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.

Ziegler Closes $212,930,000 Bond Financing For Seafields at Kiawah Island, a new Life Plan Community


Rob Gall, Director, Ziegler Investment Banking, stated, “Ziegler is very proud to help provide construction financing for Seafields at Kiawah Island in a very challenging capital markets environment.

Ziegler, a specialty investment bank, is pleased to announce the successful closing of Seafields at Kiawah Island’s $212,930,000 Series 2023 bonds.

Kiawah Life Plan Village, Inc. (KLPV) is a South Carolina nonprofit corporation that was formed on December 7, 2020, to develop, own, and operate a senior living community on approximately 8 acres in Kiawah Island, South Carolina to be known as Seafields at Kiawah Island (“Seafields” or the “Community”). The Community will be a licensed continuing care retirement community and is currently planned to consist of 90 independent living units and 16 assisted living units as well as common areas and amenities including full-service dining, bar, bistro, outdoor infinity pool, fitness center, yoga, salon, physical therapy, wellness center, theater and various multipurpose rooms. Seafields is located adjacent to Freshfields Village, which is an open-air pedestrian village with a variety of stores, dining, events and entertainment located at Kiawah Island.

KLPV will use the proceeds of the Series 2023 Bonds along with other available funds will be used to (1) finance and reimburse the costs of developing, marketing, acquiring, constructing and equipping a continuing care retirement community consisting of 90 independent living units, 16 assisted living units and associated common areas that will be located on an approximately 8.0 acre tract of land; (2) refund the outstanding Series 2021 Bond Anticipation Notes; (3) fund debt service reserve funds; (4) funded interest; (5) fund a portion of reserves; and; (6) pay the cost of issuance. The Series 2023 Bonds are fixed rate bonds and will be Issued through the South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority. The Series 2023 Bonds consists of $87.125 million of long-term fixed rate bonds, and $125.805 million of Tax-exempt Mandatory Paydown Securities (TEMPSSM) and taxable mandatory paydown securities (TMPSSM), totaling $212.93 million (collectively, the “Series 2023 Bonds”). Additionally, an affiliate of the developer will purchase a $3,770,000 taxable Subordinate Capital Appreciation Bond.

Seafields and Kiawah Island is being developed and managed by BRP Senior Housing Management, a vertically integrated firm with capabilities in development, renovation, operation and restructuring expertise in both senior housing communities.

Kiawah Island Real Estate is the sole real estate brokerage company for the Community providing both marketing and sales for prospective residents with a team of sales executives dedicated to Seafields at Kiawah Island.

Rob Gall, Director, Ziegler Investment Banking, stated, “Ziegler is very proud to help provide construction financing for Seafields at Kiawah Island in a very challenging capital markets environment. The Community is solving a critical piece to the sea islands of Kiawah and Seabrook where seniors will now have the option to stay or live on the beautiful sea islands of South Carolina.”

Todd Lillibridge, Chairman of the Board of Kiawah Life Plan Village shared, “The Board is pleased with the outcome of achieving a successful financing that was underwritten by Ziegler. We look forward to seeing Seafields at Kiawah Island serve as a vibrant addition to the community by providing residents and their loved ones with a place to live and enjoy their lives while the ability to remain in the community with their network of friends, family, amenities, and proximity to quality healthcare resources.”

Richard Ackerman Senior Partner of BRP Senior Housing Management stated, “The completion this financing plus the earlier BANs financing is allowing us to bring best in class senior housing to Kiawah Island on a one of kind site. With 70 units reserved the project has wide acceptance in the market. Ziegler and the whole team did a great job given a tough market and a unique project. We look forward to an opening in the fall 2025.”

Ziegler is the nation’s leading underwriter of financing for not-for-profit senior living providers. Ziegler offers creative, tailored solutions to its senior living clientele, including investment banking, financial risk management, merger and acquisition services, seed capital, FHA/HUD, capital and strategic planning as well as senior living research, education, and communication.

For more information about Ziegler, please visit us at http://www.ziegler.com.

About Ziegler:

Ziegler is a privately held, national boutique investment bank, capital markets and proprietary investments firm. It has a unique focus on healthcare, senior living and education sectors, as well as general municipal and structured finance. Headquartered in Chicago with regional and branch offices throughout the U.S., Ziegler provides its clients with capital raising, strategic advisory services, fixed income sales, underwriting and trading as well as Ziegler Credit, Surveillance and Analytics. To learn more, visit http://www.ziegler.com.

Certain comments in this news release represent forward-looking statements made pursuant to the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This client’s experience may not be representative of the experience of other clients, nor is it indicative of future performance or success. The forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, in particular, the overall financial health of the securities industry, the strength of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy and the municipal securities marketplace, the ability of the Company to underwrite and distribute securities, the market value of mutual fund portfolios and separate account portfolios advised by the Company, the volume of sales by its retail brokers, the outcome of pending litigation, and the ability to attract and retain qualified employees.

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Mercury Insurance shares how to protect your online identity and smart devices from cybercrime


Mercury Insurance, one of the World’s Best Insurance Companies for 2023 by Forbes.

Resourceful thieves and cybercriminals continue to find new ways to hack U.S. consumers’ sensitive personal information. Dumpster diving, stolen or lost wallets and mail fraud should still be concerns, but the digital age of tablets, smartphones, PCs and Wi-Fi networks leaves people more vulnerable than ever.

Have you ever stored credit card information on your phone for added convenience to make payments in a checkout lane? Do you ever store passwords in apps to transfer funds between accounts? And what’s to keep hackers from accessing a wireless network you check your email on while grabbing a quick cup of coffee?

“More than 15.4 million people a year will experience identity theft, with an average loss of more than $1,000,” said Robert Hernandez, Mercury Insurance’s senior manager of R&D. “When one access point closes due to added levels of security, cyber-attackers find another. Insurance companies like Mercury provide services that allow homeowners and renters to enjoy the convenience of accessing their connected devices at home and on the go, while also helping to protect customers from the potentially devastating effects of criminal infiltration, cyberextortion and identity theft.”

The following five dos and don’ts can help stop criminals in their tracks and protect your connected devices, as well as your electronic identity.

1. Do power down your devices. This disables the internet connection, cutting off access to any personal information stored on your computer, tablet or phone. Unattended machines, especially if you are asleep or leave them at home while on vacation, are easy targets for hackers.

2. Don’t connect to unsecured wireless networks. Information accessed on an open network, including email passwords and sensitive bank information, is fair game for hackers. Don’t make their jobs easier. Turn off Wi-Fi access on your devices unless it’s a password-protected network you trust.

3. Do monitor your children’s device usage. It’s a good idea to limit use of computers, tablets and phones to public areas within the home like the living room or kitchen. This makes it easier for parents to keep an eye on who their kids are communicating with, especially on social media or gaming sites, to help prevent the sharing of sensitive information like full names, addresses or other things that can be used for identity theft or other potentially dangerous activities.

4. Don’t discard important paperwork without shredding it. If it has your name and address, thieves can take advantage and open an account using your information. Remember to shred expired insurance documents, vehicle registrations, bills, loan pre-qualifications and other paperwork that would allow someone to call in pretending to be you. Check your credit reports at least twice a year to ensure all accounts opened in your name are valid.

5. Do install recommended updates. Smartphone, computer, tablet and smart TV manufacturers, among other providers of connected devices, offer periodic software updates to protect against potential security breaches. Chances are, if an update is recommended, hackers have already discovered a way to access your personal property and information, so keep your software up to date.

Hernandez recommends homeowners and renters speak with their local insurance agent to learn more about the endorsements they may be able to add to existing policies to help safeguard their finances if their identities are compromised or connected devices are attacked.

“It can be daunting to try to regain your financial footing if a criminal takes advantage of you,” said Hernandez. “Insurance exists to help protect consumers from unexpected events and, in this case, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier offering personal auto, homeowners, and renters insurance directly to consumers and through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Illinois, Georgia, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury also writes business owners, business auto, landlord, commercial multi-peril and mechanical protection insurance in various states.

Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultracompetitive rates with excellent customer service. Mercury has earned “A” ratings from A.M. Best and Fitch, as well as “Best Auto Insurance Company” designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on Twitter or Facebook.

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Gentry Academy Adds New Leadership in Athletic Department with Hiring of Morgan Underwood as New Athletic Director


Gentry Academy

“I have seen from afar the positive impact this school is having on its’ students”

Gentry Academy, an accredited school for students in grades 5-12, announced today, it has hired Morgan Underwood as the school’s new Athletic Director and Monique Aanenson as girls’ hockey coach.

“We could not be happier to welcome Morgan and Monique to the Gentry Academy family,” said Megan Stone, Gentry’s Director of Leadership and Culture. “Both are strong leaders excited to continue the wonderful things we are doing here. I believe Morgan and Monique will bring our athletic department and our whole learning community to the next level.”

Underwood holds a master’s degree from St. Cloud State University and comes to Gentry Academy from Providence Academy where she was an assistant athletic director. At St. Cloud State she played softball. Morgan and her husband are the proud parents of a 16-month-old daughter named Millie.

“This was an opportunity I could not pass up,” said Underwood. “I have seen from afar the positive impact this school is having on its’ students. I cannot wait to be a part of helping build a culture where student athletes can achieve their goals both academically and athletically.”

Aanenson is no stranger to Gentry Academy. She served as assistant coach last season and was a crucial part of the state championship team this past winter season. She played women’s’ hockey for four seasons at the University of Minnesota Duluth before entering coaching. When not on the ice she is a physical therapist in Maplewood.

“I am very excited to lead this team as it defends a state title,” said Aanenson. “Last year was such a fulfilling experience and I look forward to building off that to create a long-term path of success for this program.”

When hiring leaders within a successful athletic program it is important to find the right person, said Jennifer Kurth, Gentry’s Director of Education.

“We are building tomorrow’s leaders here at Gentry,” said Kurth. “So, it’s critical that we are well positioned to get our student-athletes to the next level of competition because the caliber of our administrators and coaches. I believe Morgan and “Coach Mo” will do a wonderful job of being stewards of our mission.”

About Gentry Academy

Gentry Academy is an accredited school for students in grades 5-12 located in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota. Students are presented with a dynamic learning environment that integrates the core curriculum and required electives with a flexible W.I. N. (What I Need) time schedule and hallmark leadership and life skills program. Students garner real-world skills through focus on academics, arts, physical education, and internships as part of our W.I.N. time learning model. Students are afforded 90 minutes daily to direct their learning, tailoring their school day to fit their individual goals for skill acquisition and enrichment. For more information http://www.gentryacademy.org

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Health-E Commerce shares three things flexible spending account (FSA) users should do now to avoid losing funds in December


We encourage all FSA users to take time now to check their deadline and their balance, map out their anticipated out-of-pocket costs for healthcare services for the year, and then visit FSA Store to make plans for using their funds in ways that fit their lifestyle and their health needs.

When you’re looking to save money, whether it’s for a family vacation, college expenses, or holiday shopping, it helps to plan ahead. Unfortunately, planning ahead for end-of-year healthcare expenses is not always top of mind for consumers and that’s why over a billion dollars in tax-free flexible spending account (FSA) funds are forfeited every year. Health-E Commerce, parent brand to FSAstore.com – the first and leading online marketplace dedicated exclusively to selling FSA-eligible products – is on a mission to help more than 35 million Americans who are enrolled in FSAs avoid losing their hard-earned healthcare dollars by sharing three things FSA users should do now to avoid losing funds to a missed deadline in December.

What is an FSA? An FSA is a tax-advantaged account that consumers can enroll in through their employer-sponsored benefits program. Employees and/or employers can contribute to the account through pre-tax payroll contributions. This reduces the employee’s taxable income and helps them pay for a wide range of expenses. FSA-eligible expenses are determined by the Internal Revenue Service.

Three things to do now to avoid losing money in December.

  • Know your deadline. All FSAs have a deadline by which funds must be spent each year. The majority of employers that offer an FSA have a December 31 deadline, which means that employees who are enrolled in the FSA may need to spend all funds by December 31 with a few exceptions. Unused funds will be forfeited. This December deadline is often referred to as the “use-it-or-lose-it deadline.” Other deadlines to be aware of include:
  • – Grace period deadline. Employers may opt to give employees a grace period of two-and-a-half months (for a December 31 deadline, until March 15) to spend down remaining FSA funds from the previous calendar year.
  • – Carryover extension. Employers may allow employees to carryover up to $610 in FSA funds from 2023 to 2024.
  • Check your FSA balance. According to a report from VISA, the average amount that consumers contributed to FSAs in 2022 was $1,221, and the average amount forfeited in December of 2021 was $393. Anyone who is unsure of how much they contributed and how much is remaining in their account should check their online FSA portal or contact their FSA administrator. FSA Store allows consumers to easily track their FSA spending and deadline and to receive automated alerts about upcoming deadlines so they don’t lose funds.
  • Map your spending for the next five months. The list of eligible FSA expenses has expanded in recent years to include doctor visits, surgical procedures, a wide variety of clinical services, and an extensive list of everyday essentials. Some of the most popular ways to spend FSA dollars include:
  • – Over-the-counter medications.
  • – Sunscreen and moisturizers with SPF.
  • – First-aid kits.
  • – Allergy medications.
  • – Acne treatments.
  • – Menstrual care products.
  • – Drug-free pain relief products.
  • – High-tech items like hearing aids, acupuncture devices, migraine relief bands, health monitors, and deep tissue pain relief devices.

FSA Store offers a free, comprehensive eligibility list that makes it easy to map spending for the remainder of the year to ensure consumers don’t leave any tax-free funds on the table due to a missed deadline. This list can be used to personalize the FSA experience so FSA users can shop for everyday healthcare needs by product, category, lifestyle, or health condition.

“Preparation and knowledge are the keys to managing your health and your healthcare dollars, and at FSA Store, we support consumers with the educational resources and the interactive tools to do both,” said Rachel Rouleau, chief compliance officer for Health-E Commerce. “We encourage all FSA users to take time now to check their deadline and their balance, map out their anticipated out-of-pocket costs for healthcare services for the year, and then visit FSA Store to make plans for using their funds in ways that fit their lifestyle and their health needs.”

To learn more about FSA deadlines, visit the FSA Learning Center at FSAstore.com.

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Media contact: Barbara Tabor, barbara@taborpr.com, 651-230-9192

About Health-E Commerce

Health-E Commerce is the parent brand to FSA Store, HSA Store and WellDeservedHealth, a family of online marketplaces that serve the 70+ million consumers enrolled in pre-tax health and wellness accounts. The company also created Caring Mill, a popular private-label line of health products that benefits Children’s Health Fund and enables customers to make a donation with each purchase. Since 2010, the Health-E Commerce brands have led the direct-to-consumer e-commerce market for exclusively pre-tax health and wellness benefits. Health-E Commerce plays an essential role in expanding product eligibility for important new categories within the list of eligible medical expenses.

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Newsweek Names Dr. Sean Doherty as One of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2023


Dr. Sean Doherty, a renowned and board-certified plastic surgeon based in the Boston Metro area, has been named one of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2023 by Newsweek

Dr. Doherty’s passion for his field and dedication to providing the highest quality care have earned him a well-deserved place among Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2023.

About Dr. Sean Doherty

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS is a trusted, board-certified plastic surgeon with an impressive background in education and training. He has won numerous awards, which include being named a Top Doctor by Boston Magazine for the last five years and recently recognized among Columbia University’s Top Docs of 2023.

In the Boston area, Dr. Doherty is affiliated with numerous hospitals and is an esteemed member of various professional organizations such as the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. These affiliations highlight Dr. Doherty’s commitment to staying at the forefront of plastic surgery advancements and maintaining the highest standards of patient care.

Dr. Doherty’s Commitment to Advancing the Field of Plastic Surgery

Dr. Sean Doherty is dedicated not only to providing exceptional care to his patients but also to advancing the field of plastic surgery. He contributes to peer-reviewed medical journals, sharing his knowledge and expertise with fellow medical professionals.

In addition to research, Dr. Doherty also educates colleagues through lectures and presentations and has served on advisory boards for leading injectable companies Allergan and Galderma, contributing to the development of innovative products and treatments. His involvement with these companies has ensured that his patients have access to the latest and most effective treatments in the realm of non-surgical aesthetics.

Dr. Doherty’s Involvement with Cynosure, Inc.

Since 2013, Dr. Doherty has been dedicated to his clinical practice and has made significant contributions to the field of plastic surgery on a broader scale. Serving as the Medical Director for Cynosure, Inc., he has played an integral role in shaping the development and advancement of innovative aesthetic devices. Cynosure is an international laser company based in Westford, Mass and focuses on development and distribution of safe and effective energy based aesthetic devices. His collaborative work with Cynosure further demonstrates his commitment to advancing the field of plastic surgery.

About Dr. Sean Doherty’s Practice

The Boston Center for Facial Rejuvenation, Dr. Doherty’s practice, serves both Boston and Brookline as a leading provider of both surgical and non-surgical aesthetic services. His practice offers a diverse array of restorative procedures for the face and body, catering to both men and women with a wide range of plastic surgery needs.

At the Boston Center for Facial Rejuvenation, patients can expect to receive personalized care and attention from Dr. Doherty and his team of skilled healthcare professionals. The state-of-the-art facility is designed with patient comfort and safety in mind, ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care throughout their aesthetic surgery journey. From consultation to post-operative follow-up, Dr. Doherty and his team are dedicated to helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals and enhance their overall well-being.

Dr. Doherty’s Surgical Expertise

Dr. Sean Doherty’s expertise spans a wide range of plastic surgery procedures, with a surgical repertoire that includes breast procedures such as breast augmentation, lift, reduction, and implant exchange. He is also skilled in facial cosmetic surgery procedures, which include facelifts, neck lifts, and thread lifts. For body procedures, Dr. Doherty provides tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, male chest procedures and liposuction, among others.

Dr. Doherty’s extensive surgical expertise is backed by his commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in plastic surgery techniques and technology. His dedication to continuous education and training allows him to offer innovative and effective treatments that deliver optimal results for his patients.

Non-Surgical Aesthetic Services Offered

In addition to offering a wide range of surgical treatments, Dr. Doherty provides an extensive array of non-surgical procedures to address various aesthetic concerns. These non-surgical options include popular injectables like Botox®, Dysport™, Kybella®, Juvederm®, Radiesse®, Restylane, and Sculptra® that can effectively target and address signs of aging, wrinkles, and volume loss.

Recognizing the unique needs of male patients, Dr. Doherty offers specialized procedures to address specific concerns faced by men, enhancing their natural features and boosting their confidence. These procedures may include male breast reduction to treat gynecomastia, chest contouring, facial rejuvenation techniques, and body contouring procedures.

The Boston Center for Facial Rejuvenation also provides advanced laser procedures, such as laser hair removal, laser skin resurfacing, and Pico laser for hyperpigmentation. The practice offers skincare treatments like chemical peels, micro-needling, and medical facials to promote healthy, glowing skin.

Patient Testimonials and Reviews

Dr. Doherty’s comprehensive approach to plastic surgery caters to each individual’s unique needs and goals, whether they seek subtle enhancements or more dramatic transformations, ensuring the highest level of skill and precision.

Google and Facebook users consistently report 5-star reviews on the practice. Patients praise Dr. Doherty for his skill, compassion, and his conservative approach to cosmetic improvement. Known for his caring demeanor and expertise, he is often described as easy to talk to and brilliant in his field.

Request an Appointment with Dr. Sean Doherty

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sean Doherty, please click here or contact his offices at the following locations:

Brookline Office: 1 Brookline Place, Suite 427, Brookline, MA, 02445, (617) 735.8735

Boston Office: 69 Newbury, 5th Floor, Boston, MA, 02116, (617) 450.0070

Prevent Blindness Declares August as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month to Help Educate Families on the Importance of Healthy Vision and Early Access to Eyecare


Prevent Blindness declares August as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month to raise awareness and provide free educational materials on the importance of healthy vision for kids.

“For 115 years, we’ve made it our mission to ensure that children have access to the eyecare they need,” said Todd. “By working as a team with parents, our program partners, and allied healthcare personnel, we help children take their first steps toward a lifetime of healthy vision.”

Prevent Blindness, the nation’s leading volunteer eye health and safety nonprofit organization, has declared August as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month in an effort to educate parents and caregivers on ways to keep children’s eyes healthy. As many kids are headed back to school in the month of August, Prevent Blindness offers free resources including fact sheets and social media graphics in English and Spanish, toolkits, and webpages on a variety of topics, including myopia (nearsightedness), amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), eye safety in relation to digital screen time, importance of vision screenings, financial assistance programs, and much more.

Additionally, Prevent Blindness is debuting a new episode in the online Focus on Eye Health Expert Series, “Children’s Vision and Eye Health.” Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness, interviews R.V. Paul Chan, MD, MSC, MBA, FACS, Head, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The John H. Panton Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, and Director, Pediatric Retina and Retinopathy of Prematurity Service, Illinois Eye and Ear, UI Health. Dr. Chan is also a volunteer member of the Prevent Blindness Board of Directors.

And, as part of the Focus on Eye Health Expert series, Michael F. Chiang, MD, Director of the National Eye Institute (NEI), recently spoke with Jeff Todd about children’s vision and eye health initiatives of the NEI.

On Aug. 22, 2023 at 7 p.m. ET, a new episode dedicated to the discussion of Progressive Myopia from the “Seeing Eye to Eye: Celebrating Eye Health” Facebook Live series from Blackdoctor.org will be held. The episode will feature Terri L. Young, MD, MBA, FARVO, the Peter A. Duehr Endowed Professor and Chairwoman of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Afua Oteng Asare, OD, PhD, Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Utah. This series is a partnership with Blackdoctor.org, Prevent Blindness, the National Eye Institute, and the Children’s Vision Equity Alliance.

In advance of the upcoming solar eclipses on Oct. 14, 2023, and April 8, 2024, Prevent Blindness offers the “Solar Eclipse Viewing Party Family and Children’s Toolkits,” available free for download. The toolkits contain fun ideas and activities for children to learn about eclipses and about the importance of eye safety while viewing them.

The recording of the 2023 Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health Summit discussion, “Reimagining How We Engage Communities from Identification into Care – Children and Adults,” is now available. The session was moderated by Tami Garcia, Prevent Blindness Wisconsin President and CEO.

Also available in August will be the new “Association Between Vision and Learning” fact sheet from the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness (NCCVEH). The fact sheet is specifically designed for educational organizations and associations, including local and state school boards.

“For 115 years, we’ve made it our mission to ensure that children have access to the eyecare they need,” said Todd. “By working as a team with parents, our program partners, and allied healthcare personnel, we help children take their first steps toward a lifetime of healthy vision.”

For general information on children’s eye health and safety, go to https://preventblindness.org/your-childs-sight/. For information on the NCCVEH and its variety of programs, visit https://nationalcenter.preventblindness.org/. Vision care financial assistance resources in English and Spanish may also be found at: https://preventblindness.org/vision-care-financial-assistance-information/.

About Prevent Blindness

Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation’s leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, Prevent Blindness is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, visit us at PreventBlindness.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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Jeffrey Zaffos DDS Changes Practice Name to JM Dental of Westbury


JM Dental of Westbury

We make it our mission to provide the best dental care possible, and we are extremely proud of the services that we offer at JM Dental of Westbury. We are excited to continue this tradition with the addition of Dr. Mishel to the team.

Jeffrey Zaffos DDS, a full-service dental practice in Westbury, NY, has changed its name to JM Dental of Westbury. The dental practice, located at 214 Fulton St, Westbury, NY 11590 and online at https://www.westburydentists.com, has been providing comprehensive family, cosmetic, and restorative dental services to residents of Westbury and the surrounding areas for over 20 years.

Dr. Jeffrey Zaffos, DDS, the founder and owner of JM Dental of Westbury, has practiced dentistry since 1986 and is a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Zaffos is an active member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the Nassau County Dental Society (NCDS), and the Long Island Dental Study, and is dedicated to helping patients achieve their dream smile.

Dr. Zaffos is joined by Dr. Mishel Eshaghianpour, who began working with Dr. Zaffos in 2017. Dr. Mishel is a Fellow and Master of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) and enjoys giving back to the community by working with the Homeless Veterans Dental Program to provide homeless vets with dental care.

“We make it our mission to provide the best dental care possible, and we are extremely proud of the services that we offer at JM Dental of Westbury.” Dr. Zaffos said. ” We are excited to continue this tradition with the addition of Dr. Mishel to the team.”

Dr. Zaffos and Dr. Mishel work with an experienced team of dental hygienists, assistants, and office staff dedicated to providing you with the best possible experience. JM Dental of Westbury takes pride in being a progressive dental practice that’s ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest dental technology. Their office is equipped with advanced instruments, including 3D digital imaging, intraoral cameras and other state-of-the-art dental instruments. The team at JM Dental of Westbury offers a range of dental services, including:


  • General Dentistry: General dentistry refers to preventative and corrective services including oral exams, cleanings, scaling and root planing, root canal treatment, extractions, and custom mouth guards.
  • Cosmetic Dentistry: Cosmetic dentistry is intended to improve the smile’s appearance and may include teeth whitening, veneers, cosmetic bonding, microabrasion, and more.
  • Restorative Dentistry: Restorative dentistry involves repairing and replacing damaged or missing teeth and includes composite fillings, inlays and onlays, crowns, dental bridges, dental implant restorations, and dentures.
  • Same-Day Crowns: JM Dental of Westbury offers same-day crowns for eligible patients, which can be done in just one visit.
  • Dental Implants: The practice offers multiple types of dental implant options including single-tooth implants and implant-supported bridges and dentures.
  • TMJ Treatment: Pain related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be treated using conservative and non-invasive techniques.
  • Sedation Dentistry: The practice takes measures to make patients more comfortable and offers sedation for those who experience anxiety during dental appointments.

About JM Dental of Westbury

JM Dental of Westbury is a full-service dental practice located at 214 Fulton St, Westbury, NY 11590. To make an appointment, call 516-334-3444 or request an appointment online at https://www.westburydentists.com.

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InstantGMP introduces new Predecessor Rule Feature that Enhances Batch Record Oversight and Consistency for Manufacturers


Predecessor Rule Feature enhances Batch Record oversight & consistency for Manufacturers.

“We are proud to introduce this advanced functionality that reduces operator error, gives production managers greater control over more consistent processes, and provides greater oversight to manufacturers,” said Dr. Richard Soltero, President of InstantGMP.

InstantGMP™, the leading provider of affordable all-in-one software solutions for good manufacturing practices, is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking Predecessor Rule software feature.

This innovative addition to InstantGMP PRO™ software enhances both batch production processes and operational efficiencies for manufacturers across a variety of industries.

Designed with the goal of simplifying manufacturing operations, the Predecessor Rule feature allows MPR (Master Production Record) design instructions to capture and implement predecessor rules. This ensures that steps affected by predecessor rules are locked until the prerequisite steps are completed. By enforcing a sequential workflow, manufacturers can adhere to proper procedures, minimize errors during production and meet quality requirements.

InstantGMP’s new predecessor rule feature enhances Batch Record oversight and consistency for manufacturers in comparison to traditional working parallel methods, offering significant advantages. With working parallel, steps can be carried out simultaneously or randomly, leading to potential confusion and deviations from standard protocols and procedures.

In contrast, the Predecessor Rule feature establishes a clear and controlled workflow by locking subsequent steps until their predecessors are fulfilled. This ensures proper sequencing and eliminates the risk of premature or out-of-order activities.

InstantGMP’s new Predecessor Rule feature goes beyond conventional manufacturing software capabilities. It ensures compliance with industry regulations, streamlines production workflows, and minimizes the risk of errors and adulterations, all while offering an intuitive user interface that simplifies complex processes.

What truly sets InstantGMP’s Predecessor Rule software feature apart is its accessibility and affordability. While advanced functionalities like predecessor rules are typically found in high-end, costly software solutions, InstantGMP is committed to making premium features available to small and mid-size manufacturers at an affordable cost. By providing access to cutting-edge capabilities, InstantGMP empowers manufacturers to optimize their production processes and compete at a higher level.

“We are proud to introduce this advanced functionality that reduces operator error, gives production managers greater control over more consistent processes, and provides greater oversight to manufacturers,” said Dr. Richard Soltero, President of InstantGMP. “By including advanced features in the software that’s available at an affordable cost, InstantGMP reaffirms its commitment to providing small and mid-size manufacturers with state-of-the-art tools that enhance their operations.”

To learn more about InstantGMP’s new Predecessor Rule feature and its full range of manufacturing and quality software solutions, schedule a live demo with one of InstantGMP’s expert team members.

About InstantGMP™, Inc.

Founded by pharmaceutical industry veteran Dr. Richard Soltero, InstantGMP, Inc., offers affordable all-in-one manufacturing, inventory and quality software. The company develops cloud-based electronic batch record software and standard operating procedures specific to industries that are required to follow FDA manufacturing regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices (“GMP”).

As a manufacturing software company, InstantGMP™ pioneered accessible, easy-to-use electronic batch record software for products manufactured using GMPs. The Company’s updated software simplifies the documentation and approval procedures for quality processes that keep all quality documentation organized in electronic format while providing for quality checks and workflow processes to make compliance with FDA requirements easy.

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Heart of Texas Endodontics Announces Office Renovations, Updated Website, Welcomes Dr. Massey


Heart of Texas Endodontics in Temple, TX

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Matthew Massey to our practice and introduce our new website. Dr. Massey is a great addition to our practice and will be an asset to our patients.

Heart of Texas Endodontics, a premier Central Texas area endodontic office, is pleased to announce its updated website at https://www.heartoftexasendo.com. In addition, the practice has recently completed extensive renovations of its office space and recently welcomed Dr. Matthew Massey.

Heart of Texas Endodontics is a full-service endodontic practice offering advanced treatments for root canals, endodontic surgery, and other dental procedures. The practice recently completed extensive renovations of its office space and welcomed Dr. Matthew Massey, DDS in June 2023. Heart of Texas Endodontics is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technology to provide the highest level of care, including 3D imaging and digital radiography.

The practice also recently launched a new website (https://www.heartoftexasendo.com) that offers patients the ability to schedule appointments online and access helpful resources such as a patient portal and FAQs. The website also features a blog that provides patients with a variety of educational content designed to help them understand their treatment options.

Heart of Texas Endodontics is led by Dr. Ryan Allowitz, a board-certified endodontist with over 20 years of experience. He practiced dentistry for the US Army while stationed in Germany, and has performed over 20,000 root canals throughout his career.

“We’re excited to welcome Dr. Matthew Massey to our practice and introduce our new website,” said Dr. Allowitz. “Dr. Massey is a great addition to our practice and will be an asset to our patients.”

Dr. Allowitz is joined by a team of experienced professionals. The team is dedicated to providing patients with the highest level of care. Heart of Texas Endodontics offers a range of treatments to patients of all ages, including:


  • Root canal therapy: A root canal is a treatment that removes infected tissue from the inside of a tooth and can help prevent the spread of disease to other areas of the mouth. The practice also offers GentleWave, a new root canal treatment.
  • Endodontic retreatment: A root canal retreatment is a procedure that can save teeth and prevent the need for an extraction.
  • Endodontic surgery: Endodontic surgery is a procedure that involves the removal of infected tissue from around a tooth.
  • Cracked teeth treatment: Cracked teeth can be treated with a root canal or crown.
  • Pulpotomy: A pulpotomy is a procedure that removes only the infected part of the pulp or soft tissue inside a still-developing tooth and repairs the tooth with a filling. This procedure allows children and adolescents to save their natural teeth.
  • Emergency dentistry: An emergency dentist can help patients who have a broken, knocked-out, or cracked tooth.

About Heart of Texas Endodontics

Heart of Texas Endodontics is a premier endodontic practice located at 2703 Trade Place, Temple, TX 76504. To make an appointment, call 254-778-4400 or request an appointment online at https://www.heartoftexasendo.com.

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Codoxo Launches Generative AI for Healthcare Payment Integrity


Codoxo Logo

“Our generative AI tackles the industry’s most complex and relatively untouched frontier of healthcare claims, fueling a future where manual, resource intensive tasks are automated.” –Musheer Ahmed, CEO and Founder of Codoxo.

Codoxo, a trusted provider of artificial intelligence solutions for healthcare payers, agencies and pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs), today announced its new generative AI product, ClaimPilot, aimed at making healthcare cost containment and payment integrity programs exponentially more efficient while easing healthcare workforce constraints. Codoxo’s newest patent-pending AI innovation will initially focus on addressing health insurers’ most dire need: automating in-patient and facility claim audits. This significant technology milestone remains unachieved in the healthcare industry.

“Codoxo is investing deeply in groundbreaking AI applications to create a more affordable and efficient healthcare system. Our generative AI tackles the industry’s most complex and relatively untouched frontier of healthcare claims, fueling a future where manual, resource intensive tasks are automated,” said Musheer Ahmed, CEO and Founder of Codoxo. “By freeing clinicians and administrators of tasks that AI can tackle more efficiently, they are empowered to work at the top of their licenses and focus on higher priority areas that further reduce the cost of U.S. healthcare.”

In-patient and facility claims account for a significant portion of costs in healthcare. Yet due to their complex nature, healthcare payers, third-party administrators, and government agencies typically focus most of their constrained resources on auditing professional claims. ClaimPilot aims to drive an exponential increase in audit turnaround times and clinician audits per day, while eliminating dollar thresholds that restrict claims analysis to higher dollar ranges. Codoxo plans to integrate ClaimPilot across its spectrum of healthcare AI products addressing the entire payment integrity lifecycle.

“Healthcare organizations can expect game-changing outcomes with generative AI applications such as ClaimPilot,” said Jesse Montgomery, Vice President of Analytics for Codoxo. “Today, it takes a clinician an average of 15 days to review a single in-patient or professional claim audit, from the time records are received to the time the audit is complete. With ClaimPilot, the turnaround time will be less than 24 hours. Automation will enable extreme efficiencies; the clinician average for audits per day will increase from two or three to more than 20. Thresholds will be a thing of the past, as there won’t be any limitations to the number of claims that a healthcare payer can review, audit or investigate.”

Codoxo’s entrance into healthcare AI began in academia more than a decade ago when Dr. Musheer Ahmed earned his PhD at the Georgia Institute of Technology where his research focused on bringing differentiated AI technology into the payment integrity space. Since then, he has assembled a vanguard of healthcare and AI experts to build Codoxo’s award-winning Unified Cost Containment Platform. The integrated healthcare AI platform enables healthcare payer teams – Payment Integrity, Special Investigations Units (SIU) and other departments – to maximize savings across pre-claim submission, pre-pay and post-pay programs on all claim types​.

“ClaimPilot is a natural progression of our longstanding innovation in healthcare AI. And we’re here to help healthcare payers and agencies understand and navigate the generative AI evolution,” stated Ahmed. “In our pursuit to deliver greater transparency, automation, collaboration, and outcomes across the healthcare cost containment industry, Codoxo is leading a movement toward a better future, by meeting the needs of the industry today.”

Codoxo is hiring data scientists, data engineers, and project managers. Qualified candidates can learn more at https://www.codoxo.com/careers/.

About Codoxo

With a mission to make healthcare more affordable and effective for everyone, Codoxo is the premier provider of artificial intelligence-driven solutions and services that help healthcare companies and agencies proactively detect and reduce risks from fraud, waste, and abuse and ensure payment integrity. The Codoxo Unified Cost Containment Platform helps clients manage costs across network management, clinical care, provider coding and billing, payment integrity, and special investigation units. Our software-as-a service applications are built on our proven Forensic AI Engine, which uses patented AI-based technology to identify problems and suspicious behavior far faster and earlier than traditional techniques. Codoxo is a Fierce Healthcare Innovation Award winner and has been recognized by the Inc. 5000 Regionals list for growth. Our solutions are HIPAA-compliant and operate in a HITRUST-certified environment. For additional information, visit http://www.codoxo.com.

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