Category Archives: News

Child Care Aware of Missouri Releases 2025 Child Care Report

Nonprofit shares data analysis to demonstrate Missouri’s child care system evolution since COVID-19.

(St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 22, 2025) Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) recently released its “Child Care Landscape in Missouri” report which examines the region’s child care system from 2020 to 2024.

The up-to-date report explores how Missouri’s child care system has been significantly shaped by the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Various challenges addressed include an increase in child care deserts, child care affordability, limited resource accessibility, and the expiration of federally funded programs like the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit organization that focuses on comprehensive early childhood education and its impact on families, child care professionals, businesses, and communities. CCAMO holds exclusive statewide licenses for Show Me Child Care Resources, a web-based portal providing more than 2,000 resources for child care educators and business owners, as well as T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Missouri Scholarship Program, which has awarded more than 2,600 scholarships across Missouri since its inception.

CCAMO’s report provides researched solutions and actionable recommendations such as expanding affordable care access with a focus on rural and underserved areas; investing in workforce retention through better wages and benefits; sustaining public funding to stabilize and grow the sector; and promoting innovative child care models to meet diverse family needs.

“Our detailed analysis depicts numerous barriers in Missouri’s child care infrastructure since the pandemic,” said CCAMO CEO Robin Phillips. “We have addressed these issues – from workforce development resources to policy recommendations – to assist our region in its quest for quality answers to our current child care climate.”

Child Care Aware of Missouri’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options.

1to1help’s 2024 Report Redefines Workplace Wellbeing with Focus on Counselling and Resilience Trends

[Mumbai, January 22, 2025] – 1to1help, India’s leading Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) service provider, has published its yearly report titled “State of Emotional Wellbeing Report 2024”, focused on key trends and challenges around workplace mental health. Based on a substantial dataset of over 83,000 counselling sessions, 12,000 elective screenings, and 42,000 assessments from January to November 2024. The report reveals an increase in the uptake of counselling services among corporate employees. More interestingly, mental health concerns have risen to 15% and is one of the top 2 concerns for which employees reach out for counselling, as compared to previous years.

This also suggests that people are becoming more aware of the importance of mental health and no longer view it as taboo, which has led them to seek counselling for mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or stress.

Ms. Mahua Bisht, CEO of 1to1help, stated, “Last year, we embarked on the journey of providing industry leaders with authentic, reliable data and actionable insights based on our counselling sessions. Each year, we seek to improve the data we share as well as the impact we deliver, and you will see more granularity in the findings of this year’s report. What really stood out to me this year was that we were able to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, significantly and demonstrably for individuals struggling with these issues in as few as three sessions.

In addition, we found that managers can play a life-changing role, as over half of the manager referrals we received involved a presence of suicidal risk.

This shows the importance of organizations and crucially, of managers in helping employees reach the right support at the right time.”

Major Highlights from 2024:

1. Mental Health and Workplace Relationship-Related Concerns on the Rise

The support sought through counselling for mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and stress increased to 15%. While counselling related to workplace concerns constituted 11% of the total counselling sessions, workplace relationship-related discussions claimed the top spot, comprising 23% of all such discussions.

2. Gender-Specific Insights

Counseling uptake by men rose by 7%, with 70% of financial consultations being undertaken by men, reflecting their worries about financial anxiety and societal pressure surrounding their role as the ‘breadwinner’ of the family. Notably, there was a disproportionately larger representation of women in counseling with 52% of all counseling sessions being taken by women despite their lower representation in the workplace. Interestingly, 60% of relationship counseling was sought by women, affirming the emotional burden they often bear, in nurturing relationships.

3. Generational Differences in Mental Health

The findings reveal that signs of depression and anxiety were more pronounced among individuals under 30 than those over 45 years. This is likely attributed to stressors like relocation, career changes, and relationship difficulties in their early and mid-twenties. Organizations can support their young employees by facilitating open communication, demonstrating flexibility in work arrangements, and providing opportunities for growth within their organizations.

4. Distress and Suicide Risk Cases Surge

The data reveals a 22% increase in suicide risk and a 17% increase in distress cases compared to 2023. Alarmingly, 59% of employees referred by their managers showed signs of self-harm, reaffirming the need for manager training to help and support distressed employees. The report also reveals that the dependents of employees are at higher risk of suicide, stressing the need to extend emotional well-being assistance to employees’ family members as well.

5. Digital-Life Balance: A Growing Concern

According to the data, only 3% of individuals maintained a healthy digital balance, with most finding it challenging to disconnect from devices. This highlights the need to prioritize non-digital engagement and provide strategies to help employees manage technology use effectively.

6. Effectiveness of Counseling

98% of individuals achieved their goals or made significant progress within just three counseling sessions, underscoring the tangible impact of timely mental health support. Among those who initially screened positive for depression, 53% reported a significant decrease in depression symptoms, and 48% reported decreased anxiety. These results show that structured counseling can effectively address emotional challenges and promote well-being in a short period of time.

Daily Habits for Mental Wellness: Tips to Strengthen Your Mind

By Dr. Joseph Sunny Kunnassery- Founder of Prayatna, Kochi, Senior Occupational Therapist and Honorary Secretary of All India Occupational Therapist Association (AIOTA)

Mental health has become as important as physical health in today’s fast-paced environment. Living a happy and healthy life involves managing stress, preserving emotional equilibrium, and being cognitively strong. You can foster your mental health and well-being by adding easy, daily routines into your life.

Here are some helpful recommendations to abide by:

1. Start Your Day with Gratitude: Every day, begin by thinking about the positive aspects in your life. This could involve employment, family, health, or even little pleasures like a hot cup of coffee. You can develop an attitude of abundance and satisfaction by writing down three things for which you are thankful every morning, instead of focusing on what you lack.

2. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: By practicing mindfulness, you can lower your anxiety and remain in the present. You can enhance emotional regulation, lower stress levels, and clear your mind by practicing meditation, even for just five minutes each day. For beginners, guided applications such as Calm or Headspace can be useful resources.

3. Stay Physically Active: Mental and physical well-being are closely connected. Regular exercise, even if it’s just stretching or walking, releases endorphins, which are known as “feel-good” hormones. This improves mood, lowers anxiety, and gives you more energy overall. On most days, try to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.

4. Get Enough Sleep: Insufficient sleep can lead to irritability, poor decision-making, and inability to focus. Prioritize a restful night’s sleep by establishing a regular sleep pattern, making your home a peaceful one, and engaging in relaxation exercises before bed. Seven to nine hours of sleep per night is typically required by adults in order to function at their best.

5. Connect with Others: For mental health, human connection is essential. A sense of belonging can be developed by spending time with friends, family, and even by participating in community events. Take into consideration joining a group or taking part in online events if you’re feeling lonely. Emotional support and mood enhancement are two benefits of social contacts.

6. Set Boundaries and Manage Stress: Setting clear boundaries is crucial in a world where business and personal life can sometimes blend together. Limit work-related activities after hours, take pauses, and develop the ability to say no when necessary. Engage in stress-relieving activities like progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, or enjoyable hobbies.

7. Engage in Creative Activities: Painting, writing, or playing an instrument are examples of creative pursuits that can be very healing. You may improve your creativity, feel more accomplished, and regulate your emotions by taking up hobbies that let you express yourself. Make an effort to schedule time each week for something that makes you feel motivated.

8. Practice Positive Self-Talk: Your mental state is greatly influenced by your internal dialogue. Positive affirmations can take the place of negative ideas. When you notice yourself thinking negatively, stop, question the idea, and swap it out for a more sensible one. Your perspective on the world and yourself can be significantly altered by developing an encouraging and caring mindset.

9. Seek Professional Help When Needed: Seeking professional assistance if you’re having mental health issues is not a sign of weakness. Talking to a mental health professional, going to therapy, or counselling can help you process your thoughts in a nonjudgmental environment while also offering helpful coping mechanisms and emotional support. Maintaining your mental well-being is equally as crucial as maintaining your bodily well-being.

10. Practice Acts of Kindness: Acts of kindness can generate oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which can lower stress and promote emotions of connection. Doing something little, like holding the door or offering your time, can benefit the recipient as well as your own mental health.

11. Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen use, particularly on social media, may negatively impact mental health and lead to stress. Establish screen time limits and make sure you balance online and offline activities that promote relaxation and mental clarity.

12. Learn to Accept Imperfection: Burnout and feelings of inadequacy can result from striving for perfection. Instead, focus on progress rather than perfection and accept that mistakes are normal. The secret to keeping a positive outlook is to practice self-compassion and forgiveness for previous mistakes.

Indian Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Run in TATA Mumbai Marathon 2025 to Spread Cancer Awareness

January 22, 2025. Those who participated in the Dream Run category included 30 young cancer victors and some employees of ICS.

The effort was primarily aimed at spreading the spirit of fighting cancer through the runners who demonstrated that despite having gone through cancer they could run the Marathon like any other person. Their spirit generated hope and positivity and spread the ICS message that good lifestyle, eschewing risk factors for cancer such as tobacco, and early detection through regular screening can help in staying two steps ahead of cancer raising awareness and educating people on the importance of screening and early cancer detection.

Apart from individual supporters a big push came from Kotak Securities and Raymonds. About 100 members from Raymonds and 130 members from Kotak securities ran for the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 supporting Indian Cancer Society to raise awareness.

Persistent Secures Prestigious AA+ Rating from ICRA Limited

January 22, 2025, Santa Clara, CA and Pune, India

Persistent Systems, a global leader in Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization, today announced that it has achieved [ICRA]AA+ (Stable) credit rating, reinforcing its strong financial position, business resilience, and operational excellence.

ICRA Limited (ICRA) is an Indian independent and professional investment information and credit rating agency. ICRA’s comprehensive rating assessment involves an in-depth evaluation of financial statements, extensive discussions with the senior leadership team, and a detailed analysis of business performance. Key factors such as revenue growth, operational efficiency, capital structure, and liquidity position are meticulously reviewed to gauge financial resilience and long-term stability.

The AA+ (Stable) rating from ICRA reinforces stakeholder trust, demonstrating Persistent’s sustained growth momentum and resilience in navigating dynamic macroeconomic conditions. The key rating drivers and strengths highlighted by ICRA include:

• Experienced leadership with a proven operational track record, complemented by well-established relationships with a diverse customer base across various industries.
• Strong revenue growth and a healthy order book ensuring consistent revenue visibility, driven by a diversified mix of large and mid-sized deals across key sectors with an increasing share of new business wins.
• A robust financial profile driven by healthy cash flow generation and capital structure, reflects the financial stability and positions Persistent to sustain its growth momentum and navigate future opportunities effectively.

This credit rating will also serve as a key enabler in Persistent’s bid pursuits with larger clients, who often require vendor partners to demonstrate strong financial robustness as part of their selection criteria. The AA+ (Stable) rating provides a credible assurance of Persistent’s financial health, further enhancing the Company’s ability to secure strategic engagements and expand its footprint in the enterprise market.

Sandeep Kalra, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Persistent

“We are proud to have achieved the [ICRA]AA+ (Stable) rating, which serves as a testament to our strong business fundamentals, financial health, and operational excellence. This recognition reflects the trust we have built with our clients, shareholders, and employees over the years. We will continue to drive top-quartile industry performance through disciplined execution, innovation, and global expansion, while maintaining a robust capital structure and healthy liquidity position. By doing so, we aim to sustain our growth momentum and create long-term value for all our stakeholders.“

Life-Changing TAVR Procedure Helps 94-Year-Old Mumbai Woman Overcome Health Challenges

Mumbai: In a ground-breaking medical success, a frail 94-year-old woman from Mumbai has regained her independence and quality of life after undergoing a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure. Weighing only 36 kg, Bhanbai Gala was treated for severe aortic stenosis by the veteran interventional cardiologist Dr Ravinder Singh Rao.

Bhanbai Gala, grandmother to a general practitioner Dr. Mita Gala, had been battling severe chest heaviness and breathlessness for months. Her condition limited her ability to walk even a few steps and disrupted her daily routine. A bypass surgery in 2010 and her frailty put her at high risk for treatment. Yet, her determination to attend her great-grandson’s wedding led her family to seek medical solutions.

Following detailed evaluations, Dr Rao recommended TAVR, a minimally invasive procedure to replace the aortic valve. TAVR was deemed high risk in view of advanced age and previous bypass surgery. Performed under local anaesthesia, the hour-long procedure involved inserting a new valve via the femoral artery, replacing the narrowed aortic valve without complications. The patient started to breathe better overnight.

Dr Rao said, “Our extensive experience with TAVR helps to perform the procedure safely in a complex situation. The valve starts functioning immediately, and when these patients go home without complications, they do extremely well. TAVR is a game-changer for patients with aortic stenosis. It is also approved for low-risk patients in their 60s if the valve can be replaced from the groin vessel,” said Dr Rao. “Her small build, complex anatomy, and Trifascicular AV block posed challenges, but meticulous planning ensured a safe and successful outcome.”

Bhanbai Gala was discharged within 48 hours and experienced significant improvements in her symptoms. At her one-month follow-up, she reported walking comfortably, completing household chores, and even preparing her favourite dessert, Khajur Pak.

Her family was overjoyed. “As a doctor, I had doubts about the safety of TAVR for my grandmother, but Dr Rao’s expertise and constant support eased our concerns,” said her granddaughter Dr. Mita Gala. “Seeing her enjoy the wedding rituals with enthusiasm was truly a blessing.”

Bhanbai Gala’s story highlights the transformative potential of advanced medical technology like TAVR. It offers a beacon of hope for elderly patients seeking a better quality of life to experience their joyful occasions to the fullest.

In India, the number of TAVI Procedures, is increasing year by year since its first use in 2011. With the prevalence of 7.3% for isolated aortic stenosis, an estimated TAVI–eligible population is roughly about 300,000 people.

Ishita Ganguly Reveals Insights into Her Fierce Role as Chamkeeli in Shemaroo Umang’s New Show

Shemaroo Umang is all set to bring to its audience a drama filled with power, betrayal, rivalry and twists like no other, as Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain. At the heart of the drama is Chaina, played by the talented Diksha Dhami lively, street-smart, clever, and full of surprises. As Chaina enters as the haveli as the youngest daughter-in-law, standing in her way is Chamkeeli, the cunning and ruthless eldest daughter-in-law, played by Ishita Ganguly. Chamkeeli is obsessed with control and power, and she’ll do whatever it takes to secure her position at the top. From lies and tricks to complex schemes, she’s willing to cross any line to stay in charge.

Chamkeeli’s thirst for power is unmatched. Every move she makes is calculated, and when she’s wronged, you better watch out—there’s no telling how far she’ll go to fight back. It’s this drive that makes her both a fascinating villain and an unforgettable character.

Ishita Ganguly, who plays Chamkeeli, shared her excitement about the role: “Chamkeeli is unlike any character I’ve played before—she’s fierce, determined, and believes her ruthless actions are completely justified to get what she wants. While the heroine is the heart of the story, it’s characters like Chamkeeli that truly bring it to life. You’ll love to hate her. At every step, Chamkeeli will create challenges for Chaina. What drew me to this role is how dark and bold Chamkeeli is. Unlike typical stories, this one stands out because of the fresh approach to the script and the challenging role it offers. As an actor, when you get a character like this, you can’t resist taking it on.”

The intense rivalry between Chamkeeli and Chaina is at the heart of Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain, and as the two women battle for control- one with right intentions and the other with wrong, the show promises a rollercoaster of emotions, drama, and unexpected twists.

IIHMR University Welcomes 4th Batch for Executive Masters’ Programs in Public Health and Hospital Administration

National, 22nd January 2025: IIHMR University, a leading health management research university in India, proudly hosted the inaugural program for the fourth cohort of its Master of Public Health (MPH) (Executive) 2024–26 and Master of Hospital Administration (MHA) (Executive) 2024–26 programs.

The event marked the beginning of an academic journey for 50 professionals from Executive Master of Public Health and 17 professionals from Executive Master of Hospital Administration, aiming to enhance their expertise in public health and hospital administration while continuing their careers. Showcasing rich diversity, the eMPH batch has 25 female and 25 male candidates, and the eMHA batch has 9 female and 8 male students.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. PR Sodani, President, IIHMR University, shared, “With a rich legacy of 40 years in healthcare management education, we are deeply committed to empowering professionals with the skills, knowledge, and leadership capabilities required to drive transformative change in healthcare systems. The Master of Public Health (Executive) and Master of Hospital Administration (Executive) programs are tailored to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare sector, enabling professionals to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the new cohorts and encourage them to embrace this journey of growth.”

Reflecting a diverse cohort of professionals eager to contribute to the evolving landscape of healthcare management, the programs witnessed participation from diverse backgrounds. Making a majority 23 candidates of the eMPH program were from government organizations, followed by 22 candidates from private hospitals, consultancies, etc. and 5 participants from NGOs. Whereas, the eMHA had 12 participants from private hospitals, consultancies, etc. and 5 from government organizations.

The eMPH and eMHA cohorts brought a wealth of professional experience and maturity to the program, with an impressive average of 10 years and 9 years of work experience, respectively. Reflecting their seasoned backgrounds, the participants had an average age of 38 years for the eMPH cohort and 37 years for the eMHA cohort, showcasing a balanced blend of expertise and readiness to excel in the evolving field of healthcare management.

Michelle Obama Turns 61: Celebrate Her Legacy with Her Audiobooks and Films

Michelle Obama’s legacy is synonymous with words like transformation, resilience and the power of being a changemaker. As an advocate for empowerment and social justice, she has dedicated her life to driving meaningful change and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Through her work, she has used her voice and platform to inspire generations of women to rise, lead, and make a difference. In celebration of her 61st birthday, we’ve curated a list of her most impactful audiobooks and films that continue to inspire and empower audiences globally. This list honours her enduring contribution to culture, activism, and the art of storytelling, offering invaluable insights that challenge us to reflect, grow, and live with purpose.

Becoming

Service: Audible

Becoming is a powerful and intimate memoir by Michelle Obama, the first African American First Lady of the United States. Winner of numerous accolades, including the British Book Awards’ ‘Audiobook of the Year’ and a Grammy for ‘Best Spoken Word Album’, this deeply personal reflection chronicles Michelle’s journey from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her time in the White House. With honesty, wit, and warmth, she shares the triumphs and challenges of balancing motherhood, work, and public life, all while advocating for women, girls, and healthier families. Becoming is a captivating story of resilience and defying expectations. Tune in for inspiration to embrace one’s journey with purpose and strength!

The Light We Carry

Service: Audible

This is the powerful, inspiring follow-up to the critically acclaimed, multi-million #1 bestselling memoir Becoming. In The Light We Carry, former First Lady Michelle Obama shares practical wisdom and personal reflections on staying hopeful and balanced in an uncertain world. She explores key questions many of us face—how to build lasting relationships, find strength in our differences, and navigate life’s challenges. Drawing from her experiences as a mother, daughter, wife, friend, and First Lady, Obama offers tools for resilience, emphasising the power of lighting the way for others and discovering new pathways for growth. With candour and compassion, she tackles complex issues of race, gender, and visibility, encouraging readers to confront fear, embrace community, and live boldly. Fire up your device and get ready to be moved and inspired to reflect, find joy, and connect meaningfully in a turbulent world.

The Light Podcast

Service: Audible

Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast goes beyond the book, offering exclusive personal stories and insights from her and her friends, as a part of the tour for her book, The Light We Carry. In this series, together they explore themes from The Light We Carry, including building meaningful relationships, navigating race and gender, overcoming obstacles, and lighting the way for others to unlock potential. With her trademark humour, openness and empathy, Michelle shares tools for thriving in today’s world alongside luminaries like Gayle King, Hoda Kotb, and David Letterman. Tune in for an uplifting and inspiring Audible Original.

American Factory: A Conversation With The Obamas

Platform: Netflix

American Factory: A Conversation with the Obamas offers an insightful and thought-provoking discussion between former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and the filmmakers of American Factory, an Oscar-winning documentary. The conversation delves into the themes explored in the film, including the complexities of globalization, the changing dynamics of American manufacturing, and the challenges of bridging cultural and economic divides. With their unique perspectives, the Obamas provide valuable reflections on the film’s exploration of the American workforce and the broader implications of economic and social change.

Leave The World Behind

Platform: Netflix

Leave the World Behind, produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that explores themes of technology, survival, and the fragility of modern society. Based on the bestselling novel by Rumaan Alam, the story follows a family’s vacation gone awry when a mysterious crisis disrupts their world, forcing them to confront their deepest fears and uncertainties. With its timely exploration of social and environmental collapse, Leave the World Behind invites audiences to reflect on the delicate balance of our interconnected world, offering a tense and immersive experience that’s both compelling and unsettling.

Crip Camp

Platform: Netflix

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, another production by Higher Ground, Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company, tells the inspiring and transformative story of a group of teenagers with disabilities who attended a groundbreaking summer camp in the 1970s. The documentary chronicles their journey from the camp to the heart of the disability rights movement, highlighting the activism and resilience that led to significant social and legislative change. With its powerful blend of personal stories and historical context, Crip Camp shines a light on the fight for accessibility, inclusion, and equality. Tune in for a compelling look at how a group of young people changed the course of history!

Swachh Kumbh Experience for Devotees as Coca-Cola India Rolls Out Maidaan Saaf at Maha Kumbh 2025

Bengaluru, January 22, 2025 – As the world gathers for Maha Kumbh 2025, one of the largest cultural events, India’s commitment to environmental sustainability is highlighted through the Swachh Kumbh initiative. At the heart of this effort is the ‘Maidaan Saaf’ campaign, a partnership led by Coca-Cola India in partnership with PHD Rural Development Foundation (PHDRDF) and the Prayagraj Mela Authority (PMA) highlighting social and environmental innovation.

As part of the Maidaan Saaf campaign, Coca-Cola India has created and distributed 21,500 jackets made from recycled PET for sanitation workers, boatmen, and waste management volunteers. This includes 10,000 jackets for sanitation workers involved in the Swachh Kumbh initiative, 10,000 life jackets for boatmen across 4,000 boats to ensure their safety during river crossings, and 1,500 jackets for volunteers working on waste management. These jackets not only ensure the safety and easy identification of workers but also highlight the potential of recycled plastic, encouraging visitors to rethink how waste can be repurposed.

Additionally, Coca-Cola India has installed 1,000 changing rooms for women, made entirely from recycled multi-layer plastic waste, along the 12 km stretch of the river ghats. These rooms, designed to provide privacy and ventilation, feature illustrations by top Indian artists that turn waste segregation and recycling into engaging, fun, and educational visuals.

“At Coca-Cola India, we are committed to creating impactful change by integrating sustainability into large-scale events like Maha Kumbh 2025. The Maidaan Saaf campaign is a testament to how partnerships for collection and innovative practices can turn waste into opportunity. By encouraging collective responsibility and promoting recycling, we aim to inspire visitors to adopt environmentally conscious habits and contribute to a cleaner, greener future, “ said, Saloni Goel, Senior Director, ESG Value Creation, Coca Cola India

Coca-Cola’s hydration carts, positioned every 400 meters, include built-in bins for bottle collection and feature creative artwork that encourages visitors to participate in waste segregation, turning waste into a valuable resource. Additionally, Coca-Cola India has placed Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) at railway stations, food courts, and key locations to collect and recycle PET waste, alongside partnerships for effective waste management. Additionally,