Not so charitable; price gouging at nonprofit hospitals forces patients to seek nontraditional health care options
Katy Talento: ‘Very few nonprofit hospitals comply with federal law regarding price transparency — I wonder what they’re hiding?’
WASHINGTON D.C. — The majority of U.S. hospitals are designated as “nonprofit” tax-exempt organizations. These hospitals, key sellers of services in the “$4-trillion U.S. healthcare system,” often claim religious affiliation or pedigree, charitable care and other community service required by federal law, but these claims are not always backed up by compelling evidence.
For instance, non-profit hospitals have also been found to spin off their own collection agencies and sue some their poorest patients for payment, even though the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has warned against these practices. Despite the federal statute indicating “nonprofit hospitals should not engage in extraordinary collection actions before making a reasonable effort to determine whether someone is eligible for financial assistance,” these hospitals will pursue even their own low-paid employees with aggressive collection practices.
“People are often shocked when they discover the not-so-charitable truth about their local ‘nonprofit’ hospital,” said Katy Talento, executive director of Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries (The Alliance, ahcsm.org). “Very few comply with federal law regarding price transparency — I wonder what they’re hiding? Hospitals are the most notorious price-gougers in the health care industry, even and especially for patients with health insurance that’s supposed to protect them from such financial abuse. It’s no wonder that super-frustrated patients look for alternatives to traditional health insurance when trying to find a way to manage financial risk in health care.”
In one of the nastier examples of price gouging, the LA Times exposed one nonprofit hospital for the unconscionable real time price mark up of 675%. The article said the arbitrary rapacious price increases are stunningly “routine,” and that hospital software actually includes the “formula” for price hikes. Despite these hostile tactics, there are ways to fight the system and obtain price transparency, according to Talento.
“Health Care Sharing Ministries are the off ramp; they can offer a potential alternative to the unholy alliance between tax exempt hospitals and health insurers that drives patient out-of-pocket costs higher and higher,” Talento said. “Hospitals will maintain predatory practices until enough of us push back. Members of Health Care Sharing Ministries often benefit from discounted cash rates for care, significantly lower than the so-called ‘discounts’ obtained from health insurers.”
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries is a 501(c)(6) trade organization representing the common interests of Health Care Sharing Ministry organizations which are facilitating the sharing of health care needs (financial, emotional, and spiritual) by individuals and families, and their participants. The Alliance engages with federal and state regulators, members of the media, and the Christian community to provide accurate and timely information on medical cost sharing.
To learn more about the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries, visit www.ahcsm.org or follow the ministry on Facebook or Twitter.
SOLVE FSHD invests US$3 million in Altay Therapeutics
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SOLVE FSHD, a venture-philanthropy organization catalyzing the pace of innovation to accelerate a cure for FSHD, announced today an investment of US$3 million in Altay Therapeutics; a company focused on developing lifesaving therapies by targeting disease-causing transcription factors. This investment will support Altay Therapeutics’ unique approach to finding an inhibitor of DUX4, a key transcription factor implicated in FSHD, that could provide an effective disease-modifying treatment.
“We are excited to partner with Altay Therapeutics and help accelerate the discovery and development of much-needed therapies for FSHD. Altay Therapeutics’ unique platform technology will help to identify and accelerate novel and targeted treatments for FSHD,” says Dr. Eva Chin, Executive Director, SOLVE FSHD. “SOLVE FSHD’s targeted investment into Altay Therapeutics will support the company’s growth and will help identify a DUX4 inhibitor for clinical trials. This marks an integral step in executing on Founder Chip Wilson’s vision of being a catalyst to a cure for FSHD,” says Dr. Eva Chin, Executive Director, SOLVE FSHD.
“We are honoured to work with SOLVE FSHD and Dr. Chin to fast-track our research and to collaborate to find a cure for FSHD. Our focused research will not only support those who suffer from this rare disease but could enhance the health of all aging humans,” says Dr. Ali Ozes, Co-Founder and CEO, Altay Therapeutics.
Altay Therapeutics’ Board of Directors will be led by Mr. Eric Bjerkholt, Chairman, with Dr. Eva Chin, Executive Director for SOLVE FSHD and Dr. Ali Ozes, Co-Founder and CEO of Altay Therapeutics, as directors.
Mr. Bjerkholt holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and an Economics Degree from the University of Oslo in Norway. He brings over 25 years of leadership experience in finance, corporate strategy and operations in the healthcare and biotechnology industries. Mr. Bjerkholt is Chinook Therapeutics Inc.’s CFO and serves on several Boards of publicly traded companies.
Dr. Eva Chin was appointed as the inaugural Executive Director for SOLVE FSHD and has more than 25 years of experience in biomedical research, including the discovery and clinical development of muscle-targeted therapies for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and myasthenia gravis (MG).
Dr. Ozes Co-Founded Altay Therapeutics with his father, Dr. Osman Ozes, in 2019 and under his leadership, Altay was accepted into the prestigious accelerator for start-ups, Y-Combinator. Using their platform technology, they discovered three first-in-class inhibitors, one of which targeted DUX4, a key driver of FSHD. The vision for Altay Therapeutics is to be a leader in targeting disease-causing transcription factors and extend the lifespan of patients suffering from debilitating diseases.
About Solve FSHD SOLVE FSHD, based out of Vancouver, BC, is funding innovative biotech and biopharma research and development activities that accelerate novel treatments of Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) treatment. It is fully funded and created by Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist Chip Wilson, the founder of technical apparel company lululemon athletica inc. Chip has been living with FSHD for the past three decades of his life. He has committed $100 million of his own money to create SOLVE FSHD and kick-start funding into projects that fit the organization’s mission to accelerate research into new therapies and find a cure for the disorder by 2027. https://solvefshd.com/
If you have FSHD and want to find out about clinical trials or be included in the FSHD registry, please see Solve FSHD’s website - https://solvefshd.com/
About Altay Therapeutics Altay Therapeutics is a team of scientists with expertise in transcription factor biology and clinical drug development, whose integrated approach to drug development includes biochemical assays, next-generation computational biology and chemoproteomics. Altay Therapeutic’s mission is to develop more specific and safer therapies to extend the lives of patients via their proprietary platform and drug development approach by developing novel small molecule drugs targeting disease-causing transcription factors to treat chronic illnesses and cancers. https://www.altaytherapeutics.com/
SAFE Method Promotes Peace, Empowerment After Trauma
Princeton, NJ, September 21, 2022 — Surviving sexual assault, attempted suicide and an arranged marriage is one thing. Processing all of that pain and living a full life proved to be something entirely different for speaker and author Poonam Bhuchar.
“In the shadows of emotional pain, survival can take priority over healing,” Bhuchar said. “Lasting reverberations of traumatic experiences can cripple decision-making skills, creep into relationships and leave scars on the people you love.”
Eventually, Bhuchar’s emotional trauma also took a physical toll. She suffered two strokes and temporary paralysis before beginning her long journey toward authentic healing.
Today, she shares her powerful story through speaking engagements and her book, SAFE From the Pain: Out of the Darkness Into a Life That’s Free, Happy, and Good.
Part memoir, part self-help revelation, SAFE From the Pain pairs Bhuchar’s inspiring story with the SAFE Method, which aims to help readers process emotional pain in healthy, productive ways so they can lead more fulfilling personal and professional lives.
In SAFE From the Pain, readers will learn:
- The four-step SAFE Method for working through emotions and regaining control.
- The impact that stress from emotional pain has on every aspect of life — including the workplace.
- How to overcome a victim mindset and accept responsibility — because ownership leads to action.
- Three types of forgiveness for freedom from society’s expectations, cultural beliefs and self-judgment.
- Why embracing one’s journey is essential to happiness, a bigger life purpose and alignment with one’s true self.
“Peace and empowerment after trauma are possible when you embrace your pain as part of your story,” Bhuchar said. “You can’t move forward if you live in the past.”
About the Author
Poonam Bhuchar runs a boutique law firm, is a life coach, author and a speaker on overcoming trauma and emotional pain. Born and raised in London, she immigrated to the United States at 21 and experienced a multitude of painful challenges such as sexual assault, abuse, and the aftermath and cultural humiliation of divorce. Throughout her journey, she developed the SAFE Method to help others acknowledge, discuss, and grow from their emotional pain without stigma or judgement. Her book, SAFE From the Pain: Out of the Darkness Into a Life That’s Free, Happy, and Good, has won multiple awards in the self-help category, including a five-star review from Literary Titan.
For more information, please visit www.emotionallysafe.com, or connect with the author on Facebook (emotionally safe) and Instagram (emotionally_safe).
SAFE From the Pain: Out of the Darkness Into a Life That’s Free, Happy, and Good Publisher: RI Publishing
Crohn's and Colitis Canada Awards 15 Post-Secondary Students a $5,000 Scholarship Through the 2022 AbbVie IBD Scholarship Program
Inaugural scholarship launched in memory of early grant recipient, Clinton Shard
TORONTO, Sept. 21, 2022 /CNW/ - Crohn's and Colitis Canada awarded 15 post-secondary students each with a $5,000 AbbVie IBD Scholarship Program grant. One deserving recipient has also been awarded the Clinton Shard Memorial grant. Clinton was an inaugural grant recipient in 2012 who made significant contributions to the IBD community and those around him, and peacefully passed away in 2022. This will become an annual grant.
"Back-to-school can look a little different when you are immunocompromised, especially after the past two plus years, and we're thrilled to help offset costs for these truly inspiring students," said Lori Radke, President and CEO of Crohn's and Colitis Canada. "We are committed to supporting the growing number of Canadians living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, whether through grants, research or other forms of action."
"At AbbVie, we strive to empower Canadians with IBD to live their life to the fullest, which is why we are so proud to partner with Crohn's and Colitis Canada on this meaningful program," said Tracey Ramsay, Vice President and General Manager of AbbVie Canada. "Too many students living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis must delay post-secondary education because of their disease. We are pleased these scholarships will play a role to support the pursuit of advanced academic studies for students living with IBD so that they too can live their best lives."
"Clinton was a bright light in the lives of everyone he touched, and honouring his legacy of positivity, perseverance and giving back through this annual grant allows Clinton's memory to continue to inspire others," said Wendy Shard, Clinton's mother. "We've seen firsthand the challenges of living with a chronic, immune compromising disease; this is an opportunity to support someone else's journey."
Crohn's and Colitis Canada and AbbVie Canada congratulate the recipients of the 2022 AbbVie IBD Scholarship:
Léa Caplan – University of Calgary
(Brian) Hsien Heng Chou – University of British Columbia
Kacie Haberlin – University of British Columbia
Yasaman Bahojb Habibyan – University of Alberta
Demetrius Kuc – University of Alberta
Taylor Morganstein – McGill University
Samantha (Sam) Morin – McMaster University
(Adrian) Graem Morphy – Toronto Metropolitan University
Ashley Patel – Toronto Metropolitan University
Harleen Randhawa – McMaster University
Hailey Rocha – University of Toronto
Sophia Russo – University of British Columbia
(Jules) Julia Verdugo – McMaster University
Kaylee Wilmot-Joe – University of New Brunswick
Camille Zimmer – University of Victoria
The Prevalence of Crohn's and Colitis in Canada
Canada has one of the highest incidence rates of inflammatory bowel disease in the world – the main forms of IBD being Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Affecting one in 140 (300,000) Canadians, Crohn's and colitis are growing across Canada. Researchers estimate that the number of people impacted will rise to 400,000 Canadians by 2030. These chronic diseases can be diagnosed at any age, but the typical age of onset is early adulthood, typically between age 20-29 – a time when young adults are pursuing post-secondary education and taking the first step into their career. Crohn's and colitis cause the body to attack healthy tissue in the bowels, which causes inflammation of all or part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The most common symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, internal bleeding, and the unpredictable and urgent need to use the washroom.
More about the AbbVie IBD Scholarship Program
Crohn's and Colitis Canada partnered with AbbVie Canada in 2012 to launch the national AbbVie IBD Scholarship Program to support students in achieving their academic goals while they make a lasting and meaningful difference in their communities.
Since its inception, the AbbVie IBD Scholarship Program has awarded 124 grants to deserving post-secondary students. This money helps immunocompromised students spend more time on their studies, pursue their passions and get involved with causes close to their hearts, since the disruptive and debilitating nature of the diseases affects one's ability to attend class or work to support tuition and other educational expenses.
The Inaugural Grant in Memory of Clinton Shard
Clinton Shard was an inaugural recipient of the AbbVie IBD Scholarship Program in 2012, a giver in every sense of the word, a true lover of nature and the outdoors, and never let his disease define him. But above all else, he was a beacon of positivity and inspiration. Diagnosed with Crohn's at age 12, Clinton lived every day with the mindset that an IBD diagnosis should not stop anyone from achieving their goals. Not only has Clinton been an important member of the Canadian Crohn's and colitis community, given back and supported others, but he also celebrated several great achievements, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at age 16 and joining an expedition to Everest Base Camp in Nepal the subsequent year. His final act of selflessness and inspiration was to begin the process of setting up a grant in his memory to alleviate stress for others along their journeys with IBD. This came to fruition through the Clinton Shard Memorial AbbVie IBD Scholarship, which will be an annual grant of $5,000 to one Canadian post-secondary student.
To learn more about the AbbVie IBD Scholarship Program and the recipients, please visit ibdscholarship.ca.
About Crohn's and Colitis Canada
Crohn's and Colitis Canada is on a relentless journey to find the cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and improve the lives of everyone affected by these chronic diseases. Collectively with the support of volunteers, researchers, donors and the community, we are transforming the lives of people affected by Crohn's and colitis through research, patient programs, advocacy, and awareness. For more information, visit crohnsandcolitis.ca and follow us @getgutsycanada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
About AbbVie Canada
We're a company that takes on the toughest health challenges.
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.caand www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbviecanada on Twitter or find us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
SOURCE Crohn's & Colitis Canada
Faith and First Responders: How Believing in a Higher Power Can Promote Healing
Antioch, CA, September 21, 2022 — If he were given a chance to travel back in time, make different choices and avoid a prison sentence, Norm Wielsch says he would decline the offer. In 2013, the former undercover narcotic agent was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after he pled guilty to corruption charges, and it was there, behind prison walls, where he finally found healing through faith.
“If you don’t believe in a higher power, there’s no rhyme or reason to life,” Wielsch said in a recent interview. “Life is just a series of incidents that happen. But if you truly believe that there is a higher power, and there’s a reason for things that happen, I believe that you can adjust to it, and cope with it a little bit better.”
As a police officer for 25 years, Wielsch witnessed his share of trauma and would later fall into a downward spiral following his own diagnosis of PTSD. He served 8 years of his 14-year sentence and emerged from federal prison determined to help others — particularly first responders — heal from trauma.
Wielsch’s new book, Christ Centered Healing of Trauma: Healing a Broken Heart (and companion small group study guide), teaches foundational principles and tools for resolving issues related to traumatic life events.
Readers will learn how trauma affects the heart, body and soul; how to manage emotions; how to identify the root cause of emotional pain; and how to begin the healing process.
Through a bible study portion, readers will learn God's plan for salvation and healing. Included are numerous sample prayers to guide readers through the healing process.
Wielsch’s Christ-Centered healing method was originally designed to minister to first responders and combat veterans but is also appropriate for counselors, pastors, chaplains and anyone whose lives are impacted by trauma.
“This book is not only for the victims of trauma, but for their husbands, wives, daughters, sons and parents who suffer right along with them,” Wielsch said. “They are wounded people as well. Hurt people, hurt people. Since our families are the closest to us, we tend to hurt them more than we intend.”
About the Author
Norm Wielsch was a law enforcement officer for over 25 years — 16 of those as an undercover narcotic agent. In 1998, he was diagnosed with an incurable neuro-muscular disease, and after more than 30 surgeries, he became addicted to opioids. Wielsch was diagnosed with PTSD, and then his daughter was diagnosed with a serious illness and given a poor prognosis. In a downward spiral, Wielsch made a series of bad decisions that landed him in federal prison.
While incarcerated, he obtained a master’s degree in Theology and Counseling, a Doctorate in Christian Counseling, and a Drug and Alcohol Counseling Degree. He currently works at a men's residential treatment facility as a registered alcohol and drug counselor and pastoral care provider. He is a working credentialed chaplain who hopes to one day launch a first responder ministry.
Wielsch also has a master’s degree in Law Enforcement Management and is an expert in law enforcement tactics, criminal investigations, pursuit driving, high risk search warrant service, PTSD and the police culture.
A Recession-Proof Perspective: Easier Shares 60 Insights Into Resilience
Houston, TX, September 21, 2022― What could be worse than being fired via Zoom? In business coach Chris Westfall’s powerful new book, Easier: 60 Ways to Make Your Work Life Work for You, readers witness the story of one man’s incredibly difficult circumstances and his gradual awakening to new possibilities. It’s a framework that Westfall posits can be applied to virtually any source of frustration.
“Even in the midst of whatever it is that you’re going through — and I know that’s a broad statement … I don’t know everything that everyone is going through — but it is a universal truth, for all of us, that possibilities always exist,” Westfall said in a recent interview.
Accessing new ideas and possibilities in Westfall’s narrative is simpler than readers will find in other self-help books because Easier is told as a relatable, straightforward conversation between a Client and a Coach. The Client is ambushed at work. He’s fired on a Monday morning. He believes his wife will leave him as a result. He’s afraid that he can’t pay his bills.
From this life-after-career-death story, new discoveries bloom, revealing 60 insights into resilience, resourcefulness, self-leadership and more. With each new concept, readers can find their perspectives shifting from “How will I ever get through this?” to “What can I gain from this?”
Westfall’s insights can be applied not just to the workplace, but to all aspects of life.
“The obligations are the obligations, the duties are the duties, the deadlines are the deadlines, the sharks are still the sharks,” Westfall said. “But when you show up differently, the conversation can change.”
Ultimately, Easier takes an even-handed look at how things work — using neuroscience, history and powerful coaching examples to impart fresh perspectives that are vital for companies striving to create inclusive cultures, for organizations seeking to expand innovation and for individuals who want to deepen their relationships through understanding.
“When it looks like life and career and communication and everything else is breaking down, it’s time to break free,” Westfall said. “It’s time to access a kind of personal freedom that allows you to make different choices. To see things in a different way. People around the world are looking for more personal freedom, more encouragement and more possibility.”
About the Author
Chris Westfall is one of the most sought-after business coaches and keynote speakers in the world. He helped launch over five dozen businesses and has appeared on ABC NEWS, NBC TV and CNN. A regular contributor to Forbes, he has worked with thousands of leaders at Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations and high-tech startups. A coach to entrepreneurs and executives around the globe, his clients have appeared on Shark Tank, Dragon’s Den and Shark Tank-Australia. He regularly consults with top-tier universities and is the author of three other books, including Leadership Language.
For more information, please visit http://westfallonline.com or http://easier-book.com. You can also follow Westfall on Twitter (westfallonline), Instagram (westfallonline) or Facebook (easierbook).
Easier: 60 Ways to Make Your Work Life Work for You
FOUR20, One of Alberta’s Largest Cannabis Retailers, Opens its Doors in Ontario
Alberta’s community retailer brings its educational expertise and unique customer experience to a new province
Toronto, ON, Sept. 22, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FOUR20 announces the opening of its first Ontario location with the retail store based in Kitchener, a city in southeastern Ontario. The opening is the first step in FOUR20’s expansion into the Ontario market with a focus on providing accessible cannabis education, improving the customer experience, and creating a confident budtender sales force.
“With the company seeing exponential growth in Alberta since its inception, the FOUR20 team has been looking forward to expanding into a new province and we are very excited for Kitchener to be the first location we open in Ontario,” said Amber Craig, Chief Merchandising Officer. “Our goal is to continue investing in our customers, providing transparency, education, accessibility, and inclusivity within cannabis through a best in-store experience.”
According to the Globe & Mail, the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) commented that cannabis consumers are favourably disposed to in-store shopping with only 4% of retail sales made through the OCS website. FOUR20 has created a program that is designed for the cannabis community fostering strong relationships in the industry, providing customers with a source of trusted information, and curating an inclusive environment.
To align with the company’s values of accountability, community, innovation, and service, FOUR20 has built an industry-leading education platform for their employees that will be implemented in all new locations. This platform includes education on the latest product innovations and critical cannabis knowledge to ensure customers receive the best shopping experience in-store.
In the company’s quest to continue bringing first-class cannabis education to its customers, FOUR20 has brought cannabis experts to its leadership team. Dr. Ife Abiola, VP of Advocacy & Education, joined the 420 Clinic in 2016 and has become a recognized authority in the scientific and medical applications of cannabis. “With education at the forefront of our company ethos, providing education accessibility to our budtenders is of most importance,” says Dr. Ife Abiola. “We offer enhanced product knowledge and provide an understanding of the regulations required to operate successfully within a Canadian retail cannabis outlet.”
With FOUR20’s expansion into Ontario, the company continues to provide accessible cannabis education to the masses. As a retailer designed for the cannabis community, FOUR20’s new location is the beginning of its journey within Ontario offering a best-in-class retail experience.
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About FOUR20: Our mantra has always been the same – to approach cannabis in a socially responsible manner, ensuring we’re providing our consumers with the best products, information, and customer service to guide your cannabis experience. We’re avid learners, caring community members, and changemakers. We’re a company committed to bringing on passionate individuals who are willing to lean into a new industry with enthusiasm and a strong desire to learn, and we like to have a little fun along the way.
for its pioneering cardiac bypass technology
Medical 21 secures up to $20 million commitment
for its pioneering cardiac bypass technology
Globally recognized entrepreneur and medical device developer Manny Villafaña PhD Sc. secures additional financing to accelerate his latest venture.
Minneapolis, MN – September 19, 2022 – Medical 21, a medtech company aiming to transform heart bypass surgery with a revolutionary artificial graft, says it has successfully closed a $20 million commitment pursuant to Regulation D, Rule 506(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to implement its business plan.
Caption: Medical 21 secures up to $20 million commitment for its pioneering cardiac bypass technology
The investor opened with $2.5 million at closing and has discretion to invest another $2.5 million or more every ten months up to a total investment of $20 million.
Medical 21 was founded by Manny Villafaña PhD Sc., whose previous heart innovations have positively impacted five million people, while his seven earlier medtech ventures included three exits totaling $57.4 billion in shareholder value through acquisitions by Abbott, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic.
Such achievements have earned Dr. Villafaña a reputation as the “Living Legend of Medicine,” and he expects Medical 21 to be his greatest: “With our experience and successes, we are ready to pursue the “holy grail” of cardiac surgery and its great market potential: a small diameter graft for bypass surgery that has evaded manufacturers and health institutions for 50 years.”
Medical 21’s breakthrough is set to drastically improve the recovery of heart bypass patients and assist cardiac surgeons by reducing time in the operating room.
The $20 million commitment will accelerate development of Medical 21’s artificial graft in preparation for a U.S. Food & Drug Administration Early Feasibility Study (EFS), likely to go live before the end of 2022.
Caption: Dr Manny Villafana, Founder & CEO Medical 21 and Living Medtech Legend
Dr. Villafaña is the Founder of Cardiac Pacemakers Inc./Guidant (acquired by Boston Scientific), Founder of St. Jude Medical (acquired by Abbott), and Founder of ATS Medical (acquired by Medtronic) for more than $50 billion in total shareholder value. He added:
“Medical 21 is the company I'm by far most excited about because of its enormous potential to improve conditions for the millions of coronary artery heart bypass surgery patients. It could be the biggest ever cardiac surgery innovation because it avoids the painful and invasive ‘harvesting’ of the patient’s own blood vessels to supply the heart bypass grafts.”
Medical 21 will also continue to seek further capital through its current $40 million Regulation A+ equity crowdfunding offering, with strategic guidance from Medical Funding Professionals (MFP) and its partner Life Science Intelligence (LSI). A copy of the Regulation A+ offering circular, along with how to invest can be found on Medical21’s website here. Prospective investors in the Regulation A+ offering should read the offering circular before making any investment.
Dr. Villafaña added: "We see crowdfunding as the 21st century way to fund a company and bring such a life-changing solution to market. Scott Pantel of Life Science Intelligence (LSI) and Stephen Brock of Medical Funding Professionals (MFP) lead our efforts and continue to do an outstanding job, not only for the investment offering but also building exposure to a broader investor network.”
MFP CEO Stephen Brock said: “We all know about the devastating impacts of cardiovascular disease and how intrusive and painful current bypass procedures can be. Medical 21’s technology will potentially revolutionize how these surgeries are conducted and eradicate suffering.”
Scott Pantel, CEO of LSI - a MFP strategic partner – said: “This recent investment is a huge vote of confidence in Medical 21 and demonstrates substantial interest from investors to get involved in exciting medtech companies. Medical 21 is going after a big problem and investors want to get involved so they can do good; they are following someone who has an enviable and proven track record in delivering innovation for patients in this field.
D-BOX and Cinemark Strengthen Long-term Relationship with 36 New Auditoriums in 12 Theatres Across the USA
The expansion rewards moviegoers’ strong appetite for a premium theatre experience
MONTRÉAL, Sept. 22, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- D-BOX Technologies Inc. (“D-BOX” or the “Corporation”) (TSX: DBO), a world leader in haptic and immersive entertainment, together with Cinemark Holdings Inc. (“Cinemark”), one of the largest motion picture exhibitors in the world, are pleased to announce a new agreement to install D-BOX haptic recliner seats in 12 additional locations (36 new auditoriums), increasing the total number of Cinemark auditoriums with D-BOX technology to nearly 300 throughout the United States. With these luxurious haptic recliners, D-BOX continues to enhance the entertainment experience, immersing people in the storyline by perfectly synchronizing the action on the screen with patented individual motion control in the seats.
“Cinemark is capitalizing on D-BOX’s record summer in terms of occupancy and the post-COVID growing trend amongst moviegoers who are seeking unparalleled premium entertainment experiences. Audiences are excited to return to the theatre and are willing to pay more for a premium and unique experience such as D-BOX. There’s something really different about the way you connect with the content and how you focus on the story when you’re in a D-BOX seat. This immersive haptic experience is captivating audiences everywhere,” declared Sébastien Mailhot, President and CEO of D-BOX. “As a longstanding D-BOX partner, Cinemark understands what moviegoers are looking for and the advantage D-BOX brings to their premium offering.”
With the pandemic having reshaped many aspects of the theatrical experience, D-BOX has increased its presence, with these latest additions, to over 810 auditoriums located across the globe.
ABOUT D-BOX D-BOX creates and redefines realistic, immersive entertainment experiences by moving the body and sparking the imagination through effects: motion, vibration and texture. D-BOX has collaborated with some of the best companies in the world to deliver new ways to enhance great stories. Whether it’s movies, video games, music, relaxation, virtual reality applications, metaverse experience, themed entertainment or professional simulation, D-BOX creates a feeling of presence that makes life resonate like never before. D-BOX Technologies Inc. (TSX: DBO) is headquartered in Montreal with offices in Los Angeles, USA and Beijing, China. Visit D-BOX.com.
ABOUT CINEMARK HOLDINGS INC. Headquartered in Plano, TX, Cinemark (NYSE: CNK) is one of the largest and most influential movie theatre companies in the world. Cinemark’s circuit, comprised of various brands that also include Century, Tinseltown and Rave, operates 521 theatres in 42 states domestically and 15 countries throughout South and Central America. Cinemark consistently provides an extraordinary guest experience from the initial ticket purchase to the closing credits, including Movie Club, the industry-leading exhibitor-launched subscription program and the first to reach the one-million-member milestone; the highest Luxury Lounger recliner seat penetration among the major players; XD - the No. 1 exhibitor-brand premium large format; and expansive food and beverage options to further enhance the moviegoing experience. For more information go to https://investors.cinemark.com/
FOREVER BRANDS LAUNCHES SUPERFOOD POWDER LONGEVITY BY BROOKE BURKE BODY LOS ANGELES, CA - September 22, 2022 - The next evolution of Brooke Burke Body begins today with the launch of Longevity: a nutrient dense, plant-based superfood free of wheat, gluten, and dairy. Through an online subscription, Longevity superfood blends can become part of your daily routine to provide more energy, better focus, increased endurance, and faster recovery in as little as seven to 10 days of regular use. The foundational launch includes two carefully crafted, proprietary blends made up of the ideal combination of non-GMO, raw, organic, plant-based superfoods in either Cacao or Cafe Mocha flavor. Each flavor blend is packed with therapeutic levels of chia seed, flaxseed, green tea, probiotics, goji, and more in a single scoop serving. These carefully selected and concentrated nutrients, along with an active and healthy lifestyle, can improve overall physical and mental health and well-being. Consumers can find custom recipes that are simple and easy to follow on the Longevity website and via Longevity’s Instagram and TikTok channels, as well as on BrookeBurke.com and the Brooke Burke Body fitness app.
Longevity aims to simplify wellness by creating natural, energizing products that work in harmony with consumers’ daily routines and allow them take control of their health. “The ingredients in Longevity have been part of my personal health and wellness routine so I can say with confidence THEY WORK!” said Brooke Burke, Founder and CEO of Brooke Burke Body. “Brooke Burke Body has always been about making exercise and nutrition available to everyBODY - no matter your fitness level, access to gym equipment, or time commitment. I am thrilled to team up with Forever Brands to bring Longevity to the world and further showcase how simple health and wellness can truly be.” Brooke Burke is a mother, author, entrepreneur, fitness educator, philanthropist, television personality, and the Founder and CEO of Brooke Burke Body. Recognized for many network television stints, Brooke is most recently known for winning season seven and hosting seasons 10-17 of “Dancing with the Stars.” A social media influencer with nearly 4 million combined followers, Burke was named by Forbes as one of America's top 10 moms to follow. She is a content creator, a fitness influencer, and an encourager of all things health and wellness. Longevity is now available direct-to-consumer on www.longevitybybrookeburkebody.com with prices ranging from $39.95 - $57.95 with subscriptions options available.
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