Category Archives: Health

What is new in the field of Health. Trending topics, and cutting edge research in the are of Health. Press Releases that give us updates on Health.

SkyDance Vascular and Thasis Partner for Fund-Raising Initiatives and Launch Strategy


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“With healthcare systems being forced to focus on safer environments, reduce infections, increase patient satisfaction, and lower costs, the time is right for SkyDance to introduce a product which meets every one of those needs.”

SkyDance Vascular (SkyDance), a company aiming to transform the market for Peripheral Intravenous Catheters (PIV), has engaged Thasis LLC (Thasis) to assist with its fund-raising strategy and develop the appropriate marketing communications, platforms, and materials to clearly represent its entry into the market.

SkyDance has designed its PIV to eliminate catheter exposure to infection-causing skin bacteria, maintain needle stick safety during use, and reduce the risk of complications that arise from the regular use of current PIV technology. The patent-pending Osprey PIV is the only protected catheter delivery system that utilizes Skin Avoidance Technology (SAT).

Using SAT, Osprey creates a physical barrier between the skin and catheter by housing the catheter inside of the needle. It is then deployed when the targeted vein is reached with the tip of the needle. This unique design is intended to contribute to minimizing the potential risk of infection, while also reducing the potential of other catheter complications, such as phlebitis, infiltration, and extravasation.

“The catheter was invented 75 years ago and while there have been improvements, none have shown the potential to reduce infection or complications as dramatically as Osprey is expected to,” said Bill Bold, Chief Executive Officer of SkyDance. “With healthcare systems being forced to focus on safer environments, reduce infections, increase patient satisfaction, and lower costs, the time is right for SkyDance to introduce a product which meets every one of those needs.”

Thasis will work with SkyDance to develop its fund-raising value proposition and go-to-market messaging. The company will develop the material required for the investor community, including a new website, collateral, a social media program, and more.

“It is not often that we find a company that can truly transform an established product, such as a catheter,” said David Moss, CEO/Founder of Thasis. “In addition, it is exciting to work with a management team that has built and successfully exited other companies in this industry.”

In coming weeks, the two teams will collaboratively build a refreshed image that more effectively expresses the value proposition for the investment community and starts focusing on the future release of the product.

“The management team at SkyDance has been working in the vascular industry for most of our careers. Leveraging that experience, our work here will have the potential to impact the lives of millions of people, along with helping the healthcare system reduce costs and litigation,” Bold said. “We are excited to work with Thasis to make this a reality.”

About SkyDance Vascular

SkyDance Vascular, founded in 2017, is working to redesign the Peripheral Intravenous Catheter (PIV). The new product called Osprey, to be launched in 2021, is expected to provide a positive impact on PIV bloodstream infections utilizing a uniquely designed process called Skin Avoidance Technology. Its goal will be to deliver greater first attempt success and lower complication rates, improve dwell times, greater completion of therapy rates, and improve patient satisfaction. The company has assembled an executive leadership group comprised of individuals with decades of executive, clinical, regulatory, and engineering experience, and who together have built and successfully exited other companies in the vascular access space. For more information, visit http://www.skydancevascular.com or contact Bill Bold at bill.bold@ospreyvascular.com.

About Thasis LLC

Founded in 2019, Thasis is a consulting and digital marketing agency that helps early- to mid-stage companies perfect the strategies and tools they need to raise funds, go-to-market, and accelerate growth. The Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based company also serves as the U.S. extension of the Lisbon Project Group, a Portuguese creative design and digital marketing agency. For more information, visit http://www.thasis.com or contact David Moss at david.moss@thasis.com. https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmoss59/

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Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Awards HMS Contract to Conduct COVID-19 Infection Control Surveys at All Long-Term Care Facilities in the State


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“The safety of nursing home residents and staff is our top priority. We are honored to have been awarded this contract and are committed to doing everything possible to support KDADS in protecting vulnerable populations from COVID-19.” -Leah Heimbach, president & owner of HMS

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) has awarded Healthcare Management Solutions, LLC (HMS) a contract to help conduct urgent infection prevention and control surveys in every long-term care facility in the state of Kansas. These surveys are critically important to protecting the lives of facility residents and staff from contracting and spreading the virus.

The Kansas Legislature recently passed a bill which requires all long-term care facilities to complete COVID-19 focused surveys for infection control in accordance with the standards and guidelines provided by the federal Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) by July 31, 2020, in order to maintain full FY 2021 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocations. HMS will support the state of Kansas in completing these critical infection control surveys in all long-term care facilities across the state.

“We believe partnering with HMS will allow us to better manage the critically important workload our surveyors have been tackling since March,” said Laura Howard, KDADS Acting Secretary. “They have a good reputation for helping state survey agencies ensure facilities are in compliance and we’re certain they can assist us as we continue working to ensure nursing facility residents receive safe, quality care.”

HMS’ qualified surveyors will act as front-line safety inspectors for nursing home residents. The role of the surveyor is more important than ever, because they act not only as the eyes and ears of the health and safety agency, but also in place of loved ones who are unable to visit or check up on residents during this uncertain time.

“People’s lives are at risk. Every minute spent inspecting these facilities can make the difference between life and death for the vulnerable people living in them,” says Leah Heimbach, president & owner of HMS. “It only takes one interaction to pass the virus from one person to the next, which is why it’s so crucial that qualified surveyors are assessing how infection control is being managed in these facilities.”

Each of the surveys will include a comprehensive assessment of the following:


  • The overall effectiveness of the Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP), including IPCP policies and procedures
  • Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions
  • Quality of resident care practices, including for those who have tested positive for COVID-19
  • The surveillance plan
  • Visitor entry and facility screening practices
  • Education, monitoring, and screening practices of staff
  • Facility policies and procedures to address staffing issues during emergencies

When asked, HMS will also investigate complaints of possible instances of abuse, neglect and exploitation, and conduct follow-up inspections to positive cases of COVID-19.

“The safety of nursing home residents and staff is our top priority,” says Heimbach. “We are honored to have been awarded this contract and are committed to doing everything possible to support KDADS in protecting vulnerable populations from COVID-19.”

HMS has collaborated with KDADS and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in previous contracts to provide critical services to vulnerable populations.

About Healthcare Management Solutions, LLC

HMS protects vulnerable populations and veterans. We blend our unique healthcare and technology expertise to create bold yet cost-effective solutions that federal and state agencies and our private-sector partners need to make sure your loved ones get the best possible care in nursing homes and other healthcare settings, no matter where in America they live.

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As Senior Living Facilities Weigh Infection Control Solutions, The Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council Says Laundry Precautions Need to Be Part of the Discussion


HLAC is a nonprofit organization that inspects and accredits laundries that process reusable textiles for hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities.

“HLAC Accreditation Standards should be part of any discussion by those in charge of infection prevention at any type of senior living facility, big and small.” – Linda McCurdy, HLAC

The Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) warns that improperly laundered linens can raise the risk of the spread of infection in senior living facilities and that its standards provide viable infection control safeguards to those facilities looking to tackle pandemic challenges and beyond. This, as the senior living industry finds itself under the microscope with new reports claiming that nursing homes, veterans homes, assisted living and similar long-term care facilities have accounted for more than 43,000 COVID-19 related resident and staff deaths.

“Ensuring that laundry is processed according to the highest standards in infection prevention must be a critical component of any infection-prevention program,” said Linda McCurdy, HLAC board president. “HLAC Accreditation Standards should be part of any discussion by those in charge of infection prevention at any type of senior living facility, big and small.” HLAC is a nonprofit organization formed 15 years ago to inspect and accredit laundries processing healthcare textiles (HCTs) for hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities, including assisted-living establishments.

“As we’ve said in the past, the healthcare textile is the one common factor of every patient experience in their hospital or long-term care facility encounter,” McCurdy said. “Every patient’s and virtually every employee’s skin ultimately will touch a sheet, towel, bed pad, washcloth, bedspread, or blanket. No one is immune from this. If infection prevention is the goal, these scenarios demand the kinds of safeguards HLAC provides.”

McCurdy’s comments come as the infection plans of senior living facilities contend with increased scrutiny and heightened regulatory attention from organizations like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Most recently, a report on a state-by-state analysis of COVID-19 fatalities noted, “…it is clear that the most underappreciated aspect of the novel coronavirus pandemic is its effect on a specific population of Americans: those living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.”

Likewise, in its guidelines, “Preparing for COVID-19 in Nursing Homes,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, advises: “Given their congregate nature and resident population served … nursing home populations are at high risk of being affected by respiratory pathogens like COVID-19 and other pathogens, including multidrug-resistant organisms. … As demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic, a strong infection prevention and control (IPC) program is critical to protect both residents and healthcare personnel (HCP).”

To this, HLAC’s McCurdy advised, “And any such IPC program would be wise to include a laundry component.”

She added, “Getting the lion’s share of the attention has been the challenges facing traditional nursing homes, but when it comes to infection prevention, it’s important not to overlook those senior living communities offering assisted living, independent living, continuing care and memory care services. And, again, HLAC’s standards offer viable safeguards for increased protection to the ‘2 million seniors and 1 million employees’ who live and work in these communities.”

According to McCurdy, HLAC-accredited laundries process HCTs based on the highest standards for patient safety and infection prevention. These HLAC Accreditation Standards have been developed based on federal regulations and guidelines as well as best industry practices. HLAC accreditation affirms that a laundry organization that processes HCTs has successfully passed an inspection of the following: its facility, policies and procedures, training programs, and its relationship with its healthcare customers.

Earlier, and in a similar urging, HLAC called upon hospitals to review how they launder their reusable linens. “We said then, that hospital using reusable HCTs should be asking, ‘Is our healthcare laundry HLAC accredited?’ The same holds for senior living facilities,” McCurdy said.

She added that HLAC accreditation is available to senior-living facilities that launder on-premise upon passing inspection. “For such facilities, having your laundry HLAC accredited and processed according to its highest standards makes a powerful statement in these difficult times.”

For more information, http://www.hlacnet.org.

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Three Things to Consider for Better Gut Health From Market America


Three Things To Consider for Better Gut Health From Market America | SHOP.COM

We are fortunate enough to be living in a time when the medical world is rapidly advancing. This comes with new and beneficial knowledge that we can use to better our health and well-being. Throughout these years of advancements, we’ve learned that specific parts of our overall health affect more than we think, an important part being the gut. Scientists have begun to discover the complex role the gut has been playing in our overall well-being. Scientists are now drawing links from gut health to many facets of our health that we had not previously considered. “The solution to many of these concerns are in your digestive tract. By sending the right signals to the rest of your body, by getting the right foods in the right amounts according to your genetic code and your individual needs, activity level, sleep habits, and stress habits, we can overcome many of the immune challenges that are linked to digestive irregularities,” our Director of Clinical Education and Research, Dr. Deedra Mason states. So, what steps can you take to improve your gut health? Market America is here to break it down for you!

Thankfully, there are many ways to help maintain your gut health. Most of us know the importance of diet and exercise, so we’ll skip that lecture and move to the three things to consider to keep your gut happy!

1.    Probiotics: Probiotics are essential to our gut health. Our stomachs are full of all sorts of good and bad bacteria, also known as microflora. Taking daily probiotics is a great way to ensure that your gut has a proper balance of good bacteria, aiding in functions such as supporting your digestive and immune health. Dr. Mason says it’s estimated that approximately 70% of your immune system’s cells live in your digestive tract. The good news is that your microbiome, made up of those good and bad microflora, are working hard to help with digestion, energy, immune function and more. Make sure to check out a probiotic like Probiotics 10 that contains strains of those good microflora so that you can help balance your gut! For your little ones, check out DNA Miracles® Flora Melts. They are crafted with probiotics meant for children, have no added sugars and have a delicious, natural flavor.*

2.    Digestive Enzymes: Dr. Deedra Mason also stresses the importance of digestive enzymes. Let’s be honest, with processed foods around every corner, it’s hard for everyone to eat well 100% of the time. However, you don’t have to worry, because with Isotonix® Digestive Enzymes with Probiotics, you can support your body’s digestion with enzymes that aid in breaking down the food you consume and help with the absorption of nutrients that your body needs. From helping maintain healthy cholesterol levels to supporting immune system function, they’re packed with benefits. You get two great supplements in one because it also includes probiotics!*

3.    Ultimate Aloe®: Studies have shown that when aloe is consumed orally, it can aid in promoting healthy digestion. Ultimate Aloe contains all of the nine essential amino acids as well as over 200 nutrients needed for good nutrition.*

On top of diet and exercise, these three supplements are just a few of the many that can aid in gut health. No matter what your lifestyle is like, it’s always important to prioritize your body, and as we’ve learned, much of our overall health comes from our gut. Make sure to check out our health and wellness product page, where you can view products on digestive health and more!

Market America | SHOP.COM is a global product brokerage and internet marketing company that specializes in one-to-one marketing and is the creator of The Shopping Annuity.    

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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MFB Fertility Announces US Air Force is Investing into Proov® Technology to Help Military Couples Conceive and Educate Officers About Reproductive Health


“While being in the Air Force for many years and understanding how the healthcare system works, I have seen colleagues and friends struggle to start a family”, said US Air Force Major and Proov Champion, Eric Straub. “With the Proov technology, it is my hope to change the stigma.”

Proov, an effective urine PdG-testing kit company, which also serves to empower and educate women to know more about their reproductive health, announces today that the company is accepting a $1.3 million contract from the AFWERX office of the US Air Force to help military couples who are trying to start a family.

Infertility affects about 11 percent of US couples. Recent studies show that infertility rates are three times higher for military couples, due to the lack of resources, accessible medical facilities that do cover infertility treatment and fertility coverage is not covered by Tricare or Private insurance. With the contract, which is on the heels of their initial funding of $50,000 from the Air Force earlier this year, Proov will provide free kits upon request to Air Force couples, and connect users with doctors specializing in fertility who may help them conceive naturally.

Proov is the first and only FDA-cleared test to confirm ovulation at home, which women can use to understand whether or not they are ovulating properly. Within five minutes of taking the test, Proov delivers personal information and results that can help women learn about their own unique cycles and achieve their fertility goals. If test results indicate there may be a problem with ovulation, a woman can then discuss that information with her doctor for more informed care and better treatment to help reach her goals faster.

“While being in the Air Force for many years and understanding how the healthcare system works, I have seen colleagues and friends struggle to start a family”, said US Air Force Major and Proov Champion, Eric Straub. “With the Proov technology, it is my hope to change the stigma surrounding the lack of fertility resources and provide proactive fertility diagnostics and treatment options for Airmen and their families.”

“With this new contract from the US Air Force, we are proud to give simple fertility care access to couples who are trying to start a family, said MFB Fertility’s founder and CEO, Amy Beckley. From our research, we saw significant issues in the lack of support and care from military couples trying to conceive. At Proov, we want to continue carrying out our mission to provide women with the knowledge and resources about their reproductive health that can help them conceive without the costly treatments and emotional and physical stress that I personally experienced.”

AFWERX is the Air Force’s team of innovators who strive to connect Airmen to solutions across the force. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research process in an attempt to speed up the experience, broaden the pool of potential applicants and decrease bureaucratic overhead. Beginning in SBIR 18.2, and now in 20.1, the Air Force has begun offering ‘Special’ SBIR topics that are faster, leaner and open to a broader range of innovations.

To learn more about Proov®, visit proovtest.com and to learn more about PdG and the benefits of tracking it, visit https://proovtest.com/pages/faq.

About MFB Fertility, Inc.

MFB Fertility, Inc. developed Proov®, an at-home PdG test that measures the presence of progesterone metabolite PdG in urine to help a woman confirm that she has ovulated successfully. Originally co-founded in Boulder, Colo. by two women who both struggled to conceive, MFB Fertility was created to empower women to know more about their menstrual cycles, ovulation health, and PdG levels. Don’t just predict ovulation, Proov it! For more information, please visit https://proovtest.com/.

Media Contact

Kristen Mondshein

kristen@kmmcommunications.com

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Navimize Launches a Virtual Waiting Room Solution to Help Health Systems Comply with New Social Distancing Mandates


Navimize, the first, real-time automated wait time management platform for physicians and health systems, announced a new suite of services that makes it easy for providers to implement a virtual waiting room. The technology solves many of the issues that providers are facing as they scramble to respond to social distancing requirements in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Navimize’s platform has been enhanced with advanced algorithms to provide automated real-time patient communication. For patients needing in-office care, the platform seamlessly sends text messages, informing the patient precisely when to arrive at the office. This allows patients to go right to the exam room—eliminating the need for congested wait rooms that could foster the spread of COVID-19. The platform’s technology also provides a robust suite of features to help practices manage the increasing demand for telemedicine. Navimize sends real-time alerts to patients waiting to see a doctor in a virtual queue, ensuring that patients are logged on properly, eliminating anxiety around virtual visits, and reducing drop-offs. These new offerings allow providers to maximize both in person and virtual visits, and remove the tremendous burden suddenly placed on staff to make hundreds of manual phone calls daily, freeing them up to focus on patient care and practice operations.

“We are focused on empowering health care systems by providing tools and technology that help them keep their patients safe in the midst of this global pandemic,” said Naimize’s CEO, Jennifer Meller MD, MBA. “Now, more than ever is it imperative that healthcare systems and their providers have a comprehensive strategy to manage patient flow. Our turnkey solution integrates with Electronic Medical Records and makes it easy for practices to operate efficiently during these unprecedented times. We are proud to help doctors respond to changing patient needs with a full suite of virtual solutions.”

To learn more about Navimize’s new virtual solutions, please visit the athenahealth Marketplace: https://marketplace.athenahealth.com/product/navimize.

About Navimize

Navimize helps providers transform the patient experience and increase profitability by eliminating wait times. Navimize uses proprietary algorithms to automatically update patients when there are changes to their appointment time. Based in New York City, Navimize helps providers gain power over their schedules, so that they can focus on providing the best care to their patients.

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DuPont Demonstrates Leadership and Innovation in the Field of Early Life Nutrition


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“At DuPont, we’re excited to continue our innovation in Early Life Nutrition with HMOs and probiotics to support healthy growth and development during infancy,” stated Ratna Mukherjea, Ph.D., technical fellow and global research and development leader, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences.

DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences recently released the findings of a first-time new study showing the effects Care4U™ 2’-FL had on dental caries-associated bacterium Streptococcus mutans. Previously, HMOs have not been studied for their effects on oral bacteria, but as HMOs are increasingly being added to infant formula, it is important to evaluate effects on oral microflora and potential impact on oral health.

“Human milk is known to contain factors that protect against caries, so we were interested to know how HMOs, and especially 2’-FL, affect S. mutans, one of the most studied bacteria related to dental caries, said Johanna Hirvonen Ph.D., Senior Scientist, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences. “This study was a collaboration between University of Turku, Institute of Dentistry and DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences. We evaluated the ability of S. mutans to grow on 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) in comparison to galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), lactose, and xylitol. The effects of 2’-FL, GOS, lactose, and xylitol on adhesion properties of S. mutans were also evaluated. While this study was done under in vitro conditions, it showed the differences between the studied carbohydrates, especially in S. mutans growth.”

“Though it is known that S. mutans can metabolize many carbon sources, we found that S. mutans was unable to grow on 2’-FL, while it grew well on GOS and lactose. Xylitol, as known before, reduced the growth of S. mutans,” added Krista Salli, M.Sc., Scientist, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences. “Thus, the data suggests that addition of 2’-FL to infant formula would not support the growth of S. mutans. The results highlight the selectivity of 2’-FL consumption by oral bacteria.”

Adhesion to tooth surfaces is the first requirement for a biofilm—dental plaque–formation, 2’-FL decreased the adhesive properties of some of the studied S. mutans strains. In infancy, oral microbiota develops, and delays colonization of potentially pathogenic bacteria is vital. DuPont is expanding on this line of research with other oral bacteria and additional HMOs.

For more information on the study: DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114520001956

Regulatory Update: Our New HMO, 3-FL

In addition to the exciting research being conducted on Care4U™ 2’-FL, DuPont recognizes the need to continue to bridge the nutritional gap in infant formula. The next most abundant HMO in human milk after 2’-FL, and soon to be commercialized by DuPont, is 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL). This HMO is present in human milk of all mothers and is unique in that levels have been reported to increase during lactation, contrary to 2’FL that decreases during lactation. Initial in vitro research demonstrates that in addition to being bifidogenic, this HMO is effective in reducing colon motor contractions and inhibits bacterial adhesion. Further research is needed to confirm clinical benefits.

A scientific expert panel has recently concluded that DuPont’s newest HMO, Care4U™ 3-FL HMO, is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in various applications including formulas intended for infants and young children, other foods and beverages consumed by toddlers under 3 years as well as foods for the general population. The FDA has been notified of DuPont’s GRAS conclusion. In October 2019, DuPont submitted a novel food application with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to obtain market authorization in the EU for 3-FL. These regulatory developments demonstrate the steady progression of DuPont’s investment and commitment to HMOs.

Paving the Path Forward: New Applications

As we continue to move forward with our new research and commercialization of novel ingredients in Early Life Nutrition, we need to be assured that there is a method for the robust quantification of these two compounds in the applications that they are used in. Recent published research by DuPont demonstrated that a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method is available that allows researchers and formulators to analyze the amount of 2’-FL and 3-FL in a range of food products and quickly and efficiently perform shelf-life studies in these food applications. This is a major step forward for manufacturers interested in to developing high quality, efficacious nutritional products for early life nutrition and beyond.

For more information on the findings: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31968133/

“At DuPont, we’re excited to continue our innovation in Early Life Nutrition with HMOs and probiotics to support healthy growth and development during infancy,” stated Ratna Mukherjea, Ph.D., technical fellow and global research and development leader, Human Milk Oligosaccharides, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences. “Further, the health benefits of HMOs and probiotics can be extended beyond infant nutrition to that of adult nutrition and dietary supplements.”

About DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences

DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences applies expert science to advance market-driven, healthy and sustainable solutions for the food, beverage, dietary supplement and pharmaceutical industries. We also use cutting-edge biotechnology across a range of markets to advance bio-based solutions to meet the needs of a growing population, while protecting our environment for future generations. We are innovative solvers who help our customers turn challenges into high-value business opportunities. For more information: http://www.dupontnutritionandbiosciences.com or http://www.biosciences.dupont.com.

About DuPont

DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, health and wellness, food, and worker safety. More information can be found at http://www.dupont.com.

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7/7/20

DuPont™, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with ™, SM or ® are owned by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. unless otherwise noted.

For further information contact:

Mariah Saerndahl

715-210-2509

Mariah.Saerndahl@dupont.com

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Navigating the New Normal in Pharmaceutical Commercialization, Upcoming Webinar Hosted by Xtalks


Xtalks Life Science Webinars

This webinar will cover the actions that pharmaceutical commercial teams can take now to stay on track with 2020 goals and to plan for 2021.

COVID-19 swiftly changed the healthcare landscape around the world. There has been no rulebook for pharmaceutical commercialization during COVID-19. Pharmaceutical commercialization teams have had to quickly adapt to meet customer, community and business needs. Remote customer engagement and increased patient support services were the answer in the short term for pharmaceutical commercialization amid COVID-19. Longer term, teams will need to adapt brand strategy and executional approaches for in-line and launch brands to meet the new reality of customer and business needs during the ongoing pandemic.

This webinar will cover the actions that pharmaceutical commercial teams can take now to stay on track with 2020 goals and to plan for 2021. Pharmaceutical and biotech commercialization teams will hear about trends in the marketplace during the last few months of marketing, medical affairs, market access strategy and customer communication during COVID-19. We will discuss the choices teams have made and the rationale for different approaches. Whether you are seeking to re-start pharmaceutical commercialization or planning for a new launch, the short and long-term planning guidance discussed will be of value.

Join Brent Herspiegel, President of Herspiegel Consulting and Brian Torres, Principal at Herspiegel Consulting in a live webinar on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 1pm EDT (6pm BST/UK).

For more information or to register for this event, visit COVID-19: Navigating the New Normal in Pharmaceutical Commercialization.

ABOUT XTALKS

Xtalks, powered by Honeycomb Worldwide Inc., is a leading provider of educational webinars to the global life science, food and medical device community. Every year thousands of industry practitioners (from life science, food and medical device companies, private & academic research institutions, healthcare centers, etc.) turn to Xtalks for access to quality content. Xtalks helps Life Science professionals stay current with industry developments, trends and regulations. Xtalks webinars also provide perspectives on key issues from top industry thought leaders and service providers.

To learn more about Xtalks visit http://xtalks.com

For information about hosting a webinar visit http://xtalks.com/why-host-a-webinar/

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NFP Ventures Makes Strategic Investment in Kindbody, a Provider of a Fertility and Family-Building Benefit Solution


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“NFP remains focused on specialized benefit solutions that address the evolving needs of employers and their employees,” said Shawn Ellis, managing director of NFP Ventures.

NFP Ventures, the early-stage investment arm of NFP, today announced a strategic investment in Kindbody, the innovative provider of a fertility and family-building solution. The investment, NFP Ventures’ first in a company both founded and fully led by women, includes plans to offer Kindbody’s services to NFP clients so they can integrate the services into employee benefit plan programs.

Kindbody offers end-to-end fertility and family-building services, serving as both a provider and a network solution. Their offering covers fertility treatments, gynecology and LGBTQ+ services, as well as mental health counseling and wellness coaching, to provide one solution from preconception through postpartum. Their approach features direct purchasing and inclusive bundled rates, which allows Kindbody to offer pricing that is up to 30% less than other fertility platforms. NFP clients will have access to Kindbody’s full suite of fertility, wellness, and family-building offerings.

“NFP remains focused on specialized benefit solutions that address the evolving needs of employers and their employees,” said Shawn Ellis, managing director of NFP Ventures. “Kindbody provides affordable fertility services with an exceptional client experience, and is driven by the passion and vision of a stellar female leadership team. We’re excited to partner with them to expand access to family planning assistance.”

“Cost and experience become increasingly important in challenging times and Kindbody’s unique solution addresses these factors directly,” said Mike Goldman, president and chief operating officer of NFP. “We will continue to work with our clients to understand their needs and connect them with innovative solutions – like Kindbody – that help employees overcome a variety of significant challenges.”

“We are thrilled about this investment from NFP Ventures and our plans to maximize the benefits of our partnership for all stakeholders,” said Kindbody cofounder and CEO Gina Bartasi. “NFP’s focus on providing solutions that clients value, creates a path for Kindbody to expand the impact of family planning services and expertise.”

About Kindbody

Kindbody provides fertility, gynecology, and family-building services in modern, tech-enabled clinics and virtually. They are both a provider and a network solution, offering superior results at significantly lower prices, and a reimagined member experience.

About NFP

NFP is a leading insurance broker and consultant providing specialized property and casualty, corporate benefits, retirement and individual solutions through its licensed subsidiaries and affiliates. NFP enables client success through the expertise of over 5,600 global employees, investments in innovative technologies, and enduring relationships with highly rated insurers, vendors, and financial institutions. NFP is the 5th largest benefits broker by global revenue, 6th largest US-based privately owned broker, and 8th best place to work in insurance (Business Insurance); 10th largest property and casualty agency (Insurance Journal); and 13th largest global insurance broker (Best’s Review).

Visit NFP.com to discover how NFP empowers clients to meet their goals.

About NFP Ventures

NFP Venture, LLC (NFP Ventures) is a venture fund launched by NFP that focuses on strategic partnerships and investments in the emerging Insurtech, Fintech and HR Tech arenas. NFP Ventures’ mission is to find, fund and work successfully with visionary executives, providing them with expertise to foster long-term success. Typically, NFP Ventures targets companies seeking Seed to Series B investment that can benefit from NFP’s distribution, human capital and other unique assets to accelerate their growth.

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New Safety Measures Implemented at Eastman Periodontics and Implants’ Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL Locations Amid COVID-19 Pandemic


Drs. Christie Eastman-Craighead, Lindsay Eastman, and Justin Craighead, Periodontists in Bradenton, FL

Drs. Christie Eastman-Craighead, Lindsay Eastman, and Justin Craighead, Periodontists in Bradenton, FL

With decades of experience as gum disease specialists, the clinicians at Eastman Periodontics and Implants have seen first-hand how this disease can have a negative effect on not only oral health but systemic health as well.

Eastman Periodontics and Implants announce their new safety measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Founder Dr. Lindsay Eastman, along with his associates, Drs. Christie Eastman-Craighead and Justin Craighead, welcome existing and new patients in the Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch areas to receive high-quality and trusted dental care in comfort. As skilled periodontists, they also warn their community of the harmful effects untreated dental conditions like gum disease can have on overall health, and advise patients to seek treatment as soon as symptoms arise.

Persistent bad breath, sensitive teeth, and bleeding, swollen, or receding gums are all common signs of gum disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nearly 50 percent of adult Americans have some form of gum disease. With decades of experience as gum disease specialists, the clinicians at Eastman Periodontics and Implants have seen first-hand how this disease can have a negative effect on not only oral health but systemic health as well.

Gum disease is caused by an infection of the gums. If left untreated, disease-causing bacteria have been shown to spread throughout the body leading to chronic inflammation, a strained immune system, and systemic conditions including cardiovascular disease.

In order to protect their patients and community’s health, they encourage those showing signs of gum disease, and any other dental concerns, to receive the care they need before the condition worsens. Striving to not only offer a comfortable environment for patients but one that limits the spread of the novel coronavirus, Eastman Periodontics and Implants has implemented additional safety guidelines since they reopened. These safety measures include the following:


  • Staff members will wear personal protection equipment (PPE) at all times when with patients
  • Virtual treatment discussions are available to reduce the number of in-office visits
  • Patients call before arriving, limiting the number of visitors in the reception area
  • A/C units have received upgrades including air scrubbers to improve air quality
  • Air purification systems by Air Oasis® with PECOS technology are active throughout the office
  • Cutting-edge aerosol reduction systems are used including the Purevac® HVE System and Ivory® ReLeaf™
  • Patient rooms are disinfected before and after each visit using EPA-approved chemicals

Eastman Periodontics and Implants has been serving Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and surrounding communities for over 35 years. Offering high-quality and honest care has always been an essential part of their practice. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they strive to be a guiding light to those with oral concerns as well as those in need of treatment from an office they can trust. They will continue to monitor updates made by the CDC, American Dental Association (ADA), World Health Organization (WHO) as well as local and federal authorities and modify their safety measures accordingly.

To schedule a gum disease consultation or to learn more about the new steps Eastman Periodontics and Implants have taken to limit the spread of COVID-19, call their Bradenton practice at 941-792-3899 or their Lakewood Ranch location at 941-351-3000. To read more about this skilled team of periodontists with over 55 years of combined experience, visit http://www.eastmanonline.com.

About the Periodontists

Eastman Periodontics and Implants was founded by Dr. Lindsay Eastman in 1980. Now with two locations in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL, Dr. Eastman also has two associates, his daughter Dr. Christie Eastman-Craighead and his son-in-law Dr. Justin Craighead. Dr. Eastman is a respected authority in periodontology with experience implementing revolutionary techniques and developing ones of his own, he continually sets and surpasses the bar for periodontal care. A skilled and published periodontist, Dr. Eastman-Craighead received her Doctorate of Dental Medicine Degree and her Professional Certificate in Periodontics from the University of Florida. Dr. Craighead is both a periodontist and a prosthodontist, a feat rarely accomplished by clinicians across the country. The team at Eastman Periodontics and Implants blend the latest, minimally invasive technology with an honest approach to care. To learn more about these doctors, the services they offer, or their cutting-edge practice, visit http://www.eastmanonline.com or call 941-792-3899 for the Bradenton location or 941-351-3000 for the Lakewood Ranch location for a personalized consultation.

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