News Hub | News Direct

Consumer

Baby/Maternity Children Family LGBT Men Religion Teens Women
Article thumbnail News Release

ZOE Study Reveals Eating a Plant Rich Diet Reduces Risk of Developing COVID-19 and Going to the Hospital

ZOE

Researchers at health science company ZOE, Harvard Medical School, and King’s College London found that people who eat a high quality, gut-friendly diet* are less likely to develop COVID-19 or become severely ill. Alternatively, they discovered that those eating poorer quality diets are more at risk, especially if they live in a more socioeconomically deprived area. The findings are published in medRxiv online as a preprint. Key points from the study: Researchers analyzed data from nearly 600,000 ZOE COVID Study app contributors who completed a survey about the food they ate during Feb 2020 (pre-pandemic), making it the largest study in this space. People with the highest quality diet were around 10% less likely to develop COVID-19 than those with the lowest quality diet, and 40% less likely to become severely ill. This is the first longitudinal study of diet and COVID-19 and the first to show that a healthy diet cuts the chances of developing the disease in the first place. The scale of the study meant researchers were able to adjust for multiple confounding factors, which can be a challenge for studies of smaller sizes. The effect of diet on COVID-19 is independent of other known risk factors, including age, weight, race, ethnicity and underlying health conditions, but was amplified by social inequality. Measuring diet quality While it is already known that diet-related health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and obesity increase the chances of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19, it is not yet clear how the foods people eat affect their risk of catching the virus independently of these factors. To learn more about the interplay between food and health, the team analyzed data from 592,571 UK and US contributors who completed a survey about their eating habits within the ZOE COVID Study app. Based on analysis of symptoms or PCR test results reported in the app, 31,815 contributors (19%) ultimately caught COVID-19. Rather than looking at specific foods or nutrients, the survey was designed to look at broader dietary patterns which are reflective of how we actually eat. The survey produced a ‘diet quality score’ that reflected the overall merit of each person’s diet. Diets with high quality scores were found to contain plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts, as well as oily fish, healthier fats like olive oil, less processed foods and refined carbohydrates. High quality diet scores were also linked with a ‘healthier’ and a more diverse gut microbiome, which was also associated with a wide range of favorable health outcomes, including reduced inflammation and body fat and improved levels of blood lipids and glucose. For these aforementioned reasons, higher quality scoring diets were also referred to as ‘gut-friendly’ diets. A low diet quality score is associated with diets high in ultra processed foods and low amounts of plant-based foods, like fruit and vegetables. Connecting diet and COVID-19 risk The researchers found that people who ate the highest quality diet were around 10% less likely to develop COVID-19 than those with the least nutritious diet and 40% less likely to become severely ill if they developed COVID-19. Recent research on a smaller cross-sectional sample has shown that people who eat a plant-based or pescatarian** diet are less likely to become severely ill with COVID-19. However, this is the first study to show that a healthier diet actually reduces the chances of developing the disease in the first place. Importantly, the relationship between diet quality and COVID-19 risk still remained after accounting for all potential confounding factors. Factors included age, body mass index (BMI), ethnicity, smoking, physical activity and underlying health conditions. Mask-wearing habits and population density were also considered. Strikingly, the impact of diet was amplified by individual life situations, with people living in low-income neighborhoods and having the lowest quality diet being around 25% more at risk from COVID-19 than people in more affluent communities who were eating in the same way. Based on these results, the researchers estimate that nearly a quarter of COVID-19 cases could have been prevented if these differences in diet quality and socioeconomic status had not existed. This further highlights that improved access to nutritious, healthier food could be substantive for bettering public health, especially among the underprivileged members of the community. Professor Tim Spector, lead scientist at ZOE COVID Study and professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College London, said: “These findings chime with recent results from our landmark PREDICT study, showing that people who eat higher quality diets (with low levels of ultra-processed foods) also have a healthier collection of microbes in their guts, which is linked to better health. You don’t have to go vegan, but getting more diverse plants on your plate is a great way to boost the health of your gut microbiome, improve your immunity and overall health, and potentially reduce your risk from COVID-19.” Dr Sarah Berry, study co-lead and associate professor in nutritional sciences at King’s College London, said: “For the first time we’ve been able to show that a healthier diet can cut the chances of catching COVID-19, especially for people living in the poorest areas. Access to healthier food is important to everyone in society, but our findings tell us that helping those living in more deprived areas to eat more healthily could have the biggest public health benefits.” Professor Andrew Chan MD, MPH, gastroenterologist and director of epidemiology at Massachusetts General Hospital, and professor at Harvard Medical School, said: “ Diet quality is an established risk factor for many conditions that are known to have an inflammatory basis. Our study demonstrates that this may also hold true for COVID-19, a virus which is known to provoke a severe inflammatory response. We also highlight how diet quality is also an important social determinant of health. COVID-19 has laid bare how such social determinants underlie the severe racial and socioeconomic disparities in COVID-19 risk that we and others have documented.” Jonathan Wolf, CEO of ZOE, added: “At ZOE we’re using the latest data science to unpick the complex connections between diet and health, bringing together our expertise in COVID-19 and nutrition to help improve health for all.” NOTES TO EDITORS For more information about the ZOE COVID Study app or to request an interview with Professor Tim Spector, please contact Eleanor Griffiths: +44 (0)7950 335916 eleanor@joinzoe.com For more information about ZOE or to request an interview with Jonathan Wolf, please contact; Fiana Tulip: fiana@joinzoe.com Preprint available here: Diet quality and risk and severity of COVID-19: a prospective cohort study. The research team includes scientists from: King’s College London; Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA; The Broad Institute, Cambridge, USA; UTHealth, Texas, USA; Lund University, Sweden; ZOE Global Ltd. *A gut-friendly diet explained: A high quality diet contains more plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts as well as oily fish and healthier fats like olive oil and less processed foods and refined carbohydrates. This diet quality score is associated with a ‘healthier’ more diverse gut microbiome, which in turn is associated with a wide range of favorable health outcomes, including lower inflammation and body fat and improved blood lipids and glucose. **A pescatarian diet is predominantly vegetarian but includes fish and seafood. About ZOE ZOE is a healthcare science company helping people understand their body’s responses to food. By using machine learning combined with large scale human studies, ZOE is decoding the impact of nutrition on health. ZOE leads the PREDICT Studies and the ZOE COVID Study, which are the world’s largest community powered research programs of their kind in nutrition and COVID-19 respectively. Located in London and Boston, ZOE was founded by Professor Tim Spector of King’s College London, data science leader Jonathan Wolf and entrepreneur George Hadjigeorgiou. ZOE was named one of the Deloitte Fast 50 Rising Stars in 2019 for the company’s contribution to science enabled by technology and machine learning.For more information on ZOE’s mission and science, visit joinzoe.com About ZOE COVID Study The ZOE COVID Study is a not-for-profit initiative that was launched at the end of March 2020 to support vital COVID-19 research. The app was launched by health science company ZOE with scientific analysis provided by King’s College London. With 4 million contributors globally, the study is the world’s largest ongoing study of COVID-19 and is led by ZOE Co-Founder and King’s College London Professor, Tim Spector. The team has published over 20 research papers since March, most notably in Nature Medicine. To date the app is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. The funding was awarded to enable the app to continue collecting data from its 4million+ users to help the UK government's response to COVID-19 and beyond. The app provides unique insight on asymptomatic and symptomatic information across the UK with 1.2 million logging on a weekly basis. For more information on The COVID Symptom Study app visit covid.joinzoe.com. Contact Details ZOE Fiana Tulip +1 817-691-3031 fiana@joinzoe.com Company Website https://www.joinzoe.com

July 13, 2021 09:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Starting With Reducing World Inequity; W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Esri, and PVBLIC Form New Data Alliance Using Big Data Geospatial Technology for SDG Goals

Esri

A long-term universal threat to social and economic development, inequity hampers poverty reduction initiatives, destroys people’s sense of fulfillment and self-worth, and stunts every human’s potential. In September 2015, world leaders agreed to 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that have the power to create a better, more equitable world by 2030. Reducing inequality is the most important step countries can take to improve standards of living. Based on the foundational principle of reducing inequalities of all kinds, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Esri, the PVBLIC Foundation, and the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) Secretariat, announced today they have joined forces to form the SDG Data Alliance. Using the power of purpose-driven collaboration, globally recognized geospatial frameworks, and leading GIS technology, this influential group of partners will accelerate achievement of the SDGs by creating 17 SDG Data Hubs across developing nations in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Based on geospatial frameworks and technology, the data hubs will assist developing countries in measuring, monitoring and reporting on their progress toward reducing inequality and will empower people to ensure inclusiveness and equality. The SDG Data Alliance will empower governments, businesses, and people to respond to and manage shared global challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change. SDG Data Hubs at Work. A Few Local Examples Ireland and Gender Equality. Women are significantly outnumbered by men in both local and national politics in Ireland. The introduction of gender quota legislation before the 2016 General Elections produced an increase of 6.5 percentage points in female representation in those elections. The gender quota legislation did not apply in the 2019 Local Elections, which saw a smaller increase of 3.8 percentage points in the number of seats won by women. With SDG equity data, gender information, constituent and population information, and economic data help identify marginalized workers, economic and labor market opportunities, and gender balance in government. Iraq and Health Access Inequity. A young pregnant woman living in an informal settlement in Iraq during COVID-19 pandemic may not have adequate water, sanitation, housing or access to healthcare facilities. With SDG equity data around water, healthcare and housing, gaps and patterns can be identified in context to build an infrastructure to keep this woman and her baby healthy during the pandemic. Haiti and Climate Justice. Haiti is extremely vulnerable to natural disasters with more than 90 percent of the population at risk. A young man makes his living and supports his family by selling fruit on the street during rush hour and at tourist destinations. Hurricane Irma nearly swept away his family’s home and his ability to go to school for a better economic potential. With SDG equity data around education, economic growth, climate, and agriculture, insights can be found and shared to provide this young man the opportunity to finish his education and build a more promising future for his family. The SDG Data Alliance’s technology, expertise, and financial support will help countries around the world measure their progress in achieving global equity. Geospatial information and the collaborative efforts to collect and share SDG data are the foundation for connecting people to their location and environment. This alliance enables countries to more precisely allocate resources to address all forms of inequity - reducing inequalities of all kinds, including equity for women, reducing hunger, poverty, improving access to clean water and taking action to reduce the impact of climate change. “Together, we have a vision to build the capacity of communities, governments and NGOs to monitor their progress towards their goals,” said La June Montgomery Tabron, President and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. “At the heart of this partnership is the belief that people have the capacity to create the conditions for their children to thrive and for communities to become equitable places of opportunity. When communities see the full picture of what’s at play, it will only accelerate that change.” “Inequality threatens long-term social and economic development, and hampers poverty reduction initiatives, especially among vulnerable global communities,” said Jack Dangermond, Esri founder and president. “Open, community-driven partnerships like the SDG Data Alliance offer a framework to create a reporting environment that help communities see patterns and trends around issues like inequality. Our goal in this partnership is to enable the world to work more effectively together on reducing inequalities by leveraging geospatial technology to better understand and solve these challenges.” “We have been advancing this concept for many years and it is remarkable to see this dream become a reality with so many global partners coming together,” said Sergio Fernandez de Cordova, Chairman of PVBLIC Foundation. “Our core mission at PVBLIC is to mobilize media, data, and technology to take action on the sustainable development goals and that’s what the SDG Data Alliance is all about. The partners assembled here are poised to rewrite history, around the role of data, in a post-pandemic world.” “Reducing Inequalities is fundamental to creating a just and prosperous world where no one is left behind and everyone can thrive,” said Michelle Gyles McDonnough, Director, Sustainable Development Unit, Executive Office of the Secretary-General at the United Nations. “It is essential that member states build up their capacity based on actionable data to measure and monitor their progress on the SDG 10 – Reducing Inequalities. The SDG Data Alliance is an example of a multistakeholder initiative that drives progress and offers innovative solutions. Greater universal equality among women and men, income groups and regardless of race and ethnicity will enable us to keep the promise to reach the goals by 2030.” Visit the SDG Data Alliance site at alliance.sdg.org. Members of the SDG Data Alliance have already helped many countries create, organize and implement their SDG Data Hubs including Colombia, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, State of Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and the United Arab Emirates. About W.K. Kellogg Foundation: The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal innovator and entrepreneur Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work and life. The Kellogg Foundation is based in Battle Creek, Michigan, and works throughout the United States and internationally, as well as with sovereign tribes. Special attention is paid to priority places where there are high concentrations of poverty and where children face significant barriers to success. WKKF priority places in the U.S. are in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans; and internationally, are in Mexico and Haiti. For more information, visit www.wkkf.org. About Esri: Esri, the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping, helps customers unlock the full potential of data to improve operational and business results. Founded in 1969 in Redlands, California, USA, Esri software is deployed in more than 350,000 organizations globally and in over 200,000 institutions in the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, nonprofits, and universities. Esri has regional offices, international distributors, and partners providing local support in over 100 countries on six continents. With its pioneering commitment to geospatial information technology, Esri engineers the most innovative solutions for digital transformation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics. Visit us at esri.com. About PVBLIC Foundation: PVBLIC Foundation is an innovative non-profit organization that mobilizes media, data, and technology for sustainable development and social impact around the world. The Foundation connects public, private, and nonprofit sectors, plugging innovations into social agendas and helping governments, NGOs, and intergovernmental organizations amplify their impact through original programs, creative partnerships, and strategic donor funds. The foundation has managed programs and partnerships that have reached more than a billion people in 125 countries and inspired global action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact Details Esri Jo Ann Pruchniewski +1 301-693-2643 jpruchniewski@esri.com W.K. Kellogg Foundation Kari Carlson +12698832220 kari.carlson@wkkf.org PVBLIC Foundation Luisa Fernanda Ruiz +573105819176 luisaf@pvblic.org CIEN+ Angela Sustaita-Ruiz +19172042787 angela.sustaitaruiz@cien.plus

July 13, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

New Website Created by Quidel Corporation Provides Consumers With Information and Easy-to-Understand Answers Regarding Lyme Disease

Quidel Corporation

Americans looking for information regarding Lyme disease, often referred to as the “epidemic within the pandemic,” now have a new and trusted resource in which to rely with the launch of LymeDiseaseAnswers.com. Created by Quidel Corporation, the website provides consumers with the peace of mind that comes with increased knowledge of the prevalence, causes, warning signs, symptoms and advances in the testing of Lyme disease, which afflicts nearly 480,000 people across the country each year. “Lyme disease can strike anyone of any age, especially those who spend time in wooded or grassy areas or who play sports on grass fields in high-risk areas of the country,” said Cheryl Miller, vice president of new market development for Quidel. “People are rightfully concerned about contracting Lyme disease and want to know how to avoid it, especially now with Americans spending more and more time outdoors as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve created LymeDiseaseAnswers.com as a consumer-friendly and straight-talk place where people can easily find the information they are seeking.” The new website, created in tandem is Quidel’s strategic and creative partner breakwhitelight, contains answers to frequently asked questions, easy-to-understand infographics showing where Lyme disease is most prevalent and how it is contracted, the latest statistics and clinical research taking place regarding the disease, and links to additional resources on the subject. Also housed on the site is a series of recently produced “Quick Takes”—attention-grabbing educational videos that help consumers and health care professionals alike enhance their knowledge of Lyme disease by providing the information and up-to-the-minute data needed to confront this disease quickly and clearly. Quidel is the diagnostic health care manufacturer behind the industry’s most rapid and reliable in-office test for Lyme disease, the Sofia 2 Lyme FIA test. This test provides a patient as well as his or her physician with indicative results within minutes as opposed to days, which has historically been the norm. Performed in the privacy of a doctor’s office or local clinic, it is also the only test that can get results from a simple finger prick of blood. Given that the vast majority of patients tested are negative, not having to wait days for test results allows physicians and nurse practitioners to more rapidly treat those patients with positive results while more quickly pursuing other diagnosis and treatment for those who test negative. While just launching this month, LymeDiseaseAnswers.com has already been honored for excellence by the renowned MarCom Awards, an international creative competition that recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and communications professionals, both corporate and agency. LymeDiseaseAnswers.com received MarCom’s highest award—its Platinum Award—while competing against more than 6,500 entries from the United States and several foreign countries. About Quidel Corporation Quidel Corporation (Nasdaq: QDEL) is a leading manufacturer of diagnostic solutions at the point of care delivering a continuum of rapid testing technologies that further improve the quality of health care throughout the globe. An innovator for over 40 years in the medical device industry, Quidel pioneered the first FDA-cleared point-of-care test for influenza in 1999 and was the first to market a rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen test in the U.S. Under trusted brand names Sofia®, Solana®, Lyra®, Triage® and QuickVue®, Quidel’s comprehensive product portfolio includes tests for a wide range of infectious diseases, cardiac and autoimmune biomarkers, as well as a host of products to detect COVID-19. With products made in America, Quidel’s mission is to provide patients with immediate and frequent access to highly accurate, affordable testing for the good of our families, our communities and the world. For more information about Quidel, visit quidel.com. Contact Details Jim Yeager +1 818-264-6812 jim@breakwhitelight.com Company Website http://Quidel.com

July 12, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

PCMA Private Client Lending Announces the Launch of “A Life Well Lived” National Television Marketing Campaign.

PCMA

PCMA, the pioneer and leading voice in Non-Bank Private Client Lending, announces the launch of its new omni channel – brand response marketing strategy with “A Life Well Lived” national campaign. “Developed from over 25 years of direct response marketing experience, story brand copy development, and predictive data modeling, our proprietary omni channel strategy will help build PCMA into a household name,” said John R. Lynch, CEO, and founder of PCMA. “We have grown steadily since our post-covid reboot, and as the leader in direct marketing of high-net-worth lending services, we are quickly becoming one of the most trusted franchises catering exclusively to high-capacity-clientele.” PCMA’s omni-channel marketing strategy consists of a nationally televised cinematic film series titled “A Life Well Live” in parallel with a data driven “By Invitation Only ” direct response mail campaign. Launching in the 3 rd quarter, the cinematic film series is supported by an online studio featuring the entire film series, along with each corresponding story board. www.pcma.mortgage/studio “We are in the business of rarity and trust. Our reputation, earned daily, is about delivering on promises made,” says Lynch. “Our clients know they can count on PCMA to provide a collaborative level of financial competence and bespoke credit products that meet the specified needs of our coveted clientele.” PCMA recently unveiled their new brand position, We Are Private Client Lending. This statement is more than just a tagline, it is the firm’s true north statement. The new brand position, in conjunction with our omni-channel marketing method will help elevate the brand awareness to the point where PCMA will rival old-line giants like JP Morgan, Citi Private, and Morgan Stanley. A strong brand makes PCMA standout in high-capacity lending and gives the firm a decided edge in the market as we expand our product catalogue and national marketing efforts,” said Lynch. PCMA is the leading Non-Bank Private Client lending organization serving the needs of high net worth clientele. PCMA offers qualified individuals and institutions bespoke lending solutions across all major residential asset classes. PCMA is a diversified financial enterprise offering private client solutions through a direct to consumer and distributed retail business model. PCMA strives to build trusting and enduring relationships by putting clients and professional partners at the center of all they do. PCMA is headquartered in Orange County, CA. Additional information is available at www.pcma.us.com Contact Details PCMA Private Client Lending Jason Jepson +1 949-394-7033 jason.jepson@pcma.us.com Company Website https://pcma.mortgage/

July 12, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

What You Need to Know About Heart Disease

YourUpdateTV

As the world looks with hope to the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel, there lies another ongoing health crisis that, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), kills more Americans than anything else: heart disease. Recently, leading cardiologist and Director of Cardiology at State of the Art Cardiology, Dr. John Osborne, teamed with his patient Mike Hodge on a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss managing cardiovascular risk. A video accompanying the announcement can be found here: https://youtu.be/XKKKCVCofew In the last year, heart disease claimed more than 690,000 lives in the U.S., which is staggeringly more than the reported 345,000 lives lost to COVID-19, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. While the prevalence of the disease – and incredible amounts of research – would lead many to think the risks and standard practices would be widely known, the overwhelming amount of information and data can actually make it harder to assess risk and treatment options, which can be confusing for physicians and patients alike. For example, many people are unaware that after a failed outcomes study, the FDA revoked the approval of a class of drugs called fenofibrates — such as TriCor ® (fenofibrate) and Trilipix ® (fenofibric acid) — concluding that fenofibrates should not be used in combination with statins for CV risk reduction because the risks outweigh the benefits. As a result, millions of patients at risk of heart attack or stroke may be unknowingly receiving medications that have not been shown to reduce cardiovascular (CV) risk on top of statins. According to Dr. Osborne, patients who are taking a fenofibrate, in addition to a statin, are taking a drug that has not shown CV benefit and instead just exposes them to the potential risks of these medicines which outweigh the benefits. For more information, visit itscleartomenow.com About Dr. John Osborne: Dr. Osborne has been recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and a Fellow of the National Lipid Association. His clinical interests include preventive cardiology, metabolic syndrome and diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure, cholesterol disorders, coagulation disorders, and cardiovascular genetics. He is the founder and director of State of the Heart Cardiology in Dallas, Texas and is currently the National Director of Cardiology, Preventive Cardiology, and Lipidology for the Low T Centers and HerKare. 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

July 06, 2021 02:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

California is Open Again: What You Need to Know Before You Visit

YourUpdateTV

California’s tourism industry was hit tremendously hard by the pandemic, with nearly one million jobs lost across the state. But as the nation reopens, California's overall economy is expected to rebound faster than the national average, according to economists. Recently, President and CEO of Visit California, Caroline Beteta, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the states reopening, top destinations, and tips on how to make up for lost time. A video accompanying this announcement is found here: https://youtu.be/WJhB_7XLI7s To celebrate California’s reopening, Visit California launched their Dreaming On in California campaign. Visit California encouraged locals and visitors to share their stories of postponed dreams, skipped plans and cancelled celebrations from 2020. Chosen participants received once-in-a-lifetime, statewide experiences featuring jaw dropping, dream-worthy partnerships and appearances. Experiences ranged from an unforgettable meal prepared by acclaimed celebrity chef Curtis Stone, to behind-the-scenes access at a San Diego Padres game, a magical Disneyland Resort Vacation, a luxury road trip with stops at Marriot International properties, and a series of fairytale weddings at the luxurious Carneros Resort and Spa. Everyone lost out on so much last year – missed milestones, time with loved ones, travel, and much more. Now it’s time to recapture those moments. California’s hospitality industry has fully reopened and is rolling out the red carpet for travelers this summer and beyond. For more information, visit www.visitcalifornia.com. About Caroline Beteta: Caroline Beteta serves as president & CEO of the industry-led Visit California, a nonprofit organization created to market California as a premier travel destination to increase the state’s share of tourism-related revenues. She simultaneously serves as a strategic advisor for the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development (GO-Biz). Beteta is responsible for implementing Visit California’s global marketing program on behalf of the organization’s 21,000 investors and serves as the lead spokesperson for California’s travel industry. In her tenure, she has overseen a decade of growth for California’s travel industry, peaking in 2019 with a record $144.9 billion in economic benefit to the state. She has shepherded the growth of Visit California into a global marketing franchise and helped restore travel and tourism following numerous natural and economic crises. About Visit California: Visit California is a nonprofit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state’s travel industry – that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. For more information about Visit California and for a free California Official State Visitor's Guide, go to www.visitcalifornia.com. For story ideas, media information, downloadable images, video and more, go to media.visitcalifornia.com. 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

July 02, 2021 11:34 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

Summer Home Maintenance To-Do List

YourUpdateTV

Summer is a great time to tackle your to-do list, but with seemingly endless lists it is hard to know what project is a “must-do” or what can be delayed. It is easy to put off home maintenance projects, but there are a few projects that shouldn’t wait. Recently, Home Care Expert at Angi, Bailey Carson, shared her top maintenance projects for the summer and tips on saving money and time. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/fm8VglbsBJM If you only do a few home projects this season, make them these—you’ll save yourself a lot of time, money and despair down the road. Weather Proofing - A home that can withstand all seasons is critically important and key to a four seasons home are weather proofing projects like caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows and implementing passive design can make a huge difference. Leaky Roofs or Windows - Leaks in the short-term are a nuisance, but in the long-term leaks create huge problems for your home. At Angi, major roof repair is one of the most common tasks and according to our cost data can easily cost in the thousands. To avoid the total replacement, be proactive and take care of weak spots. Call a professional to do an assessment. In addition to saving money, leaks can cause water damage and buildup of hazardous mold. Cleaning gutters & downspouts - Fall leaves, followed by winter weather and spring showers, can cause major buildup in your gutters and downspouts. Cleaning these each year can prevent roof problems, water damage and flooding in and around your home. Annual HVAC servicing - A hot summer day is the last time you want an unexpected AC outage. Servicing your HVAC units can help prevent those, while also determining if there are any inefficiencies that could be driving up your energy bills and costing you more and more each month. Cleaning out dryer vents - We may be good at cleaning out the lint trap each time we use the dryer, but most of us tend to put off dryer vent cleanings because they’re out of sight, out of mind. No more – these are a major fire hazard, and they cause your dryer to work harder each time, wasting energy and driving up your monthly utility bills, and replacements can be costly. For more information and to find an expert near you, visit Angi.com About Bailey Carson: Bailey Carson is a Home Care Expert at Angi and Head of Book Now. In this role, she oversees all aspects of Book Now services from product and operations to sales and marketing. She transitioned from her prior role as General Manager of Everyday Services for Angi. Previously, Bailey was the SVP of Growth for Handy, an Angi sister brand, where she led the expansion of its cleaning business, overseeing marketing, operations and customer support. In addition to her 15+ years of work experience, Bailey is also a seasoned homeowner and just completed a move to Virginia including a remodel – all with three kids (including twins)! She has dedicated countless hours of personal and professional time to understanding the ins and outs of everyday home care including cleaning, lawncare and more. Bailey earned her MBA from Harvard Business School and her BS in Business Administration and Accounting from Washington and Lee University. 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

July 01, 2021 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

Pocono Organics Becomes World’s First Regenerative Organic Certified Hemp Grower

Pocono Organics

Pocono Organics, one of the largest regenerative organic farms in North America, has received its Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC), becoming the first source grower of Regenerative Organic Certified hemp in the world. The Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA) is the governing body for the Regenerative Organic Certification standards and criteria and was created by three global pioneers in the organic and regenerative organic industries – Patagonia, Rodale Institute, and Dr. Bronner’s. The ROA has meticulously developed the revolutionary ROC designation for farms and products that meet the highest standards in the world for soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. This new label goes beyond the existing USDA Certified Organic standards and does not include hydroponic growing practices. “This is an absolute game-changer for our farm as well as for companies and consumers searching for ROC produce and hemp that they can trust,” said Ashley Walsh, founder and president of Pocono Organics. “There is a vital link between the health of our soil, the health of the crops we grow, and ultimately human health.” Walsh and her team have recently launched their USDA Certified Organic full-spectrum hemp extract product line. Now with the new designation, these will become the first products in the world made with ROC hemp. It’s important to know how your hemp is grown and the true potency of the products. Independent, third-party testing shows that there are no heavy metals or pesticides and also reports accurate potency for Pocono Organics’ products. Pocono Organics’ CBD is the only line to carry the respected Rodale Institute logo on its products and packaging. The two global leaders have conducted extensive research on the potential uses of industrial hemp for the last three years. Pocono Organics’ wellness products are CBD-abundant and harness the power of full-spectrum hemp extract to deliver a broader range of health-promoting cannabinoids that contain well under.3% THC. New York Magazine recently named Pocono Organics’ bath bombs one of the Best CBD Bath Products to buy. The product line - available online and carried in retail outlets, spas, and numerous doctors’ offices across multiple states - is formulated in Pocono Organics’ in-house lab to create artisanal, small-batch items including tinctures, creams, body oil, salve sticks, lip balms, and bath bombs. The Global Center for Research, Education, and Discovery, which opened to the public in June of 2020, spans more than 380 acres atop the iconic Pocono Mountains and is a source grower of regenerative organic certified produce and hemp for retailers, distributors, restaurants, and consumers. Regenerative organic agricultural practices make soil health the priority and include low-till methods and zero-use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides and GMOs. Pocono Organics’ farming approach, in partnership with Rodale Institute, produces some of the cleanest and most nutrient-dense crops grown on earth – making them better for consumers – while also strengthening and healing the soil in which they are grown – which is better for our planet. In fact, Rodale Institute released a White Paper in September, 2020 illustrating the science that a global switch to regenerative crop and pasture systems could drawdown more than 100 percent of annual CO2 emissions. “For more than 70 years, our partners at Rodale Institute have led the world in regenerative organic science and research that shows how healthy soil grows more nutrient-dense food,” Walsh continued. “Our vision, as a health and wellness organization, is to inspire people and heal the earth. The United Nations has reported that we have less than 60 farming cycles left before our soil is completely depleted of the nutrients needed to grow the food we need. So, we are not only facing issues of human health, but of soil health that will further impact humanity and the food we eat. The ROC designation is proof of our commitment to this mission, to our communities, and our planet.” The USDA’s 2020-2025 food guidelines also highlight the need for Americans to eat more nutrient-dense foods to promote better health and fight the risk of chronic disease. “I can attest to the power of using food as medicine and plant-based wellness products, like hemp, from my own personal health journey. I was diagnosed with gastroparesis in my late ‘20s, which is a paralyzed stomach. Essentially, I can’t digest food like normal people. So, when doctors suggested cutting out parts of my stomach, inserting feeding tubes, and putting me on a regiment of medications to make me well, I leaned into organic food as a source of nutrition that drastically improved my health and changed my life. That is where the vision of Pocono Organics originated, which makes our mission extremely personal for me.” Pocono Organics is also an agritourism destination with a boutique 56-room hotel adjoining the farm property. Guests can get their hands dirty on the farm and enjoy freshly picked vegetables and fruits as well as prepared meals from its market and café. There are also regular in-person and virtual experiential series ranging from cooking classes with Executive Chef and Food Network Chopped Champion, Lindsay McClain to wellness and food education programs for children. -30- About Pocono Organics Pocono Organics Pocono Organics is a health and wellness organization with a mission to inspire people and heal the earth. The Global Center for Research, Education, and Discovery is one of the largest Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) farms in North America and grow the world's first and only ROC hemp. Located in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, Pocono Organics has more than 380 acres of farm land and, at full build out, will have 120,000 square feet of greenhouse. Pocono Organics has a strategic partnership with Rodale Institute, the global leaders in Regenerative Organic Agriculture science and research and is one of their largest research satellite facilities. Awarded the 2019 Environmental Innovator of the Year by the Green Sports Alliance, sustainability is a hallmark of Pocono Organics. The farm draws power from a 3MW, 25-acre solar farm and reclaims rain water from 70,000 square feet of roofs for irrigation. Pocono Organics also serves the local community through its Clean Food, Dirty Hands school education program and veterans in transition through a Veteran Farmer Training Program. In addition, the property includes an organic farmer's market and cafe, and with a 56-room adjoining hotel, is an agritourism destination, and host location for annual festivals. Please visit www.PoconoOrganics.com to learn more about Pocono Organics' mission and work. Contact Details Pocono Organics Mike Mooney +1 704-361-9499 mike@poconoorganics.com Company Website https://www.poconoorganics.com/

July 01, 2021 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

The Future of Lawn Care: All About Robotic Lawn Mowers from Husqvarna

YourUpdateTV

Over the past few years, we have experienced the emergence of smart home technology and automation. We have access to various gadgets and tools that make our lives easier or help us do tasks more efficiently, like turning the lights on, locking our doors, or setting the thermostat to the desired temperature. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiA35fgftEc Our lawns are also now incorporating this type of technology. We can utilize innovative and time-saving devices and applications to help us cut our grass and tend to our lawns. Robotic lawn mowers are a cutting-edge technology that Husqvarna has spearheaded since 1995 with their best-selling Automower® lineup. The Automower® is a time-saving technology that automatically maintains your lawn at all times, rain or shine. Currently, there are more than 2 million Automower® units in operation around the world. The Husqvarna Automower® is a robotic lawn mower that is fully automatic and will maintain your lawn. What’s great is that various models can be controllable by a smartphone app or integrated into your smart home system that uses either Google Home or Amazon Alexa. Husqvarna offers eight residential models to choose from, so you can customize your experience based on your lawn care needs. One way to think about robotic mowers is that you’re not just getting another lawn mower— instead, you’re getting a perfect lawn 24/7. With traditional mowing, grass grows tall before being cut off all at once. With the Automower® by Husqvarna, it clips just a little grass at a time regularly. This helps you get a lawn that always looks like it was just freshly mowed and one that is constantly fertilized by the tiny grass clippings returned to the soil. You can also set up a weather timer and integrate Automower® into your family’s smart home schedule, so it will only cut the grass when scheduled, preventing any interruptions in your family fun outside. Automower® by Husqvarna is a smart, time-saving technology, and you can head on over to Automower.com to learn more, watch videos of the Automower® at work, and see our latest models to decide which robotic lawn mower is right for you. 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

June 30, 2021 02:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
1 ... 148149150151152 ... 157