Recent Studies Indicate Brain Training May Provide New Path to Treat Mental Illness
(SAN FRANCISO) Three recently published studies add significant new evidence that brain training exercises may provide a new path for treating schizophrenia – one of the most challenging and costly forms of mental illness to treat. All three studies used brain exercises from Posit Science, the maker of BrainHQ exercises and assessments.
As published in Schizophrenia Bulletin, the TRuSST Study found that a remotely-administered computerized intervention can improve social cognition in people with schizophrenia. The researchers randomized 147 patients at medical centers in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis into an intervention group training on game-like brain exercises from Posit Science and a control group training on computer games, such as crossword puzzles and solitaire. The study found that training on the exercises for only 28 hours over the course of 3 months significantly improved performance on standard assessments of social cognition, as compared to the control group.
Deficits in social cognition – the cognitive abilities needed to recognize social cues and to successfully interact with others – are a common symptom of schizophrenia that complicate the treatment, relationships and lives of people with schizophrenia. While there is a widely-recognized link between such deficits and poor functional outcomes and illness measures for this population, the researchers note that “no effective treatment for these deficits is applied as a standard of care.”
The researchers reported that, to their knowledge, this is the first study of online training with an active control to show improvement in social cognition, and the largest such study conducted with a remote intervention. The study did not show a significant difference in a functional performance primary measure (which did not target social cognition). However, it did show a significant improvement on a secondary functional measure, which measured the speed and accuracy of activities in a virtual environment.
“To develop these social cognition training exercises, we analyzed a tremendous amount of prior research about how the brain processes social information,” said Dr. Mor Nahum, who led the study while at Posit Science. “It turns out that social cognition requires fast and accurate brain information processing – so we developed exercises that trained the brain to process social stimuli, like faces and emotions, quickly and accurately.”
Dr. Henry Mahncke, CEO of Posit Science, added “We then realized that nearly all of us can benefit from being better in social situations – quickly and accurately reading facial expressions, recognizing people, and recalling facts about them – and decided to include several of these exercises in the commercial version of BrainHQ, under the category People Skills.”
Another study conducted in Brazil and published in Schizophrenia Bulletin compared two groups using different exercises in BrainHQ. One group did visual exercises, while the other did auditory exercises for 40 hours of training over the course of 2-4 months. The researchers found both groups improved in reasoning, problem-solving and reported symptoms, while the visual training group also improved in global cognition and attention, as compared to the auditory group.
Conference, researchers at UCLA compared the effect of using BrainHQ alone to the effect of combining the use BrainHQ with an aerobic exercise program. They found that both groups showed cognitive gains and work/school functioning gains. Intriguingly, the gains were about three times as large when aerobic exercise sessions were added, and those that actually did more of the assigned aerobic exercise showed the largest gains.
“This trio of recent studies adds nicely to dozens of prior journal articles in populations with schizophrenia using these exercises,” observed Dr. Mahncke. “Overall, they make a case that the future for schizophrenia treatment will involve pharmaceuticals in combination with evidence-based cognitive training programs. Treatment standards in schizophrenia are ripe for update – in fact, the American Psychiatric Association’s 2019 draft of new consensus clinical guidelines recommend that patients with schizophrenia receive cognitive remediation.”
Canadian companies join forces to test shared spaces for COVID-19 and build public confidence
New company brings together rapid-testing technology with building-design expertise
GUELPH, ON, July 14, 2020 /CNW/ - As North America cautiously reopens, two Guelph, Ontario-based firms have launched a COVID-19-testing and health-protection service to keep operations in shared spaces running—and the people within them feeling safe.
Songbird Life Science combines the unmatched understanding of ventilation, air flows and pathogen spread from RWDI, world-class engineers in building science, and Purity-IQ, renowned scientists in DNA and genomics. With experience working in a variety of industries, including offices, airports, manufacturing, healthcare, food production, and more, Songbird understands the unique needs of different facilities and environments.
With rapid on-site testing that provides results in minutes, Songbird Life Science is a turnkey service with capabilities to accurately identify COVID-19 on surfaces and in humans. Testing for COVID-19 in the air is in current R&D.
In emergency on-site COVID-19 incidents, Songbird supports facilities with immediate testing and containment solutions. For ongoing risk prevention and spread, Songbird consultants develop practical, preventative plans customized to the specifics of the space.
Many facilities have introduced measures such as physical spacing, temperature checks, deep cleaning and PPE. These are essential steps, but science shows us that more is needed: Only DNA-based testing can accurately detect viruses even in asymptomatic carriers; conventional solutions ship test swabs to facilities where untrained staff must deploy them properly, and results can take days. Should a positive result occur, facilities are then challenged to identify the source of infection and remediate it. And for most, there is no plan to address the source and prevent recurrence.
The Songbird Life Science approach provides complete guidance to keeping spaces open. Songbird complements existing measures by adding scientifically validated PCR technology to detect the presence of COVID-19, while its building and ventilation experts offer layout solutions and air-quality monitoring. Training enables Songbird partners to confidently deploy, analyze and effectively communicate results.
"Songbird is a first-of-its-kind entrant in a burgeoning category poised to play a key part in restarting the nation's economy," says Michael J. Soligo, RWDI president and CEO . "By blending expertise in genomics and building science, Songbird brings decades of experience supporting the design and safety of nearly every facility type."
Songbird brings together a much-needed understanding of both pathogens and how they move within shared spaces. In today's changed world, people need evidence that a space is trustworthy before they will access it.
"Restoring trust isn't done just with a lab test," said Deleo de Leonardis, co-founder and CEO of Purity-IQ Inc. "Songbird gives people the ability to deploy a testing strategy, customized to the specifics of their space and industry—they gain a clear understanding of what to do and how to take action. Songbird is your partner at every step, restoring confidence and full-scale operations."
National Association of Friendship Centres launches campaign to tackle COVID-19 misconceptions among urban Indigenous communities
New campaign from National Association of Friendship Centres works with Indigenous comedian Ryan McMahon to address COVID-19 myths through humour
NAFC provides COVID-19 info, support and resources to Indigenous people living in urban centres through its network of 107 Friendship Centers across Canada
Last year, Friendship Centres collectively served over 1.4 million people.
OTTAWA, ON, July 14, 2020 /CNW/ - Today marks the launch of a new digital campaign, Take Care in COVID, from the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) to help address COVID-19 myths and misinformation among urban Indigenous communities across the country. As Canada's most significant providers of culturally enhanced programs and services for off-reserve Indigenous residents, NAFC unveiled a series of humorous videos featuring Treaty 3 Anishinaabe comedian, Ryan McMahon, to address common misconceptions around prevention, contraction and treatment of the virus.
"This pandemic has hit urban Indigenous communities especially hard. Indigenous people living in urban settings have faced multiple challenges in being recognized and appropriately supported throughout the pandemic response," says Jocelyn Formsma, Executive Director of NAFC. "As Friendship Centres, we were really concerned that no one was really speaking to urban Indigenous populations. While the impact of COVID-19 on Indigenous people is not funny, we know how our people use humour to get through many difficult situations. We wanted to find a creative, accessible and memorable way to bring credible resources to people and help keep them and their families safe."
The video series features Ryan McMahon, who spends much of his time working with youth in reclaiming Indigenous culture and history through his speaking and training initiatives. The campaign will address such misconceptions as mosquitos spreading COVID, vitamin D providing protection and traditional medicine myths, while also encouraging mask-wearing, practicing social distancing, frequent hand washing and avoiding crowds.
"I am so proud to be a part of this campaign and to use my comedy to help deliver useful information about COVID-19 to help keep people safe and healthy as this pandemic continues to evolve," says comedian Ryan McMahon. "It's unbelievable to see what's floating around on the internet and even being shared by friends or even family members. That's why there is such a need to get trusted information out there."
The campaign will also include a Facebook Live panel on Wednesday, July 22 featuring Dr. Janet Smylie, Director of Well Living House, and Jocelyn Formsma, who will provide practical tips and answer audience questions on COVID-19 protection measures for this summer. All resources will be available to the public through NAFC's website and Facebook page. Individuals can also visit one of over 100-member local Friendship Centres or Provincial/Territorial Associations across Canada.
As part of the mandate of Friendship Centres for over half a century, its focus has been facilitating the transition of Indigenous people from rural, remote and reserve life to an urban environment. In addition to COVID-19 resources, NAFC and local Friendship Centres are also community hubs that foster cultural connection, community and provide culturally relevant services for women, vulnerable populations, youth, transition services, outreach programs and community wellness.
"This is important because more than 60 per cent of Indigenous people live off reserve and in urban areas. Because it is so challenging to collect good data on the rate of COVID-19 among urban Indigenous, the Friendship Centres are a crucial lifeline for this vulnerable community. And it's why now, more than ever, we need the support of all levels of government to work together to support the health and safety now and beyond COVID-19," says Formsma.
With NAFC's work to advocate for more funding to support urban Indigenous people, the organization was encouraged to see the federal government's commitment in April that $15 million would be made available to urban Indigenous organizations as part of the Indigenous Community Support Fund for COVID-19. An additional $75 million was made available in May to support off-reserve Indigenous people and those living in urban centres, including funding to local Friendship Centres which will enable them to focus on economic recovery such as childcare, youth programming, employment and training, while also continuing to provide frontline COVID-19 essential services.
About National Association of Friendship Centres
Friendship Centres are Canada's most significant off-reserve Indigenous service delivery infrastructure and are the primary providers of culturally enhanced programs and services to urban Indigenous residents. For over half a century Friendship Centres have been facilitating the transition of Indigenous people from rural, remote, and reserve life to an urban environment. The NAFC is a network of 107 Friendship Centres and Provincial/Territorial Associations (PTAs) from across Canada.
Resources
Learn more about the campaign and watch #TakeCareInCOVID misconception videos by following NAFC on Facebookthroughout the next four weeks
Registration for the Facebook Live event with Dr. Janet Smylie and Jocelyn Formsma on Wednesday, July 22 at 7pm E.T. can be found here
Discover Flex Disc:
One Workout Tool, Hundreds of Possibilities
Looking for a big picture approach to fitness that doesn’t include doing a million crunches?
Meet Flex Disc-- a unique Ground Movement Training (GMT) tool that uses low impact, omnidirectional movement to build strength, mobility, flexibility, stability, balance, and core strength.
One single move performed with the Flex Disc fires up the entire body, challenging it to stay balanced and in control. Simply add it to your favorite at home workouts to increase your range of motion and strength without putting more strain on your body.
Flex Disc Details:
Effective for anyone, any age, and any fitness level
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Compatible with hundreds of exercises and workouts from Yoga, Barre and Pilates to strength training and more
Use with hands, forearms, elbows, shoulders, the back, glutes, knees, shins, or feet
No assembly or batteries required
Easy to store and transport
Can be used on rubber, carpet, cement, and wood
Double ball bearing polyurethane wheels are non-marking
Additional accessories including a revolutionary ergonomic handle, are available for even more workout options
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Flex Disc - One 14” rolling platform $79.95
Flex Disc Mini - A set of 2 10” rolling platforms $99.95
Flex Disc’s unique, low impact, rolling platform creates a new fitness modality (GMT) designed to help grow your mobility, stability, balance, flexibility and core strength. It has been used effectively in physical therapy settings as well as with Pilates, Barre, gymnastics, dance and by the NHL, MLB, NBA, and US Military.
Breastfeeding Expert Jennifer Ritchie’s The Smart Parents Guide to Breastfeeding Is Your Personal Lactation Consultant in a Cute Little Package
Celebrity breastfeeding specialist and two-time author Jennifer Ritchie, IBCLC does it again, offering truthful nuggets, heartfelt wisdom, and the cheat codes to breastfeeding zen Dana Point, CA – (July 13th, 2020): Breastfeeding carries its own mixed bag of challenges that can frustrate the calmest of parents. Smart parents turn to Jennifer Ritchie, Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for the expert help they need to navigate every difficulty, from sore nipples to low milk supply. For 12 years, Ritchie’s personalized consulting services and “how-to” YouTube videos have helped thousands of new moms successfully breastfeed. Now, she introduces her latest book - The Smart Parents Guide to Breastfeeding - as a go-to resource filled with truthful nuggets, heartfelt wisdom, and all the cheat codes necessary to achieve breastfeeding zen. “Parents often assume breastfeeding should just come naturally,” explains Ritchie. “The truth is, it can be harder than you think - and the odds of finding the accurate answers you need among the ocean of information available on the Internet? Forget about it! Make your life easier with this reference guide. Consider it your own personal lactation consultant in a cute little package.”Ritchie’s book shares the actual truth about breastfeeding, comparing it to an Olympic trial in which the competition is hormonal imbalances, breast anatomy, insufficient milk removal, yeast, bacteria, and good old fashioned pain. So, why does anyone even go through with it? Because, she explains, the benefits are enormous! Breast milk helps support a baby's ability to fight germs, infections, and disease, all while supplying the right mix of nourishment. Plus, it reduces mom’s risk of breast cancer by up to 25%, saves money, and creates a lot less waste.Still, as with anything newborn-related, there can be a steep learning curve to getting it right. That’s why Ritchie sets readers up for success from Day One, offering ways to prepare before birth, how to establish a solid foundation within the first two weeks of bringing baby home, and so much more. In 35 easy-to-read chapters, she covers everything from burping and mastitis to handling unwanted advice. She delivers a steady supply of expert instruction with a double dose of compassion and encouragement. As a mom herself, Ritchie knows all too well the temptation to give up or give in to self-judgment and self-doubt. All she asks is that readers do the best they can, trust their instincts, and resist those feelings of guilt along the way. Grab a copy of The Smart Parents Guide to Breastfeeding, the latest go-to resource from Jennifer Ritchie, IBCLC, at JenniferRitchie.tv. While there, find more insights and answers from the breastfeeding expert who has helped thousands of new moms and celebrity clients achieve success. Also, discover Ritchie’s previous written works, including I Make Milk, What’s Your Superpower? and Bringing Baby Home - A New Parent’s Guide to Breastfeeding. Plus, browse articles and how-to videos, and get to know a bit about Ritchie’s own journey as a mom to a 15-year old daughter and 12-year old son.
50+ And Healthy Examines The Importance Of Mental Health As We Age
Chicago, IL, July 14, 2020 — The worldwide stay-at-home orders have turned weekend warriors into daily dog walkers, joggers and cyclists — all hoping to stay fit and avoid the “quarantine 15.” But there’s more to being healthy than having a fit physique. Mental health is equally important, but often gets buried beneath the stigma surrounding it.
“Many of you recognize that mental illness is often a taboo subject … due to seeming complexity, mystery and stigma,” explains Murali Rao, MD. “Unfortunately, the high discrimination of the subject leads to a statistic of nearly two-thirds of the world population refusing to seek help for mental health related issues.” Adding: “Though this primer is directed towards learning to help elders, the material can readily apply to any age group.”
Rao, an expert on clinical geriatrics and geriatric psychiatry, addresses the concepts of mental health and mental illnesses in the overarching context of healthy aging in 50+ and Healthy: What You Need to Know About Mental Health and Healthy Aging — for You and Your Loved Ones. This exceptionally strong, evidence-based guide emphasizes the importance of nurturing our mental health as we grow older.
Using easy-to-understand language, he explores common health-related conditions, how to recognize symptoms, practical approaches to treatments and his GAME PLANTMmethod for helping yourself and your loved ones, of any age, during times of distress or mental health crises.
For readers of any educational and professional background, 50+ and Healthy offers easily presented information and relatable case studies.
With this book, you can learn from a world authority about:
1. Healthy aging and mental health
2. Common mental illnesses, why people get them, how to identify them and how to manage them
3. Practical approaches for first aid and later interventions
4. Self-care for mental health and successful aging
If you are interested in healthy aging and how to help yourself, your family members and your friends with mental health, this book is for you. All proceeds from book sales go to a nonprofit organization engaged in mental health awareness education in the United States and India (www.nndcifoundation.org), founded by Dr. Murali Rao.
Author Murali Rao, MD, is a professor and chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago. He specializes in liaison and emergency psychiatry. Additionally, he serves as a member of multiple professional bodies including the American College of Psychiatrists, the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine, CINP, the Indian Psychiatric Society and serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA).
Dr. Rao has received multiple awards and fellowships, including Distinguished Life Fellow by the APA, Outstanding Academician Award by the Indo-American Psychiatric Association and the Master Teacher Award by the Stritch School of Medicine. Dr. Rao has also had more than 80 journal publications, books and book-chapters. He has recently published trainee and trainer manuals on Adult Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Workplace Mental Health.
For more information, please visit www.nndcifoundation.org, or follow the author on Twitter at @MuraliRaoMD.
50 + and Healthy: What You Need to Know About Mental Health and Healthy Aging — for You and Your Loved Ones
Artist Releases Coming-of-age Memoir Detailing Her Journey With Mental Illness And Disability
Long Island, NY, July 14, 2020 –It started as a college prank; a friend offered Ruth Poniarski a brownie that, unbeknownst to her, was laced with angel dust. What resulted was a debilitating accident, and the first of many mental breakdowns that spiraled into diagnoses of psychosis, schizophrenia, severe anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Long Island native Ruth Poniarski has released her first book, Journey of the Self: Memoir of an Artist, published by Charlotte, North Carolina-based Warren Publishing. Poniarski’s unflinchingly honest memoir shares her coming-of-age story through the lenses of mental illness, disability, and steadfast determination.
For years, Poniarski struggled to cope with her new reality as she undertook a rigorous architectural program, sought out new friends (and the perfect mate), and battled through the depths of mental illness. Her journey led her in all directions as she sought comfort, solace, stability and love.
Now an accomplished artist, Poniarski considers her memoir to be a portrait of sorts. “This book, like many of my paintings, is about introspection,” she says. “So many of us, particularly when we’re young, seek definition through labels or through what others think of us. It’s so easy to say, ‘I have bipolar disorder, therefore, X’ or ‘So and so doesn’t love me the way I love him, therefore, Y.’ But none of that is who we truly are.”
The release of Poniarski’s memoir is particularly timely in light of the Coronavirus pandemic and social distancing orders. “A lot of people are stuck at home right now. This kind of isolation forces a person to examine themselves; what makes them unique beyond who they are to society,” says Poniarski. “That kind of self-reflection allows us to become more available to others. You have to know yourself first.”
“So, who am I?” Poniarski laughs. “Well … you’ll just have to read the book!”
For more information about Ruth Poniarski or her book, please visit: ruthponiarski.com.
COVID-19 Shines A Bright Light On Disparities In Health Care Among People Of Color
New York, NY, July 14, 2020 ̶“During the coronavirus pandemic, people should guard their eyes with glasses or face shields to protect their eyes from virus infection," said Dr. Daniel Laroche, Director of Glaucoma Services and President of Advanced Eyecare of New York. People also need to know, even though there are many concerns about COVID-19, common-sense precautions can significantly reduce the risk of infection, he says, adding: “Wash hands frequently, follow good contact lens hygiene and avoid rubbing or touching our mouth, nose, and especially our eyes.'' Dr. Laroche is also affiliated with the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, Island Eye Surgical Center, and New York University.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also changed the way people visit their doctors. For patients over 60, Dr. Laroche advises it's better to stay home and do telehealth over the phone or video consultation until the pandemic flattens. He also encourages people to wear face masks on visits and maintain social distancing, even if they are in a health clinic. “Eyesight or human vision is one of the most important senses. As much as 80% of what we feel comes through our sense of sight. By protecting the eyes, people will reduce the chance of blindness and vision loss while also staying on top of any developing eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts. A healthy brain function requires a healthy vision. The brain is our most essential organ, and It allows us to control other organs. Normal and healthy vision contributes to improved learning and comprehension for a better quality of life,” says Dr. Laroche.
Dr. Laroche says there is another critical issue that COVID-19 has brought to the forefront and that is the issue of health care disparities among Black and Brown people. “Nationally, African American deaths from COVID-19 are nearly two times greater than would be expected based on their share of the population. In four states, the rate is three or more times greater. In forty-two states, plus Washington, D.C., Hispanics make up a greater share of confirmed cases than their share of the population. In eight states it’s more than four times greater,” he says, adding: “In stark contrast, White deaths from COVID-19 are lower than their share of the population in thirty-seven states.”
Dr. Laroche says there are several things that can be done to not only address but to help combat this issue:
1. Increase the number of Black and Afro-Latino physicians worldwide.
2. Implement universal healthcare.
3. Increase wealth and education which produces better health.
4. Provide a living income stipend for poor people to access food and reduce malnutrition.
5. Eliminate racism to reduce stress.
6. Identify white supremist organizations as terrorist groups.
7. Recommend all corporations have people of color in the top management and leadership positions.
8. Eliminate sole reliance on standardized testing as the criteria to be used at entry to magnet schools.
9. Provide more funding to reduce homelessness and for mental health.
10.The government should also require medical school, research and hospital funding to diversify and benefit people of color.
About Dr. Daniel Laroche:
Dr. Laroche is an exceptional glaucoma specialist in New York. He studied and received his bachelor's degree from New York University and a medical doctorate with honors in research from Weil Cornell University Medical College. He underwent a medical internship at Montefiore Hospital and finished his Ophthalmology residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington D.C., where he was the chief resident in his third year. He later completed his glaucoma fellowship at New York Eye and Ear.
For more information about Dr. Laroche, please call 212-663-0473 or visit: www.advancedeyecareny.com.
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6 Holistic Practices to Help You Stay Well
“Your immune system is designed to defend your body against all kinds of disease and illness,” says Dr. Brad, author of the best-selling book “The Emotion Code.” “If you want your immune system to be in top form, try taking a look at your holistic health practices.” For instance….
Eat Healthy— Include plentyof fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants they contain can help combat free radicals (chemical byproducts that may damage your DNA and suppress your immune system); they also contain omega-3 fatty acids that may increase your body’s ability to produce immune-regulating compounds. And don’t forget to drink lots of water. Water helps your cells eliminate waste and work more efficiently.
Be Active — Regular, moderate exercise has been shown to mobilize the cells of your immune system and even protect it from the effects of getting older.
Reduce Stress — Reducing prolonged stress may be very important to keeping your immune system up. Use relaxation techniques, meditation, and energy healing tools like The Emotion Code™ and The Body Code™ to reduce your stress levels.
Get Plenty of Sleep — Getting 8 hours of sleep each night can help regulate your immune function. In fact, in a study of over 22,000 people, those who slept less than 6 hours per night or had sleep disorders were more likely to get colds and other respiratory illnesses.
Herbs & Supplements — Many believe that herbs such as echinacea, elderberry and andrographis may help reduce the severity and duration of illnesses like flu or the common cold. Read about these herbs, and if you think they’re for you, try taking them at the first sign of symptoms.
Release Emotional Baggage — According to Dr. Brad, past emotional events often leave us with “trapped emotions, which are literally leftover emotional energy. Research is beginning to show that this kind of emotional baggage may lead to physical, mental, and emotional symptoms, and can interfere with the normal function of your immune system. A simple method of energy healing like The Emotion Code is designed to help you to find and release your baggage quickly and easily.
“Holistic health looks at your body as a complex system with physical, emotional, and spiritual components,” Dr. Brad says. “Your immune system is a system in and of itself — like a huge orchestra where every instrument needs to perform well in order for the whole group to work properly together. Boosting your immune system from a whole-body, holistic point of view might be the best way to enable top performance.”
About Dr. Bradley Nelson: Veteran holistic physician Dr. Bradley Nelson (D.C., ret) is one of the world’s foremost experts on natural methods of achieving wellness. He has trained thousands of certified practitioners worldwide to help people overcome physical and emotional discomfort by releasing their emotional baggage. His best-selling book "The Emotion Code" provides step-by-step instructions for working with the body's energy healing power. A newly revised and expanded edition of "The Emotion Code" is now available from St. Martin's Press. For more information and a free Emotion Code Starter Kit, visit www.emotioncodegift.com.
NONIKO launches first of its kind plastic-free, all natural deodorant solution
Brand evolution pushes boundaries to define the future of sustainability pairing its cult favorite natural deodorant in a truly sustainable, reusable, stainless steel case.
SAN DIEGO, CALIF- July, 2020- Noniko, is raising the standard in how body care is defined. It is their belief that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice efficacy or luxury in order to have a product that’s natural, clean, and responsible. That’s why they paired their revolutionary natural deodorant with the first and only zero plastic, reusable case and refill. “We recognize that everything we do has an impact on our planet and we wanted to be mindful of our footprint. After tirelessly searching and continuing to find inferior sustainable packaging options for our Noniko deodorant, we were ecstatic to team up with Verity to bring you our effective natural deodorant in plastic-free reusable packaging.” Says CPO, Piper Lacy. Noniko is pushing the boundaries, defining the future, and positioning themselves as leaders in sustainability. Their straightforward formulations have only 6 ingredients that pack a punch. Their natural deodorant is effective, and now with the first of its kind plastic-free stainless steel packaging, they’re set to blaze a new standard industry-wide. With this change, they’re offering a subscription program to bring deodorant straight to your door. This conscious subscription model limits the number of product shipments throughout the year, to minimize shipping material waste. Noniko’s deodorant collaboration with Verity Packaging is only the first step the company is taking in revolutionizing the industry. Noniko plans to be a completely plastic-free company by May 2021 and is furthering their partnership with Verity to assist in this endeavor. Verity Packaging offers sustainable packaging solutions made of stainless steel and aluminum, to brands and businesses committed to combating the single-use plastic crisis. It was only fitting for this relationship between these companies to flourish since they’re both on a mission to raise the standard in packaging options and services to their clients and customers. Verity offers a variety of unique plastic-free packaging options ranging between reusable, hybrid, and fully recyclable metal solutions. “Your reusable water bottle elevates your experience of drinking water while eliminating single-use plastic. At Verity, we have taken that same approach to the personal care industry by creating reusable cases for everything in your bathroom. We’re proud to offer metal alternatives to make it easy for our brands to move into sustainable packaging without sacrificing quality or elegance. We work with brands, big and small, that share the commitment to eliminate single-use plastics.” says CEO Kerri Leslie.
The choice to go plastic-free came from the knowledge that only 9% of plastic that makes it to the recycling bin actually gets recycled. It was Noniko’s mission to find a better solution. In pursuit of their commitment to customers and the planet, they have made the decision to follow-up this deodorant launch by transitioning all their products into truly sustainable packaging with the commitment to be a completely plastic-free company by May 2021. “We acknowledge that there is a connection between the body and the earth. We’re creating harmony in this relationship by harnessing the power of nature while respecting and caring for our planet. We applied the same mentality to our packaging” says CPO Piper Lacy. “We’re proud to be the first to offer an effective natural deodorant in a stainless steel, plastic-free case and refills for our three signature scents and phase out all plastic within our product offerings over the next year.” To explore our brand, exciting new products, and join us on our mission, please visit www.nonikoskin.com. Email madison@nonikoskin.com. About NONIKO Noniko is raising the standard in how body care is defined. Handcrafted in small batches in our San Diego studio, it is our mission to deliver you truly natural, effective ingredients in sustainable packaging. We take pride in our products and in our planet, and you’ll see this reflected in everything we do. It is our belief that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice efficacy or luxury in order to have a product that’s natural, clean, and responsible.We are proud to offer our deodorants in 100% plastic-free packaging. Our first-of-its-kind cases and inserts are made of stainless steel, and the case is meant to be yours for life. This packaging solution is our first step in creating a future free of single-use plastic. About VERITY Verity offers truly sustainable packaging solutions to brands committed to combating the plastic crisis. They are on a mission to raise the standards in both packaging options and services to their clients. Working with businesses both big and small, Verity is committed to revolutionizing the packaging industry.After searching tirelessly for truly sustainable packaging options, we still found ourselves empty-handed. We came to realize how confusing the process can be and the lack of transparency for consumers and businesses alike. So, with a team of engineers and industry experts, we crafted a timeless range of packaging solutions to be reused and recycled - and we’re pretty damn proud.
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