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Navigating Open Enrollment

YourUpdateTV

Open Enrollment season is underway, and as we look ahead to 2024, now is the time to assess health care coverage options and select the plan that is best for you and your budget. Recently, Rhonda Randall, the Chief Medical Officer of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to share tips for navigating the Open Enrollment season. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/mhpkMs2vBGk Enrollment periods aren’t the same for everyone, so there are key dates to keep in mind depending on your circumstances. Many employers set aside a 2- to 3-week period between September and December when employees can select health benefits for the following year. But just as millions of Americans prepare to choose health insurance for next year, a recent survey revealed that 1 in 3 people (36%) spend less than 1 hour reviewing their benefits options. For most people, not making an enrollment decision means you may be locked into your current plan for the upcoming year. If anything has changed this year – either with your current plan, health status or budget – that decision to do nothing could lead to unpleasant surprises or missed cost-savings in 2024. Because everyone has unique health and budget needs, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to selecting a health plan, it’s important to stay informed before making these decisions. When choosing a health plan, here are a handful of tips that will hopefully lead to better health and cost savings: Take your time and consider all of your options Learn the language Help prevent financial surprises Check for mental health coverage Don’t forget about specialty benefits Look into wellness programs Explore virtual care services Visit UHCOpenEnrollment.com for tips, resources and information on plans in your area About Rhonda Randall Rhonda L. Randall, D.O., is the Chief Medical Officer of UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual, the nation’s largest business serving the health coverage and well-being needs of nearly 28 million Americans. Dr. Randall collaborates with U.S. employers who are looking for quality, cost-effective, long-term solutions to health benefits for their employees and retirees. She also leads the clinical strategy development for these businesses to improve quality outcomes, ensure affordability and improve health and well-being. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 16, 2023 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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News Release

Gattaca CEO focused on "rebuilding the business in a really sustainable way"

Gattaca PLC

Gattaca PLC CEO Matthew Wragg speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive about how the STEM-focused talent solutions company has been performing during a challenging period in the market. Wragg discusses the final results for the year ending in July, highlighting a profit before tax of £2.6 million which marginally exceeded expectations. This positive trajectory comes within the context of a sluggish market, especially in permanent placements, which experienced a slowdown. He expresses optimism about Gattaca's direction, emphasising the internal changes and improvements made over the last 18 months. He noted that the company's focus on STEM skills helps add to its resilience. The conversation also touched on Gattaca's recent decision to relaunch its share buyback. Wragg outlined the rationale behind the move, citing a healthy cash position. Looking ahead, Wragg emphasises the importance of rebuilding corporate memory and fostering a positive environment for success and says he's focused on "rebuilding the business in a really sustainable way." Contact Details Proactive Investors +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

November 16, 2023 06:20 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Cure Alzheimer’s Fund Launches WomenandAlzheimers.org

Alzheimer’s Disease Research Foundation

In honor of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund announces the launch of WomenandAlzheimers.org, a website dedicated to bringing awareness to the impact of Alzheimer’s on women, providing information on research into understanding sex-based differences and recognizing many of the women who are working toward finding a cure. There are more than 6 million people in the United States—and 50 million people throughout the world—currently living with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and experts estimate there may be as many as three times more people living with the disease who have not yet been diagnosed. Both men and women develop Alzheimer’s disease, but two-thirds of all patients are women, and women are frequently the primary caregivers for spouses, partners, parents and others with the disease. “For far too long, science has had a partial view into disease biology because only one sex was included in research studies,” said Meg Smith, CEO of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. “Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has long required researchers to include consideration of potential sex differences in their projects. Understanding why and how Alzheimer’s develops differently in men and women, and the factors that increase resilience or risk, will lead to benefits for all Alzheimer’s patients.” WomenandAlzheimers.org is a resource to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease pathology, signs and symptoms, and the scientific discoveries that are advancing our understanding of the disease. Users can learn about ways to improve brain health, at any age, and read about the women who are working to find a cure, including researchers, Board members, staff members and advocates. About Cure Alzheimer’s FundCure Alzheimer’s Fund is a nonprofit dedicated to funding the most promising research to prevent, slow or reverse Alzheimer’s disease. Since its founding in 2004, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has provided grants to the world’s leading researchers and contributed more than $180 million to research. Its funded initiatives have been responsible for many key breakthroughs in understanding the causes and pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has received a 4-star rating for more than 12 consecutive years from Charity Navigator. With 100% of funds raised going to support research, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has been able to provide grants to many of the best scientific minds in the field of Alzheimer’s research. For more information, visit https://WomenandAlzheimers.org and https://www.CureAlz.org/ Contact Details Barbara Chambers +1 978-417-9890 bchambers@curealz.org Company Website https://WomenandAlzheimers.org

November 15, 2023 05:46 AM Eastern Standard Time

News Release

Nevis Brands announces company is expanding into Michigan with signature brand Major

Nevis Brands

Nevis Brands CEO John Kueber joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share significant news regarding the company's expansion into Michigan, marking its eighth state in the cannabis market. Nevis Brands has secured an exclusive agreement with Emerald Canning Partners to produce and distribute Major products in the state of Michigan, subject to approval by the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency. Michigan is a strategically important market for Nevis Brands, as it witnessed cannabis sales totaling $2.3 billion in 2022, and it is expected to exceed the $3 billion mark in 2023. This makes Michigan the second territory in the Eastern United States where Nevis is establishing a licensee. Under the agreement with Emerald Canning Partners, Nevis Brands will have exclusive rights to produce and distribute all five flavors of Major, including Sunset Pink Lemonade, Pacific Blue Raspberry, Sacred Grape, Volcanic Orange Mango, and Passionfruit. Major is a dosable 100mg THC beverage known for delivering the effects of cannabis within 10-20 minutes of consumption. This expansion into Michigan represents a significant step for Nevis Brands as it continues to grow its presence in the rapidly evolving cannabis market. With its innovative Major product line and strategic partnerships, Nevis is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for cannabis products and provide consumers with unique and high-quality options. Contact Details Proactive Canada +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

November 14, 2023 01:49 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Health History on the Menu: This Thanksgiving Pass the Pumpkin Pie--and Grandma’s Health History

YourUpdateTV

Thanksgiving is a day filled with food, football, and conversations with family. While loved ones spend time together safely this Thanksgiving, they should consider talking about family health history. Recently, Susan Manley, senior vice president of Medical Services at Myriad Genetics and Ashley Dedmon, breast cancer previvor conducted a satellite media tour to talk about the importance of initiating health conversations at your holiday gathering. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/j0VMnkq1ij4 More than half (55%) of respondents to a recent Myriad Genetics Cancer Risk survey of women said that it’s important to know their cancer risk for “peace of mind.” Yet, 20% of women say they don’t talk about health issues in their family. This has potentially life-threatening consequences. Patients with a family history of breast, ovarian, uterine, or colorectal cancer may have a higher risk for developing these cancers. Getting answers to these questions may qualify your viewers for genetic hereditary cancer testing, which can help people and their clinician determine if they are at an increased risk of developing specific types of cancer. November is Family Health History Month. Encourage your audience to talk about family health history – it may save some lives. Myriad Genetics has an easy-to-complete family health history form to help start the conversation and take notes. During the holiday season, people can bring this form along to family gatherings and complete it by asking as many blood relatives, parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers about their family history. To learn more visit: myriad.com/KNOWYOURHISTORY BIOS Susan Manley, MS, MBA Senior Vice President, Medical Services Myriad Genetics, Inc. Salt Lake City, Utah Susan received her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a certification in biotechnology, her Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from the University of Cincinnati, and her MBA from Loyola University in Maryland. She is an American Board of Genetic Counseling certified Genetic Counselor and holds a Genetic Counselor license in the state of Utah. She has been employed at Myriad Genetics for the past 28 years in both medical support and commercialization capacities and has been involved in the development of the commercial genetic testing market from medical, ethical, clinical, counseling, sales and marketing standpoints. Currently, she oversees a large staff of licensed genetic counselors who provide professional customer support and patient education for Myriad’s hereditary cancer and prenatal products. She is published in the medical literature including JAMA, JCO and Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. This combination of clinical knowledge and commercialization experience is unique and valuable in precision medicine space. Ashley Dedmon Breast cancer has impacted Ashley Demon’s family since before she was born - three generations of women in her family have been impacted by this disease. Ashley’s great grandmother, grandmother and mother all passed away from breast cancer, Ashley’s mother at only 42, when Ashley was 21. Cancer didn't stop there: her father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Ashley’s hereditary mutations heightened her cancer risk. After taking the MyRisk® Hereditary Cancer Test, she learned she carried the BRCA2 gene mutation, putting her at an elevated risk for breast, ovarian and other cancers. After her first daughter had successfully weaned from breastfeeding, Ashley consulted with her doctors and came to the decision to have a prophylactic mastectomy, a procedure which could significantly reduce her risk of developing breast cancer. Since then, Ashley’s been living a normal life and has since given birth to a second daughter. Ashley’s doctors continue to actively monitor her health. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 14, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Creo Medical CEO "very happy with where we are at the moment"

Creo Medical Group PLC

Creo Medical Group PLC (AIM:CREO) CEO Craig Gulliford speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive after the minimally invasive electrosurgical device company announced positive news on its Speedboat UltraSlim product. The UltraSlim variant of Creo's Speedboat product has received FDA clearance in the US, and has also been granted an unexpectedly short regulatory pathway into European markets. Gulliford emphasises the significance of the technology, highlighting its unique ability to effectively use bipolar radiofrequency for cutting in surgery. The UltraSlim model, the culmination of extensive engineering efforts, represents another significant step forward for Creo Medical. With the scientific groundwork completed, Gulliford outlines plans for line extensions and tweaks based on customer feedback to enhance device capabilities. The company is set to explore additional applications for the technology in procedures beyond the upper and lower gastrointestinal areas. He goes on to acknowledge the challenges in the med-tech market, particularly the regulatory process, and commended his team for navigating the complexities. He says he's "very happy with where we are at the moment." Despite the regulatory hurdles, Gulliford expressed satisfaction with the steady growth and progress across all facets of the business. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

November 13, 2023 02:10 PM Eastern Standard Time

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K3 Elevates Commitment to Homeless Veterans' Lives through PATH Partnership

K3 Holdings

K3 Holdings, a prominent privately held real estate investment firm boasting an expansive nationwide portfolio, is commemorating Veterans Day by spotlighting its collaboration with People Assisting The Homeless (PATH). This partnership reflects the company's dedication to transforming challenges into opportunities, particularly addressing the critical issue of homelessness among the veteran community. Through this partnership with PATH, K3 Holdings/Alpine is not only providing shelter but also fostering an environment where veterans can regain their footing and reclaim their independence. As the nation prepares to honor the sacrifices of servicemen and women, K3 Holdings/Alpine is extending profound appreciation to the courageous individuals who have safeguarded the nation. Many veterans reside in properties managed by K3 Holdings/Alpine, enriching the fabric of communities as friends and neighbors. "On this Veterans Day, we are renewing our commitment to stand with our veterans and echoing the sentiment that no hero who defended our freedom should ever be without a home,” stated Nathan Kadisha, Principal of K3 Holdings. “Through our collaboration with PATH, we are not just addressing homelessness, we are building bridges to hope, and a future filled with possibilities. “Veterans residing in K3 Holdings/Alpine-managed properties are not just tenants, they are an integral part of the community fabric,” Nathan Kadisha continued. "As we unite in gratitude for our veterans, let us also unite in action. K3 Holdings/Alpine invites our community to join in support of PATH, ensuring that every veteran, who stood tall for our nation, now stands tall in dignity and security,” stated Michael Kadisha, Principal of K3 Holdings. “Together, we can rewrite the narrative for homeless veterans, providing them with the support they deserve." About K3 Holdings: K3 Holdings is a privately held real estate investment firm committed to transforming communities and improving housing quality and safety. Their extensive investments have led to remarkable enhancements in their property portfolio, reflecting their unwavering commitment to delivering reliable, safe, and comfortable housing options - https://k3holdings.com/. About People Assisting The Homeless (PATH): People Assisting The Homeless (PATH) is a non-profit organization committed to ending homelessness for individuals and families. PATH provides comprehensive services and support, guiding individuals from homelessness to stable housing and brighter futures - https://epath.org/. ### Contact Details Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 dan@danrene.com

November 10, 2023 04:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

NuggMD is providing FREE Medical Cannabis Evaluations to Veterans on Veterans Day

NuggMD

NuggMD, the nation's leading telemedicine platform, is providing free online medical marijuana evaluations to veterans on November 10th and 11th, 2023. "We owe our prosperity and freedom to our brave veterans," said Alex Milligan, Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Founder of NuggMD. "These completely free evaluations are our small way of offering humble thanks and gratitude for their service and sacrifices." "Rates of PTSD range from 10% to 30% among war-time veterans," said Collin Mann, NuggMD CEO and Co-Founder. "9.1% suffer from chronic pain. These veterans need options. The solutions aren't one-size-fits-all. Of those who use cannabis, more than 40% report using it for medical reasons, and these patients deserve to have this option. This is their right, but money's tough right now. So we're here to help." NuggMD is making it simple for veterans to use this benefit on Veterans Day. Simply click the live chat feature on the website to speak to a NuggMD support representative. The next available customer service agent will walk the applicant through the process of supplying their proof of service. NuggMD's affiliated medical cannabis practitioners have provided close to 2 million evaluations since their launch in 2016. The free evaluations will be offered to all veterans seeking a medical marijuana evaluation in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia who provide valid proof of service and their state-issued identification. Veterans can access this benefit for the entire business day on 10/10/23 and 10/11/23, from 8 AM to 10 PM in their local time zone. About NuggMD NuggMD is the nation's leading medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. They've connected over 1,000,000 patients face-to-face with their new medical marijuana doctors via their state-of-the-art telemedicine platform. They believe every human being has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore every option in their journey to wellness. For further information, visit NuggMD.com. Contact Details Andrew Graham +1 646-385-0189 andrew.g@getnugg.com Company Website http://www.nuggmd.com

November 09, 2023 12:02 PM Eastern Standard Time

How Over-The-Counter Medicines Could Impact Your Blood Pressure

YourUpdateTV

Would it surprise you to know that nearly half of all adults in the country have elevated blood pressure, and most don’t even know it? Yet only 30% have spoken with a healthcare professional about the adverse effects some over-the-counter medicines can have on their blood pressure. Recently, Dr. Mitch Elkind, American Heart Association’s Chief Clinical Science Officer, conducted a satellite media tour to share precautionary measures that people with high blood pressure need to take before using over-the-counter medications, especially if they have pre-existing conditions or are on other medications. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/x7bVSA55fJ0 High blood pressure, (also referred to as hypertension) is when your blood pressure, the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels, is consistently too high. The best way to know if you have high blood pressure it is to have your blood pressure checked. How to use a home blood pressure monitor Be still. Discuss how to use your home blood pressure monitor with your health care professional. Don't smoke, drink caffeinated beverages or exercise within 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Empty your bladder and ensure at least five minutes of quiet rest before measurements. Sit correctly. Sit with your back straight and supported (on a dining chair, rather than a sofa). Your feet should be flat on the floor and your legs should not be crossed. Your arm should be supported on a flat surface, such as a table, with the upper arm at heart level. Make sure the bottom of the cuff is placed directly above the bend of the elbow. Check your monitor's instructions for an illustration or have your health care professional show you how. Measure at the same time every day. It’s important to take the readings at the same time each day, such as morning and evening. It is best to take the readings daily, ideally beginning two weeks after a change in treatment and during the week before your next appointment. Take multiple readings and record the results. Each time you measure, take two readings one minute apart and record the results using a printable (PDF) tracker. If your monitor has built-in memory to store your readings, take it with you to your appointments. Some monitors may also allow you to upload your readings to a secure website after you register your profile. Don't take the measurement over clothes. If you get a high blood pressure reading If your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg and you are experiencing signs of possible organ damage such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking, do not wait to see whether your pressure comes down on its own. Call 911, as this is an emergency. A single high reading is not an immediate cause for alarm. If you get a reading that is slightly or moderately higher than normal, take your blood pressure a second time and write the results of the two measurements down. Consult your health care professional to verify if there’s a health concern or whether there may be any issues with your monitor. If your blood pressure readings suddenly exceed 180/120 mm Hg, wait five minutes and test again. If your readings are still unusually high, contact your health care professional immediately. You could be experiencing a hypertensive crisis. AHA recommendation The American Heart Association recommends home monitoring for all people with high blood pressure to help the health care professional determine whether treatments are working. Home monitoring, or self-measured blood pressure, is not a substitute for regular visits to your physician. If you have been prescribed medication to lower your blood pressure, don't stop taking your medication without consulting your health care professional, even if your blood pressure readings are in the normal range during home monitoring. Understanding Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications and High Blood Pressure Look for warnings related to high blood pressure medication. Always read the labels on all over-the-counter medications, especially if you have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Look for warnings to those with high blood pressure and to those who take blood pressure medications. If you have high blood pressure and certainly if you are on prescription medication, consult your health care professional before taking any over-the-counter medications or supplements. Be careful with supplements or natural (naturopathic) remedies. There are no special pills, vitamins or drinks that can substitute for prescription medications and lifestyle modifications. Talk to your health care professional before taking any over-the-counter drug or supplement that claims to lower your blood pressure. They may not work as advertised and/or may interfere with other medications. In fact, some can even raise your blood pressure. Decongestants may raise your blood pressure. People with high blood pressure should be aware that the use of decongestants may raise blood pressure or interfere with the effectiveness of some prescribed blood pressure medications. Be aware of over-the-counter cold and flu preparations that contain decongestants as well. Discuss any medications you wish to use with your health care professional. Check the sodium content. Some over-the-counter medications are high in sodium, which can also raise blood pressure. Look at the active and inactive ingredients lists for words like “sodium” or “soda.” Note the amount of sodium in the medication. People with high blood pressure should consume less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day from all sources — one dose of some over-the-counter medications can contain more than a whole day’s allowance. Other drugs and substances that can raise your blood pressure include: Alcohol Amphetamines Antidepressants Atypical antipsychotics (for example, clozapine and olanzapine) Caffeine Cocaine Oral contraceptives Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs (for example, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium) Systemic corticosteroids (for example, prednisone and methylprednisolone) Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without discussing with your health care professional. To learn more visit: heart.org/bptools About Talent Mitchell S. V. Elkind, MD, MS, FAAN, FAHA is a tenured Professor of Neurology and Epidemiology at Columbia University, and the Chief Clinical Science Officer at the American Heart Association as of September 2022. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, and he trained in Internal Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and in Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital, both in Boston, MA. He completed a fellowship in Vascular Neurology and Neuroepidemiology at Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Elkind holds a Master’s degree in Epidemiology from Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health. Dr. Elkind’s research focuses on stroke prevention, inflammatory and infectious biomarkers in stroke risk prediction, atrial cardiopathy, immune therapy for acute stroke, and vascular causes of cognitive aging. He is the second neurologist to serve as President of the American Heart Association (AHA) in its 100 year history, from 2020-2021. About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X, or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 09, 2023 10:57 AM Eastern Standard Time

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