RALEIGH, N.C. (PRWEB)
June 18, 2020

uMETHOD is excited to announce the release of its breakthrough methodology — called ExtND METHOD — designed to finally provide a prevention solution to the over 70 million women and men in the USA at risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. The complexity of treating and preventing cognitive decline due to dozens of biological mechanisms and hundreds of interventions is now made straightforward through the application of uMETHOD’s proprietary methodology based on artificial intelligence. The ExtND METHOD enables doctors to have a straightforward way to practice and prevent brain decline, by providing personalized plans tailored to each individual. This solution has been developed and deployed at leading medical institutions across the US.

Today, there are no drugs that modify the course of Alzheimer’s disease. However, extensive research (such as the FINGER study and its worldwide follow-ons, and work at Weill Cornell) demonstrates value in early intervention and prevention for those at risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The biological progression of Alzheimer’s disease tends to start in the brain 10 to 20 years before the onset of symptoms. Thus, there is an opportunity to address its risk factors aggressively at younger ages – people in their 40s and 50s – long before symptoms can emerge. This is particularly urgent for those with a family history or a genetic risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Each person has unique genetics and their own unique set of health factors that drive cognitive decline. Personalized, multi-domain treatments are well-studied; when applied, they have been shown to alter the trajectory for developing Alzheimer’s disease.

uMETHOD uniquely focuses on this personalized approach to prevention. It uses artificial intelligence to interpret data from someone’s blood and urine tests, their demographics, their medical history, lifestyle, and more. The technology fits the person’s data against the wide scientific research on Alzheimer’s disease. It then produces individualized care plans that help doctors’ practice complex prevention methodologies – letting them work effectively with large numbers of patients within their community. uMETHOD’s methodologies are enhanced regularly to incorporate new research, so doctors apply the latest medical knowledge to the care of their patients.

“This is a landmark moment in the fight to tackle a debilitating disease that disproportionately affects women,” said Cindy Eckert, CEO of The Pink Ceiling. “Women comprise two-thirds of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s today. It’s comforting to know that advanced technology is now being applied to stop decline or improve a remarkable 76% of patients. With uMETHOD’s technology as their backbone, major academic institutions will lead the way in bringing these new and effective treatment plans to the masses.”

“Several neurological diseases are now recognized as complex diseases with multiple underlying causes. Dementia and the spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease are the most prevalent.” said Christina Noble, Chief Growth Officer at Sonora Quest Laboratories in Arizona. “Personalized methodologies, such as those developed by uMETHOD Health, are the future for prevention and treatment of complex neurological disorders. The growing use of artificial intelligence has the potential to transform the care and outcomes of complex diseases.”

“The financial impact of Alzheimer’s disease to individuals, their families, and to the health system is large.” said Vik Chandra, CEO of uMETHOD Health. “Our society spends over $250B annually on the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Availability of uMETHOD’s practical and effective prevention methodologies should help shrink the accelerating costs of caring for the elderly.”

About uMETHOD Health

Seventy-five percent of those over 65 have more than one chronic disease. This consumes 86% of healthcare spend in the United States. uMETHOD Health offers sophisticated precision-medicine methodologies that empower physicians to better manage the outcomes and costs of these complex chronic diseases through customized care. For more information visit http://www.umethod.com.

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Dr. Kaliq Chang

Joint dysfunction literally means ‘bad motion,’ so if you’re experiencing joint dysfunction in the neck and/or spine, you likely know something’s wrong.

WEST ORANGE, N.J. (PRWEB)
June 18, 2020

You may be unaware what the term “joint dysfunction” of the neck and spine means, but there’s still a good chance you’ve experienced this highly prevalent problem, according to Kaliq Chang, MD, of Atlantic Spine Center.

“With dozens of joint levels between the top of the neck and the bottom of the spine, each of these joints work with the others to allow you to move your head, neck and trunk in a fluid and coordinated way,” explains Dr. Chang, an interventional pain management specialist. “Joint dysfunction literally means ‘bad motion,’ so if you’re experiencing joint dysfunction in the neck and/or spine, you likely know something’s wrong.”

Essentially, joint dysfunction can affect people in two different ways: either the joints don’t move enough, called hypomobility; or they move too much, called hypermobility. When motion is altered at any one of the joints in the neck and spine, other joints along the track “compensate” to restore the spine’s proper motion, Dr. Chang says.

“It works like a reverse domino effect,” he says. “Lack of motion at one joint level often results in too much motion at another joint level, while too much motion at one joint level typically leads to too little motion at another joint level. The sum total is several areas of joint dysfunction in the neck and/or spine that can seem to happen at once.”

Causes and symptoms

Why does joint dysfunction in the spine and neck occur? On a basic level, Dr. Chang says, this happens because of degenerative changes in the joints. “Cartilage inside each joint breaks down and becomes inflamed, whether because of aging or injury,” he explains.

Even when injury is the cause – such as a car accident or sports injury – it can still take time for joint dysfunction in the neck and spine to show up. That’s because the injury itself can set off a slow chain reaction of sorts that leads to cartilage breakdown in the joints over months or years. This “wear and tear” phenomenon is better known as arthritis.

When joint dysfunction in the spine or neck occurs, you may know something isn’t right but be puzzled as to what’s happening. According to Dr. Chang, symptoms that can tip you off include:

• 
  Pain
• Muscle spasms
• Stiffness
• Dull ache in the low back
• Difficulty or pain when bending or twisting the spine and/or neck
• Worsened pain when standing or staying still for long periods
• Pain that radiates down the arms or legs, whether chronically or once in awhile

“All of these symptoms, while difficult to bear, are the types of symptoms that can also arise from a variety of back and neck problems, not just joint dysfunction,” Dr. Chang points out. “That’s why it’s imperative that you seek an accurate diagnosis – it’s the path toward treating the condition most appropriately.”

Treatment tips

Evaluating your back and neck problem starts with a doctor’s visit, where you should receive a thorough exam and discuss your medical history. Your doctor will also ask about any history of injuries, where your pain is located, and any problems you’re experiencing moving, standing or sleeping, Dr. Chang says.

“You may also be asked to stand or move in various positions and point to where your discomfort arises,” he adds. “Your doctor might move your joints or feel for tender areas over the spine and neck.”

Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT or MRI scans may also be ordered to help pinpoint your diagnosis.

The best treatment for joint dysfunction of the spine and/or neck depends on several factors, including which joint(s) are affected, your pain level and other symptoms, Dr. Chang says. Options include:

• Pain medication, both over-the-counter and prescription
• Physical therapy
• Joint injections with corticosteroids, which calm inflammation
• Nerve blocks to eliminate pain
• Nerve ablations, which use focused heat to stop offending nerve endings from producing pain signals

“Joint dysfunction of the spine and neck can’t necessarily be ‘cured’ or reversed, but there are many ways to ease your discomfort and resume your favorite activities,” Dr. Chang says. “Healthy eating, weight control and regular exercise – all of which are in your hands – can also contribute to the best possible outcome.”

Atlantic Spine Center is a nationally recognized leader for endoscopic spine surgery with several locations in NJ and NYC. http://www.atlanticspinecenter.com, http://www.atlanticspinecenter.nyc

Kaliq Chang, MD, is an interventional pain management specialist, double board-certified in interventional pain management and anesthesiology, at Atlantic Spine Center.

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“This statistic reflects Garrett Regional Medical Center’s multifaceted approach to delivering a high level of quality care,” said Mark Boucot, CEO and President of Garrett Regional Medical Center

NEW YORK (PRWEB)
June 18, 2020

Dexur’s analysis of medicare claims of hospitals in Maryland showed that Garrett Regional Medical Center had the best value outcomes over a 90-day episode for COPD, for alive and non-hospice patients. 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. The analysis was risk-adjusted and was done at the DRG level, specifically DRG 190: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease With Major Complication Or Comorbidity (MCC), to adjust for complications and comorbidities.

“This statistic reflects Garrett Regional Medical Center’s multifaceted approach to delivering a high level of quality care,” said Mark Boucot, CEO and President of Garrett Regional Medical Center. “Achieving this benchmark demonstrates our commitment to providing patients with the best care possible at every level of our organization, from our medical team to our facility personnel and our support staff. Much of the success we have achieved in outcomes is owed to our multidisciplinary teams engaged in performance improvement initiatives that we have implemented in recent years. This truly demonstrates how dedicated we are to our mission of striving to treat each patient like family,” Boucot added.

Garrett Regional Medical Center’s total cost of care over a 90-day episode was $19,171 (for the period of July 2016 and June 2019). The Index hospitalization cost was $8,553 and the average rehospitalization cost per hospitalization was $6,362. The rehospitalization cost per rehospitalization was at an average of $20,397. Meanwhile, the average ED costs per hospitalization (when ED is involved) was $1,404. The average home health cost per hospitalization when a home health agency is involved was $3,716 and the average nursing home cost per hospitalization when a nursing home is involved was $10,853.

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Mary Beth Powers

We are facing a future filled with opportunities, strengthening healthcare systems in poor remote areas. With a strong donor base and local and international healthcare partners, CMMB is moving forward, building sustainable, quality health care services and systems to serve those most in need.

NEW YORK (PRWEB)
June 18, 2020

CMMB is pleased to announce that Mary Beth Powers will serve as CMMB’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2020.

In October of 2019, CMMB announced the planned retirement of current president and CEO, Bruce Wilkinson, effective September 2020. Mr. Wilkinson, who during his nearly decade long tenure as CEO & President, led CMMB through significant growth and change with a specific focus on sharpening its strategic focus on women and children’s health.

The planned transition period provided ample time for a thorough and strategic search and selection process for the organization. A detailed recruitment process included input from the Board, senior CMMB staff, an external search firm and CMMB key stakeholders.

“Mary Beth’s background in maternal and child health and extensive experience in international development work will enable her to build on a strong foundation and advance our mission to improve the healthcare services for the women, children and communities that we serve,” said CMMB Board Chair, Sister Rosemary Moynihan. “Mary Beth joins CMMB at an opportune time as we begin the planning phase of our 5 Year Strategic Plan.

“The spread of the COVID virus has brought desperately needed attention to the needs of low-resource countries and communities. We will build off this moment of global awakening to the injustice and indignity for those living without access to basic healthcare, safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.”

Ms. Powers comes to CMMB with over 30 years of experience, increasing her leadership roles with global health organizations. She began her career with Catholic Relief Services in Pakistan after receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Foreign Service at Georgetown University. This work, supporting the basic health needs of Afghan refugees, convinced her to study public health. She received her Master’s Degree in Public Health at the University of Michigan and joined Save the Children to work with health teams on program design and evaluation in more than 25 countries, eventually leading to the establishment of a global campaign for newborn and child survival. Her experience as CEO at SeriousFun Children’s Network broadened her skills in strategic planning, programmatic and technical support in the field, managing corporate and foundation partnerships, donor engagement and network building.

“I am thrilled to join the CMMB family and return to supporting field teams who are delivering critical services on the frontlines of health care,” said Ms. Powers. “I have followed the organization’s impressive work over time and I hope to work with the experienced team to meet the needs of even more vulnerable women and children – a cause I have dedicated my professional life to addressing.

“Building health care that is accessible to all is critical for reducing the morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19 which is a tremendous risk right now, but these services are needed in the long-term for addressing the basic and more complex health challenges that the communities we serve face.”

About CMMB

CMMB provides long-term community-based medical, preventative, and development aid to women and children who are disproportionately affected by poverty. Their work focuses on improving access to proper healthcare to the most vulnerable populations in targeted parts of Zambia, Kenya, South Sudan, Peru, and Haiti. CMMB utilizes three pathways to providing care; through their Children and Mothers Partnerships (CHAMPS) program model, their Medical Donations Program (MDP), and Volunteer program. With over 100 years of experience, their MDP program deployed medicines and medical supplies to over 39 countries last year alone. CMMB Volunteer doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are paired with medicines and medical supplies in remote communities, providing access to care and building local capacity. CMMB’s CHAMPS program makes long-term commitments in communities, addressing and working to change the root causes that restrict women and children from living healthier lives.

Please contact Luke Dougherty, Director of Communications at LDougherty@cmmb.org for more information.

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Len Beosgar, new Griswold Home Care Director

“Griswold Home Care franchise development is open for business and energy for expanding in to new geographies is high. During this difficult time especially, home care is essential. Our purpose is or motto: We give people the help they need to live in the place they love.

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. (PRWEB)
June 18, 2020

South Columbus and Fairfield County are two Griswold Home Care franchise territories no longer on the market. That’s because they were just purchased.

Michael Slupecki, Griswold Home Care’s new Chief Executive Officer, says momentum is building for Griswold, one of America’s top home care companies with 200 locations in 30 states. He is driving the sale of additional franchises this year.

“Griswold Home Care franchise development is absolutely open for business,” Slupecki said. “During this difficult time especially, home care is essential. Our purpose is our motto: ‘We give people the help they need to live in the place they love.’” Slupecki said several more franchise sales are expected soon.

Griswold Home Care was one of the first franchise companies in the United States to offer in-home care to seniors and adults with disabilities, illnesses, and injuries. The company is passionately dedicated to helping adults maintain quality of life through services including companion care, home services, personal care, and respite care.

Father and son Len and Jeff Boesger are the Griswold Home Care franchise buyers. They are from a well-known family in the South Columbus, Fairfield County, Ohio area where they are purchasing two territories. The Boesgers aren’t strangers to Griswold Home Care.

“Our granddaughter started working for Griswold as an in-home caregiver in 2013,” Len Boesger explained. “Over the years, she shared her Griswold experiences with our family and we quickly realized that Griswold’s strong vision and core values lined up with our own.”

Boesger continued, “Griswold’s reputation and support are unparalleled in the home care industry. It was natural for us to start our own family Griswold franchise where we hope to continue the great work that our founder Jean Griswold started over 35 years ago.”

Slupecki also hails from Ohio giving this first sale while at the helm of Griswold some special meaning. He is quick to note that many Griswold franchises are operated by multi-generational family leadership teams. They have built very strong businesses while serving their communities at the highest level. He knows the Boesgers are well-positioned for success.

“Buyers, like the ones who bought these two Griswold territories, are finding their calling helping adults in their communities age in place with dignity,” Slupecki said. “There has never been a better time to build a bright future as a franchisee by taking care of those who need you the most.”

About Griswold Home Care

With 200 locations in 30 states, Griswold Home Care is one of the country’s top home care companies, delivering compassionate care 24/7 to its clients. Its purpose is to give people the help they need to live in the place they love. Through this purpose, Griswold Home Care helps adults maintain quality of life despite advanced age or onset of illness through services including companion care, home services, personal care, and respite care. Founded by the late Jean Griswold in 1982, the company has maintained its founder’s profound sense of empathy for older and disabled adults and those living with chronic conditions. For more information, visit http://www.griswoldhomecare.com or call 215.402.0200.

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Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship

We are so proud to support these young scientists as they begin their transition to independent research careers. The creativity and energy of these emerging scientists bring all of us hope for the future. – Dr. Anne Hultgren

IRVINE, Calif. (PRWEB)
June 18, 2020

The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation announced today its 2020 class of Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellows in Chemical Sciences, individuals who underscore the Foundation’s mission of supporting basic research in the chemical sciences and chemical instrumentation. They were selected after a three-part review led by a panel of scientific experts.

The Foundation will award more than $4 million in funding over the next three years for 14 exceptional research fellows from 7 universities:

• Amymarie Bartholomew, Ph.D., Columbia University
• Charles Markus, Ph.D., California Institute of Technology
• Forrest Laskowski, Ph.D., California Institute of Technology
• Gavin Kiel, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• James Gaynor, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
• James Utterback, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
• Joseph Derosa, Ph.D., California Institute of Technology
• Matthew Nichols, Ph.D., Harvard University
• Megan Jackson, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
• Myles Drance, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Ren Wiscons, Ph.D., Columbia University
• Stephen von Kugelgen, Ph.D., Northwestern University
• Tyler St. Denis, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
• Zachary Sherman, Ph.D., The University of Texas at Austin

“We are so proud to support these young scientists as they begin their transition to independent research careers,” shared Dr. Anne Hultgren, Executive Director of the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation. “The creativity and energy of these emerging scientists bring all of us hope for the future. Congratulations to the 2020 class of Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellows!”

The Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship provides salary and research support to postdoctoral scholars with the highest potential for success in an independent academic career in the chemical sciences, and to assist in their transition from mentored yet independent researchers to a tenure-track position. Funds for 2020 awardees will be issued this summer and extend over a period of up to three years.

About the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation

Located in Irvine, California, the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation supports researchers and nonprofit research institutions in making the next generation of breakthroughs in chemistry and the life sciences. Founded in 1978 by 20th century scientific instrumentation pioneer Dr. Arnold O. Beckman, the Foundation supports United States institutions and young scientists whose creative, high-risk, and interdisciplinary research will lead to innovations and new tools and methods for scientific discovery. For more information, visit http://www.beckman-foundation.org/.

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