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Hong Kong Baptist University study finds strong association between PM2.5 and neurological disorders

Hong Kong Baptist University

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 6 September 2021 - A comprehensive, systematic meta-analysis conducted by HKBU scientists found a significant association between exposure to PM 2.5, i.e., fine particulates with equivalent diameters of less than 2.5 microns suspended in the air, and neurological disorders. These include stroke, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide, posing serious challenges to global health. The paper with the study’s finding was published in the academic journal Science of the Total Environment, and has become the top 1% highly-cited paper worldwide by citation in the field of Environment and Ecology, according to Essential Science Indicators (ESI). Comprehensive study covers 26 countries or regions As systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the association between PM 2.5 exposure and neurological disorders have been limited so far, the HKBU research team, led by Professor Ken Yung Kin-lam, Professor of the Department of Biology of the University, analysed a total of 1,645 articles published by June 2018, and identiﬁed 80 eligible studies that covered a population of more than 6.33 million from 26 countries or regions in all continents except Antarctica. Previous meta-analyses of a similar nature covered at most seven countries, and nearly all of them were lightly polluted. In contrast, HKBU’s study covered countries and regions known to have more serious air pollution problems, such as Chile, China and India. PM 2.5 exposure increases stroke risks After a series of statistical analyses of the data published in the selected studies, the research team used odds ratio (OR) to represent the association between PM 2.5 exposure and the risk of different neurological disorders. Odds ratio, commonly used in public health analysis, is a measure of association between an exposure and an outcome. An odds ratio value of 1 indicates that an exposure does not affect odds of an outcome; a value of over 1 means an exposure is associated with higher odds of an outcome. Analysis results of the association between PM 2.5 exposure and stroke risks are tabulated as below: The results revealed that exposure to PM 2.5 in general increases the risks of stroke and stroke mortality, with the risk associated with long-term exposure more significant than with short-term exposure. It also showed that the risk of stroke in heavily polluted areas is higher than that in lightly polluted areas. Neurological disorders strongly associated with PM 2.5 exposure Analysis results of the association between PM 2.5 exposure and the risks of developing other neurological disorders are presented as below: The results revealed that PM 2.5 exposure is strongly associated with increased risks of Alzheimer’s disease, ASD, Parkinson’s disease and dementia. PM 2.5 is typically made up of heavy metals, organic carbon and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons suspended in the air. According to studies, some of the tiny particles and soluble components can enter the bloodstream by many pathways, such as crossing the blood-brain barrier and gaining access to the central nervous system. These particles can induce inﬂammation, death of cells and DNA damage. Call to improve air quality for public health’s sake “While various hypotheses were suggested on the underlying mechanisms of how PM 2.5 causes different types of neurological disorders, it remains an area with many unknowns for biomedical scientists to explore. More vigorous research endeavours are required before we can fully understand the mechanisms, based on which we can formulate effective environmental and public health strategies in response,” said Professor Yung. Tomorrow (7 September) will be the 2nd International Day of Clean Air for blue skies designated by the United Nations General Assembly, with the theme “Healthy Air, Healthy Planet”, which emphasises the health effects of air pollution. “The International Day of Clean Air for blue skies reminds us of the urgency for national governments and the international community to collaborate and take swift, effective actions to improve air quality, given its extensive health implications. Our study made it clear that PM 2.5 exposure, a typical indicator of air pollution, is closely associated with many neurological disorders, and thus improving air quality will be a direct response to this public health challenge,” said Professor Yung. Contact Details Communication and Public Relations Office, Hong Kong Baptist University Wong Suk-ling hkbunews@hkbu.edu.hk Company Website https://www.hkbu.edu.hk/

September 06, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Corporate and Individual Donors Step Up to Support American Kidney Fund Hurricane Ida Disaster Relief Program

American Kidney Fund

When Hurricane Ida hit Louisiana on August 29, the American Kidney Fund (AKF) mobilized its longstanding Disaster Relief Program to help kidney patients in crisis, providing $22,000 to more than 110 dialysis and post-transplant patients facing critical needs. This support has been made possible by generous donations from the public, Chinook Therapeutics, Inc. and other corporate supporters. Power outages, evacuations and temporary dialysis clinic closures put kidney patients in extremely challenging circumstances, on top of the immediate threat of the storm. Contributions to AKF’s Disaster Relief Program are making it possible for AKF to support patients with emergency grants of $200 each to help them replace lost medications and special renal diet foods, pay for temporary housing and transportation to treatments, and replace clothing and personal essentials lost due to the disaster or the need to evacuate with short notice. Louisiana dialysis and recent kidney transplant patients who need emergency financial help should contact a social worker at their dialysis clinic for information on applying for aid or apply directly at gms.KidneyFund.org. “We are very grateful to Chinook Therapeutics and our many other supporters for their generosity that has made emergency relief possible for so many Louisianans struggling to remain safe, while continuing their life-sustaining treatments,” said LaVarne A. Burton, AKF President and CEO. “Disasters like Hurricane Ida are particularly challenging for people with kidney failure, especially when they hit in the middle of a pandemic that has put these patients at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 for the past year and a half. We thank the supporters who are enabling us to provide this much-needed assistance.” AKF is covering 100% of the cost of emergency grant processing and check distribution to ensure that the maximum number of patients can receive desperately needed support. AKF expects the number of grant requests to increase in the coming weeks as Louisianans regain power, cell service and access to basic everyday needs, and can begin to return home and to their regular dialysis clinics. Charity Navigator has listed AKF as one of the highly rated nonprofits providing Hurricane Ida relief. AKF is one of only three nonprofits in the nation to have received the top 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator for 19 consecutive years—every year the organization has been rating nonprofits—giving donors the confidence that their contributions will be used to maximum efficiency. To make a contribution to AKF’s Disaster Relief Program to assist kidney patients affected by Hurricane Ida, visit AKF’s online donation page. ### About the American Kidney Fund The American Kidney Fund (AKF) fights kidney disease on all fronts as the nation’s leading kidney nonprofit. AKF works on behalf of the 37 million Americans living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease—from prevention through transplant. With programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy, no kidney organization impacts more lives than AKF. AKF is one of the nation’s top-rated nonprofits, investing 97 cents of every donated dollar in programs, and holds the highest 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. For more information, please visit KidneyFund.org, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Contact Details Stefanie Tuck Work: +1 202-470-1797 Mobile: +1 978-390-1394 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852 AKF@jpa.com Company Website http://www.kidneyfund.org/

September 03, 2021 01:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time

UNOS Fills Key Positions

United Network for Organ Sharing

United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is pleased to announce the promotion of Roger Brown to director of Policy and Community Relations and Melissa Lane to director of the Organ Center. Brown and Lane bring almost 45 years of combined experience at UNOS to these key leadership roles. In his new position Brown leads the team that facilitates transplant policy development by engaging the community, with a focus on including the expertise and voices of all stakeholders – the public, patients, donor families, and donation and transplant professionals. “Roger has been a leader at UNOS for many years providing unique insight into operationalizing policy changes,” said UNOS CEO Brian Shepard. “His unparalleled depth of knowledge and practical experience around organ allocation make him the perfect person to lead the policy team and the community as we apply a transformational policy framework to organ allocation in the United States.” Brown joined UNOS in 1995 as an organ placement specialist and served in a series of increasingly senior managerial roles, most recently Organ Center director. A member of NATCO – The Organization for Donation and Transplant Professionals, Brown has served as faculty for their course for new transplant coordinators. Additionally, he has co-authored of a number of journal articles on various issues in transplantation. As Director of the Organ Center, Melissa Lane is responsible for the leadership and direction of all areas of the Organ Center, from overseeing daily operations to maintaining the Organ Center’s performance metrics and quality improvement initiatives. The Organ Center is open around the clock, 365 days a year, to assist member organizations with organ allocation, transportation, and maintenance of the national transplant waiting list. "Over the past year Melissa and her team have helped members successfully navigate changes in allocating kidneys while collaborating with other departments to bring innovative solutions to the organ donation and transplantation community, said UNOS CEO Brian Shepard. "They were instrumental in the development of a screening tool to accelerate organ offers, UNOS' organ tracking system and an organ travel app that is now being piloted with organ procurement organizations. Lane worked in the Organ Center in positions of increasing responsibility since join UNOS in 2003 as an organ placement specialist. Most recently she served as the acting director of the Organ Center and before that had been an Organ Center manager for six years. Both Brown and Lane hold bachelor’s degrees in biology from Virginia Commonwealth University. Lane is currently in an MBA program at Longwood University. About United Network for Organ Sharing United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is a non-profit, charitable organization that serves as the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) under contract with the federal government. The OPTN helps create and define organ allocation and distribution policies that make the best use of donated organs. This process involves continuously evaluating new advances and discoveries so policies can be adapted to best serve patients waiting for transplants. All transplant programs and organ procurement organizations throughout the country are OPTN members and are obligated to follow the policies the OPTN creates for allocating organs. ### Contact Details Anne Paschke +1 804-782-4730 anne.paschke@unos.org Company Website https://unos.org

September 03, 2021 10:23 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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NextFerm Technologies Obtains US Regulatory Marketing Approval for Astaferm® Astaxanthin Antioxidant, in Oil for Soft-Gels

NextFerm Technologies Ltd.

NextFerm Technologies (TASE:NXFR), a food-tech company developing ProteVin™, a vegan, yeast-based, non-GMO protein alternative and other innovative yeast-based nutrients, today announced receipt of regulatory marketing approval (Self-GRAS) for Astaferm®, its innovative fermented astaxanthin antioxidant in the form of Oil for Soft-Gels, in the US. Astaferm® is already sold in the US and Canada in the form of Gummies and powder by well-established Brands in North America. NextFerm expects initial Purchase orders for the oil during 2021. NextFerm currently prepares to expand the marketing of Astaferm® for additional indications such as immune system support, as well as expanding into additional serving forms, such as water-dispersible powder for food and beverages. Boaz Noy, Chief Executive Officer of NextFerm, said, “ Soft-Gels is the most popular form of consumption of Astaxanthin. This marketing approval allows NextFerm to expand its value proposition in the market, while increasing market awareness and offer fermented Astaxanthin in the form of oil with a competitive price, in addition to Astaxanthin in Gummies. we believe it will contribute to revenues growth in the coming quarters.” About NextFerm Technologies NextFerm Technologies, traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE:NXFR) is a food-tech company engaged in the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of innovative, functional and vegan yeast-derived, non-GMO protein alternatives for various applications in the food and food supplement markets and the growing market for animal-derived protein alternatives. NextFerm's flagship product is ProteVin™, a vegan, yeast-derived protein alternative with nutritional value that is similar to animal-derived protein and a neutral flavor, with no aftertastes that are typical of plant-based protein. ProteVin™ is designed for a variety of categories in the alternative protein market, which is estimated at $13 billion, with an annual growth rate of 10%, including milk and dairy substitutes, meat substitutes and additional categories such as infant nutrition, adult nutrition, and sports nutrition. NextFerm is gearing up for commercialization of the product in the US in 2022. Another product currently being sold is Astaferm®, an innovative astaxanthin-based antioxidant derived from yeast that has been sold in the US since the end of 2020 through well-established and leading brands in the food supplement market in the US. In July 2021, the Company received Regulatory Marketing Approval for Astaferm® in Canada. The company has additional products which have been licensed to Lallemand, a global giant focused on yeast. For more information, visit the NextFerm website at: www.nextferm.com Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This announcement also includes forecasts, projections, assessments, estimates and other information which refer to future events and matters, the realization of which is uncertain and not exclusively under the Company’s control (forward-looking information). The main facts and data used to support this information are facts and data regarding the current position of the Company and its businesses (including the scope of sales and levels of profitability, manpower, commercial engagements and more), facts and data regarding the current global position of the Company’s operating segments (including industry-specific financial developments, environmental regulatory developments, the competitive environment, technological developments, the reinsurance market and more), and macro-economic facts and data (including the economic situation both in Israel and around the world, yields in the capital markets, social and state developments and more), all as known by the Company when publishing this announcement. The forward-looking information included above in this announcement is significantly based upon, in addition to the existing information held by the Company, on the Company’s current assessments and expectations of future developments vis-a-vis each one of the aforementioned parameters, and the interconnectedness of each one of these developments. The Company has no certainty that its forecasts and assessments will indeed eventuate, and the Company’s operating results may be materially different than the results assessed or implicit based on that set forth above, inter alia, as a result of a change in any of the aforementioned factors. Contact Details Nextferm Technologies Ltd. Yossi Ohana - Chief Financial Officer +972 54-771-5893 yossio@nextferm.com Investor and Media contact Meirav Gomeh-Bauer +972 54-476-4979 meirav@bauerg.com Company Website https://www.nextferm.com/

September 02, 2021 02:29 PM Eastern Daylight Time

The Meningitis Vaccines: What Parents of Adolescents Should Know

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/OpbXUBrzUA4 According to the CDC, COVID-19 disrupted routine well-child visits for many children over the last year. As a result, too many children have fallen behind on receiving recommended vaccines – and that includes adolescents and young adults. If young adults are not receiving these recommended vaccinations, they are now vulnerable to infectious, potentially deadly diseases. So are the campuses and communities they live in. One vaccine that often gets left behind is Meningitis B, which is recommended for adolescents 16-23 years old. There are two types of meningitis vaccines – MenACWY and MenB. Few have received the MenB vaccine, yet it’s responsible for 100% of meningococcal meningitis outbreaks on college campuses since 2011. One issue? A lack of communication from pediatricians and family physicians. A recent study found that 49% of pediatricians and 69% of family physicians did not discuss the MenB vaccine during routine visits for 16-18-year-olds. That’s one reason why research shows that nearly 80% of parents did not know about the MenB vaccine, and why more than 78.2% of 17-year-olds have not received at least one dose of the Meningitis B vaccine. As kids head back to school, it’s important that parents take the time to check what vaccinations their teens and young adults have received and proactively talk to their healthcare provider about what other vaccines they need – including both the MenACWY and MenB meningitis vaccines. For more information visit: https://meningitisbactionproject.org/ About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

September 02, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Finalists Announced for 21st Annual March of Dimes Heroines of Washington Awards

March of Dimes

March of Dimes has announced the finalists for its 21 st Annual Heroines of Washington Awards. The Heroines of Washington Awards, presented by Peraton, recognize and honor professional women in the D.C. Metro area for their dedication to community service. The March of Dimes Heroines of Washington Awards gala will take place in person on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, from 6:00–9:00 pm at the Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner. This year’s finalists represent a diverse group of women who continued their commitments to volunteerism in addition to their successful careers during a year with tremendous challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The women nominated and awarded come from a variety of industries including healthcare, real estate, the public sector, and more. 2021 Heroines of Washington Finalists: Hilah Zia, Children’s National Hospital Lydia Russo, Lydia Real Estate Daniela Fiore, Carahsoft Stephanie Kinsey, Cognosante Sarah Kinling, The MITRE Corporation Sandy L. Chung, Health Connect IPA Beth Robertson, NFP Julia Fantacone, Altarum Carly Mitchell, Guidehouse Kerry-Ann Hamilton, KAH Consulting Group Shaza Andersen, Trustar Bank Debbi Jarvis, Howard University Nicole Monteforte, Booz Allen Hamilton Meredith Mark, PwC Liz Jones, Northampton School District Irma Becerra, Marymount University Selvi Clark, Booz Allen Hamilton Nancy Bossard, Long and Foster Lisa Benjamin, Newmark Knight Frank Chaise Schmidt, Cushman & Wakefield Kymber Lovett-Menkiti, Keller Williams Capital Properties Dr. May Kinnard-Brown, The MITRE Corporation Ashley Irwin, SolarWinds Judy Douglas, Peraton Michele Bolos, NT Concepts, Inc. “Every year I continue to be amazed by the professional women in the DMV who continue to go above and beyond to support our community,” said Jennifer Felix, ASRC Federal president and CEO. “In a year fraught with extremely difficult circumstances, volunteers were truly a shining light, and the March of Dimes Heroines of Washington Awards is one of the few opportunities for us to celebrate their incredible work.” This year’s awards mark a return to the Heroines of Washington's in-person gala. All finalists will be honored, and winners will be announced during the gala event on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm at the Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner. Along with the awards presentation at the gala, there will be a dinner and silent auction. Guests will include directors, CEOS and other high-level individuals and leaders from local organizations, businesses and government. Event sponsors include Peraton, ASRC Federal, M&T Bank, PwC, ManTech, KPMG, and Carahsoft. All funds raised by the Heroines of Washington Awards help support March of Dimes programs, research, community services, education and advocacy to advance research that supports the health of all moms and babies. Since 2001, March of Dimes has honored over 126 “Heroines” and raised more than $3.6 million to support the March of Dimes mission. For tickets or to learn more about the awards gala, please visit: marchofdimes.org/heroines. About March of Dimes March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. To participate in our annual signature fundraising event, visit marchforbabies.org. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Contact Details Emily Ergas (Sage Communications) +1 972-261-4306 eergas@aboutsage.com Bevan Bello (March of Dimes) +1 571-257-2300 bbello@marchofdimes.org Company Website http://www.marchofdimes.org/marylandmetrodc

September 01, 2021 09:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

YuMOVE Offers Tips for Walking Your New Pandemic Puppy

Lintbells

For many across the country, new work from home policies, quarantines, social distancing, and loneliness all added to the appeal of adding a new puppy to the home. Whether the timing was right for a pandemic puppy or owners had been planning on a new puppy for a while, there’s no doubt pet ownership is on the rise. Bringing a puppy home for the first time can be exciting, with owners anxious to get out for ‘walkies’ as soon as possible. But too much exercise especially high-impact exercise, can be bad for puppies and increase the chance of broken bones. “When a puppy is born, its bones are not fully formed,” said Veterinarian Dr. Craig Prior, B.V.Sc., C.V.J., member of YuMOVE veterinary advisory board. “The age at which the growth plates close or stop growing varies hugely between individuals, breeds and joints, but tends to be somewhere between six months and two-and-a-half years, with an average of about a year. Some studies have suggested that too much exercise before these growth plates close can put strain on joints and increase the risk of various bone and joint conditions.” Here’s a helpful chart to reference before taking your puppy out. Other tips to keep in mind when walking puppies include: Walk don’t run – Until your puppy is fully grown, avoid taking them for a jog, cycle ride, or any other type of vigorous exercise. Pay attention- While you’re walking, pay attention to your puppy, and stop if you notice them getting tired – even if it’s been less than the recommended exercise time. Vaccinations- avoid other dogs and public areas until 5-7 days after vaccination round two to keep them from getting sick. Heat- puppies, like adult dogs and humans, can be at risk for heatstroke if temperatures get too hot. Keep puppies inside if the temperature exceeds 90 degrees and pay attention to the pavement temperature as the ground can get much hotter than the surrounding air. Hold the back of your hand to the pavement for 10 seconds. If you can’t hold for the full amount, it’s too hot for your puppy as well. Play- Gentle tug of war games and rolling a ball slowly for your pup is okay, but Charging after a ball that has been thrown, or excessive rough and tumble with a larger dog should be avoided. Pet owners should talk with their veterinarian about any questions or concerns with their puppy’s activity or growing hips/joints. Being proactive and taking steps to optimize the health of your younger dog once they get to be about three years of age is a good thing as well! It means they’ll be less likely to develop problems with stiffness and mobility as they grow older. Supplements can be used by younger dogs- not recommended for use on puppies- but be sure to look for a product designed especially to support active and growing joints such as YuMOVE Young & Active joint support for dogs 5 years and younger. Interviews, additional veterinarian advice and supporting documentation available upon request. For more information on hip/joint health and keeping pets active for life, please visit https://yumove.com/blogs/health-guides. About YuMOVE YuMOVE is clinically proven* and the #1 hip and joint supplement in the UK** now available in the US. YuMOVE is on a mission to keep pets ‘active for life’ which is why we are committed to making the best joint support products in the world. Packed with unique ActivEase® Green Lipped Mussels, sustainably sourced from select New Zealand bays, YuMOVE is full of antioxidants and Omega 3. Its unique premium formula aids joint development supports active joints and structure and promotes mobility. www.yumove.com *Study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College of London, United Kingdom **Kynetec VetTrak data, sales through veterinary wholesalers, February 2021 About Lintbells Lintbells, the UK's #1 Vet Recommended Dog Joint Supplement company, currently helps more than 1 million dogs across Europe and the United States. In March 2019, Lintbells officially entered the US Market with the introduction of their most popular product abroad, YuMOVE Soft Chews. This joint supplement promotes joint and cartilage health in dogs of all breeds and sizes. Made from all-natural, human-grade, non-GMO ingredients, the secret to YuMOVE Soft Chews' success comes from Lintbells own ActivEaseÂ® Green Lipped Mussel (or GLM). GLM, a superfood derived from the purest sources in New Zealand, is an essential ingredient with extraordinary properties that improves joint function, mobility, and reduces discomfort in our dogs. This unique ingredient, rich with more Omega 3s than any other GLM, is naturally anti-inflammatory, meaning our dog's stiff joints are eased naturally. To learn more, visit www.yumove.com Contact Details Jamie Baxter +1 775-322-4022 jamie@theimpetusagency.com Company Website https://yumove.com/

August 31, 2021 10:31 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Envision2bWell® Named Top 10 Employee Wellness Solutions

Envision2bWell

Envision2bWell ®, a digital health and wellness company, was named a Top 10 Employee Wellness Solution Provider by HR Tech Outlook in their September Issue. The company and its CEO and Founder, Tammy Williams, are honored to be featured on the cover of the issue, as well as the featured article within the issue. The issue was released on August 30 th 2021 and can be accessed here. A featured quote in the article, "Social determinants of health and wellness impact up to 80% of health outcomes. We cannot effectively help people get well unless we address them,” sums up part of what differentiates Envision2bWell from its competition. The article goes on to explain Envision2bWell's proprietary assessment tool which provides crucial insights on the particular social determinants of health impacting a company's workforce. These insights enable employers to meet their employees where they are. Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the problems of chronic disease, work-related stress and employee disengagement was a substantial burden on businesses. Employee poor health cost employers $575B in 2019 and 1.5 million days of lost productivity. The estimated cost associated with presenteeism due to poor employee health is at least 2-3x greater than direct health care expenses. Presenteeism refers to the lost productivity that occurs when employees are present but not really ‘there’ due to illness, injury, stress, or other condition s. Companies are seeking out better ways to engage their employees in their health and well-being. Envision2bWell’s proprietary assessment is named the KSAA® Assessment (pronounced KISS-UH) which stands for Knowledge, Support, Access and Autonomy. These are the four foundational elements of Social Health Empowerment®. They are the bridge from the societal conditions (or social determinants of health) that hold us back to more empowered, healthier behaviors and choices. For employers who want to reduce the rising costs associated with unwell and disengaged employees, the KSAA® Assessment offers a roadmap for increasing engagement and satisfaction, as well as more effective wellness programs and culture. As Williams states in the article, "An unhealthy workforce means an unhealthy company, and a healthy workforce means a healthy company. People who are well in body mind and spirit bring so much more to the table. In order to truly tap into the potential of your employees, it is imperative to provide them with the tools to live their healthiest, most joyful life.” About Envision2bWell Inc Envision2bWell Inc, based out of West Chester, PA, reimagines wellness with its unified digital health and wellness platform, EnvisionWell®. The mission driven, for-profit social impact company is committed to empowering, enabling, and inspiring health and well-being. Envision2bWell’s app and platform, EnvisionWell®, helps people live sustainably healthier lives with personalized engagement, robust data, and digital, social and human experiences to support them on their wellness journey. In a marketplace of fragmented, disconnected digital health tools and resources, EnvisionWell® is one resource that aggregates health and wellness data through the lens of social determinants of health AND wellness so they can meet people where they are and bring their data to life – it’s wellness REIMAGINED! EnvisionWell® is available for companies and individual consumers. To learn more, visit https://www.envision2bwell.io. Contact Details Helena Duzenski helena@envision2bwell.io Company Website https://www.envision2bwell.io

August 31, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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AmeriLife and Prosperity Life Group Launch New Medicare Supplement Insurance Offering

AmeriLife

AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing annuity, life, and health insurance solutions, has announced the sales launch of a new Medicare Supplement Insurance offering, developed in partnership with Prosperity Life Group (“Prosperity”), a leading insurance organization that, through its member companies, helps provide financial security to individuals and their families through innovative protection, supplemental insurance and asset accumulation products. The Prosperity offering, underwritten through Prosperity member companies SBLI USA Life Insurance Company, Inc. and S.USA Life Insurance Company, Inc., offers attractive premium rates – including market-leading rates for Plans F, G and N in many ZIP codes – and a 7% household discount in eligible states. Agents and customers will also have access to a new, technologically advanced E-Application, incorporating point-of-sale underwriting, instant decisioning, and electronic and voice signature capabilities, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience. “Medicare Supplement Insurance offerings have been a mainstay for AmeriLife since its founding 50 years ago,” said Pat Fleming, executive vice president of Product Innovation and Corporate Actuary at AmeriLife. “Today’s announcement represents a continuation of our efforts to deliver innovative, high-quality insurance products and ensure that we’re meeting the growing needs of our marketers, agents, and their clients.” “The technological edge inherent to this new offering sets it apart; it’s a gamechanger for our distributors and their agents,” added Scotty Elliott, president of Life and Health Brokerage Distribution at AmeriLife. “With a legacy of innovation spanning more than 100 years, an A-minus (Excellent) Financial Strength rating from A.M. Best, and a diverse portfolio of supplemental health, life and annuity products, Prosperity was uniquely positioned to collaborate on this exciting new offering with AmeriLife.” “We are pleased to be offering new, competitive Medicare Supplement plans with industry-leading capabilities that improve the agent and customer experience,” said Greg Galdau, vice president of Supplemental Accident & Health at Prosperity. “Prosperity is excited to be deepening its longstanding partnership with AmeriLife and continuing our mission to help provide financial security to our customers.” Plans are currently available in 13 of the top Medicare Supplement states: Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia. Additional states will be available this September. The offering’s final geographical footprint is expected to cover more than 30 states by the summer of 2022. Recruitment is open for interested marketers and agents and includes robust agent incentive programs. For more information, visit www.prosperitymedsupp.com. ### About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to offer insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. By putting its mission into practice, AmeriLife has become recognized as a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees. For 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with the nation’s leading insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers served through a national distribution network of over 200,000 insurance agents and advisors, 35 marketing organizations, and nearly 60 insurance agency locations. Visit www.amerilife.com and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn for more information. About Prosperity Life Group Prosperity Life Group is a marketing name for products and services provided by one or more of a group of affiliated companies, including SBLI USA Life Insurance Company, Inc., S.USA Life Insurance Company, Inc., and Shenandoah Life Insurance Company. Together, these companies have been fostering the financial security of our customers and their families for over a century. We provide life insurance, annuities and supplemental health products designed with our customers and their families in mind so that they can plan for today and protect a stronger tomorrow. For more information, visit www.prosperitylife.com. Contact Details Jeff Maldonado +1 321-297-1112 jmaldonado@amerilife.com Jim Codney +1 540-985-4317 james.codney@prosperitylife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

August 30, 2021 02:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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