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Going Back to Work: Who Will You Miss More? Your Family or Your Dog?

YourUpdateTV

With more people returning to the office, there’s a lot of anxiety and stress around what to do with four-legged family members who have become accustomed to having their pet parents at home. Recently, international dog trainer, Tom Davis, partnered with Wag! on a satellite media tour to talk about the type of care and training required to keep our pets happy. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/noALR-no8ig Over the past 2 years, many people adopted puppies and dogs during the pandemic. Right now, and over the next few weeks, millions of people will be returning to offices and workplaces for the first time. This transition period raises several issues for dogs: increased stress and anxiety, as well as lack of exercise and social play. In honor of National Puppy Day (March 23rd), Wag! conducted a national survey* and found that out of the 1,001 respondents, 62% percent have adopted a dog in the last two years during the pandemic. 41% of those dog parents returning to work said that they’ll miss their dogs even more than their kids or spouses. Out of those new dog parents, 76% are nervous about pet care challenges upon returning to work in- person. Some other key highlights include: Dogs are the best medicine: 93% say parenting a dog has provided them mental health support, while 48% say that dog parenting has decreased their anxiety. Puppy love is real: 37% say that the most surprising thing about parenting a new puppy was the overwhelming amount of love for their new friend Pet insurance is the single biggest challenge for new dog parents: 63% of respondents expressed surprise at how much time, effort and money was required for pet insurance, more than any other challenge of becoming a new pet parent. Dogs and parents can both suffer behavioral issues/anxiety being separated from each other. Services like Wag!, which connects Pet Parents with local Pet Caregivers for dog walking and longer drop-ins for play time, can give your dog the much-needed stimulation, and peace-of-mind for pet parents. Like human health insurance, it’s important to also get insurance for our pets. Pets are our family, and their health is just as important. WagWalking.com is a great resource for more information on pet insurance and wellness. For more information on the survey and Wag! check out WagWalking.com About Tom Davis: Tom Davis is an international dog trainer who specializes in dog training based on canine behavior, and he is known for taking in some of the hardest behavior modification training cases. His natural ability to understand and connect with dogs allows him to breakthrough problems, such as reactivity and disobedience. Tom knows that educating people about their dogs, and changing negative behaviors, is what he was put on this Earth to do. Tom spends the first several hours of his weekdays with his online dog training students, who are located across the United States and all over the world. Several times per month, Tom boards a plane to work with out-of-state clients, including professional athletes, musicians, actors and politicians. And most of his summers are spent studying with wolves in Colorado, allowing him to understand the canine with full complexity. Tom is also an official mentor trainer for the Animal Behavioral College, where his responsibilities include fine-tuning and mentoring graduating seniors. He plays a critical role in ensuring each student has the capability and canine skills to successfully graduate and enter into their professional career. About Wag!: Wag! is the #1 app for pet parents, offering options for 5-star dog walking, pet sitting, expert pet advice, and training from local pet caregivers nationwide. Wag!'s community of 400,000 pet caregivers are pet people, and it shows. Making pet parents happy is what Wag! does best. With safety and happiness at the forefront, pet caregivers with Wag! have a trusted record of experience with nearly 12 million pet care services across all 50 states, resulting in more than 96% of their reviews earning 5 stars. Survey Methodology Summary: * This sample of 1001 U.S. adults (18 years or older), all of whom are dog parents of at least one dog adopted, purchased or gifted to them within the past 2 years, was surveyed between February 14, 2022 and February 17, 2022. DKC Analytics conducted and analyzed this survey with a sample procured using the Pollfish survey delivery platform, which delivers online surveys globally through mobile apps and the mobile web along with the desktop web. No additional weighting has been applied to the sample. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

March 23, 2022 02:14 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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STATHERO’S $50,000 FREE-TO-PLAY “PICK‘EM MADNESS" IS THE ULTIMATE NCAA BASKETBALL DAILY FANTASY SPORT CONTEST — WITH NO BUSTED BRACKETS!

StatHero

Amidst all of this weekend’s busted brackets, StatHero players ended in the positive, taking home victories 57% of the time. StatHero PICK’EM MADNESS, the latest innovation from the StatHero team, pits the stars of the NCAA Tournament matchups against each other in a unique DFS and sports betting skill-based hybrid. Gone are the cumbersome hours spent pining over brackets, because StatHero’s PICK’EM is the easiest and fastest way to get action on college hoops throughout the NCAA tournament. StatHero will giveaway $50,000 in bonus PICK’EM MADNESS during the Sweet 16 to get first time fans engaged in this new way to enjoy the NCAA Tournament. They are coming back with MORE FREE contests for the Elite Eight and Final Four rounds as well. Coming off a 600% YoY increase during the Super Bowl, StatHero gives DFS players the advantage to go up against their pre-posted lineups instead of the same long-odds contests, funky props, or thousands of opponents. StatHero’s format has become THE game-changing force in the DFS space with players betting THREE TIMES the average spend of industry leading apps DraftKings and FanDuel. Jason Jaramillo, Founder of StatHero: “StatHero’s disruption is based simply on giving players a greater opportunity to flex their skills and have more fun. Player experience will always be StatHero’s #1 priority. StatHero’s team common vision is to be the gaming differentiator, which increases player spend, simply based on winning more. So many fans are conditioned to just fill out brackets and have rarely — if ever — won anything. We wanted to give fans a chance to win something on every single game without the need to run to the table and that’s what we delivered.” In addition to the PICK’EM MADNESS contests, StatHero also has dozens of March Madness lineups displayed ahead of time that fans can comb through to take on against their own selections head-to-head. All contests keep the focus on the matchups and players that fans know best, so they can take control back from the handicappers and never have to think about busted brackets again. For media/press inquiries, please contact: Dianne Quirante, dianne@emcbowery.com. About STATHERO Combining the best of fantasy sports and sports gaming, StatHero is a first of its kind daily fantasy sports platform. The company has exploded in growth since founded in 2019 in large part due it’s simple gameplay, low commitment and instant gratification. Stathero uses the familiar fantasy sports based format to allow players to compete against posted lineups across a variety of professional sports and game types including Survivor Pools, Head-to-Head and Fantasy Parlays. Their patent pending gameplay gives players an advantage unlike any other in fantasy sports. It’s truly daily fantasy the way it was meant to be played - one-on-one. For more information, visit: www.stathero.com and follow us on Twitter @StatHeroHq. Contact Details Dianne Quirante +1 323-654-0001 dianne@emcbowery.com Company Website https://stathero.com/

March 23, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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

Comcast Houston

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

March 23, 2022 07:02 AM Central Daylight Time

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

Appyea

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

March 23, 2022 07:53 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Minuteman Press Printing Franchise in Libertyville, Illinois Has Grand Opening

Minuteman Press International Inc

Tamika and Martin Neal are the new owners of their Minuteman Press franchise located at 113 E. Cook Ave., Libertyville IL 60048. They recently held their grand opening in conjunction with the GLMV Chamber of Commerce. Tamika says, “At Minuteman Press in Libertyville, we pride ourselves on personalized service. We can transform your vision into a creative, professional product for a full range of printed materials.” Prior to becoming Minuteman Press owners, Tamika and Martin worked in real estate and law enforcement. Tamika shares, “Martin was and is currently a police officer. I was a realtor and we jointly invested in real estate primarily in Chicago.” “We chose to franchise with Minuteman Press because they are highly ranked in the printing industry and have a proven track record of success. We were very impressed with the ongoing training and support and the ability to have a local field representative assist us as we grow our business.” -Tamika Neal, Minuteman Press franchise owner, Libertyville, IL Already, Minuteman Press in Libertyville is helping their clients by providing high-quality, in-demand products. Tamika says, “We’re finding that brochures, booklets, and direct mail are in very high demand. These marketing materials help businesses stand-out, stay top of mind, and attract new customers.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Libertyville, visit https://minuteman.com/us/locations/il/libertyville. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

March 22, 2022 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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EVERY BITE COUNTS

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/ag0S9pD2VB8 March is National Nutrition Month, a perfect time to highlight the food, meals, and behaviors that impact our overall health and wellness. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a healthy dietary pattern can help people achieve and maintain good health while reducing the risk of chronic diseases—like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some types of cancer—throughout their lifetimes. Regardless of age, race, or ethnicity, a proper nutrition and wellness plan often requires different food and beverage choices during the various stages of life. Some changes are accomplished by making simple substitutions, while others require more thought and effort to achieve significant benefits. Whether creating a plan for an individual or family, it’s important to consider foods and beverages that are nutrient-dense, rich in plants, and contain few added sugars. Syn has a few tips to help enhance any nutrition and wellness plan throughout 2022. GET PERSONAL: When it comes to customizing a nutrition and wellness plan, it’s important to understand our body’s unique needs. Syn admits, “Food is confusing, and everyone has an opinion.” That’s why she recommends eliminating uncertainty with a personalized nutrition program that helps people understand exactly how to eat for their own body and gut bacteria— so they can feel healthier, lose weight, and have more energy without dieting or counting calories. Syn likes ZOE’s personalized program. The ZOE journey starts with an at-home test created by top scientists as a part of the largest nutrition study in the world. The results power the ZOE app and show members which foods are best for them and how to combine foods to reach their health goals. ZOE members learn to stop restricting foods and eat abundantly. For more information, go to joinzoe.com. Direct link: https://joinzoe.com/how-it-works Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinzoe1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoe/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Join_ZOE SNACK SMART: According to the USDA—over the last 30 years, the average number of snacks consumed per day doubled. As a registered dietician nutritionist, Syn is on the lookout for ways to snack without feeling guilty, adding, “We’re a nation that loves snacking, it’s important for me to help people make heathier choices when it comes to eating and drinking.” One brand she turns to is Lundberg Family Farms. Their Organic Rice Cake Minis are an ideal bite-sized snack. They are made from organic whole grain brown rice and are perfectly thin, with a subtle crunch. “Variety and taste are two things I consider when snacking, and these come in five standout flavors—Ginger Seaweed, White Cheddar, Sea Salt, Apple Pie, and Buffalo Ranch,” says Syn, “They’re a better-for-you snack option with ample nutritional value. You can also pair them with a light dressing, your favorite cheese, or cut up some fresh Roma tomatoes as a topping.” The Rice Cake Minis are USDA Organic, Non-GMO Certified, 100% Whole Grain, and Certified Gluten Free. For more information, go to Shop.Lundberg.com. Direct link: https://shop.lundberg.com/ Social media handles: Facebook: @lundbergfamilyfarms Instagram: @lundbergfarms Twitter: @lundbergfarms CUSTOMIZE & GO: When customizing a plan, it’s important to consider foods and beverages that are nutrient rich, low in fat, and contain little added sugars. Syn says it’s important to search for foods and drinks that are packed with nutrients. Another brand that she recommends is Almond Breeze Almondmilk—a nutritious plant-based milk that’s a good source of vitamin A and an excellent source of calcium and vitamins D and E. Almond Breeze’s Unsweetened Vanilla and Unsweetened Original Almondmilk flavors are ideal for those looking for delicious sugar-free options, and the new Almond Breeze Extra Creamy Almondmilk has a rich, creamy mouthfeel at only 80 calories per cup that is a perfect swap for dairy milk in any recipe. Syn also likes the convenience of almonds, adding, “They’re easy to grab and go, and pair perfectly with vegetables and dips.” Blue Diamond Almonds are packed with five grams of plant protein per serving (28 almonds) and are an excellent source of antioxidants, Vitamin E and magnesium—making them the perfect, healthy, super-flavored superfood snack. For more information, visit bluediamond.com. Direct link: https://www.bluediamond.com/ Social media handles: Facebook Blue Diamond Almonds Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Instagram @bluediamond @almondbreeze Twitter @bluediamond @almondbreeze Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

March 18, 2022 12:14 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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The Silent, Undetected Cause of Early Heart Disease

YourUpdateTV

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

March 17, 2022 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Take Action for Heart Health

YourUpdateTV

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

March 15, 2022 12:21 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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HUNDREDS OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS AND WORLD LEADERS DEMAND AN END TO TOXIC MERCURY-CONTAINING LIGHTING

Clean Lighting Coalition

Today, more than 200 civil society organisations – including Climate Action Network, the Clean Lighting Coalition, European Environmental Bureau and South Africa Climate Change Coalition – have sent an open letter to Rosa Vivien Ratnawati, President of the United Nations Minamata Convention on Mercury COP4 demanding the end to exemptions for toxic mercury-containing fluorescent lighting products. The organisations are calling for a global phase-out of mercury containing fluorescent light products by 2025, in line with a proposed amendment submitted by the African region to the Minamata Convention on Mercury. As lighting markets in wealthy countries shift to clean LED lighting, less-regulated markets may experience “environmental dumping” of old fluorescent technologies. Many countries in the global North have passed or are considering policies that will ban the sale of mercury-laden, inefficient lighting products in their domestic markets, however they would still allow domestic manufacture and export to less developed and emerging markets. The import of fluorescents puts the public and environmental health of those countries at unnecessary risk. The proposed amendment by the African region would ensure a global phase-out of fluorescent lighting, eliminating fluorescent lighting at the source by ending the manufacture, export and import of mercury-based lighting products. The cumulative (2025-2050) global benefits of the African Lighting Amendment would be significant: Eliminate 232 tonnes of mercury pollution from the environment, both from the light bulbs themselves and from avoided mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants; Reduce global electricity use by 3%; Avoid 3.5 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions cumulatively between 2025-2050; equivalent to removing all passenger cars globally from the road for a whole year; and Save US$1 trillion on electricity bills Despite significant progress to reduce mercury, the Minamata Convention includes special exemptions for mercury-based fluorescent lighting products. While these fluorescent exemptions may have been necessary in 2013 when the Convention was drafted, lighting technology has moved on rapidly – and today, the accessibility and affordability of mercury-free LED retrofit lamps makes the fluorescent lamp exemption unnecessary. The signatories, representing climate and environment advocates, healthcare networks, youth groups, lighting industry representatives and energy experts from across the world are calling for an end to the sale of toxic, polluting lighting products to protect both people and the planet. "Ending exemptions for mercury-added fluorescent lighting at COP4.2 of the Minamata Convention on Mercury on March 21 and removing 3.5GT of carbon dioxide emissions between 2025-2050 is the quickest win and lowest hanging fruit for climate mitigation," said Nithi Nesadurai, Director and Regional Coordinator, Climate Action Network Southeast Asia during a media advisory on March 14. "It will be beneficial from the cost, health and environmental perspectives as well. It has to be done now; there is no time to lose." The letter comes as research from the Clean Lighting Coalition and partners demonstrate the health risks of mercury in lighting – particularly to vulnerable groups like developing fetuses, babies, and children; workers who handle fluorescent lamps at manufacturing and recycling facilities, as well as maintenance workers in commercial and institutional buildings; and communities of color and people living in low-income neighborhoods who may be chronically exposed to a combination of toxic substances, including mercury. The letter underscores that the phase-out of fluorescents must be a coordinated global effort. From 21-25 March 2022, the Minamata Convention will host the fourth Conference of Parties (COP4). To enter into effect, the amendment must be passed with a majority consensus of the 137 Parties (countries) to the Convention. NOTES TO THE EDITOR The Minamata Convention is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury – a neurotoxin that can cause harmful and long-term health effects. The Convention launched in 2013 with the goal to “Make Mercury History” by eliminating the use of mercury in products and processes worldwide. Major highlights include a ban on new mercury mines and phase-out of existing ones, control measures on emissions to air and on releases to land and water, and the regulation of the informal sector of artisanal and small-scale gold mining. Currently, 137 parties (countries) have ratified the Convention. Please read the full open letter and full list of signatories here. About the Climate Action Network The Climate Action Network (CAN) is the world’s largest climate network made up of over 1,500 civil society organisations in over 130 countries, together fighting the climate crisis. To learn more, visit https://climatenetwork.org/. About the Clean Lighting Coalition The Clean Lighting Coalition is a global partnership coordinated by CLASP to capture the health and environmental benefits of eliminating mercury-based lighting. To learn more, visit www.cleanlightingcoalition.org and follow the Coalition on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Contact Details Clean Lighting Coalition (CLASP) Karishma Joseph +91 95383 72435 kjoseph@clasp.ngo Climate Acton Network Dharini Parthasarathy dparthasarathy@climatenetwork.org Company Website https://www.cleanlightingcoalition.org

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