILABLE SUMMER 2021

US consumers will be able to purchase Wellvii during the Summer of 2021.

To learn more about Wellvii, visit wellvii.com and follow us on Facebook and YouTube.

ABOUT WELLVII™

Based in West Palm Beach, Florida, Wellvii Inc. (a subsidiary of ARC Devices, Ltd.) is revolutionizing the efficiency and quality of healthcare with wireless connected, non-invasive vital sign measurement technology for both the consumer wellness and clinical markets.

Wellvii recently received CE Mark clearance as a class IIa medical device for its flagship Vital Detect multi-vital sign measurement platform. The Wellvii VitalDetect is the first device to measure blood pressure non-invasively from the finger without calibration. The Vital Detect will be available for sale late 2021. Our current product offerings use a robust ISO13485 quality control system and independent clinical data. We also have a substantial patent portfolio, which at present includes 53 issued patents and 5 patents in prosecution.

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AsSeenOnTV.pro and Kevin Harrington Launch DRTV Campaign with the OPEP Device by AirPhysio


Millions of people suffer from respiratory problems, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Some natural therapy devices out there are outdated and not everyone with those conditions can use them. After consulting with those who have respiratory issues, as well as medical professionals, AirPhysio has created an award-winning Mucus Clearance Oscillating Positive Expiratory Device that helps improve your breathing by assisting your body’s natural cleaning process.

AirPhysio’s goal is to empower you to change your life and gain a better understanding of your condition. Their portable, long-lasting, drug-free device clears mucus, which promotes optimal hygiene in the lungs and restores lung capacity. It helps reduce breathlessness during exercise, increase exercise tolerance, and speed up recovery times after working out.

“We really want to help people breathe easier, naturally,” says Paul O’Brien, Managing Director of AirPhysio. “We want to help turn back the decline of lung function in respiratory conditions and make sure those suffering from these conditions are educated properly, so they can gain a better understanding of their condition and how to treat it. Working with AsSeenOnTV.pro has been another opportunity that allows us to empower people to help them change their lives for the better.”

“There’s no denying AirPhysio’s breakthrough OPEP Device has helped save lives,” says Lisa Vrancken, Executive Vice President of AsSeenOnTV.pro. “It’s crucial for so many.”

As part of its DRTV campaign with AsSeenOnTV.pro, OPEP Device will be appearing in 60 second spots set to air nationwide and feature the original Shark himself, Kevin Harrington. AsSeenOnTV.pro is comprised of an award-winning team of producers, writers, videographers, and editors as well as industry veterans dedicated to finding the latest, most innovative products and ideas, and putting them on the DRTV map.

About AsSeenOnTV.pro

Headquartered in South Florida, AsSeenOnTV.pro is a full-service production, branding, and marketing company that specializes in direct response television, short- and long-form commercials, and brand building. Based out of a 25,000+ sq ft, state-of-the-art studio, the company’s creative team handles every aspect of production from script to screen to airing. For nearly two decades, AsSeenOnTV.pro’s veteran staff of writers, producers, videographers, and editors has amassed more than 50 Telly Awards, thousands of prestigious clients, and over $20 million in television placements.

About Kevin Harrington

As the inventor of the infomercial, founder of As Seen on TV, and one of the original Sharks on Shark Tank, Kevin Harrington has worked with some of the world’s biggest celebrities and launched some of the best-selling DRTV campaigns in history. Since producing his first 30-minute infomercial in 1984, Harrington has been involved in over 500 product launches that have resulted in over $5 billion in sales. Now, in his latest venture with AsSeenOnTV.pro, Harrington is on the hunt for the best new products and ideas, bringing them to homes everywhere through personalized DRTV campaigns featuring the Shark.

For more information on the OPEP Device, please visit http://www.airphysio.com.

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Crunch Fitness Longview Announces Lindsey Reis Managing Partner


Crunch Fitness is proud to announce Lindsey Reis as Managing Partner of Crunch Fitness Longview. Lindsey’s stellar business performance and leadership skills have progressed her through the roles of Assistant General Manager to General Manager and now Managing Partner. Along with a passion for health and wellness, Reis brings energy and proven operational success to Crunch Longview.

Crunch Longview is a $3.5M facility with over 35,000 square feet and is best known for it’s innovative and entertaining classes, fun environment, and no judgments philosophy. It’s also a place where great talent is discovered, cultivated, and elevated. As Managing Partner, Reis will be an investor in Crunch Longview and will be responsible for overseeing the operation and performance of the business.

At Crunch, entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to grow and thrive in the gym through the Managing Partner program.

“In the end, it’s not the size of the gym, the quality of the amenities, or even the marketing budget that puts Crunch on a whole other level than other fitness companies. It’s choosing the right people for the right positions that gives Crunch the greatest strategic advantage. We’re excited to see Lindsey’s impact in the Longview community.” said Tony Hartl, CEO and Founder of Crunch Fitness Austin.

 

Crunch is a gym that believes in making serious exercise fun by fusing fitness and entertainment and pioneering a philosophy of No Judgments. Crunch serves a fitness community for all types of people, with all types of goals, exercising all different ways; working it out at the same place together. Headquartered in New York City, Crunch serves over 1,200,000 members with over 250 gyms worldwide in 25 states, Puerto Rico and 4 countries. Crunch is rapidly expanding across the U.S. and around the globe.

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Vegan Life Nutrition Introduces Synergistically Vegan: the Supplemental Superhero


Synergistically-Vegan-Caps

Synergistically Vegan

What our science team designed is a product that contains precise ingredients that work in sync with your body’s natural chemistry to help effectively build and maintain stronger bones. Jim Rex, President of The GHT Companies.

Vegan Life Nutrition, part of The GHT Companies’ family of brands, has announced the debut of Synergistically Vegan, a game-changer in the realm of vegan supplements that combines the power of D3, K2, and calcium into one comprehensive nutraceutical that magnifies the body’s natural absorption and promotes density-health in bone and teeth.

Synergistically Vegan is a breakthrough in vegan calcium supplements. It’s designed to work in tandem with the body’s natural processes to streamline the absorption of calcium precisely where it’s needed most: the skeletal system. The key lies in the pairing of three critical ingredients: calcium plus vitamins D3 and K2. Just as the supplement name suggests, these three active ingredients work synergistically to help build and maintain healthy density in bones and teeth.

“We’re not just throwing vegan calcium into a supplement and calling it a day,” said Jim Rex, President of The GHT Companies. “What our science team designed is a product that contains precise ingredients that work in sync with your body’s natural chemistry to help effectively build and maintain stronger bones,” Rex added.

While 100% vegan calcium is the star of the show in Synergistically Vegan, the other active ingredients in this groundbreaking product shine, too. Vitamin K2 redirects the calcium away from other organs and towards the bones, while vitamin D3 facilitates the skeletal system’s calcium absorption process. These two ingredients also help improve overall heart health and immune system function, respectively.

“Research routinely shows that vegans are at much higher risk for being deficient in all of these nutrients,” said Rex. “What we have formulated in Synergistically Vegan really is a boon for vegans and vegetarians interested not only in maintaining their bone health but their overall health as well.”

Vegan Life Nutrition prides itself on offering pure and potent nutritional solutions for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike. Their other products include vegan vitamin D3 in multiple formulations like sprays, soft gels, gummies, and chewable tablets, as well as a wide range of other vegan supplements including, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and an innovative Marine Phytoplankton Line.

Synergistically Vegan is a prime example of how Vegan Life Nutrition’s parent company, The GHT Companies, work with founding scientist partners to deliver leading products to the market. Two of their most prominent global partners’ discoveries are featured in this product: Vitashine™vegan D3 from ESB Developments and vegan K2 from Kappa Bioscience.

“The science team at The GHT Companies is constantly innovating for the good health of our consumers and our community,” says Rex. “Our goal is always to be on the cutting edge, producing products that truly have a lasting impact on the health of our customers. Synergistically Vegan is just the beginning of what we have planned for the Vegan Life Nutrition line.”

About Vegan Life Nutrition

Vegan Life Nutrition offers a complete line of nutritional products for vegans and non-vegans alike, using nothing but the cleanest, highest quality plant-based ingredients to support healthy lifestyles.

Backed by the groundbreaking knowledge developed through exclusive global partnerships, Vegan Life Nutrition’s breakthroughs push the boundaries of plant-based nutrition to bridge the gap between the most cutting-edge nutritional science and good personal health.

About The GHT Companies

The GHT Companies is one of the most trusted names in the nutritional supplement field since 1996. The group is structured to collaborate with founding scientists to develop their unique ingredient/product discoveries and to deliver industry-leading, high-quality consumer products and ingredients on a global basis.

The GHT Companies uses its unique business structure of 5 diverse subsidiaries that touch on all facets of the nutraceutical industry in order to provide products and services to customers in the most effective way possible.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for educational purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your health care professional.

Media Contact:

Marketing Department, request Shanna Denfeld, Vice-President

(760) 542-3000

marketing@theghtcompanies.com

https://www.vibrantnutra.com

https://www.veganlifenutrition.com

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Naturals2go Voted Business Opportunity of the Year 9 Years Running


Best Vending Franchise

Naturals2Go Leadership Team Accepting Award

Earning this prestigious award for the 9th year in a row is a testament to the hard-work and dedication of our training and support team, and the dedication of our Owner-Operators.

Naturals2Go, a division of VendTech International and a leader in the healthy snack and beverage vending industry, has once again been voted Business Opportunity of the Year by members of the Franchise Brokers Association. Naturals2Go provides entrepreneurs with an opportunity to enter the growing and popular vending and wellness industries and has earned the coveted Business Opportunity of the Year designation for 9 consecutive years.

“We’re honored to be recognized by franchise industry insiders again this year,” says Heath Falzarano, President of VendTech. “Members of the Franchise Brokers Association are experts on which franchises provide a true business opportunity. Given the unprecedented challenges our country has faced this year, our team worked diligently to help our existing operators and new owners adjust to changes in the market and propel their businesses forward. Earning this prestigious award for the 9th year in a row is a testament to the hard-work and dedication of our training and support team, and the dedication of our Owner-Operators.”

Throughout the pandemic and challenges of 2020, the vending industry helped support front-line workers. As an essential business, Naturals2Go Operators helped feed workers in healthcare, manufacturing, and other front-line staff. Vending provides a safer and contactless food service solution and was a staple at essential businesses across the country.

“Our goal is to make a true difference in people’s lives, both our Owner-Operators and every one of our vending customers,” says David Perkins, CEO of Naturals2Go. “Because of our proven program and recession proof business model, our Owner Operators were able to succeed while many other businesses faced tough times in 2020. We look forward to sustained growth in the years to come. I couldn’t be prouder of our entire network and honored to win this award for nine consecutive years.”

About Franchise Brokers Association

The FBA was founded in 2008, on the mission to provide ongoing support and assistance for business growth for the members of the Association. The FBA is a membership-based organization founded in 2008 to raise the standards of broker/consultant-based franchise sales. Our members include Franchise Brokers, Franchise systems and vendors that maintain a high level of education and service within the industry.

About Naturals2go

Naturals2Go is the healthy snack and beverage division of VendTech International, a trusted partner helping the entrepreneurial minded startup businesses across the world for over 30 years. Naturals2Go is an innovator in healthy vending and is the highest rated Vending Business Opportunity Company in the US.

If you would like more information about Naturals2Go, email referrals@naturals2go.com or visit Naturals2Go on the Web at http://www.naturals2go.com.

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Bindr.AI Workplace Data Platform Emerges from Stealth, Offering Intuitive, Time-Saving Solution for Employers


Bindr.AI, a Silicon Valley-based technology startup, today announced that it is emerging from stealth mode and launching a limited beta trial for its innovative workplace data platform. As part of the launch, the company is also debuting a free employee health tracking app. The Binder.AI platform offers business managers a single, unified point of control and administration for previously time-consuming workloads like timesheets, health, and document compliance. The company’s goal is to make business management easier by removing time-wasting tasks and empowering managers and employees alike in achieving true, sustainable focus.

“We are going to overturn the old way of doing things,” said Sakthi Kariappan, Founder and CEO of Bindr.AI. “Our platform is for anyone who has ever looked at their schedule and thought that there was just no way they could fit everything in. Bindr can be the secret tool in your kit, waiting for you to take it out whenever pesky administrative work creeps up on you. Our suite of business tools simplifies multiple workforce business processes so that you can keep your focus on the work that matters most to you.”

Kariappan observed the underlying issues when he saw his wife struggle amidst the pandemic to keep on top of administrative workloads as a small business owner. He said, “She was running around everywhere trying to keep the business afloat with things that are not related to her core business. It didn’t make any sense.” As a technologist who has focused on user experience and spent years working with small and medium businesses (SMB), Kariappan felt that there was a potential tech solution. He added, “I thought there has to be a better way to give life back to the business owners; I decided to build a data platform to make the mundane magical and founded Bindr.AI.”

As Kariappan explained, “When apps don’t talk to each other, that passes the pain to the business owner.”. Bindr.AI facilitates connectivity between software applications and data sources. Kariappan engaged with a few trusted engineers and got started. Together, they built the core platform, along with the list of starter apps. The platform is designed to scale, with the company envisioning its suite of tools expanding over time. At launch, the platform provides time capture, employee time management, health and safety checks, eSignature, form compliance, task-management, and self-service employee functionality. They are in discussions with third-party developers to create additional apps for the platform.

“This last year has shown how critical it is for companies to be on top of employee health matters,” said Sakthi Kariappan, Founder and CEO of Bindr.AI. “If you care about your employees, our health app is a must”. Illness and absenteeism due to health issues can have a negative impact on a business. The Health app on their platform is free for most small business employers. With the app, employers can safeguard and help their employers maintain a safe, healthy workplace.

The platform is affordable, even for the smallest of small businesses. As Kariappan put it, “You can set this up in 5 minutes while having a coffee. That’s how long it takes to put the safety checks in place and begin to transform your workplace.

To register or learn more about the technology, visit https://www.bindr.ai/ or the company’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/bindrceo.

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Tips to Keep Older Adults Safe


News Image

The winter months can be difficult for older adults, especially with the ongoing presence of COVID-19. Being prepared for inclement weather and having access to resources to keep feelings of loneliness at bay will be essential.

Winter is a beautiful season, but with it comes low temperatures, slippery ice and snow. While no one is immune to these hazards, they can be particularly dangerous for seniors, posing risks to their overall health and safety. Some of the most common threats include hypothermia, frostbite and falls due to icy conditions.

And while falls have been found to be the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults, with incidents increasing during winter months, this year has introduced a more prevalent risk for the aging population as they find themselves staying closer to home to remain safe during this time of year: isolation.

Staying indoors to avoid illness or injury can lead to increased feelings of loneliness and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Mood changes associated with SAD, a type of depression, can begin and end with a new season. In some cases, the symptoms are more serious and can affect how a person feels, thinks and handles daily activities, as well as impact their personal relationships. As the threat of COVID-19 persists and social distancing remains necessary – yet isolating – it is crucial that family, friends and neighbors check in on older loved ones to make sure they are prepared and safe this season.

“The winter months can be difficult for older adults, especially with the ongoing presence of COVID-19. Being prepared for inclement weather and having access to resources to keep feelings of loneliness at bay will be essential,” said Lakelyn Hogan, Ph.D., gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead. “Picking up items at the grocery store, delivering a new quilt or scheduling a virtual reunion are simple ways to ensure loved ones are staying safe, healthy and engaged from the comfort of their homes.”

Everyone can play an active role in helping the seniors around them enjoy their time at home and remain safe as temperatures continue to drop. Hogan offers these tips to help navigate colder temperatures:

  • Stay connected. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle of our everyday lives, but COVID-19 has shown us just how important it is to check in and connect with family and friends. To prevent feelings of loneliness and depression, find creative ways to keep seniors engaged and make sure they feel the love by scheduling a weekly call, holding a virtual movie night or dropping off a care package on their doorstep.
  • Prevent fall risks. Icy conditions increase the chance of falls. To avoid serious accidents, older adults should stay indoors as much as possible during inclement weather. If they do need to leave home, make sure their driveways, steps, walkways and porches are clear to keep them safe. Offer to shovel and lay down salt for them to help melt ice and reduce the risk of slipping.
  • Stay warm. Older adults have more trouble regulating their body temperature, and significant drops in internal temperature could lead to serious health complications. The National Institute on Aging states that even mildly cool homes with temperatures from 60 to 65 degrees can lead to hypothermia in older adults. Suggest setting thermostats to at least 68 to 70 degrees to prevent hypothermia. If they express concerns about an increase on their utility bill, remind them that their health is the top priority. Furthermore, encourage loved ones to keep their windows, blinds and curtains closed to keep the heat inside. Wearing extra layers and having additional blankets on hand are great ways to stay cozy as well.
  • Prepare for emergencies. Winter storms often lead to weather-related emergencies, including power outages. Help your loved one prepare for any situation by assembling an up-to-date emergency kit, including a flashlight, battery-powered radio, phone charger, warm blankets and clothing, first-aid kit and non-perishable food items.

While it’s impossible to avoid winter weather altogether, you can greatly reduce the risks associated with colder temperatures and dangerous conditions by planning ahead and stocking up on necessary resources. Regardless of your age, being proactive can ensure you are able to truly enjoy the season while staying safe and warm indoors.

For more tips and information on how to keep older loved ones safe, visit https://www.caregiverstress.com/senior-safety.

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD

Founded in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska, the Home Instead® franchise network provides personalized care, support and education to enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, the network is the world’s leading provider of in-home care services for older adults, with more than 1,200 independently owned and operated franchises that provide more than 80 million hours of care annually throughout the United States and 13 other countries. Local Home Instead offices employ approximately 90,000 CAREGivers℠ worldwide who provide basic support services that enable older adults to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. Home Instead franchise owners partner with clients and their family members to help meet varied individual needs. Services span the care continuum – from providing personal care to specialized Alzheimer’s care and hospice support. Also available are family caregiver education and support resources. Visit HomeInstead.com. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Pakistani Startup, RINSTRA Valued at US $20 Million, Raising Series A Funding of US $2 Million


RINSTRA Technologies Pvt. Limited

RINSTRA has been valued at US$20 million on the basis of project industry trends in valuation of similar businesses in emerging and frontier markets.

Pakistan has more than 76 million internet users with and 37 million active social media accounts is one of the biggest opportunities of growth in the economy. With mobile internet rates giving maximum value to the customers has been the sole entertainment instrument for the masses. However, lack of indigenous platforms that can push native flavored content is one of the biggest missing links for Pakistani content creators.

RINSTRA Technologies has emerged as one of the most attractive initiatives in Pakistan in the MediaTech scene in the country. While all other applications and platforms are offering simple streaming of the news and entertainment channels with a few offering videos on demand (VOD), RINSTRA went ahead and opened doors for Pakistani content creators. RINSTRA has not only became Pakistan’s first user generated platform, it also started commissioning content with not only the established names like Haseena Moin and, Mehreen Jabbar but also gave opportunities to young film makers to create content on diverse topics.

RINSTRA was floated as an idea at the DICE Foundation, USA’s annual meeting, where committed Pakistanis in North America and Europe felt the need to start a digital platform that can create opportunity for Pakistani storytellers to have Pakistan’s narrative in the global content stream. The slogan to start RINSTRA was set as “Our Story Our Way”. The proof of concept was approved and an initial seed money of almost US$ 500,000 was invested to create RINSTRA, with the funding from American Pakistani diaspora. The Series A investment is planned for a US$ 2 million, being planned for funding from investors with Pakistani origin.

RINSTRA has been valued at US$20 million on the basis of project industry trends in valuation of similar businesses in emerging and frontier markets. The demand for content and entrepreneurial enthusiasm for creating new content for the digital space is pushing the boundaries of content imagination and creativity for such platforms with original and indigenous ideas.

Some of the leading benchmarks that RINSTRA has been able to introduce in the media and tech industry in Pakistan, is content diversification, short-form videos, content in regional languages and creating Pakistan’s first shadow board. The Shadow Board, a concept inspired by leading social scientists Jennifer Jordan and Michael Sorell, who wrote an article for the Harvard Busines Review on the necessity of Shadow Boards, to connect with the younger generation in the corporate decision making. Pakistan is not only one of the youngest countries in its region, but also in the world. Sixty four percent of the country’s population is under the age of 29, with some 30 percent between the ages of 15 and 29. For at least the next three decades, Pakistan

will continue to be a younger country.

Leading Pakistani media personalities are being engaged to manage the RINSTRA platform, including Amir Jahangir, CEO, formerly CEO for SAMAA TV, CNBC Pakistan and DBTV live. Jahangir has also been on the advisory board of the Stanford Center for Innovation and Communication at the Stanford University and has been recognized as Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Misbah Ishak Khalid, one of Pakistan’s most versatile actor and director has also joined as the Chief Creative Officer. She brings with her experience of managing entertainment portfolios at GEO, ARY Entertainment, Aaj TV, HUM and PTV. She is one of the key people behind the Pakistan International Film Festival as well. Dr. Adil Akhtar, the creative brain behind RINSTRA is the co-founder and the Executive Chairman, who is not only a renowned international artist for expressions in painting but also a globally recognized oncologist. He is also Vice President and one of the founders of the DICE Foundations, USA. His vision and compassion has led RINSTRA to create great value for its viewers to embrace empathy as a currency of respect through RINSTRA films and dramas.

RINSTRA has been able to create a very unique platform that offers dramas and films, while enabling users to generate their own content on the same platform. It also has a feature for Content Competition where, more than 100 academic institutions in Pakistan are competing on various thematic areas. The Fest feature of the application has provided some of the leading Film Festivals to partner with RINSTRA for digital viewing of their films and documentaries. This has created an unprecedented experience for viewers in the country.

RINSTRA is Pakistan’s first short-form digital media platform for on-demand streaming and for creation of user generated original content on iRINSTRA. RINSTRA provides entrepreneurship opportunities to emerging and established content creators and film makers in Pakistan and beyond. RINSTRA gives content creators access to a large Pakistani community around the globe.

You can start exploring RINSTRA and the creative content from Pakistan today at

http://www.rinstra.com or Google Play Store and Apple App Store

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Green Circle Life Expands SmartFHR offering in 2020 to Meet Growing Demands from COVID


In 2021, with the SmartFHR platform, we are looking forward to helping organizations meet the growing demand for timely communications reaching their employees where they are, while also improving chronic disease management to improve health outcomes and decrease healthcare costs.

Green Circle Life, provider of SmartFHR, an all-in-one communication and engagement app and web-based service that integrates wellness and healthcare services, added new features, enhanced its existing offerings, and grew its client base in 2020. As many employers were adjusting to new work from home policies and safety guidelines, SmartFHR refined its functionality to meet the growing customer demand.

Successes included:

  • Expansion of client base and reaching different industries such as banking and manufacturing. First Horizon Bank and Valmont Industries selected Green Circle Life to aggregate HR, wellness, and benefits services. The platform now supports more than one million users.
  • The communication hub now features increased access to HR personnel with two-way messaging and noticeboard announcements allowing users quick and real-time access to company news, plans, answers to benefits and payroll, etc.
  • The wellness assessment now offers comprehensive recommendations for six dimensions of wellbeing – physical, emotional, social, financial, spiritual, and occupational. It provides actionable measures for improving health and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure while encouraging behavioral changes for things like weight management and alcohol consumption.
  • The wellness checklist feature introduced in 2020 enables users to track recommended wellness and preventive care activities like annual physicals, dental check-ups, flu shots, and screenings.
  • A family dashboard incorporated family member access and easy navigation for health and wellness activities, digital coaching and health and company literature.
  • The platform’s new immunization feature includes education related to immunizations and a place to record vaccination data-including the COVID vaccine. The wellness checklist gives gender and age specific immunization recommendations to keep employees healthy and productive.
  • The platform has revised evidence-based care protocols to address gaps in care for diabetes, blood pressure, Asthma, COPD, CHF, obesity and musculoskeletal conditions for health service providers.
  • An enhanced scheduling feature gives employers the ability to host and manage physical as well as virtual events while also allowing employees to sign up and participate.
  • Employers can enjoy advanced reporting analytics to gain insight into employee engagement levels for communications, wellness programs, population health, utilization of services and events.


“Last year employers faced unprecedented challenges related to employee communications and wellbeing because of COVID,” said Dinesh Sheth, CEO and founder of Green Circle Life. “In 2021, with the SmartFHR platform, we are looking forward to helping organizations meet the growing demand for timely communications reaching their employees where they are, while also improving chronic disease management to improve health outcomes and decrease healthcare costs.”

About Green Circle Life

Green Circle Life offers the patented SmartFHR web and app-based platform for employers to engage employees and their families to live happier, healthier, and more productive lives. This company-branded app helps attract and retain talent by providing employees access to all their benefits and services, chronic disease condition management programs, wellness programs and one-on-one coaching. This translates into a more engaged workforce, better healthcare outcomes, lower healthcare costs and improved profitability through a culture of holistic wellbeing.

The Green Circle Life service is designed for multi-generational and hybrid workforces, and is HIPAA and EEOC compliant. This patented platform is configured for full integration with internal and external systems. For more information, visit http://www.greencirclelife.com and follow them on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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