The Frontline Healing Foundation will host their First Annual Warriors Picnic Fundraiser in partnership with Operation Song on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the Dog & Pony Grill.

This First Annual Warriors Picnic fundraiser event will include a Family Picnic, Live Music, Live Auction, Silent Auction, and much more to benefit Frontline Healing Foundation and Operation Song.

SAN ANTONIO (PRWEB)
July 24, 2023

To support military, veterans and first responder healing, the Frontline Healing Foundation in partnership with Operation Song will host the First Annual Warriors Picnic on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the Dog & Pony Grill, in Boerne, Texas from 6-11pm. This fundraising benefit event will include a public concert and evening of celebration of family, community, and life.

During this family picnic, songwriters will perform their own hits and other Operation Song material written with veterans and first responders around the country. Along with songwriters, guests will enjoy musical performances by Josh Grider, Tom McElvain, Jamie Floyd, and Dallas Alexander.

The family-friendly event includes food; conversation, meet the songwriters; and a live and silent auction, including a chance to win a trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro (K2 Adventure Travel), a limited edition John Wick III Staccato Firearm, an 830 Wellness Aesthetics package, and much more!

FIRST ANNUAL WARRIORS PICNIC – EVENT INFORMATION

DATE: Saturday, July, 29, 2023

TIME: 6:00pm – 11:00pm CST (doors open at 5:30pm)

LOCATION: Dog & Pony Grill, 1481 S. Main St., Boerne TX, 78006

DRESS: Casual / Family Picnic

EVENT TICKETS: Anyone can buy tickets for this fundraiser. General Admission tickets are $75, and Kids under 12 get in for $30. Proceeds will go to Frontline Healing Foundation and Operation Song. Donations are 100% tax deductible, and tickets can be bought here: https://frontlinehealingfoundation.org/picnic/

SILENT AUCTION: The Silent Auction will start running today, Monday, July 24, 2023, at 10am EST / 9am CST, as a lead up to the LIVE AUCTION at the picnic. Anyone can bid here https://frontlinehealingfoundation.org/auction

LIVE AUCTION: During the picnic on July 29, anyone can bid on LIVE AUCTION items that will be auctioned off at 8:15pm CST with bigger ticket items, including a trip to Mt Kilmanjaro (attendance not mandatory) https://frontlinehealingfoundation.org/auction

SCHEDULE:

5:30pm – Doors Open, Silent Auction and Buffet

6:30pm – Operation Song and Frontline Healing Introduction

7:00pm – Musical Performances

8:00pm – Testimony

8:15pm – Live Auction

9:00pm – Performance

ABOUT: FRONTLINE HEALING FOUNDATION, formerly known as Warriors Heart Foundation, was built to unite the power of social responsibility, sustainability, and the healing of our warrior class (Active Duty, Veterans, and First Responders). A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, supports programs that address the unmet needs of suffering servicemen and women. Frontline Healing Foundation subsidizes the cost of treatment for substance abuse through inpatient and outpatient treatment, sober living, MeRT Brain Treatment, and K9s. The purpose of the Foundation is to assist our Warriors who may not have insurance or the means to fund their healing. https://frontlinehealingfoundation.org

ABOUT: OPERATION SONG is a national nonprofit, based in Nashville TN, that pairs professional songwriters and veterans to turn their stories of service, camaraderie, and bravery into songs. The cathartic writing process helps Veterans unlock and express deeply personal sentiments. By turning memories into lasting mementos, veterans also gain a way to “talk” to friends and family about their feelings. Participating veterans write with songwriters, see their stories performed in public, and receive a recorded copy of their songs, free of charge. Operation Song works with North Country Troopers Assisting Troops, the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Warriors Heart and others who serve veterans across the country since 2012 when the organization was founded by Grammy & Dove Award nom’d songwriter Bob Regan (11-time recipient of ASCAP’s Most Performed Song Award). https://www.operationsong.org/

For more information, watch this

VIDEO: Operation Song on the Sunday Today Show with Willie Geist, May 2017: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaOrzC1lCxA

LISTEN: Operation Song’s Spotify List here: https://open.spotify.com/album/085MAy0gaaktGlks3xUcJ9

MEDIA CONTACT: Liz Kelly, Frontline Healing Foundation: 310-987-7207

Share article on social media or email:

International Student Leadership Conference – Lima, Peru – 2023

We are proud to support Operation Smile as they deliver on our shared purpose of transforming smiles and changing lives.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. and TEMPE, Ariz. (PRWEB)
July 21, 2023

Operation Smile today announced that Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGN) a leading global medical device company that designs, manufactures, and sells the Invisalign® system of clear aligners, iTero™ intraoral scanners, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software for digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry, is the 2023 title sponsor of Operation Smile’s Student Programs’ International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC), being held at El Pueblo resort in Lima, Peru, from July 17 through July 23, 2023.

The week-long annual conference for high school students involved in Operation Smile’s Student Programs is held at various locations around the world and this year hosted over 200 participants representing 23 countries. ISLC helps students develop and strengthen their leadership skills and character, provides training on how to help people in developing countries, and exposes students to different cultures. The impact of this year’s ISLC on the student participants has been evident from the start. Nisa Ardat, Align Technology scholarship recipient from Ghana said, “Align is doing so much, providing opportunities for us. For those of us who probably could not have been able to join without Align, we were able to come and meet with students from around the world to talk about cleft lip and cleft palate surgery.”

Align has worked alongside Operation Smile for nearly a decade, helping the nonprofit transform smiles and achieve surgical excellence in more than 35 low- and middle-income countries. Align supports both Operation Smile’s extensive surgical programs and Operation Smile’s Student Programs, which aim to empower children and young adults to create a more compassionate world through education, service and leadership.

“Our partnership with Align Technology continues to change lives around the world,” said Kristie Porcaro, Operation Smile’s Chief Strategy Officer. “This continued investment in our youth leaders through the ISLC is the latest example of Align’s commitment to creating brighter futures and our shared values of compassion and impact.”

Felipe Barreiro, Align Technology’s vice president and general manager of Latin America, served as a keynote speaker at this year’s ISLC. “We are proud to support Operation Smile as they deliver on our shared purpose of transforming smiles and changing lives,” said Barreiro. “I am personally honored to welcome the conference participants to Latin America and have this opportunity to hear from student leaders at ISLC and learn more about the incredible work of Operation Smile.”

To learn more about Operation Smile’s longtime partnership with Align Technology, click here.

About Align Technology, Inc.

Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign® System, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, iTero™ intraoral scanners and services, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for approximately 243 thousand doctor customers and are key to accessing Align’s 500 million consumer market opportunity worldwide. Over the past 25 years, Align has helped doctors treat over 15.1 million patients with the Invisalign System and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align Digital Platform™, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab/partners. Visit http://www.aligntech.com for more information.

For additional information about the Invisalign System or to find an Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit http://www.invisalign.com. For additional information about the iTero digital scanning system, please visit http://www.itero.com. For additional information about exocad dental CAD/CAM offerings and a list of exocad reseller partners, please visit http://www.exocad.com

About Operation Smile

Operation Smile is a global nonprofit specializing in expert cleft surgery and care. We provide medical expertise, research and care through our dedicated staff and medical and student volunteers around the world, working alongside local governments, nonprofits, and health systems, and supported by our generous donors. For more information about Operation Smile, please visit: https://www.operationsmile.org/

###

Share article on social media or email:

Saudi Arabia: In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) Sales

“Saudi Arabia boasts one of the largest healthcare markets in the Middle East and is an attractive target for investors, manufacturers, and distributors.”

ARLINGTON, Va. (PRWEB)
July 21, 2023

The market for in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) in Saudi Arabia, a young country in an aging world, reached an estimated $605 million in 2022, according to 30-Country IVD Market Atlas, a quarterly updated report from leading diagnostic market research firm Kalorama Information.

In 2022, the market was driven in part by COVID-19 testing, with about 44 million PCR COVID-19 tests performed through last August.

Looking ahead, IVDs will play an essential role in the Saudi Arabian government’s healthcare plans. Saudi Arabia’s IVD market is forecast to have a CAGR of 3.8% between 2021 and 2026. The greatest growth will be seen in the private sector, as private infrastructure growth will be emphasized over the course of the next several years.

In Saudi Arabia, the IVD market is largely made up of imports as domestic manufacturing of diagnostic tests is nearly nonexistent, according to Kalorama.

Aging populations typically require greater medical care and shape international healthcare markets, including in vitro diagnostics. Although Saudi Arabia is home to more than 35 million people, only 3% are 65 years or older. And while IVDs play an essential role in the government’s healthcare plans, there is room for expansion. Only 1.5% of the overall healthcare expenditure is spent on IVDs, lower than the global average of 2%.

Nonetheless, Saudi Arabia boasts one of the largest healthcare markets in the Middle East and is an attractive target for investors, manufacturers, and distributors. Health and living standards are high; about 85% of the population has access to medical providers, and all residents are covered for basic and essential healthcare services through national health insurance coordinated by the Ministry of Health (MOH).

The country has a comprehensive medical device regulatory policy to improve the safety and effectiveness of medical and IVD devices, while providing Saudi Arabians with improved access to such products.

According to Kalorama, overall healthcare services and laboratory facilities will need to expand to meet increasing demands imparted by a mix of infectious diseases and chronic conditions. The prevalence of diabetes, now 24%, is expected to continue to increase, and other lifestyle-related diseases such as cardiovascular conditions are expected to grow and put pressure on the healthcare infrastructure.

In an unusual outcome for national health systems, publicly funded hospitals in Saudi Arabia are perceived to have higher-quality healthcare than private-sector hospitals. The MOH and other government-affiliated hospitals make up 77% of the country’s available healthcare infrastructure, while private healthcare makes up the rest. Nonetheless, private facilities serve 65% of the population, including expatriates (30%) and private-sector employees (35%) and their families, who do not have access to public institutions.

Share article on social media or email:

Embark Behavioral Health

“This recognition is a testament to the incredible culture instilled by our employees,” said Landon Kirk, chief people officer for Embark Behavioral Health.

PHOENIX (PRWEB)
July 21, 2023

Embark Behavioral Health, a leading network of mental health treatment programs for youths, young adults, and their families, was recognized as one of Arizona’s 2023 Top Workplaces by USA Today Network’s AZCentral for a second consecutive year. This award highlights businesses that outperform in their markets and helps those organizations attract and retain the best and brightest employees.

Embark surveyed its Arizona employees via an anonymous online survey, and the Top Workplaces award winners were chosen based exclusively on the confidential employee feedback.

This honor not only highlights Embark’s commitment to excellence in the mental health field but also showcases the company’s people-centered culture and efficient innovation.

“This recognition is a testament to the incredible culture instilled by our employees,” said Landon Kirk, chief people officer for Embark Behavioral Health. “We firmly believe that by engaging everyone on our team, we can take on the monumental task of leading the way in tackling our nation’s youth mental health crisis. It’s through their active involvement and dedication that we can make a real difference.”

Top Workplaces is the nation’s most credible employer recognition program, having surveyed and studied more than 70,000 organizations during the past 16 years, backed by a team of experts at Energage. Winning this award is confirmation that an organization puts its people first, operates by strong values​, has good communication between employees and management,​ and innovates and operates efficiently.

As part of putting its people first, Embark provides employees with a benefits plan that’s reflective of its core purpose to create joy and heal generations.. This plan includes two medical plans featuring mental health coverage; a health savings account; dental, vision, and maternal leave benefits; life insurance; a 401(k) plan; paid time off; and company holidays.

“Building strong personal relationships with those we work closely with is a priority,” Kirk said. “We genuinely care about each other’s mental health and make it a point to regularly check up on one another. By fostering these incredible connections, we not only strengthen our team, but we also set an example for the kind of support we aim to provide to our clients.”

Recent Embark milestones include:

• The Embark outpatient clinic in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, earning Main Line Parent’s Best Mental Health Services for Teens award for the second consecutive year.
• Adding a Scottsdale, Arizona, outpatient therapy clinic featuring an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and a therapeutic day treatment program, also known as a partial hospitalization program (PHP).
• Expanding online services with Embark Virtual IOP. The virtual IOP is an insurance-reimbursed program available to residents in various states across the country. It’s ideal for preteens, teens, and young adults as part of an after- and continuing-care plan ─ for example, when they’re stepping down from a higher level of care, such as residential treatment or outdoor therapy, or up from a lower level of care, such as weekly individual therapy.  

Known for its mission to lead the way in driving teen and young adult anxiety, depression, and suicide from the all-time highs of today to all-time lows by 2028, Embark continues to win local and national awards from industry peers. The company is hiring in Arizona and across the nation. To learn more, visit embarkbh.com/careers.

For more information about Embark, visit embarkbh.com. For more information on the Top Workplaces awards, visit topworkplaces.com/nominate/azcentral.

ABOUT EMBARK BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Embark Behavioral Health is a leading network of outpatient centers and residential programs offering premier mental health treatment for preteens, teens, and young adults. Dedicated to its big mission of reversing the trends of teen and young adult anxiety, depression, and suicide by 2028, Embark offers a robust continuum of care with different levels of service and programming; has a deep legacy of over 25 years serving youths; works with families to adjust treatment in real time to improve results; treats the entire family using an evidence-based approach; and offers the highest levels of quality care and safety standards. For more information about Embark or its treatment programs, including virtual services, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), therapeutic day treatment programs, also known as partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), residential treatment, and outdoor therapy, visit embarkbh.com.

Share article on social media or email:

Singing Trees Recovery Center

I would like to convey that the employees of Singing Trees have kept the resident’s safety first and foremost while maintaining ethical boundaries at all times.

GARBERVILLE, Calif. (PRWEB)
July 21, 2023

Singing Trees Recovery Center employees sincerely apologize for the situation and any negativity and/or distress it has caused residents, their loved ones, and the community. The employees remain steadfast and committed to all past, present, and future residents. Singing Trees aims to continue to have strong, positive communication within the team, making this a learning experience while having compassion and empathy.

“I would like to convey that the employees of Singing Trees have kept the resident’s safety first and foremost while maintaining ethical boundaries at all times,” states program manager Courtney Bell.

About Singing Trees Recovery Center:

This situation allows Singing Trees Recovery Center to display its core tools and belief systems, which include honesty, integrity, faith, empathy, and how to move forward in difficult and public controversy. Singing Trees Recovery Center is grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve the community in a much-needed capacity, while helping educate individuals so they may implement the tools they learn to have a healthy and successful recovery.

Share article on social media or email:

Allegheny General Hospital, flagship academic medical center of Pittsburgh-based Allegheny Health Network

“This such a meaningful designation as it is contingent on superb outcomes – 95% repair rate and less than 1% mortality – in a high volume of patients and verified by the AHA,” said Stephen Bailey, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon and Chair of AHN Cardiovascular Institute.

PITTSBURGH (PRWEB)
July 21, 2023

Allegheny General Hospital (AGH), the flagship academic medical center of Allegheny Health Network (AHN), announced today it has once again received the Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Mitral Foundation for a demonstrated record of superior clinical outcomes resulting from evidence-based, guideline-directed degenerative mitral valve repair.

This is the third consecutive year AGH and its AHN Cardiovascular Institute team have been recognized as a Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center since the recognition was established in 2019, placing AHN’s program among the most elite nationwide. To date, only 21 facilities have earned this award across the country and AGH remains the only hospital to receive this recognition in Pennsylvania.

“This award recognizes the commitment of our clinicians and caregivers who provide the highest levels of care to our patients, year after year,” said Walter E. McGregor, MD, lead surgeon of the AHN mitral valve program and director of AHN cardiac surgery at AHN Cardiovascular Institute. “On behalf of the entire Network, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to their tireless work that upholds the AHN Cardiovascular Institute’s longstanding legacy of clinical excellence.”

The mitral valve is in the left side of the heart and works to keep blood flowing properly in one direction from the left atrium to the left ventricle. When the valve doesn’t work correctly, allowing blood to flow backward, the heart can’t pump enough oxygenated blood for the body. Symptoms of mitral valve regurgitation often include fatigue and shortness of breath.

Mitral valve repair is considered the gold-standard therapy for degenerative mitral valves and is generally preferred over mitral valve replacement since valve repair is associated with improved survival and fewer long-term complications. Valve replacement with a bioprosthetic or mechanical valve typically has higher five-to-ten-year complication rates compared to repair.

“We are pleased to recognize Allegheny General Hospital for their commitment to patients who need mitral valve repair,” said Robert O. Bonow, MD, professor of cardiology at Northwestern University and past president of the American Heart Association. “Choosing the right hospital for heart surgery is one of the most important health care decisions that patients and their referring physicians must make to ensure best outcomes. The Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center award identifies hospitals with excellent processes and outcomes and gives patients and cardiologists the information necessary to make these important decisions when mitral valve surgery is required.”

The Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award was developed to identify, recognize and promote the nation’s recognized medical centers for mitral valve repair surgery. AGH earned the award for demonstrating adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines as well as an ongoing commitment to reporting and measuring quality and outcome metrics specific to mitral valve repairs.

“This such a meaningful designation as it is contingent on superb outcomes — 95% repair rate and less than 1% mortality — in a high volume of patients and verified by the AHA,” said Stephen Bailey, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon and Chair of AHN Cardiovascular Institute. “We’re incredibly proud of today’s recognition as it further establishes our program as a nationally recognized leader in managing and treating complex cardiovascular disease.”

For more information on the AHN mitral valve program, please call 412-359-8180 or visit ahn.org; for more on the American Heart Association and Mitral Foundation Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award, go to heart.org.

###

About the Allegheny Health Network:

Allegheny Health Network (AHN.org) is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving the greater Western Pennsylvania region. The Network is composed of 14 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, Health + Wellness Pavilions, multiple employed physician organizations, home and community based health services, a research institute, and a group purchasing organization. The Network provides patients with access to a complete spectrum of advanced medical services, including nationally recognized programs for primary and emergency care, trauma care, cardiovascular disease, organ transplantation, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, women’s health, diabetes, autoimmune disease and more. AHN employs approximately 22,000 people, has more than 2,600 physicians on its medical staff and serves as a clinical campus for Drexel University College of Medicine and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Share article on social media or email:

The highest indoor radon level reported in Utah can be compared to smoking about 963 cigarettes per day or 24,000 chest X-rays per year.

“St. George is my home, and this expansion represents a big win for my community to protect my neighbors from radon-induced lung cancer for future generations,” said Larry Warren, Protect Environmental mitigation technician.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (PRWEB)
July 21, 2023

Today, Louisville-based Protect Environmental announced the launch of its second Utah-based operation to provide radon and vapor intrusion mitigation solutions to meet growing demands created by the increase in population density in St. George and surrounding communities.

Having served the Salt Lake City and greater Utah area since its founding in 2007, the company’s Salt Lake City operation, Radovent, was acquired by Protect Environmental in the spring of 2022. Since there are no certified radon professionals within 100 miles of St. George, the Salt Lake City operation has been providing services to the St. George community for years.

“St. George is my home, and this expansion represents a big win for my community to protect my neighbors from radon-induced lung cancer for future generations,” said Larry Warren, Protect Environmental mitigation technician. “Since radon doesn’t discriminate, dangerous levels can be found in new and old homes and buildings alike. I’m excited to be able to protect more people in my St. George community from this invisible, but deadly, gas.”

The company will immediately commence operations supporting the St. George community, hosting a community town hall meeting with real estate agents and home inspectors on July 21, 2023.

“Some of the highest indoor radon levels on record have been found in the Southwest region of Utah, which is why we have traveled hundreds of miles to provide vital life-saving mitigation services to the St. George community. Our long-time employee, Larry Warren, calls St. George home and will now provide boots-on-the-ground service in the area full-time,” said Jeremy Porter, director of market operations for Protect Environmental. “This expansion will allow us to serve this region every day of the week and increase our capacity to protect those living in St. George from exposure to radon gas.”

About Protect Environmental

Protect Environmental is a national environmental consulting and construction industry leader, focusing on radon and chemical vapor intrusion management. With a proven track record spanning 18 years and more than 200,000 completed projects in all 50 U.S. states and 2 U.S. territories, the company provides expert service from its trusted professionals to provide peace of mind protection to property owners seeking to build and maintain healthy, safe, and sustainable indoor environments. Join our rapidly expanding team, apply today. For more information, call 502-410-5000 or click on https://www.protectenvironmental.com.

-xxxx-

Share article on social media or email:

Clearwater Periodontist Explains How Certain Medications Could Cause Gum Problems

If it is determined that a big factor of the gum overgrowth is a medication, the next step Dr. Britten will take is to consult the patient’s physician. Stopping or changing the medication can help limit the overgrowth, but he stresses to patients, “Do NOT stop the medication on your own.”

CLEARWATER, Fla. (PRWEB)
July 21, 2023

As a gum specialist, Clearwater periodontist Dr. Todd Britten states he often sees and must help treat changes in patient’s gum tissues related to certain medications they are taking. “One of the main issues we come across is drug-induced gingival overgrowth, or gingival enlargement,” Dr. Britten says.

He goes onto explain that gingival hyperplasia is an overgrowth of the gum tissue around your teeth. “In our practice, we sometimes see that certain medications our patients are taking contribute to gingival hyperplasia. Other factors can include orthodontic treatment or certain medical issues, such as hormonal imbalances, leukemia, a genetic condition or the growth can sometimes be due to a benign or malignant lesion. Inflammation of the gums and poor plaque control are often a main contributor for gum overgrowth. Poor oral hygiene also can increase inflammation which may also play a role.”

Medications associated with gum enlargement fall into three main categories:

• 
  Anti-seizure medications
• Immunosuppressant medications (used in transplant patients),
• Calcium channel blockers used to treat certain heart conditions, most commonly high blood pressure.

Dr. Todd Britten notes that it is important to notify your dentist or dental hygienist if you take any of these medications so they can watch for changes in your gum tissues. “Many of our patients are on some form of calcium channel blocker such as Amlodipine (Norvasc) or Diltiazem, most often for high blood pressure. Once overgrowth has started, it becomes more difficult to maintain good oral hygiene. This will lead to retaining more damaging periodontal bacteria under the gum line, which can in turn worsen the gingival hyperplasia,” Britten explained.

If it is determined that a big factor of the gum overgrowth is a medication, the next step Dr. Britten will take is to consult the patient’s physician. Stopping or changing the medication can help limit the overgrowth, but he stresses to patients, “Do NOT stop the medication on your own.” Your dentist or periodontist can communicate with your medical doctor to see if your medication can be altered. In some cases, a person’s medical professional will advise against altering a medication, most often in seizure disorders, immunosuppressed patients, and certain heart conditions or difficult to manage blood pressure. “If this is the case, we have to handle the gingival overgrowth as best we can. Options include increased oral hygiene, non-surgical, or surgical periodontal therapy,” said Britten.

Even if the medication causing this condition can be altered or discontinued, this will not necessarily reverse the overgrowth. Additional treatment is sometimes required and often includes:

AT-HOME CARE Good oral hygiene, especially the effective removal of plaque between the teeth and at the gum line, can alleviate the condition in early or very mild cases.

NON-SURGICAL THERAPY

In a mild to slightly moderate condition, a series of scaling and root planing procedures (commonly known as a “deep cleaning”) can be performed, often by a dental hygienist using local anesthesia.

Your dentist or periodontist may have you return every three months for dental hygiene visits to limit the effects of inflammation on the soft tissues.

SURGICAL REMOVAL

In severe cases, the enlarged or hyperplastic gum tissue may need to be removed surgically. In the case of drug-induced overgrowths, if patients are not able to discontinue the medication, surgical removal may be the only effective treatment. This can be done with a scalpel or laser.

If you think you have an area of overgrowth, Dr. Britten recommends you visit your dentist for an evaluation of your condition. If you are now taking medications that can cause gingival overgrowth, consult with your dental professional and physician. If you have questions about gingival hyperplasia you can contact us at 727-586-2681 or https://brittenperio.com

Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is a periodontal practice offering patients personalized dental care in implant dentistry in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Todd Britten offers sedation dentistry. For more information, visit https://www.brittenperio.com

Share article on social media or email:

Jade Destiny and members of the OPC team at the Body Empowerment Event.

We hope the girls make meaningful connections with one another and find a safe space to be accepted as their true selves within this group.

TOMS RIVER, N.J. (PRWEB)
July 20, 2023

Dozens of girls ages 9-17 from across Ocean County gathered on Tuesday, July 18th for the Body Empowerment Event hosted by Ocean Partnership for Children’s (OPC) Girls Empowerment Group. The event featured guest speaker Jade Destiny, group discussions and a fun runway show for all the girls.

The event kicked off with guest speaker, Jade Destiny, an entrepreneur, social media influencer, content creator, speaker, podcast guest and advocate for positive body image mindset. “Jade has an amazing energy that is welcoming, accepting, and easy to connect with,” stated Kate Martinez, MA, LAC, Care Manager Supervisor at OPC. “We wanted to find a speaker who was willing to share their story, inspire others, and connect with a younger audience.”

Jade Destiny is a Manchester native and graduated from Manchester High School. She grew up always wondering who she could be if she had the “right body”. She never seemed to fit the ideal that the world narrative would place on her. Always being underestimated, dismissed, and isolated left Jade to believe she would never be good enough. Then one day, Jade Destiny decided it was time to take her power back and began a journey to craft her own narrative around not only her body, but her entire self. That journey began five years ago and since then, Jade has inspired thousands of people through social media to love themselves a little harder, to lean a little more into self-discovery, and dance as much as we can.

“We hope the group members leave the workshop with a new level of confidence about who they are and the worth they carry,” noted Martinez. “We hope they can gain a fresh mindset that can challenge negative messages about their bodies. Lastly, we hope that girls make meaningful connections with one another and find a safe space to be accepted as their true selves within this group.”

OPC’s Girls Empowerment Group planned and hosted the event. Through feedback from participants in past events, the group was inspired to dive deeper into the topic of body image and body empowerment. OPC’s Girls Empowerment Group was established in the spring of 2018. The focus of the group is to build connections with other girls in an emotionally safe space with a secondary focus on enhancing self-esteem, building confidence and personal growth. Girls Empowerment Group has been successful over the years in helping girls meet new friends, improving their self-esteem and building confidence. The group has grown from two 7-week sessions in the fall and spring to two separate groups; a younger age group, 9-12 and an older age group, 13-17. Girls Empowerment Group offers one-night workshops in the summer months for a fun activity with an emphasis on connection or a psychoeducational topic.

The Girls Empowerment Group is just one of many support groups and programs OPC offers to the youth and families on Ocean County. For more information about OPC and the Girls Empowerment Group, please visit: https://www.oceanpartnership.org.

Ocean Partnership for Children is committed to developing an agency and community where all individuals feel safe being present as their authentic, whole selves and to challenging those systems, institution, and practices that do not support this goal. Diversity, equity and inclusion are the definitive principles that guide how OPC serves youth and families, cultivates community relationships and creates an agency where everyone, regardless of gender, race, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, education, disability, citizenship, veteran status, or other dimension of diversity, feels welcome, valued and respected.

About Ocean Partnership for Children Inc.

Founded in 2005, Ocean Partnership for Children (OPC) is Ocean County’s Care Management Organization (CMO). Its mission is to enhance the well-being of youth and their families through natural and community supports. OPC provides care coordination services for Ocean County youth up the age of 21 years who have mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges. OPC strives to keep children and adolescents at home, in school, and in the community by connecting them to resources that meet their unique needs and help them achieve their goals.

Ocean Partnership for Children is a non-profit organization available at no cost to all youth and families in Ocean County who meet the eligibility criteria of the New Jersey Children’s System of care. To learn more, visit https://www.oceanpartnership.org or https://www.oceanresourcenet.org.

Share article on social media or email: