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Are You Getting Enough Physical Activity?

YourUpdateTV

Despite a wealth of research showing how even moderate amounts of physical activity can lead to better health and longer life, millions of Americans don’t get enough of it. Recently, Carrie Pagliano, PT, DPT, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the importance of staying active and how physical therapy can help. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/RlbXcIoVJ74 Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released results of a study showing that more than 1 in 5 adults in the United States are inactive. Given that lack of physical activity is associated with pain and stiffness and higher rates of chronic conditions — such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and some cancers — it’s critical that people embrace movement and seek out physical activity. A great first step is working with a health care provider, like a physical therapist, to discuss your physical activity options. APTA advocates in support of programs that increase physical activity, exercise among all individuals, and encourages active transportation. Physical therapists are uniquely qualified to help people get and stay moving. They are movement experts who improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. Physical therapists work in various settings with all patient populations from birth to older adults; they identify, diagnose, and treat movement problems in people of all ages and abilities. Visit ChoosePT.com for more information and to find a physical therapist in your area. Carrie Pagliano, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and has been a dynamic leader in clinical care and education in the areas of women’s/pelvic health and orthopedics for more than 20 years. She is founder and owner of Carrie Pagliano PT, LLC, in Virginia, and an adjunct professor at Marymount and Lynchburg universities. She received her master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of the Sciences and doctor of physical therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. She is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopaedics and women’s health, holds manual therapy certification, and an advocate for women and mothers in leadership in the physical therapy profession. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

October 26, 2022 03:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

Charitable Foundation Awards $290,000 in Support of Vulnerable Populations Nationally

Sevita

The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation, Sevita ’s private foundation, a leading national provider of community-based health care and support services, announced that it has awarded grants totaling $290,000 to eight organizations in its fiscal year 2022 grant cycle. The organizations awarded support some of our nation’s most vulnerable populations, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, those with brain and spinal cord injuries, youth facing emotional, behavioral, and other challenges, and their families and caregivers. “We are proud to support the work of these truly amazing organizations,” said Whitney Shufelt, Executive Director of the Foundation. “When we began this grant program 15 years ago, we did so with the intent of forming lasting partnerships, investing in community organizations, and driving forward real change. It has been wonderful to see these efforts come to fruition and continue to grow.” Grant recipients include: Special Olympics: supporting the Healthy Communities US-based inclusive health program and its digitization efforts (national) National Inclusion Project: second year online Inclusive Recreation Specialist Course for recreation and special education professionals (national) RespectAbility: funding for two apprentices to complete the National Leadership Program for adults with disabilities (national) Oak Hill Centers for Relationship and Sexual Education: supporting the launch of a crisis fund for victims with communication challenges and first responder training of augmentative alternative communication (national) Rise Above Foundation: funding for extracurricular, educational, and fun experiences for youth engaged in the child welfare system (Massachusetts) United Cerebral Palsy: scholarships for clinicians from underserved communities and non-MD and non-DO health professionals to attend Cerebral Palsy conferences focused on early detection and early intervention (national) Kidpower International: supporting the Trauma to Thriving social emotional health program for vulnerable children and adults with IDD (national) Autism Empowerment Network: Readiness and autism employment resource center for workers with autism (Pennsylvania) Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations whose values align with Sevita’s core belief that everyone has the right to live well. These organizations are change agents within health care and human services and are delivering innovative care, developing new ideas and models to improve access to quality health care, and creating opportunities for individuals to live a full, more independent life. “The ongoing efforts of these eight organizations have provided support, resources, and a voice for individuals who are often overlooked,” said William McKinney, president and chair of The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation. “In addition, they have evolved and adapted as the landscape in which we work and live continues to shift. Their impact is tangible, and we are happy to be able to support it. We thank them for their dedication and shared commitment to the communities we serve.” Since its establishment in 2007, the MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation has awarded more than $3 million to over 300 organizations across 30+ states. In addition to these grant awards, the MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation will announce its Community Champions grants in November. The Community Champions grants celebrate Sevita team members who have dedicated their time, talents, and energy to local charities. Individuals will receive recognition for their dedication and their chosen nonprofit will receive a grant from the Foundation. For more information, visit networkcharitablefoundation.org/. Sevita is a leading provider of community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized supports that lead to growth and independence, despite the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face. We've made this our mission for more than 50 years. Today our team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 55,000 individuals we serve. sevitahealth.com Contact Details Melissa Patricio media@sevitahealth.com Company Website https://sevitahealth.com/

October 26, 2022 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

AmeriLife Partners with Health Resource Advisors

AmeriLife

AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities and retirement planning solutions, announced today that it has partnered with Health Resource Advisors, a Baltimore-based field marketing organization (FMO). Health Resource Advisors specializes in supporting independent, licensed Medicare agents with proprietary tools, training and resources to cultivate meaningful client relationships, grow their books of business, and maximize their potential. Per the agreement, terms of the deal were not disclosed. "Health Resource Advisors has always been – and will continue to be – focused on its most important asset: our agents,” said Andrew Rosenberg, president of Health Resource Advisors. “With AmeriLife and its industry-leading resources at our side, we’re excited to create more opportunities for the incredibly talented agents within our community.” Since Health Resource Advisors’ founding in 2007, the firm has grown from a single agent and client to several hundreds of affiliated agents serving thousands of Medicare beneficiaries nationwide. The firm boasts some of the deepest carrier relationships in the markets and communities it serves, and has excelled at identifying and nurturing top producing agents that consistently set industry standards. “Partnering with AmeriLife means gaining an advocate that will champion your growth and the development of your agents,” said Mike Vietri, AmeriLife’s Chief Distribution Officer. “Health Resource Advisors is a fiercely independent firm whose approach and values are perfectly aligned with ours. We’re thrilled to welcome them to the AmeriLife family, and look forward to accelerating their success.” ### About Health Resource Advisors Health Resource Advisors is a field marketing organization (FMO) in Baltimore, Md., specializing in Medicare coverage. The company supports independent insurance agents by providing the tools and resources they need to grow their portfolio and serve their clients better. For more information, visit HealthResourceAdvisors.com. About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to provide insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. In doing so, AmeriLife has become recognized as the leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For more than 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers served through a distribution network of over 300,000 insurance agents and advisors and more than 100 marketing organizations and insurance agency locations nationwide. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com, and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Details Media Jeff Maldonado +1 321-297-1112 jmaldonado@amerilife.com Partnership Inquiries Patrick Nichols +1 727-726-0726 pnichols@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

October 26, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Can This Company’s Birth Control Patch Disrupt The Contraceptive Market?

Agile Therapeutics, Inc.

From Evofem Biosciences Inc. ’s (OTCMKTS: EVFM) Phexxi vaginal gel contraceptive to Dare Bioscience Inc. ’s (NASDAQ: DARE) Ovaprene, an investigational hormone-free monthly intravaginal contraceptive, the market is never in short supply of birth control products. While the issue of birth control and abortion can be embroiled in continuous debates and controversies, contraceptives have been known to reduce the rate of unintended pregnancies, the need for unsafe abortions, and HIV transmissions from mothers to newborns. The need is strong - a 2020 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) said that among 1.9 billion reproductive-age women (15 to 49 years) globally in 2019, around 1.1 billion women require family planning and 270 million of those have an unmet need for contraception. Disruptive Contraceptive Patch? The rising number of women with unmet contraceptive drugs and device needs could present unique opportunities for industry players. Agile Therapeutics Inc. ’s (NASDAQ: AGRX) Twirla® (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) transdermal system could be one innovative product with the potential to disrupt the industry. New Jersey-based Agile Therapeutics is a forward-thinking women’s healthcare company dedicated to fulfilling the unmet needs of today’s women. The company’s product and product candidates are designed to offer women more freedom and flexibility through additional contraceptive options. Agile Therapeutics Chairman and CEO Al Altomari, speaking at the H.C. Wainwright 24th Annual Global Investment Conference in September, revealed that the company is currently focused on the growth of its first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved product Twirla®. Twirla®, the company reports, is the first and only birth control patch delivering a low dose of estrogen. Twirla delivers 30 micrograms (mcg) of estrogen daily, the lowest exposure of estrogen in a transdermal contraceptive option. Unlike most oral contraceptives on the market that women take at least 21 days each month, Twirla® uses just three patches a month. Agile Therapeutics plans to commercialize and upscale Twirla through its business plan — non-retail channel growth driver ( Afaxys GPO ) and retail channel growth drivers (telemedicine providers like Nurx & Twirla’s DTC CTV commercial ). With the growth of Twirla® being the main focus, the company believes that building a U.S. women’s health franchise on the foundation of the patch’s commercial success can enhance value for shareholders. “We have sought out and will continue to explore partnerships and opportunities that leverage our existing infrastructure, including co-promotion and business development opportunities,” Altomari said. Cash On Hand And The Way Forward Agile Therapeutics raised net proceeds of approximately $12.2 million through its at-the-market (ATM) offering in the second quarter of 2022 and $22.2 million in an upsized public offering in July 2022. The company reduced the outstanding principal amount owed to Perceptive Advisors to $3 million with proceeds from ATM. Agile Therapeutics established a new $75 million ATM in August 2022. From the end of the fourth quarter to the end of the second quarter of 2022, the company reduced its quarterly operating expenses (OPEX) from $18.2 million to $11.3 million while still growing Twirla demand by 27%. The company now believes it has sufficient cash on hand to fund operations through the end of 2022. In the second quarter of 2022, Agile Therapeutics realized net product sales revenue of $2.1 million, an increase of 75% compared to the second quarter of 2021 revenue of $1.2 million. Total operating expenses for the second quarter of 2022 were $11.3 million. Non-retail sales primarily associated with the Afaxys partnership are expected to significantly accelerate in the second half of 2022. Non-retail channels experience higher gross-to-net discounting compared to retail channels and therefore the company expects overall gross-to-net discounts to increase as a percentage of gross revenue. Agile Therapeutics intends to use its resources to continue to grow Twirla® and to improve on its performance as it prepares to report third-quarter 2022 financial results and Twirla® growth update in November. One of the Company’s financial goals is to become cash flow positive. “Our focus in 2022 has been on growing Twirla and advancing towards generating positive cash flow,” said Agile Therapeutics Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Al Altomari. “In 2022, we have significantly reduced our operating expenses by redesigning how we work to gain efficiencies and implemented a plan we believe can drive Twirla growth through our Afaxys partnership, connected TV (CTV) campaign, and growing the telemedicine channel. ” Agile Therapeutics is a women's healthcare company dedicated to fulfilling the unmet health needs of today’s women. Our product and product candidates are designed to provide women with contraceptive options that offer freedom from taking a daily pill, without committing to a longer-acting method. Our initial product, Twirla®, (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol), a transdermal system, is a non-daily prescription contraceptive. Twirla is based on our proprietary transdermal patch technology, called Skinfusion®, which is designed to allow drug delivery through the skin. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Matt Riley - Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications mriley@agiletherapeutics.com Company Website https://agiletherapeutics.com/

October 26, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

News Release

Amid A Turbulent Industry, This Cannabis Company Shines Like A Diamond In the Rough

LiveWire Ergogenics, Inc.

The pandemic was a monumental moment for the cannabis industry as marijuana became a household essential. In many states, dispensaries were declared essential businesses and were allowed to remain open, resulting in a 46% increase in legal cannabis sales over 2019 to $17.5 billion in 2020. Entrepreneurs flocked to the scene, and investors readily backed the industry. with large investments, often time via so-called SPACs. However, the past several months have marked a return to pre-pandemic levels. While the cannabis industry is still predicted to expand and grow, the industry is witnessing an adaption curve. Between heavy taxation, cultivators abandoning licenses, and the pressure of growing inflation, many companies have put up “For Sale” signs or are looking at tough times ahead. A Diamond In The Rough? The Party’s Just Getting Started For LiveWire Ergogenics LiveWire Ergogenics, Inc. (OTC: LVVV) (“LiveWire”) is a company that focuses on acquiring and managing special-purpose real estate properties that will serve as bases to help discover and develop high-end organic cannabis specialty products. LiveWire firmly positions itself in the center of the health and wellness industry. The cannabis industry as a whole has seen a recent downturn in profits resulting in missed rent payments and cultivation facilities shutting down. While the industry as a whole is looking at positive growth, the reality on the ground for many cannabis companies may be bleak. Property deals have been falling through more frequently as companies struggle to make ends meet. Companies are facing difficulties with the slowing general economy paired with legislative challenges that plague the cannabis industry. Public policy is an uphill battle. Despite these challenges in the market, LiveWire is prospering. Its Q2 results show solid growth and a positive future. In Q2, LiveWire generated $463,313 in revenue, which was a 323% increase from 2021’s Q2. Net profit also saw considerable growth; the company’s net profit was $183,122 in Q2 compared to a loss of $579,792 during 2021’s Q2. LiveWire believes that U.S. cannabis companies must be well-managed and offer unique and high-quality products via legal and environmentally conscious operations, not low-quality mass production. That is a significant component of their success and the Company believes that diligent and disciplined investors will be presented with an exciting second opportunity to benefit from one of the last decade's fastest-growing markets for any industry. They expect to see reliable growth in cannabis industry sales going forward, and while still in the revenue startup phase that seems to already reflect in their own sales. LiveWire has developed Estrella Ranch as the central hub for all LiveWire and subsidiary operations. This property is being developed into the first “Estate Grown Weedery,” and eventually the ultimate cannabis destination in California. As of October, the Ranch has passed all quarterly inspections by the county and state and was renewed for its annual permit. The Estrella Ranch has also received nine new cultivation permits that will allow for an expanded outdoor cultivation area. As Q3 and Q4 approach, the company is exploring the buildout of an already existing building on Estrella Ranch as an indoor cultivation area. If implemented and considered economical this is expected to help further drive revenue. Based on Livewire’s philosophy that any cannabis company has to be subject to strict financial principles and must operate with low overhead and reasonable debt burden to produce increasing revenues and profits, LiveWire does not seem to be experiencing the same dilemmas that other companies in the industry are facing. If their Q2 report and business expansion plans are any indications, LiveWire seems to have a strong future ahead of it. LiveWire Ergogenics focuses on acquiring, managing, and licensing well-qualified cannabis real estate locations to establish fully compliant and permitted facilities to produce cannabis-based products and establish relationships for the statewide distribution of these products in California. This includes developing and licensing high-quality organic cannabinoid-based products and services and creating the high-quality "Estrella Grown Weedery™" brand via its subsidiary/affiliate companies Estrella Ranch Partners, Estrella River Farms, Makana Ola, and CaliCruz Farms. LiveWire Ergogenics does not produce, sell, or distribute products that violate the United States Controlled Substances Act. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Tristan Cavato ir@livewireergogenics.com

October 26, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Cortland Biomedical Announces Capabilities for Creating Textile Structures Incorporating Radiopaque Fibers

Cortland Biomedical

Cortland Biomedical, a full-service medical textiles product development partner that provides access to a full spectrum of global engineering, design and manufacturing capabilities, today announced that it now has capabilities for processing radiopaque fibers. By incorporating radiopaque fibers into diagnostic and interventional medical devices, it allows the devices to become clearly visible under fluoroscopy while maintaining the mechanical properties desired for the specific application. Improved visibility under fluoroscopy and x-rays – including better contrast and sharpness of the image– will allow surgeons to optimally position the device or implant. Furthermore, textile-based implants can also incorporate radiopaque fibers, which will enable surgeons to view the position of the implant under fluoroscopy months or even years after surgical placement. The incorporation of textiles allows for lower profile and more flexible medical devices that can enable less invasive surgical procedures. Cortland Biomedical has an extensive range of knitting, weaving, and braiding capabilities, enabling it to work with its customers to develop complex, customized textile structures with highly tailored mechanical properties. Any of these methods can be applied to processing radiopaque fibers, which are currently available in PET and UHMWPE. “We’re always aiming to break down the barriers of what’s traditionally been possible when it comes to engineering textile structures,” said John Greco, VP Sales, Cortland Biomedical. “We’re pleased to now be able to work with radiopaque fibers, which will give our customers more choice when it comes to material selection and allow them to create devices that can be seen more clearly under fluoroscopy without the need for additional markers.” About Cortland Biomedical Cortland Biomedical custom designs and manufactures high-performance biomedical textile structures leveraging years of experience in medical textile engineering methods including knitting, braiding, and weaving. Its thoughtful design concepts challenge the status quo. Cortland Biomedical’s unique combination of advanced equipment and technology, a seasoned medical textile-specific engineering team, and first-rate R&D capabilities allows it to tackle customers’ complex challenges with the innovation and agility expected in the medical device industry. Learn more at cortlandbiomedical.com. Contact Details SVM Public Relations Jordan Bouclin +1 401-490-9700 Jordan.bouclin@svmpr.com Company Website https://www.cortlandbiomedical.com/

October 25, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Hong Kong Baptist University-led research identifies Salvia miltiorrhiza extract as potential preventive agent for gastric cancer induced by bile reflux

Hong Kong Baptist University

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 25 October 2022 - Research led by the School of Chinese Medicine at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has identified cryptotanshinone, a compound extracted from the Chinese herbal medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza, with the potential for the treatment and prevention of gastric cancer associated with bile reflux. The researchers unveiled the mechanism of how bile reflux induces gastritis and gastric cancer. They explained that refluxed bile acids (BAs) lead to the proliferation of pro-inflammation bacteria that promote gastric carcinogenesis, the formation of cancer. Professor Jia Wei, Associate Dean (International Collaboration) of Chinese Medicine and Cheung On Tak Endowed Professor in Chinese Medicine at HKBU, has identified cryptotanshinone with the potential for the treatment and prevention of gastric cancer associated with bile reflux. The research findings have been published in the international scientific journal Advanced Science. Role of bile reflux in gastric cancer unclear Bile, secreted by the liver, is stored in the gallbladder and is released to the duodenum to help digest fat. When the pylorus connecting the stomach and the duodenum is damaged or fails to work properly, bile in the duodenum can enter the stomach, causing gastritis. People with stomach surgery complications, peptic ulcers or gallbladder removal surgery have higher risks of bile reflux. However, the mechanism of how bile reflux induces gastric carcinogenesis remains unclear. Professor Jia Wei, Associate Dean (International Collaboration) of Chinese Medicine and Cheung On Tak Endowed Professor in Chinese Medicine at HKBU, in collaboration with researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, conducted a study on how bile reflux induces gastric carcinogenesis, and looked for new prevention and therapeutic approaches. Professor Jia said: “We unveiled for the first time the underlying mechanism by which bile reflux promoted the development of gastric carcinogenesis. It offers important clinical insights on the development of novel prevention and therapeutic approaches for the disease. Based on the newly discovered mechanism, we identified cryptotanshinone as a potential Chinese medicine-based pharmaceutic agent for the prevention and treatment of gastric carcinogenesis due to bile reflux.” Bile reflux alters gastric environment The research team analysed the gastric juice samples of 50 patients with bile reflux gastritis (BRG group), 50 patients with gastric cancer (GC group) and 45 subjects in the control group using chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. It was found that the amounts of BAs, the major component of bile, in the gastric juice samples of BRG and GC groups are significantly higher than in the control group. Furthermore, the acidities of gastric juice samples of the BRG group (pH value about 3.5) and the GC group (pH value about 4) are drastically lower than in the control group (pH value about 2). The phenomenon is explained by the fact that BAs are weak acids compared with strong gastric acid, and their influx into the stomach changed the gastric environment by upsetting the normal acid-base balance of the gastric juice. Further investigation found that a specific type of BA, called taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA), showed a strong positive correlation with pH value of gastric juice samples of the BRG and GC groups. Previous studies showed that bile reflux is closely related to chronic gastric inflammation and gastric carcinogenesis. The researchers thus examined the concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a pro-inflammation cytokine, in the gastric juice of the 145 subjects above, and found that the BRG and GC groups have LPS concentrations significantly higher than those of the control group. Change in microbiota associates with gastric carcinogenesis As LPS is produced and found in the outer membrane of certain kinds of bacteria, the researchers applied gene sequencing and other techniques and confirmed that LPS-producing bacteria are significantly more abundant in the gastric juice of BRG and CG groups compared to the control group. Among these LPS-producing bacteria, a species called P. melaninogenica had the highest relative abundance. From these experimental results, it is suggested that bile reflux induces significant changes in the gastric environment, alters the gastric microbiota, and results in the development of gastritis and gastric carcinogenesis. The hypothesis was tested with a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments in mice, which confirmed that application of TDCA and LPS promotes gastric epithelial cell proliferation, and induces gastric inflammation. Cellular and molecular analysis revealed that P. melaninogenica promoted gastric inflammation in mice by activating the IL-6/JAK1/STAT3 pathway, a chain of interactions between proteins in a cell involved in processes such as immunity, cell division, cell death, and tumour formation. Cryptotanshinone as potential pharmaceutic agent After unveiling the mechanism of bile reflux-induced gastric cancer, the researchers turned to explore a corresponding preventive and therapeutic approach. They focused on cryptotanshinone, a bioactive compound isolated from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza, which is a Chinese herbal medicine that facilitates blood circulation with an anti-inflammatory effect. Cryptotanshinone is also known as an inhibitor of the STAT3 signaling pathway in cells. The researchers tested the effects of cryptotanshinone with a bile reflux mouse model developed through surgery. In a group of eight mice without application of cryptotanshinone, three mice developed gastric lesions 50 weeks after surgery. However, in another group of six mice injected with cryptotanshinone, no obvious gastric lesions were observed. The results suggested that cryptotanshinone has abolished the effects of TDCA and LPS in activating the IL-6/JAK1/STAT3 pathway. “Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that cryptotanshinone is a potential Chinese medicine-based pharmaceutic agent for the prevention and treatment of gastric carcinogenesis due to bile reflux. It provides an alternative strategy for the development of medication which targets on the newly discovered mechanism of how bile reflux induces gastric carcinogenesis,” said Professor Jia. Contact Details HKBU Communication and Public Relations Office Christina Wu hkbunews@hkbu.edu.hk

October 25, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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A Growing Body of Research Supports the Positive Impact of Massage Therapy For Mental Health

American Massage Therapy Association

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is sharing recent research supporting the benefits of massage therapy for stress, anxiety and depression. In a time when the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) ranks anxiety as the country’s most common mental illness – and depression as the leading cause of disability for people ages 15 to 44 1, people with mental health issues are turning to a range of wellness strategies, including massage therapy which has a positive impact on the body and mind. During AMTA’s National Massage Therapy Awareness Week®, explore the latest studies on massage therapy for mental health. Studies on Massage for Stress and Anxiety A recent study by German researchers indicated that short-term interventions such as massage therapy can robustly reduce stress on a psychological and physiological level by boosting the body’s principal engine for relaxation – the parasympathetic nervous system. In the study, researchers measured how massage can affect heart rate variability. When the parasympathetic nervous system is active, during rest and relaxation, the heart rate variability is high. The researchers found that just 10 minutes of massage created “significant increases” in heart rate variability. 2 Another 2021 Mayo Clinic study showed positive results on the benefits of massage therapy for anxiety in preoperative surgical patients. After receiving a 15-minute non-therapeutic hand massage, patients experienced lower anxiety levels and increased satisfaction. 3 New Research on Massage Therapy for Chronic Pain and Depression Research also indicates that massage can improve mood and reduce depression in those living with chronic pain. In fact, a scientific journal “Brain Sciences” recently covered a 2020 trial on women with chronic back pain whose depressive symptoms and negative body image were significantly reduced after receiving slow, superficial strokes along the back, neck and dorsal limbs. 4 In addition, a recent Australian pilot study examined the feasibility and acceptability of partner-delivered relaxation massage, and whether massage can reduce symptoms of prenatal anxiety, stress and depression. The results showed that massage therapy was linked to a large reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms and a moderate reduction of stress. Pregnant women who received massage therapy reported a positive benefit from massage of 78 mm (range 29 – 100) on a 100 mm visual analog scale. 5 Massage For Youth Struggling with Mental Health Issues Mental health issues are on the rise for children in the U.S. Many recent studies point to the benefits of using massage in addressing a range of psychological issues in youth, such as attention disorders, aggression, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. In a 2019 study on eating disorders and depression, researchers found that excessively low-dopamine levels were increased following one month of daily 20-minute massages. 6 Another 2019 study compared the effectiveness of soft tissue manipulation and a relaxation technique (Jacobson’s progressive relaxation) in reducing anxiety levels in young adults. The researchers found that the level of perceived anxiety decreased “significantly” in the group receiving soft tissue manipulation. 7 “Research on the efficacy of massage therapy for mental health continues to show great promise,” says Michaele Colizza, AMTA National President. “In fact, more and more consumers are turning to massage therapy as part of an integrative approach to care for improving mental health and well-being.” It’s an Important Moment in Time for Massage for Mental Health Over the last few years, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a marked effect on the country’s mental health. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 42% of people surveyed reported symptoms of anxiety or depression during the pandemic. Researchers are concerned that the increase in mental health issues could linger long after the pandemic has subsided, and many integrative health experts believe that massage therapy can be an important part of the solution in helping alleviate stress, anxiety and depression. 8 About The American Massage Therapy Association The American Massage Therapy Association, the most trusted name in massage therapy, is the largest non-profit, professional association serving massage therapists, massage students and massage schools. The association is directed by volunteer leadership and fosters ongoing, direct member-involvement through its 51 chapters. AMTA works to advance the profession through ethics and standards, the promotion of fair and consistent licensing of massage therapists in all states, and public education on the benefits of massage. To find a qualified massage therapist in your area, please visit AMTA’s Find a Massage Therapist Locator Service ™. Research Citations 1. Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA): Facts & Statistics | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA 2. University of Konstanz. “Ten minutes of massage or rest will help your body fight stress.” ScienceDaily. September 2020. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200918104305.htm. 3. Zghihong, Bauer, Aaberg, Pool, Van Rooy, Schroeder, Finney. “Benefits of hand massage on anxiety in preoperative outpatient: A quasi-experimental study with pre- and post-tests.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32919894/ 4. Effect of Psycho-Regulatory Massage Therapy on Pain and Depression in Women with Chronic and/ or Somatoform Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial - PubMed (nih.gov) 5. Hall HL, Munk NK, Carr BH, Fogarty SR, Cant RB, Holton SR, Weller CL, Lauche RM. Maternal mental health and partner-delivered massage: A pilot study. Women Birth. 2021 May;34(3):e237-47. 6. Tiffany Field. " Pediatric massage therapy research: A narrative review." Children (Basel) 2019 Jun; 6(6): 78. 7. Wilczynska, Lysak-Radomska, Podczarska-Glowacka, Jolanta Zajt, Dornowski, Skonieczny " Evaluation of the effectiveness of relaxation in lowering the level of anxiety in young adults." Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2019;32(6):817-824. 8. Vahration, Blumberg, Terlizzi, Schiller. “Symptoms of Anxiety or Depressive Disorder and Use of Mental Health Care Among Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic” – United States, August 2020-February 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:490-494. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7013e2.htm?s_cid=mm7013e2_w Contact Details American Massage Therapy Association Kristin Taylor +1 847-905-1425 communications@amtamassage.org Company Website https://www.amtamassage.org/

October 24, 2022 12:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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AmeriLife’s The Senior Resource Group Acquires Secure Benefits to Accelerate Growth

AmeriLife

The Senior Resource Group, (SRG), a leading, national field marketing organization (FMO) for the industry’s top insurance carriers and an affiliate of AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), announced today that it has acquired Secure Benefits, a Florence, Ala.-based field marketing organization (FMO). Per the agreement, terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We met [Secure Benefits owner and CEO] Stephanie Kirk for lunch a few years ago and we connected from day one,” said Shane Souders, co-founder and managing partner of The Senior Resource Group. “She’s an exceptional leader and businessperson, who has a selfless passion – one that is perfectly aligned with SRG’s mission – to help her brokers and employees succeed in this industry. We’re excited to grow together with Secure Benefits and proud to call them our partner.” Founded in 2010 by Kirk, Secure Benefits specializes in distributing Medicare Advantage solutions to beneficiaries throughout Alabama and Tennessee. As an “agent-first” organization, Secure Benefits prides itself on nurturing longstanding, successful agents and cultivating a family-oriented culture that’s become the hallmark of its brand and business. The acquisition expands The Senior Resource Group’s geographical footprint while bringing Secure Benefits under the umbrella of AmeriLife’s all-star distribution network. The deal also provides Secure Benefits – alongside its partners Benefits Solutions Group, Senior Benefits Advisors, Silver Benefit Solutions and The Providence Group – with access to SRG’s and AmeriLife’s industry-leading technology, tools, resources and top-level contracts to help them grow and thrive. “Over the past 14 years, Secure Benefits has steadily grown to include agents in multiple states across the Southeast,” said Kirk. “We’re not your typical FMO – our agents and team members are like family, many of whom have been with us since the beginning. We’re proud of our focus on helping agents build strong businesses and ensuring they feel fully supported. We’re thrilled to partner with Shane, SRG and AmeriLife, and look forward to the many opportunities ahead of us.” “We’re excited to welcome Secure Benefits and its partners to the AmeriLife family,” added AmeriLife Chief Distribution Officer Mike Vietri. “Under Shane’s leadership, there’s no doubt that they will continue to thrive and help accelerate AmeriLife’s mission of helping people live longer, healthier lives.” Secure Benefits will continue to operate as a stand-alone organization out of its Florence headquarters and under the leadership of Kirk, who will report to Souders. ### About The Senior Resource Group The Senior Resource Group was founded in 2008 by insurance brokers who understand the needs of agents in the field. Today, The Senior Resource Group is a premier field marketing organization for an array of national insurance carriers providing Medicare Supplement policies, Medicare Advantage plans, life insurance, final expanse plans and financial products in 25 states. The team at The Senior Resource Group provides the tools, support and training necessary for success in the insurance industry. For more information, visit TheSeniorResourceGroup.com. About Secure Benefits Founded 14 years ago by Stephanie Kirk, Secure Benefits is a leading and growing Medicare Advantage solutions field marketing organization (FMO) that serves agents and their communities across the southeast United States. Based in Florence, Ala., with additional offices in Lebanon, Tenn., Secure Benefits is an “agent-first,” family-focused FMO that emphasizes education, advocacy and relationship building to help its agents deliver on their promise to their clients. About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to provide insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. In doing so, AmeriLife has become recognized as the leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For more than 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers served through a distribution network of over 300,000 insurance agents and advisors and more than 100 marketing organizations and insurance agency locations nationwide. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com, and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Details Media Jeff Maldonado +1 321-297-1112 jmaldonado@amerilife.com Partnership Inquiries Patrick Nichols +1 727-726-0726 pnichols@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

October 24, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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