Blo Blow Dry Bar Announces Acquisition of MYNC Beauty Inc.

Now offering MYNC franchise opportunities in Canada

TORONTO, Oct. 12, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blo Blow Dry Bar, North America’s original blow dry bar, announced today that it has acquired Canadian-owned MYNC Beauty Inc. (MYNC), a premier brow and lash bar with six locations across the GTA. The acquisition paves the way to also announce the introduction of the new MYNC franchise system for entrepreneurs looking to own their own business in the beauty industry. As an industry leader, Blo is also amongst the top five Canadian-founded retail brands operating in the U.S. today when measured by store count.

“We are excited to welcome MYNC into our company. MYNC and Blo share similar values, corporate culture and clientele and there is tremendous opportunity to grow the business by mirroring Blo’s success as a franchise model,” said Blo Blow Dry Bar Partner and CEO, Vanessa Yakobson. “MYNC has a remarkable runway for growth in Canada and we look forward to working with Nathalie and her team to introduce the new MYNC franchise system to entrepreneurs across Canada.”

To celebrate the acquisition and the launch of MYNC franchises, Blo is offering $10,000 grants to ten candidates interested in becoming a MYNC franchisee. This grant is designed to enable female entrepreneurs to build a business in a fast-growing category with a proven model and strong franchisor support. For more information, click HERE.

“I am thrilled that the business I started with my husband eleven years ago is now entering its next chapter of growth alongside the Blo family,” said MYNC Founder and Brand President, Nathalie Smith. “Vanessa and her team are experts at franchising making this a natural fit as we continue to grow and expand MYNC’s reach and introduce franchise opportunities to entrepreneurs looking to own their own business in the beauty space.”

MYNC specializes in eyelash extensions, brows and beauty featuring a number of services from brow lamination and shaping to lash lifts and tints. Blo Blow Dry Bar offers a variety of blow outs with five signature styles from sleek and straight to bouncy curls, plus a wide assortment of customized looks including updos and braids. Blo also offers expert makeup services to complete your look.

About MYNC
MYNC is Canada’s largest multi-location brow & lash bar and continues to expand rapidly. Since opening its doors in 2011, the company has offered something revolutionary and very simple: lush lashes and a rescue for beleaguered brows. Transforming the traditional spa concept from secluded rooms to bright, open spaces, MYNC guests socialize while getting pretty in a wink. Inspired by the power of friendship and the beauty community around them, MYNC is on a mission to enhance the confidence and joy of all they encounter, infusing a feel-good-to-look-good vibe into every expertly crafted look. For more information visit www.myncbeauty.com.

About Blo Blow Dry Bar 
Blo Blow Dry Bar is North America’s original blow dry bar and blow dry bar franchise. The company transformed beauty norms and reinvented the salon industry when it launched the “no cuts, no color” concept: only blow outs. Since opening its first location in Canada in 2007, Blo has grown to over 140 locations across the U.S. and Canada and continues to expand rapidly. With a mission to enhance the lives of those in the community through the power of flawless blow outs and beauty services, Blo Blow Dry Bar offers perfectly styled hair and exceptional customer experiences seven days a week. For more information visit www.blomedry.com.

MD Reveals 7 Secrets to Healthy Skin 

New York, October 12, 2022 — Published to coincide with the American Academy of Dermatology’s National Healthy Skin Month (November), Dr. Fayne Frey, (pronounced “FAINE FRY”), a 30-year, board-certified dermatologist and author of the upcoming book, The Skincare Hoax: How You’re Being Tricked into Buying Lotions, Potions & Wrinkle Cream (Skyhorse Publishing; October 18, 2022; 9781510771550; Original Trade Paperback), reveals seven secrets (and more) that your audience may want to know before spending hundreds on beauty products.  

Every day — in fact, 4,000 to 10,000 times per day, according to Forbes — women see ads for skincare products. Without a doubt, it is a treat to luxuriate in a glorious day at the spa (and all the bells and whistles that go with the experience). However, what does your skin really need from the inside in order to be healthy?

In The Skincare Hoax, readers will learn:

1. How to choose the best skincare creams and why

2. The difference between day and night moisturizers

3. Anti-aging fairytales 

4. Why sunscreen is a must

5. Why water may be the only thing you need

6. How beauty industry marketing influences purchasing decisions

7. What everyone needs in their bathroom, make-up case and travel kit

About the Author

Fayne L. Frey, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and graduate of Weill Cornell Medical College. In addition to having her expertise featured in publications, including Reader’s DigestRunner’s World and The Doctor Weighs In, she has been a featured guest on NBC, CBS, Z100 Radio and many other outlets. 

Through her website, FryFace.com, she promotes dermatology education to help consumers choose the safest and most affordable products. She currently lives in the New York Tri-State area with her husband and has four grown children.

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How to Harness the Power of Mobile Medicine to Save Money and Live Better

Boston, October 7, 2022 ― As smartphones get smarter and out-of-pocket healthcare costs continue to rise, the world of medical apps has exploded, explains biotech expert Harry Glorikian. And today, there are more than 350,000 different healthcare apps to choose from.

“If you could own an app that could diagnose you with the same accuracy as your primary care provider, you’d have the virtual equivalent of an on-call physician with you at all times who could help streamline your care in real life,” Glorikian wrote in his new book, The Future You: How Artificial Intelligence (AI) Can Help You Get Healthier, Stress Less, and Live Longer.

An AI-enabled app, when combined with access to a telehealth provider, can help consumers distinguish between something that requires an office visit, a wait-and-see approach, or a trip to an urgent care facility or emergency room, he adds.  

In The Future YouGlorikian helps readers understand how to use the power of technology (that they very likely already have) to create personalized healthcare experiences.

“The scenarios I’m going to describe in this book don’t just apply to someone with a rare condition or who is seriously ill,” he wrote in his book’s introduction. “These are examples of how everyone can take advantage of AI and data analytics to stay healthy, get diagnosed more quickly, and sometimes, save on healthcare costs.”

In The Future You, readers will discover

- The ways in which technology and AI are already impacting healthcare and what new technologies are on the horizon

- The new healthcare business paradigm and how to navigate it

- How AI is helping doctors diagnose different cancers more precisely

- How everyday people have used smartphone and smartwatch technology to reach their health and fitness goals — and sometimes to survive a health crisis

- How to use and leverage AI data to improve health in monumental ways

- How to use available tech to simplify healthcare scenarios such as doctor visits, managing one’s own health records, coping with chronic disease, broadening awarenessabout a specific genetic profile and much more

- How scientists around the world used AI to develop COVID vaccines and how AI will help scientists predict future outbreaks more rapidly

- And much, much more

Glorikian’s overarching message is clear: There’s quite literally nothing about health and wellness that won’t be utterly transformed by the power of AI. The Future You will show readers what's coming — and what is already here.

“I want readers to feel inspired to see how they can use the technology they already have to make changes in their lives,” Glorikian said. “Maybe it's as simple as using your smartphone to count your daily steps. Or maybe it's downloading a meal-tracking app or doing a virtual reality workout. This book can be a roadmap to personalized health and wellness for everyone.” 

About the Author

Harry Glorikian is a global business expert, healthcare entrepreneur, podcaster and author. For over three decades, he has built a breadth of successful ventures in the healthcare space, and he is well known for being at the forefront of helping invest in and grow innovative healthcare companies that are tackling groundbreaking areas of healthcare and biotechnology. A sought-after speaker, Glorikian is frequently quoted in the media and regularly asked to assess, influence, and be part of innovative concepts and trends. He holds four U.S. patents in telecommunications and has others pending. 

Glorikian currently serves as a General Partner at Scientia Ventures, a VC firm focused on upleveling companies that have the potential to transform healthcare. Additionally, Glorikian serves on the boards of StageZero Life Sciences (TSX: SZLS), a publicly traded healthcare technology business dedicated to the early detection of cancer and multiple disease states through whole blood, and Drumroll Health, which develops AI technologies to foster closer partnerships between patients, healthcare professionals and healthcare companies. 

He is also the author of MoneyBall Medicine: Thriving in the New Data-Driven Healthcare Market and the diagnostics textbook Commercializing Novel IVDs: A Comprehensive Manual for Success, and is the host of The Harry Glorikian Show podcast series. 

Glorikian holds an MBA from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University. Harry has addressed the National Institutes of Health, Molecular Medicine Tri-Conference, World Theranostics Congress, and other audiences, worldwide. 

Visit https://glorikian.com/ for more information, or follow the author on Twitter (@HGlorikian) or Instagram (harryglorikian).

The Future You: How Artificial Intelligence Can Help You Get Healthier, Stress Less, And Live Longer

Publisher: BrickTower Press

ISBN-10: ‎1883283825 

ISBN-13: ‎978-1883283827

Available from Amazon.com

###

The Sun Life Ride to Defeat Diabetes for JDRF Brings Corporate Canada Together to Move Work Aside and Move for a Cure for Type 1 Diabetes

TORONTO, Oct. 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- One of Canada’s longest running and top fundraising events returns to in-person Rides in Montréal and Toronto, on October 6 and 13 respectively. The Sun Life Ride to Defeat Diabetes for JDRF is a high-energy event that will see hundreds of corporate executives and teams don their spandex and team jerseys to pedal for a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Participants from corporate Canada will take part by spinning on dozens of stationary bikes set up at two signature Ride locations in Montréal and Toronto, or from their homes in the virtual event taking place from October 6-13. Whether in-person or virtual, Canadians will have the opportunity to show their competitive spirit and spin, sweat or stretch to raise funds towards the ultimate goal of a world free from T1D.

T1D is an autoimmune condition impacting almost 300,000 Canadians. Since the Ride launched in 1988, corporate Canada has raised millions of dollars to accelerate the pace of T1D research. Due to advances in research over the past five decades, approximately 25 years have been added to the lifespan of a person living with T1D and receiving the latest care.

“We are thrilled to bring the excitement and energy of our Ride back to in-person events in Montréal and Toronto,” said Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada. “We are grateful that Sun Life and corporate Canada has once again moved work aside to move for a cure to help us reach our $2.3 million goal, which will fund the most promising type 1 diabetes research and bring us closer to cures.”

Sun Life has been a proud supporter of the Ride since 2017, and in 2019 they became the national title sponsor. Since 2012, Sun Life has committed over C$42 million globally to diabetes awareness, prevention, care, and research.

“With nearly 300,000 Canadians currently living with type 1 diabetes, we’re proud to continue our partnership with JDRF to help defeat this disease,” said Dave Jones, President, Sun Life Health. “Sun Life is committed to building strong, sustainable communities and helping Canadians live healthier lives. We’re excited to team up with riders across Canada to raise awareness and funds for type 1 diabetes research and care initiatives.”

About JDRF Canada

JDRF Canada is the leading charitable organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research in Canada. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. Since our founding in 1974, JDRF has invested more than $80 million CDN in research funding. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, governments, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout Canada and five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our shared vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.ca.

Sun Life in the Community

Sun Life is committed to building sustainable, healthier communities for life. Community wellness is an important part of its sustainability commitment. By actively supporting the communities in which Sun Life lives and works, the organization can help build a positive environment for Clients, employees, advisors, and shareholders. Its philanthropic support focuses on health, with an emphasis on diabetes awareness, prevention, and care initiatives. Mental health is also a key priority, with support for programs and organizations with an emphasis on building resilience and coping skills.

Sun Life also partners with sports properties in key markets to further its commitment to healthy and active living. Its employees and advisors take great pride in volunteering more than 16,000 hours each year and contribute to making life brighter for individuals and families across Canada.

Learn more about Sun Life in the community.

For more information: 

How to Harness the Power of Mobile Medicine to Save Money and Live Better

Boston, October 4, 2022 ― As smartphones get smarter and out-of-pocket healthcare costs continue to rise, the world of medical apps has exploded, explains biotech expert Harry Glorikian. And today, there are more than 350,000 different healthcare apps to choose from.

“If you could own an app that could diagnose you with the same accuracy as your primary care provider, you’d have the virtual equivalent of an on-call physician with you at all times who could help streamline your care in real life,” Glorikian wrote in his new book, The Future You: How Artificial Intelligence (AI) Can Help You Get Healthier, Stress Less, and Live Longer.

An AI-enabled app, when combined with access to a telehealth provider, can help consumers distinguish between something that requires an office visit, a wait-and-see approach, or a trip to an urgent care facility or emergency room, he adds.  

In The Future YouGlorikian helps readers understand how to use the power of technology (that they very likely already have) to create personalized healthcare experiences.

“The scenarios I’m going to describe in this book don’t just apply to someone with a rare condition or who is seriously ill,” he wrote in his book’s introduction. “These are examples of how everyone can take advantage of AI and data analytics to stay healthy, get diagnosed more quickly, and sometimes, save on healthcare costs.”

In The Future You, readers will discover

- The ways in which technology and AI are already impacting healthcare and what new technologies are on the horizon

- The new healthcare business paradigm and how to navigate it

- How AI is helping doctors diagnose different cancers more precisely

- How everyday people have used smartphone and smartwatch technology to reach their health and fitness goals — and sometimes to survive a health crisis

- How to use and leverage AI data to improve health in monumental ways

- How to use available tech to simplify healthcare scenarios such as doctor visits, managing one’s own health records, coping with chronic disease, broadening awarenessabout a specific genetic profile and much more

- How scientists around the world used AI to develop COVID vaccines and how AI will help scientists predict future outbreaks more rapidly

- And much, much more

Glorikian’s overarching message is clear: There’s quite literally nothing about health and wellness that won’t be utterly transformed by the power of AI. The Future You will show readers what's coming — and what is already here.

“I want readers to feel inspired to see how they can use the technology they already have to make changes in their lives,” Glorikian said. “Maybe it's as simple as using your smartphone to count your daily steps. Or maybe it's downloading a meal-tracking app or doing a virtual reality workout. This book can be a roadmap to personalized health and wellness for everyone.” 

About the Author

Harry Glorikian is a global business expert, healthcare entrepreneur, podcaster and author. For over three decades, he has built a breadth of successful ventures in the healthcare space, and he is well known for being at the forefront of helping invest in and grow innovative healthcare companies that are tackling groundbreaking areas of healthcare and biotechnology. A sought-after speaker, Glorikian is frequently quoted in the media and regularly asked to assess, influence, and be part of innovative concepts and trends. He holds four U.S. patents in telecommunications and has others pending. 

Glorikian currently serves as a General Partner at Scientia Ventures, a VC firm focused on upleveling companies that have the potential to transform healthcare. Additionally, Glorikian serves on the boards of StageZero Life Sciences (TSX: SZLS), a publicly traded healthcare technology business dedicated to the early detection of cancer and multiple disease states through whole blood, and Drumroll Health, which develops AI technologies to foster closer partnerships between patients, healthcare professionals and healthcare companies. 

He is also the author of MoneyBall Medicine: Thriving in the New Data-Driven Healthcare Market and the diagnostics textbook Commercializing Novel IVDs: A Comprehensive Manual for Success, and is the host of The Harry Glorikian Show podcast series. 

Glorikian holds an MBA from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University. Harry has addressed the National Institutes of Health, Molecular Medicine Tri-Conference, World Theranostics Congress, and other audiences, worldwide. 

Visit https://glorikian.com/ for more information, or follow the author on Twitter (@HGlorikian) or Instagram (harryglorikian).

The Future You: How Artificial Intelligence Can Help You Get Healthier, Stress Less, And Live Longer

Publisher: BrickTower Press

ISBN-10: ‎1883283825 

ISBN-13: ‎978-1883283827

Available from Amazon.com

###

RBC bolsters bank's healthcare offering with the acquisition of MDBilling.ca

Canadian medical billing leader helps physicians spend more time with patients and less time on paperwork & administration 

TORONTO, Oct. 4, 2022 /CNW/ - Today, RBC announced it has acquired MDBilling.ca, a cloud-based platform that automates and simplifies medical billing for Canadian physicians. The company joins Dr.Bill at RBC, another leading medical billing company acquired by the bank in 2020.

Founded in 2008, Toronto-based MDBilling.ca's product offering is rooted in its best-in-class, proprietary software that supports physicians with their medical billing. As one of Canada's top digital medical billing solutions, MDBilling.ca is currently used by close to 9,000 Canadian physicians, with more than $2.3B in OHIP claims paid through the platform since inception. The company also boasts an extensive roster of partnerships with leading healthcare providers across Ontario.

Medical billing has always been tedious, stealing hours from a physician's work day and personal life due to a reliance on paperwork or antiquated technology and complex provincially-specific billing codes. MDBilling.ca's suite of products and services ensures physicians are able to spend less time doing paperwork so they can focus on what matters most, helping patients. 

The acquisition supports RBC Healthcare's strategy to provide innovative solutions for physicians at every stage of their career journey. MDBilling.ca clients will also benefit from access to more than 1,100 RBC Healthcare Specialists trained to provide specialized advice and support for the unique financial needs of physicians and other healthcare professionals.

"Since the launch of our Healthcare practice, we have worked to make billing easier for physicians through RBCx's venture Dr.Bill. The acquisition of MDBilling.ca helps further this pursuit," says Sid Paquette, Head, RBCx. "We are proud to be a leader in medical billing in Canada, helping to simplify and expedite the process for physicians to get paid for the incredibly important work that they do."

Jaime Wong, co-founder and CEO, MDBilling.ca, added, "We couldn't be happier. This is a great opportunity for our employees and clients, as we move into our next phase of growth, backed by the strength of RBC."

The financial terms of the deal are not being disclosed.

About MDBilling.ca

MDBilling.ca is a cloud-based medical billing company servicing physicians in Ontario and British Columbia, through their mobile and web billing applications. Founded in 2008 and used by close to 9,000 physicians, the Toronto-based company is one of the largest medical billing companies in Ontario. Learn more at MDBilling.ca.

About RBCx

RBCx powers bold ideas, founders, and technology companies. We know building great businesses takes more than just finance, which is why our four pillars – Banking, Capital, Platform, and Ventures – combine to make us the go-to backer of Canadian innovation. We use our deep expertise to support businesses of all sizes and stages, and leverage RBC's extensive experience, networks, and capital to solve tomorrow's big problems.

About RBC

Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 92,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.

SOURCE RBC

Joint survey underscores critical need for a Canadian National Vision Health Strategy to address eye health issues

Canadian Ophthalmological Society and Canadian Association of Optometrists partner to support private member's bill to create a Vision Health Desk

TORONTO, Oct. 4, 2022 /CNW/ - In time for World Sight Day on October 13, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society and the Canadian Association of Optometrists have collaborated for the first time on a joint access research survey in the field of vision health. The survey is part of a continued partnership that will support the federal government's progress toward creating a national vision health strategy, identify gaps in the system and guide interventions in the future in an effort to coordinate and address eye health issues across the country.

While the survey revealed some issues related to eye care access, mostly driven by the pandemic, it also pointed to greater challenges, including a lack of understanding among Canadians about their eye health. Among those who did not visit an eye care professional in more than two years, over one-third (37 per cent) of respondents say the biggest reason is because they believe that there is nothing wrong with their vision. Meanwhile, in the past two years, two in five (41 per cent) Canadians have experienced or been diagnosed with one or more changes to their eye health which would necessitate a comprehensive exam, and points to a greater need for education about eye disease and vision loss.

"Despite blindness being the most feared disability for the large majority of Canadians, we're seeing a persistent lack of education about eye health, specifically around the major eye diseases which increase the risk of blindness without proper intervention," says Dr. Phil Hooper, President of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society. "Vision loss carries significant costs on an individual level, but also to the public health purse. However, 75 per cent of visual impairment is avoidable if detected and treated early, while reducing government spending in the long run."

Canadians' familiarity with eye diseases 

The survey findings reveal that Canadians need more education and awareness of eye health and eye diseases, to fully understand the importance of regular, comprehensive exams. 

When it comes to Canadians' knowledge on the leading eye diseases, their awareness remains unchanged from last year's survey conducted by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society. Most are familiar (62 per cent) with cataracts, yet only one-quarter (27 per cent) of Canadians know that cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the country. Less than half (47 per cent) are familiar with glaucoma (this number decreases to 37 per cent for younger Canadians aged 18-34). Meanwhile, only 39 per cent are familiar with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which is the second leading cause of blindness, affecting nearly 2 million Canadians. Fewer are aware of diabetic retinopathy (22 per cent) and contact lens-associated dry eye disease (26 per cent).

"Blinding diseases affect older adults (55+) at much higher rates and as Canada's population ages, the number of individuals affected by vision impairment will rise," says Francois Couillard, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Association of Optometrists. "Given the importance of vision health and its effect on public health spending, the Government of Canada plays a critical role in developing vision health policies and all those involved in the delivery of eye health services have a role to play in supporting a successful outcome and pledges its ongoing collaboration to the realization of these objectives."

The survey findings underscore a critical need to create a National Vision Health Desk at the Public Health Agency of Canada that will develop and implement a National Vision Strategy. Last June the Honourable Judy Sgro, Member of Parliament for Humber River – Black Creek, introduced a Private Member's Bill, "An Act to establish a national strategy for eye care". The Vision Heath Desk would be responsible for the development and implementation of an evidence-based vision strategy that includes increased research funding, funding for public education and support, streamlining the approval process for new medicine and technology to treat/prevent vision loss, enhanced access to care for vulnerable populations, including Indigenous peoples, children, and seniors. 

To learn more about the four major eye diseases and get information on overall eye health, visit seethepossibilities.ca or Eye Health Library.

About the Survey

An online survey of 2003 Canadians aged 18+ was completed between June 10 and June 21, 2022, using Leger's online panel. No margin of error can be associated with a non-probability sample (i.e., a web panel in this case). For comparative purposes, though, a probability sample of 2003 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2.2%, 19 times out of 20. Leger's online panel has approximately 400,000 members nationally and has a retention rate of 90%.

About Canadian Ophthalmological Society

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) is the national, recognized authority on eye and vision care in Canada. As eye physicians and surgeons, we are committed to assuring the provision of optimal medical and surgical eye care for all Canadians by promoting excellence in ophthalmology and by providing services to support our members in practice. Our membership includes over 900 ophthalmologists and 200 ophthalmology residents. We work collaboratively with government, other national and international specialty societies, our academic communities (ACUPO), our provincial partners and affiliates and other eye care professionals and patient groups to advocate for health policy in Canada in the area of eye and vision health. COS is an accredited, award-winning provider of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) and is an affiliate of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). For more information, visit cos-sco.ca.

About Canadian Association of Optometrists 

Optometrists are independent primary health care providers and represent the front line of vision health. Optometrists practice in a range of settings: most work in private practice, others work in clinics, hospitals, community health centres, corporate optometry, research, teaching and administration. The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) is the national voice of optometry. Recognized at home and internationally as a leading advocate for the profession, it is dedicated to providing leadership and support to its +5700 members to enhance the delivery of healthy eyes and clear vision for all Canadians. For more information, visit www.opto.ca.   

SOURCE Canadian Ophthalmological Society

Rogers Bank launches the Rogers Connections Mastercard to deliver customers more value

New cash back rewards card delivers unique benefits designed especially for Rogers customers

Cardholders receive five Roam Like Home days at no cost and a 30% Rogers redemption bonus

TORONTO, Oct. 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rogers Bank today announced the launch of the new Rogers Connections™ Mastercard®, the latest in the company’s reward-rich suite of credit card options for Canadians. The new card delivers cash back rewards and tangible Rogers benefits, reaffirming Rogers commitment to providing innovative products and value to Rogers customers.

With the Rogers Connections Mastercard, Rogers Wireless customers can stay connected while travelling with five Roam Like Home™ days at no cost every year, just in time to help cardholders get more out of the winter travel season. This first-of-its-kind card benefit – available for travel in more than 185 destinations – provides up to $75 value each year and is only available from Rogers Bank.

Rogers Connections Mastercard cardholders also earn cash back on their everyday purchases, helping customers stretch their spending as rising prices put pressure on the consumer budget. Cardholders will earn 2% unlimited cash back on eligible U.S. dollar purchases and 1% unlimited cash back on other eligible purchases. Customers who apply today for the Rogers Connections Mastercard will get a welcome bonus of 10% cash back on all purchases for the first three months, up to a value of $100. Rogers customers can make their cash back rewards go even further with a 30% bonus on the earned cash back value when redeemed for Rogers phone upgrades, accessories, or to cover their monthly Rogers bill.

“At Rogers, we are wholeheartedly dedicated to delivering innovative products and services that enhance our customers’ experiences,” said Lisa Durocher, CEO, Rogers Bank and EVP, Financial and Emerging Services at Rogers Communications. “Our new Rogers Connections Mastercard is designed to unlock even more value for Rogers customers, rewarding cardholders with benefits that no other card can provide.”

The card has no annual fee for the first year. After the first year, the annual fee is $29, however the card provides an ongoing annual fee rebate if customers pay their monthly Rogers bill online with their Rogers Connections Mastercard.

The Latest Offering from Rogers Bank

The Rogers Connections Mastercard is the newest product from Rogers Bank, which has been delivering innovative credit cards to Canadians since 2013. Rogers Bank’s products and services are designed to maximize value for Rogers customers and provide ultimate flexibility, helping customers turn their everyday spending into infinite possibilities.

Rogers Bank credit card products are simple and easy to use, powered by the Rogers Bank App, helping customers manage their spending and accounts on the go, and allowing them to instantly redeem for rewards. Customers can also manage their finances and cashflow through Rogers Bank’s equal payment program for big ticket purchases.

Rogers Bank credit cards come with layers of security features, like transaction monitoring, alerts, and the benefit of zero liability in the event of unauthorized use, while also offering features like travel insurance on select cards and the ability to purchase optional balance protection to provide extra peace of mind.

Rogers Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rogers Communications Inc. For more information on the Rogers Connections Mastercard and complete terms and conditions, please visit: www.RogersBank.com/Connections.

About Rogers Communications Inc. 
Rogers is a leading Canadian technology and media company that provides communications services and entertainment to consumers and businesses. Rogers shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For more information, please visit: www.rogers.com or http://investors.rogers.com.

The Happy Clam Treads New Waters in Search of Harmonious Life

Boston, October 5, 2022 — Like clams finding nourishment from filter feeding, Rosemary Schmidt derives strength from taking in the bits and bytes of information swirling all around her and weaving it into a cohesive mosaic. Putting thoughts and ideas into a logical sequence that tells a story helps her make sense of a sometimes senseless world. 

“It’s as satisfying as kneading and shaping a bread dough,” she writes in the introduction to her latest book, The Happy Clam. “It’s both an itch and a need. What’s inside needs to be put in order.” 

The Happy Clam is a direct reflection of how Schmidt approaches life — by using the parts and pieces to form a cohesive whole. And it’s in that wholeness where harmony is possible, Schmidt posits. 

Weaving research from the fields of sociology, psychology and neurology with deeply personal, relatable anecdotes, Schmidt contemplates what brings people joy, how change happens and what makes people tick. 

The first half of the book lays the groundwork, ruminating on the benefits of being happier and why it is a worthwhile goal, and the myriad subtle but deliberate changes people can make to move the needle a tick or two. 


The second half pivots to a more narrative style, as Schmidt shares stories related to her time as a supervisor, the sudden loss of her sister, and her mother’s gradual decline and eventual passing. In its final chapters, the book takes a more philosophical and theological turn, getting at the heart of human relationships and how to make change happen.

“Without telling you what to do, The Happy Clam offers a roadmap and allows you to chart your own course,” Schmidt adds. “It will make you think and leave you smiling.”

About the Author

Rosemary A. Schmidt is a Boston-area author, blogger and geologist. She published her first book, Go Forward, Support! The Rugby of Life, in 2003, which explores life lessons drawn from the sport of rugby.


Schmidt holds a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from the University of Dayton and a Master of Science in geology from the University of Illinois. She works as a professional geologist. Originally from the Chicago area, Schmidt now resides near Boston with her spouse, Susan.

Visit her blog at www.happyclam.net, or follow her on Twitter at @GainlineRS. 

 

The Happy Clam

Publisher: Gainline Press

ISBN-10: ‎ 0970852827 

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0970852823 

Available from Amazon.comBN.com, and many other online sellers and independent bookstores

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WELLPATH COLLABORATES WITH HI-BRIDGE HIE AND MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE TO PROVIDE IMPROVED CARE DELIVERY FOR GEORGIA CORRECTIONAL PATIENTS

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Wellpath recently announced an alliance with the Morehouse School of Medicine and the HI-BRIDGE Health Information Exchange (HIE) to electronically share real-time correctional patient health information for care delivery throughout 70 facilities in Georgia. This alliance enables the exchange of real-time, secure healthcare data between the HIE and Wellpath’s electronic health record platform, Electronic Records Management Application (ERMA). The data can include medication history, prior diagnoses, allergies, and lab reports from any one of the many contributing sources. The bi-directional data flow between Wellpath and HI-BRIDGE HIE also enables clinical services provided by Wellpath to be added to the patient record and shared with other local and national healthcare providers and organizations when the patient seeks medical care following release. “Communication is crucial as it relates to healthcare delivery in our facilities and incorporating this model will help ensure information is being shared efficiently and in real-time,” said Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Timothy C. Ward.  “We appreciate our partners at Wellpath and their commitment to continuous process improvement involving healthcare for our offender population.” The HI-BRIDGE HIE is an independent regional information exchange established through the National Center for Primary Care at Morehouse School of Medicine and connected to the Georgia Health Information Network (GaHIN). The simplified exchange of comprehensive, real-time patient health information supports care coordination and optimal health outcomes by eliminating disparities and improving access to health information. The Wellpath/HI-BRIDGE HIE relationship goes back to 2017, connecting a network of local county jails with the exchange of patient health information. “This is a unique model of data exchange partners covering public, private, and academic experts,” said Carmen L. Hughes, MBA, executive director, HI-BRIDGE HIE. “Through the partnership, Wellpath clinicians will have patient clinical records at the point of care or in a healthcare crisis; this is critical for continuity of patient care,” Hughes said. Wellpath continuously seeks ways to improve the quality of healthcare delivered to its patients. “Health Information Exchanges are an important component in the delivery of quality healthcare, and we believe our patients are best served when we provide them with the most informed care possible,” said Jorge Dominicis, CEO of Wellpath. “When one of our healthcare professionals meets a patient for the first time and immediately has access to the patient’s entire medical history, that patient can receive optimal care, and that is always our goal.” Wellpath expanded its relationship with Morehouse School of Medicine in November 2021 by helping to offer an Online Education and Expanded Programs (OEEP) certificate that promotes health equity for justice-involved individuals. Wellpath clinicians are helping build another course on the impact of social determinants of health (SDoH) in correctional settings, with the goal to encourage community resources that eliminate barriers to care for justice-served patients. “This special relationship in education between Wellpath and Morehouse began in November 2021 when the two organizations recognized the need for medical programs focused on incarcerated patients,” explained Dominic H. Mack, MD, MBA, executive medical director, HI-BRIDGE HIE, director, National Center for Primary Care, and faculty member for Family Medicine, at the Morehouse School of Medicine. “Together, we designed a self-directed online certificate for coaches wanting to help justice-involved individuals. Technology plays a significant role in primary care practice,” said Dr. Mack. Students with a bachelor’s degree are guaranteed admission into Morehouse School of Medicine, pending SACSCOC approval of a Master of Administration in Justice-Involved Care (MAJIC) degree program. They also receive a scholarship, he said. ### ABOUT WELLPATHWellpath is the premier provider of localized, high-quality, compassionate care to vulnerable patients in challenging clinical environments. Wellpath holds patients at the center of everything we do and promotes rigorous standards of care and innovation. With over 14,200 clinicians and professionals in 36 states across the U.S. and Australia, Wellpath provides medical and mental healthcare services for over 240,000 patients daily in more than 550 facilities, including prisons, jails, state hospitals, forensic treatment, civil commitment centers, and community care centers. Learn more at www.wellpathcare.comABOUT MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINEFounded in 1975, Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is among the nation’s leading educators of primary care physicians, biomedical scientists, and public health professionals. An independent and private historically Black medical school, MSM was recognized by the Annals of Internal Medicine as the nation’s number one medical school in fulfilling the creation and advancement of health equity. MSM faculty and alums are known for excellence in teaching, research, public policy, and exceptional patient care. The Commission accredits MSM on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award doctoral and master’s degrees. To learn more about programs and donate today, please visit www.msm.edu or call 404-752-1500. ABOUT THE HI-BRIDGE HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE (HIE)HI-BRIDGE HIE is an independent regional exchange established through the National Center for Primary Care at Morehouse School of Medicine and connected to the Georgia Health Information Network (GaHIN). The regional exchange, based in Atlanta, provides interoperability through integrated technology and clinical support service to meet the needs of smaller practices, health systems, and other providers of healthcare delivery for the electronic exchange of patient clinical information. Screen Shot 2022-10-04 at 10.52.50 AM.png Wellpath / 3340 Perimeter Hill Drive / Nashville, TN 37211   www.wellpathcare.com