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.

Fast Rx and Benasource Pharmacy Buying Group Ink Deal


As Covid-19 hampers pharmacist ability to staff stores, Benasource was looking for a digital healthcare tool that easily and quickly transfers prescriptions between divergent pharmacy systems operating from different locations.

Vinesh Darji, President for Benasource stated, “We measured Fast Rx Transfer for its safety, stability and platform speed against the existing, traditional process that our members use, which is typical of most pharmacies. We found that, not only did Fast Rx Transfer save each member significant time per transfer, the process was error-free, and efficient when transferring, or receiving prescriptions ‘into’ and ‘out of’ our pharmacy prescription dispensing queue; this of course was extraordinary.”

Darji further explained, “Prior to Covid-19 it was taking our members an average of twenty- minutes for processing a prescription ‘into’ and ‘out of’ their pharmacy software. However, Fast Rx’s automated Fast Rx Transfer solution helped staff complete transfers in less than one-minute per transfer, you can imagine our excitement to roll it out across our member base.” https://youtu.be/_J2e4v6yj90

Fast Rx Transfer, Inc. was founded by two pharmacist – formerly Walgreens and Kroger’s regional pharmacy leaders who left their prestigious jobs, and ventured into pharmacy ownership where they discovered, and then patented Fast Rx Transfer’s unique one-way and two-way cloud-based, digital prescription transfer solution. The entrepreneurs recently partnered with Rochester, NY. based AshHEALTH LLC. naming the company founder, Ashton Maaraba, an industry power broker as the company’s managing partner, board member and lead advisor.

The partnership with Benasource is a testament to the hard work and commitment Fast Rx has delivered to pharmacist and the profession, we are excited to work with Benasource and to serve their members” Adds, William Parker, CEO.

About Benasource Pharmacy Buying Group

Founded in 2020, Benasource is an independent retail pharmacy buying group specializing in retail, compounding and specialty medication dispensing and value- based care services. Currently, there are 60 franchise locations situated throughout 29 states, including Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Georgia, Nevada, Louisiana, New York, Missouri, Mississippi, Maryland, Ohio, Indiana, and Idaho. Projections call for continued rapid growth as the organization seeks to substantially increase its customer base, while ensuring experiences match expectations at every touchpoint. To learn more about Benasource please visit http://www.benasource.com

About Fast Rx Transfer, Inc.

Founded by pharmacists, Fast Rx Transfer, Inc. was created to improve pharmacy workflow, increase efficiencies and simplify transfers through electronic transactions. Today, each of us is proud to contribute to making American healthcare safer, better, and connected like never before. To learn more about Fast Rx Transfer please visit http://www.fastrxtransfer.com

Program Video Links (To view video Copy and Paste to your web browser)

Traditional Prescription Transfer – the problem

Video #1: https://youtu.be/ktff1FAMnnA

Fast Rx Advertisement

Video #2: https://youtu.be/N9YAkmqxXuk

Portal Demo

Video #3: https://youtu.be/_J2e4v6yj90

AshHEALTH LLC.

AshHEALTH LLC. aims to grow your Health & Wellness driven business, brand, product, service, identity and government affairs. AshHEALTH brokers opportunities for companies unable to gain market penetration, or faced with a struggling business in a competitive pharmacy and health & wellness retail environment. To learn more about AshHEALTH LLC, please visit https://ashhealth.fit/

For additional information please contact Swati Patel, Benasource Communications (813) 331-6825 or via email swati@benasource.com.

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CloudLIMS Redefines Operations in COVID-19 Biobanks with its Ready-to-go-live COVID-19 LIMS


CloudLIMS helps locate COVID-19 specimens seamlessly

CloudLIMS helps locate COVID-19 specimens seamlessly

“As the number of COVID-19 positive cases continue to mount, accelerated clinical trials to develop a vaccine against COVID-19 are urgently needed,” said Arun Apte, Chief Executive Officer at CloudLIMS.

CloudLIMS, a leading provider of laboratory informatics, announces the launch of a ready-to-go-live COVID-19 LIMS. CloudLIMS is preconfigured with CDC approved COVID-19 biorepository SOPs and can be quickly set up in less than a week.

With the global pandemic gaining a strong foothold worldwide, CloudLIMS previously announced the offering of its flagship product, CloudLIMS Enterprise, free of charge to SARS-CoV-2 & COVID-19 research, testing laboratories, and biobanks to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. CloudLIMS now invites COVID-19 biobanks to use its product to manage COVID-19 specimens and associated metadata, streamline and automate workflows right from sample accessioning, quality control tests, the shipment of specimens to researchers, and for the safe disposal of expired specimens.

Quality biobanking of COVID-19 specimens is underpinned by standardization and best practices. CloudLIMS, an in the cloud COVID-19 LIMS, enables COVID-19 biobanks to follow international standards and guidelines including ISO 20387:2018, HIPAA, EU GDPR, ISBER Best Practices to maintain quality specimens. High-quality COVID-19 specimens accelerate clinical research and trials on COVID-19, on population-based cohort studies, viral genome mutation studies, and molecular epidemiological studies.

CloudLIMS’ self-serve client portal enables researchers to place a procurement request for SARS-CoV-2 specimens and track request status in real-time. The client portal also enables researchers to place storage requests for COVID-19 specimens and attach notes for handling or storage of specimens.

CloudLIMS enables COVID-19 biobanks to mirror their storage and inventory, automatically assign storage locations to COVID-19 specimens, enabling them to quickly locate samples and safely handle them. It also helps manage control specimens obtained from healthy individuals 2-3 months before the outbreak. COVID-19 testing laboratories use control samples to determine the reliability of test results.

COVID-19 biobanks can seamlessly manage the training and competency of their staff in handling, processing, proper packaging, and shipment of COVID-19 specimens. CloudLIMS helps biobanks manage patient consent, anonymize Protected Health Information (PHI), and generate custom reports of COVID-19 specimens, patients, and studies in a few clicks.

CloudLIMS’ Rest API is preconfigured to support integration with third-party software, such as patient registries, EMR, LIS, and instruments used in specimen quality control tests.

“As the number of COVID-19 positive cases continue to mount, accelerated clinical trials to develop a vaccine against COVID-19 are urgently needed. Biobanks serve as an indispensable tool to accelerate COVID-19 research and trials, enabling biobanks to provide needed samples for COVID-19 research. We have preconfigured CloudLIMS to support COVID-19 biobanking workflows,” said Arun Apte, Chief Executive Officer at CloudLIMS. “CloudLIMS can be deployed within a week and can help biobanks manage an unprecedented influx of COVID-19 specimens while maintaining international standards for quality biobanking,” he further added.

About CloudLIMS

Established in 2013, CloudLIMS is an energetic team of professionals producing cutting edge laboratory software solutions, such as sample management software and LIMS. For more information, please visit: http://www.cloudlims.com.

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Everything you need to know about fat-freezing CoolSculpting


Many of us struggle with shifting stubborn fat, even with a good diet and healthy exercise regime certain fat cells just don’t seem to budge. Losing belly fat, back fat or even a double chin can at times feel out of reach. There are now alternative ways to remove unwanted fat cells with a tailored non-surgical procedure with the highest level trained CoolSculpting practitioners at Pulse Light Clinic. CoolSculpting is a great alternative to liposuction, with a non-surgical approach with no downtime needed. This treatment does not require any anaesthetic, time off work, no garment post-treatment or weekly massages like liposuction.

CoolSculpting has no risk of infection as it is a non-invasive fat reduction procedure. Unlike other fat freezing/fat removal techniques, there is no need for diet and exercise as the fat cell walls are permanently destroyed.

CoolSculpting allows the fat to be frozen away through Cryolipolysis and gets disposed of out of our body’s natural digestive process (through your pee). CoolSculpting uses this revolutionary discovery in a safe, effective and FDA approved way. Pulse Light Clinic explain the treatment procedure further.

“How does the treatment work?

The CoolSculpting hand-piece is placed over the area of the unwanted fat area to be treated and left from 35 minutes. During this time, client’s can rest, read, check emails or even nap! While relaxing the fat is being frozen, causing the fat cells to die and the body’s natural processes then flush out these dead cells, removing them from the area and eventually the entire body.

Is Fat Freezing | CoolSculpting Permanent?

Yes, CoolSculpting is a permanent solution to get rid of stubborn fat cells. The fat cells are crystalised and frozen through CoolSculpting treatment, they are destroyed naturally and gone forever! Any remaining fat cells can still enlarge over time if weight is put on in the future and can therefore affect results, but typically if you regain the same weight and BMI (Body Mass Index) as treated your results will be visible.

What results can I expect from CoolSculpting?

An average of about 25% fat reduction is seen per treatment, and more than one treatment is recommended to see optimum results.

The final results are fully visible within 6-12 weeks, as the body uses this time to flush away the dead fat cells.

These results are permanent as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Am I suitable for CoolSculpting?

The ideal candidate for fat reduction with CoolSculpting is a client within a stone of their ideal or normal body weight. The client must have enough pinch able fat in order to fit into the applicator. We cater to a variety of sizes using different sizes of applicators from petite to large depending on the size of the fat and the area of the body. Most clients are suitable for CoolSculpting, however, obese, breastfeeding or pregnant clients are not suitable as well as clients suffering from severe Raynaud’s disease (if you suffer this hands and feet is more likely you are still suitable for this treatment).

Which areas of the body are CoolSculpting appropriate for?

The CoolSculpting procedure can treat visible fat bulges in the Chin, Arms, Abdominal, Flanks, Waist, Bra Fat, Auxiliary Puffs, Inner Thighs, Outer Thigh, Banana rolls, Back Fat, Man Boobs, Breast Fat Tissue.”

Pulse Light Clinic http://www.pulselightclinic.co.uk has three clinics in London, based around the City and Central London. We have specialised exclusively in laser and light technology since 2001. Pulse Light Clinic has since expanded in constantly researching and testing new advanced lasers on the markets to treat all skin problems and enhancements with in-house Doctors and Nutritionist.

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Leapfrog Group Awards Top Safety Grades to 13 Trinity Health Hospitals


Achieving ‘A’ grades in patient safety takes consistent intentions and unwavering dedication to patients. Congratulations to the clinicians, leaders and staffs of these high-achieving hospitals and thank them for their commitment to the people we serve.

The Leapfrog Group recognized 13 Trinity Health hospitals with “A” grades, the highest score possible for patient safety in its spring 2020 Hospital Safety Grades report.

“Achieving ‘A’ grades in patient safety takes consistent intentions and unwavering dedication to patients,” said Tammy Lundstrom, M.D., J.D., chief medical officer for Trinity Health. “Congratulations to the clinicians, leaders and staffs of these high-achieving hospitals and thank them for their commitment to the people we serve.”

The system’s 13 high-achieving ministries are:


  • Holy Cross Germantown Hospital in Germantown, Maryland
  • Johnson Memorial Medical Center in Stafford Springs, Connecticut
  • Loyola Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in Melrose Park, Illinois
  • Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois
  • Mercy Health Hackley Campus in Muskegon, Michigan
  • Mercy Health Saint Mary’s in Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Mount Carmel St. Ann’s in Westerville, Ohio
  • St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center in Hartford, Connecticut
  • St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea in Chelsea, Michigan
  • St. Joseph Mercy Livingston in Howell, Michigan
  • St. Joseph Mercy Oakland in Pontiac, Michigan
  • St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center in Syracuse, New York
  • St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, Pennsylvania

An independent, nonprofit organization, the Leapfrog Group semiannually assigns “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” and “F” letter grades to 2,600 general, acute-care hospitals in the United States, using up to 28 national performance measures from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Taken together, those performance measures produce a single letter grade representing a hospital’s overall performance in keeping patients safe from preventable harm and medical errors. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade methodology has been peer reviewed and published in the Journal of Patient Safety.

Administered on behalf of employers and other purchasers, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the nation’s only rating system focused entirely on errors, accidents, injuries and infections. It is becoming the gold standard measure of patient safety, cited in MSNBC, The New York Times and AARP The Magazine.

Some ministries have been engaged with the study — and earning high grades — for many years: St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea, with 14 “As” in the last 15 rating periods; Loyola Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, with eight “As” over nine rating periods, and St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, with seven “As” in a row.

In addition, 18 Trinity Health hospitals earned commendable “B” grades, with goals to strive toward improved performance. Three of these hospitals have shown steady, upward progress over several rating periods:

  • Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland
  • St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor in Ypsilanti, Michigan

Safety Grade methodology is reviewed by a national panel of experts, which is guided by the Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are assigned twice a year, in the spring and fall.

About Trinity Health

Trinity Health is one of the largest multi-institutional Catholic health care delivery systems in the nation, serving diverse communities that include more than 30 million people across 22 states. Trinity Health includes 92 hospitals, as well as 106 continuing care locations that include PACE programs, senior living facilities and home care and hospice services. Its continuing care programs provide nearly 2.5 million visits annually. Based in Livonia, Michigan, and with annual operating revenues of $19.3 billion and assets of $27 billion, the organization returns $1.2 billion to its communities annually in the form of charity care and other community benefit programs. Trinity Health employs about 125,000 colleagues, including about 7,500 employed physicians and clinicians. For more information, visit http://www.trinity-health.org. You can also follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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Pueblo Bonito Resorts Defines Cleanliness and Safety for Guests with CARE Pledge


News Image

We understand how crucial it is to establish new standards of cleanliness, hygiene and social distancing. To ensure a safe environment for our guests and staff, we have partnered with various medical specialists and PREVERISK. -Alberto Coppel, CEO of Pueblo Bonito Resorts

With early reports indicating that the spread of COVID-19 is beginning to ease, the Mexican Federal Government has announced that the quarantine in place will end on May 31st. Pueblo Bonito’s collection of world-class resorts are scheduled to reopen on June 1st, with each property diligently preparing to welcome back guests.

“We understand how crucial it is to establish new standards of cleanliness, hygiene and social distancing,” said Alberto Coppel, CEO of Pueblo Bonito Resorts. “To ensure a safe environment for our guests and staff, we have partnered with various medical specialists and PREVERISK, a global leader in hotel consulting.” The company is certified in preventive protocols for COVID-19 (COVID-19 Hygiene Response Certificate), disinfection, hygiene, general sanitation and food safety.

“In addition to tapping the expertise of our consultants, the hygiene practices at the resorts will meet or exceed the recommendations of local and international health authorities,” Coppel stated. “At all times, our priority is the health and safety of our owners, guests and coworkers.”

Pueblo Bonito Resorts has also instituted its own CARE Pledge. CARE translates to Conscientious Service, Advanced Standards, Rigorous Sanitation, Elevated Hygiene.

The luxury resort collection has established safety and sanitary protocols for all operational areas—from arrival at the international airport in Los Cabos, to the front entrances of the resorts; in rooms, at the pools, spa and fitness areas, Quivira Golf Club and in the restaurants.

For example, all guest luggage will be sanitized upon arrival, and guests will enter a sanitation cabin and receive temperature checks with an infrared digital thermometer. Mobile pre-check-in will be available and social distancing protocols of six feet will be established in all public areas, including pools and restaurants. A full set of guidelines may be found here.

Resort management will continue to monitor guidelines and update procedures, as necessary.

“We look forward to serving our guests again, and pledge to do so in the safest possible environment,” Coppel said. “Until then, stay healthy and safe!”

For additional information on Pueblo Bonito Resorts visit http://www.pueblobonito.com.

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About Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts

Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts include eight award-winning properties in two destinations, Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán, all offering luxury all-inclusive options. Each of the properties has its own personality, design and ambiance, yet all share the same high level of impeccable quality and distinguished atmosphere.

In Cabo San Lucas, the adults-only Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort is the ideal setting for a romantic getaway, while Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort, with its large, all ocean-view suites, is perfect for families. Pueblo Bonito Rosé Resort & Spa and Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos, both located on El Médano beach, have the best to offer vacationers looking to be right in the middle of all the Cabo action. In Mazatlán, the elegant jewel Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort & Spa overlooks the Pacific Ocean and a private beach, while the charming Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán, is located in the famous Golden Zone. Both resorts are great for family vacations and romantic getaways. For more information visit http://www.pueblobonito.com, find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pueblobonitoresort and follow us on Twitter @PuebloBonito.

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Amerilodge Group Announces Blood Drive in Sterling Heights, Michigan


Amerilodge Group, a hotel ownership and management company based in Bloomfield Hills, today proudly announced the results of the blood drive that was held on April 27, 2020 at the Wyndham Garden Sterling Heights hotel at:

34911 Van Dyke Avenue

Sterling Heights, MI 48312

Phone Number: (586) 979-1400

Website: https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wyndham-garden/sterling-heights-michigan/wyndham-garden-sterling-heights/overview

The blood that was collected will help 69 Hospital patients. (This is the IMPORTANT PART) 69 LIVES SAVED. (Since every blood donor can save 3 lives.) This made a huge difference in the lives of those in need and further preventing dangerous blood shortages in the community.

Luxurious weddings, unparalleled business events, and seamless celebrations come to fruition at our Wyndham Garden Sterling Heights hotel, featuring extensive event space. Located in central Sterling Heights, we are convenient to a number of nearby businesses, including BAE Systems, FCA Warren Stamping Plant, Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Ford Motor Company’s Van Dyke Plant, and General Motors Technical Center, making us the perfect stop for business travelers to the region. For guests flying in from out of state, we are under an hour from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and Bishop International Airport (FNT).

Thirteen polished meeting rooms — with space for up to 1420 guests banquet-style and 2200 guests conference-style — allow our guests the flexibility to hold events of all sizes. Our Meeting Professionals make the process of planning your events seamless, from equipping your event with the finest technical equipment and standing by to facilitate any last minute needs. We offer a singular event experience that includes the use of our onsite convenience store, full AV equipment for special events, coffee shop, restaurant, and snack bar, as well as state-of-the-art business center and free parking.

Asad Malik, President & CEO of the Amerilodge Group said “Social Responsibility is a huge part of our culture at our hotels. We strongly feel and believe it’s our obligation to be involved in our local communities.”

“The American Red Cross is so very grateful for the constant support of the Wyndham Garden Sterling Heights. This organization has been a valued partner in our lifesaving efforts in the community for many years. Their commitment to helping the community and people in need is unwavering. When there is a need for blood or a community need they are always there, always stepping up to help. The staff is amazing, friendly, accommodating, and dedicated. “said Bridget McCormick, Donor Recruitment Representative with the American Red Cross,” Paul Scalzi, General Manager said. “We feel honored and privileged to help our community in time of need. I have worked with the American Red Cross for 12 years now and look forward to assisting them in the future.”

The next “Blood Drive” at the Wyndham Garden Sterling Heights with the American Red Cross will be on June 5, 2020 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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Oakworks is Helping Spas Reopen


Oakworks Medical Division has collaborated with our Spa Team to help bring its expertise in disinfecting to the new challenges facing the spa industry.

“We have been developing and selling medical equipment for 15 years, and we realized the knowledge we have gained needed to be focused on helping the spa industry open safely. Our TerraTouch fabric, which we have used for all our products in the medical and spa industries, holds up well to the harsh disinfectants that the CDC recommends for COVID-19. So, developing a line of products that can cover elements of the treatment space with this fabric makes sense.”, said Jeff Riach, CEO of Oakworks, Inc.

It’s important for practitioners to understand that all sheets and any layers beneath them that are not separated by a waterproof barrier must be changed with every client. All fleeces, table warmers, or extra layers of material including blankets must be washed and sanitized appropriately and replaced for every client.

All surfaces that were in close proximity to the clients must be disinfected regularly, as well. Oakworks TerraTouchTM, used on all our products, passes ISO 10993 standards for use in medical environments. The degree of disinfecting found in hospitals can be accomplished with our products without damage to the fabric, therefore protecting your investments.

Most fabrics currently used in the spa industry have proven themselves incapable of withstanding harsh disinfectants. Our extensive testing has demonstrated that many fabrics crack, stiffen, and shrink, both ruining the table upholstery and its foam. We have designed and constructed the TerraTouch fabric covers to conceal and protect your products from the harsh chemicals needed to safely disinfect your surfaces.

Oakworks Fitted Massage Table Cover is designed to shield materials that spas use with every client. Table warmers and fleeces, for example, can be put under the Fitted Massage Table Cover, leaving only the sheet that is exposed to the client.

Oakworks also makes covers for stools and pillows, along with a full line of tables and positioning accessories- all covered in our durable, medical grade TerraTouch fabric.

Oakworks is committed to helping Spas safely open their doors.

About Oakworks Spa

Our design philosophy is really quite simple; build  beautiful products that support therapist’s ergonomic health and client’s comfort while insuring good value through high quality construction. Our innovative designs have been selected as the brand standard by leading spas, and are found wherever excellence in construction, comfort, and customer service is required. The Signature Collection is tried and true with classic designs and style. Used in hundreds of locations world-wide, from day-spas to remote destination resorts, Oakworks Spa is an industry favorite. With Style, Ease, and Grace, the Masters’ Collection features hundreds of finish combinations that can be configured in the revolutionary on-line design tool, STUDIO. An industry leading warranty and service solutions support our commitment to our customers and their business. For more information, visit https://shop.spatables.com/

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After 268 Years, America’s Oldest, Continuously-Operating Open-air Farmers’ Market Doesn’t Stop for COVID-19


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Call us determined, stubborn or scrappy — but there was no way we were going to let this be the year without an Easton Farmers’ Market.

Photos and video available: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QLwvF-JxSiF29ziBMVG10ord49iBpdtn

The 1918 pandemic couldn’t shut it down. Nor did either of the world wars. Easton Farmers’ Market (EFM) — America’s oldest, continuously-operating open-air market — has been chugging along since before the Revolutionary War. Long before America was even a thing. So when the COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench in the plans for the 2020 season, organizers knew they had to find a way to keep the market going for its 268th year.

“Since it was established in 1752, our market has survived world wars, the Civil War and the 1918 pandemic,” said Easton Market District Director Megan McBride. “If the market’s history and staying power have taught us anything, it’s tenacity. No matter what, there will be an Easton Farmers’ Market. Yes, it’s going to be different this year, but there will be a market.”

Easton’s official town crier announced the market, presented by Capital BlueCross, would open on schedule on Saturday, May 2, in a new location. The market will continue operating Saturdays through November.

“Farmers markets are vital and essential,” McBride said. “We feel a responsibility to feed our community, and to support our local farmers — many of whom have seen their wholesale and restaurant orders dry up. For us, giving up was not an option.”

A rallying cry

To make it work, McBride said it took a whole lot of creative thinking. The market typically sees 4,000 shoppers that fill the center of town every Saturday. But to leave enough room for socially distant shopping for customers and 25 vendors, organizers had to move the entire market from its home in Centre Square, Easton, to neighboring Scott Park. Vendors needed to be spaced 10-20 feet apart, and customers needed six feet in between them. An outdoor, foot-pedal sink and sanitizer stations had to be brought in. Easton Ambassadors — the city’s clean and safe team run by the same nonprofit Greater Easton Development Partnership that runs EFM — would be needed to help customers navigate the new layout and control the number of shoppers in the market at a given time.

But the biggest hurdle would require help from the whole city. Scott Park is a narrow stretch of grass sandwiched between the Delaware River that divides Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and a busy two-lane road. To make the market work, they’d need to shut down the road to allow vendors to line both sides of the street, and customers to move from one spray-painted ground circle to the next circle placed six feet away.

McBride said she knew shutting down a major thoroughfare was a big ask, but Mayor Sal Panto Jr. made it happen.

“Closing down a major roadway is easy for the farmers market,” Mayor Panto said. “Not only has it been the lifeblood of many farmers since its founding in 1752, it is still an important component of life in this region. Fresh produce, vegetables and people wanting to eat healthy, especially in these trying times, makes a great recipe for success.”

Easton’s riverside location, situated only 1.5 hours from Philly and New York City, made it a crucial port in early days. It also rose to prominence as one of the three places where the Declaration of Independence was first publicly read aloud on July 8, 1776.

Pivoting to new business models

McBride and her team worked with the National Farmers Market Coalition, Penn State Extension, Buy Fresh Buy Local Greater Lehigh Valley, and the Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture to establish safety standards for the producer-only market. Staff and vendors would wear gloves and masks, and customers are required to wear masks as well. The first hour (9-10 a.m.) is reserved for at-risk individuals and shoppers aged 65+.

Farmers rallied, with some creating online stores so customers can pre-order and pay before picking up local produce and fresh bread. Farmers also pivoted their business models to offer grab n’ go veggie bags, butcher boxes and more. They moved to accept new forms of payment, including Venmo, PayPal, and taking personal checks (in addition to cash and credit).

The result paid off, with lines of shoppers patiently waiting last Saturday to meet their farmers and get fresh, local produce.

Shopping at the market offers customers a chance to cut down their supply chain by purchasing pasture-raised meat and eggs, dairy items, local produce, honey and more directly from the farmers/producers. The outdoor market also allows customers to shop in an open-air setting with fewer points of contact.

McBride notes that the market also fills a need for customers who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Thanks to a USDA grant through Buy Fresh Buy Local of the Greater Lehigh Valley (BFBLGLV), the market offers LV Fresh Food Bucks with EBT purchases matched by BFBLGLV, up to $10 per day. Those enrolled in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) for qualified seniors, and those in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program in New Jersey and Pennsylvania will be able to use their vouchers at produce vendors who participate in their state’s programs.

“Call us determined, stubborn or scrappy — but there was no way we were going to let this be the year without an Easton Farmers’ Market,” McBride said. “Besides we’ve got a big birthday celebration we’re planning for July — this year we’ve got 268 candles we’re going to have to squeeze on one really big cake.”

Sponsors for the 2020 EFM season include: Capital BlueCross, Easton Hospital, Nurture Nature Foundation, Martin Guitar, Easton Coach Co. and The Easton Home.

ABOUT: Easton Farmers’ Market (EFM) is a program of the Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP). EFM is America’s longest continuously-running open-air market. It is a producer-only market that features fresh, local produce – the vast majority of which is naturally/organically grown. Customers will also find antibiotic and hormone-free, pasture-raised meats, fresh baked goods, and ready-to-eat items. GEDP is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization focused on Easton’s economic well-being, historical integrity, vibrant culture, and hospitality. It is comprised of Easton Farmers’ Market, Easton Main Street Initiative, Easton Public Market, PA Bacon Fest and the Easton Ambassadors. For more information, visit eastonpartnership.org.

Ion Exhibits Launches Online E-Store For PPE Demands


PPE e-Store

PPE e-Store

With government mandates, essential businesses and the workforce planning on returning to safe environments, Ion is increasing manufacturing capacities of high-quality PPE such as reusable face shields, washable face masks, protective barriers, social distancing floor decals, touch-less tools and more.

Government mandates and better understanding of complete facial protection has increasing demand for face shields. Face shields are being used by all essential industries, including healthcare & dental, manufacturing & food processing facilities, banking, fire & police departments, food shelters, restaurants & retail and more.

Ion continues production of it’s popular washable and breathable 3-ply face masks. The outer layers are 100% cotton, while the inner polypropylene layer provides a protective barrier. Masks are available with a 2 tie system for no ear fatigue or elastic eye loops.

New items recently added to the PPE are

Eye loupe face shields

Acrylic protective barriers

Social distancing foot and one-way floor decals

Touch-less multi-tool with bottle-opener

Find all PPE now on Ion Exhibits exclusive e-store, manufactured in the US by the can do Ion Team

https://ionexhibits-com.3dcartstores.com/

Ion Exhibits has restructured our manufacturing capabilities from focusing on trade show exhibits to personal protective equipment (PPE). By doing so, we have kept our staff working, and more importantly, lending our hands keeping people healthy and saving lives.

The cancellation of trade shows across the country began in March, resulting in over 140 projects being put on hold. This has severely impacted the ability for our team to carry out normal business operations, but we are keeping a can-do attitude by using the hiatus from trade shows as an opportunity to help local communities and businesses.

Our story, at the moment, is manufacturing high-quality washable/reusable face shields and 3-ply masks, portable barriers, social distancing decals and tools. Premium products made locally by our team, for our local communities and businesses in need.

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siParadigm Diagnostic Informatics Launches COVID-19 Testing for the General Public


Testing will be offered to the public at Veterans Memorial Park seven days a week

Individuals do not need to be symptomatic or have known risk factors to receive a test, or nor does anyone need a physician’s order

siParadigm Diagnostic Informatics, a leader in high-complexity medical diagnostics, announces the launch of its mobile COVID-19 testing service for the general public. The New Jersey medical laboratory will partner with local townships and large employers to hold drive-through and on-site testing events.

With this new service, siParadigm will administer COVID-19 tests to whoever wants one. Individuals do not need to be symptomatic or have known risk factors to receive a test, or nor does anyone need a physician’s order. Expanded testing eligibility supports virus containment, making it a critical step towards the resumption of normal activities.

The company’s first drive-through testing site has been set up in partnership with the Borough of Bergenfield, NJ, which had 726 positive cases of the virus as of last week. All residents of Bergenfield will have the opportunity to know their infection status and self-quarantine if necessary.

“Bergenfield has been one of the hardest-hit communities in the state and although we are seeing encouraging signs, we want to be sure that anyone infected with COVID-19 is aware of the situation,” said Mayor Arvin Amatorio. “Testing asymptomatic individuals is a major step forward and we are proud that Bergenfield will be the first municipality in Bergen County to offer this service.”

Upper nasal (nasopharyngeal) samples collected from the respiratory tract will be evaluated using a molecular real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, which has been granted Emergency Use Authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Results will be available within 24 hours, and communicated by email or text message.

siParadigm will bill all health insurance plans as well as Medicare and Medicaid. The out-of-pocket testing fee for individuals without insurance or whose insurer denies payment is $150. In the case of Bergenfield, residents without insurance may be eligible for assistance in paying for the test and should contact the Borough Administrator for more information.

Testing will be offered to the public at Veterans Memorial Park seven days a week. Approximately 1200 tests can be administered each day. Initially, individuals will need to register for the test by texting the word “registration” to 201-267-2488 or booking online at covid.siparadigm.com

“To reduce the spread of the contagion in New Jersey, it’s essential to expand access to COVID-19 testing, and siParadigm is committed to being part of the solution,” said Dr. Sherif Nasr, the company’s President, and Chief Medical Officer. “We’ve developed a safe and efficient process that overcomes several obstacles to widespread testing availability. Improved access to testing for everyone will provide much-needed clarity, and facilitate going back to a safer working environment.”

About siParadigm Diagnostic Informatics

siParadigm empowers informed healthcare planning and decision-making through accurate, timely, and insightful laboratory results. Founded in 2004, siParadigm is the fifth largest Hematopathology/ Oncology laboratory nationwide, serving hundreds of physician office practices and hospitals in 24 states. Its team of board-certified physicians and scientists have decades of experience in state-of-the-art laboratory medicine and high-complexity diagnostics. siParadigm is certified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) Program as a high-complexity laboratory and is accredited by the College of American Pathologists.

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