CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio (PRWEB)
June 15, 2020

Nonprofit organizations MADE SAFE® and the Plastic Pollution Coalition released today its compelling Healthy Pregnancy Guide comprised of key information, tools, tips and product recommendations to guide parents every step of the way in how to achieve healthier, nontoxic lifestyle solutions for themselves, their babies and the planet.

The goal of the guide is to help you make better, safer choices for a healthy and sustainable future. The two organizations comment that, “What you may not realize is that you have enormous economic power to shift the marketplace away from harmful materials. Companies watch what you buy closely, and by supporting companies that are making safer products, you can help make change happen, so that one day, you won’t even need a guide like this. Together, we can create a world where every product on the shelf is safe to begin with.”

The Healthy Pregnancy Guide, which is sponsored in part by GOTS-certified organic mattress company Naturepedic, is the latest in a long history of research and studies that the company has helped fund. For Barry Cik, Founder and Technical Director of Naturepedic, helping to sponsor this guide is an important step to informing consumers.

“Through third-party nonprofit organizations, this guide was created to foster more education for consumers by unveiling the truth about toxic chemicals and plastics found in most conventional home products, particularly in mattresses. Understanding their effects on our health and the health of our children is essential. The more we can collectively do to help parents make healthier, safer, conscious purchasing decisions, the better it will be for them and their families,” states Cik.

Naturepedic has been a MADE SAFE® certified company since the founding of MADE SAFE® and is the featured baby crib mattress product in the Healthy Pregnancy Guide. While Naturepedic’s award-winning organic baby crib mattresses are recognized to meet the rigorous standards of the MADE SAFE® certification seal, passing numerous ingredient screenings for behavioral toxins, carcinogens, developmental toxins, endocrine disruptors, fire retardants, heavy metals, neurotoxins, high-risk pesticides, reproductive toxins, toxic solvents and harmful VOCs, their mattresses are also distinguished by several other novel attributes that contribute to their trusted safety.

Naturepedic’s organic baby crib mattresses have several key differences that set them apart from both conventional and other organic mattress brands on the market that go beyond the Made Safe, GOTS, Greenguard, and other standards, and which also provide more safety and convenience options.

• 
  To increase safety measures, Naturepedic does not use any latex, or coir, which always contains latex, in any of its baby and children’s products, regardless of how organic the latex may be. The FDA cautions that latex may cause allergenic reactions. As such, Naturepedic designs go beyond toxicity concerns and also avoids allergenic concerns for babies and children. Naturepedic also waterproofs its crib mattresses with food-grade polyethylene made from non-GMO sugarcane. Waterproofing a crib mattress is critical to maintaining hygiene, and Naturepedic uses the most non-toxic waterproofing on the market. The company also provides extra “breathable” options which surrounds the baby with airflow.
• To increase convenience for consumers, Naturepedic mattresses have seamless edges, which makes it easier to wipe down the mattress and maintain hygiene. Naturepedic also features extra edge-support for all crib mattresses, giving toddlers extra support when standing at the edge of the mattress, and provides light-weight crib mattress options, which makes it easy to bend over and pick up the mattress to change the sheets.

“During a time when people are now more concerned than ever with their health and protecting their immune systems, it’s important to understand that these can be strengthened by removing toxic and questionable products that are in the home,” states Cik, “The immune system of babies is not fully functional, making them more vulnerable to toxic exposure, especially from crib mattresses, because babies will likely spend 12-15 hours a day, every day, on a mattress.”

Cik adds that, “This means it’s imperative to reduce toxic exposure as much as possible, and I believe the new Healthy Pregnancy Guide will help facilitate this by providing valuable education to consumers. We’re extremely grateful for Naturepedic to be featured in the Healthy Pregnancy Guide and to be working with Made Safe and the Plastic Pollution Coalition.”

For media inquiries, please contact Sara White at sara@adinnyc.com or 914.621.1323.

About Naturepedic:

Since 2003, Naturepedic has been on a mission to transform lives through safer, healthier organic-based products. They created the first and only organic baby crib mattress designed with a patented food-grade waterproof surface made from non-GMO sugarcane and with various breathable options. As well, by eliminating materials like flame retardants and polyurethane foam from all their mattresses, Naturepedic has led the industry by also introducing organic mattresses specifically designed for kids as well as highly sought-after luxury organic mattresses for adults. Naturepedic supports an organic holistic lifestyle while protecting the environment.

Naturepedic products are certified to the Made Safe Standard, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Greenguard Gold Standard, UL Formaldehyde-Free Standard, Forest Stewardship Council/Rainforest Alliance Standard, and others. Naturepedic is recommended by, and/or has won awards from, leading environmental organizations like American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), Clean Production Action, Sustainable Furnishings Council, The Ecology Center, Zero Toxics, EWG (Environmental Working Group), and others. Naturepedic supports and works with advocacy groups like 1% For the Planet, Women’s Voices for the Earth, Organic Trade Association, and is an EPA Green Power Partner.

About Plastic Pollution Coalition

Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) is a growing global alliance of individuals, organizations, businesses, and policymakers working toward a world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts on humans, animals, waterways and oceans, and the environment.

About MADE SAFE

MADE SAFE is America’s only nontoxic seal for products across consumer product categories, including baby, personal care, household, and beyond. MADE SAFE certified means that a product has been made from a base of safe ingredients or materials and has been vetted using a scientific process in order to certify that products are not made with ingredients known to harm human health or ecosystems.

To learn more visit https://www.naturepedic.com or call 800.917.3342

GENEVA, Ohio (PRWEB)
June 15, 2020

Jalen Pickett, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Player of the Year, Mid-Major All-American and SPIRE IA Men’s Post Grad Basketball team alum, was playing the best basketball of his career when he was stopped dead in his tracks. Now a shooting guard with the Siena Men’s Basketball Team, Pickett was leading his team in scoring in mid-March— winning 10 games in a row and racking up a 20-10 record before everything ground to a halt. But it wasn’t an injury or a 7-foot defenseman that sat the 6-foot-4 sophomore guard on the Siena Saints bench. Along with every other college athlete, the coronavirus cut Pickett’s season short and placed his possible NBA future on hold.

Pickett played high school basketball for the Aquinas Institute in his native Rochester, New York. As a junior, he earned MVP honors while leading his team to a New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class AA championship. During his senior season, Pickett averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds per game while leading Aquinas’ L’il Irish to a Class AA Federation Final. Pickett went on to play for the Albany-based program City Rocks on the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuit, where he led the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League in player efficiency.

After spending a post graduate year at SPIRE Institute and Academy in Geneva Ohio, Pickett was academically eligible, physically ready and mentally prepared to have a stellar career in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). While a student-athlete at SPIRE IA, Pickett averaged 15.5 points, 6.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and one block in 62 career games. The former Aquinas star also shot 44.6 percent from the field, converting 72.6 percent of his free throws.

Considered a three-star recruit by Rivals™, widely considered the definitive source for basketball-related news and information, Pickett chose the Siena Saints Men’s Basketball Team from several Division 1 offers. As a freshman, Pickett averaged 15.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 6.7 assists per game, ranking him ninth nationally and earning him Rookie of the Year honors and a spot on the All-MAAC first team. After a career-high 46 points and 13 assists in a 107–100 triple overtime loss to the Quinnipiac University’s Bobcats, Pickett declared for the 2019 NBA draft. He participated in the G League Elite Camp, eventually opting to return to Siena for the 2019-2020 season.

When the COVID-19 pandemic closed down the NCAA in March of 2020, Pickett was averaging 15.1 points and a league-leading 6.0 assists per game while shooting 37.4 percent from three-point range. Because the Saints had won the MAAC regular-season title, had entered the postseason as the No. 1 seed and had not been eliminated prior to the tournament’s cancellation, the conference later declared the Siena Men’s Basketball Team its conference tournament champion.

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HONG KONG (PRWEB)
June 15, 2020

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to the fight against COVID-19 and has been collaborating with various partners in the prevention and control of the disease. PolyU today announced the launch of a new AI system jointly developed with the Macau University of Science and Technology (M.U.S.T.) in conjunction with other Chinese institutions, to assist in the rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. This research was published in the prestigious international journal Cell, in a paper entitled “Clinically Applicable AI System for Accurate Diagnosis, Quantitative Measurements, and Prognosis of COVID-19 Pneumonia Using Computed Tomography” (link)

The novel AI-assisted diagnostic system, based on computed tomography (CT) chest imaging, can efficiently distinguish COVID-19 pneumonia from other viral pneumonia, and predict the severity level in 20 seconds, with an accuracy of up to 90% or above. ‬It assists radiologists and physicians in performing a quick diagnosis, especially when the health system is overloaded.

According to Professor Kang ZHANG of the Faculty of Medicine of M.U.S.T. – the first author of the research paper, the research team used a large CT database of 3,777 patients to train and test the AI system to differentiate novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) from other common pneumonia and normal controls. This system is able to provide accurate clinical prognosis that can aid clinicians when considering appropriate early clinical management and appropriate resource allocation. It has been developed to assist global clinicians in combating COVID-19.

Dr Johnson LAU, Adjunct Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU, explained that the AI team uses deep learning, semantic segmentation and multiple neural network architectures to create an accurate AI diagnostic system comprising texture analysis, quantitative measurements and diagnosis classification. In addition, based on the international standard for related research on lung lesions, lung, liver damage and relevant clinical indicators, they have also developed a comprehensive rating system to project the emergence of pneumonia severe lesions accurately for the follow-up treatment.

The scientists from PolyU and M.U.S.T. have also collaborated on other projects, including the seroconversion study in SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) patients in China, which helped pave the way for further diagnostic and therapeutic development to treat SARS-CoV-2. The study “Seroprevalence of immunoglobulin M and G antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in China” was also recently published in another prestigious scientific journal Nature Medicine (link).

“Leveraging PolyU’s strengths and our collaborations with different research partners, we are able to contribute to the well-being of humankind. During the outbreak, we have developed a rapid automated diagnostic system to detect COVID-19 and have conducted various scientific experiments related to the pandemic,” said Professor Alexander WAI, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU. “Since the establishment of the biotechnology and translational medicine international collaborative platform in 2018, PolyU has been working closely with M.U.S.T. and other partners from the United States and the Greater Bay Area for high-impact research. Our long-term cooperation has paved the way for us to respond quickly, and to use our expertise to develop this new AI system for the diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19.”

Professor Manson FOK, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of M.U.S.T., remarked that this AI system had been implemented in many hospitals in different countries. M.U.S.T. is collaborating with several prominent universities including Baylor University, University of Buffalo and Stanford University to serve the US populations. He believed this application could soon be adopted in Hong Kong, more regions of Mainland China and worldwide.

COVID-19 is a new and highly contagious virus with over 7 million people infected (as of June 10). Researchers from PolyU and M.U.S.T. with their supportive partners will continue their efforts in COVID-19 research to use scientific technologies to combat this pandemic through prevention, diagnosis, treatment and control.

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WALTHAM, Mass. (PRWEB)
June 15, 2020

As cities emerge from the pandemic lockdown, leading ambulatory cardiac monitoring provider InfoBionic and other industry experts are asking how the shutdowns can potentially affect heart health. One important aspect of learning more about the novel coronavirus’ implications on the body’s organs is the now unrefuted understanding of its impact on the hearts of previously healthy people and those with some type of heart condition.(1) “Determining the impact on heart health during COVID-19 lockdown for healthy people and preexisting heart condition patients is one major challenge,” says Stuart Long, the CEO of InfoBionic. “The other is how to deal with the significant and broader influx of people requiring remote cardiac monitoring to avoid life threatening heart related outcomes from COVID-19.”

When COVID-19 began to emerge, cardiac damage was a consistent finding indicating a broader problem. Health researchers now know that those with preexisting conditions, those with undiagnosed heart disease and a subset of previously healthy COVID-19 patients are at major risk.(2) Just as more will be known about these groups through further studies in the next several months, the same can be said about the effects of the lockdown itself on these groups.

While CDC data shows that coronavirus cases dropped 44% during shelter-in-place orders, the heart health effects of that time period have yet to emerge via studies.(3) What we do know is that this is sure to be a mixed bag of health outcomes when you add in the fact that heart inflammation can be life threatening, and it can happen in people who don’t have any preexisting risk factors. Inflammation that leads to Atrial Fibrillation (AF) can come from a wide verity of health conditions. Studies show COVID-19 can attack organs like the heart and brain, as well as the respiratory system as a consequence of inflammation.(4) The question of whether lockdown is and has been bad for the heart is an ongoing one. Some observational data shows that lockdown has potentially improved heart health since it has resulted in lower resting heart rates, more people exercising and adhering better to medication regimens.(5)

There is also an equal amount of observational and anecdotal data showing how lockdown may lead to a more sedentary life, which increases cardiovascular stress and danger for all groups.(6) In cases where people have preexisting conditions like AF that are linked or directly involve cardiovascular disease, remote cardiac monitoring may be key as they return to more regular routines or continue in lockdown.

Whether its fear of infection, sedentary lockdown lifestyles, or lack of knowledge, the pandemic has profoundly impacted cardiac care and intervention. Evidence shows that ER visits decreased by 42% over four weeks in April, compared with the same period in 2019 and rebounded somewhat to 26 percent in May during the pandemic.(7) The concern is that people with serious medical conditions, like CVD, are avoiding hospitals, according to CDC analysis.(8)

More leading healthcare voices are saying in-person cardiac care visits are now safer in specific areas of the country, though a significant portion of patients may still be hesitant to do so.(9) Major North American cardiovascular societies are simultaneously issuing guidance for health professionals on safely reintroducing diagnostic tests and invasive cardiovascular procedures, with an eye to regions with lower rates of infection.(10) Non-invasive heart monitors for cardiac arrhythmia detection are a crucial diagnostic tool in all vulnerable patient scenarios.

What is clear in all of this is that the pandemic has profoundly changed things societally and in terms of health and healthcare for the foreseeable future. This means that more fact-based studies and evidence are necessary to know where we are in terms of cardiovascular risk cross populations, and where we need to go in the future.

“Cardiologists need real time full disclosure data from remote cardiac monitoring and accurate alerts for ambulatory homebound and post lockdown cardiovascular patients for quick action that could saves lives,” Long says. “Solutions like the MoMe® Kardia platform have an important role to play in remote diagnosis and ongoing empirical data studies that contribute to understanding of the pandemic’s long-term effects and treatment.”

About InfoBionic:

InfoBionic is a digital health company transforming the efficiency and economics of ambulatory remote patient monitoring processes by optimizing clinical and real-world utility for the users that need it most—physicians and their patients. The Massachusetts-based team of seasoned entrepreneurs leverages successful careers in healthcare, IT, medical devices, and mobile technology, along with specific expertise in remote monitoring and cardiology. Their first-hand experience with the complexities of traditional cardiac arrhythmia detection and monitoring processes led to design of the transformative MoMe® Kardia platform to remove the roadblocks, thus amounting to a faster and more effective process for decision-making and diagnosis. InfoBionic is the recipient of the Frost & Sullivan 2019 North American Remote Cardiac Monitoring Technology Leadership Award. For more information, visit http://www.infobionic.com.

1.    Maria Cohut, Ph.D. “New study warns of COVID-19 impact on cardiovascular health,” Medical News Today, May 19, 2020, medicalnewstoday.com/articles/new-study-warns-of-covid-19-impact-on-cardiovascular-health

2.    Ekaterina Pesheva. “COVID-19 may spark cardiac trouble in multiple ways,” Harvard Gazette, April 14, 2020, news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/04/covid-19s-consequences-for-the-heart/

3.    “Coronavirus cases plummet by 44% due to shelter-in-place orders, according to this study drawing on CDC data,” May 5, 2020, MarketWatch, marketwatch.com/story/coronavirus-cases-drop-by-up-to-44-due-to-shelter-in-place-orders-study-drawing-on-cdc-data-shows-2020-05-04

4.    “These are the ways doctors think coronavirus can attack the body,” World Economic Forum, May 1, 2020, weforum.org/agenda/2020/05/covid-19-lungs-heart-blood-brain/

5.    “Coronavirus doctor’s diary: Is lockdown good for your heart?” BBC News, May 5, 2020, bbc.com/news/health-52535044

6.    Michael O’Riordan. “COVID-19 Lockdown Inactivity May Spell Trouble for CVD Prevention,” tctMD, April 24, 2020, tctmd.com/news/covid-19-lockdown-inactivity-may-spell-trouble-cvd-prevention

7.    By Reed Abelson. “E.R. Visits Drop Sharply During Pandemic,” New York Times, June 3, 2020, nytimes.com/2020/06/03/health/hospitals-coronavirus.html

8.    Kathleen P. Hartnett et. Al others. “Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Emergency Department Visits — United States, January 1, 2019–May 30, 2020,” CDC, June 3, 2020, cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6923e1.htm

9.    “Life after lockdown should start with this healthy to-do list,” American Heart Association, June 3, 2020, heart.org/en/news/2020/06/03/life-after-lockdown-should-start-with-this-healthy-to-do-list

10.    “Safe Reintroduction of Cardiovascular Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Guidance from North American Society Leadership,” The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, April 27, 2020, annalsthoracicsurgery.org/article/S0003-4975(20)30688-3/pdf

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SAN DIEGO (PRWEB)
June 15, 2020

R3 Stem Cell International is now offering a new program for stroke patients at its Mexico clinic. The stroke treatment includes upwards of 200 million stem cells and starts at only $8975.

When it comes to stroke therapy, traditional options typically fall short for significant recovery and entail potential risks. When it comes to regenerative therapies, R3 International has had excellent success with stem cell treatment for stroke patients at its Tijuana clinic.

Depending on the patient’s stroke history, treatment will include between 90 million and 200 million stem cells in either a 5 day stay, or with four visits over a year. Initially, patients have a free phone consultation with R3’s licensed and experienced stem cell doctor.

Options for stem cell therapy for stroke in Mexico include either IV therapy, intrathecal, or both. If a patient desires simply a one time treatment, that option is available for just $2975 for 30 million stem cells or $3975 for 50 million cells.

According to R3 CEO David Greene, MD, MBA, “Treatments at our Mexico Center are not only clinically effective, but very cost effective. Similar treatments in the US or Panama would cost two to four times as much!”

The umbilical cord stem cell biologics used at R3’s Mexico clinic are obtained from consenting donors after a scheduled c-section, with no harm to baby or mother. The quality assurance standards at the lab exceed those of the FDA in the US, with safety being of utmost importance.

Once the free phone consultation is completed with R3 International, the patient concierge representative will assist with all travel logistics. The representative will also provide escorted transportation from San Diego to the clinic, which only takes twenty minutes.

Simply call (888) 988-0515 for scheduling and visit https://stemcelltreatmentclinic.com for more information.

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SCOTCH PLAINS, N.J. (PRWEB)
June 15, 2020

VA Top Docs and VA Top Dentists are proud to feature the following May 2020 approved providers.

VA TOP DOCS INCLUDE:

ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY

CARDIOLOGY

• Dr. Omar A. Ali
• Dr. Neal S. Gaither
• Dr. Raushan K. Abdula
• Dr. Jeffrey E. Askew
• Dr. Tariq A. Aziz
• Dr. Subash B. Bazaz
• Dr. Christine D. Bussey
• Dr. Felix D. Castro
• Dr. Archer Baskerville
• Dr. Steven F. Berman
• Dr. Khalid Abousy
• Dr. Ather Anis

CRITICAL CARE

DERMATOLOGY

• Dr. Liana Abramova
• Dr. William K. Dehart

ENDOCRINOLOGY

FAMILY PRACTICE

• Dr. Christine M. Aiello
• Dr. Malarmathi Anbarasan
• Dr. Jeffrey K. Arbuckle
• Dr. Elizabeth D. Bakhshi
• Dr. Rumki Banerjee
• Dr. John G. Barnes
• Dr. Beata Barreto
• Dr. Jeffrey G. Blanchard
• Dr. D. Mark Bradshaw
• Dr. John E. Brady
• Dr. Bruce S. Britton
• Dr. Tracy M. Buni
• Dr. Mary A. Cecil
• Dr. Leanne J. Cha
• Dr. George Chaconas
• Dr. Lie-Ping Chang
• Dr. John A. Clay
• Dr. Wilson Cook
• Dr. Gregory J. Craddock
• Dr. Alicia Cress
• Dr. Kenneth B. Davis
• Dr. Todd H. Dehli

GASTROENTEROLOGY

• Dr. Anant S. Damle
• Dr. Danielle J. Culbert

GENERAL SURGERY

• Dr. Matthew L. Brengman
• Dr. Virginia Chiantella
• Dr. James W. Cook
• Dr. Diane R. Cox
• Dr. Francis Cuozzo

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

• Dr. Arthur Chutuape
• Dr. Rahel Amare

INTERNAL MEDICINE

• Dr. Sheena Abraham
• Dr. Nazanin Alemzadeh
• Dr. Tahir Allauddin
• Dr. Mohit Anand
• Dr. Dana R. Buchanan
• Dr. Patricia J. Burkwall
• Dr. Sean Cowley
• Dr. Joanne G. Crantz
• Dr. Carolyn J. Dalldorf
• Dr. Joseph P. David
• Dr. Sameh G. Aziz

NEUROLOGY

• Dr. John R. Baker
• Dr. Matthew S. Boyce

OB/GYN

• Dr. Amy Banulis
• Dr. Christina Baraty
• Dr. Virginia G. Barber
• Dr. Siobhan Bertolino
• Dr. Linda Brown
• Dr. Sanam E. Campbell
• Dr. Arshed A. Choudhry

ONCOLOGY / HEMATOLOGY

OPHTHALMOLOGY

• Dr. Juan A. Astruc Jr.
• Dr. Gitanjali B. Baveja
• Dr. J. William Bowles
• Dr. David M. Bowman
• Dr. Stephen M. Busch
• Dr. Melanie J. Buttross
• Dr. Timothy R. Byrnes
• Dr. Dal W. Chun
• Dr. James L. Combs
• Dr. Gustavo A. Corrales

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

• Dr. Chirstofer Catterson
• Dr. Nathan W. Coleman
• Dr. Daniel J. Cuttica

PEDIATRICS

• Dr. Samantha Ahdoot
• Dr. Roxanne M. Allegretti
• Dr. Gayle C. Bates
• Dr. Joseph A. Bellanti
• Dr. Ernette Y. Benson-Foulk
• Dr. Gemila H. Bouber
• Dr. Laura Charette
• Dr. Sarah I. Cheema
• Dr. Rebekah B. Conroy
• Dr. Cynthia L. Costenbader
• Dr. Ronda Davis

PHYSICAL MEDICINE / REHABILITATION

PLASTIC / COSMETIC SURGERY

• Dr. Sharline Z. Aboutanos
• Dr. Balvant Arora
• Dr. Saied Asfa
• Dr. Haven J. Barlow Jr.
• Dr. Timothy J. Bill
• Dr. George J. Bitar
• Dr. Nadia P. Blanchet
• Dr. Stephen M. Chen

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

UROLOGY

VASCULAR SURGERY

—–

About Us

VA Top Docs is a comprehensive, trusted and exclusive healthcare resource featuring reviewed and approved Top Doctors and Dentists in Virginia online in an easy to use format. VA Top Docs only reviews and approves providers based on merit after they have been extensively vetted.

VA Top Docs is a division of USA Top Docs which allows patients to meet providers online before making their appointment.

For more information, e-mail us at info@VATopDocs.com and/or visit http://www.VATopDocs.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

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