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.

DuPont Announces Exclusive Agreement of Toyobo’s PBO for Emergency Response Market


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The need for functional, comfortable and durable PPE has never been more paramount in the ER industry and we are proud to manufacture and provide the latest protective apparel to ER teams to ensure they are confident about their safety when addressing the community’s safety.

DuPont Specialty Products Kabushiki Kaisha, through its Safety & Construction business (DuPont), announced it has reached a joint agreement with TOYOBO CO., LTD. (Toyobo) in which DuPont secures the exclusive global marketing and distribution rights of PBO staple fiber to the Emergency Response (ER) market. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The global market for firefighter clothing is expected to continue to grow thanks in part to expanding markets in China and India. With this new agreement, DuPont will work to support the development of new, innovative protective clothing fabrics for the ER market that will take advantage of the combined individual characteristics of DuPont™ Kevlar®, Nomex® and PBO staple fiber.

Toyobo and DuPont are confident that the use of PBO staple fiber will enable the development and supply of next-generation firefighter garments that are functional, lightweight, durable and possess super heat-resistant properties.

“We’re excited to partner with Toyobo; working together to innovate on behalf of firefighters and emergency response teams,” said John Richard, Vice President & General Manager at DuPont Safety & Construction. “The need for functional, comfortable and durable personal protective equipment has never been more paramount in the ER industry and we are proud to manufacture and provide the latest protective apparel to ER teams to ensure they are confident about their safety when addressing the community’s safety.”

PBO features one of the world’s highest levels of strength, tensile modulus and flame resistance among organic fibers and has been used in the high-performance outer shell application for more than 10 years. With DuPont and Toyobo’s partnership solidified, DuPont will leverage PBO to complement the company’s high-performance outer shells for firefighter turnout gear.

For more than 50 years, DuPont has been committed to helping protect firefighters and other first responders with science-based innovations such as Kevlar® and Nomex® fibers, which provide proven protection, durability and comfort from the inside out.

About DuPont Safety & Construction

DuPont Safety & Construction is a global leader in delivering innovation for life’s essential needs in water, shelter and safety; enabling its customers to win through unique capabilities, global scale and iconic brands including Corian®, Kevlar®, Nomex®, Tyvek®, GreatStuff™, Styrofoam™ and Filmtec®.

About DuPont

DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, health and wellness, food and worker safety. More information can be found at http://www.dupont.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “would,” “target,” and similar expressions and variations or negatives of these words.

On April 1, 2019, the company completed the separation of its materials science business into a separate and independent public company by way of a pro rata dividend-in-kind of all the then outstanding stock of Dow Inc. (the “Dow Distribution”). The company completed the separation of its agriculture business into a separate and independent public company on June 1, 2019, by way of a pro rata dividend-in-kind of all the then outstanding stock of Corteva, Inc. (the “Corteva Distribution”).

On December 15, 2019, DuPont and IFF announced they had entered definitive agreements to combine DuPont’s Nutrition & Biosciences business with IFF in a transaction that would result in IFF issuing shares to DuPont shareholders, pending customary closing conditions, other approvals including regulatory and that of IFF’s shareholders.

Forward-looking statements address matters that are, to varying degrees, uncertain and subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which that are beyond DuPont’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guaranties of future results. Some of the important factors that could cause DuPont’s actual results to differ materially from those projected in any such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the parties’ ability to meet expectations regarding the timing, completion and accounting and tax treatments of the proposed transaction with IFF; changes in relevant tax and other laws, (ii) failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals, approval of IFF’s shareholders, anticipated tax treatment or any required financing or to satisfy any of the other conditions to the proposed transaction with IFF, (iii) the possibility that unforeseen liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, expenses, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, financial condition, losses, future prospects, business and management strategies that could impact the value, timing or pursuit of the proposed transaction with IFF, (iv) risks and costs and pursuit and/or implementation of the separation of the N&B Business, including timing anticipated to complete the separation, any changes to the configuration of businesses included in the separation if implemented, (v) risks and costs related to the Dow Distribution and the Corteva Distribution (together, the “Distributions”) including (a) with respect to achieving all expected benefits from the Distributions; (b) the incurrence of significant costs in connection with the Distributions, including costs to service debt incurred by the Company to establish the relative credit profiles of Corteva, Dow and DuPont and increased costs related to supply, service and other arrangements that, prior to the Dow Distribution, were between entities under the common control of DuPont; (c) indemnification of certain legacy liabilities of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (“Historical EID”) in connection with the Corteva Distribution; and (d) potential liability arising from fraudulent conveyance and similar laws in connection with the Distributions; (vi) failure to effectively manage acquisitions, divestitures, alliances, joint ventures and other portfolio changes, including meeting conditions under the Letter Agreement entered in connection with the Corteva Distribution, related to the transfer of certain levels of assets and businesses; (vii) uncertainty as to the long-term value of DuPont common stock; (viii) potential inability or reduced access to the capital markets or increased cost of borrowings, including as a result of a credit rating downgrade and (ix) other risks to DuPont’s business, operations and results of operations including from: failure to develop and market new products and optimally manage product life cycles; ability, cost and impact on business operations, including the supply chain, of responding to changes in market acceptance, rules, regulations and policies and failure to respond to such changes; outcome of significant litigation, environmental matters and other commitments and contingencies; failure to appropriately manage process safety and product stewardship issues; global economic and capital market conditions, including the continued availability of capital and financing, as well as inflation, interest and currency exchange rates; changes in political conditions, including tariffs, trade disputes and retaliatory actions; impairment of goodwill or intangible assets; the availability of and fluctuations in the cost of energy and raw materials; business or supply disruption, including in connection with the Distributions; ability to effectively manage costs as the company’s portfolio evolves; security threats, such as acts of sabotage, terrorism or war, global health concerns and pandemics, natural disasters and weather events and patterns which could result in a significant operational event for DuPont, adversely impact demand or production; ability to discover, develop and protect new technologies and to protect and enforce DuPont’s intellectual property rights; unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism or outbreak of war or hostilities, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors. These risks are and will be more fully discussed in DuPont’s current, quarterly and annual reports and other filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in each case, as may be amended from time to time in future filings with the SEC. While the list of factors presented here is considered representative, no such list should be considered a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. Consequences of material differences in results as compared with those anticipated in the forward-looking statements could include, among other things, business disruption, operational problems, financial loss, legal liability to third parties and similar risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on DuPont’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations, credit rating or liquidity. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. DuPont assumes no obligation to publicly provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws. A detailed discussion of some of the significant risks and uncertainties which may cause results and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements is included in the section titled “Risk Factors” (Part I, Item 1A) of DuPont’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as updated by DuPont’s subsequent periodic and current reports filed with the SEC.

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3/31/2020

DuPont™, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with ™, ℠ or ® are owned by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. unless otherwise noted.

Naples Hotel Group Hotels Remain Open in Florida & Tennessee


Naples Hotel Group, Hotel, Florida Hotels, Tennessee Hotels

Naples Hotel Group Hotels Remain Open in Florida & Tennessee

Hotel companies like Naples Hotel Group have always taken hygiene and cleanliness very seriously. Cleaning and disinfecting are key to daily operations at hotels. The recommendations made by the Center for Disease Control, World Health Organization, and other reputable sources are tasks the operations team does on a daily basis.

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the world and is uncharted territory. Travel has ceased for the general public while information continues to unfold, and people are staying home to flatten the curve with businesses closing as a result.

Those who need accommodations that are part of any task forces to help fight, treat, and govern us during these times, all Naples Hotel Group hotel’s doors are still open – and wiped clean frequently.

Naples Hotel Group’s operations team have stringent cleaning procedures already in place, but they have also implemented increased training and support efforts due to recent events to ensure the processes in place are being completed thoroughly each day.

This allows the company’s associates to feel good about the workplace and know they have solid support and resources to perform their job effectively. In addition, for guests to be comfortable and assured the hotel rooms are a safe and healthy place.

“We are greatly focused on the health and wellbeing of our associates and guests, we know this is a challenging time for everyone and hope everyone is able to get through this crisis together and safely,” commented Mike Bou-Sliman, Owner & Managing Partner of Naples Hotel Group.

Each Naples Hotel Group hotel has added additional sanitizing stations for an extra layer of comfort. The goal is always to achieve the highest standards on cleanliness, so both guests and associates enjoy their experience.

Naples Hotel Group has multiple hotel locations in Florida from Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Naples, Ft. Myers, Miramar, Port St. Lucie as well as Memphis, TN. See the full list of hotels on their website.

Read more information and details on Naples Hotel Group’s COVID-19 cleaning procedures on their website.

About Naples Hotel Group

Naples Hotel Group is a hotel development and management company based in Florida and prides itself on building long-term relationships with quality people and organizations. The Naples, FL hotel group specializes in Hotel Management and Development of upscale limited and select-service hotels. Naples Hotel Group has achieved superior results and has a proven ability to enhance the performance of hotels through the use of their experience, responsiveness and extensive resources. To learn more visit http://www.napleshotelgroup.com.

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Big performance in a small package


Datalogic, a global leader in the automatic data capture and process automation markets, announces DSM04XX Fixed Scan Module, the ultimate solution for high performance fixed position scanning in a compact form factor. Developed to equip a variety of different systems such as kiosks, ticketing machines, access control systems, turnstiles, vending machines, and gas pumps, DSM04XX is easily integrated into embedded applications and tight spaces, with high performance 1D and 2D reading capabilities.

The new scan module is available in WVGA and Megapixel models, to cover specific performance needs. The wide-angle model is particularly useful in any application where space is at a premium. It fits into self-checkouts, price verifiers and ticket readers used in the retail industry just as well as in ticket & passport reading solutions and access controls in transportation and logistics environments. With its IP54 particulate and water sealing housing, the module offers rugged and dependable scanning performance in manufacturing applications, such as work in process systems, robotic solutions and AGV’s. Users in healthcare benefit from housing resistant to cleanings solvents and disinfectant solutions, thanks to its high impact resin.

Its small size in combination with its versatile mounting options ensures easy integration into any type of application even when space is very tight. The module comes with a set of mounting hardware that allows mounting from all sides of the device at any angle.

Lastly, the DSM04XX Fixed Scan Module provides simple electrical and mechanical integration for system designers. Included mounting hardware allows mounting from all sides of the device at any angle. Interface options include USB, RS-232 or multi-interface models allowing ‘plug-and-play’ installation perfect for integrators who must support multiple platforms and applications.

The new Datalogic DSM04XX fixed scan module ensures big performance in a small package.

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Health-E Commerce applauds passage of legislation that allows consumer to purchase over-the-counter medications, menstrual care products with an FSA or HSA


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The passage of the $2 trillion+ coronavirus (COVID-19) relief bill included significant steps forward in helping consumers protect the health and well-being of their families by reducing unnecessary trips to the doctor during this time of increased demand and creating even more value for the millions of Americans with Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

There are two major changes that are revolutionary for FSA/HSA users and will dramatically improve their ability to use these accounts to support year-round wellness:


  • Prescriptions will no longer be required to buy over-the-counter (OTC) medicine (i.e. Tylenol, Claritin, etc.) with an FSA or HSA
  • FSA and HSA funds can now be used to purchase tampons, pads, and other menstrual care products

As people across the country are focused on sheltering in place to protect themselves, their families, and the broader community from the spread of COVID-19, the reality of having to visit a doctor for everyday care, much less to obtain a prescription for OTC medications, is unlikely. Unfortunately, that had been the reality for consumers enrolled in FSAs and HSAs if they wanted to be reimbursed from their spending accounts for things like OTC pain relief and other products to treat cold and flu.

Health-E Commerce, the parent brand to FSAstore.com, HSAstore.com and WellDeservedHealth.com which exclusively sell products eligible with FSAs, HSAs and corporate wellness dollars, applauds the legislation for addressing these critical issues.

“The OTC Rx requirement has been an inconvenience for FSA/HSA users for a decade, and we applaud the effort to repeal this regulation and give account holders more options to treat medical issues as they arise without putting more stress on our care delivery system at this critical time,” said Jeremy Miller, founder and CEO of Health-E Commerce. “In addition, the inclusion of menstrual care products as qualified expenses will help correct the gender imbalance in healthcare reimbursement by reclassifying menstrual care products as what we all know they are — essential health products that should be open to tax-free healthcare spending.”

With this new change, the Health-E Commerce family of brands is excited to expand its product offerings in the near future to encompass a wide range of new over-the-counter medicines, as well as carrying menstrual care products for the first time.

About FSAstore.com

FSAstore.com is flex spending with zero guesswork. It’s both the largest e-commerce destination for guaranteed FSA-eligible products and an educational resource that you can actually understand. It’s the company’s mission to help millions of FSA holders manage and use their accounts, and save on more than 4,500 health items using tax-free funds.

About Health-E Commerce

Health-E Commerce is the parent brand of FSAstore.com, HSAstore.com and WellDeservedHealth.com, a family of brands serving the 60+ million consumers with tax-free health and wellness accounts. Since 2010, Health-E Commerce’s brand portfolio has led the direct-to-consumer e-commerce market for tax-free health and wellness benefits and helped partners and everyday Americans benefit better through its 100% eligible product selection and easy-to-understand educational resources. Health-E Commerce plays an essential role in consumer advocacy in the tax-free health space through both advocating for eligibility of important new categories within the IRS-approved list of eligible medical expenses and leading a committee of industry experts to promote the important national conversation around product safety and authenticity.

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WholeFoods Magazine Announces 2020 Natural Choice Award Winners


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Limiting the awards to 20 categories ensures that award is a true honor and is not diluted. Each of the companies honored this year is working to improve lives through wellness, and it is our pleasure to celebrate them.

The results are in! WholeFoods Magazine (http://www.WholeFoodsMagazine.com), a b-to-b publisher serving the natural products industry, asked natural products retailers to vote for to the brands that have made the greatest impact on their business. We are pleased to announce the winners 20 winners of WholeFoods Magazine’s 2020 Natural Choice Awards.

“There are a lot of awards out there, but WholeFoods Magazine’s Natural Choice Awards are unique in that the votes are cast by natural products retailers,” said Heather Wainer, Publisher of WholeFoods Magazine. “Limiting the awards to 20 categories ensures that award is a true honor and is not diluted. Each of the companies honored this year is working to improve lives through wellness, and it is our pleasure to celebrate them.”

Bluebonnet Nutrition is the recipient of the Full Supplement Line award, which the company has received in four of the past five years. All the winners are featured online and in the April issue of WholeFoods Magazine. Presentations will be made at the 2020 Natural Products Expo East in Philadelphia.

The 2020 WholeFoods Natural Choice Award Winners:

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

FULL LINE: Bluebonnet Nutrition http://www.bluebonnetnutrition.com

SPORTS NUTRITION: Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein http://www.ancientnutrition.com

WEIGHT LOSS: Life Extension AMPK http://www.lifeextension.com

BONE/JOINT: New Chapter Bone Strength http://www.newchapter.com

IMMUNE: Sovereign Silver Natural Immunogenics http://www.sovereignsilver.com

HEART HEALTH: Natural Factors CoQ10 http://www.naturalfactors.com

DIGESTIVE: American Health Papaya Enzyme http://www.americanhealthus.com

COGNITIVE: Host Defense MycoBotanicals Brain http://www.hostdefense.com

STRESS/SLEEP: NOW Foods Liquid Melatonin http://www.nowfoods.com

HERBS: CV Sciences +PlusCBD Oil premium hemp extracts http://www.pluscbdoil.com

CHILDREN’s: Nordic Naturals Nordic Berries http://www.nordicnaturals.com

FOOD

VEGAN: Daiya Frozen Dessert http://www.daiyafoods.com

BEVERAGES: Bragg, Apple Cider Vinegar http://www.bragg.com

ORGANIC: Bob’s Red Mill Organic Oats (assorted) http://www.bobsredmill.com

SENSITIVE DIETS: Pamela’s Products http://www.pamelasproducts.com

BARS: Garden of Life Organic Fit Protein Bars http://www.gardenoflife.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY AIDS

SKIN: Life-Flo Rosehip Seed Oil http://www.life-flo.com

PERSONAL CARE: Nubian Heritage Bar Soaps http://www.nubianheritage.com

HAIR: Acure Vivacious Volume Shampoo http://www.acure.com

PET PRODUCTS: Charlotte’s Web CBD for Dogs http://www.charlottesweb.com

About WholeFoods Magazine:

WholeFoods Magazine is published by WFC, Inc., a family-owned media company based in South Plainfield, NJ. The publication has a mission to inform and educate natural products retailers on dietary supplements, herbs, HABA, homeopathy and foods. Digital products include wholefoodsmagazine.com and naturalproductfinder.com.

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Aspire Regenerative’s Telemedicine Service Maintains Patient Care During COVID-19


Aspire Regenerative

Aspire Regenerative

Telemedicine gives our health care providers the ability to connect with patients who are quarantined, sick, or otherwise unable to come to our offices.

In order to provide continuous patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic, Aspire Regenerative now offers telemedicine appointments in addition to in-person visits. The San Diego-based leader in regenerative health therapies made this decision to ensure that the safety and well-being of patients, health care professionals, and the community at large is the top priority.

Aspire Regenerative is committed to following COVID-19 guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and implementing internal protocols to minimize risks of contracting and spreading coronavirus. As the world grapples with this pandemic, Aspire Regenerative aims to be responsive to this fluid situation and telemedicine is a valuable tool for providing an array of clinical services.

“We want our patients to know that we are here for them no matter the circumstances,” says Dr. Ryan McNally, the Medical Director of Aspire Regenerative. “Telemedicine gives our health care providers the ability to connect with patients who are quarantined, sick, or otherwise unable to come to our offices. The clinical team at Aspire can discuss a patient’s concerns and symptoms, offer treatment guidelines, or make recommendations if further medical care is warranted. Telemedicine provides patients access to quality care, especially during this critical period.”

Telemedicine appointments at Aspire Regenerative take place on the Zoom video conferencing platform. This web-based technology is easy for patients to use on their smartphones, tablets, or computers, and it also complies with HIPAA regulations. If internet service is unavailable, patients can dial into Zoom for their appointments via phone.

To schedule a telemedicine appointment with an Aspire Regenerative health care provider, call the office at 888-852-7747. For more information on telemedicine or other services, visit aspireregenerativehealth.com.

About Aspire Regenerative: Aspire Regenerative is a state-of-the-art medical practice offering personalized regenerative treatments and integrative therapies to help patients reach their goals and achieve the best possible results. We have reinvented medical care by incorporating the principle of cell and tissue regeneration, which translates to youthful and vibrant function. Our in-depth expertise and collaboration with researchers allow us to integrate innovative technology into individualized patient care with therapies that are safe and effective. For more information, visit https://aspireregenerativehealth.com/.

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Call for Entries Issued in the 2020 Stevie® Awards for Great Employers


The Stevie Awards for Great Employers honor the world’s best companies to work for and the human resources teams, professionals, suppliers, and new products and services that help to create and drive

There are many new categories in 2020 for HR achievements including Achievement in Accessibility, Achievement in Leadership Development, Best Employee Value Proposition (EVP), Best Team Development Program, Best Use of Mobile Learning, and Most Innovative Learning and Development Program.

The Stevie Awards has issued the call for entries for the fifth annual Stevie® Awards for Great Employers, which honor the world’s best companies to work for and the human resources teams, professionals, suppliers, and new products and services that help to create and drive great places to work.

All individuals and organizations worldwide—public and private, for-profit, and non-profit, large and small—may submit nominations to the Stevie Awards for Great Employers. The early-bird entry deadline, with reduced entry fees, is April 29. The final entry deadline is June 3, but late entries will be accepted through July 22 with payment of a late fee. Entry details are available at http://www.StevieAwards.com/HR.

An international judging panel of more than 50 executives will determine the Stevie Award winners. Finalists will be announced on August 13. Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners will be revealed and presented their awards at a gala event at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on September 17.

The Stevie Awards for Great Employers recognize achievement in many facets of the workplace. Categories include:

There are many new categories in 2020 for HR achievements including Achievement in Accessibility, Achievement in Leadership Development, Best Employee Value Proposition (EVP), Best Team Development Program, Best Use of Mobile Learning, and Most Innovative Learning and Development Program. Of the 16 HR Individual categories, 14 do not require an entry fee.

Winners in the 31 industry-specific Employer of the Year categories will be determined by a unique blend of public votes and professional ratings. Public voting will take place from July 23–August 10.

Stevie Award winners in 2019 included Advisor Group (USA), Allianz Partners (USA), Cisco (USA), DenizBank A.Ş. (Turkey), ej4 (USA), Globe Telecom, Inc. (Philippines), IBM (USA), L&T Technology Services, Ltd. (UK), Paysafe Group (Canada), Productsup (Germany), Techcombank (Vietnam), Toyota Turkey (Turkey), and many more.

About the Stevie® Awards:

Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Middle East Stevie Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 nominations each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

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Operation Smile Launches “Thank You” Campaign to Express Gratitude to its Medical Volunteers and all Medical Professionals on the Frontlines of the U.S. Coronavirus Fight


Operation Smile medical volunteer Dr. Jennifer Lin in her personal protective gear.

“As a family medicine doctor this is what I’m trained to do. We’re trained to help people from birth to death. We have the skills to help and we’re doing our very best for patients in Seattle during this pandemic,” said Lin.

“As a family medicine doctor this is what I’m trained to do. We’re trained to help people from birth to death. We have the skills to help and we’re doing our very best for patients in Seattle during this pandemic,” said Lin.

To thank Lin, as well as all Operation Smile medical volunteers and medical professionals on the frontlines of the Coronavirus fight, Operation Smile is launching a “Thank You” campaign.

“This is a way to express gratitude to our incredible volunteers across the U.S. and all those in the healthcare field. We thank them for their dedication and bravery. They are the ones who are working relentlessly to help save lives during this global health crisis,” said Kathy Magee, a former nurse and Co-Founder of Operation Smile.

The campaign launches today and coincides with National Doctor’s Day – an annual observance aimed at appreciating physicians who help save lives everywhere.

“Operation Smile staff members are creating messages of encouragement, thanks and hope for medical professionals who are risking their own health to fight Covid-19. Staff are taking pictures holding those messages which are now posted on our various social media platforms,” Magee added.

Lin heard about the campaign and appreciates the kind gesture. “It’s great to have this kind of support because we’re in a stressful situation. We are doing this despite our own concerns for the well-being of our families and friends. However, I do try to stay positive. This campaign helps me do just that,” Linn concluded.

About Operation Smile: Operation Smile has provided hundreds of thousands of safe surgeries for those born with cleft lip and cleft palate. With more than three decades of expertise, Operation Smile creates solutions that deliver free surgery to people where it’s needed most. As one of the largest medical volunteer-based nonprofits, Operation Smile has mobilized thousands of medical volunteers from a wide range of medical specialties from more than 80 countries. Operation Smile engages public private partnerships to advance health care delivery, train local medical professionals to provide surgical care for patients in their communities, donate crucial medical equipment and supplies, and increase access to surgical care so that everyone living with cleft is treated. Visit operationsmile.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter. ##

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Roofing Membrane Manufacturer Joins Fight Against COVID-19 Retools to Manufacture Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)


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“Our country is full of tremendously smart, entrepreneurial people who can bring timely solutions to this unprecedented need. The need is real and I believe it’s our obligation to act now.”

Hospitals across the globe are experiencing critical PPE supply shortages. Team members at Duro-Last®, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of custom-fabricated, thermoplastic roofing systems, found a way to help.

Duro-Last engineers, product development and manufacturing staff united to fabricate and manufacture isolation gowns and face masks. Utilizing expertise in manufacturing flexible PVC and fabrics, the team went from prototype to production to delivery in one week.

The gowns are made from flexible PVC making them water and fluid-repellant. The masks are washable and reusable, made from polyester and PVC. Duro-Last reformulated products and retooled processes to manufacture these supplies.

“This is about helping health care professionals in any way we can and at the same time keeping people employed,” said Tom Saeli, Duro-Last CEO. “I am very proud of and impressed by the people in our company who quickly developed these products. Our country is full of tremendously smart, entrepreneurial people who can bring timely solutions to this unprecedented need. The need is real and I believe it’s our obligation to act now. If the efforts of our team inspire just one other company to join this fight, it will be worth it,” said Saeli.

About Duro-Last®, Inc.

Known as the “World’s Best Roof®,” Duro-Last®, Inc. is the world’s largest manufacturer of custom-fabricated, thermoplastic single-ply roofing systems. Factory controlled custom-fabrication can eliminate up to 85% of field seams, resulting in lower on-site labor costs and easier installation. Duro-Last’s roofing systems are sustainable and extremely durable. Over two billion square feet of Duro-Last membrane has been installed throughout North America. Duro-Last is headquartered in Saginaw, Michigan with additional manufacturing facilities in Grants Pass, Oregon; Jackson, Mississippi; Sigourney, Iowa; Carrollton, Texas; and Ludlow, Massachusetts. For more information on Duro-Last, call 800-248-0280 or visit https://www.duro-last.com.

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Radiological Society of North America Announces COVID-19 Imaging Data Repository


The medical imaging community around the world is uniting to help address the COVID-19 pandemic. The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) continues to build on its extensive body of COVID-19 research and education resources, announcing a new initiative to build a COVID-19 Imaging Data Repository.

The open data repository will compile images and correlative data from institutions, practices and societies around the world to create a comprehensive source for COVID-19 research and education efforts. The image hosting, annotation and analysis framework will enable researchers to understand epidemiological trends and to generate new AI algorithms to assist with COVID-19 disease detection, differentiation from other pneumonias and quantification of lung involvement on CT for prognosis or therapy planning.

“RSNA is committed to accelerating collaborative research and education on the uses of medical imaging to address diagnosis and imaging-based treatment of COVID-19,” said Curtis P. Langlotz, M.D., Ph.D., RSNA Board Liaison for Information Technology and Annual Meeting. “Because RSNA is a leader in connecting radiologists around the world, we have received a wave of requests from organizations interested in sharing imaging data, as well as from individuals and organizations seeking access to such data for research and education.”

In response to these requests, RSNA is today releasing a survey for representatives of radiology organizations that may be willing to share COVID-19-related imaging data. The survey will help RSNA collect all available resources into a unified repository for international COVID-19 imaging research and education efforts.

This initiative builds on RSNA’s long history of enabling image data sharing, research and technologic innovation. For more than 20 years, RSNA has sponsored the development and implementation of data standards, including DICOM, IHE, RadLex, Image Share and QIBA. In the past few years, RSNA has helped accelerate research into the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical imaging by collecting and labeling data and organizing competitions that engage thousands of teams to test the ability of AI systems to perform clinically relevant tasks.

Like those efforts, the success of the COVID-19 Imaging Data Repository will depend on collaboration with many other interested organizations. Today, RSNA is announcing an agreement to collaborate closely with the European Imaging COVID-19 AI initiative, supported by the European Society of Medical Imaging Informatics.

The organizations expressed the common goal of creating a secure way to share COVID-19 imaging, in order to assess lung involvement more accurately with AI. They will collaborate to enable hospitals to provide imaging data securely and efficiently with researchers, respecting privacy and ethical principles. They will define and publish protocols for selecting and labeling imaging data associated with COVID-19 as a tool for researchers and practitioners. Other interested organizations are invited to join this coalition to share information and facilitate a rapid response to COVID-19.

Organizations are requested to use the survey form linked here (bit.ly/rsna-covid-data) to provide information about COVID-19 imaging data they may be willing share for research. Responses are requested by April 15, 2020.

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RSNA is an association of radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists promoting excellence in patient care and health care delivery through education, research and technologic innovation. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Illinois. (RSNA.org)

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