LaboFlex Arnipatch: A Natural Solution for Stress-Related Muscle and Joint Pain Relief

(IRVINE, CA) APRIL 2025 – With the stress of the economy and the barrage of global news disrupting lives, many turn to exercise and favorite outdoor activities to find relief. However, a vigorous tennis match, a cross- country run, or a round of golf, though it is beneficial, also can trigger physical stress-induced discomfort and pain. Per a Cleveland Clinic study, ‘stress can lower the body’s threshold for pain making chronic musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis, muscle, and joint pain more debilitating[1]’. Luckily there is now a new pain reduction technology from LaboFlex Arnipatch™    whose hydrogel pain patch provides immediate non-invasive relief for stressed muscles and joints for up to 12 hours.

The Mayo Clinic reiterates the benefits of physical exercise that provides stress relief. It pumps up the endorphins, that brain feel-good neurotransmitters. Exercise can cut down the negative effects of stress, reducing the fight-or-flight response. Exercise can also improve mood so that one is inspired to keep going.  However, with these benefits, one can easily engage in too much exercise, too fast that brings on the physical pain. 

Because each LaboFlex Arnipatch hydrogel pain patch is infused with Arnica 1X HPUS, a science-backed, homeopathic analgesic that targets inflammation and bruising at the source, alleviating muscle and joint pain throughout the day and night, the exercise induced pain can be addressed quickly, efficiently, and affordably.

Arnica is used topically for a wide range of conditions, including bruises, sprains, muscle aches, wound healing, superficial phlebitis, joint and muscle pain. Homeopathic preparations are also used to treat sore muscles, bruises, and other conditions caused by overexertion or injury.[2]

Mr. Nam the CEO of LaboFlex says, “each Arnipatch hydrogel pain patch is designed to provide soothing relief for sore muscles and joints as well as musculoskeletal conditions including arthritis, golfers elbow and runner’s knee for up to 12 hours, providing a safe solution for people to stay active and reduce their stress.” 

Arnipatch unscented pain relief patches hydrate and protect the skin, while providing soothing long-lasting relief for sore muscles and joints and can be combined with other pain and stress solutions for an overall wellness program. 

LaboFlex’s Arnipatch hydrogel pain patches are available for sale on Amazon.com.

In this raw and real episode, I open up about the journey of rebuilding after life's unexpected detours.
I share my personal experiences with setbacks, navigating weight gain, losing friendships, and ultimately finding my way back to a stronger, more authentic version of myself. If you have ever faced challenges that made you question your path, this one is for you. Sorry for being gone so long but we are back baby!

Posture and why it’s important 

Minor posture corrections lead to significant improvements in spinal health. Making small adjustments to your posture throughout the day can help you avoid pain and discomfort when transitioning from standing to sitting—this is especially important for people prone to sciatica which poor posture can worsen according to Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo.

Mattresses and your back 

Selecting the best mattress involves understanding its impact on spinal alignment. The foundation of quality sleep begins with selecting the correct mattress. Back problems and aggravated herniated discs can result from using the wrong mattress. Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo can describe important mattress features that provide adequate spinal support during sleep.

Protecting Your Back at Your Desk- How to create a spine-friendly work configuration 

Working at a desk station can be spine-friendly if your workspace is set up properly. Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo recommends modifying your chair, desk, and computer to create a spine-supportive workspace which prevents discomfort like sciatica.

Sitting Is the New Smoking: How a Sedentary Lifestyle Hurts Your Spine

Your spine suffers when you sit all day especially if you suffer from sciatica or a herniated disc. Extended periods of sitting place undue stress on your lower back and inflame the nerve roots. Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo can provide advice for maintaining movement during your day to minimize health risks.

How to lift heavy items correctly in your daily life 

Improper lifting techniques can damage your spine permanently which may result in conditions such as herniated discs and sciatica. Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo can provide easy-to-follow tips to lift heavy items safely while preventing common errors that result in injury.

Stress and back pain 

Stress creates unexpected connections to back pain through muscle tension and spine health problems. Your back is one of the primary areas where symptoms of stress manifest themselves. Stress-induced muscle tension can make sciatica worse while also causing disc complications. Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo can explain how stress reduction leads to improved spinal health.

The link between exercise and a healthy spine 

A healthy spine requires regular exercise as much as the heart does and this becomes crucial for people who have experienced sciatica or herniated discs. Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo can explain which low-impact exercises strengthen back muscles and maintain spinal flexibility to prevent additional injuries.

Diet and back health  

Strong bones and discs require proper nutrition to maintain strength. A nutritious diet can lessen inflammation and promote healing in your spine if you suffer from a herniated disc or frequent back pain. Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo can explain the supportive role of calcium and vitamin D along with magnesium for maintaining spinal health.

Tech Neck: Prevent back pain caused by prolonged screen time 

Excessive usage of phones and computers can cause "tech neck" which worsens conditions such as sciatica and herniated discs. Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo recommends practical methods to reduce spinal strain which include proper screen adjustment and sitting posture along with taking regular breaks.

Back Pain: Should you stay active or rest?

People who experience back pain frequently question whether they should stay in bed or maintain their activity levels. Avoiding strenuous activities which worsen pain remains crucial but doctors generally advise against prolonged complete bed rest. Low-impact exercises like walking and stretching help heal your body by reducing stiffness and building strength in your spinal support muscles. 

Spinal Health Myths: What's Fact and What's Fiction

Several incorrect beliefs about spinal health persist such as people mistakenly thinking surgery is the sole solution for back pain or that herniated discs cannot be treated. Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo debunks false beliefs about spine conditions and explains effective treatments for sciatica and herniated discs through non-invasive methods and lifestyle modifications.

Why the Ringo Water Bottle is a Game-Changer for Filming Your Gym Content

If you’re anything like me, you know how important it is to capture your workouts—but sometimes, setting up a huge tripod in the gym can feel awkward or draw too much attention. That’s why I’ve been absolutely loving the Ringo Water Bottle (grab yours here: Amazon Link). It’s the most convenient and inconspicuous way to film content while staying hydrated!

What Makes the Ringo Water Bottle So Handy?

The Ringo Water Bottle is not just a water bottle—it’s also a built-in phone stand that makes filming effortless. Whether you’re setting up for a quick form check, filming a set for social media, or recording for personal progress, this bottle has been a game-changer in my content creation. I’ve been shooting all my gym content with it, and it’s made things so much easier!

If you’re shy about bringing a huge tripod to the gym or just want something smaller and more discreet, the Ringo Water Bottle is perfect. It keeps your filming setup low-key while still giving you the right angle for your videos. Grab one for yourself here: Amazon Link.

Why You Need This for Your Gym Filming Setup

  • No More Bulky Tripods – Set up your phone anywhere without worrying about taking up space or attracting attention.
  • Stay Hydrated While You Film – Two-in-one functionality means you’ll always have water on hand while getting the perfect shot.
  • Perfect for Any Gym Setup – Whether you're filming at a big-box gym, a small studio, or even outdoors, this bottle keeps things simple.
  • Super Easy to Use – Just place your phone in the holder and start recording! It’s quick, easy, and hassle-free.

If you’ve been looking for a smart way to film your workouts without lugging around extra gear, the Ringo Water Bottle is the answer. Get yours here: Amazon Link and step up your gym content game today!

Let me know if you try it—I’d love to see how it helps with your filming setup! 📸💪

Revive Collagen Launches World’s First Menopause Collagen Range in the US

March 6, 2025, New York, NY - Luxury ready-to-drink collagen brand, Revive Collagen, expands its award-winning range of collagen supplements with the launch of their Menopause range, including Peri MenopauseMenopause Beauty Sleep and Menopause Max

During menopause, women can experience up to 48 physical and psychological changes (GenM) with studies showing that an extra 30% of collagen is also lost in the skin during the first five years of menopause (PMC). Developed in collaboration with a leading menopause doctor, the Revive Collagen Menopause range is designed to offer an efficacious, all-in-one solution to empower and support women during their menopausal journey.

Backed by two years of research, each product combines Revive Collagen’s signature high dose of Type 1 Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen with a powerful blend of bespoke vitamins and additional ingredients to support women during this transitional phase. Revive Collagen’s groundbreaking formula delivers results to the hair, skin, and nails in just 6-8 weeks with consistent use whilst supporting menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and difficulty sleeping. The Revive Collagen Menopause range also includes the GenM M-Tick, the world’s-first recognizable menopause-friendly symbol which aims to help consumers to navigate and find suitable menopause products. 

The Revive Collagen Menopause range includes three unique products, each specifically formulated to support women at every stage of their menopausal journey:

Revive Collagen Peri Menopause is designed to support women through perimenopause where skin changes, such as acne and dryness, weight changes and hot flashes are common. With 5,000mg of Type 1 Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen, a powerful blend of vitamins, Inositol (supports hormonal balance), Selenium (powerful antioxidant for skin & hair health), Folic Acid and Zinc work together to promote skin elasticity and hydration while helping to reduce hot flashes and relieve vaginal dryness. Each ready-to-drink sachet comes in a delicious passion fruit flavor.

Revive Collagen Menopause Beauty Sleep is designed for women who struggle with sleep and night sweats during menopause. Enriched with 7,500mg of Type 1 Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen, Sleep DailyZz (clinically proven to improve sleep quality and next day performance), Biotin (promotes hair and nail health) plus Chicory Root (supports gut health). With essential vitamins B6, B12, C, D, E and K, it provides the ultimate beauty sleep in a sachet – plus it tastes like Apple & Blackcurrant.

Revive Collagen Menopause Max offers the most potent, cutting-edge formulation containing 21 ingredients including: 10,000mg of Type 1 Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen, Lutein (supports eye health), Reishi Mushroom (helps to reduce stress and fatigue), Pine bark Extract (helps to reduce hot flashes, supports skin and joint health), Folic Acid (helps to reduce hot flashes and supports mood), Rice Ceramides (supports the skin barrier) plus essential vitamins B6, B12, C, D, E, and K. It also comes in a tasty coconut and pineapple flavor.

The Revive Collagen Menopause range is available to buy now at www.revivecollagen.com as a one-time purchase or on a 14 or 28-day subscription. Prices start from $40.99.

Lose Weight Safely
5 Expert Tips to Choose Safe and Effective Weight Loss Supplements 

Many Americans have resolved to lose weight in 2025, often turning to weight loss supplements for support. While certain botanical ingredients may aid appetite control, metabolism, and health goals, experts advise caution when choosing supplements. Dr. Leena Pradhan-Nabzdyk, assistant professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School and CEO and co-founder of Canomiks—a company leveraging AI-driven genomics technology to verify supplement efficacy—shares key tips to help consumers make informed choices.

According to Dr. Pradhan-Nabzdyk, here are a few key ways consumers can ensure trust and confidence in their weight loss supplements this year.

1.    Talk to your doctor: The first step anyone should take before starting a new supplement is to consult a doctor. While many assume that "natural" supplements are inherently safe, numerous botanical ingredients can have contraindications with certain medical conditions or medications.

2.    Check for preclinical and clinical trials information: Preclinical studies, typically conducted in laboratories, evaluate the safety and biological activity of ingredients before they are tested in humans. Clinical trials, however, demonstrate a product's efficacy through testing on human participants. It's important to note that terms like "clinically proven," "science-backed," or "scientifically proven" may not always refer to studies on the exact supplement being marketed. Instead, these ‘borrowed’ claims might be based on research involving similar ingredients or products. To verify, review the details provided on the product's website.

3.    Look for recalls: To ensure a dietary supplement is trustworthy, check if the company selling it has faced product recalls. Recalls can signal potential issues with the company’s integrity regarding ingredient sourcing, product development, or manufacturing practices that may fall short of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) standards. Recall information for specific products is available on the FDA website, which also includes notices about dietary supplements, such as a list of tainted weight loss products. Additionally, the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP), a non-profit organization, publishes detailed bulletins investigating adulteration in specific botanical ingredients.

4.    Bogus claims: Avoid products that make bogus claims, such as promises of rapid, effortless instant weight loss without diet or exercise. Be cautious of products that promise "miracle" results. These products may lack scientific backing, so always look for evidence to support their claims. Don’t trust a product solely because a celebrity or influencer promotes it. These endorsements are often paid and not based on personal use or evidence. For example, if a supplement claims to be "doctor-approved," check who the doctor is and verify their credentials.

5.    Look for Ingredient Efficacy Certifications: In 2025, Dr. Pradhan-Nabzdyk's company will launch the CanTRUST™ seal of approval. Canomiks received funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to create a program that certifies batch-by-batch ingredient efficacy using AI and genomics technology. You can also look for other certification seals from trusted third-party organizations. These seals ensure the product has undergone the FDA-required testing confirming its identity, potency and is free from harmful contaminants.

“Each person’s weight loss journey is different. While a healthy diet and lifestyle is the foundation of wellness, dietary supplements can serve as a helpful support to fill nutritional gaps and support your health goals. Supplements can enhance our efforts to nourish the body, but it's important to be careful when selecting them, as not all products are created equal. When chosen wisely, they can be a beneficial addition to a balanced approach to health”, says Dr. Pradhan-Nabzdyk.

World Obesity Day: GlobalData highlights need to tackle stigma and raise awareness on obesity’s growing impact 

Every year 04 March is observed as World Obesity Day to challenge stigma and misconceptions surrounding obesity. The day aims to raise public awareness about the condition, which affects over 200 million people in the seven major markets (7MM*). Despite advancements in treatment, many face challenges such as limited access to care, making awareness and better support essential for addressing this growing health issue, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. 

GlobalData’s latest report “Obesity: Seven-Market Drug Forecast and Market Analysis- Update,” reveals that the unmet needs in this space remain, and the arrival of effective weight loss medications onto the market is just one step towards the solution.

Costanza Alciati, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Many new drugs are expected to reach the obesity market in the next decade: by 2031, GlobalData expects 23 candidates to be approved in the major markets. This will offer a wider range of options for patients, hoping that treatment access will have improved by then.”

GlobalData forecasts that the number of individuals living with obesity across the 7MM to increase at an annual growth rate (AGR) of 0.7% through 2031. 

Alciati continues: “Some of the biggest issues for patients is access to specialists and affordable treatment. An increased awareness of what this condition entails and what other diseases it can lead to is crucial for people to understand that it is not just some extra weight”.

The key opinion leaders interviewed by GlobalData are hopeful for the future of obesity treatment, after seeing the improvements over the last five years. 

Alciati concludes: “However, most improvements have come from the pharmaceutical sector, with a lot of investments going into this therapeutic area. Alas, many more changes are still needed in our society and in the food industry to ensure better metabolic health of citizens.”

TYR Sport Athletes Shine at the Arnold Strongman Classic

Tuesday, March 4, 2025 – TYR Sport proudly congratulates its athletes Mattie Rogers, Hampton Morris, and Mitchell Hooper on their impressive performances at the prestigious Arnold Strongman Classic, held this past weekend in Columbus, Ohio. The Arnold Strongman Classic is one of the most revered events in the world of strength sports, drawing the top athletes from across the globe to compete in a series of intense challenges. TYR Sport is honored to have these incredible athletes as part of team TYR.

Mattie Rogers, a standout in the world of weightlifting, went 6-for-6 on her lifts and took 1st place overall. Known for her resilience and strength, Mattie remains a trailblazer in the strength community, consistently breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Hampton Morris took home 1st place overall, setting two American Records, one in the Clean and Jerk and one in the Total. A rising star, Hampton continues to impress with his exceptional technique and raw power, pushing the limits of what’s possible.

Mitchell Hooper triumphed once again, earning his third consecutive Arnold Strongman Classic title, cementing his reputation as one of the most formidable athletes in the sport. Mitchell’s performance was a testament to his unparalleled mental and physical preparation, securing his place as one of the all time greats in strongman.

Matt DiLorenzo, CEO of TYR Sport, shared his thoughts on the athletes’ performances: “We are incredibly proud of Hampton, Mattie, and Mitch for their outstanding performances at the Arnold. These athletes exemplify the grit, discipline, and perseverance that we value at TYR Sport.”

TYR Sport’s commitment to performance and innovation continues to inspire athletes worldwide. As these athletes continue to raise the bar in their respective disciplines TYR Sport remains committed to developing the highest quality, precision-engineered footwear and innovative apparel. By creating technical products, such as the award winning TYRFORCE Elite Carbon Lifter and the CXT-2 Trainer that enhance strength, agility, and endurance, TYR Sport ensures that athletes like Hampton, Mattie, and Mitchell have the tools they need to push the limits of their capabilities.

About TYR Sport:

Founded in 1985, TYR Sport is a premier manufacturer of competitive swimwear, athletic apparel, and footwear. Renowned for its innovation, TYR has earned a reputation for creating products that help athletes achieve their highest potential.

From its origins in swimwear to the development of high-performance footwear, TYR continually sets new benchmarks in athletic performance. By collaborating with world-class athletes and experts, TYR is dedicated to empowering individuals across a variety of disciplines with gear designed to meet the demanding standards of elite competition.

Emerging Data Begins to Quantify Value Beef and Dairy Crossbred Cattle Bring to US Beef Supply Chain

Higher beef-on-dairy pricing suggests opportunities for producers, feedlots and processors

DENVER (February 25, 2025)—New data from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service is beginning to shed light on the impact of beef and dairy crossbred cattle on the beef supply chain. While limited in scope, the data collected to date suggests the growing number of beef-on-dairy animals is contributing to higher cattle prices for producers and delivering added value to feedlots and processors. 

The practice of using beef genetics in dairy reproductive programs, commonly referred to as “beef on dairy” within the industry, has steadily increased as the U.S. beef cow herd has contracted. Historically, cattle market analysts had limited pricing data to quantify the impact of beef-on-dairy on the cattle market. That changed in March 2024 when USDA began tracking beef-on-dairy animals sold at public auctions. 

According to an analysis outlined in a new CoBank Knowledge Exchange report, the slaughter auction prices for beef-on-dairy cattle were slightly higher than for beef cattle and significantly higher than for dairy cattle. The weight of beef-on-dairy animals fell between the ends of the beef and dairy cattle spectrum. 

“The data also showed that beef-on-dairy cattle maintained the largest proportion of their value from feeder price to slaughter cattle auction price on a per hundredweight basis,” said Abbi Prins, livestock analyst with CoBank. “That’s an important financial metric for feedlots. We’ll have to see if these patterns hold over time as additional data becomes available. But preliminarily, it reaffirms the value proposition beef-on-dairy brings to the wider beef sector.” 

The U.S. beef cow herd is at historically low levels due to prolonged drought and poor grazing conditions. Tight supplies amid robust consumer demand for beef have pushed cattle prices to record highs. Dairy producers are capitalizing on the opportunity to capture higher prices and an additional revenue stream by producing more beef-on-dairy calves for sale into the beef market. 

While beef-on-dairy breeding is not a new phenomenon, additional opportunities to track and analyze these animals using performance metrics throughout their life will enhance efficiencies and profitability in the cattle sector, Prins added. 

Beef Quality is Surging

U.S. beef quality has undergone a near complete transformation over the last decade. Prime beef production has increased 140% to reach more than 2 billion pounds annually. Production of Choice grade beef, which makes up over three-quarters of the market, grew 20% with nearly 16 billion pounds produced in 2024. Meanwhile, production of lower-grade meat like Select decreased 37% since 2014 to land at 3.17 billion pounds in 2024. 

While the dairy industry’s contributions to meat quality are not easily discernable from publicly sourced data, many of the animals from dairy programs that utilize native beef genetics such as Angus can now qualify for branded premium programs. 

“Purebred beef cattle will remain the dominant source of the U.S. beef supply, and that’s not going to change,” said Prins. “But considering the added value crossbred dairy-beef animals are bringing to market for all participants in the supply chain, it is unlikely the trend will slow any time soon.”

Read the report, Beef-on-Dairy Data Suggests Opportunity for Feedlots and Processors.

About CoBank

CoBank is a cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 77,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country.

CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.

Study: Brain Exercise Lowers Fatigue Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis

San Francisco, February 24, 2025 — Researchers at New York University (NYU) found that a particular set of brain exercises lowered the incidence of the all-too-common symptom of fatigue among patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in a recently published study in the journal Nature: Scientific Reports. The exercises used in the study are from the commercially-available brain exercise app, BrainHQ made by Posit Science.

This is the tenth published study in patients with MS using the BrainHQ exercises. Earlier studies have shown significant gains in processing speed, which is a signature cognitive deficit of MS, as well as in various measures of cognitive function, including the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS) and in each of its subtests (speed of processing, visuospatial memory, and verbal learning). 

While studies in other populations have found training with BrainHQ exercises improved measures of mood (depressive symptoms, feeling of control) and distress (anxiety, stress and fatigue), this is the first study in MS patients showing an improvement from BrainHQ exercises in measures of fatigue.

“We are grateful for the ongoing work by independent researchers examining the potential usefulness of our plasticity-based BrainHQ exercises in addressing chronic diseases,” said Dr. Henry Mahncke, CEO of Posit Science. “The NYU team continues to be at the forefront of that research in MS.”

The latest study at NYU set out to examine whether transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), which provides mild electrical stimulation of the brain, could further improve the benefits from training with BrainHQ by enhancing brain plasticity (i.e., the brain’s ability to change chemically, physically, and functionally). The study used a tDCS headset from Soterix®, and employed the PROMIS fatigue score change as the primary outcome measure and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale as a secondary fatigue measure. 

The 117 study participants were randomized into either a group receiving active tDCS stimulation while training with BrainHQ exercises, or a group using a sham tDCS stimulation while training. Each group was asked to complete thirty 20-minute training sessions over six weeks (for a total of 10 hours of training). 

The researchers found both groups experienced a significant decrease in fatigue over the time period on both measures, but no between group difference. “Both the active and sham tDCS groups experienced reductions in fatigue, with no significant difference between the two groups, suggesting that tDCS does not provide any additional benefit over cognitive training alone in reducing fatigue,” the researchers wrote. They noted the study also confirmed the feasibility and tolerance of the home-based intervention. 

BrainHQ exercises have shown benefits in more than 300 studies. Such benefits include gains in cognition (attention, speed, memory, decision-making), in quality of life (depressive symptoms, confidence and control, health-related quality of life) and in real-world activities (health outcomes, balance, driving, workplace activities). BrainHQ is offered by leading health and Medicare Advantage plans, by leading medical centers, clinics, and communities, and by organizations focused on peak performance. Consumers can try a BrainHQ exercise for free daily at https://www.brainhq.com