Category Archives: Health

New Memoir Sheds Light on Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery with Humor and Insight

Studio City, CA, June 25, 2024 — Early Reviews are In:“An engaging, real, and often funny account about the difficult road to
recovery that is sure to help TBI survivors like myself.” -Cristin Zeisler, JD,OTD, CEO, Cognition Center

In an inspiring literary memoir debut, The Best of the Worst: My True Story of Surviving and Thriving After a Traumatic Brain Injury, published by Rainmaker Publishing, Emily Silver Owen offers a profound glimpse into the life-altering journey of getting her life back after suffering a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Released on June 21, 2024, Owen’s narrative captures the essence of resilience, hope, and the undying human spirit in the face of adversity.

Struck by a drunk driver in a life-changing moment on September 7, 2019, Emily’s world was turned upside down. Walking her dog just minutes after taking a photo outside a bar, she became another statistic in the ever-growing number of TBI cases worldwide. However, refusing to be defined by her injury, Emily’s memoir transcends the story of the accident to spotlight the challenging yet rewarding road to recovery. Through her candid recounting, readers are invited into the day-to-day battles and triumphs that mark the TBI recovery journey.

The Best of the Worst opens with a powerful analogy about living with TBI, likening the experience to a series of frustrating mishaps that encapsulate the disconnect between desire and ability. Yet, it is through this lens of struggle that Emily’s humor, strength, and determination shine brightest. Her narrative is not just her own but serves as a source of inspiration for others navigating the aftermath of a TBI.

TBI affects millions annually, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that in the United States alone, there are approximately 2.8 million TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths each year. Despite its prevalence, TBI remains a misunderstood and often invisible injury, underscoring the significance of firsthand accounts like Emily’s in raising awareness and understanding.

Endorsed by healthcare professionals and survivors alike, The Best of the Worst is hailed as a crucial contribution to the literature on brain injury. Victoria Katomski, Director of Rehabilitation at the Centre for Neuro Skills and a leading speech and cognitive therapist specializing in TBI recovery, praises the book saying, “Em is a testament to what is possible to accomplish in life after brain injury.”

Emily’s story is more than a memoir; “I will spend the rest of my life trying to right the wrong I experienced,” she declared. Her mission transcends personal healing, aiming to influence a global awareness of TBI and the importance of mindfulness in everyday actions.

Tomoko Uno Opens new QHHT Healing Center in Tucson, AZ

Tucson, AZ, June 24, 2024 –Tomoko Uno opened Healing Within, a new QHHT healing center conveniently located on Fort Lowell Rd.

Originally from Japan, Tomoko is a lifelong practitioner of the healing arts, having studied an ancient form of Japanese Shamanism with the Kannagi and Miko (Shinto mystics and healers). Today, Tomoko is a certified QHHT practitioner committed to helping individuals unlock their full potential and achieve holistic wellness. She says, “I’m thrilled to bring QHHT to Tucson and look forward to contributing to the vibrant local healing community. This is a dream come true for me!”

Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT) is a unique and powerful form of hypnosis developed by Dolores Cannon. This technique facilitates access to the subconscious mind, where profound healing and deep insights can be attained. QHHT goes beyond traditional hypnotherapy by exploring past lives and tapping into a higher consciousness that hold answers to life’s most pressing questions.

Fluent in both English and Japanese, Tomoko bridges cultural and linguistic gaps, making her services accessible to the diverse range of clients living in the Tucson area. Her unique background and personal experiences enrich her practice, allowing her to connect with clients on a deep and empathetic level.

As a newcomer to Tucson, Tomoko’s goal is to create a supportive and nurturing environment where clients can explore their inner world and achieve wellness. Tomoko believes in the innate wisdom and healing potential within each person and is dedicated to assisting clients on their journey toward wholeness and empowerment.

Whether working with English-speaking clients or those who prefer Japanese, Tomoko offers private, in-office sessions that last approximately four hours and can be scheduled online at your convenience. The waiting list is currently around 3-4 weeks.

Once per month on weekends, Tomoko can also be found at the Tucson Psychic and Healing Fair located at the Crystal Event Center, 610 W Prince Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705. This is a monthly event with some of the finest healers and readers in Southern Arizona.

The Successful Partnership Between MAIA Biotechnology and Cromos Pharma

Portland, OR, June 24, 2024 — MAIA Biotechnology, a leader in targeted therapy and immuno-oncology, has partnered with Cromos Pharma, a US-based international clinical research organization, to continue making significant strides in cancer treatment research. This collaboration focuses on the development and commercialization of THIO, a novel telomere-targeting agent aimed at treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with telomerase-positive cancer cells. This partnership underscores a joint commitment to revolutionizing cancer therapy through innovative approaches.

At the recent ASCO 2024 conference, MAIA unveiled compelling interim clinical data on THIO, capturing significant attention and excitement for its potential to revolutionize cancer therapy. The latest clinical data demonstrates promising disease control, response rates, and benefits post-therapy for THIO.

Key Findings of the Ongoing Phase 2 THIO-101 Clinical Trial:
• Disease Control Rate (DCR): 85% with THIO and Libtayo in NSCLC patients who failed two or more standard-of-care therapy regimens.
• Primary Objectives: Safety and tolerability of THIO, and clinical efficacy measured by overall response rate (ORR).

THIO, combined with Libtayo, shows significant disease control in advanced NSCLC patients, indicating a promising new treatment approach for those who have exhausted other options.

The success at the ASCO 2024 conference stems from a strong collaboration between MAIA Biotechnology and Cromos Pharma. Playing a crucial role in the THIO-101 trial, Cromos Pharma excelled particularly in patient recruitment, successfully enrolling 85% of participants from key European countries—outperforming other regions involved in the trial. They also managed trial sites and secured the necessary regulatory approvals efficiently across these countries, ensuring a smooth and effective progression of the trial.

Cromos Pharma is proud to partner with MAIA in advancing innovative cancer therapies. The company values its role in this noble endeavor and is committed to supporting MAIA’s mission to improve and extend the lives of cancer patients through ongoing collaboration.

About MAIA Biotechnology, Inc.

MAIA is a targeted therapy, immuno-oncology company focused on the development and commercialization of potential first-in-class drugs with novel mechanisms of action that are intended to meaningfully improve and extend the lives of people with cancer. Its lead program is THIO, a potential first-in-class cancer telomere targeting agent in clinical development for the treatment of NSCLC patients with telomerase-positive cancer cells.

Ananda Yogathon: Get a 360-degree, Practical View of Yoga on 21st June

24th June 2024 Pune, Maharashtra, India This International Yoga Day (21st June), Ananda Yoga School of India (a part of Ananda Sangha) is offering a sunrise-to-sunset experience of Yoga. This would appeal to first-timers as well as long-term practitioners of Yoga. Structured into short sessions, the event provides an opportunity to sample a range of subjects and routines and develop a wider and deeper appreciation of the yogic lifestyle.

Ananda Yoga for Body, Mind and Soul

The event will be online over Zoom and is offered free of cost, but prior registration is required. Apart from the regional language (Hindi / Marathi / Tamil) session at 11 am, all other sessions will be in English.

Rooted in the teachings of Sri Sri Paramhansa Yogananda and designed by his disciple, Swami Kriyananda, Ananda Yoga is a deep yet gentle spiritual yoga practice that integrates body, mind, and soul. It spans asana, pranayam, meditation and affirmations, to achieve radiant health, prosperity, peace, and spiritual awakening.

According to Latha Emmatty Gupta, Director- Ananda Yoga School of India, “Ananda Yoga is much more than a physical practice. It is how you adapt and apply this ancient wisdom in daily life to find more peace and enhance all-round well-being. In that sense, Ananda Yoga is a work-in, rather than a work-out.”

Highlights of Ananda Yogathon (6:00 AM to 7:00 PM):

Surya Namaskar: Learn this immensely powerful technique, and combined with affirmation offer your salutations to the Sun.

Chanting: Open and expand the heart chakra with devotional chanting of mantras.

Asanas for Stress Relief and Heart Health: Guided by experienced teachers, these are customized Ananda Yoga routines to meet the demands of daily life.

Advanced Asanas: These energizing asana routines will take one into a deeper understanding and integration of body, mind and soul.

Restorative Yoga: This form of yoga is very relaxing and renews one both physically and mentally. Using props such as cushions and blocks enables holding poses much longer which calms the mind.

Kriya Yoga: Get introduced to the path of Kriya Yoga, an ancient technique of self-realization that Paramhansa Yogananda described as ‘the airplane route to God’.

Pranayam: It can be both a calming and energizing practice that clears the mind and helps you operate with focus and energy. Pranayam is a doorway to meditation and higher consciousness.

Guided Meditation: Meditate together with hundreds of other online participants, guided by the Kriyacharya and Spiritual Director of Ananda Sangha.

Yoga Sutras: Expand understanding of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and their application in daily life.

Neuroscience of Yoga: Dive into the neuroscience behind Yoga as well as catch up on the latest scientific research on benefits of yoga.

Ayurveda and Yoga: Develop an appreciation of Ayurveda, as a companion science of Yoga. Gain tips on how people can adapt their lifestyle based on body constitution.

Tools for Awakening Inner Power: The application of Yoga is where transformation can happen. Learn tools and techniques to apply yoga in everyday life.

A Holistic Yoga Classroom

Register now for this celebration of International Yoga Day and enjoy a taste of the multi-faceted nature of Yoga.

How Yoga & Walnuts May Enhance Heart Health

24th June 2024 Delhi, India A healthy, nutritious, and active lifestyle can go a long way in maintaining sound mental and physical health, and recent years have made us realize just how important it is to make health an utmost priority in our lives. So, this brings us to an important question: What does one do to stay fit and healthy in 2024? Integrative health coach Neha Ranglani has the answer: “A nutrition-rich diet, containing omega-3 ALA-rich walnuts, may help improve your cardiovascular health. Pair it up with yoga, which helps reduce stress, improve blood circulation, and control blood pressure levels, and you have a powerful combination for maintaining a healthy heart.”

California Walnuts and Yoga

And we couldn’t agree more! California walnuts, paired with the ancient practice of yoga offer complementary effects that can help not only our heart health but also our overall well-being.

Scroll down to read how yoga and walnuts benefit your heart:

1. Reduced stress

Yoga, an ancient Indian practice, involves a combination of body poses, breathwork, and meditation. This trio is known to be beneficial for our mind and body. Meanwhile, walnuts may help improve mood.1 These wonder nuts may be associated with lower depression symptoms, greater interest in activities, higher energy levels, better concentration, and greater optimism.2

2. Promote weight management

Obesity is one of the major risk factors for heart disease, and hence, weight management is key to protecting one’s self. Yoga and walnuts both promote weight management. A handful of walnuts contains 2.5g plant-based omega-3 ALA, 4g protein, 2g fiber, and several other essential nutrients.

Walnuts may have the potential to influence appetite hormones, suppressing hunger and making you feel satiated for longer. And if you feel full for longer, you avoid unnecessary and untimely cravings.3

3. Promote healthy gut

Studies suggest that walnuts enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria to ensure a healthy gut.4 And a healthy gut may be linked to a variety of health benefits, including digestion, metabolism, and the immune system.5 Meanwhile, yoga, through specific poses like Pavanamuktasana and Paschimottanasana, can help deal with symptoms of digestive disorders and improve overall gut health.

4. Improve cholesterol levels

Did you know: that eating walnuts may help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL) in our body?6 And while walnuts do that, yoga also supports good cholesterol levels with its healthy lifestyle and weight management properties.

Now that you have read about a few of the many benefits of yoga and walnuts for heart health, how about starting your day with a handful of California walnuts and 10-15 minutes of yoga (to begin with)? Your body and mind will thank you for this holistic approach towards a healthier, happier you!

References:

1Pribis P. Effects of Walnut Consumption on Mood in Young Adults-A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2016;8(11):668. doi:10.3390/nu81106682

2Arab L, Guo R, Elashoff D. Lower Depression Scores among Walnut Consumers in NHANES. Nutrients. 2019;11(2):275. doi:10.3390/nu11020275

3Stevenson JL, Paton CM, Cooper JA. Hunger and satiety responses to high-fat meals after high polyunsaturated fat diet: a randomized trial. Nutrition. 2017;41:14–23. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2017.03.008

4Baer/USDA/Gut Health/Jun 01 2018, Parhofer/Univ Munich/Gut Health/Feb 22 2018, Lamendella/Penn State/Gut Health/Dec 18 2021 (citations noted below in Health Research section)

5Wallace TC, Guarner F, Madsen K, et al. Human gut microbiota and its relationship to health and disease. Nutr Rev. 2011;69(7):392-403. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2011.00402

6Guasch-Ferré M, Li J, Hu FB, et al. Effects of walnut consumption on blood lipids and other cardiovascular risk factors: an updated meta-analysis and systematic review of controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2018;108(1):174-187. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy091.

Swedish Medical Center Announces Appointment of Scott Davis as President and CEO

Denver, CO, June 24, 2024 –– HealthONE, part of HCA Healthcare’s Continental Division, announced the promotion of Scott Davis, FACHE, to president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Swedish Medical Center effective June 3, 2024. Scott comes to Swedish from HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest, a 417-bed acute care hospital, where he was CEO for five years.

“Scott brings with him a wealth of experience and a passion for excellence,” said Chad Christianson, president and CEO of HealthONE. “His accomplishments while at HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest, including achieving Level II Trauma Center status, receiving Comprehensive Stroke Center certification from The Joint Commission (TJC), and developing a culture that was recognized by Modern Healthcare as a Best Places to Work, make him the perfect choice to lead Swedish Medical Center.”

As CEO of Swedish Medical Center, a Level I Trauma Center and American Burn Association verified Burn Center, Davis will oversee a number of complex, award-winning service lines. Swedish is a national leader in the area of neurosciences and has become the gold standard in stroke, neurology and neurosurgical care. Swedish was the first hospital in Colorado to be certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center and is home to the Swedish Neuro Network, which leverages the quality and capabilities of Swedish with stroke/neuro care at five other HealthONE acute care hospitals, benefiting patients throughout the region.

Swedish is consistently recognized as a destination for exceptional care, earning 100 Top Hospital accolades from Fortune/PINC AI. Swedish was named among Healthgrades’ America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2023 and received the prestigious Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award. The hospital also holds a four-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and consistently receives “A” safety grades from the Leapfrog Group.

During his tenure at HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest, the hospital experienced substantial growth, improved quality, and top performance in employee and physician engagement. With his leadership, HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest was designated as a Magnet and Pathways to Excellence facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, one of only eight hospitals in the country to hold both designations. With HCA Healthcare for over 20 years, Davis served as CEO at Methodist Texsan Hospital and Methodist Ambulatory Surgical Hospital in San Antonio, Texas; Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Ogden Regional Medical Center in Ogden, Utah; and COO and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at West Valley Medical Center in Idaho.

HealthONE’s Sky Ridge Medical Center Welcomes New President & CEO Eric Evans

Denver, CO, June 19, 2024 –HealthONE’s Sky Ridge Medical Center is pleased to welcome Eric Evans as its new president and CEO, effective today. Prior to being named to this position, Evans was the Chief Executive Officer and market President at Corpus Christi Medical Center (CCMC) in Corpus Christi, Texas. He succeeds Sky Ridge CEO Kirk McCarty, who was named CEO of HCA Healthcare’s Menorah Hospital in KS.

In his prior role for four years, Evans provided leadership and strategic direction for two acute care hospitals, three freestanding emergency centers, a cancer center, and a behavioral health hospital. CCMC experienced substantial service line growth during Evans’ tenure and improved colleague, physician and patient engagement.

“Eric has dedicated more than 28 years to HCA Healthcare, significantly contributing to our Gulf Coast Division through various leadership roles, including CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball and East Houston Regional Medical Center,” said Chad Christianson, President & CEO of HCA Healthcare’s HealthONE Continental Division. “Having worked with Eric in Houston, I can attest to his exceptional skills and leadership. I am pleased he will lead one of our premier HealthONE hospitals – Sky Ridge Medical Center.”

‌Evans graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas and earned a Master’s degree in Health Services Administration from George Washington University in Washington, DC. He and his wife Patty have two children, Tyler, 20, and Sarah, 17. He is looking forward to living and working in Douglas County.

Dr. Wes Heroman Announces Scholarship for Future Healthcare Innovators

Columbia, SC, June 18, 2024 — The Dr. Wes Heroman Scholarship for Healthcare Students is now accepting applications for its inaugural award cycle, offering a one-time award of $1,000 to a deserving student. This scholarship, established by the distinguished ophthalmologist Dr. Wes Heroman, is aimed at nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals who exhibit exceptional academic prowess, a deep passion for healthcare, and a commitment to personal and professional growth.

Scholarship Criteria and Application Details
To be eligible for the Dr. Wes Heroman Scholarship for Healthcare Students, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Educational Pursuit: Applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program related to healthcare or preparing to enter university with a focus on a medical degree.

Scholastic Excellence: The scholarship values outstanding academic achievements, seeking individuals who have demonstrated exceptional performance in their academic pursuits.

Passion for Healthcare: Prospective recipients must exhibit a profound dedication to the field of healthcare, showcasing an authentic passion for contributing positively to patient well-being.

Commitment to Personal Development: Candidates should embody a strong commitment to personal and professional growth, actively seeking opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills within the healthcare domain.

Essay Submission: Applicants are required to submit a compelling essay of no more than 1,000 words, responding thoughtfully to the following prompt: “Discuss a notable challenge currently faced by the healthcare industry and propose an innovative solution for addressing it effectively.”

Problem-Solving Aptitude: The selection process favors candidates who can demonstrate creative and resourceful approaches to problem-solving, highlighting their ability to identify and address complex issues within the healthcare sector.

Dr. Rozita Akhbari to Join Carolina Pediatrics of the Triad

Greensboro, NC, June 15, 2024 — Carolina Pediatrics of the Triad announces the expansion of their practice with the addition of Dr. Rozita Akhbari. Dr. Akhbari attended Iran University of Medical Science and completed her residency at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Akhbari is married with two daughters. When not practicing medicine, she enjoys hiking, biking, traveling, cooking and trying new cuisines.

When asked her thoughts on joining the practice, Dr. Akbari said, “When we moved to Greensboro, I was looking for a medical home for my own kids and after thorough research I chose Carolina Pediatrics Of The Triad. I have been very impressed by the excellence, consistency, compassion, and convenience in care we always receive and when the chance became available, I was so thrilled to be part of this amazing team.”