Abbott announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Tecnis Symfony® Intraocular Lenses for the treatment of cataracts. The first in a new category of intraocular lenses (IOLs), the Tecnis Symfony lenses are the only lenses in the United States that provide a full range of continuous high-quality vision following cataract surgery, while also mitigating the effects of presbyopia by helping people focus on near objects. The FDA approval includes a version of the lens for people with astigmatism, the Tecnis Symfony Toric IOL.
Cataracts are a common condition, with almost 4 million cataract surgeries performed each year, and that number is expected to increase.1 By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.2 However, cataracts do not just impact seniors. In 2016 it is estimated that nearly one in four cataract surgeries will be performed on people younger than 65.1 Many people who have cataracts experience other problems with their vision, such as presbyopia and astigmatism, which the Symfony lenses also address. Presbyopia, which affects most people over age 40, means people have lost the ability to focus on objects up close and often require glasses to perform near visual tasks. Astigmatism is when the cornea is misshapen, which causes blurry or distorted vision.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7870151-abbott-intraocular-lenses/
Children with physical disabilities are twice as likely to be bullied, impacting their educational, physical and emotional development.* In support of National Bullying Prevention Month this October, Shriners Hospitals for Children® and award-winning actor, model and philanthropist, RJ Mitte, are once again partnering to encourage the public to help #CutTheBull.
Teens and adults alike are encouraged to visit CutTheBull.org and see how they can help create a more positive, accepting environment for kids living with disabilities. There, Shriners Hospitals will announce “RJ's Heroes”, honoring individuals who have helped reduce bullying in their communities. Supporters can also share their anti-bullying stories and purchase #CutTheBull t-shirts, with proceeds going to Shriners Hospitals for Children to provide life-changing care to kids.
Born with cerebral palsy, Mitte was bullied as a child and knows firsthand the effects it can have. The doctors and staff at Shriners Hospitals for Children helped Mitte overcome many of the physical effects of cerebral palsy, which made him stronger and able to succeed despite the bullying. Now a successful actor and model, Mitte wants to help other kids with disabilities who may be experiencing the same thing.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7559151-shriners-hospital-cut-the-bull/
For six weeks this spring, the America's PrepareAthon! Campaign and other preparedness partners will focus on different hazards and provide simple actions that people and communities should take to prepare for each particular hazard.
This fifth week highlights hurricanes. Individuals, communities, businesses, schools, and houses of worship around the country are holding preparedness discussions, conducting drills, and taking specific steps to prepare for hurricanes.
People who live in hurricane-prone coastal areas should know their vulnerability to wind and flooding, as well as what to do to reduce the effects of both. People who live inland from coastal areas may also experience high winds, power outages, and flooding from torrential rain. Protecting yourself today means having sources for information, preparing your home and workplace, developing an emergency communication plan, and knowing what to do when a hurricane is approaching your community.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7770531-fema-national-prepareathon/
LivaNova PLC (NASDAQ:LIVN; LSE: LIVN) (“LivaNova” or the “Company”), a market-leading medical technology and innovation company, today recognizes that more than one million people in the United States with drug-resistant epilepsy continue to be treated unsuccessfully with drugs, despite the proven effectiveness of non-drug treatment options. LivaNova’s VNS Therapy®, for example, is a medical device treatment specifically designed for people with drug-resistant epilepsy that is already used by more than 85,000 people around the world.
One in three people with epilepsy has the type that is not well controlled with drugs, called drug-resistant epilepsy. For those people, prescribing more medicine is usually not the most effective option. In fact, research shows that if you haven’t found seizure freedom after your first two drugs, there is a 95 percent chance that no drug or combination of drugs will result in seizure freedom.
“Despite what we know about drug-resistant epilepsy, the majority of people affected by this condition will continue to be prescribed additional medications instead of being evaluated for surgery or seen in a specialized epilepsy facility,” said Jason Richey, president of LivaNova’s U.S. Region and general manager of the Neuromodulation Business Franchise. “This treatment gap means over one million individuals in the U.S. with undertreated epilepsy remain at risk for dangerous side effects of continued seizures, including injury, depression, memory issues and death.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7966451-livanova-vns-therapy-epilepsy/
From a child development expert whose pet-centric curriculum is helping rehabilitate troubled adolescents to the founder of New York City’s first cat café, Purina’s third Better With Pets Summit showcased how the relationship between pets and people enhances overall emotional wellness.
The day-long summit, which was hosted by Emmy-nominated comedian and writer, Josh Gondelman, took place at the Brooklyn Expo Center in New York City on Nov. 3 and featured three panel discussions that examined the emotional relationship between pets and people, including the reciprocal effects both have on one another. Keynote speeches were presented by Purina senior research nutritionist Arleigh Reynolds, who has researched the dog and human bond for many years in Alaska and supports of The Frank Attla Youth Program; and author and reality television personality Carole Radziwill, who shared how pet ownership has shaped her life experiences.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7655851-purina-better-with-pets-summit/
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, their family is presented with treatment options – often a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Radiation and chemotherapy have been used to treat kids’ cancers for more than 50 years and often come with long-term late effects including secondary cancers, heart damage and cognitive issues. Often a child’s best chance at survival is a clinical trial which offers them the newest treatment options available.
In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation will highlight the critical need to fund lifesaving research and share stories of kids affected by cancer – like Micah, who is alive today because there was a clinical trial available.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8284352-st-baldricks-foundation-conquer-childhood-cancers/
Varsity Brands, the recognized leader in team athletic gear, the driving force in cheerleading and dance, and the most trusted name in celebrating student milestones, today announced Vista Murrieta High School, from Murrieta, Calif. as the winner of its America’s Most Spirited High School Contest. The announcement today coincides with National School Spirit Day, which was recognized by Congress last year.
“Our students feel connected to Vista Murrieta and have an engrained sense of school pride,” said Mick Wager, Principal of Vista Murrieta, “The family atmosphere and sense of community is apparent and genuine.”
High schools across the country were invited to enter the contest, which called for each school to submit a 90-second video, a 500-word essay, two letters of recommendation and several photos demonstrating its school spirit. High schools from 33 states were represented in the contest. Vista Murrieta’s video submission won based on a nationwide vote and included footage from games, pep rallies, and student activities that epitomize a robust school spirit environment that seeks to include all students. Vista Murrieta estimates that 85% of their students are involved in at least one activity, club or sport, and their video was a true testament to the power of school spirit and its effects on high school students.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7636151-varsity-brands-vista-murrieta-award/
Evidence from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study suggests that changes in childhood cancer treatment have reduced deaths from the late effects of cancer treatment and extended the lives of childhood cancer survivors. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital investigators led the research, which will be presented today at the plenary session of the 2015 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
The study is one of four being featured at the plenary session press briefing, which highlights research that ASCO deems as having the highest scientific merit and greatest potential to affect patient care.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7532851-st-jude-cancer-research/
During the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 2017 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo™ in Chicago, scientists reported on a recent study which uncovered that the intake of pistachios reduces the rise in blood sugar and insulin in women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)—commonly known as gestational diabetes. The study, “Effects of Pistachio Intake on Postprandial Blood Glucose Response in Pregnant Women,” found when women who were gestational glucose intolerant (GIGT) or who were diagnosed with GDM ate pistachios, they had a significantly lower rise in blood glucose levels compared to eating whole wheat bread that was matched for calories.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8162751-american-pistachio-growers-pistachio-health-benefits-women-gestational-diabetes/
Madison Taliaferro spent weeks in the hospital in 2012. After a decade of suffering from cystic fibrosis, she underwent a double lung transplant. She powered through the difficult surgery and the recovery that followed –long days of physical therapy and rehabilitation. Her parents were there. Her best friend visited from Kansas. Grandparents rotated shifts so she was never alone. But one request still lingered.
“I just wanted to see my dogs,” she remembers.
Having suffered from the effects of chronic illness for the decade prior, Madison was no stranger to long days at home, isolated from the school germs that could turn her illness into a critical condition with a single sneeze. When her friends couldn’t visit, her dogs were there. But at the hospital, they weren’t.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7835951-purina-family-pet-center-st-louis-childrens/
