Tag Archives: Health and Medical

Matthew LeBlanc named Eastern Region Healthcare Practice Leader for Edgewood Healthcare Advisors, a division of EPIC

BOSTON, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- Edgewood Healthcare Advisors, a division of EPIC announced today that Matthew LeBlanc has been named Healthcare Practice Leader for the Eastern Region reporting to Susan Tewhill, National Healthcare Practice Leader for Edgewood Healthcare Advisors.

LeBlanc has been in the healthcare liability market for over 15 years, most recently leading the Physician practice based in West Hartford, Connecticut. In his expanded role, LeBlanc will be responsible for overseeing Edgewood Healthcare Advisors Eastern Region as well as retention and growth of the practice. He will continue his leadership role with the Physician Practice as well.

LeBlanc has held positions as Partner/Broker at Healthcare Risk Specialists and Underwriter during his career. LeBlanc holds a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations from Quinnipiac University. He has also earned a Registered Professional Liability Underwriter designation.

Said Susan Tewhill, National Managing Principal, "We are thrilled to have Matt step into this added leadership role and know that he will help the practice grow and provide consulting services to our clients in the healthcare industry."

Matthew LeBlanc can be reached at:
matthew.leblanc@epicbrokers.com
860.521.8555 (Main)
978.808.9716 (Mobile)

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Holdings, Inc. is the corporate parent overseeing investments across the entire EPIC platform. The firm's core retail insurance brokerage business, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0305s2p-matt-leblanc-300dpi.jpg
*Caption: Matthew LeBlanc has been named Healthcare Practice Leader for the Eastern Region at Edgewood Healthcare Advisors.

Edgewood Healthcare Advisors, a division of EPIC announced today that Matthew LeBlanc has been named Healthcare Practice Leader for the Eastern Region reporting to Susan Tewhill, National Healthcare Practice Leader for Edgewood Healthcare Advisors.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Papa Expands Its ‘Family-On Demand’ Services to Competitive Health, Inc.

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Papa, a nationwide provider for older adults and families announced today its partnership with Competitive Health, Inc. (CHI) to provide employer groups and associations across the country with companionship, transportation, technology assistance, and light household chores.

The benefit will go live March 2, 2020 nationwide. This partnership allows CHI's clients and members the peace of mind to stay focused at work, improve job satisfaction, positively impact employee health and wellbeing, and minimize absenteeism.

"We are excited to partner with Competitive Health and give families the support they need throughout the aging journey," said Founder and CEO Andrew Parker. "There are over 40 million caregivers in the US today who also work full-time jobs and we want to give more employees the help they need for their loved ones."

A recent poll found that 56% of caregivers also work full-time jobs. The poll also found that 70% of working caregivers suffer work-related difficulties due to their dual roles.1

"At our company, we want to value caregiver employees and offer support from Papa to lower stress and improve morale at the workplace," said Kimberly Darling, President & CEO of Competitive Health, Inc. "Family comes first and we want our team to know that we fully appreciate and support their needs."

Employers are also affected by the demands of caregiving. Across the U.S absenteeism costs the U.S economy an estimated $25.2 billion in lost productivity. Also, reported in the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Survey, 24% of caregivers caring for a family member or close a relative impacts their work performance and keeps them from working more hours.

About Papa

Papa is a Miami startup that has evolved to Family-OnDemand provides assistance and companionship to senior citizens throughout Florida, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Illinois, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018.

For more information, visit https://www.joinpapa.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/join_papa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinpapa/

About Competitive Health, Inc.

Competitive Health, Inc. is the preeminent supplier of digital health solutions. The firm's direct agreements with the nation's leading digital health solutions, telehealth companies, retail clinics, and PPO networks, position Competitive Health to provide unlimited access and unprecedented savings to clients and members. Competitive Health has saved hundreds of millions of dollars for employer groups, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, affinity groups and exchanges, since 1996.

Learn more at: https://competitivehealth.com/

*Sources: https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-statistics-work-and-caregiving

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Papa, a nationwide provider for older adults and families announced today its partnership with Competitive Health, Inc. (CHI) to provide employer groups and associations across the country with companionship, transportation, technology assistance, and light household chores.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

Take Social Risk, Judgment, and Fear Out of The Equation

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Dr. Lauren Goodall, Psychologist, author of "Bipolar is not an STD" (ISBN: 978-1089401507), is pleased by the strong interest, relatability, and response that have been triggered by her book. Goodall attributes sales of the self-help book to her ability to deliver and connect with her audience. She is currently organizing dates/times/locations for discussion series and signings.

Goodall states, "If you follow current economic events, then you become quickly aware that any little bit of information or misinformation can get airtime, and can cause a real knee jerk reaction with investors. With investors and consumers alike, no one appreciates misinformation, intended or unintended. Bad information is always in line first to get exploited. And, not surprisingly, a catastrophic domino effect follows closely behind."

Dr. Goodall explains, "I wrote the book, 'Bipolar IS Not An STD' to help make breakthroughs for better understanding what mood disorders are, where they come from (generally not where people are thinking), and getting rid of useless, exploitive information. Pieces of truth mixed with fiction, that's the birthmother of stigma. Stigma never helped anyone, kind of like that relative that shows up for holiday, they don't bring anything, and they complain that the food is too hot, too cold, or not cooked right. Stigma is the unwelcome visitor that basically just gets in the way."

Goodall further states that stigma becomes the creaky door to the dark tunnel of the underground. In the mental health field, the dark underground becomes the masses who don't get help because they don't want any association with judgment. In Goodall's book, she says, "I take judgment and fear out of the equation, and replace it with usable and understandable information."

"I'm not a fan of misdiagnosis, and mood disorders and Bipolar are often misdiagnosed, which often puts them with less effective medications and treatment options."

Watch for upcoming dates for Dr. Goodall's discussion and upcoming book signings.

"Bipolar is not an STD," is currently released and available in softcover thru Amazon. Also, all major book and E-book retailers. Dr. Goodall is available for interviews and lectures by contacting her via her Email: Drlaurengoodall@gmail.com

Media Contact:
Dr Lauren Goodall
Drlaurengoodall@gmail.com

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.send2press.com/300dpi/19-0722s2p-bipolarbook-300dpi.jpg

Dr. Lauren Goodall, Psychologist, author of "Bipolar is not an STD" (ISBN: 978-089401507), is pleased by the strong interest, relatability, and response that have been triggered by her book. Goodall attributes sales of the self-help book to her ability to deliver and connect with her audience.

Related link: https://drlaurengoodall.com/

Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute Now A Tier 1 In-Network Provider with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

FREEHOLD, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute (AOSMI) announced today that it is now a TIER 1 in-network provider with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ). AOSMI is participating in all Horizon BCBSNJ medical plans including OMNIA℠ Health plans. Horizon BCBSNJ members with OMNIA℠ Health plans have lower co-pays and lower deductibles when they choose an OMNIA℠ TIER 1 provider for their health care services.

"We are excited to offer Horizon plan participants access to our wide range of orthopedic care services," says Michael M. Greller, MD, MBA, CPE, FAAOS, managing partner of AOSMI. "We look forward to working with Horizon to provide our patients and communities with greater access to high-quality orthopedic care."

Established in 2007, Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute is the result of a merger between two of the Freehold area's longest-tenured medical groups - Western Monmouth Orthopedic Associates and New Jersey Orthopedic Associates. Over the last 25 years, each has earned a stellar reputation throughout the community as a true leader in the practice of orthopedics, sports medicine, interventional pain management, podiatry and physical therapy services. Through the consolidation of the practices, AOSMI has achieved great synergies, and by drawing on the complementary strengths of each, it is able to deliver a truly exceptional patient experience.

Senior physicians at AOSMI with longstanding relationships with patients and a history of positive outcomes are board-certified orthopedic surgeons Michael Greller, MD, Alan Nasar, MD, Gregg Berkowitz, MD, James Cozzarelli, MD and Grigory Goldberg, MD. Together with other physicians on staff, they treat all orthopedic problems of the hips, knees, ankles, feet, shoulders, elbows, hands, spine and neck. Some treatments they provide are arthroscopic surgery; shoulder, hip and knee surgery; cartilage and ligament repair; total joint replacement; orthotics and foot care; minimally invasive spine surgery; nerve pain blocks; injections and regenerative medicine.

"As an OMNIA TIER 1 network provider of Horizon, we are committed to providing our patients with the best patient experience and outcomes," Dr. Greller says. "Our mission is to help all our patients live their lives as actively and pain free as possible. We look forward to growing the state-of-the-art services we can provide in the communities we serve."

AOSMI has offices in Freehold and Monroe and is accepting new patients at each location. It also offers same day appointments for urgent care.

Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute is an orthopedic, sports medicine, interventional pain management, podiatry and physical therapy center that helps patients throughout New Jersey return to their normal activities as soon as possible. AOSMI utilizes the latest advanced therapies to provide patients the highest level of care. The physicians are Michael Greller, MD, MBA, Alan Nasar, MD, Gregg Berkowitz, MD, James Cozzarelli, MD, Grigory Goldberg, MD, Gerardo Goldberger, DO, Alison DeWaters, DPM, Stacey Gallacher, MD, Eric Buxbaum, DO, Ali Valimahomed, MD and John Georgy, MD, MBA.

More information about AOSMI can be found at https://advancedorthosports.com/.

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Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute (AOSMI) announced today that it is now a TIER 1 in-network provider with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ). AOSMI is participating in all Horizon BCBSNJ medical plans including OMNIA℠ Health plans.

Related link: https://advancedorthosports.com/

EPIC Adds Dan Joyal as a Vice President with Edgewood Healthcare Advisors

BOSTON, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- Edgewood Healthcare Advisors, a division of EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, announced that Dan Joyal has joined the Boston healthcare team as a Vice President.

Joyal has a decade of insurance industry experience with both retail and wholesale brokerages. Prior to joining EPIC, Joyal was with HUB International where he consulted and placed all lines of coverage in their healthcare vertical. His clients included physician groups, allied healthcare facilities and life sciences organizations. Prior to Hub, Joyal spent five years with CRC Swett & Crawford focused on professional liability; executive liability; and cyber/privacy liability.

Joyal earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont. He is a licensed Property & Casualty broker and is currently pursuing a Registered Professional Liability Underwriter (RPLU) designation.

Said Susan Tewhill, National Practice Leader, Edgewood Healthcare Advisors, "We are fortunate to have Dan join our growing national healthcare practice. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will benefit our clients and our organization."

"The Boston Healthcare team is excited to welcome Dan as a healthcare broker. His track record of excellent client service and healthcare knowledge will bring added value to our clients." said Julie Buckley, Managing Principal, Edgewood Healthcare Advisors.

Dan Joyal can be reached at:
dan.joyal@epicbrokers.com
508.212.4071(m)
617.531.6870(w)

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Holdings, Inc. is the corporate parent overseeing investments across the entire EPIC platform. The firm's core retail insurance brokerage business, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0302s2p-dan-joyal-300dpi.jpg

Edgewood Healthcare Advisors, a division of EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, announced that Dan Joyal has joined the Boston healthcare team as a Vice President.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Luxurious Hair Replacement Solutions with HCI Hair Solutions’ New Central Florida Location

LONGWOOD, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- HCI Hair Solutions announces their new location. For the past 28 years, HCI Hair Solutions has been providing luxurious hair replacement solutions for Central Florida. Some of their clients travel from all parts of Florida and the country just to place their hair confidence with HCI Hair Solutions.

Now clients and new clientele will be able to enjoy their new location: 195 Briar Cliff Drive, Suite 102, Longwood, FL 32779.

"We want you to not only look great but feel great; we restore me than just your hair," says Jackie Barboza, owner of HCI Hair Solutions.

Whether you want stunning hair for a special occasion or everyday hair that makes you look and feel fabulous, HCI Hair solutions can create luxurious and manageable hair. Their caring stylists can create a look that can help restore your confidence.

HCI Hair Solutions realizes that hair loss is a sensitive issue facing both men and women of all ages and cultures. They specialize in providing clients with the latest technologies in the areas of hair replacement, including transplant, low level laser therapy, micropigmation, non-surgical hair transplants, hair extensions, beauty services, as well as low level laser light therapy.

If you are going through chemotherapy and are losing your hair, HCI can also temporarily replace the hair that you've lost. You can have beautiful hair while your own hair is growing back.

Miss. Multinational USA, Daniela Nieto, from the Miss Mudo Latino USA pageant, is also a client with HCI Hair Solutions. They created Miss Multinational USA's hair style for her winning competition.

Their client base is diverse and multi-cultural. No matter what type of hair you have, HCI Hair Solutions can help you achieve the look, thickness, fullness and style that you've always wanted. The HCI Hair Solutions is a member of the American Hair Loss Council, the Better Business Bureau as well as the staff participates in ongoing education and training, staying up to date on the newest trends in the hair loss and beauty industry.

For more information about HCI Hair Solutions and their services, call (407) 830-0554 or visit their stunning new location at 195 Briar Cliff Drive, Suite 102, Longwood, FL 32779.

Additional information: https://www.hciorlando.com

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0227s2p-hci-hair-team-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: HCI Hair Solutions Staff Photo.

Twitter: #LuxuriousHairwithHCIHairSolutions #HCIHairSolutions

HCI Hair Solutions announces their new location. For the past 28 years, HCI Hair Solutions has been providing luxurious hair replacement solutions for Central Florida. Some of their clients travel from all parts of Florida and the country just to place their hair confidence with HCI Hair Solutions.

Related link: https://www.hciorlando.com

Twenty-Two States Proclaim March 2020 SUDC Awareness Month for Unexplained Childhood Deaths

ROSELAND, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Foundation thanks Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia for making statewide proclamations declaring March 2020 SUDC Awareness Month.

These are the first states to join a nationwide effort led by the SUDC Foundation to raise awareness of one of the most under-recognized medical tragedies of our time, marking the beginning of a month-long campaign all over the world.

Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) is a category of death in children over the age of 1 year which remains unexplained after a thorough investigation, including an autopsy. Most often, a seemingly healthy child goes to sleep and never wakes up. Approximately 400 children are lost to SUDC in the United States every year.

"We have made incredible strides as we honor SUDC Awareness Month each March," said Laura Gould Crandall, President and Co-founder of the SUDC Foundation. "Last year, we surpassed serving our 1,000th family since the inception of the SUDC Foundation. While we are sorry for the reason, we are thankful these families were able to connect with our worldwide community and unique range of services. This is a true testament to the SUDC Foundation's tireless outreach and awareness efforts. But we must keep striving to ensure every family who needs us is able to find us and to advocate for research that will help us create a world without SUDC."

The SUDC Foundation will once again mark SUDC Awareness Month by hosting weekly activities for every SUDC supporter to raise awareness of SUDC and remember the children gone far too soon.

To learn more, please visit: https://sudc.org/get-involved/sudc-awareness-month

The SUDC Foundation is advocating for SUDC Awareness Month proclamations in all 50 U.S. states this March. In 2019, 43 U.S. states participated. This nationwide effort began in 2016, inspired by Drew Joseph Boswell and the Boswell family. The Boswell family successfully advocated for the first statewide proclamation declaring March 2015 as SUDC Awareness Month in the State of Louisiana.

To see a full list of previous efforts as well as additional states who have joined, please visit: https://sudc.org/get-involved/legislative-advocacy/sudc-awareness-proclamations

About the SUDC Foundation:

The SUDC Foundation is the only organization worldwide whose purpose is to promote awareness, advocate for research and support those affected by SUDC. The SUDC Foundation provides all services at no cost to families. Learn more: https://sudc.org/

Media Contact:
Stephanie Zarecky
The SUDC Foundation
Tel 973.795.1257
stephanie@sudc.org

*LOGO links for media:
[1] SUDC Logo: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/18-0228s2p-sudc-fdn-300dpi.jpg

[2] Awareness Logo: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0301s2p-SUDC-AwarenessMonth-300dpi.jpg

The Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Foundation thanks Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia for making statewide proclamations declaring March 2020 SUDC Awareness Month.

Related link: https://sudc.org/

Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery Recognized as ‘Best of’ in Summerville and Mount Pleasant

CHARLESTON, S.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery (COAFS) was voted a 2019 Reader's Choice recipient by the readers of "Journal Scene." Named Best Oral Surgeons in the annual Best of Summerville competition, COAFS will be featured in the 2019 Reader's Choice special edition. Winners in all categories were announced at a party held at The Village of Summerville on February 25, 2020.

In addition to accolades from Summerville, COAFS was recently named 2020 Best Oral Surgery Practice by Mount Pleasant Magazine. Nearly 50,000 votes were cast by magazine readers.

Led by a team of highly trained, board-certified oral surgeons - Dr. Edward R. Strauss, DMD, MD; Dr. Aaron P. Sarathy, DMD; Dr. A Drane Oliphant, DMD, MD; Dr. Graham Lee, DMD; and Dr. Scott H. Godwin, DMD - Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery has six convenient locations in the Lowcountry area, including Charleston, North Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, Bluffton and Knightsville.

Some of the practice's specialties include: total smile transformation, full-arch dental implants, implant-supported dentures, wisdom teeth extraction, same-day dental implants and corrective jaw surgery, to name just a few. Using advanced surgical techniques and state-of-the-art, cutting-edge technology, COAFS maintains a patient-centric philosophy to ensure that every client, regardless of the treatment, receives the ultimate patient experience.

"At COAFS, our surgeons are constantly striving to provide the highest quality care to our patients," said Dr. Aaron P. Sarathy, DMD. "We strive to give back to the community and to know our patients are recognizing this is a true honor for our doctors and team."

To learn more about COAFS, visit https://www.charlestonoralandfacialsurgery.com/.

For media inquiries, contact Stacey Kole with Branded Pros at 480.221.5818 or email stacey@brandedpros.com.

About Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery

COAFS has six locations in the Lowcountry, S.C. area, where its highly trained, board-certified surgeons provide patients with state-of-the-art treatment. With a commitment to cutting-edge technology and ongoing education, Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery offers the most advanced surgical techniques coupled with compassionate to produce the ultimate patient experience - every single time.

More information: https://www.charlestonoralandfacialsurgery.com/

Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery (COAFS) was voted a 2019 Reader's Choice recipient by the readers of "Journal Scene." Named Best Oral Surgeons in the annual Best of Summerville competition, COAFS will be featured in the 2019 Reader's Choice special edition. Winners in all categories were announced at a party held at The Village of Summerville on February 25, 2020.

EPIC Adds Trent Sullivan as a Producer in the firm’s Edgewood Healthcare Advisors Practice

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Trent Sullivan has joined the firm as a Producer in the firm's Edgewood Healthcare Advisors' Practice.

Sullivan will be responsible for new business development and the design and management of healthcare risk and insurance programs for clients. Sullivan brings over 20 years of experience in healthcare and municipal risk with successes in implementing creative and cost-effective solutions. Sullivan joins from OneDigital in Farmington, Connecticut.

Said Susan Tewhill, National Managing Principal, "Trent's extensive healthcare risk management background in both the client, carrier and consultant settings, as well as his in-depth understanding of the complex healthcare marketplace will provide immediate and long-term value to our clients. We are excited to add Trent to our growing national healthcare practice team."

"Trent's healthcare experience and successes in both the consultative and client roles will be of great value to our Edgewood Healthcare Advisor clients. We have thoughtfully built this practice with key players who share a common drive to provide exceptional solutions and service and I could not be more excited to have Trent join our team," said Matt LeBlanc, Edgewood Healthcare Advisor's Managing Principal.

Trent Sullivan can be reached at:
trent.sullivan@epicbrokers.com
860-713-8211(m)
860-521-8555(w)

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Holdings, Inc. is the corporate parent overseeing investments across the entire EPIC platform. The firm's core retail insurance brokerage business, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0221s2p-epic-healthcare-adv-300dpi.jpg
*Image caption: Logo, Edgewood Healthcare Advisors, a division of EPIC.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Trent Sullivan has joined the firm as a Producer in the firm's Edgewood Healthcare Advisors' Practice.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Make Alzheimer’s a Memory: BRAIN CARES – Helping People Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

ST. LOUIS, Mo. /ScoopCloud/ -- Brain Cares™ has announced the launch of its new website - BrainCares.com. With a mission to "Make Dementia a Memory," Brain Cares helps people practice lifestyle behaviors that are known to promote brain health.

"We are revolutionizing how people manage their brain health," says Don Veenstra, founder and CEO of Brain Cares. "The site makes it simple to understand, practice, and monitor how to best do this, on a day-to-day basis."

Anyone familiar with a dementia such as Alzheimer's knows just how devastating that disease can be. This statement is true for the person with the diagnosis, their Care Givers and also their family members who worry about getting the disease. In the past, the only thing a person could hope for was the discovery of a pill that that would make everything right.

History shows the majority of research to date has been focused on finding that perfect pill, but with little success. As a result, many go through life worrying as they wait for their turn to be diagnosed.

It is time to stop worrying and start taking action! Current research now shows that lifestyle matters. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits has the potential to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. An active lifestyle focused on Mental Stimulation, Physical Exercise, A Brain Healthy Diet, and Staying Social can make a difference!

The Brain Cares website is the first of its kind to help people practice the habits associated with living a brain healthy lifestyle.

"It is the result of having spent almost 15 years working with thousands of clients suffering from dementia," says Veenstra.

Many times over, he has been asked these type of questions: What can I do on my own to promote my brain health? What can I do to help guide a family member or loved one with dementia? What can I do to help a family member with dementia that lives in another part of the country? The website BrainCares.com was launched for the sole purpose of addressing these questions.

Veenstra says, "The work that has gone into bringing the website to the public has been a labor of love." One that he hopes will truly help shape the future for individuals, as well as society, in a very positive way.

Learn more at: https://braincares.com/

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0220s2p-brain-cares-300dpi.jpg

Brain Cares™ has announced the launch of its new website - BrainCares.com. With a mission to "Make Dementia a Memory," Brain Cares helps people practice lifestyle behaviors that are known to promote brain health.

Related link: https://braincares.com/

After, Inc. to Share Predictive Analytics Insights at the 2020 Field Service Medical Conference

NORWALK, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- After, Inc., the global leader in Warranty Analytics Solutions since 2005, announced today that it will be a major participant and sponsor at the Field Service Medical Conference in San Diego, California on February 24-26, 2020.

The conference brings together over 500 senior level service executives from the Medical Device Field Service community to share best practices and discover the latest topics and trends guiding the future of the industry.

After, Inc.'s SVP of Business Development, Dan Hulkower, will be speaking at the conference on the subject of "Leveraging Predictive Analytics to Optimize Field Service Performance and Customer Experience." To see a list of all the speakers as well as a full agenda, you can visit the Field Service Medical Conference site at https://fieldservicemd.wbresearch.com/.

Last year at this event, After, Inc. announced its launch of a suite of optimization solutions, specifically designed for the Field Service Medical industry.

CEO, Nate Baldwin, describes their new product suite: "Our set of predictive analytics solutions for Field Services organizations is changing the game. Our clients are now able to identify the major cost drivers in their businesses and accurately predict equipment failures. Our models help them be proactive and develop strategies to address equipment breakdowns before they happen, leading to higher levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty."

If you plan to be at the event, stop by the After, Inc. Booth (#101) to meet their senior executives and discuss how their Field Services Optimization Solutions can help your organization solve its current business challenges.

About After, Inc.

After, Inc. (http://afterinc.com/) is a global leader in the Warranty Services industry, providing predictive analytics, data-driven marketing strategies, reporting and program administration to some of the world's top brands. After helps manufacturers transform their warranty businesses, driving customer satisfaction post-purchase, higher product reliability, deeper brand equity and additional revenue / profit opportunities.

Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut. and with offices in New York City, After, Inc. is part of EPIC Portfolio Group, a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm with over 2,600 employees across the United States.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/18-1030s2p-after-inc-300dpi.jpg

After, Inc., the global leader in Warranty Analytics Solutions since 2005, announced today that it will be a major participant and sponsor at the Field Service Medical Conference in San Diego, California on February 24-26, 2020.

Related link: http://afterinc.com/

Susan G. Komen North Jersey Announces Award Honorees Robert C. Garrett, Amparo Aguirre and LAX For The Cure

PARSIPPANY, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- Susan G. Komen® North Jersey today announced its Pink Tie Party honorees to be recognized during the March 21st event being held at Ruth's Chris Steak House in Jersey City. For over twenty years, Susan G. Komen North Jersey has helped those who can't pay for treatments, worked to ensure that all people get the care they need, fought for the rights of patients with policy makers and funded breakthroughs in research that saves lives.

This signature event celebrates deserving honorees and raises funds for life-saving North Jersey community programs and national research.

This year's deserving honorees are:

Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, Founders Award Honoree. Bob is CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health and a lifelong advocate working to enhance healthcare service within the community. He is widely recognized for his visionary leadership not only within the field of healthcare, but within the many organizations he supports through his work on advisory boards and boards of directors. Our Founders Award recognizes individuals who have made an impact on healthcare services in the North Jersey community through a lifetime of effort and commitment.

"Susan G. Komen North Jersey's community programs are an example of the very best collaboration in our healthcare community. When nonprofits partner with healthcare systems to deliver initiatives that get into the community with education and prevention programs, the entire community benefits. Hackensack Meridian Health will continue to support the programs that emphasize increasing access to that care," says Bob Garrett.

Amparo Aguirre, Trailblazer Award Honoree. Amparo Aguirre is a Komen-funded

bi-lingual Breast Health Outreach Coordinator at Trinitas Regional Medical Center. Our Trailblazer Award recognizes individuals whose commitment has made an impact on breast cancer awareness, early screening and detection within the North Jersey community.

"I am so honored to receive this award from Komen North Jersey. Saving lives is a privilege that most people don't have the opportunity to enjoy. Providing education and access to screening, particularly in the Latino Community, is my passion and I am grateful for this opportunity that Komen North Jersey provides," says Amparo Aguirre.

LAX for the Cure, Champion Award Honoree. LAX for the Cure is a girls' lacrosse tournament that was founded in 2007 by Jessica Shoulberg, CFO of STEPS Lacrosse LLC. During the summer of 2007, the STEPS Lacrosse club had three mothers fighting breast cancer. The Shoulbergs wanted to help in the fight against the disease and decided to use the growth of girls' lacrosse and the summer tournament circuit as a vehicle. LAX for the Cure was launched to meet the ideals of players, parents, clubs, and college coaches, with the additional goal of raising funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer.

To date, $3+ million has been raised; an amazing milestone and legacy for such an initiative. The LAX girls are driven competitors who embody the Champion Award that honors a competitive mindset and celebrates the heartfelt work and success of the organization. The girls are celebrated as champions within their sport and champions for the cause of breast cancer.

"Each has contributed immeasurably to our mission and to the fight against breast cancer. We provided them the opportunity to get involved in a life-saving cause and they ran with it. I am so proud of every one of the girls who, through their dedication, are giving hope to the thousands of people, right here, who rely on Susan G. Komen North Jersey to access quality, timely care," says Jessica Shoulberg.

"Our honorees represent the very best in leadership, passion and dedication that gives HOPE to thousands of women and men in North Jersey in need of breast health care or facing a breast cancer diagnosis," says Perla Haltner, Acting Executive Director of Komen North Jersey.

The honorees will be the stars of the evening alongside tasty food, cocktails, gaming and fun. It promises to be a memorable, feel-good night, thanks to the generosity of this year's Pink Tie Party sponsors including: Hackensack Meridian Health, RWJBarnabas, Investors Bank, Dun and Bradstreet, ROI-NJ and TAPinto.net.

About Susan G. Komen®

Susan G. Komen® is the world's leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Born out of a promise between two sisters, Susan G. Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow's cures.

About Susan G. Komen® and Komen North Jersey

Komen North Jersey is helping fuel research, advocate for patients and support people facing breast cancer locally through a variety of direct patient-centered services and by collaborating with area providers to remove barriers and connect people to needed care across Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren Counties.

For more information, call 908-277-2904 or visit https://komennorthjersey.org/.

Susan G. Komen North Jersey today announced its Pink Tie Party honorees to be recognized during the March 21st event being held at Ruth's Chris Steak House in Jersey City. For over twenty years, Susan G. Komen North Jersey has helped those who can't pay for treatments, worked to ensure that all people get the care they need, fought for the rights of patients with policy makers and funded breakthroughs in research that saves lives.

Related link: https://komennorthjersey.org/

Groundbreaking New Book Fills Dire Needs in Unexplained Pediatric Deaths

ROSELAND, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- The SUDC Foundation recently published a first-of-its kind book, "Unexplained Pediatric Deaths: Investigation, Certification and Family Needs" (ISBN: 978-0998904320) a collaboration between the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which establishes the first ever national consensus guidelines in the U.S. to fill crucial needs to determine why unexplained pediatric deaths happen and how to support families after these tragedies.

Each year in the U.S., over 3,000 infants and children who are otherwise apparently healthy, die suddenly and without explanation. These deaths not only have profound effects on families, but also serious implications for our public health system. Currently, no national standards for investigating these deaths exist, severely handicapping our ability to understand and prevent them in the future.

"The devastating loss of a child is compounded when we cannot explain how that precious life ended," said Elizabeth Bundock, M.D., Ph.D., Deputy Chief Medical Examiner for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Burlington, Vermont and one of the editors of the book. "While many of these unexplained deaths expose the limits of our collective medical knowledge, ideally, none should expose shortcomings in our effort to identify the cause of death."

Bundock adds, "The medicolegal investigation of a child death is complex, requiring the meticulous attention of multiple professionals who bring to bear special techniques and resources. Variability in the medicolegal response is inevitable and flexibility is essential. However, the guidance provided in Unexplained Pediatric Deaths can move the U.S. closer to a consistently comprehensive approach."

"Over the last two decades, I have spoken to over 1,000 families who lost seemingly healthy, thriving children suddenly, unexpectedly and most often without answers as to why," said Laura Gould Crandall, Co-founder and President of the Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Foundation and one of the authors of the book. "These families deserve better than our current system provides. Without the improvements included in this book, we cannot truly know how many children are dying, we cannot perform the ideal research to understand and prevent them, and we cannot fully support families through their grief. We are so thankful to the authors of this book, especially the lead editors Dr. Elizabeth Bundock and Dr. Tracey Corey, for dedicating their expertise and diligently guiding our collective group of multidisciplinary collaborators to fix a broken system for the betterment of all children."

"This book draws on the experience and insight of dozens of experts from around the country," said Tracey Corey, M.D., Associate Medical Examiner for Florida Districts 5 & 24 and one of the editors of the book. "Each guideline was developed based on extensive research, historical context and sound rationale. Implementing them will advance the way we investigate these deaths, arming us with a system that will help us better determine why these deaths happen and support those we serve."

"This book represents the state-of-the art on our knowledge and assessment of sudden pediatric deaths, representing the cumulative wisdom of leading experts across diverse medical and scientific disciplines," said Orrin Devinsky, M.D., of New York University Langone Health and one of the authors of the book. "The experience of affected parents has greatly strengthened the value and sensitivity of this extraordinary effort."

"Unexplained Pediatric Deaths: Investigation, Certification and Family Needs" establishes the first national consensus guidelines to address the shortfalls in our current death investigation system. It outlines procedural guidance for a comprehensive investigation and autopsy and provides guidance to promote consistent classification of unexplained pediatric deaths, which greatly impacts our ability to understand how often they occur. It also offers recommendations for the care of families after such tragedies. Adoption of these guidelines is critical to achieve a better understanding of these deaths, successful public health prevention strategies and appropriate care of the bereaved.

"Unexplained Pediatric Deaths" began when the SUDC Foundation awarded a grant to NAME to work in collaboration with the AAP to convene an expert panel to identify and discuss these critical issues. The publication is a combined effort of a panel of medical examiners, pediatricians and federal agency representatives who represent the diverse interests of epidemiology, death investigation, autopsy performance, death certification, clinical subspecialties (neurology, cardiology, child abuse, injury prevention, infectious diseases, genetics and metabolic diseases), family needs, prevention and research.

To read a more detailed summary, please visit: https://sudc.org/education-resources/media-resources.

To learn more about the book and view a full list of authors available for interviews throughout the U.S., please visit https://sudpeds.com/.

About the SUDC Foundation:

The SUDC Foundation is the only organization worldwide whose purpose is to promote awareness, advocate for research and support those affected by SUDC. The SUDC Foundation provides all services at no cost to families. SUDC is a category of death in children over the age of 1 year which remains unexplained after a thorough investigation and autopsy.

To learn more about SUDC and the SUDC Foundation, please visit https://sudc.org/.

Media Contact:
Stephanie Zarecky
The SUDC Foundation
stephanie@sudc.org

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0212s2p-upd-book-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Book jacket, "Unexplained Pediatric Deaths: Investigation, Certification and Family Needs" (ISBN: 978-0998904320).

The SUDC Foundation recently published a first-of-its kind book, "Unexplained Pediatric Deaths: Investigation, Certification and Family Needs" (ISBN: 978-0998904320) a collaboration between the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which establishes the first ever national consensus guidelines in the U.S. to fill crucial needs to determine why unexplained pediatric deaths happen and how to support families after these tragedies.

Related link: https://sudc.org/

A Unique New Concept in a CBD Store in Dallas, Texas

DALLAS, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- TrueMedX Dallas has opened its first store in Texas. The TrueMedX brand is gaining strength as the #1 CBD formulae for relief from a long list of ailments.

"Our formularies are the result of extensive studies into bioceuticals and plant medicines. We incorporate beneficial fruit seed oils into our tinctures and salves to give our customers the most effective and targeted relief possible," says TrueMedX Dallas partner, Charley Smith. "That's what makes TrueMedX Dallas unique and outstanding. We pay close attention to the research available on CBD receptors in our bodies. Then we target those receptors with "carrier molecules" such as black seed oil or chia seed oil to deliver the CBD to the proper receptor."

TrueMedX Dallas is a store with a genuine desire to serve the Dallas community with only the finest CBD products and continuing education about the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) that is in every one of us. Charley Smith and Sean Day are both Master Cannabinologers certified by World Canna Health, a global organization aimed at educational awareness of all thing Cannabis.

Our product line is basically categorized by 5 "journeys" if you will. Energy and Wellness, Comfort and Ease, Rest and Relaxation, Beauty and Care, and Pet and Home. The products in each journey are specifically formulated to give the consumer the best possible result. For example, if a person is feeling stressful and anxious we would recommend a 600mg Comfort and Ease tincture to begin their CBD regimen. We start with a low dosage, perhaps 1/2 ml. upon waking up each day to start as we seek out the "sweet spot" for each individual. A Comfort and Ease Tea might also be consumed. Our ECS needs the molecules in CBD and all its components to help to regulate ALL our bodies systems. That's why the ECS is known as our "Master Regulatory System."

TrueMedX Dallas is sensitive to the budgets of all our customers. Our customer loyalty discounts run up to 30% off once loyalty is established...you and your health and wellness is our main concern.

TrueMedX Dallas is hosting its Grand Opening on February 20, 2020, Thursday at 5 p.m.

The President of World Canna Health, David Lal will be here to celebrate and become acquainted with the people of Dallas. Chip Paul, CEO, of World Canna Health will be here also. Chip and his lovely wife Cynthia are our TrueMedX formulators from Owasso, Oklahoma. They are anxious to meet our demographic and to offer help and advice to anyone curious about the very real benefits of CBD.

If you and your friends are wondering what all the fuss is about CBD then you must come to our Grand Opening and learn about our amazing product line. From now through our Grand Opening we offer 10% off all the items in our store. There will be snacks at our Grand Opening catered by Dallas finest Caterer, Henry Holland.

Our website: https://www.truemedxdallas.com/

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and products listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Cannabidiol (CBD) has NOT been proven to treat, relieve, nor cure any disease or medical condition listed on the company website.

TrueMedX Dallas has opened its first store in Texas. The TrueMedX brand is gaining strength as the #1 CBD formulae for relief from a long list of ailments. TrueMedX Dallas is a store with a genuine desire to serve the Dallas community with only the finest CBD products and continuing education about the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).

Related link: https://www.truemedxdallas.com/

Chad Anfinson Joins Zanthion as Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Chad Anfinson is Zanthion's newest recruit who has accepted the role of Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer. Chad comes to Zanthion by way of the Senior Living Industry. He began his career in the late 90's as the sales leader for newly constructed Assisted Living Communities in Florida.

After 2 years of successfully leasing up multiple projects he set his sights on the operations side of the house. Under the guidance of Southeastern VP and Regional Director of Operations he learned the ins and outs of operating a senior living community. In 2001 he accepted his first Executive Director role of a 120-unit Independent Living Community and 2 years later became Area Director for North Florida.

As his skill set grew, he assumed the role of Regional Operations Specialist and traveled extensively to consult and troubleshoot for Emeritus Senior Living and Summerville Senior Living. Over the course of the next few years he worked at the right hand of Senior Vice President and handled multiple communities throughout the east coast. In the mid-2000's his entrepreneurial side had him leaving the Senior Living world and he became the owner of a home health operation.

During this time, he took what he learned from being on the side that home health presented to and used this as a tool to grow a business to over 600 clients on average. After selling his home health business he entered back into Senior Living Operations and worked with Emeritus and Brookdale Senior Living. He has held Regional Vice President and Vice President of Ancillary Services in Senior Living, developing many value-added and revenue generating programs.

Before joining the Zanthion team he developed a senior healthcare consulting company with a focus on building and developing new class b projects across the southeast. Chad's experience gives Zanthion a profound insider knowledge of how Senior Living Communities operate from the trenches all the way to corporate offices. He has a passion for innovation and providing proactive care planning for seniors. His expertise in this landscape allows Zanthion to see things from all angles and set us aside from the competition.

We differentiate ourselves not only by our technology but also by our people. We understand what you do every day and we get how to provide you with the solutions you need for your seniors and business.

Zanthion "we will be there when no one else can."

About Zanthion:

Zanthion is an AI digital healthcare company specializing in PaaS, the integration of an extensible architecture of sensors, wearable devices, and environmental equipment for group senior living and aging in place-a combination of ridesharing (Uber/Lyft), smart homes, fall detection, and senior care. Zanthion exists to create new and disruptive solutions for seniors and their families to track and detect possible issues and injuries for today's seniors, using technology to provide a better quality of life for everyone involved.

Zanthion is a pioneer in changing our social environment with future vision, providing solution-based systems that improve the world based on an open source, transparent, crowd-sourced platform and social processes that accurately assess what happened, inform the correct resources, provide resources to the problem efficiently, and keep track of the efficiency of fixing the problem. Zanthion embraces a responsible future.

Visit https://zanthion.com/

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/GfWuvNbzHXU

Chad Anfinson is Zanthion's newest recruit who has accepted the role of Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer. Chad comes to Zanthion by way of the Senior Living Industry. He began his career in the late 90's as the sales leader for newly constructed Assisted Living Communities in Florida.

Related link: https://www.zanthion.com/

Fluid Metering Announces New Exclusive Distributor in Australia

SYOSSET, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Fluid Metering Inc. is pleased to announce John Morris Group as the new exclusive distributor of precision fluid control solutions across the South Pacific Region.

John Morris Group, located in Chatswood, New South Wales specialize in the supply, installation & servicing of precision instruments covering diverse industry sectors and a proud tradition of building hand-in-hand relationships with the world's leading manufacturers of scientific equipment.

The benefits of this new partnership include:
* John Morris Group has a national office network with local personnel across Australia and New Zealand, providing expertise in sales, service and technical support.
* Our broad range of corporate and institutional customers and our local marketing expertise will provide FMI with a range of new opportunities in the South Pacific region
* A shared blend of over 120 years of experience, innovation and core values delivering the best advice, quality and service.

"We're excited about the opportunity this agreement with Fluid Metering Inc. provides for our customers," says Jeff Tyson, General Manager at John Morris Group. "It's a pleasure to add another manufacturer of high-quality products to our range."

Robert Morin, Vice President, Commercial Operations at Fluid Metering, Inc. said "These are exciting times for Fluid Metering, we continue to develop world class portfolio of precision pumps and build a global network of robust distributors. To the latter, we couldn't be happier than to have such as robust distributor as John Morris Group representing Fluid Metering in Australia and New Zealand."

About Fluid Metering Inc.

Fluid Metering continues to be a leader in the manufacturing of valve-less ceramic dispensers and metering pumps with strategic focus in the life science market space. Proudly, incorporating 61 years of OEM design and experience to meet customer specific application requirements with Accuracy, Precision & Reliability!

Learn more: https://www.fluidmetering.com/

Media Contact Information:
Name: Denise Sternbach
Phone: 516-922-6050 xt.113
Denise.Sternbach@fmipump.com

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0916s2p-fluid-metering-300dpi.jpg

Fluid Metering Inc. is pleased to announce John Morris Group as the new exclusive distributor of precision fluid control solutions across the South Pacific Region.

Related link: https://www.fluidmetering.com/

‘Flu Death Frenzy + Corona Craziness = What?’ says Dr. Harte

CORTE MADERA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Dr. Don Harte, noted chiropractic activist and former Libertarian State Senate candidate, is "extremely concerned about unsubstantiated reports of flu deaths, along with lack of public health response to Chinese viral threat."

Dr. Harte says, "It seems that our so-called public health officials are deliberately creating fear, and hoping for panic. They are ginning up fears of the flu, combined with a possible corona virus epidemic.

"I am deeply concerned about what others may be relieved about," Dr. Harte admits. "Reports are coming in of corona virus vaccines being rushed to completion and then production, via new technology."

Dr. Harte declares, "New technology seems exciting to some, but in Medicine, it's Russian roulette. Who knows the ramifications, both in safety and efficacy, of this totally novel vaccine for a novel virus? The regular vaccines create enough serious health problems."

"A fascinating, and scary part of this blossoming health problem is that CDC officials are saying, at least for the moment, that influenza, the flu, is a far more serious threat to Americans than the corona virus. What we have here," comments Dr. Harte, "is fear from the corona virus being used, very deliberately, to increase fear of the flu virus, and, thereby, increase sales of the mostly ineffective and definitely risky flu vaccine."

"Perhaps the most serious issue," Dr. Harte notes, "is the believability of the CDC. It has 'cried wolf' far too many times, and continues to do so. For years, the CDC has claimed that the flu kills 36,000 a year in this country. Last flu season, all of a sudden, they claimed 82,000."

"We can only know," Dr. Harte says, "what's going on in China and around the world with the new corona virus through news reports. We all know, from personal life experience, that no one we knew ever died from the flu, while everyone we know has had the flu, many several times. Only the already very sick and feeble ever end up in the hospital. Yes, boys and girls, the CDC is lying. Their quasi-statistical trick," according to Dr. Harte. "is combining flu deaths with pneumonia deaths. Take away pneumonia, and you're left with a few hundred deaths a year in a nation of 320 million. The obvious conclusion? Influenza, the flu, is not a dangerous, fatal disease."

Dr. Harte warns, "When the corona vaccine comes out, watch out for an all-out fear campaign, from state, federal and international sources. If that vaccine will be as ineffective and dangerous as the flu vaccine, I wouldn't trust it."

"Finally," explains Dr. Harte, "the best way to avoid the flu, the corona virus, or any infectious disease, is to get healthy. Eat well, exercise, rest appropriately, and get your nervous system free of interference by regular chiropractic care. Your nervous system runs your immune system, so take care of it! The best way to get the flu is to get a flu shot." Dr. Harte wonders, "It might work the same way for the coming corona virus vaccine. So why do it?"

Dr. Don Harte, former medical student, is a principled, traditional chiropractor serving Marin and the Greater Bay Area since 1981. He is an activist in the struggle for free speech for chiropractors. Dr. Harte was named 2006 "Chiropractor of the Year" by the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA). He has served on the Boards of the WCA and the Council on Chiropractic Practice. His articles have been published in OMNI magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, Chiropractic Journal and Journal of the California Chiropractic Association.

MEDIA CONTACT
Dr. Harte
o: (415)460-6527
c: (415)847-9678
harteofchiropractic@gmail.com

Learn more about Dr. Harte's practice at: https://www.chirodrharte.com/

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0204s2p-dr-don-harte-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Dr. Harte in his consulting room.

Dr. Don Harte, noted chiropractic activist and former Libertarian State Senate candidate, is "extremely concerned about unsubstantiated reports of flu deaths, along with lack of public health response to Chinese viral threat."

Related link: https://www.chirodrharte.com/

EPIC Continues Expansion of Employee Benefits Practice with a new Pharmacy Practice Leader

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today they are continuing to expand their employee benefits resources with the addition of a new Pharmacy Practice Leader, Bob Eisendrath. We are also pleased to announce that we have promoted Craig Hasday to President, National Employee Benefits Practice leader and Cindy Santangelo to National Voluntary Benefits Practice Leader.

Bob Eisendrath brings a strong background in pharmacy benefit management. He brings experience both in sales and national account management, with CVS Caremark for 20 years where he was most recently Area Vice President for Coalition Business. "The addition of Bob will further strengthen our Pharmacy consulting practice as he leads the team through the rapidly changing legislative and therapeutic landscape as our clients grapple with increasing pharmacy prices, one of the most problematic components of escalating cost," said Craig Hasday, National Employee Benefits Practice Leader.

Craig Hasday has been promoted to President, National Employee Benefits Leader. Said Steve Denton, President, EPIC Holdings, "For the past eighteen months, Craig has led EPIC's National Employee Benefits Operations Board. In that role, Craig has worked closely with the geographic employee benefits leaders and has done an incredible job bringing our national teams together."

During this time, EPIC has seen increased communication and enhancements across the board in service offerings for our clients. Further, EPIC has seen great improvement in revenue growth, profitability, and integration of its vast employee benefits platform. Employee Benefits revenue of over $170 million which represents over 20% of EPIC's retail revenue.

Promoting Cindy Santangelo to the new national role as lead of EPIC's Voluntary Benefits practice highlights EPIC's growing focus on the changing workplace dynamic of offering personalized benefits. Santangelo has been with EPIC for 12 years and spent the past 5 years building and growing the Voluntary Benefits practice within EPIC's national Employee Benefit platform. She brings a wealth of knowledge to her role in employee paid worksite benefits consulting as she fully understands how to create a customized program to meet individualized needs.

"We are fortunate to have someone with her expertise on our team to support our clients and other EPIC consultants," said John Gaffney, VP. National Employee Benefits Operations.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 70 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $730 million, EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today they are continuing to expand their employee benefits resources with the addition of a new Pharmacy Practice Leader, Bob Eisendrath.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Spodak Dental Group to Help Eradicate Childhood Tooth Decay As Part Of National Children’s Dental Health Month

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Spodak Dental Group (SDG) is participating National Children's Dental Health Month with a goal to eradicate childhood tooth decay. SDG is partnering with All-Star Smiles Foundation, a non-profit organization with a mission to create a unique experience with an alliance of dentists, athletes and community partners that provides access to uncompromised dental care for underserved children in our communities.

Tooth decay is largely preventable, but it remains one of the most common diseases of childhood, and is five times as common as asthma and seven times as common as hay fever, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

During the entire month of February 2020, SDG will donate $50 from each Invisalign case accepted that month with proceeds going directly to the All-Star Smiles Foundation to screen and treat local children who are in need of dental care. The goal is to help 100 children receive free dental treatment.

WHAT: National Children's Dental Health Month and raising funds to care for underserved children who require care for dental pain and/or trauma.

WHEN: The entire month of February 2020

WHERE: Spodak Dental Group, 3911 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33445

WHY: "This is an amazing opportunity to provide charitable giving to children who desperately need dental care," said Dr. Craig Spodak, general dentist. "Dental pain is the No. 1 reason a child will visit the emergency room or miss school. It's up to us to provide the care they need so they can either avoid unnecessary pain by treating smaller issues now, or helping them to get out of pain so they can get back to being a kid."

JOIN: Call or text (561) 303-2413 with any questions. To support the cause, simply email darien@spodakdental.com or text (561) 303-2413 for ways to help.

ABOUT: For more information on Spodak Dental Group, please visit: https://www.spodakdental.com/.

About Spodak Dental

The Spodak Dental Group, a 2017 Inc. 5000 honoree, has evolved to become South Florida's premier, comprehensive dental facility, and comprises a world-class association of dental professionals poised to provide full-service dental care second-to-none in both scope and skill. The Spodak Dental Group team includes General and Restorative Dentists, Endodontists, Periodontists, Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Master Ceramic Artists and Anesthesiologists, as well as one of the nation's only in-office dental labs. Spodak Dental Group is located at 3911 W. Atlantic Ave. Call or text (561) 303-2413 or visit https://www.SpodakDental.com for more information.

About All-Star Smiles Foundation

The All-Star Smiles Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating the disease of childhood tooth decay. The brainchild of New York Yankees great, Giancarlo Stanton, and Dr. Craig Spodak, the organization's co-founders, All-Star Smiles received its official 501(c)3 status in April 2017. The organization unites community members, dental care providers, and children throughout the country to provide dental care to underserved children in communities nationwide. Since 2015, the organization has helped hundreds of children in receiving the dental care they need, while providing a fun, safe and comfortable experience for them at no cost. To get involved, please visit https://allstarsmiles.org/.

The Spodak Dental Group (SDG) is participating National Children's Dental Health Month with a goal to eradicate childhood tooth decay. SDG is partnering with All-Star Smiles Foundation, a non-profit organization with a mission to create a unique experience with an alliance of dentists, athletes and community partners.

Related link: https://www.spodakdental.com/

Lift & Care Systems Offers an Annual Inspection Program for Group Homes, Day Programs and Care Centers

LAKEVILLE, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- Durable medical equipment such as ceiling lift systems and other patient transfer devices, pool lifts, chair lifts for stairs and platform lifts for group homes, day programs and care centers get a lot of use - a lot more use than your average residential home installation, says Lift & Care Systems.

When you combine heavy use with this complex equipment with many moving parts, breakdowns and problems with the equipment are almost unavoidable.

To help address this issue, Lift & Care Systems offers an Annual Inspection Program (AIP) to help assure that all of the durable medical equipment installed in your building performs well and works safely for all residents or participants in programs at your facility.

With over 25 years of practical, "in-the-trenches real world" experience, Lift & Care Systems knows where the problem areas within this equipment may be and, when combined with carefully following the manufacturer's inspection list, can uncover and resolve potential issues before they result in an equipment breakdown.

Benefits of an AIP Program for Durable Medical Equipment

The AIP is an inexpensive service that provides the following benefits for your group homes, day programs and care facilities:
* Keeps the equipment operating safely.
* Eliminates or minimizes equipment downtime.
* Avoids expensive emergency service calls.
* Assures that the equipment can handle the rapid transfer of patients in the event of an emergency evacuation.

Inspection Services for Durable Medical Equipment

"Your lift system is built with many safety features that we maintain according to the manufacturer's specifications, but we go above and beyond this level of service within our Annual Inspection Program," said Dave Austin, Owner of Lift & Care Systems. "We are committed to the safety and well-being of your loved ones, no matter where they are through the use of our AIP."

Here are just some of the services performed in an AIP:
* Check the battery performance, charging system, and safety limit switches.
* Ensure that the track/rail is well anchored and tightly secured as the day it was installed.
* Grease and clean any parts as needed.
* Inspect the condition of all parts.

Our trained and qualified technicians use specialized testing devices to uncover any issues with the installed durable medical equipment. If they uncover a problem that requires a part replacement, they will do so only with your permission.

Lift & Care Systems' Annual Inspection Program is well worth the price when you consider the cost of emergency service calls, expensive replacement parts and, most importantly, the peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are safe and well cared for within these facilities. We offer our AIP for equipment installed in residential homes as well.

About Lift & Care Systems, Inc.

Lift & Care Systems, Inc is dedicated to bringing the highest quality of life to users and their caregivers by providing customized solutions that enhance the users' mobility. To achieve this goal, Lift & Care Systems offers a myriad of products, including: Body Supports, Slings, Mobile Lifters, Ceiling Systems, Wall-to-Wall Lift Systems, Wheelchair-to-Water Pool Lifts, Frictionless Slides, stair lifts, aluminum ramps, accessible shower stalls, lifts for cars/vans/SUV's with the Multi-Lift and Glide 'N Go.

Their products are used in private residential homes; semi-professional homes, such as group homes and day programs; and professional institutions, including nursing homes, hospitals and schools. Lift & Care Systems is the exclusive distributor of the SureHands patient lifts featuring the patented Body Support systems in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. In addition, Lift & Care Systems product line also includes National Ramp Systems and a broad array of stairlifts, for in home use.

Founded in 1993, Lift & Care Systems, Inc. is located at 7 Precinct Street in Lakeville, MA 02347. For additional information, or to arrange for a free personal consultation, please call 508-465-5254.

Info: http://www.liftandcaresystems.com/

Durable medical equipment such as ceiling lift systems and other patient transfer devices, pool lifts, chair lifts for stairs and platform lifts for group homes, day programs and care centers get a lot of use - a lot more use than your average residential home installation, says Lift & Care Systems.

Related link: http://www.liftandcaresystems.com/

Nurse Innovator Impacts Moms’ and Babies’ Health in ‘Year of the Nurse and Midwife’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- BabyLiveAdvice, Inc., a Los Angeles-based, woman-owned social enterprise, supports pregnant moms and parents from preconception through early childhood via telehealth, phone and chat. The company's mission is to help one million moms and their babies to be happy and healthy.

The World Health Organization (WHO) designated 2020 - "The Year of the Nurse and Midwife" - bringing women's issues front and center. BabyLiveAdvice is taking heed.

"The U.S. has the highest rate of maternal deaths in the developed world," Sigi Marmorstein, founder and CEO, BabyLiveAdvice, says. "Giving birth in America has become increasingly dangerous, sometimes deadly, especially for mothers who lack access to care."

In fact, the 2019 March of Dimes Report Card revealed that, for the fourth year in a row, more babies in the U.S. (approximately one out of 10) were born too soon, with the rate of pre-term births increasing steadily every year. (*Note 1.)

"We have 135 moms a week who die or are injured during childbirth or within weeks of giving birth," Marmorstein says. "There are two babies who die every hour. It's not talked about and prevention is lacking."

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists projects that there will be a shortage of nearly 9,000 obstetricians and gynecologists by 2020, which will grow to a shortage of approximately 22,000 by 2050. This shortage is creating "maternal deserts," where 5 million women have no access to obstetricians.

"Some women have to travel five to six hours for care or even go out of state," Marmorstein says.

Marmorstein, a nurse innovator and telehealth expert with 22 years of clinical experience, believes she has a technological solution to help with this crisis. In 2018, she self-funded BabyLiveAdvice, with support of colleagues such as Milton Chen, CEO of Vsee, the HIPAA-secure platform used by BabyLiveAdvice, who support her vision.

Prior to the company's launch, extensive research and pilots showed that pregnant women and new parents are under-informed or misinformed about their pregnancy, childbirth options, breastfeeding and infant care. They lack education and have unequal healthcare access. Additionally, shorter appointment times, transportation barriers and early discharge from the hospital just serve to widen the care gap.

The pilot study went on to demonstrate that when moms are supported, educated, monitored, empowered and coached throughout their pregnancies and postpartum period they have better birth outcomes and fewer complications than moms who did not receive such help.

"We're a group of nurses and midwives who are mothers. We're from diverse cultural and clinical backgrounds and work from home caring for our children while using our skills to support and help others," Elaine Kopinga, lead nurse midwife at BabyLiveAdvice, says.

BabyLiveAdvice gives mothers/parents virtual access to advice and support from the comfort of their home. They can ask questions and get answers right away.

"From pre-conception through the baby's age of four, women have access to a personal team of professionals and it doesn't cost thousands of dollars," Lovell Valencia, clinician at BabyLiveAdvice, says.

BabyLiveAdvice fills a critical gap in the current health system. It's a budget-friendly solution and insurance companies, employers, hospitals, physicians and non-profit organizations are already collaborating because it's easy to implement. Advice staff helps physicians to manage large panels of patients, while effectively reducing physician burnout, improving care access and reducing overall costs.

"We have our eyes and ears on moms and babies and are more effective than a traditional nurse call line in reducing ER visits and calls to physicians. We improve timely escalation and emergent conditions, and reduce the overall risk of care," Marmorstein says.

While maternal deaths are not a subject many like to talk about, BabyLiveAdvice believes 2020 is the year to begin the conversation, promote awareness and produce real results that lead to positive change. They've already made a difference, but there's more to be done.

About BabyLiveAdvice

BabyLiveAdvice supports and partners with providers, employers, insurance companies and other organizations, nationally and internationally. It works to reduce maternal and infant morbidity and mortality by providing virtual prenatal/postnatal education, monitoring of chronic conditions (i.e., diabetes and hypertension), smoking and substance abuse cessation, parental nutrition and mental health screening and support.

For more information, visit: https://www.babyliveadvice.com/

*NOTE 1 (PDF): https://www.marchofdimes.org/materials/MOD2019_REPORT_CARD_and_POLICY_ACTIONS_BOOKLETv72.pdf

BabyLiveAdvice, Inc., a Los Angeles-based, woman-owned social enterprise, supports pregnant moms and parents from preconception through early childhood via telehealth, phone and chat. The company's mission is to help one million moms and their babies to be happy and healthy.

Related link: https://www.babyliveadvice.com/

Papa and Priority Health Announce Strategic Partnership Launch to Offer Senior Citizens More Freedom to Age in Place

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Papa Inc., a nationwide provider for seniors and caregivers announced today its newest partnership with Priority Health. Papa will provide "Grandkids On-Demand" for Priority Health's PriorityMedicare Edge(SM) and PriorityMedicare Ideal(SM) Medicare Advantage plan members. The launch went live January 1, 2020 and it will be the only insurance plan in Michigan to cover services for seniors such as transportation, technology services and companionship to qualified members.

This partnership will improve senior citizen's mental health and help reduce loneliness and social isolation to allow seniors to age in place.

"We are thrilled to partner with Priority Health and help support their Medicare Advantage PriorityMedicare Edge and PriorityMedicare Ideal members in Michigan for their needs as they age in place," said Founder and CEO Andrew Parker. "The partnership is exciting for both organizations."

Aging in place is becoming more popular with senior citizens. A recent survey from AARP (*see note 1) showed that roughly 90% of American seniors wish to live at home for as long as possible. The downside to aging in place is the social isolation it brings. A recent poll from The National Poll on Health Aging (*see note 2) found that more than a quarter of its respondents said they only had social contact once a week, or less, with family members they don't live with, friends and neighbors. Papa's partnership with Priority Health will give seniors more care and companionship.

"We are excited to be the first health plan in Michigan to provide the unique services which Papa provides," said CEO of Priority Health Joan Budden. "Most people are not used to a health care plan that provides in-home assistance to this degree, which is creating excitement in our Medicare community."

About Papa

Papa is a Miami startup that has Grandkids On-Demand who provides assistance and companionship to senior citizens throughout Florida, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Illinois, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018. For more information, visit https://www.joinpapa.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/join_papa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinpapa/

About Priority Health Plan

With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan, offering a broad portfolio of health benefit options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than a million members each year, and offering a network that includes 97 percent of primary care physicians in Michigan, Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Priority Health is the smart choice for people seeking affordable, quality health insurance.

Sources:
*NOTE 1: AARP1: https://states.aarp.org/virginia/home-matters-survey
*NOTE 2: Healthy Aging Poll2: http://www.healthyagingpoll.org

Papa Inc., a nationwide provider for seniors and caregivers announced today its newest partnership with Priority Health. Papa will provide "Grandkids On-Demand" for Priority Health's PriorityMedicare Edge and PriorityMedicare Ideal Medicare Advantage plan members.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association Inks Partnership Deal with Oscar Mike Foundation

TAMPA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) today announced the signing of a partnership agreement with the Oscar Mike Foundation (OMF) establishing NMEDA as the Official Vehicle Sponsor for OMF's signature event, the United States Quad Rugby Association National Championships.

OMF founder and CEO, Noah Currier, will be featured at the NMEDA Annual Conference & Expo, March 3-5 in Daytona Beach, on the highly anticipated, "Rolling Disrupters" panel discussion. The distinguished panel will also include Dr. Rory Cooper, chief of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories at the University of Pittsburgh; Sam Schmidt, former Indy car driver and founder of Conquer Paralysis Now; and famed wheelchair motocross athlete Aaron "Wheelz" Fotheringham.

"We couldn't be more excited to be partnering with Oscar Mike," said Danny Langfield, NMEDA CEO. "Noah and his folks are doing incredible work getting our injured veterans 'On the Move' (which is the literal translation of Oscar Mike in Military radio jargon). When we realized our organizations were so well aligned in our respective missions, this partnership came together very naturally."

"NMEDA is exactly the kind of organization we want on our team," stated Currier. "Getting veterans back on the road and ensuring they maintain their independence - that's what NMEDA members do, period. And that's a perfect fit with our mission."

OMF will also be a featured exhibitor at the NMEDA Conference, which includes the largest auto mobility Expo in the world.

Additionally, Conference attendees will receive a one-of-a-kind, custom NMEDA t-shirt created by the expert designers of Oscar Mike Apparel.

OMF is the latest addition to NMEDA's strategic partners, which also include Paralyzed Veterans of America, United Spinal, American Occupational Therapy Association, Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists, and Case Managers Society of America.

NMEDA is proud to join OMF's family of corporate sponsors including Ford, USAA, Amazon, Facebook, Google and dozens of others who support Oscar Mike's mission of keeping veterans on the move.

Contact: Katie McDonald, Manager of Communications & Social - NMEDA; katie.mcdonald@nmeda.org | 813.264.2697

About NMEDA:

NMEDA is a non-profit trade association of mobility equipment manufacturers, dealers, driver rehabilitation specialists, and other mobility professionals dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities and driving independence through the use of wheelchair accessible vehicles. Learn more: https://nmeda.com/

About Oscar Mike:

Oscar Mike strives to be a leading provider of funding for injured Veterans to participate in life-changing adaptive sports. We utilize 100% of donations to the Oscar Mike Foundation 501(c)(3) Public Non-Profit and proceeds from our Oscar Mike Apparel Sales to provide support to injured Veterans looking for an opportunity to stay active. By focusing on the arena of adaptive sports, the Oscar Mike Foundation assists in offering an outlet for an ongoing competitive lifestyle to thousands of American Veterans who have sacrificed for the defense of our country. Learn more: https://www.oscarmike.org/collections

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0115s2p-noah-and-amy-300dpi.jpg
*Caption: Oscar Mike Foundation CEO Noah Currier with NMEDA's Director of Government Relations, Amy Schoppman.

MEDIA CONTACT
Katie McDonald
Manager of Communications & Social
NMEDA
katie.mcdonald@nmeda.org
813.264.2697

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) today announced the signing of a partnership agreement with the Oscar Mike Foundation (OMF) establishing NMEDA as the Official Vehicle Sponsor for OMF's signature event, the United States Quad Rugby Association National Championships.

Related link: http://www.nmeda.org

Papa Announces Launch with Alignment Healthcare for Medicare Advantage Members

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Papa Inc., a leading provider for seniors and caregivers nationwide, announced today its partnership with Alignment Healthcare to provide "Grandkids On-Demand" for qualifying members of its Medicare Advantage plans. A soft launch kicked off in Los Angeles on Sept. 1, 2019, with expansion to additional membership on Jan. 1, 2020.

Papa will provide qualified Alignment members with assistance around the home, technology support and general companionship to reduce senior loneliness and social isolation, while improving overall mood.

"The impact of social determinants of health, which include loneliness and isolation, has a significantly negative effect on older adults," said Andrew Parker, Founder and CEO of Papa. "Our commitment to support these members by removing the obvious barriers associated with SDOH has a huge impact. We are proud to partner with Alignment Healthcare, a progressive partner that recognizes the importance of improving the lives of their members beyond medical care."

In partnering with Medicare Advantage plans, Papa empowers seniors with companionship, technology support and home help. Research from the National Institute on Aging shows that social isolation and loneliness are linked to higher risks for heart disease, cognitive decline and other chronic illnesses (*See Note 1). Papa Pals allows seniors to engage in meaningful and productive activities with a companion.

"At Alignment Healthcare, we believe caring for older adults, especially those with little support at home, needs to go beyond a physician's office," said Dawn Maroney, consumer president of Alignment Healthcare. "That's why we are excited to partner with Papa, which shares our mission to put the seniors we serve first and improve their overall health care experience."

About Papa

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Papa is the first and only companion health company that provides access to a curated network of motivated and vetted companions who are available for on demand, in-home assistance. With nationwide expansion under way, Papa Pals are currently available in Florida, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Illinois, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018. For more information, visit http://www.joinpapa.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/join_papa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinpapa/

About Alignment Healthcare

Alignment Healthcare is redefining the business of health care by shifting the focus from payments to people. We've created a new model for health care delivery that cuts costs and improves lives by unraveling the inefficiencies of the current system to drive patients, providers and payers toward a common goal of wellness. Harnessing best practices from Medicare Advantage, our innovative data-management technology allows us to commit to caring for seniors and those who need it most: the chronically ill and frail.

With offices and care centers across the country, Alignment Healthcare provides partners and patients with customized care and service where they need it and when they need it, including clinical coordination, risk management and technology facilitation. Alignment Healthcare offers health plan options to California residents through Alignment Health Plan, and partners with select health plans in North Carolina to help deliver better benefits at lower costs. For more information, please visit http://www.alignmenthealthcare.com/.

*NOTE 1: https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks

Papa Inc., a leading provider for seniors and caregivers nationwide, announced today its partnership with Alignment Healthcare to provide "Grandkids On-Demand" for qualifying members of its Medicare Advantage plans. A soft launch kicked off in Los Angeles on Sept. 1, 2019, with expansion to additional membership on Jan. 1, 2020.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

Papa Partners with Higi to Support Health Screenings and Ongoing Support for Senior Citizens via Accessible Healthcare Technology

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Papa Inc., a leading provider for seniors and caregivers nationwide announced today its newest partnership with Higi, a healthcare technology company that operates a nationwide network of Smart Health Stations. Papa Members can now visit Higi's 10,000 stations, publicly available at grocery, pharmacy, and other community locations with assistance in transportation and technology usage from a Papa Pal.

At Higi's stations, Papa Members can routinely check their vitals and screen for health status and preventive care needs, and better understand the impact their lifestyle choices and habits can have on their health. Papa Members who have mobility problems, can no longer drive, have limited transportation options, live in rural areas, or lack companionship will benefit from Papa and Higi's partnership. Furthermore, Papa's Medicare Advantage Clients will benefit from having more information on the issues and health needs of their members.

"Our partnership with Higi creates an innovative way for seniors to understand their health needs and gain access to support for their long-term wellbeing," said Papa's Founder and CEO Andrew Parker. "We see a considerable potential partnering with Higi and providing preventive care options for seniors by incorporating Higi's vast, national network of retail-based Smart Stations."

Chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease account for seven out of ten deaths in the United States; these diseases are often preventable or manageable through early detection. Currently 45% of the U.S. population is living with at least one chronic disease, which can be crippling to someone's quality of life if left undiagnosed or untreated (*See Note 1).

"We believe that partnering with Papa will give older adults the opportunity to learn more about their health, and in doing so, more reasons to use the benefits provided by their health plans," said Higi CEO Jeff Bennett. "By including a Higi Station visit when Papa Pals bring their senior companions to the grocery store or pharmacy, we're adding to the long-term benefits of companionship and transportation offered by Papa by creating an opportunity to capture a broader picture health."

*Note 1: Sources: (PDF) https://www.fightchronicdisease.org/sites/default/files/docs/GrowingCrisisofChronicDiseaseintheUSfactsheet_81009.pdf

About Papa

Papa is a Miami startup that has Grandkids On-Demand who provide assistance and companionship to senior citizens throughout Florida, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Illinois, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018. For more information, visit https://www.joinpapa.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/join_papa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinpapa/

About Higi

Higi is a consumer health engagement company making it easier for all people to measure, track and act on their health data through a free nationwide network of over 10,000 FDA-cleared self-screening Smart Health Stations located in pharmacy retailers and other community points of trust. Enhanced by over 80 different third-party integrations (i.e. apps, devices, monitors, EHRs and more), Higi's Smart Health Stations connect across the existing healthcare ecosystem, bridging station activity with digital tools to interact with consumers on the go and extend engagement, making it easier for consumers to remain active in their health.

Healthcare stakeholders use Higi as a new access point to better reach, connect with and activate targeted populations; collect biometric and other health determinant data to stratify and prioritize; motivate consumers to take specific actions at a point of care or within the expanding care ecosystem activated by Higi connectivity. To date, more than 58 million people have used a Higi station to conduct over 335 million biometric tests. For more information, visit us at https://higi.com/.

Papa Inc., a leading provider for seniors and caregivers nationwide announced today its newest partnership with Higi, a healthcare technology company that operates a nationwide network of Smart Health Stations. Papa Members can now visit Higi's 10,000 stations, publicly available at grocery, pharmacy, and other community locations with assistance in transportation and technology usage from a Papa Pal.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

CALNOC Announces the CALNOC Nightingale Research Fund: Raising Nursing’s Voice in Health Services Research

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- CALNOC is pleased to introduce The CALNOC Nightingale Research Fund, an innovative and opportune resource in health services research focused on and administrated by nursing. "We are excited to announce the Research Fund today in honor of Florence Nightingale and in celebration of the Year of the Nurse 2020. This fund will stimulate and support new research and clinical inquiry with emphasis on nursing's contribution," said Dr. Mary E. Foley PhD, RN, FAAN and Chairperson of CALNOC.

"This Fund will provide awards and matching funds to qualified individuals and non-profit institutions in support of clinical inquiry on nursing's contributions to improving clinical care of patients, population health management, staff engagement and satisfaction, and health care operations," added Tony Sung, Chief Executive Officer of CALNOC.

Each year CALNOC will commit substantial support to the fund and announce its research priorities for the current year. Individuals and non-profit institutions are encouraged to apply.

For more information, priorities for funding as well as application process, please go to our website at https://calnoc.org/.

About CALNOC:

Since 1996, CALNOC has been at the forefront of supporting inter professional, nursing focused patient care excellence, creating the first database registry of nursing sensitive quality indicators. As a health services research organization, CALNOC conducts and supports research and clinical inquiry with a focus on nursing's contribution to improving healthcare. Headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, CALNOC is a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation.

For more information, call 833-225-6621 or visit https://calnoc.org/

CALNOC is pleased to introduce The CALNOC Nightingale Research Fund, an innovative and opportune resource in health services research focused on and administrated by nursing. We are excited to announce the Research Fund today in honor of Florence Nightingale and in celebration of the Year of the Nurse 2020.

Related link: https://calnoc.org/

MediBid Named Potential Optum Competitor in Petition to Deny Public Records Request

KATY, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- MediBid, an online marketplace where doctors provide bids to patients on medical care to bring competition back into the medical marketplace, along with its CEO, Ralph Weber, were named recently in the Petition for Declaratory Order Denying Representative Martin Daniel's Public Records Request by Optum on December 12th, 2019.

The petition was sent to Laurie Lee, Executive Director of Benefits Administration for the Department of Finance and Administration for the State of Tennessee by representatives of Optum at the Nashville law office of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP.

Republican State Representative Martin Daniel initiated a request for information, referred to as a data request, from the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration back in October of this year relating to allowable health care charges, billed charges, and actual amount paid. The public-information request by Representative Daniel was expected to be fulfilled in December of 2019 prior to the petition under Tennessee's Public Records Act.

In the petition, Optum's representatives name Ralph Weber, the CEO of MediBid, as "a potential Optum competitor," after Weber was included in Representative Daniel's request for information as having provided the spreadsheet of fields for the data request. Optum, a part of UnitedHealth Group which is the largest healthcare company in the world by revenue, is in a contract with the State to provide its Behavioral Health Organization services and Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a program for voluntary mental health services, for the public sector health insurance plans.

"At MediBid, we advocate for more transparency in medical costs, which ultimately leads to a reduction in the cost of healthcare," said Weber. "This data request is all about bringing transparency back in. Recently, a MediBid user shared with us that he found an MRI through his insurance cost $2,500 but paid only $250 through MediBid.com. That $2,500 price happened because health insurance has removed all competition and transparent pricing from the medical marketplace, which artificially inflates the price."

Approximately 117,000 medical providers are enrolled on MediBid.com and over 285,000 patients have used the service, including individuals looking for self-pay options, employees from more than 80 employers with self-funded health insurance plans, and faith-based organizations looking for a conservative alternative to the Affordable Care Act. MediBid does not have a contract with the State of Tennessee.

About MediBid

MediBid is an online marketplace focused on quality, choice, and value. As the marketplace for medicine, MediBid aims to reduce healthcare costs through competitive bidding and working directly with physicians and their staff as many insurance companies only show patients if a doctor is "in-network" or not with no system in place to check on price or quality. MediBid allows patients to see the training, education, and experience of the doctor along with the price before making a selection. Patients seeking medical care, employers looking to offer self-funded healthcare, and physicians wanting to offer their services may learn more at https://www.medibid.com.

MediBid, an online marketplace where doctors provide bids to patients on medical care to bring competition back into the medical marketplace, along with its CEO, Ralph Weber, were named recently in the Petition for Declaratory Order Denying Representative Martin Daniel's Public Records Request by Optum on December 12, 2019.

Related link: https://www.medibid.com

Unique Apprenticeship Provides Fast and Effective Pathway for Kaiser Permanente Employees to Upgrade Their Job Skills

SAN JOSE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bay Area Medical Academy, SEIU UHW-West, and the SEIU-UHW & Joint Employer Education Fund (the Education Fund) have announced today that they have partnered to offer Medical Assistant Apprenticeship training to Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara employees. The apprenticeship is designed to meet California's healthcare workforce challenges through innovation and education opportunities that underscore quality, equity, and inclusion.

The ground-breaking apprenticeship began on September 23rd, 2019 and runs until January, 3rd 2020 at the Bay Area Medical Academy San Jose campus, with a clinical externship taking place between January 6th, 2020 and February 10th, 2020 at a Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara facility. The first cohort includes Apprentices who currently work in non-medical roles at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara and other locations.

"This program is an example of workers getting things done. It's wonderful to see that these Kaiser Permanente employees, SEIU UHW-West members, are getting the opportunity to advance their career, attending a high-quality certification program, free of charge," said Simonida Cvejic, CEO and Founder of Bay Area Medical Academy. "Success in life is largely determined by the quality of education, but that doesn't necessarily mean a four-year or a two year degree. Today's economy allows people with technical skills and problem solving abilities opportunities to advance their lives and careers. The Fundamentals of Medical Assisting Program is just that: technical training and hands-on practice focused on the demands of the job."

"The Medical Assistant career is one that creates a pathway into a robust career ladder with so many options. A career ladder that you can retire from. The program was developed to ensure that Apprentices will retain their current pay and job security while they are in school full-time. Apprentices will have a team from SEIU UHW-West, TPMG, KFH, Human Resources and the Education Fund to support them in being successful every step of the way," said Terrie Ridgeway-Olmos, SEIU-UHW West

"Apprenticeship programs are one of the best ways to promote equity and diversity within workforce development and we are so proud to partner with SEIU-UHW and Kaiser Permanente to launch this inaugural MA program," said Rebecca Hanson, Executive Director of the Education Fund.

Bay Area Medical Academy is providing a five-module curriculum that follows all California Medical Board requirements and concludes with an opportunity for Apprentices to obtain certification as a National Certified Medical Assistant. Apprentices are also receiving on-going assistance to ensure their successful completion of the apprenticeship, including twice-weekly individual tutoring services and exam preparation and coordination. The Education Fund has also provided program development, management and support, including career counseling for all the participants.

About Bay Area Medical Academy:

Bay Area Medical Academy is an accredited and approved healthcare certification training school with campuses in San Jose and San Francisco. Simonida Cvejic founded Bay Area Medical Academy in 2004, and the school has continually sought to provide occupational skills training that not only aims to help students obtain livable-wage jobs in the costly San Francisco Bay Area, but also provide a starting point for students to develop long-lasting and upwardly-mobile careers in the healthcare industry. Bay Area Medical Academy is a certified B-Corporation, receiving a "Best for the World" rating two years in a row.

More information: https://www.bamasf.com/

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/-Cz-6isx_VU

Video caption: Medical Assistant training at Bay Area Medical Academy

Bay Area Medical Academy, SEIU UHW-West, and the SEIU-UHW & Joint Employer Education Fund (the Education Fund) have announced today that they have partnered to offer Medical Assistant Apprenticeship training to Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara employees.

Related link: https://www.bamasf.com/

Spodak Dental Group Gifts New Smile to Recovering Mother in Need

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- When Dr. Craig Spodak was approached by Liz Quirantes of WPEC CBS 12 regarding a mother who needed help with her smile, there was no hesitation. Before long, Ashley Roberts not only had the smile she's always dreamed of, but she was also given another chance at turning her life around.

"I can't explain it. I feel ... it's a dream come true," said Roberts, who reached out to Quirantes for help. Roberts was homeless and addicted to opioids for 10 years, often sleeping in Kelsey Park in Lake Park, Fla., when she reached out to Quirantes for help. After making a few calls, Quirantes was able to get her into a treatment program where she could start to rebuild her life.

Now sober for a year, she realized that her addiction not only cost her her job and her family, but also her smile. So, she reached out to Quirantes again and asked for help with her smile and her ill-fitting dentures. This is when Dr. Craig Spodak of Spodak Dental Group was brought in to help.

After a few appointments with the surgical team, Roberts was given a full mouth restoration with permanent upper and lower dental implants. The entire treatment, totaling $56,000, was donated to Roberts.

"I literally cannot wait to give her that mirror," Dr. Spodak said just before the final reveal. "It's the most transformational thing. I can tell you it's for her, but I know better after 21 years of doing this, this is really for me. The getting is in the giving in this case."

Since 1976, the Spodak Dental Group, a 2017 Inc. 5000 honoree, has evolved to become South Florida's premier, comprehensive dental facility, and comprises a world-class association of dental professionals poised to provide full-service dental care second-to-none in both scope and skill. The Spodak Dental Group team includes General and Restorative Dentists, Endodontists, Periodontists, Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Master Ceramic Artists and Anesthesiologists, as well as one of the nation's only in-office dental labs.

Spodak Dental Group is located at 3911 W. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach, Fla. Please visit https://www.spodakdental.com or call/text (561) 303-2413 for more information or to make an appointment.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/ygZI8sFAvsQ

When Dr. Craig Spodak was approached by Liz Quirantes of WPEC CBS 12 regarding a mother who needed help with her smile, there was no hesitation. Before long, Ashley Roberts not only had the smile she's always dreamed of, but she was also given another chance at turning her life around.

Related link: https://www.spodakdental.com/

Florida Blue and Papa Partner to Address Social Isolation, Improve Health Outcomes

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Florida Blue, the leading health insurer in Florida, announced today that it is partnering with Papa, a nationwide provider of senior services, to offer Florida Blue members in select Medicare Advantage plans assistance with transportation, house chores, companionship and other senior support services.

Social isolation is a significant issue for aging adults and can have a major impact on overall health. Papa, which connects college students to seniors, removes some of the burden and stress on family caregivers and provides a level of assistance and companionship for older adults. The program bridges the gap between two generations and offers seniors a unique at-home experience that can enrich their lives and help combat feelings of loneliness.

"Driven by our mission to help people and communities achieve better health, we take a holistic approach to health by offering solutions to fit our members' needs and address social determinants of health like social isolation," said Kathy Feeny, president of Florida Blue Medicare. "There is no one-size-fits-all solution for seniors, which is why we 're working with companies like Papa that specialize in senior services and understand how to meet the unique needs of aging adults."

Starting Jan. 1, 2020, Florida Blue members in select Medicare Advantage plans, who have certain chronic conditions, can qualify for up to 120 hours of assistance a year (30 hours per quarter) by completing an annual wellness visit and a health risk assessment.

Once a member qualifies, Papa will provide a consultation to learn about the individual's needs and discuss ways in which a Papa Pal can help. Papa carefully selects their "grandkids on demand" or college students, many of whom have a specific health-related focus of study. The senior, or their family member, can request a Papa Pal on demand through a phone call, a mobile app or an online platform.

According to the 2017 National Population Projections by the U.S. Census Bureau1 there will be 78 million people 65 and older by year 2035 compared to 76.7 million under the age of 18. As the senior population continues to grow, the need for reliable companionship and transportation will, too.

"Expanding our reach and partnership with Florida Blue will give more support to members who need extra assistance," said Papa Founder and CEO Andrew Parker. "Papa is a company that genuinely cares about all seniors and we believe everyone should be able to experience what a difference a Papa Pal brings to the home. We are much more than a service; we become family. That is what support looks like and what aging adults need when someone comes into their homes. We are happy to provide that service."

About Florida Blue
Florida Blue, Florida's Blue Cross and Blue Shield company, has been providing health insurance to residents of Florida for nearly 75 years. Driven by its mission of helping people and communities achieve better health, the company serves more than 5 million health care members across the state. In total, Florida Blue and its affiliated companies serve 16 million people in 29 states. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., it is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

About Papa
Papa is a Miami startup that has Grandkids On-Demand who provide assistance and companionship to senior citizens throughout Florida, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Illinois, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018. For more information, visit https://www.joinpapa.com/

Florida Blue, the leading health insurer in Florida, announced today that it is partnering with Papa, a nationwide provider of senior services, to offer Florida Blue members in select Medicare Advantage plans assistance with transportation, house chores, companionship and other senior support services.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

Rita Medical Elite, Southwest Florida’s Premier Med Spa, Announces a Grand Holiday Event to Celebrate Expansion

SARASOTA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Rita Medical Elite is pleased to announce that it will hold a celebratory Holiday Event showcasing its newly completed medical spa with an expanded menu of aesthetic services on Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Due to limited space, those wanting to enjoy the festivities must call in advance to place their name on the guest list. RSVP by December 2, 2019.

According to the American Spa Industry Report, the number of med spas in the US has nearly doubled in the past five years and this upward trend is expected to continue as the desire for people to look and feel young also continues to grow.

"We have seen the demand for our non-surgical cosmetic treatments continue to grow year after year and we decided it was time to expand our medical spa services," says Rita Altman, PA, MPAS. Rita's vision has been laser sharp and has had keen sense of timing over her 36-year career. Botox cosmetic was cleared in 2002 and since that time Rita has ebbed and flowed with the tides of the Med Spa industry ups and downs, only to come out on top as Sarasota's Elite place to go for all your skin care needs.

Rita Medical Elite's new menu boasts treatments that cater to anyone from ages 20-90. Ambre Green PA-C, a board certified physician assistant with years of experience in laser skin rejuvenation and injectable enhancements was handpicked by Rita to provide state of the art laser treatments.

Furthermore, Kristin Rence, CCE, CME, a certified medical aesthetician and certified cosmetic electrologist, has 15 years of skincare experience and specializes in HydrafacialMD, Morpheus8 (microneedling with radiofrequency), IPL, and Forma Radiofrequency tightening and lifting treatments which are some of the most sought-after celebrity treatments. The treatments are performed in a comfortable and relaxing environment.

"We also pride ourselves in creating a space that harmonizes beauty with a calming environment," says Roxanne Dondanville.

While the building is conveniently located off Bee Ridge Road, you would never know it because Rita made sure that the cosmetic restorations to this beloved 52-year-old building keeps the hectic pace outside while creating a peaceful environment inside. Everyone comments when they walk in, by saying "Ahhh!!!" It's elegant, classy, and completely serene.

Rita medical Elite is a Med Spa in Sarasota, Florida and is focused on nonsurgical aesthetic treatments. Rita Medical Elite was founded by Rita J. Altman, PA, MPAS, top US Injector/trainer and REALSELF most loved injector. She received her Physician Associate degree from Emory University in 1986 after attending Michigan State University for her undergraduate work. Rita has dedicated her practice to facial re-contouring via nonsurgical injections. She has performed over 100,000 aesthetic procedures. Our practice philosophy is to take care of our clients, relatives and friends for life. To treat them like family and help recapture and retain a youthful and natural appearance through artistic injection of the latest fillers and neuromodulators, using advanced techniques and quality products as well as state of the art equipment.

Learn more at: http://ritamedicalelite.com/

Media Contact:
Rita Altman
Rita Medical Elite
rme@ritamedicalelite.com
941-951-2161

Rita Medical Elite is pleased to announce that it will hold a celebratory Holiday Event showcasing its newly completed medical spa with an expanded menu of aesthetic services on Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Due to limited space, those wanting to enjoy the festivities must call in advance to place their name on the guest list.

Related link: http://ritamedicalelite.com/

The OLFACT Test Battery – a Screening Test App for Predicting Alzheimer’s

CINCINNATI, Ohio /ScoopCloud/ -- The OLFACT™ Test Battery, developed by Osmic Enterprises, was initially developed to detect olfactory impairments. Now, it's been adapted as an automated, self-administered screening test to predict Alzheimer's disease/dementia and is being tested by a number of prominent physicians and research laboratories around the United States and in China.

People sense smell through the olfactory nerve and the olfactory system is often one of the earliest sites where the signature neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease is found. The olfactory system is also intricately connected with the hippocampus, a brain structure that plays a major role in the formation of memories. These factors suggest that the sense of smell could be effective in assessing for development of the disease.

The OLFACT™ Test Battery consists of a miniaturized olfactometer (instrument to generate smells) and a tablet-based app which controls presentation of the smells by the olfactometer and administration of the test protocols on the tablet.

The test battery has four standard olfactory function tests: odor identification, memory, discrimination and threshold. The tests are presented in an unbiased manner with computer-accurate consistency concerning timing and smell concentration. The app scores and provides a report of the results and all data is stored in real-time in a central, cloud-based database.

Osmic Enterprises is currently in the process of applying for FDA approval for the test. Once it receives FDA clearance, it can be used with other biomarkers to screen for Alzheimer's/dementia.

In the immediate future, the test can help to select subjects for Alzheimer therapeutics clinical trials. Currently, 10 subjects must be screened to find one acceptable for inclusion into a clinical trial (average cost per enrolled subject, $49,000). The OLFACT™ could potentially increase these odds and help to lower recruitment costs while selecting better suited candidates.

The test has been validated in a number of National Institutes of Health-sponsored clinical trials including one at the Rush Medical Center in Chicago - the Memory and Aging Project. This was a community-based prospective study where normal cognitive adults, 65 and older, were enrolled and underwent annual exams until death. The OLFACT™ Test Battery was added into those annual exams and data was collected for approximately 600 patients for three consecutive years (2010-2012).

Data analysis showed that the results from the OLFACT™ Test Battery can be used to predict the probability of Alzheimer's developing in an individual over a four to 10-year timeframe.

In another study at Harvard, the test battery was shown to accurately identify subjects as being cognitively normal, mildly impaired or having Alzheimer's/dementia. Other clinical trials are underway at Indiana University School of Medicine and Hershey Medical Center/Penn State University.

The OLFACT™ Test Battery is not a diagnostic test, it only predicts the odds that a patient will develop Alzheimer's/dementia.

"The consensus in the field is that since Alzheimer's is a disease with multi-factorial etiologies, there probably will never be a single diagnostic test," Dr. Lloyd Hastings, president and director of research, Osmic Enterprises, says. "It will require a number of screening tests, each probing a different physiological substrate, to obtain a definitive answer and The OLFACT Test Battery is well positioned to be one such test."

By combining cutting-edge technology with sound psychophysical principles, Dr. Hastings says that its innovative tests will become industry standards for assessing the sense of smell in medical clinics, industrial workplaces and research laboratories.

The OLFACT™ Test battery was developed with the aid of SBIR grants funded by the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Aging.

The product and its data on predicting Alzheimer's will be presented at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's disease (CTAD) conference from December 4 through 7 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Dr. Hastings will be available for interviews.

Learn more about the company at: http://www.osmicenterprises.com/

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1122s2p-OLFACT-Test-Battery-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: OLFACT Test Battery.

The OLFACT™ Test Battery, developed by Osmic Enterprises, was initially developed to detect olfactory impairments. Now, it's been adapted as an automated, self-administered screening test to predict Alzheimer's disease/dementia and is being tested by a number of prominent physicians and research laboratories around the United States and in China.

Related link: http://www.osmicenterprises.com/

Paragon Gives Announces Call for 2020 Koch Kellan Scholarship Applicants

PORTLAND, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Gives, a Paragon BioTeck, Inc. initiative, is excited to announce a call for applications for the 2020 Koch Kellan Scholarship worth $10,000. This annual scholarship is awarded to one (1) outstanding graduate medical student committed to pursuing a clinical, teaching or research career in ophthalmology.

"Through the Koch Kellan Scholarship program, Paragon Gives cultivates a next-generation leader in ophthalmology," stated Patrick Witham, President & CEO of Paragon BioTeck. "By recognizing the talents and commitments of an ophthalmic innovator each year, we help build a stronger profession and further Paragon's mission to continually elevate the standard of eye care."

Applications will be reviewed by scholarship namesakes and industry giants: Paul S. Koch, MD, and Robert E. Kellan, MD, as well as additional members of the Scholarship Review Committee. Once selected, the Koch Kellan Scholar will be invited to attend the 2020 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) annual meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, to be held on May 15-19. The Scholar will be formally presented with the award during the ASCRS conference and will interact with Paragon representatives and ophthalmologists to learn more about the industry.

"Those for whom ophthalmology is truly a calling; those for whom it would be impossible to pursue any other specialty; and those who are able to convey this personal connection in a captivating matter-these are the students whom the Koch Kellan Scholarship is intended to support," said Patrick Witham, founder of the Koch Kellan scholarship. "It is our honor and pleasure to mark the professional contributions of Doctors Koch and Kellan by continuing their long legacy of mentorship in our field."

The 2019 Koch Kellan Scholarship recipient, Mohima Sanyal, was a third-year student at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. She attends medical school with the personal ambition to apply her interdisciplinary perspectives towards providing excellent, accessible medical care to patients. She believes that access to "excellent healthcare is fundamental to a just society and that it is critical that we engage with community-specific visual health needs and contribute to innovative, culturally-informed solutions." Her projects involve creating a more inclusive, theoretically-grounded approach to visual care research, applying the power of narrative medicine to mitigate implicit bias in physician practice, and eliminating language and insurance barriers for care.

The Koch Kellan Scholarship application and guidelines are available at Koch Kellan.com. Application submissions are open from November 18, 2019, through February 16, 2020, and all supporting materials must be postmarked by February 16, 2020. The Koch Kellan Scholarship reinforces the fundamental mission of Paragon BioTeck, "to drive innovations to address unmet and underserved medical needs and improve the quality of lives around the world."

About Paragon Gives and the Koch Kellan Scholarship

Paragon Gives, a Paragon BioTeck, Inc. initiative, supports several charities and organizations, including those within the biotechnology and health care arena. The initiative also works with individuals and organizations that have made a positive impact on our customers, vendors, investors, and industry as a whole.

The Koch Kellan Scholarship affirms the commitment of Paragon BioTeck to elevating the standard of eye care through addressing unmet and underserved medical needs and improving the quality of lives around the world.

Learn more about the scholarship and its recipients at: https://paragonBioTeck.com/gives/KochKellan/.

About Paragon BioTeck, Inc.

Paragon BioTeck, Inc., is a privately held pharmaceutical and medical device company specializing in the development and commercialization of ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, devices, and therapies. Paragon BioTeck's portfolio of products is designed to protect and preserve eyesight and deliver comfort to the eyes. Learn more about Paragon BioTeck at https://paragonBioTeck.com/.

Media Contact:
Caity Fager
Paragon BioTeck, Inc.
(888) 424-1192
marketing@paragonbioteck.com

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1119s2p-senyal-koch-kellan-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Mohima Sanyal, 2019 recipient of the Koch Kellan scholarship, center, and (from the left) Patrick Witham, CEO and president of Paragon BioTeck, Doctor Robert E. Kellan, a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract and lens implant surgery, and Doctor Paul S. Koch, co-founder and medical director of Koch Eye Associates, officially presents Mohima with her scholarship. This scholarship is but a piece of the recognition Paragon Gives, a Paragon BioTeck, Inc. initiative, does to support the future of ophthalmology.

Paragon Gives, a Paragon BioTeck, Inc. initiative, is excited to announce a call for applications for the 2020 Koch Kellan Scholarship worth $10,000. This annual scholarship is awarded to one (1) outstanding graduate medical student committed to pursuing a clinical, teaching or research career in ophthalmology.

Related link: https://paragonbioteck.com/

OverSightMD Saves Precious Time for Family Caregivers Nationwide with Push Button Care Service

MILPITAS, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- OverSightMD is expanding its Push Button Care service with two new exciting products for Family Caregivers. A family caregiver support package and a family caregiver assistant are now part of the Push Button Care lineup of aging in place support solutions.

The Complexity of Aging in Place for Older Adults
Millions of families and friends make sacrifices daily to support an aging in place decision for their loved ones. 87% of older adults aged 65 and over want to stay in their own home and avoid moving into a senior community. The average cost of assisted living facilities across the country is around $4,000 per month, a cost that is too high for most Americans and their families.

Supporting Family Caregivers
There is currently 40.4 million family caregivers across the country and Push Button Care is designed to help them reduce the stress of caring for a loved one. The number of tasks family caregivers do on a daily basis is immense. As a result it can quickly consume an entire day before they even notice. It is common for family caregivers to suffer from depression, burn out, anxiety, and heightened levels of stress due to the demands. Our support team is standing by to help coordinate care, schedule doctor's appointments, hunt down prescription refills, track down a home health care nurse, investigate a medical equipment order or talk to you about any of your other caregiving concerns.

"We understand the need and importance of aging in place for older adults," says Mark Godwin, CEO of OverSightMD, "so we have designed a suite of services at a price point every family can afford."

The Push Button Care family caregiver support package includes access to our cloud-based caregiver platform which includes several tools designed specifically to manage the daily care of a loved one. Our integrated personal health record keeps track of important contacts, tracks vital signs and symptoms, and is perfect for note taking for future visits with care professionals. Also, share real-time wellness updates through an online family dashboard to keep all family members informed to save time.

The Push Button Care family caregiver support service is comprehensive and accessible anytime and anywhere through a small lightweight cellular pendant. The pendant is equipped with automatic fall detection, GPS tracking, a two-way speaker and access to a 24/7 medical alert team. If a family caregiver is having trouble with accessing care and needs to switch a care provider. They can reach out to the Push Button Care support team to receive options for well vetted and highly recommended providers. The Push Button Care aging in place network includes physicians, home health agencies, home care companies, and other local service providers that specialize in supporting seniors aging in place.

Push Button Care Benefits for Family Caregivers

* Aging in Place Advisor
Access an aging in place advisor for local service providers and home safety product recommendations. Stay connected with local senior community resources to avoid isolation and loneliness.

* Automatic Fall Detection
The Push Button Care cellular pendant has automatic fall detection built-in to provide added protection if a fall happens when a caregiver needs to step away.

* Care Coordination Support Team
The Push Button Care support team can lighten the daily workload with setting up appointments and other time consuming tasks related to managing care.

* 24/7 Mobile Medical Alert
A highly trained operators will determine and coordinate the appropriate care - be it a family member, caregiver, emergency medical, fire, or police.

* Symptoms & Vital Signs Tracking
Common symptoms to track are: pain, headaches, fatigue, depression, anxiety, lack of motivation, inflammation, memory problems and insomnia. Family caregivers can also track important vital signs like blood pressure, oxygen levels, and weight on a regular basis to share with care providers through our mobile app.

* Personal Health Record and Family Dashboard
The personal health record is an easy to use online health record for storing and sharing of important health information with physicians or family members. All data is stored in a safe and secure HIPAA compliant cloud infrastructure.

* Wellness Reviews
Our support teams will call and conduct routine wellness reviews to discuss current health or wellness concerns and provide education and recommendations if needed.

* Preventive Care Reminders
Never miss an important annual check up, recommended test or screening again. Our support team keeps family caregivers updated year-round to help reduce the stress of preventive care management.

Learn more: https://pushbutton.care/product/family-caregiver-assistant-kit/

About OverSightMD:
OverSightMD Inc. (https://oversightmd.com/) is a care management organization that provides comprehensive aging in place solutions through its Push Button Care division. Healthcare plans and non-affiliated hospitals, physicians, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies and home care companies can function as a unified healthcare delivery system through the Push Button Care network. OverSightMD maintains the Push Button Care integrated healthcare network and care management platform to actively coordinate care and information to improve aging in place while reducing ER visits and hospitalizations.

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT
Mark Godwin
OverSightMD Inc.
media@oversightmd.com
408-509-2500

*IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1118s2p-oversight-aging-in-place-300dpi.jpg

OverSightMD is expanding its Push Button Care service with two new exciting products for Family Caregivers. A family caregiver support package and a family caregiver assistant are now part of the Push Button Care lineup of aging in place support solutions.

Related link: https://oversightmd.com

Susan Tewhill of EPIC named Practice Leader of Edgewood Healthcare Advisors, a division of EPIC

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Susan Tewhill will be leading the Edgewood Healthcare Advisors practice. Susan and her team bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the healthcare industry with an average of over 25 years of experience.

Tewhill alone brings over 30 years of experience to her role as practice leader and has a vast array of experience in working with complex healthcare risk management challenges and providing solutions to the clients she serves. She draws on her background in healthcare to develop optimum risk transfer and alternative risk financing programs to her clients.

She understands the importance of building a strong collaborative team to deliver the best for clients and with this expertise and focus she will be able to take Edgewood Healthcare Advisors, a division of EPIC to the next level.

Scott Davis, President of EPIC's National Specialty Practice., said, "I am thrilled to have Susan in this leadership role to drive the success of Edgewood Healthcare Advisors, a division of EPIC forward, and deliver the right solutions to our clients in the healthcare industry."

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 70 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $730 million, EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Susan Tewhill will be leading the Edgewood Healthcare Advisors practice. Susan and her team bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the healthcare industry with an average of over 25 years of experience.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/