News Hub | News Direct

Healthcare

Addiction Biotech Cannabis Genetics Healthcare Medical Devices Pharmaceutical Science Veterinary
Article thumbnail News Release

Houston Mother Gives ‘Inside Look’ at Staying Connected to the Internet During the Pandemic

Comcast Houston

HOUSTON, TX — A Houston mother is one of the millions of low-income Americans who will now be able to get free, fast and reliable Comcast broadband service, thanks to the new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) — a federally-funded program that gives eligible households a credit of up to $30 per month towards the cost of broadband service. “When the pandemic first happened, that’s when everything got pretty chaotic,” Jamila Byrd, a Houston mother of two, said. “You don’t really think about how important the Internet is until you don’t have it anymore.” According to the White House, an estimated 42 million Americans are in the same or similar situation as Byrd; they don’t have access to high-speed internet at home. The hardship, often referred to as the “digital divide”, was exacerbated by the pandemic when families had to virtually learn and work from home. “We had to go to friends’ houses, my sister’s house, so my kids could do assignments,” Byrd said. “It takes away a lot of time from us being together as a family. It’s tough for everybody.” The goal of the program is to help low-income households connect and stay connected to high-speed internet for work, school, healthcare and more. Eligible households that enroll in the program get up to a $30 monthly credit ($75 for eligible Tribal land households). Customers can use the monthly credit towards Xfinity Internet and mobile services. Eligible households are those that qualify for programs like the Federal Pell Grant, National School Lunch Program, SNAP, Medicaid, housing assistance and other government programs. “The Affordable Connectivity Program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that Comcast is proud to actively support,” Houston Regional Vice President of External Affairs Toni Beck said. “As a company and society, it is imperative that we work together to help people connect to the transformative power of the internet both at home and on the go. At Comcast, we’re doing just that.” In response to the ACP, Comcast introduced a new plan called Internet Essentials Plus that offers twice the download speed – up to 100 Mbps – of the traditional Internet Essentials service, a cable modem and a WiFi router for $29.95 per month. With the $30 ACP credit, Internet Essentials Plus is effectively free for qualifying families. Customers who are looking for home internet and top-rated mobile service can now have both at an affordable price. Internet Essentials customers paying $9.95 per month can add one line of Unlimited Xfinity Mobile ($45 per month) for $24.95 per after applying the ACP credit. In February, during a White House event, Vice President Kamala Harris, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, and Senior Advisor Mitch Landrieu announced more than 10 million households are enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program, the nation’s largest-ever broadband affordability program. Byrd was recently approved for the ACP credit. “I’m grateful for this program,” Byrd said. “If I had to use one word to describe our household environment right now, it’s unity. It brings us together. It helps us to be able to do the things that we need to do, and then we have more time for family time.” To learn more about the ACP, eligibility or to apply go to Xfinity.com/acp or call 1-844-389-4681. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Foti Kallergis +1 832-986-0196 Foti_Kallergis@comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

March 23, 2022 07:02 AM Central Daylight Time

Video Image
Article thumbnail News Release

SleepX applies to the Helsinki Committee for approval on its clinical trial with the SleepX PRO smartphone application

Appyea

SleepX, a subsidiary of AppYea (OTC: APYPD) focusing on the development of accurate wearable monitoring solutions to treat sleep apnea and snoring, announces it has applied to the Helsinki Committee for approval to begin its planned clinical trial on the SleepX PRO application. This follows the company’s recent update that it intends to test the SleepX Pro application at a hospital sleep lab. The trial is the first step towards applying for an FDA approval under the first-of-its-kind medical device category for contactless detection of sleep apnea to be performed through the Artificial Intelligence (AI) analysis of breathing during sleep. As the request is submitted under a medical device category and the trial is touchless, the company expects the process to be quick and take up to a few months. SleepX Pro which is designed to diagnose sleep apnea using only a smartphone, requiring no physical contact with the subject. The global sleep apnea devices market size is valued at USD 3.7 billion as of 2020 with a 6.2% CAGR, reaching USD 6.1 billion by 2028, according to Grand View Research’s report. “Poor sleep is associated with the compromised immune system, heart problems, reduce physical and mental performance, mood problems, obesity and many other health problems”, said Neil Kline, Founder & former CEO of the American Sleep Association, and a SleepX Board Member. “Unfortunately, most people with sleep disorder breathing problems, like sleep apnea, are undiagnosed and untreated. Our goal in this unique technology is to raise the awareness to the problem and to improve people’s awareness that they can live healthier and more fulfilling lives.” “SleepX PRO makes for a unique, quick and friendly diagnosis tool that will prevent subjects from having to spend nights at sleep labs while saving the healthcare system and insurance companies hundreds of millions of dollars”, said Boris (Bary) Molchadsky, President and CEO of SleepX, and Chairman at AppYea. “We plan to make our diagnosis solution highly accessible, so people get tested easily. SleepX is an Israeli research and development company recently acquired by AppYea. The company had developed a unique product for monitoring and treating sleep apnea and snoring. The technology is protected by several international patents and the company plans to start serial production in 2022. The company currently focuses its activities on the development and commercialization of its flagship product DreamIT. Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release includes forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth herein. No statement herein should be considered an offer or a solicitation of an offer for the purchase or sale of any securities. Although APYP believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions upon which they are based are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations and assumptions will prove to have been correct. Forward-looking statements, which involve assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies, and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as these statements are subject to numerous factors and uncertainties, including but not limited to adverse economic conditions, intense competition, entry of new competitors and products, adverse federal, state and local government regulation, inadequate capital, unexpected costs and operating deficits, increases in general and administrative costs, unanticipated losses, financial condition and stock price, inability to carry out research, development and commercialization plans and other specific risks. APYP does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement. Neither APYP nor SLEEPX are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as amended. Contact Details Asaf Porat info@appyea.com Company Website http://www.appyea.com

March 23, 2022 07:53 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Centre for Neuro Skills California Facilities Awarded a Three-Year Accreditation by CARF International

Centre for Neuro Skills

Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS), a premier provider of treatment for traumatic and acquired brain injury, announced that its California facilities have been accredited for a period of three years by CARF International (formerly Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement that centers on enhancing the lives of persons served. The accreditation extends through Dec. 31, 2024. CARF-accredited organizations identify leadership that embraces the values of accountability and responsibility while demonstrating corporate social responsibility. “What sets CNS apart from other rehabilitation facilities is our focus on brain injury and/or stroke, and individualized treatment for each patient, with the end goal of maximizing independence and quality of life,” said David Harrington, president and chief operating officer of CNS. “The CARF accreditation process is very rigorous, and the report truly captures the heart and culture of CNS – the dedication, inspiration, integrity and innovation toward our patients, their families, our colleagues, and the field of rehabilitation. CNS is honored by the high praise in the surveyors’ accreditation report.” During the rigorous on-site peer review process, CNS demonstrated to a team of surveyors its dedication and commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable and of the highest quality. Areas of strength noted include: CNS has an extraordinary discharge process with a level of detail and coordination throughout, incorporating all disciplines, resources, and coordination of appointments and ongoing areas of need in all California locations. All locations in California quickly adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by utilizing telehealth and developing protocols consistent with government guidelines, with capacity for rapid testing on-site for both staff members and patients. CNS’ facilities are well designed, spacious and nicely furnished. At the clinics, patients are happy with the opportunities for rehabilitation, while those in the residential treatment enjoy desirable neighborhoods with easy access to shipping, restaurants, banking and public transportation. All the apartments are in a gated, secure community, with access to a pool and fitness center. The Bakersfield location was praised for its compassion and support for its clinician teams, who have demonstrated incredible longevity, dedication and compassion for the jobs that they do. Patients, family members and referral sources report a very high level of satisfaction with the quality and intensity of services in both the residential and outpatient settings. Their comments include: “It’s a good feeling in my heart when I refer to them,” “I would choose CNS for myself,” “They have changed my life,” and “No one else could do all of this for our family.” Programs awarded accreditation to CNS’ California facilities include: San Francisco Bay Area (Emeryville) Interdisciplinary Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation: Brain Injury Specialty Program (Adults) Interdisciplinary Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation: Brain Injury Specialty Program (Children and Adolescents) Interdisciplinary Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation: Stroke Specialty Program (Adults) Residential Rehabilitation: Brain Injury Specialty Program (Adults) Residential Rehabilitation: Stroke Specialty Program (Adults) Bakersfield Interdisciplinary Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation: Brain Injury Specialty Program (Adults) Interdisciplinary Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation: Brain Injury Specialty Program (Children and Adolescents) Interdisciplinary Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation: Stroke Specialty Program (Adults) Los Angeles Area (Woodland Hills) Residential Rehabilitation: Brain Injury Specialty Program (Adults) Residential Rehabilitation: Stroke Specialty Program (Adults) Los Angeles Area (Tarzana) Interdisciplinary Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation: Brain Injury Specialty Program (Adults) Interdisciplinary Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation: Brain Injury Specialty Program (Children and Adolescents) Interdisciplinary Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation: Stroke Specialty Program (Adults) About Centre for Neuro Skills Centre for Neuro Skills is an experienced and respected world leader in providing intensive rehabilitation and medical programs for those recovering from all types of brain injury. CNS covers a full spectrum of advanced care from residential and assisted living to outpatient/day treatment. Founded by Dr. Mark Ashley in 1980, CNS has seven locations in California and Texas. For more information about Centre for Neuro Skills, visit: www.neuroskills.com, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube. ### Media, please note: Visual assets, including photos, are available. To request an interview with CNS leadership, clinical staff or patients please contact Robin Carr at (415) 971-3991 or CNS@landispr.com. Contact Details Landis Communications Inc. Robin Carr +1 415-971-3991 cns@landispr.com Company Website https://www.neuroskills.com/

March 22, 2022 06:01 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

SPARTA SCIENCE PARTNERS WITH INFLECT HEALTH TO REPLACE OUTDATED PHYSICIAN SCALES WITH AI-POWERED MOVEMENT HEALTH PLATFORM

Sparta Science

Sparta Science, an industry leader in movement health technology, has partnered with Inflect Health, the innovation hub of Vituity, to bring the Sparta Movement Health Platform to acute care clinics – and serve a chronic pain market forecast to reach $152 billion in this decade alone. Inflect will introduce Sparta Science’s innovative Movement Health Platform to seven of the innovation hubs’ clinics, replacing the outdated physician’s scale. Instead, a high-fidelity force plate collects individualized patient data through a simple, two-minute scan that generates over 3000 data points per second. The scans combine machine learning models and biomechanical analyses into a set of movement health metrics, movement qualities, and injury risk scores. “We are excited to begin this partnership with Inflect Health and we appreciate their investment in improving movement health for all individuals,” said Sparta Science CEO and founder Dr. Phil Wagner. “We are grateful to Inflect Health for recognizing the industry’s need to leverage advanced technologies using data science and AI to provide better personalized care.” Dr. Wagner, a physician and strength coach whose athletic career was cut short by a series of avoidable training injuries, originally led the development of the Movement Health Platform to help Navy SEALS and professional athletes. Sparta Science is now partnering with healthcare organizations to make this technology available to all patients. “As an industry, we’re only scratching the surface of what can be known about improving movement health,” said Andrew Smith, President of Inflect Health. “Through our partnership with Sparta Science and the help of the cutting-edge Sparta Movement Health Platform we look forward to serving key roles across the healthcare value spectrum, from diagnostic and preventative to rehabilitation and monitoring.” Formed by Vituity in December 2020, Inflect Health is a patient-centric healthcare innovation hub with access to 5,000 doctors and clinicians, 1,500 scribes, and over 300 hospitals, with frontline providers in some of the nation’s most acute care settings. Inflect Health capitalizes on its frontline care delivery experience, wide distribution channels, and access to small- to medium-sized enterprises across the entire healthcare space, to address local, community-based healthcare problems without the bureaucracy concerns that impede establishment healthcare organizations. ABOUT SPARTA SCIENCE: Sparta Science was founded with the vision that everybody should be able to move freely, without physical limitations, for as long as possible. Since bringing on our first customer in 2014, we’ve grown into a global full-stack movement health platform. Trusted by organizations spanning the healthcare, government, and sports industries, our platform empowers organizations to provide a better standard of care. Today, we’re ruthlessly focused on studying human movement and creating innovative ways to measure, monitor, and improve movement health. For more information, visit SpartaScience.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn @SpartaScience. ABOUT INFLECT HEALTH: Inflect Health is a catalyst for better care. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area with offices across America, Inflect Health provides guidance and financial support to early-stage healthcare and healthtech companies building promising solutions that offer to meet the needs of today’s evolving healthcare landscape. As the innovation hub of Vituity, a physician-owned multi-specialty partnership, Inflect Health has robust access to 5,000 doctors and clinicians, health systems, and other key industry players. This access allows Inflect Health to be a catalyst for consistent care improvement and innovative health technologies, by connecting innovators to capital, physicians, and patients in real-time. For more information on Inflect Health, including its portfolio, partners, services, and networking opportunities, visit www.InflectHealth.com or find Inflect Health on LinkedIn or Twitter @InflectHealth. ABOUT VITUITY: For 50 years, Vituity has been raising the standard of care and transforming how, when, and where care is delivered. As a physician-owned and -led multispecialty partnership, our 5,000 doctors and clinicians care for nearly 8 million patients annually across 450 practice locations and nine acute care specialties. Vituity’s patient focus and commitment to clinical excellence are the driving forces that place us at the heart of better care. Our front-line clinicians and business leaders develop healthcare solutions that improve outcomes for patients and hospitals. Our innovation hub, Inflect Health, identifies early-stage health-tech companies and facilitates a connection to physicians for testing, and our charitable foundation, Vituity Cares, extends our reach into communities that are most affected by healthcare disparities. Vituity is driven to continually transform healthcare through our collective passion for patients. Contact Details kglobal Jackie Hampton +1 443-814-0693 jacqueline.hampton@kglobal.com

March 22, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail Digital Asset Direct

Roberts & Ryan Teams with Robert Irvine Supporting Our Nation's Veterans

Roberts & Ryan Investments, Inc.

Contact Details For Press Inquiries Please Contact Joe Pecoraro +1 917-658-8945 jpecoraro@roberts-ryan.com Company Website https://www.roberts-ryan.com

March 22, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

AmeriLife Announces Key Leadership Additions to its Distribution & Marketing Organizations

AmeriLife

AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities and retirement planning solutions, today announced two key leadership changes to its Distribution and Marketing organizations aimed at accelerating and fortifying its business against the backdrop of record-breaking organic and acquired growth over the last two years. The leadership changes were announced jointly by Chief Distribution Office Mike Vietri and Chief Marketing Officer Ovi Vitas: Kelly Atkinson, an 11-year-veteran of AmeriLife, steps into the newly created role of Senior Vice President, Distribution Operations. Reporting to Vietri, Atkinson will work closely with AmeriLife’s Executive Leadership Team to create, implement and rollout plans for operational processes designed to support our continued Distribution growth. She will oversee daily operations across Distribution, managing regular touchpoints and ensuring accountability and regular reporting – including the development, communication and implementation of effective growth strategies and processes. She will also be responsible for establishing and managing governance systems with clear processes and procedures and consistent affiliate oversight. Lastly, Atkinson will also continue to lead the charge on all Distribution events, incentive and sponsorship programs, while also driving forward key Distribution initiatives. Prior to this new role, Atkinson served as senior vice president, Brand Management and Creative Services. She started with the company as a project manager within AmeriLife’s marketing communications team and has grown with the company throughout her tenure, delivering on a host of enterprise programs. In the last year alone, Atkinson’s leadership produced a refreshed AmeriLife brand image; the launch of the Marketing Masterminds webinar series; the company’s first-ever Distribution National Kickoff Conference; the launch of the new, modern AmeriLife.com website; and much more. “Over the last 18 months, the AmeriLife Marketing and Distribution teams have made significant progress in repositioning our brand and building out a broad set of resources and programs to support our affiliates, agents and advisors,” said Vietri. “As a result, the organization is significantly larger and more complex than it was two years ago, and the need for a coordinated focus on our objectives and growth drivers has never been more important. We’re privileged that the individual to fill this critical role came from within AmeriLife, and I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Kelly to our team.” “I’m excited for this next chapter of my career with AmeriLife,” added Atkinson. “I’ve had the privilege of growing with AmeriLife, and look forward to allowing that experience to help me continue to support the needs of the company in my new role as we continue to grow and take our Distribution to new heights.” As Atkinson transitions, Sarah Smith joins AmeriLife as its new Senior Vice President, Brand & Creative Services, with accountability and responsibility for all brand, internal and external communications, creative services, and marketing account management. Smith is charged with leading the organization on delivering exceptional creative output, as well as implementing a centralized intake and project management program for its various marketing service lines and affiliates. Smith comes to AmeriLife from one of its largest affiliates, Senior Market Advisors (SMA), where she was, most recently, Group Vice President of Marketing Strategy and Planning. Under Smith’s leadership, the SMA marketing team increased efficiencies and effectiveness of marketing campaigns through streamlined workflows and a fresh approach to project management. In her tenure with SMA, she also was instrumental in the creation of engaging training content and programs to better assist accounts in their growth, and most recently launched a new and improved website with portal functionality for agents. “I couldn’t be more grateful for Kelly’s leadership of our Marketing Services team, and am excited to support her in her new role as she works to transform Distribution operations,” said Vitas. “I’m equally as thrilled to welcome Sarah to the team, whose experience and expertise will undoubtedly build upon our strong foundation and further elevate AmeriLife’s brand and creative output in new and innovative ways on behalf of our enterprise and family of companies.” “I’m thrilled to take this new step in my career with one of the fastest growing insurance distributors in the country,” added Smith. “Over the past five years with Senior Market Advisors, I was given the opportunity to take risks and grow my skill set in ways I never thought imaginable. At a time when the marketplace is rapidly evolving, I’m eager to bring my experience to AmeriLife to help support the team as we take on new challenges and grow together.” ### About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to offer insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. In doing so, AmeriLife has become recognized as the leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For more than 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers served through a national distribution network of over 300,000 insurance agents and advisors, more than 50 marketing organizations, and 50 insurance agency locations. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com, and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Details Jeff Maldonado +1 321-297-1112 jmaldonado@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

March 21, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Program at Jefferson University teaches empathy and collaboration to future healthcare providers

Patient Safety Authority

An initiative at Jefferson University is helping teach students in clinical programs the most important subject of all: empathy. The Health Mentors Program (HMP) is bridging the gap between students’ clinical knowledge and their understanding of the whole person—a key component of patient-centered care. Highlighted in the January 2022 issue of PATIENT SAFETY, the HMP pairs interprofessional teams of students with health mentors—dedicated volunteers in the community who are experiencing chronic health issues or disabilities who meet regularly with the students to help them learn what’s not in their textbooks. “There are so many times in healthcare where our trainees would traditionally only see people not at their best and then formulate a stereotype, because they’ve never seen someone with a certain condition outside of the hospital,” Nethra Ankam, co-faculty lead for the HMP program told PATIENT SAFETY. “The goal is for the students to learn about the person and their experiences in the healthcare system; understand how the person’s health and well-being is affected by their environment; and appreciate the broader social determinants of health, advocacy, and person-centered care.” Twelve different professions are involved in the HMP program including athletic training, couple and family therapy, human genetics, nutrition, and occupational therapy, as well as medicine and nursing. “Whether to become a nurse, therapist, pharmacist or physician, students dedicate years learning their profession, with countless hours spent studying topics like anatomy, pharmacology, and chemistry. But what about empathy, what about teamwork?” asks Patient Safety Authority (PSA) executive director, Regina Hoffman, MBA, RN. “This program gives students a person-centered foundation and team skills to bring to the patient bedside. Ultimately, these are key factors in patient care and safety.” Other topics in this issue of PATIENT SAFETY include: Wrong-Site Surgery: Does That Really Happen? – Robert Yonash, patient safety liaison at the PSA reminds us that the risk of experiencing a wrong-site surgery is still all too real. He explains why these events continue to occur and offers strategies for prevention. Tracheostomy and Laryngectomy Airway Safety Events: An Analysis of Patient Safety Reports from 84 Hospitals – Airway management often comes with high stakes. Lea Anne Gardner, patient safety analyst, and Rebecca Jones, director of Data Science and Research at PSA, analyzed reports from the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System (PA-PSRS) related to tracheostomies and laryngectomies. They review their findings and discuss potential safety strategies to reduce risk. The PA-PSRS is the largest database of its kind in the United States. Medication Safety in the Emergency Department: A Study of Serious Medication Errors Reported by 101 Hospitals From 2011 to 2020 - Serious medication errors are uncommon, but consequences can be devastating. Patient safety analyst Elizabeth Kukielka and director of Data Science and Research Rebecca Jones share their deep dive into Emergency Department medication events and discuss potential prevention measures. PATIENT SAFETY is the peer-reviewed journal of the Patient Safety Authority. A scientific publication, PATIENT SAFETY humanizes patient harm with stories, opinion pieces, and magazine-quality design. It has a readership of more than 45,000 people in 164 countries. About PSA Established under the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (MCARE) Act of 2002, the PSA, an independent state agency, collects and analyzes patient safety data to improve safety outcomes and help prevent patient harm. http://patientsafety.pa.gov/ Contact Details Bev Volpe +1 609-230-4696 bev@madisongall.com Company Website http://patientsafety.pa.gov/

March 18, 2022 11:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

The Silent, Undetected Cause of Early Heart Disease

YourUpdateTV

One in 5 people worldwide have high Lipoprotein(a) – sometimes referred to as “L-P-little a” – an important genetic risk factor for premature heart disease and stroke. If you have a family history of early heart disease or have been told that heart disease “runs in your family,” but you’ve never been told why, it’s important to know if you have high Lp(a). Recently, founder and CEO Katherine Wilemon and chief medical officer Dr. Mary McGowan from the Family Heart Foundation, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss this silent, undetected cause of early heart disease. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/Tl08nDPSy9k Genetic disorders driving early cardiovascular disease are very common, but almost never diagnosed. Elevated levels of Lp(a) increase the risk of inflammation, blood clotting and clogging — or plaque buildup — inside your blood vessels, which can block the flow of blood and oxygen to your heart or brain and cause a heart attack or stroke. Almost everyone gets tested for high cholesterol, but in the U.S. fewer than 1% are screened for Lp(a). It’s important to know that Lp(a) levels are inherited — they’re unrelated to diet, exercise, obesity, and lifestyle. To find out if you’re affected, ask for a simple blood test to check your Lipoprotein(a). An Lp(a) test measures the level of Lipoprotein(a) in your blood. People might be surprised to know that this test is not part of a standard blood test that provides your cholesterol levels, so their doctor will need to order it directly. In order to create awareness worldwide of Lp(a), the Family Heart Foundation established the first annual Lp(a) Awareness Day on March 24. People can join the movement by following the Family Heart Foundation on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and sharing our messages about Lp(a) with friends and family. We aim to make a difference for those who have never heard of this common genetic condition. The Family Heart Foundation is addressing gaps in care through research, advocacy and awareness. The Family Heart Foundation aims to save generations of families from early heart disease by helping those at risk get the information they need to protect themselves and their family. For more information, visit MoreFamiliesMoreHearts.org About Katherine Wilemon: A decade ago, founder and CEO Katherine Wilemon created the Family Heart Foundation (formerly the FH Foundation) to improve early diagnosis and treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Katherine had a heart attack at the age of 39, a diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia at 41, and, years later, she found out she also had elevated levels of lipoprotein(a). At the time of her diagnosis, Katherine realized that genetic disorders driving early cardiovascular disease were very common, but almost never diagnosed, leaving 9 out of those affected at high risk for the number one cause of death and illness. She resolved to bridge this enormous gap in diagnosis, because with early and accurate diagnosis, individuals can live decades longer without debilitating cardiovascular disease. She has led the Family Heart Foundation as it became a national catalyst for the research, education, awareness and support needed at every level of healthcare and public policy to prevent the early and devasting impact of genetic causes of heart disease and strokes including Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) and elevated Lipoprotein(a). Her vision and the mission of the Family Heart Foundation is to transform the lives of millions of families by assuring that everyone has the knowledge required to fight the early onset of heart attacks and strokes About Dr. Mary McGowan: Dr. Mary P. McGowan is the Chief Medical Officer of the Family Heart Foundation and the Co-Director of the Lipid Clinic at Dartmouth Hitchcock Heart and Vascular Center. Dr. McGowan received her medical degree from the University of Massachusetts and remained at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center for both internship and residency. She completed her fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and is the author of numerous articles and five books. She has been the principal investigator on more than 30 national and international clinical trials and has lectured widely in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia on cholesterol metabolism. Dr. McGowan has previously served on the alumni board at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, the National Lipid Association Board of Directors and the NH Affiliate of the American Heart Association Board. Dr. McGowan lives in Bedford, NH with her husband, and they have three children. About the Family Heart Foundation: The Family Heart Foundation is a non-profit research and advocacy organization. The Foundation is a pioneer in the application of real-world evidence, patient-driven advocacy, and multi-stakeholder education to help prevent heart attacks and strokes caused by familial hypercholesterolemia and elevated lipoprotein(a), two common genetic disorders that have an impact across generations. The Family Heart Foundation conducts innovative research to break down barriers to diagnosis and management of inherited lipid disorders; educates patients, providers, and policy makers; advocates for change; and provides hope and support for families impacted by heart disease and stroke caused by FH, HoFH, and high Lp(a). The organization was founded in 2011 as the FH Foundation. For more information, visit FamilyHeart.org and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

March 17, 2022 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

Take Action for Heart Health

YourUpdateTV

Heart disease is responsible for over 600,000 deaths in the U.S. each year making it the leading (non-pandemic) cause of death in the U.S. Heart disease includes a number of different conditions that relate to your heart’s rhythm, muscle, and blood vessels. Luckily there are things we can all do to lower our risk for, or even prevent heart disease. Learning about what your genetics can tell you about your heart can be a good first step. Recently, Senior Product Scientist at 23andMe, Alisa Lehman, and Chief Clinical Officer at Lemonaid Health, Dr. Davis Liu, MD, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss how genetics can help people take a proactive approach to their health. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/213m-kngFRI When we look at the human genome, everyone is very similar. However, there are places in our DNA that are different from person to person, which are called genetic variants. Some of these variants are associated with certain health conditions. At 23andMe, scientists look at the variants you may have and can tell you if you may be genetically predisposed to developing conditions like type 2 diabetes, or migraine, or conditions related to heart disease. When it comes to heart disease, 23andMe’s personalized genetic reports can currently tell you if you're at an increased likelihood of developing conditions that affect your heart health, like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, or high cholesterol. While genetics can give you a lot of insights about your likelihood of developing heart disease, there are many other factors that impact whether you actually go on to develop heart disease, and many of these factors are under your control, like your diet or exercise habits. Consult with your healthcare professional if you are concerned about your likelihood of developing heart disease, or if you have a personal or family history of heart disease. For more information, visit 23andMe.com About Alisa Lehman: Alisa is a Senior Product Scientist and has been working at 23andMe since 2015. Her team works to create scientifically accurate, consumer friendly genetic health features. Alisa holds a B.S. in Biology from MIT and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Stanford University. About Davis Liu: Davis Liu, MD, is a board certified family doctor and Chief Clinical Officer at Lemonaid Health. Previously he worked at Kaiser Permanente in Roseville California for 15 years and lives in the Sacramento area with his wife and two teenagers. As the only doctor in his family, Dr. Liu feels compelled to make sure all Americans get the right health information to stay healthy and well. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

March 15, 2022 12:21 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
1 ... 228229230231232 ... 302