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.

Poms & Associates Presents a Free Webinar for Employers and Managers about Helping Employees Maintain Their Mental Health While Working from Home


Poms & Assoc. Logo

“This webinar highlights the best practices for mental health while working remotely so that employees not just survive but thrive while working at home during the coronavirus crisis.” – David Poms, founder and president of Poms & Associates

Poms & Associates, a full-service, independent insurance brokerage and risk management firm, today announced the availability of a free educational webinar about mental health best practices that employers, managers and supervisors can relay to their employees while working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of Poms & Associates’ series of webinars about insurance and risk management topics related to COVID-19, the 30-minute webinar is presented by Brenda Barela, a member of the Poms & Associates Risk Control team and a Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO).

In the webinar, titled “Practices for Maintaining Mental Health While Work from Home,” Barela highlights tips for setting a routine, maintaining social connections and exercising. She also discusses how to set up a designated work area at home and repurpose commuting time and outlines several options for exercising both inside and outdoors.

“As the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact all facets of life, the health and safety of employees is paramount,” said David Poms, founder and president of Poms & Associates. “At Poms & Associates, reducing risk is our business and sharing knowledge is our strength. This webinar highlights the best practices for mental health while working remotely so that employees not just survive but thrive while working at home during the coronavirus crisis.”

To view the webinar, go to https://pomsassoc.com/covid19/webinars/. For more information about Poms & Associates, visit https://pomsassoc.com/.

About Poms & Associates

Poms & Associates is a leading full-service, independent insurance brokerage and risk management firm with a proven track record of providing innovative and customized solutions to businesses in high-risk industries. Founded in 1991, the company was built on the premise that knowledge is the best insurance – that is, the best way to help businesses and organizations is to serve not only as an insurance broker but also as an educator about best practices in how to reduce risk and prevent loss before an incident occurs. Poms & Associates today offers a wide range of products and services, including property and casualty insurance for commercial organizations and public entities, risk control, human resources and employee benefits and private services for high net-worth individuals. Among the top 50 independent brokerage firms in the U.S., Poms & Associates is headquartered in Woodland Hills, Calf. It maintains branch offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, Calif., the San Francisco Bay Area, Albuquerque, N.M. and Dayton, Ohio. For more information, visit https://pomsassoc.com/.

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Chick-fil-A Deploys Cambro Handwash Stations to Promote Hygiene


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A handwash station is essential for any operation that is providing services where running water is not immediately accessible.

Chick-fil-A announced they are providing outdoor handwashing stations, made by Cambro Manufacturing, for their employees at all drive-thru and mall/in-line curbside locations across the nation in an ongoing roll out. The move aligns with the CDC’s advisement that handwashing with soap and water is the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection.

To combat the spread of COVID-19, Chick-fil-A is advising their employees to wash their hands a minimum of every 30 minutes and every time they interact with cash. The addition of Cambro Handwash Stations gives employees access to soap and water no matter where they’re interacting with customers around the restaurant. Each restaurant is equipped with at least one outdoor handwash station; locations with multiple drive-thru lanes and points of contact are encouraged to provide more units.

Cambro’s Camtainer and Handwash Accessory are designed to be efficient, hygienic and transportable. Setup a Camtainer wherever you need water to be readily available for handwashing and install the accompanying Easy Serve Dispenser Lever to decrease water waste. Provide a safe supply of liquid soap and paper towels by combining the Camtainer with Cambro’s compact Handwash Accessory. A handwash station is essential for any operation that is providing services where running water is not immediately accessible.

About Cambro Manufacturing

Cambro Manufacturing is a leading manufacturer and distributor of equipment and products to the foodservice industry worldwide. Brothers William and Argyle Campbell founded Cambro in 1951 with a small factory in Huntington Beach, Calif. More than 60 years later, Cambro is still a family-owned and privately held company committed to innovation, quality and value. More information on Cambro is available at http://www.cambro.com.

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Optimized SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Quality Controls Released by ZeptoMetrix®


NATSARS(COV2)-ERC
NATtrol SARS-CoV-2 Positive Quality Control

“Due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, we were tasked to develop and deploy reliable, user-friendly commercial solutions for ready-to-use, non-infectious SARS-CoV-2 full process molecular quality controls under accelerated timelines.”

Continuing in its efforts to rapidly respond to today’s COVID-19 pandemic, ZeptoMetrix Corporation (ZMC) announced today the development and release of a ready-to-use SARS-CoV-2 molecular quality control formulated with purified intact viral particles that have been chemically modified to render them non-infectious and refrigerator stable:


  •     NATtrol SARS-CoV-2 Positive Control
  •     Product Number: NATSARS(COV2)-ERC

Complementing the release of the positive control is a negative control formulated with human A549 cells:

  •     NATtrol SARS-CoV-2 Negative Control
  •     Product Number: NATSARS(COV2)-NEG

“Due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, we were tasked to develop and deploy reliable, user-friendly commercial solutions for ready-to-use, non-infectious SARS-CoV-2 full process molecular quality controls under accelerated timelines. Today, I am extremely proud to announce that ZeptoMetrix has launched such controls – containing purified intact viral particles of actual SARS-CoV-2 that provide laboratories, hospitals and research facilities with essential external run controls to help ensure the reliability of COVID-19 testing”, explains Shawn R. Smith, President & CEO of ZeptoMetrix.

“In conjunction with our existing and ever expanding product portfolio, we recognize the responsibility embodied by our company’s ability to meet today’s challenges and to positively impact public health efforts by leveraging the many capabilities we possess. From initial sourcing of the virus to carefully controlled processing in containment labs and through the array of technical, operational and logistical resources deployed against this endeavor, our company rose to the challenge by displaying the commitment and perseverance required to succeed, especially in these challenging times.”

Today more than ever, it is critical to global healthcare that we have a more complete understanding of Infectious Diseases and the diagnostic technologies employed in their testing. ZeptoMetrix has enhanced its coronavirus product line and has made it a priority to ensure product availability to diagnostic companies developing new and improved tests as well as those laboratories in hospitals and clinics seeking to ensure the reliability of the tests they perform.

ZEPTOMETRIX CORONAVIRUS PRODUCTS:

SARS-CoV-2

NATtrol SARS-CoV-2 Positive Control – NATSARS(COV2)-ERC

NATtrol SARS-CoV-2 Negative Control – NATSARS(COV2)-NEG

NATtrol SARS-CoV-2 Stock – NATSARS(COV2)-ST

SARS-CoV-2 Isolate: USA-WA1/2020 Heat Inactivated Culture Fluid – 0810587CFHI-0.5ML

SARS-CoV-2 Isolate: USA-WA1/2020 Heat Inactivated Culture Fluid – 0810587CFHI

SARS-CoV-2 Recombinant

NATtrol SARS-CoV-2 (recombinant) Stock – 0831042

NATtrol SARS-CoV-2 (E/ORF1ab recombinant) Stock – 0831043

SARS 2003-00592

NATtrol Coronavirus SARS Stock – NATSARS-ST

Coronavirus 229E

NATtrol Coronavirus 229E Stock – NATCOV(229E)-ST

Coronavirus Strain: 229E Culture Fluid – 0810229CF

Coronavirus Strain: 229E Heat Inactivated Culture Fluid – 0810229CFHI

Coronavirus Strain: 229E Lysate – 0810229

Coronavirus NL63

NATtrol Coronavirus NL63 Stock – NATCOV(NL63)-ST

Coronavirus Strain: NL63 Culture Fluid – 0810228CF

Coronavirus Strain: NL63 Heat Inactivated Culture Fluid – 0810228CFHI

Coronavirus Strain: NL63 Lysate – 0810228

Coronavirus OC43

NATtrol Coronavirus OC43 Stock – NATCOV(OC43)-ST

Coronavirus Strain: OC43 Culture Fluid – 0810024CF

Coronavirus Strain: OC43 Heat Inactivated Culture Fluid – 0810024CFHI

Coronavirus Strain: OC43 Lysate – 0810024

MERS-CoV Florida/USA-2_Saudi Arabia_2014

NATtrol MERS-CoV Stock – NATMERS-ST

MERS-CoV Strain: Florida/USA-2_Saudi Arabia_2014 Culture Fluid – 0810575CF

MERS-CoV Strain: Florida/USA-2_Saudi Arabia_2014 Heat Inactivated Culture Fluid – 0810575CFHI

About ZeptoMetrix®

ZeptoMetrix Corporation (ZMC) is an established industry leader in the design, development, and delivery of innovative, quality solutions to the Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market. Our expertise and abilities in Molecular Diagnostics, including External Quality Controls, Verification Panels, Proficiency Panels, Customized and OEM Products/Services have set the industry standard for performance and reliability and made ZeptoMetrix the preferred choice for independent 3rd party QC materials.

Founded in 1999, ZeptoMetrix is headquartered in Buffalo, NY with additional facilities in Franklin, Massachusetts.

About NATtrol™

Globally, millions of people are tested for infectious diseases each year. The implications of reporting either a false positive or a false negative can be devastating to the patient. Accurate and sensitive diagnostics are necessary to confirm that laboratories are providing patients with proper testing results. Utilizing ZeptoMetrix NATtrol QC materials on a consistent basis helps to monitor testing performance and enhance confidence in testing results.

ZeptoMetrix NATtrol Molecular Diagnostics products are an essential component of today’s ever-evolving testing market and are designed to provide safe, accurate and cost-effective support for activities relating to the analysis and identification of possible disease-causing microorganisms. The patented ZeptoMetrix NATtrol process renders highly-purified microorganisms non-infectious while allowing internal nucleic acids to remain intact, thereby serving as an ideal reference material for molecular diagnostic testing applications. Representing a total process control, from DNA extraction through amplification and eventual detection, NATtrol products are ready-to-use, refrigerator stable, and safe for operators to handle.

The routine and repetitive use of NATtrol™ External Run Controls and Verification Panels help enable laboratories to monitor performance and identify trends in daily test variations, test kit lot changes, and among individual operators.

For Sales and/or information regarding ZeptoMetrix, NATtrol Molecular Quality Controls & Panels, and Development/Custom Services, please contact ZeptoMetrix Customer Service.

Contact:

ZeptoMetrix Corporation, Customer Service

878 Main Street

Buffalo, NY 14202

716-882-0920

custserv@zeptometrix.com

Media:

Michael Hershfield, Vice President, Sales & Marketing

508-553-5852

mhershfield@zeptometrix.com

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When Eating Disorders Complicate Pregnancy and Postpartum


Being a busy mom focusing on her infant child can be an effective cover for an eating disorder.

“I felt better about myself when I wasn’t eating. I was taking care of my baby. I was losing weight.”

It is not uncommon for women to experience mixed emotions during pregnancy. One moment, a woman may find herself feeling extremely excited for her new bundle of joy and the next moment worrying about the changes with her body and weight gain. For some who have a preexisting eating disorder, pregnancy could exacerbate their symptoms and behaviors while some who have a history of eating disorders may find themselves fearful of a relapse. Women who do not have an eating disorder history may find themselves experiencing disordered thoughts related to food, eating, and body image during pregnancy, which can be a disconcerting development.

The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) states that according to national surveys, 20 million women in America are estimated to have an eating disorder at some point in their lives [1]. These disorders include anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), or OFSED (other specified feeding or eating disorder). NEDA notes that an eating disorder can be triggered by pregnancy itself.

In addition to the emotional ups and downs of pregnancy, when a woman is faced with the challenge of discontinuing eating disorder behaviors, the battle between the disorder and the need to protect their unborn child can be intense. Many women adopt a ‘mama bear’ stance once they become pregnant: they focus on their baby’s needs for nutrition and care, and this determination helps them to abstain or reduce behaviors in order to protect their baby’s health.

Joanie S. (not her real name), who received treatment for her eating disorder in a partial hospitalization program, shared her experience. “I didn’t want my baby to have issues and I just needed to be healthy for nine months. There was an end date,” she said. By reminding herself about the importance of her baby’s needs and the fact that pregnancy is time-limited, she was able to hold on to the ‘mama bear’ mentality . Although this perspective may help some women refrain from using eating disorder behaviors, others find that being pregnant and having an eating disorder cannot be separated and “were bound to interact” [2].

After her baby is born, a woman’s body image dissatisfaction as well as negative attitudes toward food and eating can increase [3]. For individuals recovering from an eating disorder, negative body image is the greatest predictor of relapse. In fact, 80% of women who had a postpartum relapse reported significant body image distress and dissatisfaction [4]. Many women find themselves trying to lose the “baby weight,” and are in danger of triggering or exacerbating their eating disorder.

Joanie described her relationship with food and her body during pregnancy as being singularly focused on taking care of her unborn child. Becoming a “mama bear” during pregnancy staved off the eating disorder, and she didn’t experience a resurgence in behaviors until after the birth of her child. Joanie explained that it became easy to rationalize restricting her food intake during the postpartum period. “I felt better about myself when I wasn’t eating. I was taking care of my baby. I was losing weight.” Being a busy mom focusing on the needs of her infant child became an effective cover for Joanie’s eating disorder, while she was putting her own health at risk.

Although weight gain and body changes due to pregnancy are usually associated with something natural and/or positive, for women who have an eating disorder it can be difficult to grapple with how triggering their pregnant body shape can be. Many reported feeling fearful around weight checks with obstetricians during and after their pregnancy. Some women describe feeling fearful about how the information about their weight gain was shared with them by their physician [2]. While the postpartum period is an important time to attend to in their own healthcare, women with an eating disorder will often avoid physician visits out of shame and anxiety.

Many physicians do not screen for eating disorders or understand how to treat them. Due to ambivalence about asking for or receiving treatment, women are often reluctant to disclose diagnoses and/or behaviors. Further, there are often gaps in coordination between maternity care and other care providers. Joanie S., who is diagnosed with an eating disorder, stated, “I wasn’t educated about my eating disorder during pregnancy and after having my daughter.” She explained that she received an abundance of information on what to expect in terms of her child’s health and development, but did not receive any support for her eating disorder during pregnancy or postpartum. Like Joanie, women with an eating disorder benefit from professional before, during and after pregnancy to improve their health without harmful dieting and eating disorder behaviors.

According to ANAD, eating disorder symptoms may decrease during pregnancy, which could lead to the false assumption that all is well [5]. While women are busy with their newborns, revealing their difficulties and seeking help for their eating disorder can become even more challenging. However, eating disorders are serious disorders, and self-care is essential. Women are encouraged to talk to their obstetrician, gynecologist, or primary care doctor about any issues that arise during and after their pregnancy. Bringing in a list of questions/concerns during a postpartum visit is recommended. A postpartum visit should include a full assessment of physical, psychological, emotional, and social well-being. Reproductive life plan, including birth control, health conditions or pregnancy complications, etc. are discussed during postpartum visits. It is also important to consult with a registered dietitian, seek individual therapy and/or support groups during this time.

If you believe you have an eating disorder, there are many online screenings. Bright Road Recovery offers a screening as well as the option to print up a letter to take to your doctor.

About the author: Joanna Bosque, LMFT is a clinical therapist for Bright Road Recovery. She is passionate about working collaboratively with her patients to explore their lives on a deeper level and gaining insight on how their experiences influence the choices they make. She believes in empowering patients, assisting them in achieving their goals, strengthening their relationships, and supporting them in developing a healthy relationship with food.

When she is not working, she spends most of her time with her two children and husband. She also enjoys finding great deals, baking, catching up on TV shows, and listening to music.

References:

1.NEDA. What Are Eating Disorders. The National Eating Disorder Association. 2018

2. Claydon, E.A., Davidov, D.M., Zullig, K.J. et al. Waking up every day in a body that is not yours: a qualitative research inquiry into the intersection between eating disorders and pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 18, 463 (2018).

3. Kimmel, M.C. Ferguson, E.H. Zerwas, S. et al. Obstetric and gynecologic problems associated with eating disorders. International Journal of Eating Disorders. Mar2016, Vol. 49 Issue 3

4. Astrachan-Fletcher E., Veldhuis C. et al. The reciprocal effects of eating disorders and the postpartum period. A review of the literature and recommendations for clinical care. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2008, p227-230

5. Santucci, P. Eating Disorders and Pregnancy: A comprehensive book for women and healthcare professionals. The National Association of Anorexia and Associated Disorders (2019), p129-130

Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction (CR3) Takes a New Turn in Radon Advocacy


The similarities in symptoms and outcome.

2020-MAY: CR3 News Magazine

“If you’re getting COVID, and you have been breathing polluted air, it’s really putting gasoline on a fire…” Francesca Dominici, Harvard Biostatistics

As major radon advocates who educate homeowners and property owners about the dangers of radon gas and its deadly effects, COVID-19 has raised a new challenge for CR3 to encourage those working from home to be sure to test their residence for radon gas. Additionally, with children completing their school year at home and many of them working in family rooms and ground-floor offices, CR3 recognized the need for immediate and increased education that encourages people to test for radon and “at least” know their levels.

CR3 News Magazine’s 2020 Medical Issue took on the subject of Radon vs COVID-19 to point out the similarities in symptoms and what must be done to improve both situations through mitigation.

Dr. Chrys Cronin, Muhlenberg College, Assistant Professor and Director of Public Health stated in the issue, “We are willing to wear masks at the grocery store, stay home from work, and shut down businesses to stay safe from COVID-19, yet only a small percentage of people in the U.S. test their homes for deadly radon gas.”

“If we stop our efforts to bring about awareness now, we will be doing a huge injustice to everyone … especially children!”, Gloria Linnertz, CR3 Director stated.

“Our efforts to inform parents about testing U.S. schools have been an ongoing initiative,” says Jan Fisher, Radon Supplies Inc. “As a parent, along with testing your home, asking your child’s school if radon testing has been done is a major step in the right direction.”

Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction will be dedicated to assisting homeowners by continuing to deliver information regarding radon through stronger advocacy efforts including awareness regarding COVID-19, Radon and Lung Cancer to the new work-from-home community in the face of this global challenge.

#LungsWorkFromHome

CR3 News Magazine: VOL 3: MAY Medical – Radon vs Covid-19

Direct Link: https://joom.ag/7CWC

CR3 News Magazine Newsstand: https://newsstand.joomag.com/en?q=CR3+News+Magazine

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citizens4radonreduction.org

info@citizens4radonreduction.org

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Dutch Bros Coffee takes ‘Drink One For Dane’ digital to continue the fight against ALS


“Dane set the standard for giving at Dutch Bros and inspired so many people- continuing our commitment to ending ALS is the perfect way to honor him.”

In support of social distancing and general wellness in the communities it serves, Dutch Bros Coffee is adding an online effort to support its largest fundraising event of the year, Drink One for Dane. For the first time in the company’s history, Dutch Bros will offer an exclusive mug and sticker combo online. $10 from every mug and sticker sold will support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and its efforts to provide research and clinical care for the ALS community and to find a cure for the disease.

The mug and sticker will go on sale Friday, May 8 on http://www.dutchbros.com/endals, with proceeds benefitting MDA. That same day, a portion of proceeds from sales at Dutch Bros shops will also go to the organization.

“During this unprecedented time, raising a toast to my brother, the wiseman, is one way to share hope,” Travis Boersma said, Dutch Bros co-founder and CEO. “Dane set the standard for giving at Dutch Bros and inspired so many people- continuing our commitment to ending ALS is the perfect way to honor him. Let’s make it a great day and drink one for Dane.”

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease that affects the parts of the nervous system that are responsible for muscle movement. As it progresses, patients slowly lose their ability to control these movements, including speaking, breathing and moving while having full cognitive ability. There is currently no cure for the disease.

The MDA is a world leader in ALS research, treatments and care. The organization provides and distributes resources and provides support for patients and their families through a nationwide network of 150 MDA Care Centers. The MDA has partnered with Dutch Bros since the very first Drink One for Dane fundraiser in 2007.

“MDA’s partnership with Dutch Bros — honoring the life and legacy of Dane Boersma– raises funds for the frontline researchers and clinicians who are working tirelessly to keep the ALS community safe and properly cared for during COVID-19 and beyond,” said MDA President and CEO Lynn O’Connor Vos. “In these times, ensuring people with ALS have access to high quality care and telemedicine is more important than ever before.”

About Dutch Bros

Dutch Bros Coffee is the country’s largest privately held drive-thru coffee company, with more than 380 locations and 12,000 employees in seven states. The company is headquartered in Grants Pass, Oregon, where it was founded in 1992 by Dane and Travis Boersma. Dutch Bros serves specialty coffee, smoothies, freezes, teas, a private-label Dutch Bros Blue Rebel energy drink and nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee. Its rich, proprietary coffee blend is handcrafted from start to finish.

In addition to its mission of speed, quality and service, Dutch Bros is committed to giving back to the communities it serves. Through its Dutch Bros Foundation and local franchisees, Dutch Bros donates millions of dollars each year to causes across the country.

To learn more about Dutch Bros, visit http://www.dutchbros.com, like Dutch Bros Coffee on Facebook or follow @DutchBros on Twitter.

About MDA

For 70 years, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has been committed to transforming the lives of people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. We do this through innovations in science and innovations in care. As the largest source of funding for neuromuscular disease research outside of the federal government, MDA has committed more than $1 billion since our inception to accelerate the discovery of therapies and cures. Research we have supported is directly linked to life-changing therapies across multiple neuromuscular diseases. MDA’s MOVR is the first and only data hub that aggregates clinical, genetic, and patient-reported data for multiple neuromuscular diseases to improve health outcomes and accelerate drug development. MDA supports the largest network of multidisciplinary clinics providing best in class care at more than 150 of the nation’s top medical institutions. Our Resource Center serves the community with one-on-one specialized support, and we offer educational conferences, events, and materials for families and healthcare providers. Each year thousands of children and young adults learn vital life skills and gain independence at summer camp and through recreational programs, at no cost to families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MDA continues to produce virtual events and programming to support our community when in-person events and activities are not possible. MDA’s COVID-19 guidelines and virtual events are posted at mda.org/COVID19. For more information, visit mda.org.

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MÜV™ Medical Cannabis Dispensary Opens in Lady Lake, near The Villages® Community


Our MÜV dispensaries are unlike any in the state and we’re excited to invite licensed patients throughout Lake County, and nearby Marion, Sumter, Orange and Seminole counties, to visit our newest state-of-the-art location

AltMed Florida, continues its statewide expansion with a multi-day grand opening May 4 – May 6 (staggered over three days to address COVID 19 crowd mitigation) of its newest MÜV™ Dispensary in the Rolling Oaks Professional Park, 929 U.S. Highway 441, Suite 202, Lady Lake, Florida.

Patients are encouraged to order online at muvfl.com for express pickup or delivery. When picking-up, patients are advised to use their GPS map app for directions to “Rolling Oaks Professional Park, Lady Lake” or use the address above, and then follow signage and the building numbers to locate unit 202.

With the opening in Lady Lake, the Ruskin-based company now has 19 MÜV Dispensaries across the state.

“In our tireless efforts to serve Floridians in all parts of our home state, we’re excited to bring our premium dispensary experience to patients in the Lady Lake area – including those living nearby in The Villages® Community, Summerfield and Fruitland Park,” said AltMed Director of Corporate Affairs Todd Beckwith.

During the grand opening, staggered over a three-days for crowd mitigation, all licensed Florida medical cannabis patients will receive a one-time use only, one per patient, 25 percent off their entire first purchase. Click here for May 4 – May 6 grand opening details.

The MÜV Dispensary in Lady Lake will offer an extensive selection of award-winning products including flower, pre-rolls, a wide range of vaporizer pens, metered dose inhalers, topicals, oral sprays, patent-pending encapsulation formulations in its Tinctures, 72-Hour Transdermal patches and transdermal gels. MÜV is also recognized for having one of the widest selections of concentrates for patients’ needing macro-dosing options.

“Our dispensaries set the standard for quality products, service and overall patient experience at our current locations and we’re excited to offer our premium MÜV medical cannabis brand to even more patients as we expand our presence throughout the state,” said AltMed Florida CEO John Tipton. “Our MÜV dispensaries are unlike any in the state and we’re excited to invite licensed patients throughout Lake County, and nearby Marion, Sumter, Orange and Seminole counties, to visit our newest state-of-the-art location in Lady Lake.”

Like AltMed Florida’s 18 other locations (Apollo Beach, Clearwater, Deerfield Beach, Fort Myers, Gainesville, Jacksonville/San Marco, Jacksonville Beach, Lakeland, Longwood/Orlando, Lutz, Downtown Orlando, Ormond Beach, Pensacola, Sebastian, Sarasota, Tallahassee, Tampa and Wellington/West Palm), the new Lady Lake MÜV Dispensary stands out from others because it’s designed as a premium experience – think Apple Store, with a modern, open-concept design and expert staff with extensive training.

The MÜV brand already has a wide following in other legal medical cannabis markets, including Arizona, where it has won five Best of Arizona medical cannabis awards. MÜV products are sold exclusively in Florida at MÜV dispensaries because, unlike other states, Florida does not allow wholesale of product between license holders – only products that license holders make themselves can be sold in their dispensaries.

For more information about the new ADA-compliant MÜV Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Lady Lake, including hours and available MÜV products, visit muvfl.com.

AltMed Florida is on pace to open 40 MÜV Medical Cannabis Dispensaries across the state, all supplied by its 200,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art cultivation facility. Visit this link for images of AltMed Florida’s cultivation operations and watch this brief video to see what makes AltMed Florida and its MÜV™ Medical Cannabis Dispensaries stand out.

About Plants of Ruskin, LLC – d.b.a. AltMed Florida, LLC – With a focus on quality and attention to detail, Plants of Ruskin has more than 35 years of experience in providing seedlings to farmers for vegetable and medical product production. Plants of Ruskin founders, the Dickman Family, are 4th generation farmers with a long history of working in conjunction with the University of Florida, including an endowed chair specifically dedicated to plant improvement.

About AltMed Enterprises – Alternative Medical Enterprises, LLC, headquartered in Sarasota, FL and doing business as AltMed Enterprises, is a fully integrated medical cannabis company that brings compassion, community engagement and pharmaceutical industry precision to the development, production and dispensing of medical cannabinoids.

About MÜV™ – The MÜV brand of cannabis infused products was launched in Arizona in 2016 and quickly gained international attention and recognition. In its first six months alone, MÜV received four best of Arizona medical cannabis awards, including two first prizes for its proprietary Ethanol extractions that are the basis of all MÜV products.

Forward-Looking Statements – To the extent any statements made in this press release contain information that is not historical, these statements are forward-looking in nature and merely express our beliefs, expectations or opinions. For example, words such as “may,” “should,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “continues,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “potential,” “strategy” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations or estimates and involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) our ability to implement our business strategy of distributing high quality cannabis products where permissible under applicable law; (ii) availability and cost of additional capital; (iii) our ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified employees and management; (iv) the impact of federal, state or local government regulations; (v) competition in the cannabis industry; (vi) our ability to generate revenues; and (vii) litigation in connection with our business. All forward-looking statements included in this press release and attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are qualified by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, regardless of whether new information becomes available, future developments occur or otherwise.

Curion launches two promotions to support Feeding America


“The consumers whose behavior has informed brands’ growth and success are the same consumers struggling to access vital foods and products. We, as members of the product and food industry, have a profound opportunity to give back to the consumers that form the backbone of our profession.”

On April 8th, Curion, a leading consumer insights company, launched two promotions to support Feeding America®’s COVID-19 Response Fund. The company will donate 1% of all sales through June 30th as well as $25 for every person who attends each of their webinars in their Learn & Give Back series to help support Feeding America’s response efforts during this pandemic.

The significance of Curion’s 1% of all sales donation is magnified by the company’s announcement to reopen its facilities in conjunction with unprecedented demand for insights and record-breaking sales for many CPG brands. Curion’s webinar series seeks to document and examine the rapidly evolving consumption habits that feed their clients’ insight needs. Both promotions will leverage the CPG community and its current environment to support those who are struggling.

Sixty five percent of Curion’s Global clients represent key food and beverage companies that affect the food supply chain. As the leading consumer insights company, Curion finds itself nestled between consumers and some of their most predominant providers. By tapping into the current needs of clients as well as their conviction to give back to consumers whose loyalty and support have bolstered their products, Curion will pour back into consumers through Feeding America.

CEO Sean Bisceglia states, “The consumers whose behavior has informed brands’ growth and success are the same consumers struggling to access vital foods and products. We, as members of the product and food industry, have a profound opportunity to give back to the consumers that form the backbone of our profession.” Curion’s promotions demonstrate the symbiotic relationship between consumers and the food and product companies. As Curion streams the results of its study on consumer decision making during quarantine and encourages clients to start new projects, funds will be collected to help those very consumers.

About Curion:

Curion provides world-class quantitative and qualitative product insights. Applying proven industry-leading, innovative methods to service over 65% of Global 100 companies, Curion works with its clients to determine not only what products consumers like but why and how they are liked. As a result, Curion clients mitigate the risk of marketplace failure by ensuring that only products of quality and character will be introduced to the market, providing repeatable delight to their consumers. Curion accomplishes this with its disruptive methods and approaches, sensory processes, facilities, and world-class data insights. In 2019 alone, Curion tested 127,000 consumers across its San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas, and New York metropolitan-area facilities. The result of a merger between Q Research Solutions and Tragon Corp., Curion brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the consumer science industries.

About Feeding America:

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit http://www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Curion Insights Contact

Lisa Spathis, Lisa Spathis Public Relations, Inc.,

lisaspathis@gmail.com

847. 831.1367

Feeding America Contact

Please contact one of our media representatives or call 800-771-2303

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Disabled Sports USA and Adaptive Sports USA join forces to become Move United, the nation’s leading community-based adaptive sports organization


There is nothing like the power of sport. Sport makes us more; physically, mentally and socially, Move United Executive Director Glenn Merry

Leveraging more than 110 years of combined adaptive sports experience, Disabled Sports USA and Adaptive Sports USA are merging to become Move United. This new organization will lead the movement to fully include people with disabilities in American society, using sport to challenge perceptions and redefine ability for youth and adults with disabilities.

Move United’s network will launch across more than 200 chapters in 43 states offering 100,000 youth and adults with disabilities opportunities to participate and compete in more than 50 different adaptive sports. This merger delivers a robust platform for growth, fostering expansion to more communities, with a goal to be locally available to 90% of the U.S. population by 2028, when the Olympics and Paralympics return to the U.S.

To learn more about this merger and movement, please join Move United’s Facebook Live announcement on Thursday, May 7 at 3:00 p.m. ET.

“There is nothing like the power of sport. Sport makes us more; physically, mentally and socially. That is true for people with and without disabilities, but often today’s youth and adults with disabilities have few opportunities to participate.” said Glenn Merry, executive director of Move United. “Move United intends to change that by growing our network of 200+ community-based adaptive programs and challenging limits. Our vision is to redefine how society views ability.”

Bringing together the expertise of the two leading organizations in community-based adaptive sports will mean greater growth and more support to local, community-based adaptive sports programs, which often provide the only means of sports participation for youth and adults with disabilities. Move United’s mission is to help these organizations grow and thrive.

As a Member of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), Move United will provide a wide range of nationwide programming including recreational and competitive adaptive sports, staff, volunteer and instructor training, and services including risk management, outreach and adaptive sport grants. Move United is a 2019 USOPC Rings of Gold awardee.

“The merger makes Move United the pipeline for athletes with disabilities to not only learn adaptive sports but to compete at the highest levels,” said Susan Rossi, former executive director of Adaptive Sports USA and now Director of Competition at Move United. “The nation’s best and most prominent adaptive sports competitions, including the Move United Junior Nationals, will be supported through Move United and these competitions will provide greater opportunities for athletes aspiring to compete at the state, regional, national and international levels. With the heart and soul, history, and expertise of this network, we are thrilled to have a unified voice and collective goal moving forward.”

The Move United Junior Nationals is the oldest and largest continuously held competitive multi-sport event for youth athletes with physical disabilities ages 6 to 22 in North America. Started in 1984, the event commonly gathers over 300 athletes, their coaches, and family members from across the U.S. and has served as the developmental training ground for many U.S. Paralympic athletes.

“Beginning as an eleven-year old with no athletic experience, I found a welcoming community of athletes with disabilities to learn from, grow, and share experiences with – first locally, then nationally, all the way up to my Paralympic career” said Amanda McGrory, 3-time U.S. Paralympian and 7-time medalist. “Without assistance, it can be intimidating to start the journey on one’s own. Combining missions and forming Move United will help athletes at all levels, as well as offer more opportunities for people with disabilities to find a sport they love.”

Disabled Sports USA and Adaptive Sports USA were both originally formed by military veterans during the Korean and Vietnam wars. Move United will be the largest nonprofit provider of adaptive sports to injured veterans, annually providing adaptive sports opportunities to 2,000 injured veterans and family members at no cost through its Move United Warfighters program. In a 2015 research paper funded by the VA, researchers noted that often for veterans “adapted sports, recreation, and social programs acted as a facilitator of community reintegration as well as the only community activities in which they participated.”

“Sports have played a very important part in my rehabilitation since being injured in Iraq” said retired Army Captain Matt Staton. I was demoralized after my injury, but adaptive sports gave me the confidence and motivation to get back to living life. Today, I am a certified adaptive ski and scuba instructor and help other injured warfighters rebuild their lives through sports. Move United will help 2,000 injured veterans and family members each year, and I look forward to supporting their important mission.”

Move United’s name reflects the vision of the organization to lead a united movement creating opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities to move, by being included in sports and recreation. Move United’s unique logo typeface is based on the deconstruction and reconstruction of the word “disability.” The unique look and feel of Move United’s brand is based on a patchwork design, reflecting the patchwork of community-based adaptive sports organizations that are the heart of Move United. The various patterns in the patchwork reflect the many types of disabilities served by Move United. Brand work was done in partnership with Superunion, the world’s most awarded global brand agency.

For more information, please go to: moveunitedsport.org.

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Philip Bailey’s Music Is Unity Foundation and Mixed Roots Foundation Partner to Launch First-Ever ‘#FosterChallenge’ during National Foster Care Month


Philip Bailey, Singer / Songwriter, Earth, Wind & Fire

During this unprecedented time of a pandemic crisis, foster youth across our country have lost their life-saving foundation of family and community…Now more than ever they need our support and love

Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind, & Fire, founder of Music is Unity Foundation and Holly Choon Hyang Bachman, Korean adoptee / founder and president of the Mixed Roots Foundation will partner for a first-of-its-kind #FosterChallenge to raise awareness and funds to meet the urgent needs of foster youth across the country. The #FosterChallenge will officially launch in concert with the global #GivingTuesdayNow campaign on Tuesday, May 5th, 2020. The #FosterChallenge will continue during May, National Foster Care Month.

The #FosterChallenge, a national online silent auction, brings together celebrities, businesses, government officials, entertainers and sports figures who are challenged to create exciting experiences and offer items for auction to help raise $1,000,000 for 25 non-profit foster care organizations. The online silent auction will benefit the newly established #FosterChallenge Emergency Fund and will cover the costs of essential resources including food, shelter, childcare, healthcare, education, employment and technology for youth in foster care. 100% of the Funds will be distributed to the U.S. based non-profit organizations during the first week of June 2020.

“During this unprecedented time of a pandemic crisis, foster youth across our country have lost their life-saving foundation of family and community,” says Philip Bailey. “Now more than ever they need our support and love.”

Due to the Coronavirus (COVD-19) pandemic, youth in foster care and the organizations that serve them are in crisis. Social distancing has added to their trauma, tearing away their network of support—therapists, coaches, social workers, teachers, and guidance counselors, and it is threatening their stability. The Music is Unity Foundation and Mixed Roots Foundation have received hundreds of requests from foster care organizations seeking their assistance.

“With Los Angeles County having the largest population of foster youth in the country, The Los Angeles County Department of Child and Family Services (LADCFS) ensures the safety of more than two million children across our diverse county. Currently, our department provides services to 34,000 children and youth, half of whom are in foster care. Through the works of Philip Bailey of Earth Wind and Fire and his Music is Unity Foundation and the Mixed Roots Foundation, who have always given generously, they have demonstrated passion for providing foster youth memorable experiences,” said Ginger Pryor, Chief Deputy Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. “In these changing times, when everyone is sheltering at home and schools are closed, the special collaboration of these wonderful organizations continues to invest in our youth and bring attention to the needs of children in foster care.”

Government officials, agencies, businesses including Bon Appetit, Blue Chair BAY by Kenny Chesney, Enterprise Rental Car, Mayor Eric Garcetti (Los Angeles), State Treasurer, Fiona Ma (California), and Michael Reagan (President, Reagan Legacy Foundation), are among the first to take the #FosterChallenge. Celebrities and athletes include Tiffany Haddish (Comedian/Actress) Sheila E. (Artist/ Percussionist), Serayah McNeill (Empire), DJ Cassidy, Chick Corea (Jazz Pianist & Electric Keyboardist) Alex English (NBA Hall of Famer), Grammy Award-winning producers Bobby and Iz Avila, Kellie Williams (Family Matters), and the U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team Sisters – Marissa and Hannah Brandt (The Brandt Sisters) have also joined the #Foster Challenge.

All have pledged to promote and donate unique “experiences” for the online silent auction to benefit the newly established #FosterChallenge Emergency Fund. To be added to this growing list of amazing supporters and to learn more about the foster care organizations who will benefit, please take the #FosterChallenge by viewing, bidding or donating at http://www.fosterchallenge.org or contact info@fosterchallenge.org.

About the Music Is Unity Foundation (MIU)

Music Is Unity is a leading non-profit created by Mr. Philip Bailey to focus on youth aging out of the foster care system. Since 2007 MIU has provided grants to non-profit, community-based organizations and agencies offering supportive services to the over 23,000 youth who are emancipating from the U.S. Foster Care system each year. For more information about MIU, please visit musicisunity.org, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @musicisunity.

About Mixed Roots Foundation (MRF)

Founded in 2011, MRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization celebrating its 9 Year Anniversary based in Los Angeles, CA with regional offices in San Francisco, CA, Minneapolis, MN and New York, NY and serves as the first and only national / global multicultural foundation for adoptees and their families representative of the international, domestic, and foster care adoption experience and improves the lives of those touched by adoption and foster care by leveraging philanthropy and grassroots fundraising to support important post-adoption resources including mentoring, DNA testing and unique scholarships/grants for adoptees, foster youth and their families. For more info, please visit mixedrootsfoundation.org, Follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @mixedroots.

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