Category Archives: Health

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Aidin Joins Forces With Baptist Memorial Health Care in the South


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As we join Baptist Memorial Health Care on this new initiative, we’re committed to improving the health and well-being of more communities. Together, we can achieve incredible things and make a real impact in our industry and beyond.

Aidin, a leading healthcare technology company, is proud to announce its collaboration with Baptist Memorial Health Care, a premier healthcare provider in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

This collaboration will enhance patient care coordination, reduce readmissions, shorten length of stay (LOS), and ultimately improve overall patient outcomes. Best-in-class hospitals nationwide are constantly seeking ways to optimize patient care, reduce costs, and achieve these goals.

Aidin’s leading-edge technology helps streamline communication and create a flexible referral management process. Five of Baptist’s hospitals — Baptist Memorial Hospital-Desoto, NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, Mississippi Baptist Medical Center, and Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville — will incorporate Aidin’s quality measures to help improve KPIs and overall patient experience.

With Aidin’s streamlined case management, post-acute, pre-certifications, and authorization workflows, issues that once plagued healthcare providers are now a thing of the past.

One common problem that providers face is ensuring that patients are matched with the right post-acute care provider. Poor matches can lead to higher readmission rates, lower patient satisfaction, and increased hospital costs due to more readmissions. “As we join Baptist Memorial Health Care on this new initiative, we’re committed to improving the health and well-being of more communities. Together, we can achieve incredible things and make a real impact in our industry and beyond,” said Russ Graney, Founder, and Chief Executive Officer at Aidin. “Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared dedication to excellence, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families across the world,” said Akanksha Karwar, Chief Operating Officer at Aidin.

Too often, patients are simply connected with the closest provider without any additional criteria for selection, leading to suboptimal matches. However, Aidin’s technology allows for a more efficient and effective process, ensuring that patients are matched with the best possible post-acute care providers of the highest quality. This ultimately leads to better patient outcomes and a more positive overall experience for both patients and hospital staff.”We are pleased to join with Aidin in rolling out this innovative solution to five of our hospitals,” said Justin Rhodes, Vice President, Post Acute and Connected Care, Baptist Memorial Health Care. “We are committed to providing high-quality care for our patients — during and after their hospital visits. Aidin’s platform supports these efforts and helps us to continue advancing quality care in the most efficient and effective way for our patients and staff.” Aidin provides an open marketplace, so more options are available, and hospitals can streamline communications and management with the ability to manage responses and send referrals to providers more efficiently.

Aidin acknowledges that effective communication is critical in providing patients with the best possible care. To achieve this, they offer their clients diverse communication channels that are personalized to suit their unique preferences. They are available to communicate through phone calls, text messages, or fax, ensuring that their clients’ requirements are met throughout the coordination process. By providing these options, Aidin aims to enhance the patient experience by streamlining communication and ensuring its effectiveness and efficiency.

ABOUT AIDIN

Aidin is a leading healthcare technology company specializing in external relationship management, care coordination solutions, and robust referral management for major hospital groups and post-acute care providers. The cutting-edge platform is designed to improve patient outcomes by shortening length of stay, streamlining the care coordination process, reducing readmissions, and enhancing communication between patients, their families, and their care teams. With a focus on improving the patient experience, the platform allows for efficient and effective care coordination, helping to ensure that patients are matched with the highest quality post-acute care providers. For more information about our company and our platform, please visit our website at https://www.myaidin.com/.

ABOUT BAPTIST

Baptist Memorial Health Care is one of the country’s largest not-for-profit health care systems and the largest provider of Medicaid in the region. Baptist offers a full continuum of care to communities throughout the Mid-South and consistently ranks among the top integrated health care networks in the nation. The health care system comprises 22 affiliate hospitals in West Tennessee, North and Central Mississippi and East Arkansas; more than 5,400 affiliated physicians; Baptist Medical Group, a multispecialty physician group with more than 900 providers; home, hospice and psychiatric care; minor medical centers and clinics; a network of surgery, rehabilitation and other outpatient centers; and an education system highlighted by Baptist Health Sciences University (formerly Baptist College of Health Sciences). Baptist employs more than 19,000 people, and in fiscal year 2020 contributed more than $352 million in community benefits and uncompensated care to the communities it serves. For more information, please visit http://www.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry Announces New Website, Practice Renovation


Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry

Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry

We fully recognize that children have different needs than adults, and we are committed to providing a safe, fun, and friendly environment for children. We are also trained in treating patients with special needs, with over a quarter of our practice’s patients being special needs children.

Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry, a leading pediatric dental practice in Massachusetts, today announced the launch of a revamped website and practice renovation. The updated website, located at https://www.attleboropediatricdentist.com/, includes an enhanced digital experience for patients and families with a variety of features, including patient forms and appointment scheduling, a blog featuring the latest news from Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry, and a new look and improved user interface that matches the practice’s commitment to providing an enjoyable experience for patients of all ages.

The new website also includes information about the practice’s services, staff, and how to contact the practice.

Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry is led by Dr. Grace Hannawi-Tadros, a graduate of Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine and a skilled pediatric dentist. Dr. Hannawi-Tadros was awarded the American Association of Women Dentists: Women in Dentistry Award in recognition of her dedication to pediatric dentistry and her passion for children’s oral health.

As a pediatric dentist, Dr. Grace Hannawi-Tadros cares for children from infancy through their teen years with all aspects of their dental care, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases.

“We fully recognize that children have different needs than adults, and we are committed to providing a safe, fun, and friendly environment for children,” said Dr. Hannawi-Tadros. “We are also trained in treating patients with special needs, with over a quarter of our practice’s patients being special needs children.”

Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including intraoral cameras and digital X-rays, to ensure that each patient receives the highest level of care. The practice offers a range of pediatric dentistry services, including:


  • First Visit: At age 1, children should have their first dental visit. During this visit, Dr. Hannawi-Tadros checks for any cavities and works to prevent them from occurring. She will also talk with parents about proper brushing and flossing techniques.
  • Preventative and Diagnostic: Throughout childhood, regular examinations and cleanings are performed to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Other services include X-rays, sealants, and fluoride treatments.
  • Restorative and Cosmetic: These services include tooth-colored fillings, extractions, baby root canals, cosmetic bonding, and more.
  • Orthodontics: If your child has crowded or misaligned teeth, orthodontic treatment may be recommended as early as age 7. Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry offers metal and clear braces as well as Invisalign.
  • Sedation dentistry: The practice provides sedation dentistry for nervous patients.

About Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry

Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry is a family-oriented practice that provides quality pediatric dental care for children of all ages. The practice is located at 550 N Main St., Unit 2, in Attleboro, MA, 02703. To book an appointment, call 508-409-6160 or request an appointment online at https://www.attleboropediatricdentist.com.

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2023 Health Care Quality and Management Certification (HCQM®) Exam Application Deadline Extended Through July 1st


Certified in Health Care Quality & Management

Certified in Health Care Quality & Management

We encourage health care professionals worldwide to be recognized for their commitment to value-driven, quality care by earning the CHCQM (Certified in Health Care Quality Management) credential.

Health care quality and patient safety are paramount in providing medical care today. It is essential that health care providers and administrators demonstrate their expertise and commitment to health care quality. In addition to concerns about patient safety, inappropriate services, and unnecessary readmissions, the rising costs of health care and its impact on families and business all solidify the need for Health Care Quality and Management (HCQM) Certification.

ABQAURP strives to make certification accessible for all professionals. The 2023 HCQM Certification Exam application deadline has been extended through July 1, 2023. Candidates can sit for the exam between March 1 and September 30, 2023.

ABQAURP continues to work with Prometric on test development and delivery for its HCQM Certification Exam. The exam is provided through Prometric’s global test center network and remotely via ProProctor™. The ProProctor remote testing platform allows candidates to test anywhere, at any time.

Dr. Nick Paslidis, ABQAURP Chairman of the Board, states, “Physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals throughout the world are now able to sit for ABQAURP’s HCQM Certification Examination. We encourage health care professionals worldwide to be recognized for their commitment to value-driven, quality care by earning the CHCQM® (Certified in Health Care Quality Management) credential.”

Health care leaders can enhance their HCQM credential with additional sub-specialty certifications in the following categories:

-Case Management

-Managed Care

-Patient Safety / Risk Management

-Physician Advisor (Physicians Only)

-Transitions of Care

-Workers’ Compensation

HCQM Certification supports ABQAURP’s mission to improve the overall quality of health care provided to the public in today’s rapidly changing health care environment.

Prepare now for the 2023 HCQM Examination! The newly updated HCQM: A Review of the Core Body of Knowledge course is available to meet the HCQM Exam education requirement or as an independent study tool. Order now: https://education.abqaurp.org/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=1694340.

Visit the ABQAURP website at: http://www.abqaurp.org/Certification or call (800) 998-6030 to learn how HCQM Certification can validate your experience and set you apart from the rest!

About ABQAURP

Celebrating 45 years of excellence in Health Care Quality Management and Patient Safety, ABQAURP is a premier professional association providing Health Care Quality and Management (HCQM) certification, ACCME-accredited continuing medical education, and membership to health care professionals worldwide. Learn more at: http://www.abqaurp.org.

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NOLA Detox and Recovery Center Expands Offerings, Launches Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program


NOLA Detox

As the largest private provider of addiction treatment services in New Orleans, our goal is to offer a lifetime of care for our patients,” says Dan Forman.

NOLA Detox and Recovery Center (NOLA Detox) announced the launch of its Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP) program, expanding the facilities’ capacity to treat members of the community struggling with addiction and mental health disorders.

Offered morning and night, NOLA Detox’s IOP program provides flexibility to patients at every step of their journey to recovery. Patients enrolled in the program will receive care from a psychiatrist and meet with NOLA Detox’s expert team approximately four days per week, either in-person or virtually.

Each patient will work with their health care team to craft an individualized treatment plan, but most can anticipate a 12-week program that includes a mix of group and individual counseling sessions, health and wellness seminars, and medical visits that support long-term recovery.

While receiving outpatient treatment at NOLA Detox, patients will have access to a coffee bar by New Orleans Roast and a variety of snacks to keep them comfortable during treatment.

The (IOP) program at NOLA Detox can help patients manage the following substance abuse and mental health disorders:

After IOP treatment is complete, NOLA Detox offers a continuum of care plan that continues to support patients throughout recovery. The continuum of care plan includes ongoing support group meetings, follow-up visits, family therapy, and referrals to other healthcare providers needed for recovery.

“As the largest private provider of addiction treatment services in New Orleans, our goal is to offer a lifetime of care for our patients,” says Dan Forman, founder and chief executive officer of NOLA Detox. “By launching the IOP program, we’re able to fulfill this mission in a new way, providing a flexible and comprehensive offering to those seeking treatment for the chronic illness of addiction.”

“Whether this is your first step towards recovery or you’re seeking an outlet to continue treatment after receiving residential care, NOLA Detox’s IOP program is ready and eager to support you,” said Dr. Lee Michals, medical director of NOLA Detox. Michals says that Suboxone, Naltrexone, and the injectable medications Sublocade and Vivitrol are part of the medical treatment protocol.

NOLA Detox is a CARF accredited facility that provides accessible treatment for patients with Louisiana Medicaid and commercial insurance, including Blue Cross Blue Shield and Humana. Those seeking treatment for either themselves or a loved one can find more information at http://www.noladetox.com or call (504) 446-1111.

Designed to meet the critical need for effective and accessible alcohol and drug treatment in New Orleans, NOLA Detox and Recovery Center is a residential and outpatient treatment facility that bursts through every stereotype of addiction treatment. At NOLA Detox, patients come first and will experience premier care and modern treatment with southern hospitality. Beds are available now. To learn more, visit: http://www.noladetox.com.

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Dr. Sabrina Barata and Dr. Sara Encisco of Mercy Personal Physicians at Lutherville are Featured Guests for the June 2023 edition of “Medoscopy”


June 2023 edition of MEDOSCOPY with Mercy Dr. Sabrina Barata (left) and Dr. Sara Encisco

June 2023 edition of MEDOSCOPY with Mercy Dr. Sabrina Barata (left) and Dr. Sara Encisco

Sabrina Barata, M.D., a primary care physician fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, and Sara Encisco, M.D., who specializes in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, are the featured guests on Mercy Medical Center’s monthly talk show, “Medoscopy,” airing Tuesday and Wednesday, June 20th and 21st, at 5:30 p.m. EST on Facebook Watch (http://www.facebook.com/MercyMedicalCenter).

Drs. Barata and Encisco see patients at Mercy Personal Physicians in Lutherville.

A 30-minute pre-taped program exploring the background and lives of Mercy clinicians, patients and others, Medoscopy was launched in spring 2021 and airs in two 15-minute segments. To view past episodes, visit the Medoscopy playlist on the Mercy Medical Center YOUTUBE channel.

In this latest installment, Dr. Barata, a first-generation Brazilian-American, discusses her interest in working with the Latino population, focusing on preventive health and mental health disparities. Dr. Encisco examines her interest in the rise of new-onset diabetes in children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both Dr. Barata and Dr. Encisco share items of interest to their personal lives and careers during the program’s regular “show and tell” feature, and Dr. Encisco stays after the credits for Medoscopy’s “Wait, Doctor, I Forgot to Ask!” segment.

Medoscopy is filmed on the campus of Mercy Medical Center in downtown Baltimore with video, sound, and lighting by Zinnia Film.

Founded in 1874 by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Medical Center is located in downtown Baltimore City, about six blocks from Baltimore’s famed Inner Harbor. A university-affiliated teaching facility, Mercy is a Catholic hospital with a national reputation for women’s health care, orthopedics, and other specialties. Mercy is home to the renowned Weinberg Center for Women’s Health & Medicine, and the $400+ million Mary Catherine Bunting Center. For more information, visit http://www.mdmercy.com, and MDMercyMedia on Facebook and Twitter, or call 1-800-M.D.-Mercy.

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Nexus Dental Systems Launches National HBCU Sleep Apnea Initiative at Grambling State University


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“Grambling State is only the first stop on a national tour to bring needed care to an underserved community,” says Nexus Spokesperson and NFL Hall of Famer, Mel Blount.

Nexus Dental Systems (Nexus) launched a national initiative to screen, test and treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the HBCU community. The program kicked off on May 22nd, 2023 with the Grambling State University Tigers football team, Coaching Staff and Administrators. Screening for the broader Grambling State University community begins in the fall of 2023.

This program consists of public screening events on HBCU campuses in partnership with local care providers. Nexus provides support through public outreach, onsite training for local volunteers and national insurance contracts.

“This program is part of our core mission as a company; expanding access to care for Obstructive Sleep Apnea care through education, training, technology, medical billing and patient outreach,” says Brett Brocki, Founder and CEO of Nexus Dental Systems.

Grambling State University and Nexus have partnered with Dr. Tony Soileau, DDS, Dr. Matthew Abraham, MD, VirtuOx Sleep Testing, Somnomed North America (Oral Appliance Therapy), ICAN Apparel and a dedicated team of volunteers to bring a fully turn-key event for OSA screening, testing and treatment to the Grambling State University community.

The idea for this program came from G-Men Nation, Inc. who introduced Nexus to the Grambling State Team. ​Herman J. Arvie, Executive Director of G-Men Nation, Inc., himself a Grambling alumni and former NFL Offensive Lineman explains, “As someone who suffered with undiagnosed OSA for years – we need more early screening. Good sleep is critical to athletic performance, academic performance, mental focus, recovery and healing – it’s absolutely critical.”

“Grambling State is only the first stop on a national tour to bring needed care to an underserved community,” says Nexus Spokesperson and NFL Hall of Famer, Mel Blount, “As a historical fact, HBCUs are usually the last to receive attention from programs like this. We congratulate Grambling State University and Nexus Dental Systems working together to bring awareness to this important issue.”

ICAN Apparel founder Kelsey Battle adds, “Our mission is to empower athletes, and student athletes across the world to take control of their total health: physical, mental and social. This program is the first and only one like it, bringing healthcare directly to those most affected by this condition.”

Key OSA Facts:

  • Many studies show that African Americans have increased risk for OSA
  • A 2018 study found 24% of African American study participants had moderate to severe OSA, yet only 5% had been diagnosed¹
  • A 20-year University of Buffalo study from 2022 found that more African American men die from OSA at a higher rate than any other group, and the rate has continued to grow despite downward trends in other populations²
  • Among adults, adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is substantially lower in African Americans³
  • African American men have more severe OSA when first diagnosed compared to other populations⁴

About Nexus Dental Systems:

Nexus Dental Systems is the only company in the market with a true end-to-end solution. Our conglomerate has the B2B expertise that fulfills the needs of a dental practice to: Identify, Screen, Treat and Monitor Sleep Treatment Compliance for Oral Appliance Therapy. Our mission is to raise public awareness of sleep apnea, train dentists to implement dental sleep medicine, create sleep apnea programs for the industry, and connect patients with providers by creating sustainable and resilient systems for providers and the public. For More Information Visit: https://nexusdentalsystems.com

About G-Men Nation, Inc.:

G-Men Nation, Inc. is an organization on a mission to support the successful growth and lively sustainment of the HBCU football program experience. To that end, the viable foci are to continue to maintain the elite status of being the premier intercollegiate organization in the nation, while providing the guidance and structure that permeate the G-Men band of brothers. As well, the awarding of academic and athletic scholarship will be offered to HBCU students who uphold the high standards of their university, and who devote time and effort to the uplifting of the football program.

About ICAN Clothing:

Since 1999, ICAN defined its brand as a positive life which serves as the DNA for positive fashion wear. ICAN is designed to meet a universal thought and deliver universal messages with style. ICAN customers become the brand when they believe ICAN. https://icanclothes.com/

About Louisiana Sleep Solutions:

Louisiana Sleep Solutions is a Lafayette, LA-based dental practice dedicated to the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Dr. Tony Soileau began his work in Dental Sleep Medicine after diagnosed with Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea in 2008. He was prescribed a CPAP with lower pressure settings but was unable to tolerate treatment. He discovered Oral Appliance Therapy at a dental conference, shortly after he received his first appliance and was hooked. https://louisianasleepsolutions.com/

About Skylink Medical:

Skylink Medical is a Lafayette, LA-based medical practice specializing in the treatment of Sleep Apnea. Dr. Matthew Abraham obtained his medical degree from Louisiana State University of Medicine in 1998. He is the sleep medicine director at a local hospital and operates a personalized telemedicine program for sleep medicine. Dr. Abraham is a sleep specialist practicing in sleep medicine for 20 years. https://skylinkmedical.com

About Somnomed, North America:

Founded in 2004, SomnoMed® is an Australian Stock Exchange listed medical device company operating in 28 countries. With headquarters in Sydney, Australia and offices in Europe and the United States, SomnoMed® focuses on developing and manufacturing clinically proven medical devices for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Patients around the world with mild and moderate OSA have been successfully treated with our oral appliances. https://somnomed.com/en/

About VirtuOx:

VirtuOx is a healthcare information technology company that provides diagnostic tools and services that enable a variety of healthcare organizations and professionals to diagnose and treat diseases through vertically integrated platforms, products and services.

Citations

(1) Dayna A Johnson and others, Prevalence and correlates of obstructive sleep apnea among African Americans: the Jackson Heart Sleep Study, Sleep, Volume 41, Issue 10, October 2018, zsy154, https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsy154

(2) Yu-Che Lee, Ko-Yun Chang, M. Jeffery Mador, Racial disparity in sleep apnea-related mortality in the United States, Sleep Medicine,Volume 90, 2022, Pages 204-213, ISSN 1389-9457, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2021.11.014.

(3) Dudley KA, Patel SR. Disparities and genetic risk factors in obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Med. 2016 Feb;18:96-102. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2015.01.015. Epub 2015 Feb 27. PMID: 26428843; PMCID: PMC4602395.

(4) Thornton JD, Dudley KA, Saeed GJ, et al. Differences in symptoms and severity of obstructive sleep apnea between blacks and whites. Ann Am Thorac Soc. Published online July 9, 2021. doi:10.1513/AnnalsATS.202012-1483OC

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Hikers from Over 30 States, Canada and Europe Complete HIGHLANDER’s Second U.S. Event in Big Bear Lake


HIGHLANDER

HIGHLANDER, the world’s leading global long-distance hiking event series, opened this year’s global hiking season with its continued U.S. expansion in HIGHLANDER Big Bear Lake. Hosting over 200 participants from across 30+ states including Canada and Europe, adventure-seekers successfully completed the internationally acclaimed event series in the jewel of the San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California. The transformative event marked the second U.S. adventure for HIGHLANDER, where participants faced the ultimate test of physical and mental strength, disconnecting from their daily routines for an extraordinary expedition that will be remembered for a lifetime.

From May 24 –28, hikers ranging from seasoned professionals to novices completed HIGHLANDER Big Bear Lake, hiking distances from 17 to 103 miles, and concluded the program at Big Bear Mountain. Throughout the journey, attendees hiked a total of approximately 7,000 miles totaling more than 13,800 million steps. Participants ranging from ages two to 67, not only embarked on a long-distance hike, but participated in educational panels and retreat activities that provided a cognitive and reflective component to the experience.

The activities included a lecture from Dean Karnazes, one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World who has run 50 marathons, in all 50 US states, in 50 consecutive days. Other lecturers included Mike Sarraille, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer and founder of Legacy Expeditions and Talent War Group, as well as Jeffrey Scott Tatum, an outdoor enthusiast and mental health advocate who utilizes the outdoors for his own form of therapy and creates a platform to deliver powerful messages that bring a whole new spin to the ideas of self-care and healing. Participants also learned how to protect nature and the environment, relaxed with live music, and practiced yoga at the top of a mountain. Since HIGHLANDER is all about loving, exploring, preserving and keeping our nature untouched on their backpacking journeys, participants collected and cleaned 495 pounds of litter from Big Bear Lake’s nature.

“We are grateful for the tremendous success that HIGHLANDER has experienced for the second year running in Big Bear Lake, and for the unwavering support from our partners that helped make this year’s flagship event such an unforgettable journey,” said HIGHLANDER CEO Jurica Barac. “The determination and spirit demonstrated by our HIGHLANDER community has been inspiring. Each participant has shown remarkable physical and mental grit, and we’re excited to extend this extraordinary experience to even more adventurers worldwide.”

”Big Bear Lake was very excited to welcome HIGHLANDER back for a second year of adventure in our Alpine Mountains,” said Visit Big Bear CEO Michael Perry. “With over 300 sunny days a year, the nights were filled with all the brilliant stars our galaxy has to offer. Welcome to your California Mountains Adventure.”

For the first time ever, and exclusively in the U.S., participants embarked on an awe-inspiring journey spanning over 100 miles called HIGHLANDER Ursa Major, uncovering the captivating beauty and thrilling adventures of Big Bear Lake. A range of remarkable landscapes were explored on the trek to Bear Mountain, including Siberian Creek, Little Green Valley, Double Mine, Wild Burro Territory, and Cactus Flats, conquering a total ascent of 19,819 feet and descent of 18,717 feet, all while indulging in moments of tranquility, learning, and stargazing throughout.

Created with the complete spectrum of hiking experience levels in mind, HIGHLANDER was founded by three friends in Croatia that shared their passion for long-distance adventures in 2017null [. HIGHLANDER, the largest global hiking club, organizes hundreds of events that aim to enhance lives through long-distance hiking in over 20 countries around the world. By fostering self-reflection and enabling participants to conquer both physical and mental challenges on the trail, HIGHLANDER cultivates a sense of accomplishment, enlightenment, and a transformative perspective on life. __title__ null]

An additional HIGHLANDER adventure in the U.S. will take place in Kalispell this September. After the two wildly successful events in Big Bear Lake, HIGHLANDER has already launched registrations for 2024, and is returning to Big Bear Lake, California next June.

“Take only pictures, leave only footprints” is the leading principle for HIGHLANDER’s mission – the brand prioritizes sustainability as its core principle, providing education for effective nature preservation at all events hosted.

For more information, please visit: https://highlanderadventure.com/big-bear-lake/en-us

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About HIGHLANDER

Every great journey starts by taking one small step. Three friends, united by a shared passion for adventure, brought their idea for a global hiking community to life in 2017 – seeking to share the life-changing benefits of long-distance hiking with people around the world. The trio searched far and wide for the best trail in Croatia, curated an itinerary for the ultimate mountain experience, and with their first hiking event, HIGHLANDER was born. In just five years, the non-competitive, multi-day hiking event series has grown to become the largest hiking club in the world, with events in some of the most breathtaking and iconic mountains across the globe. Designed to unite people through a common journey, HIGHLANDER gives participants the opportunity to test their physical and mental limits while living in perfect harmony with nature. With sustainability at the forefront of all events, HIGHLANDER prioritizes educating all participants on effectively preserving nature to safe keep it for future generations. From advanced seasoned hikers to novice young adventurers, HIGHLANDER appeals to all walks of life, offering different formats ranging from 60-mile 5-day journeys to 15-mile weekend adventures. For more information, visit http://www.highlanderadventure.com.

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8th Wonder Organic Sparkling Superfood Tea Featured on the TODAY Show with Hoda & Jenna


Containing real fruit juices, 8th Wonder is infused with premium botanical ingredients like cardamom, ginger, ashwagandha, chai, and apple juice.

It was an absolute honor for 8th Wonder to be featured on such an esteemed and beloved program which is part and parcel of so many Americans’ daily routine. -Reed Rush, CEO and Co-Founder of 8th Wonder Tea

Today, 8th Wonder Tea is excited to announce that their line of organic sparkling superfood teas was featured on the TODAY Show with Hoda & Jenna on Friday, May 26th, ahead of the Memorial Day holiday weekend. One of the most popular, national daytime shows in the U.S., 8th Wonder was included in their summer entertaining segment as a must have item for B-B-Qs and outdoor get-togethers with friends and family this summer.

“It was an absolute honor for 8th Wonder to be featured on such an esteemed and beloved program which is part and parcel of so many Americans’ daily routine. We only hope that the glowing reception and warm reviews will encourage viewers to also include our organic functional beverages into that same cherished routine,” said Reed Rush, CEO and Co-Founder of 8th Wonder Tea. “Most of all, we want to thank everyone at NBC and particularly Hoda, Jenna, and Meredith Sinclair for believing in all the good stuff we are creating at 8th Wonder Tea. Here’s to wishing everyone the best in backyard fun this summer!”

In addition to their national television show debut in May, over the last six months 8th Wonder has also been featured with prominent national consumer, lifestyle, business, and industry trade publications including Men’s Health and OK! Magazine who included 8th Wonder in various holiday gift guides and roundups. Along with these, 8th Wonder has received business features with those such as World Tea News, BevNet and the California Business Journal.

Containing real fruit juices, 8th Wonder is infused with premium botanical ingredients like cardamom, ginger, ashwagandha, chai, and apple juice. 8th Wonder organic sparkling teas contain no added sugar, sugar alcohols, GMOs, or artificial ingredients. Additionally, 8th Wonder is certified organic, Whole30 approved, non-GMO project verified, paleo, vegan and Kosher certified. Offering gut health and immunity in addition to their delicious taste, 8th Wonder is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, anti-inflammatory properties, and other benefits that may help reduce inflammation throughout the body and the risk of chronic diseases.

According to the Global Organic Tea Markets latest research report in November 2022, the growing consumer preference for safe, chemical-free, and healthy consumables, is one of the most important factors driving market expansion along with a shift in lifestyle and growing demand from the personal care industry.

Launching on Amazon in November 2022, 8th Wonder has been available at select specialty grocers including Whole Foods in the Rocky Mountain region, Mother’s Market and Kitchen and Lassen’s Natural Foods and Vitamins in Southern California, and Pop Up Grocer in New York City in addition to their direct-to-consumer e-commerce site.

For more information on 8th Wonder Tea, visit: https://8thwondertea.com/.

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About 8th Wonder Tea

8th Wonder Tea makes earth-conscious, organic sparkling superfood teas that deliver the enhanced benefits of premium botanical ingredients to fuel the body and mind. Capitalizing on the popularity of sparkling beverages, 8th Wonder offers the healthy attributes of premium teas by using the finest ingredients. Containing real fruit juices, 8th Wonder is certified organic, Whole30 approved, non-GMO project verified, paleo, vegan and Kosher certified. 8th Wonder contains no added sugar, sugar alcohols, GMOs, or artificial ingredients. 8th Wonder comes in five flavors and is available on Amazon. For more information on 8th Wonder, visit: https://8thwondertea.com/.

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IAQ Launches on Indiegogo After Successful Kickstarter Campaign


An image of the IAQ indoor air quality monitor on a white marble countertop with a bright pink Indiegogo banner at the top. There is text overlay stating that IAQ monitors for more than twenty indoor air pollutants in your home.

For the first time, people who care about breathing healthy air can easily measure indoor air quality without needing technical expertise or a large budget.

Following a strong Kickstarter campaign that exceeded its funding goal by 200%, IAQ is thrilled to announce its launch on Indiegogo, offering the revolutionary IAQ device at up to 50% off retail price.

IAQ is the most comprehensive home indoor air quality monitor available, capable of detecting more than 20 air pollutants. Its user-friendly design, easy setup, and extensive measuring capacity set it apart from other products on the market. The device is now available in packages of one, two, or five units, with a special Founder’s Edition that includes a custom case.

IAQ was founded out of a deep concern for air quality, and a recognition of the urgent need for accessible, accurate indoor air quality monitoring. A recent study by the American Lung Association revealed that a third of Americans are exposed to potentially harmful air pollution daily, highlighting the importance of IAQ’s mission.

The company’s founders discovered that most air quality measurement devices are either prohibitively expensive, overly complicated, or simply don’t monitor for every potentially dangerous pollutant in the air. IAQ addresses these issues, providing an affordable, easy-to-use solution that doesn’t compromise on detection capabilities.

“We’re incredibly proud to relaunch IAQ on Indiegogo,” said Gideon Rubin. “For the first time, people who care about breathing healthy air can easily measure indoor air quality without needing technical expertise or a large budget.”

IAQ extends its heartfelt thanks to its supporters, acknowledging that the project’s success would not be possible without their backing. The company invites everyone interested in breathing healthy air to contribute to the Indiegogo campaign and join IAQ on the journey to make managing air quality easy for all.

For more information about IAQ, its founders’ story, and the importance of indoor air quality, visit the IAQ website or the Indiegogo IAQ campaign page.

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Equify Health Receives $1 Million Grant to Launch Transformative Education Workshop to Accelerate Health Care Equity


“Current diversity training doesn’t focus on the patient experience. That’s what makes our workshop unique. We allow medical providers to see firsthand what marginalized patients go through and discover for themselves how health care fails them,” says Sylvie Leotin.

Equify Health, an innovation firm working to transform patient-provider experiences, was awarded a $1 million grant by leading biotechnology company Genentech. The grant will support the deployment of a multidisciplinary education program to train medical providers to shed unconscious biases in clinical practice. The ultimate goal behind the grant is to raise the quality of care for minority populations.

Clinical research demonstrates persistent disparities in health care. American Cancer Society research shows Black women have a 41% higher rate of breast cancer mortality than white women. An American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network study found minority patients were more likely to suffer harm because of medical testing errors. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found the race and sex of a patient influenced how physicians managed chest pain.

Other studies showcase how Black Americans had double the risk of dementia being underdiagnosed as white Americans and Black children were less likely to receive broad-spectrum antibiotics when diagnosed with a middle ear infection.

“Negative barriers impacting minority patients are real,” says Sylvie Leotin, the founder and CEO of Equify Health. “I spoke with Black cancer patients whose doctors had refused to refer them for a scan because they assumed the patients were making up their symptoms or didn’t have insurance. Medical providers often dismiss the symptoms of minority populations and don’t explain diagnoses or treatments because they think the patient won’t understand. Stereotypes are hurting patients. Tangible change is needed. I’m extremely grateful to Genentech for their support, allowing us to be an essential part of this change.”

The new grant will allow Equify Health to expand its education workshop to doctors and nurses at academic hospitals and health care organizations across the United States. The work builds on a 2020 grant from Genentech to research overlooked barriers to health equity and run a pilot training at Emory University School of Medicine. Leotin conducted in-depth interviews with Black cancer patients in the Atlanta area and facilitated a hands-on workshop with Emory providers to help them understand the minority patient experience. The pilot workshop was a success.

“Every doctor reported it was a good use of their time,” Leotin explains. “They told us they learned powerful tools to see minority patients differently. And that is our goal. We want to empower providers to see the patient’s perspective. Current diversity training doesn’t focus on the patient experience. That’s what makes our workshop unique. We allow medical providers to see firsthand what marginalized patients go through and discover for themselves how health care fails them. It’s that personal understanding that holds the key to change.”

With this second grant, Equify Health will expand its pilot workshop to additional institutions beyond Emory and enroll doctors across multiple specialties beyond cancer. The company will also enlarge the beneficiary population to include patients of diverse races and sexual orientations. In addition, the funding will enable Equify Health to enhance the workshop with more immersive multimedia exercises and hire behavioral scientists to create an evaluation of the workshop’s effectiveness.

Ryan De Souza, Senior Manager of Giving and Social Impact at Genentech, says, “Our latest investment in Equify Health reflects our continued commitment to promoting an antiracist, fully inclusive and accountable health care system that ensures access to high quality care. Equify Health’s trailblazing solution fills an important gap by fostering the necessary understanding of patients that is vital to ensuring a more fair and just health care system. We believe this transformative education workshop will empower and engage medical providers to connect with marginalized patients in a more empathetic and inclusive way. We look forward to seeing Equify Health expand its impact to benefit more patients and providers.”

About Equify Health

Equify Health aims to transform health care for good by empowering providers to deliver compassionate, quality care to every patient. Cancer survivor and woman of color Sylvie Leotin founded the company in 2021 after undergoing poor quality care during her cancer treatment – and realizing medical providers couldn’t see what they were doing wrong. With a background in anthropology, design thinking, and innovation, Leotin decided to turn her negative experience into an engine to improve care delivery for all patients. Equify Health uses multidisciplinary expertise in science, art, technology, and social sciences to study and transform health care systems from the inside out. The company enables medical providers to re-evaluate how they navigate patients through the continuum of care and address obstacles hindering successful and inclusive care delivery. The company’s approach centers around empathy and self-discovery, providing the necessary tools to prioritize all individuals’ dignity, humanity and values within health care practices. For more information, visit equifyhealth.com.

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