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.

Muscle Protein That Prompts Allergic Reactions to Invertebrates May Also Cause Allergic Reactions to Fish


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“This data demonstrates that patients who are allergic to fish could be responding to different proteins than we originally thought.” – Thimo Ruethers, MSc

The muscle protein tropomyosin, a known pan-allergen in invertebrates such as shrimp and crab, also causes high Immunoglobulin E (IgE) reactions in vertebrate fish, according to research that was scheduled to be presented for the first time at the 2020 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting before its cancellation due to the situation with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

IgE are antibodies that are produced when the immune system overreacts to an allergen. To determine both the amount of IgE and the IgE cross-reactivity, the protein extracts of 66 fish species were analyzed for their allergen content. This was done using SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting, and advanced mass spectrometric analyses. Additionally, the serum IgE reactivity in 80 children and 12 adults with fish allergies was compared to 12 common fish such as cod, tuna, and salmon.

Researchers found the amount of tropomyosin was at least 10-fold higher in heated fish protein extracts than in raw ones, and a prominent tropomyosin band was found in 89% of the heated extracts. The IgE reactivity levels of tropomyosin was second only to parvalbumin, a calcium-binding protein which at this time is the only recognized major fish allergen.

The level of IgE reactivity varied between different species of fish. Catfish, for example, expressed 39% reactivity to parvalbumin and 34% to tropomyosin in pediatric patients, while cod parvalbumin was reported at 26% and cod tropomyosin at just 9%. Notably, over 50% of patients with IgE-binding to catfish tropomyosin showed no reaction to parvalbumin.

“This data demonstrates that patients who are allergic to fish could be responding to different proteins than we originally thought, and that what protein they experience a reaction to can vary greatly depending on the species of fish,” said first author Thimo Ruethers, MSc. “More work must be done to examine the clinical relevance and cross-reactivity between vertebrates and invertebrates when it comes to tropomyosin.”

Visit aaaai.org to learn more about food allergies. This research was published in an online supplement to The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic and immunologic diseases. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has over 7,000 members in the United States, Canada and 72 other countries. The AAAAI’s Find an Allergist/Immunologist service is a trusted resource to help you find a specialist close to home.

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Common Sense Measures and Staying Well Informed are the Best Ways to Fight COVID-19, says West Medical


The Los Angeles area medical group says that COVID-19 is a serious matter but for most people can be addressed with common-sense measures.

The best approach is to keep calm, stay well-informed, and practice sensible measures to limit the spread of the virus.

A March 18 article on Newsweek reports on the spread of COVID-19 and its escalating effects. National infection numbers are at 6,500 in all 50 states, according to the article, which differs somewhat from the current CDC estimate of over 7,000. On a more hopeful note, the Chinese government says that the virus, which was first detected in China’s Wuhan province, has been contained. Los Angeles-based West Medical says that COVID-19 is very serious but the direct threat to most individuals remains low. The best approach is to keep calm, stay well-informed, and practice sensible measures to limit the spread of the virus.

West Medical notes that the COVID-19 pandemic is causing severe illness in less than 17 percent of cases, with the vast majority ending in recovery, not fatality. It is true, however, that elderly and infirm people need to be especially careful. In California, people over 65 have been ordered to shelter in place for the time being, says the medical group. One silver lining is that cases in children are extremely rare, as are deaths in healthy people under 30, notes West Medical. As a matter of public health, however, large events in California have been canceled, restaurants are being limited to take-out only, and an increasing number of individuals are working remotely for a time. This may be disruptive, notes West Medical, but should help limit the spread of the illness and should not be a cause for serious distress in most cases.

On a personal level, the clinic says that frequent hand washing with warm water and soap is probably the single best thing that one can do to limit the spread of COVID-19. (Hand sanitizer is somewhat less effective, though helpful in situations where washing isn’t practical.) Though it’s easier said than done for most people, avoiding touching one’s face is also important. Other common-sense preventive steps include cleaning and sanitizing frequently used surfaces such as kitchen countertops or door handles, avoiding sick people whenever possible, and – perhaps most of all – staying home and away from others if an individual feels even slightly ill.

West Medical emphasizes that not succumbing to panic and staying well informed by using legitimate sources of information, such as the CDC website, are also helpful in limiting not only the spread of the disease but false information designed to foment panic. In fact, says West Medical, one very real health impact of the pandemic is the increased stress many are experiencing which can make them more vulnerable to all sorts of illnesses. That’s why it’s important that people make time to relax and enjoy their lives, even if they may be staying home, says West Medical, which recommends outdoor walks in uncrowded environments as one good measure against stress.

For more information on West Medical or COVID-19, call (855) 690-0565 or visit https://westmedical.com.

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A2LA Accredits Green Leaf Laboratory to ISO/IEC 17025:2017


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“Receiving our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, in addition to required State accreditation, affirms our commitment to quality science and leadership in this industry.” – Rowshan Reordan, Green Leaf Laboratory

A2LA is pleased to announce the accreditation of Green Leaf Laboratory in Portland, Oregon for cannabis testing. Green Leaf Laboratory is the not only A2LA’s first accredited cannabis laboratory in the state of Oregon, but also the first to be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

“Green Leaf Lab has been a leader in the cannabis industry since 2011,” said Rowshan Reordan of Green Leaf Lab. “Receiving our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, in addition to required State accreditation, affirms our commitment to quality science and leadership in this industry. Working with A2LA and being recognized as the first A2LA accredited laboratory in Oregon has been a great experience. We appreciated the thoroughness in their accreditation process and their commitment to excellence. It confirmed our confidence in choosing A2LA, as well as our own internal quality control process. We look forward to a successful future with A2LA and continuing our commitment to leadership and excellence in the industry.”

“We congratulate Green Leaf Laboratories on becoming the first cannabis testing laboratory accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 in the state of Oregon,” said Anna Williams, Accreditation Supervisor at A2LA. “A2LA is excited to see testing laboratories think outside of the box and elect to use our services in states not mandating them. This highlights the ever-growing presence and validity of both ISO/IEC 17025 and A2LA in the cannabis industry in the United States. We look forward to our continued relationship with Green Leaf Laboratory in serving their accreditation needs.”

Achieving ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation by A2LA is the pinnacle in third-party laboratory accreditation, as it confirms that laboratories have management, quality, and technical systems in place to ensure accurate and reliable analyses, as well as proper administrative processes to ensure that all aspects related to the sample, the analysis, and the reporting are standardized, measured, and monitored.

About A2LA

A2LA is a non-profit, non-governmental, third-party accreditation body, offering internationally-recognized accreditation services and training to testing and calibration laboratories, sole-sampling organizations, inspection bodies, proficiency testing providers, reference material producers, and product certifiers.

About Green Leaf Laboratory

Green Leaf Lab is a leader in cannabis and hemp testing. With licensed and accredited laboratories in both California and Oregon, Green Leaf Lab has nearly 10 years’ experience in the industry. We provide potency analysis, contaminant testing, terpene profiles, and food safety testing, as well as product development services. Our industry experience provides us with familiarity and an understanding of the complexity in cannabis and hemp testing. Green Leaf Lab’s expertise has allowed us to assist our clients in creating and supplying safe cannabis and hemp products.

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Claire’s Place Foundation Launches COVID-19 Emergency Fund for People with Cystic Fibrosis


“Most of the CF individuals and their families who reach out to us for support are already living dangerously close to the poverty line. That’s why we created our COVID-19 Emergency Fund,” said Claire’s Place Foundation Executive Director Melissa Yeager.

Claire’s Place Foundation, a non-profit organization providing support to children and families affected by cystic fibrosis (CF), has created a COVID-19 Emergency Fund to support the cystic fibrosis community during the COVID-19 outbreak. The fund will help the CF community during the COVID-19 crisis with grocery cards, supplies and access to medications.

“Our Board Member Richard K. Mathis, M.D., who has been caring for CF patients for over forty years, recommends all patients with CF institute a voluntary self-quarantine period for at least 14 days in the home immediately,” said Claire’s Place Foundation Executive Director Melissa Yeager. “People with CF are at grave risk if infected with COVID-19. CF patients, caregivers and family members of anyone affected by CF, please take all precautions. As a result, we realize many individuals with CF and their families will be financially impacted by this voluntary quarantine. Loss of work and isolation will make it very hard for these families and individuals to get the food, supplies and support they require. Most of the CF individuals and their families who reach out to us for support are already living dangerously close to the poverty line. That’s why we created our COVID-19 Emergency Fund. This is unprecedented territory for us, we hope that the greater community gives generously so we can make funds available for CF families in need as quickly as possible.”

“COVID-19 affects the epithelial cells lining of the lungs which is detrimental to the health of someone with CF as the epithelial cells are already damaged due to CF,” said Dr. Mathis. “Individuals with CF and their household members are on the front line of the need for preventive measures and that includes self-quarantine for 14 days and ideally more.”

To donate to the Claire’s Place Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Fund please visit clairesplacec-19fund.funraise.org to help manage this current hardship. If you know someone with CF, please consider donating at least $50 on their behalf. If you would like to submit someone with CF for this emergency fund assistance please visit this page for further guidelines. A referral is required by a social worker, nurse or doctor.

About Claire’s Place Foundation, Inc.

Claire’s Place Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing support to children and families affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). Claire’s Place Foundation is named in honor of Claire Wineland who lived with CF her entire life and passed away at the age of 21. Claire was an activist, author, TEDx Speaker, social media star and received numerous awards. Claire’s foundation was a way for her to assure that others living with CF enjoyed the same hope, strength and joy that she enjoyed. Recipient of Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Small Nonprofit of the Year,” the foundation provides grants to families affected by CF, offering both emotional and financial support. Today, Claire’s Place Foundation continues to carry on Claire’s legacy. For more information and make a donation, please visit http://www.clairesplacefoundation.org.

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Dr. Amir HagShenas Offers Painless Tooth Extraction to Alleviate Tooth Pain in San Jose, CA


Dr. Amir HagShenas, Dentist Serving San Jose and Los Gatos, CA

Dr. Amir HagShenas Makes Tooth Extraction Comfortable in San Jose, CA

Dr. HagShenas offers tooth extraction to prepare the mouth for permanent, reliable new teeth through full mouth dental implant treatment.

Those in need of a quick, easy relief from tooth pain can receive an immediate tooth extraction at Silicon Valley Smile Solutions. Dr. Amir HagShenas makes tooth extraction in San Jose, CA as painless as possible through the use of sedation options and provides comprehensive care to help patients rebuild their smile after extraction.

Dr. HagShenas always strives to save a patient’s natural teeth and will work towards that goal for those with tooth pain. However, if a tooth cannot be saved, often tooth extraction is necessary. Extracting problem teeth typically provides instant relief of jaw and tooth pain. Plus, there are many advanced and natural-looking options available to replace missing teeth, such as dental implants. A tooth may require extraction due to:

  • Severe tooth infection
  • Oral trauma
  • Advanced gum disease
  • Need for full mouth dental implants

In order to make tooth extraction a painless procedure, Dr. HagShenas offers soothing sedation dentistry. Sedation helps block sensations of discomfort and can even ease a patient’s dental anxiety. Patients often receive a local anesthetic to the numb the affected tooth and have the option to receive oral or IV sedation to calm their nerves. After the tooth extraction is complete, most patients receive socket preservation bone grafting to restore bone to the area where the tooth once was. Upon successful bone grafting, patients will have enough bone to replace the tooth with a dental implant.

For patients with multiple failing or damaged teeth, Dr. HagShenas offers tooth extraction to prepare the mouth for permanent, reliable new teeth through full mouth dental implant treatment. After removing any remaining, unsupported teeth, Dr. HagShenas places four to six dental implants into a patient’s jawbone. A full arch bridge of new teeth is attached to those implants, giving patients a completely restored and fully functional smile.

Those suffering from tooth pain or in need of tooth extraction in San Jose, CA can connect with Dr. HagShenas for immediate tooth removal. Appointments can be made by calling Silicon Valley Smile Solutions at 408-377-5134 or by visiting the website at http://www.svsmilesolutions.com.

About the Dentist

Silicon Valley Smile Solutions offers full-service dentistry in San Jose, CA. Dr. Amir HagShenas has been practicing dentistry for nearly 30 years. Dr. HagShenas received his doctorate in dental surgery degree from the University of Minnesota, where he has since been honored with the Irwin A. Epstein Award for Excellence in Endodontics, among other numerous accomplishments. Every year, Dr. HagShenas completes many hours of continuing education in implant and surgical dentistry, far above the requirements mandated by the Dental State Board of California. His motive: “I am committed to help my patients to receive the very best in dentistry.” Dr. HagShenas and his team at Silicon Valley Smile Solutions are dedicated to staying up-to-date on the latest dental technologies in order to provide the highest quality of care for patients undergoing treatments like full arch dental implants. Skilled in numerous areas of dental treatments, Dr. HagShenas is particularly passionate about providing long-lasting, full arch dental implant treatments that are, in many cases, available in just one office visit. It is Dr. HagShenas’ goal to form lasting connections with every patient built on trust, partnership, and compassion. To learn more about Dr. HagShenas and the services offered at Silicon Valley Smile Solutions visit http://www.svsmilesolutions.com or call 408-377-5134 to schedule a consultation.

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The Dental Studio of Midland Transform Smiles with Cosmetic Dentistry and Two-Visit Porcelain Veneers in Midland, TX


The Dentists at The Dental Studio of Midland, Serving Midland, TX

The Dental Studio of Midland Transforms Smiles with Porcelain Veneers in Midland, TX

It was so worth it! I mean, it really has changed my life. I get so many compliments. I love to smile now!

Respected dentists, Drs. Tye Thompson, Jordon Green and Mallory Layman of The Dental Studio of Midland, help patients who want to correct smile inconsistencies such as chipped teeth, tooth discoloration, tooth gaps, and uneven teeth through the placing of porcelain veneers in Midland, TX. Porcelain veneers are a non-surgical cosmetic dentistry option that typically only takes two appointments and can provide transformative results that last for decades.

Porcelain veneers are thin shells made of durable porcelain material created to adhere to the front of the teeth. Because porcelain can mimic the natural color and translucency of teeth, it presents the ideal material for dental veneers. Dentists carefully choose the right shade, size and shape of the veneers to effectively customize treatment for each patient. Porcelain veneers create a natural looking smile, ultimately revitalizing the patient’s appearance and confidence.

“I was really very self-conscious of my smile,” says Peg, a patient of The Dental Studio of Midland, after her porcelain veneer treatment. “We ended up doing the front eight teeth. It was so worth it! I mean, it really has changed my life. I get so many compliments. I love to smile now!”

Porcelain veneers are for those considering restorative dentistry to change the color, length, size or shape of the teeth that show when they smile. Porcelain veneers can be completed in only two office visits and require the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel to encourage secure bonding between the veneer and tooth surface. With proper care, porcelain veneers provide long-term, undetectable and beautiful results.

Individuals living in the Midland, TX area who are interested in learning more about porcelain veneers or any type of cosmetic dentistry are encouraged to self-refer to The Dental Studio of Midland. Drs. Thompson, Green and Layman offer customized cosmetic dentistry treatments and a variety of other dental services, allowing them to provide patients with the best restorative solution for their needs. To schedule an appointment, call 432-687-0629 or visit http://www.midlanddentalstudio.com.

About the Dentists

The Dental Studio of Midland offers comprehensive and caring dental care to patients in Midland, TX. Committed to serving custom care that patients truly need, Drs. Tye Thompson, Jordon Green, and Mallory Layman build relationships with each patient in order to understand their unique needs and goals. Both Drs. Thompson and Green completed dental training at the prestigious University of the Pacific and continue to expand their knowledge in dentistry by attending multiple continuing education courses. Dr. Layman brings her experience from the University of Texas to the team. The Dental Studio of Midland is equipped with advanced dental technology to provide patients with the highest standard of care. Drs. Thompson, Green, and Layman all bring their unique art and “niche” to The Dental Studio of Midland. Some of the services offered are laser dentistry, Invisalign®, full mouth reconstruction, and sedation dentistry. The Dental Studio of Midland team is dedicated to providing the most efficient, least painful procedures for patients, and offer minimally invasive surgery whenever possible. To learn more about Drs. Thompson, Green, and Layman and the services offered at The Dental Studio of Midland, call 432-687-0629 or visit http://www.midlanddentalstudio.com.

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Dr. Kevin Hogan Recognized by the ICOI for Providing Expert Tooth Replacement with Dental Implants in Mt. Pleasant, SC


Dr. Kevin Hogan, Dentist in Mt. Pleasant, SC

Dr. Kevin Hogan Becomes Fellow of the ICOI for Dental Implant Care in Mt. Pleasant, SC

Patients who replace missing teeth with dental implants can eat their favorite foods again, enjoy life again, and feel confident in their smile.

Respected dentist, Dr. Kevin Hogan, was recognized for achieving fellowship status from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) during this year’s ICOI Winter Implant Symposium in Houston, TX. By achieving fellowship status, Dr. Hogan has proven understanding and mastery of the placement and restoration of dental implants, which he provides as a tooth replacement solution in Mt. Pleasant, SC. The ICOI Winter Implant Symposium was a three-day event dedicated to the learning and understanding of dental implants.

“Dental implants are like having your original teeth again. They bring about 2,000 percent more confidence back to a patient’s lifestyle. Patients who replace missing teeth with dental implants can eat their favorite foods again, enjoy life again, and feel confident in their smile,” says Dr. Hogan.

The ICOI Winter Implant Symposium, held in Houston, TX, offered three days of lectures and hands-on events to help attendees learn and grow in the field of dental implants. Leading dentists and dental specialists spoke at the event featuring scientific, research-backed information that those in attendance could bring back to their own practice. The mission of the symposium was to provide attendees with a comprehensive and scientific overview of the future of dental implants and oral implantology as a whole.

Dr. Hogan was recognized during the Winter Implant Symposium for his hard work and dedication in achieving fellowship status. In addition to this recognition, he attended many of the courses and lectures during the event and will bring back the information learned to his practice in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Dr. Hogan routinely provides dental implants as a tooth replacement solution for those with failing or missing teeth. Patients can have individual missing teeth replaced, or even restore an entire mouth with full mouth dental implants.

Dental implants are considered the gold standard solution to replace missing teeth. They mimic the function of natural teeth, including the tooth root and the crown, in order to give patients a healthy, fully functioning tooth replacement. An implant post is surgically inserted into the jawbone, which fuses with the bone for a strong hold and stimulates bone growth. Then, a lifelike dental crown is created and placed to match the shape, size and color of the patient’s teeth. Once healed, patients can eat, speak and smile with confidence, knowing that their dental implant will be secure and strong in their mouth. With proper oral care, patients can even expect to keep their implants for the rest of their lives.

Those interested in learning more about Dr. Hogan or who would like to receive dental implants in Mt. Pleasant, SC from a fellow of the ICOI are encouraged to contact his practice by visiting http://www.smilesbyhogan.com or calling 843-216-0908.

About the Implant Dentist

Dr. Kevin Hogan is a general dentist providing individualized care for patients in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Dr. Hogan is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Dentistry and has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education courses to stay contemporary with the latest dental technologies. In addition, he has also completed coursework with the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation and has lectured at the University of North Carolina, Emory University, the Saginaw Valley University and AUA-American University of Antigua on head and neck anatomy and oral pathology. Dr. Hogan is a member of the American Dental Association, International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics, Academy of Laser Dentistry, International Association of Physiologic Aesthetics, Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, DOCS (the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation), International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the South Carolina Dental Association. He is also a past member of the American Straight Wire Orthodontic Association, Maxillofacial Orthopedic Growth and Development, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Functional Orthodontic Society. He and his team are dedicated to providing exceptional oral care to patients through personalized treatment plans. To learn more about the services offered by Dr. Hogan, please visit his website at http://www.smilesbyhogan.com or call 843-216-0908.

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Advancements Hosted by Ted Danson to Explore Innovations in Corona Virus and other Pathogen Removal and Protection


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“A building can typically be treated in one day and provide safety for anyone worried about getting the virus,” said Will Mensch, producer for DMG Productions and the Advancements series. “We look forward to exploring how this technology can help slow further spread of the coronavirus…”

Advancements with Ted Danson will educate about the current coronavirus pandemic and how innovative pathogen removal technologies are working to destroy the virus on contact. Check local listings for more information.

An upcoming segment of Advancements will focus on the Pure Maintenance patented dry fog system and its ability to destroy the coronavirus on contact. Viewers will learn about the EverPURE protectant, which protects surfaces for up to 90 days from all viruses, including COVID-19.

One difficult aspect of a new virus forming is the lack of available specimens for testing. Preliminary tests have shown the virus is fairly easy to kill on a surface, when an oxidizer like Pure Maintenance is applied. Spectators will see how as an enveloped virus, the coronavirus can be killed on contact with InstaPURE or EverPURE and requires very little dwell time.

“We are excited to partner with CNBC and Advancements television to display our patented dry fog technology and the capabilities it has to help Americans all over the country,” said Brandon Adams, CEO of Pure Maintenance.

“A building can typically be treated in one day and provide safety for anyone worried about getting the virus,” said Will Mensch, producer for DMG Productions and the Advancements series. “We look forward to exploring how this technology can help slow further spread of the coronavirus for people throughout the world.”

About Pure Maintenance:

Pure Maintenance is a demolition free mold and pathogen removal company. Using the patented Dry Fog technology, Pure Maintenance can fill up the entire volume of space within a building with an EPA approved sterilant that removes bacteria, viruses, and mold from surfaces and air. It denatures spores and removes airborne pathogens, in furniture, fabrics, air ducts, and behind walls.

For more information, visit: http://www.puremaintenance.com. If you would like information on getting your home, office, school, or facility treated for coronavirus call 801-513-3364.

About Advancements and DMG Productions:

The Advancements series is an information-based educational show targeting recent advances across a number of industries and economies. Featuring state-of-the-art solutions and important issues facing today’s consumers and business professionals, Advancements focuses on cutting-edge developments, and brings this information to the public with the vision to enlighten about how technology and innovation continue to transform our world.

Backed by experts in various fields, DMG Productions is dedicated to education and advancement, and to consistently producing commercial-free, educational programming on which both viewers and networks depend.

For more info, please visit: AdvancementsTV.com or call Will Mensch at 866-496-4065.

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Local Businesses Rally to Meet Community Needs During the Coronavirus


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“As a consumer, when you purchase from a mom and pop – such as your neighborhood coffee shop – you’re helping pay the barista you chat with every morning,” said Michael Plummer, Our Town America’s President.

As Americans across the country self-quarantine to minimize the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), local small business owners are rallying to serve their communities. They’re doing their part to protect the health and safety of their employees and customers while remaining available to provide products and services people need.

In this time of uncertainty, Our Town America, a national new mover marketing franchise that helps local businesses create and maintain relationships with customers, salutes these business owners and wants to remind all Americans that it’s more important than ever to shop local – whether virtually, curbside or online – and support businesses that are the backbone of the local economy.

“As a consumer, when you purchase from a mom and pop – such as your neighborhood coffee shop – you’re helping pay the barista you chat with every morning,” said Michael Plummer, Our Town America’s President. “You’re helping put food on their children’s plate and helping fulfill their young daughter’s dream of going to college. You are keeping your local community alive and thriving.”

Our Town America franchise owners are small business owners themselves, so they understand the importance of shopping local and the direct effects it has on a business and its employees – especially during a time like this.

“As Americans, we’re tough and resilient, especially in times of crisis,” said Plummer. “The Coronavirus is real and scary, but it’s not permanent, and we will get through this. In addition to self-quarantining to stop the virus’ spread, we ask all Americans to continue buying local to help small business owners and the employees who depend on them.”

There are countless examples of businesses that have adjusted on the fly to continue serving the public while doing everything possible to practice social distancing. These include, but are not limited to:


  • Restaurants offering curbside service and delivery drops at front doors
  • Doctors and veterinarians offering virtual appointments while remaining on call to treat more serious conditions in person
  • Gyms and trainers sharing home-based cardio and strength workouts
  • Commercial and residential cleaning companies working around the clock to disinfect buildings using EPA/CDC recommended products specific to Coronavirus
  • Grocery stores and hotels operated by employees wearing gloves who are making it as safe as possible to access necessary food and accommodations

“The method of delivery may be different – from curbside service to virtual appointments – but it’s imperative to support the small businesses doing everything they can to continue serving their local community,” said Plummer. “There are more than 28 million small businesses in the country and all of them could use a little love during this tough time. Please do everything you can to support local businesses so they can keep their employees and continue serving the community you call home.”

For more information on Our Town America, please visit https://www.ourtownamerica.com/.

For more information on the Our Town America franchise opportunity, please visit https://www.newmoverfranchise.com/.

About Our Town America

For over 48 years, Our Town America has been providing new movers with traditional hospitality by mailing warm housewarming gifts from local neighborhood businesses in a premium welcome package. Since the company started franchising in 2005, Our Town America has consistently been placed in the Franchise Top 50, ranking top in their category for franchisee satisfaction.

Our Town America’s dedication to the “sponsor exclusivity” concept, meaning Our Town America will only recommend one of each business type in any specific zip code within its welcome packages, has been one of the key catalysts for the company’s long-term success. In addition, sponsors consistently rave about other unique aspects of the new mover marketing program – such as their ability to reach a brand-new audience of impressionable new movers each month and the insightful data/metrics delivered by Our Town America’s innovative pinpoint tracking system.

Due in large part to Our Town America’s devotion to those concepts, thousands of satisfied business owners throughout the United States attest to the success and effectiveness of the program. Additionally, dozens of locally owned franchisees validate Our Town America’s concept as a viable business opportunity.

It is Our Town America’s mission to assist new movers adjusting to their community, help businesses gain new and loyal customers and provide franchisees with an excellent opportunity. The eight million households who receive Our Town America’s welcome packages each year prove that Our Town America is committed to following through on that mission statement.

For more information, visit the Our Town America website at https://www.ourtownamerica.com or call 1-800-497-8360.

Media Contacts:

Graham Chapman                                 Brittany Johnson

919-459-8157                                     800-497-8360 x229

gchapman@919marketing.com                     bjohnson@ourtownamerica.com

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OU Health Sciences Center Partners With Pure MHC on COVID-19 Vaccine Project


Pure MHC has obtained the actual COVID-19 virus, will infect cells and look for the targets on the infected cells.  Pure MHC will then use those targets to either develop a vaccine or to directly target them with something like monoclonal antibodies.

Curtis McMurtrey, Ph.D., Director of Immuno-Proteomics at Pure MHC

With OU, we are acquiring the actual COVID-19 virus, and we will infect cells and look for the targets on the infected cells. We will use those targets to either develop a vaccine or to directly target them with something like monoclonal antibodies.

OUHSC and Pure MHC have launched a research collaboration to work toward the development of a vaccine for the COVID-19 virus. The scientific team is led by William Hildebrand, Ph.D., whose expertise is helping the body’s protective immune cells target and kill virus-infected cells. He will be working with Pure MHC, part of a family of biotechnology companies formed, funded and managed by Austin, TX based Emergent Technologies, Inc. (ETI). Approximately 20 years ago, ETI commercialized and advanced Hildebrand’s and others’ research to develop breakthrough drugs and therapies. This partnership represents a unique collaboration between researchers in a university setting and a company with the scientific expertise and investment to further the project.

Hildebrand’s research career has focused on a crucial component of vaccine development: creating targets that help the immune system’s T-cells find and kill virus-infected cells. Because COVID-19 is an entirely new virus, the body’s immune system has not been trained to recognize it. Hildebrand’s research discoveries could provide a target for a potential vaccine.

“The body’s T-cells are able to distinguish virus-infected cells from healthy cells and, for the most part, they are able to eliminate infected cells without harming healthy cells,” Hildebrand said. “However, with COVID-19, our T-cells have not been prepared to recognize this coronavirus, and the disease is able to get a foothold before our immune system is able to catch up to it. What we want to do is to prepare our cells in advance, just as the body uses the flu vaccine – it gets your immune system ready to target the flu. Our role is to identify the targets that mark COVID-19, and then steer the T-cells to those targets using a vaccine.”

Hildebrand has been working on this type of target discovery technology for nearly three decades. He successfully discovered a target that allows T-cells to protect against the West Nile Virus, as well as a cancer target that allows T-cells to kill the malignant cells in melanoma. Now his charge is to discover the target for COVID-19.

For that work, the OU Health Sciences Center brings an important resource to the collaboration with Pure MHC: a Biosafety Laboratory-3, one of the safest and most specialized laboratories for working with infectious diseases. The laboratory ensures a high level of protection for research personnel because they will be working with the live virus.

“With OU, we are acquiring the actual COVID-19 virus, and we will infect cells and look for the targets on the infected cells,” said Curtis McMurtrey, Ph.D., Director of Immuno-Proteomics for Pure MHC and a graduate of the OU Health Sciences Center. “We will use those targets to either develop a vaccine or to directly target them with something like monoclonal antibodies.”

“Because the OU Health Sciences Center and Pure MHC have been working together on similar projects for over 20 years, they are uniquely positioned to quickly develop a target for COVID-19”, said Tommy Harlan, founder, chairman and CEO of Emergent Technologies, Inc., the technology commercialization company that manages Pure MHC. Harlan said he founded his company specifically to find and commercialize early-stage discoveries so they can positively affect human health and disease.

“After 20 years of working with Dr. Hildebrand and the OU Health Sciences Center, and through our commercial entity Pure MHC, we are positioned to pursue this discovery project very quickly at a time when speed is important,” Harlan said. “It all lines up at a time when society needs help with this devastating disease.”

Such partnerships are key to the university moving its discoveries into the marketplace, said James Tomasek, Ph.D., Vice President for Research at the OU Health Sciences Center. In 1998, the state of Oklahoma passed two state questions that allowed academic research to be transformed into start-up biotech companies. Tomasek, along with the university’s Office of Technology Commercialization, assist researchers in preparing their science for outside licensing and investment.

“The partnership between the OU Health Sciences Center and Pure MHC, a company developed from OU Health Sciences Center technology and housed at University Research Park in Oklahoma City, demonstrates how discoveries can be taken from the lab to the marketplace to address critical healthcare needs, like developing a vaccine for COVID-19,” Tomasek said.

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OU HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER

One of nation’s few academic health centers with seven professional colleges — Allied Health, Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health and Graduate Studies — the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center serves approximately 4,000 students in more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs on campuses in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. For more information, visit http://www.ouhsc.com.

OU MEDICINE

OU Medicine — along with its academic partner, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center — is the state’s only comprehensive academic health system of hospitals, clinics and centers of excellence. With 11,000 employees and more than 1,300 physicians and advanced practice providers, OU Medicine is home to Oklahoma’s largest physician network with a complete range of specialty care. OU Medicine serves Oklahoma and the region with the state’s only freestanding children’s hospital, the only National Cancer Institute-Designated Stephenson Cancer Center and Oklahoma’s flagship hospital, which serves as the state’s only Level 1 trauma center. OU Medicine is the No. 1 ranked hospital system in Oklahoma, and its oncology program at Stephenson Cancer Center and OU Medical Center ranked in the Top 50 in the nation, in the 2019-2020 rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. OU Medicine was also ranked by U.S. News & World Report as high performing in four specialties: Ophthalmology in partnership with Dean McGee Eye Institute, Colon Surgery, COPD and Congestive Heart Failure. OU Medicine’s mission is to lead healthcare in patient care, education and research. To learn more, visit http://www.oumedicine.com.

Pure MHC

Pure MHC, LLC is a platform technology company funded and managed by Emergent Technologies, Inc. with expertise in disease-specific target identification and validation as well as immunotherapeutic drug development for cancer, infectious and autoimmune diseases and allergy. The Pure MHC target discovery technology was developed by Chief Scientist William Hildebrand, Ph.D., of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. For more information, visit http://www.puremhc.com.

Emergent Technologies

Emergent Technologies, Inc. is an innovation solutions and technology commercialization leader headquartered in Austin, Texas. For more information visit http://www.etibio.com.