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.

Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling Appoints New Leadership


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The Board is extremely pleased to welcome the new officers and new board members and looks forward to continuing to improve accreditation processes for ACGC and grow the number of accredited programs in the field.

The Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling is pleased to announce the results of its organizational leadership elections. Dawn C. Allain, MS, CGC, was elected to serve as President. Ms. Allain is the Director of the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program at The Ohio State University. She joined the board in 2017 and has been instrumental in furthering the organization’s mission to establish standards for graduate level genetic counseling education, evaluating educational programs to ensure compliance with those standards and protect the interest of the students, public and the integrity of the genetic counseling profession. Ms. Allain has served as the Program Review Committee chair prior to being elected President. Janet Williams, MS, CGC who has spent the last year as President, will become the Immediate Past President on the Board of Directors. Heather Creswick, MS, LCGC, who joined the board in 2017, will be ACGC’s next Treasurer. Molly McGinniss, MS, LCGC will be the next Program Review Committee Chair.

In addition, Erin Carmany, MS, Clinician Educator at the Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Genetic Counseling Graduate Program at Wayne State University was elected to serve as on the ACGC Board of Directors and will begin her three year term. Ms. Carmany has been a practicing genetic counselor for over 20 years and earned her Master’s in Genetic Counseling in 1997 at the University of Colorado.

Sarah McBrien PhD, Assistant Professor and Director of Curricular & Learning Assessment at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Allied Health Professions was also elected to serve on the ACGC Board of Directors. Ms. McBrien develops and teaches in the Master of Health Professions Teaching and Technology program. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in 2018 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The Board is extremely pleased to welcome the new officers and new board members and looks forward to continuing to improve accreditation processes for ACGC and grow the number of accredited programs in the field. The Board also wishes to acknowledge and thank the incredible contributions of Ian MacFarlane and Lori Williamson-Dean during their tenure on the Board.

All new positions begin in July 2020.

The Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) is a specialized accrediting body newly formed in January 2013 out of its predecessor organization the American Board of Genetic Counseling. The ACGC’s mission is to:

  • Establish standards for graduate level genetic counseling education
  • Evaluate educational programs to ensure compliance with those standards
  • Protect the interest of the students, public and the integrity of the genetic counseling profession.


For more information about the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling please visit http://www.gceducation.org.

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Catalent Completes Purchase of Pharmaceutical Packaging Facility in Shiga, Japan


Catalent's new pharmaceutical packaging facility in Shiga, Japan

Catalent’s new pharmaceutical packaging facility in Shiga, Japan

Catalent, a global leader in clinical supply services, today announced that it had completed the purchase of Teva-Takeda Pharmaceuticals’ packaging facility in Minakuchi, located in the Shiga prefecture of Japan.

Operating in partnership with the company’s existing Japanese clinical supply facility located in Kakegawa, the new 60,000-square-foot facility will provide customers with flexible clinical supply solutions, serving both local customers, and global biotech and pharmaceutical companies. The facility will play an important role in Catalent’s expanding Asia-Pacific network, working alongside two sites in China and one in Singapore to ensure customers’ clinical trials are well-served across the region.

The facility will offer extensive clinical supply services including access to Catalent’s FastChain® demand-led supply services, primary and secondary packaging capabilities, a range of temperature options for storage and distribution, as well as clinical returns and destruction services.

For more information on Catalent’s clinical supply capabilities visit https://www.clinical.catalent.com.

About Catalent Clinical Supply Services

Catalent is a global leader in clinical supply services, with comprehensive and flexible solutions for small molecules, biologics, and cell and gene therapies and integrated solutions to accelerate speed to clinic. Catalent offers a full range services including clinical supply management, comprehensive packaging solutions, comparator sourcing, cold chain storage and global distribution and specialized supply chain services including direct-to-patient and demand-led supply. With nine GMP clinical packaging facilities and over 50 strategically located depots on six continents combined with more than 25 years’ experience across thousands of studies in more than 80 countries, Catalent has the comprehensive services, global scale and expertise necessary to reliably supply clinical trials of all sizes and complexity anywhere in the world.

About Catalent

Catalent is the leading global provider of advanced delivery technologies, development, and manufacturing solutions for drugs, biologics, cell and gene therapies, and consumer health products. With over 85 years serving the industry, Catalent has proven expertise in bringing more customer products to market faster, enhancing product performance and ensuring reliable global clinical and commercial product supply. Catalent employs over 13,500 people, including approximately 2,400 scientists and technicians, at more than 40 facilities, and in fiscal year 2019 generated over $2.5 billion in annual revenue. Catalent is headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey. For more information, visit http://www.catalent.com

More products. Better treatments. Reliably supplied.™

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UH Ahuja Medical Center, Southwest General Health Center, and Lutheran Hospital have the best value outcomes for Hip and Knee Replacement in Cleveland, Ohio


best value outcomes for Hip and Knee Replacement in Cleveland, Ohio

“Dexur’s value analysis tracks a patient’s episode of care from the date of admission for 90 days and includes the index hospitalization, rehospitalization, home health, nursing home, and ED costs.”

Dexur’s analysis of medicare claims of hospitals within a 25-mile radius of Cleveland, Ohio, showed that University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center, Southwest General Health Center, and Lutheran Hospital had the best value outcomes over a 90 day episode for Hip & Knee replacement. Dexur’s value analysis tracks a patient’s episode of care from the date of admission for 90 days and includes the index hospitalizations, rehospitalization, home health, nursing home, and ED costs. Total cost of care helps patients make appropriate choices and helps local ACOs, such as Cleveland Clinic Medicare ACO, LLC, University Hospitals Coordinated Care Organization, and MetroHealth Care Partners, make appropriate referral choices. The analysis was risk-adjusted, for alive and non-hospice patients and was done at the DRG level, specifically DRG 470: Major Joint Replacement Or Reattachment Of Lower Extremity Without Major Complication Or Comorbidity (MCC), to adjust for complications and comorbidities.

University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center’s total cost of care over a 90 day episode was $16,868 (for the period between July 2016 and June 2019). The index hospitalization cost was $11,400 and the average rehospitalization cost per hospitalization was $1,223. The cost per rehospitalization was at an average of $15,768. Meanwhile, the average ED costs per hospitalization (when ED is involved) was $805.

Southwest General Health Center’s total cost of care over a 90 day episode was $16,967 (for the period between July 2016 and June 2019). The index hospitalization cost was $12,263 and the average rehospitalization cost per hospitalization was $1,244. The cost per rehospitalization was at an average of $16,701. Meanwhile, the average ED costs per hospitalization (when ED is involved) was $900.

Lutheran Hospital’s total cost of care over a 90 day episode was $17,089 (for the period between July 2016 and June 2019). The index hospitalization cost was $12,394 and the average rehospitalization cost per hospitalization was $1,089. The cost per rehospitalization was at an average of $14,936. Meanwhile, the average ED costs per hospitalization (when ED is involved) was $664.

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Finally! A Solution to Access Patient Data During Downtimes


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During a system downtime, if our patient needs blood during a surgical procedure, we need immediate access to determine their blood type,” explains the Lead Applications Analyst for the health system.

Interbit Data, a leading technology company providing care teams with on-demand access to crucial patient data, will host a webinar on Tuesday, July 28, to share how hospitals can retain access to patient information in the event of system downtimes, regardless of their EMR.

Interbit Data’s NetSafe is an automated software solution that ensures uninterrupted, HIPAA-compliant access to patient data during system downtimes, including planned updates, power outages, natural disasters, and cyberattacks.

“System downtimes occur for a multitude of reasons,” says Arthur Young, President and CEO of Interbit Data. “When they do, it’s our job to make sure frontline caregivers still have accurate, secure information at their fingertips to make the real-time treatment decisions that keep patients safe.”

The webinar will highlight a case study from a midwest health system that – once they switched EMRs – could not access critical information for some of their applications and departments, because those applications were not linked with the new EMR. As a result, the health system had no way to access vital blood bank data during system downtimes, a lapse that could compromise patient safety and even risk lives.

“During a system downtime, if our patient needs blood during a surgical procedure, we need immediate access to determine their blood type,” explains the Lead Applications Analyst for the health system.

Hospital and health systems, healthcare IT vendors and members of the media are invited to attend the webinar to discover:


  • How to ensure access to data during downtimes
  • Why EMR downtime solutions may be insufficient
  • How automated report distribution can save crucial time and resources

Webinar: Finally! A Solution to Access Patient Data During Downtimes 

Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Time: 1:00 – 1:45 pm ET

Register Here

About Interbit Data

Interbit Data is an industry leader in data accessibility for hospitals and health systems. Our software solutions ensure secure, reliable access to patient information anytime, anywhere – including at offsite locations, during system downtimes, and even during cyberattacks. With 23+ years in business and more than 700 customers across North America, we are experts at data access and report distribution, empowering you to improve efficiency, streamline workflows, provide optimal patient service and high-quality care, all while meeting federal patient privacy and access requirements. Discover more at interbitdata.com.

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Silicon Beach-Based Nonprofit Startup Cure Glioblastoma Launches Laboratory Operations and Appoints Drs. John Boockvar and Lisa Haile as Senior Fellows


Brain cancer

Cure Glioblastoma Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Defeating this complex disease will require synergy that comes from the marriage of knowledge, clinical and research tools, biotechnology, experience, a great team, and most importantly, a will to do things differently.

Cure Glioblastoma, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit research organization focused on building awareness and solutions for glioblastoma—the most common and aggressive adult brain cancer—announced today the appointments of its first Senior Fellows: John Boockvar, MD and Lisa Haile, JD, PhD. Senior Fellows are charged with supporting the organization’s initiatives and overall vision.

“Senior Fellows are more than advisors; they are integral members of the organization with a deep connection to the disease,” said, Cofounder and President of Cure Glioblastoma, W. Shawn Carbonell, MD, PhD. “Cure Glioblastoma is unusual in that we are essentially a nonprofit biotech startup leading our own cutting-edge immunotherapy research programs through our newly launched laboratory operations at BioLabs LA at The Lundquist Institute. The involvement of the Senior Fellows is critical during these difficult times as we are actively seeking to grow the organization and scale our impact for the immediate benefit of patients.”

John Boockvar, MD, is Vice Chair of Lenox Hill Hospital Neurosurgery in New York City. He is a neurosurgeon-scientist and runs the Laboratory for Brain Tumor Biology at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research. He is also a principal cast member in the new hit Netflix docuseries “Lenox Hill” which prominently features his clinical research and the journey of several of his glioblastoma patients. Dr. Boockvar stated, “It is truly an honor to be a founding Senior Fellow of Cure Glioblastoma. Defeating this complex disease will require synergy that comes from the marriage of knowledge, clinical and research tools, biotechnology, experience, a great team, and most importantly, a will to do things differently.”

“I’ve worked with Dr. Carbonell for nearly a decade in the industry,” said Lisa Haile, JD, PhD a Partner at DLA Piper LLP in San Diego, California with nearly 30 years of experience representing biopharma companies in intellectual property strategy and protection. Dr. Haile was the former co-chair of the Global Life Sciences Practice at DLA Piper for 15 years. She continued, “It is my absolute pleasure to join the fight and serve as a Senior Fellow in this unique new effort, particularly after having recently lost a close friend and colleague to this devastating disease.”

In addition to their ongoing internal research and development efforts, Cure Glioblastoma is working on several new initiatives including a curated clinical trials database, Junior Fellowships for trainees, a black student brain cancer research scholarship, a biotech startup fund, and promoting brain cancer awareness through its patient, influencer, and celebrity networks.

Dr. Carbonell concluded, “We are grateful for all the support during this first year of operations including from patients and their families and friends, donors, our loyal social media following, and our corporate sponsors and providers including Barrister Executive Suites and BioLabs LA, respectively.”

ABOUT CURE GLIOBLASTOMA:

Cure Glioblastoma Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity operating through an entrepreneurial lean startup model to defeat brain cancer. It was cofounded in Venice, California in 2019 by W. Shawn Carbonell, MD, PhD—inventor of novel glioblastoma drug candidate OS2966—and Barbie Blank—model, influencer, and former WWE Divas Wrestling Champion who recently lost her father to glioblastoma. Luzanne Otte, JD is a founding member of the Board of Directors joining in memory of her aunt, Jenny Kanoff Otte, who passed away from glioblastoma.

To learn more, please visit CureGlioblastoma.org.

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ABSTRAX Develops New Terpene Infused Rolling Papers, Cones, Wraps and Blunts in Bulk and Retail Ready for Established and Growing Brands


New Terpene Infused Rolling Products

“We’ve made it easier than ever for brands to take powerful, terpene-driven flavors and experiences to global markets, by eliminating their out-of-pocket spend for research, development, and manufacturing,” says Max Koby, Chief Executive Officer of ABSTRAX.

ABSTRAX, an industry leader in the study and production of cannabis and botanically-derived terpenes, has officially released its new terpene infused product line including custom rolling papers, cones, flat wraps, and blunts offering brands a way for consumers to enjoy cannabis terpene profiles and flavors worldwide.

“We’ve made it easier than ever for brands to take powerful, terpene-driven flavors and experiences to global markets, by eliminating their out-of-pocket spend for research, development, and manufacturing,” says Max Koby, Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer of ABSTRAX.

Each offering within the custom terpene infused catalog boasts of ABSTRAX’s one-of-a-kind terpene formulations developed to create unforgettable sensorial experiences and inspire unparalleled “functional” mind/body benefits. They come as a result of the company’s dedication to studying botanicals, including cannabis and hemp, to find the best strain-specific profiles to meet specific brand and consumer desires.

“With cannabis brands, for example, we study every strain profile to discover the unique properties that create the specific flavors and experiences,” says Koby. “This enables us to capture the essence of the plant and recreate this profile using botanically derived ingredients that can be used to enhance the user experience and can be legally distributed around the world. We can then help them develop ‘functional cannabis flavored joint papers’ that completely blow a brand’s target demographic away.”

ABSTRAX’s papers are made of chamomile and yerba mate leaves that are pre-tested in Brazilian laboratories before sourcing. Once the raw material has been approved by the lab, it buys the material in the form of bobbin in the United States. The bobbin is then sent to a laboratory in California for secondary testing. This process assures that all materials are completely safe and approved for consumption in cannabis markets and beyond. Finally, ABSTRAX isolates the bobbin so it has as natural a base as possible to leave room for the aromas and tastes of the botanical terpenes.

These paper and wraps were specifically engineered for infusion with terpenes using the highest quality materials from natural herbal extracts to create a superior smoking experience available in both paper and blunt cones or wraps. Most papers have some type of mild flavoring and ABSTRAX has to create the most natural base materials for both blunt wraps and papers to ensure that each terpene’s infused preroll only has the flavor and characteristics of the intended formulations. In addition, ABSTRAX has partnered with a cigarette manufacturer to create an automated process for safely and consistently infusing the correct dosage of terpenes into papers to create the most effective and consistent experience with uniform appearance.

Cannabis and Hemp brands can work one-on-one with ABSTRAX to develop unique terpene formulations made possible by the company’s science-driven analysis of more than 400 cannabis aroma compounds and development of the 3D metabolite fingerprint™, which allows for botanical terpenes and strain specific terpene blends to be manufactured with unwavering consistency. ABSTRAX works with them to create safe, powerful, and consistent proprietary formulations with specific “functional” benefits and amazing flavor profiles.

“This is only the beginning and yet we’ve come so far. We’re here to serve brands and their customers as they seek to benefit from the all-natural power of terpenes,” says Koby.

About ABSTRAX

Leveraging its proven background in cannabis research, ABSTRAX is the leader in the research, development, and production of botanically-derived and cannabis-inspired terpenes that create unforgettable sensorial experiences. Headquartered in California, the company owns and operates a state-of-the-art type 7 licensed research and manufacturing lab where it’s award-winning product developers and scientists leverage the most advanced strain analysis technology to extract and study aroma compounds via three-dimensional analysis, allowing for each and every compound within a plant to be named and studied. The company has partnered with many of the best cultivators in the industry to study their cannabis profiles and create the world’s most advanced terpene formulations. As a result of its efforts, ABSTRAX offers the largest terpene catalogue of the most popular strains – botanically-derived terpene blends and isolates native to cannabis. These ingredients, also known as functional flavors and aromas, are used in vapes, concentrates, edibles, beer, essential oils, fragrances, cosmetics, topicals, tinctures, alcohol, food and beverage, personal care, and more. The company works with internationally recognized brands and provides unparalleled cannabis research, innovation, and custom formulations to create products that engage and thrill consumers. ABSTRAX also devotes significant resources to developing the highest terpene standards and best practices in the industry. The company has developed a robust quality management system including Gas Chromatography analysis and molecular distillation of natural ingredients to achieve the highest purity standards. Investigating and ensuring that ingredients used in its own products, and products within its industry, are safe for consumption. The terpene industry is a rapidly growing segment of the global flavor and fragrance market, which is expected to grow to $35 billion by 2024. This market segment includes the cannabis, CBD, skincare, cosmetics, health and wellness, food and beverage industries. For more information, visit AbstraxTech.com.

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How to Get Happy, Healthy, Beach-Ready Feet


Christina Smitley, FNP-C with Advanced Dermatology PC

Athlete’s foot – medical name tinea pedis– is very common and affects as many as fifteen percent of the population.

Finally! We’re ready to tiptoe through the tulips, across the sand and into the water! But wait! What about our feet? “After a winter’s worth of lousy-weather footwear,” notes Christina Smitley, a board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in dermatology with Advanced Dermatology PC, “our feet – and especially our toes – may be in need of some seasonal clean-up too.”

“In some cases,” says Smitley, “our toes may simply need a little R and R: perhaps there are calluses that will respond to pumice treatment and moisturizing. Or an ingrown nail that will clear up after soaking and changing to more accommodating footwear.”

But the moist environment of our winter boots can also lead to fungal infections like athlete’s foot: a red, itchy rash that typically shows up between the toes. “Athlete’s foot – medical name tinea pedis– is very common,” observes Smitley. “It affects as many as fifteen percent of the population.”

And fungus can infect our toenails too, causing ‘onychomycosis,’ which discolors and progressively damages the nail. “If we notice a change in a toenail’s appearance, we need to get it checked,” emphasizes Smitley. “We don’t want to try to hide it under polish because infections are harder to treat the longer we have them.”

To help get our feet in shape for the season, as well as happy and healthy all summer long, Smitley makes the following suggestions.

6 Tips to Put Your Best Foot Forward:

1. ‘TLC’ = ‘Toe-Loving Care’: “Out of sight, out of mind? I hope not,” emphasizes Smitley. “Skin care routines such as daily moisturizing must include our feet. In particular, our toes and toenails need special attention, especially if we use drying chemicals like nail-polish remover. For those with calluses or corns, careful use of a pumice stone, followed by moisturizing, will help address the build up.”

2. Nail the basics of nail care: “Preventative nail care will help keep our feet happy and healthy all summer long,” says Smitley, “as well as looking good for walking barefoot. We should trim our nails after bathing or soaking, being careful to cut in an even line. And we need to be extra gentle with our cuticles, which should not be trimmed or shaped. Also, we should regularly disinfect our tools. These steps can prevent infections. If applying polish, consider using an extra base coat under bright oranges and reds to prevent nail discoloration.”

3. Kick the uncomfortable-shoe habit: “Our footwear can cause big problems – even after we’ve taken off the shoes,” observes Smitley. “Calluses and corns are our body’s attempt to protect our feet from tight or poorly fitting footwear. Similarly, excess pressure against the toe can trigger ingrown nails.”

4. Don’t let fungus ruin your fun: “No one wants athlete’s foot or toenail fungus,” notes Smitley. “They’re unsightly and uncomfortable. Nail fungus, in particular, often requires prescription medication or other interventions, like laser treatment. Fungus loves warm, damp environments, so we want to keep our feet cool and dry, by wearing ‘breathable’ footwear, immediately getting out of damp socks, and using drying powders.”

5. Give your salon a checkup: “The coronavirus really highlighted the importance of thoroughly disinfecting surfaces,” states Smitley. “Proper cleaning protocol also prevents bacterial and fungal infections that can be transmitted during spa treatments, like pedicures. If you’re unsure, ask the staff how they disinfect footbaths and nail tools. And if you regularly get your nails done, consider bringing your own tools to your salon.”

6. Keep on your toes for problems that need a doctor: “In some cases, toenail problems need medical attention,” says Smitley. “Pain, redness, or swelling around the nail may be an infection. Changes in the nail such as discoloration, lifting or pitting can be due to a range of systemic conditions, some serious, so they should be evaluated.”

“Regular TLC for our feet,” concludes Smitley, “will help us enjoy that the walk across the sand to the water’s edge – and along all the other the other paths we travel throughout the summer.”

Bio: Christina Smitley, FNP-C, is a family nurse practitioner with Advanced Dermatology pc, and is board-certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Advanced Dermatology P.C. and the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery (New York & New Jersey) is one of the leading dermatology centers in the nation, offering highly experienced physicians in the fields of cosmetic and laser dermatology as well as plastic surgery and state-of-the-art medical technologies. http://www.advanceddermatologypc.com

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Rest Announces The World’s Smartest Bed Is Now Better Than Ever With The Addition Of The Purple Grid™


The ReST Bed with Purple

The ReST Bed with the Purple Grid is set to change the way the world sleeps.

Responsive Surface Technology, LLC (“ReST”), the leader in smart bed technology and creator of the ReST Bed™, is proud to announce its collaboration with Purple Innovation, LLC (“Purple”), the leader in comfort innovation and the inventors of the renowned Purple Grid™. Combining both smart and comfort technologies, ReST is pioneering a new era in sleep coupling an artificial intelligence-powered smart bed with a science-based material that eliminates pressure by being both soft and supportive as well as comfortably cool.

“The ReST Bed with Purple Grid technology is a wonderful collaboration between two industry leaders, and we are proud to be at the forefront of the next evolution of sleep for our customers,” said Lloyd Sommers, General Manager at ReST. “Combining Purple’s comfort innovation with our smart bed produces a remarkable combination of two sought-after technologies. This is a pairing customers could only dream about until now.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 35 percent of adults don’t get the recommended seven hours of sleep per night and are more likely than those who get enough sleep to report having 10 chronic health conditions. The ReST Bed with the Purple Grid is set to change the way the world sleeps by combining ReST’s patented smart fabric, which senses pressure changes and automatically makes real-time adjustments to 5-zones, and Purple’s proprietary technology, which instantly adapts to your body yet never sinks or forms an impression.

The ReST Bed with Purple Grid is now available in limited quantities at https://restperformance.com/.

About ReST

ReST’s mission is to provide the ultimate sleeping experience. ReST is the only company with an integrated technology solution that not only monitors movement in real-time but automatically.

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Meridian Senior Living Communities Support the Alzheimer’s Association’s® The Longest Day® to Raise Funds and Awareness


Smoothie stand sign, table, and staff serving smoothies

Claremont Place Senior Living’s Drive-Thru Smoothie Fundraiser

We understand the challenges of Alzheimer’s that individuals, families and companies face, so we are dedicated to support the Alzheimer’s Association in their efforts to fund research for a cure.

Meridian Senior Living (Meridian) is honored to have supported the Alzheimer’s Association® event: The Longest Day® on Saturday June 20th to raise awareness and funds to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. Participating Meridian communities raised collectively about $10,000 towards their local chapters.

Each year on the summer solstice, the Alzheimer’s Association hosts The Longest Day, a team event that supports its mission to fight Alzheimer’s. This day with the most light symbolizes that people across the globe fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through a fundraising activity of their choice. More than twenty-five Meridian communities across the nation formed teams to participate in this event by engaging in activities that they enjoy and honor someone living with the disease.

On The Longest Day, Meridian communities wore purple in support of the Alzheimer’s Association in conjunction with conducting fundraising activities, in a safe fashion. Each community used their creativity in building carts or tables, wearing costumes and conducting fundraising events selling goods or services such as: singing telegrams, blueberry muffins, lemonade, smoothies, and other delicious baked treats.

“Our Meridian Senior Living communities are proud to support The Longest Day and the Alzheimer’s Association. The Alzheimer’s Association diligently provides valuable support services to individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, while also supporting crucial research,” says Sue Johnston, VP Program Development. “We understand the challenges of Alzheimer’s that individuals, families and companies face, so we are dedicated to support the Alzheimer’s Association in their efforts to fund research for a cure.”

More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 16 million family members and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Meridian Senior Living works every day to improve the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s and to become a resource for their families and caregivers. With Meridian’s MONTESSORI MOMENTS IN TIME™ program, memory care communities, and the compassionate individuals who make up the teams there, strive to enrich lives and infuse purpose into each and every day.

For more information about Meridian Senior Living, visit: meridiansenior.com and for more information on the Alzheimer’s Association The Longest Day, visit https://msl.life/LDay and #TheLongestDay.

About Alzheimer’s Association®

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. It is the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research. The Association’s mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

About Meridian Senior Living:

Meridian Senior Living, a privately held company based in Bethesda, Maryland, owns and operates seniors housing communities across the country and provides operational consulting to 24 communities in China. With more than 80 communities in 21 states and more in development, Meridian is one of the largest seniors housing operators in the U.S. The company prides itself on providing the highest quality care, exceptional lifestyle programming and a distinctive dining experience for its residents. For more information on Meridian Senior Living, visit meridiansenior.com.

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Nursing School in Wisconsin Uses Advanced Technology to Train Future RNs


“Our faculty and staff have worked hard to create one of the top nursing schools in Wisconsin. Our investment in technology and transition to a concept-based curriculum shows our commitment to giving the best possible education and training for future RNs,” said Nurse Administrator, Kimberly Udlis.

Marian University, one of Wisconsin’s most highly rated and affordable private schools, has invested in technology that gives nursing program students the opportunity to apply conceptual learning to real-world scenarios in a simulated environment. The technology supports Marian University’s concept-based curriculum designed to prepare graduates for the challenges of modern nursing.

The growing nursing school at Marian University features high-fidelity simulators that are part of a multi-room simulation center. These simulators allow students to engage in high-risk, low-frequency scenarios in the areas of obstetrics, pediatrics and acute care medical surgery. Students learn to handle medical situations in a safe environment, immediately processing what they have learned in debriefings with professors and colleagues.

The simulation center is a key component in Marian University’s concept-based approach for nursing school students. This approach differs from traditional nursing schools in Wisconsin. Instead of learning about topics in isolation and then moving on, students enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills by applying conceptual learning to real-world nursing scenarios.

This approach, backed by innovative technology, is a key factor in Marian University’s high standing among nursing schools in Wisconsin. Another factor is a faculty of experienced nurses, many of them graduates from Marian University nursing programs.

Associate Dean and Chief Nurse Administrator Kimberly Udlis, Ph.D. FNP-BC, FAANP, leads the Nursing Department. A nationally recognized leader in nursing practice, policy and education, Dr. Udlis stays connected with nursing practice by working one day each week as a nurse practitioner.

“We pride ourselves at Marian for having graduates prepared from Day 1 to meet the challenges of the nursing profession. To achieve that goal, our students learn nursing theory and concepts as well as best practices for putting them into action,” said Dr. Udlis. “Our faculty and staff have worked hard to create one of the top nursing schools in Wisconsin. Our investment in technology and transition to a concept-based curriculum shows our commitment to giving the best possible education and training for future RNs.”

The concept-based curriculum and use of technology in training have contributed to rising NCLEX exam pass rates by Marian University students. Those rates reached 96% in the latest numbers from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), placing Marian University among the best nursing schools in Wisconsin.

Marian University offers a traditional four-year BSN degree, a three-year BSN program, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Family Nurse Practitioner track and a 100% online RN to BSN program.

About Marian University

Marian University is a regionally accredited, co-educational Catholic University that inspires personal and professional success through an engaging, values-based education. Founded in 1936 by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes as a college for teachers, Marian University has grown to offer a full slate of degrees but the focus to liberal arts excellence and a focus on students has never changed. Marian University maintains a commitment to the core values of community, learning, service, social justice and spiritual traditions. Marian University has been named a “High Lifetime Return on Investment (ROI) College” among all public and private Wisconsin colleges and universities by Affordable Colleges Online (ACO).

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