JACKSONVILLE, Fla., September 27, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Propelus, the industry leader in dynamic workforce compliance solutions, including CE Broker, is honored to celebrate 20 years of partnership, collaborative impact, and powerful progress with the Florida Department of Health, achieving health and safety excellence for all Floridians. 

The Florida Department of Health is the first accredited public health system in the U.S. In 2003, the agency selected the CE Broker, part of Propelus workforce compliance solutions, to implement the nation’s first continuing education audit and management system to support the state’s efforts to protect and promote its citizens' health, safety, and welfare. Since then, CE Broker has provided seamless continuing education compliance management for millions of healthcare professionals, propelling their career journeys during the past 20 years.

To celebrate the remarkable milestone, Propelus leaders recently met with Florida Department of Health members to express their gratitude and reflect on the shared accomplishments between the two organizations. 

A highlight of those partnership achievements include:

• 100% audit rate, increased from 3% before partnership
• ~6 million automated compliance audits
• 62+ million educational provider reported completions to date
• 10+ million self-reported continuing education completions for Florida

Since partnering with the Florida Department of Health nearly two decades ago, achieving continuing education and workforce compliance has become an increasingly complex endeavor. As the regulatory landscape shifts and the collective needs of state licensing boards, health systems, and professionals evolve, Propelus has transformed the compliance process through its modern technology, vital data, and unparalleled strategic partnerships. 

“It is an honor to partner with an organization committed to maintaining the highest level of safety through advanced compliance and also a trailblazer for reshaping how licensure boards across the nation operate and using technology to deliver meaningful health and safety impact,” said Julie Walker, CEO of Propelus. “We are genuinely excited to continue helping the Florida Department of Health in their mission to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida for the next 20 years.” 

About Propelus 

As a leader in workforce compliance technology, Propelus is modernizing how professionals, their employers, regulators, and partners work better together. For over 20 years, Propelus solutions — CE Broker, EverCheck, and Immuware — have propelled the careers of millions of professionals by enabling seamless compliance management. Leveraging market-leading technology, vital data, and unparalleled strategic partnerships, our solutions power critical compliance programs for a happier workforce, better operations, and safer communities. Learn why Propelus is the most trusted workforce compliance technology in the nation: https://propelus.com/.    

About Florida Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov. 

Watercress
Watercress the Anti-Cancer Superfood

FELLSMERE, Fla., September 27, 2023 (Newswire.com) - B&W Quality Growers applauds watercress as the anti-cancer superfood. Watercress is a cruciferous vegetable and the best phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) source. Watercress has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-genotoxic, and anti-inflammatory properties and is linked to improved cholesterol profile. In addition, watercress contains significant levels of beneficial micronutrients linked with a reduced risk of breast cancer.^{1 ,2}

Isothiocyanates obtained from watercress have been found to have chemo-preventive activity against various breast cancer cell lines in the laboratory and in epidemiologic studies. Many studies have demonstrated that a higher consumption of cruciferous vegetables is linked with a decreased risk of developing various kinds of cancers largely due to a plurality of effects.

Watercress separates from the rest of the cruciferous vegetables when it comes to PEITC as it's recognized as the richest source of this anti-cancer powerhouse. PEITC has been shown to decrease the growth of human breast cancer cells and diminish angiogenesis — the method by which tumors send out signals to induce surrounding normal tissues to grow new blood vessels into the tumor. In addition, PEITC has been confirmed to inhibit the growth of HER2+ mammary tumors in mice and prevent metastasis to the brain in a mouse model of breast cancer.^1 ,2

PEITC has been shown to increase the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to radiotherapy and Adriamycin (doxorubicin). Lutein has been linked to potentiate the effect of taxane chemotherapy drugs Taxol (paclitaxel) and Taxotere (docetaxel) in breast cancer cells.¹

The watercress compound kaempferol has been shown to reduce the degree of heart and kidney damage caused by Adriamycin in rat chemotherapy models. Eating watercress daily has been shown to significantly reduce DNA damage to blood cells, which is an essential trigger in cancer development.¹ 

Watercress should be eaten raw rather than cooked to obtain the most potent anti-cancer effects.

For more on the most nutrient-dense superfood, visit B&W Quality Growers.

About B&W Quality Growers 

B&W Quality Growers has been farming responsibly since 1870. We're among the largest growers of distinctive leafy greens, including watercress, arugula, spinach, and ong choy. We sustainably grow, pack, and ship the highest-quality distinctive leafy greens, providing well-being for our consumers and value for our customers. We've done this with zero product recalls and aim to provide a healthier, more flavorful world using premium leaves in everyday recipes. Follow B&W on our social media pages: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.

¹ National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8123986 and https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4260992

² American Association of Cancer Research: https://aacrjournals.org/cancerpreventionresearch/article/15/3/139/681736/Use-of-Freeze-dried-Watercress-for-Detoxification?searchresult=1

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., September 27, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Mentavi Health, home of ADHD Online and a leader in clinical framework-based approaches to mental health telehealth, announces the addition of a screening for binge eating disorder (BED) to the testing capabilities of its existing mental health evaluations. The addition makes ADHD Online the first provider to offer asynchronous assessment for BED alongside assessment for ADHD, anxiety, depression, problematic social media usage, and OCD, part of a holistic and preventive approach to mental health.   

According to a healthline.com study, an estimated 2.8 million people – almost 3% of the U.S. population – have BED, making it the country’s most common eating disorder. It often starts in the late teens or early 20s, especially in women. Binge eating disorder affects individuals of all weights - normal, overweight and obese - and impacts three times the number of people diagnosed with bulimia and anorexia combined.

“Binge eating disorder is under-recognized, under-diagnosed, and under-treated, especially in the primary care setting,” said Dr. Barry Herman, chief medical officer of Mentavi Health and a board-certified psychiatrist in both adult psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. “It is primarily a disorder of adults, sometimes beginning in late adolescence, and is commonly a comorbidity of several psychiatric disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, and ADHD – up to 30% of people with ADHD have disordered eating.”  

People with BED also have an increased risk of medical conditions such as metabolic syndrome, beyond the effect of obesity alone, which makes BED a public health concern. “The untreated presence of BED presents a considerable public health concern,”  Dr. Herman said. “These comorbidities make the treatment and management of BED even more challenging, as addressing multiple conditions simultaneously requires a comprehensive and holistic approach.”

Recognizing that broad health concern prompted Mentavi Health to add the new condition screening, known as the 7-Item Binge Eating Disorder Screener, or the BEDS-7, to its assessment engine. If the screening identifies symptoms of BED, patients are advised to consult a healthcare provider for an in-depth evaluation. 

Binge eating disorder is recognized as a distinct eating disorder under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). It is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating atypically large quantities of food within a short time and experiencing a loss of control over one’s eating behavior. It also has a specific set of symptoms, including eating more rapidly than usual, eating until feeling uncomfortably full, eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry, eating alone due to embarrassment, or experiencing feelings of disgust, guilt, or depression after binge eating.

Marked distress over binge eating is a key requirement for diagnosis, and overeating must occur at least once a week for three months to meet the criteria for a BED diagnosis. BED is not associated with the compensatory behaviors, such as purging or over-exercising, that are associated with bulimia or anorexia nervosa.

Studies show that up to 43% of individuals diagnosed with BED are classified as obese, underscoring the complex interplay between psychological and physiological factors in eating disorders. Fewer than 40% of individuals with a lifetime diagnosis of BED have ever received treatment for an eating disorder, according to the World Health Organization.

However, BED is treatable, with the primary therapeutic interventions being psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication. Lisdexamfetamine, marketed as Vyvanse, is FDA-approved for the treatment of moderate to severe BED in adults.

The aim for Mentavi Health is that the addition of BED screening to its assessments will lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of the disorder.    

Mentavi's online assessment system, including the BED screener and ADHD assessment, notifies one of our psychologists once responses are in. The psychologist reviews the results to identify potential conditions like ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, or indications of BED. Without additional patient interaction, an assessment report is generated. Patients can then seamlessly transition to Mentavi's virtual treatment, where our online providers guide them on the next steps.

“Given the health risks associated with untreated BED and its substantial impact on overall well-being, it is imperative for primary care physicians to be able to recognize the signs of BED, understand its potential comorbidities, and determine the most suitable course of treatment for their patients,” Dr. Herman said. “By enhancing awareness, knowledge, and skills in identifying and managing BED, healthcare professionals can contribute to improved outcomes and better quality of life for people struggling with this disorder.” 

For more information on Mentavi Health and ADHD Online, please visit https://adhdonline.com.   

About ADHD Online 

ADHD Online was founded in 2018 with the mission that everyone should have access to quality ADHD assessments regardless of who and where they are. The ADHD Online team has experts across the United States who share a passion for ADHD and related mental health conditions and ensuring patients have access to critical mental health services. ADHD Online provides a critical voice for those who struggle with ADHD and has a unique offering of HIPAA-secured ADHD assessments online with reviews and results from licensed psychologists in all 50 states. ADHD Online is a brand under Mentavi Health. Mentavi Health addresses ADHD and adjacent mental health conditions in conjunction with organizational customers. 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., September 27, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Mentavi Health, home of ADHD Online and a leader in clinical framework-based approaches to mental health telehealth, announces the addition of a screening for binge eating disorder (BED) to the testing capabilities of its existing mental health evaluations. The addition makes ADHD Online the first provider to offer asynchronous assessment for BED alongside assessment for ADHD, anxiety, depression, problematic social media usage, and OCD, part of a holistic and preventive approach to mental health.   

According to a healthline.com study, an estimated 2.8 million people – almost 3% of the U.S. population – have BED, making it the country’s most common eating disorder. It often starts in the late teens or early 20s, especially in women. Binge eating disorder affects individuals of all weights - normal, overweight and obese - and impacts three times the number of people diagnosed with bulimia and anorexia combined.

“Binge eating disorder is under-recognized, under-diagnosed, and under-treated, especially in the primary care setting,” said Dr. Barry Herman, chief medical officer of Mentavi Health and a board-certified psychiatrist in both adult psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. “It is primarily a disorder of adults, sometimes beginning in late adolescence, and is commonly a comorbidity of several psychiatric disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, and ADHD – up to 30% of people with ADHD have disordered eating.”  

People with BED also have an increased risk of medical conditions such as metabolic syndrome, beyond the effect of obesity alone, which makes BED a public health concern. “The untreated presence of BED presents a considerable public health concern,”  Dr. Herman said. “These comorbidities make the treatment and management of BED even more challenging, as addressing multiple conditions simultaneously requires a comprehensive and holistic approach.”

Recognizing that broad health concern prompted Mentavi Health to add the new condition screening, known as the 7-Item Binge Eating Disorder Screener, or the BEDS-7, to its assessment engine. If the screening identifies symptoms of BED, patients are advised to consult a healthcare provider for an in-depth evaluation. 

Binge eating disorder is recognized as a distinct eating disorder under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). It is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating atypically large quantities of food within a short time and experiencing a loss of control over one’s eating behavior. It also has a specific set of symptoms, including eating more rapidly than usual, eating until feeling uncomfortably full, eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry, eating alone due to embarrassment, or experiencing feelings of disgust, guilt, or depression after binge eating.

Marked distress over binge eating is a key requirement for diagnosis, and overeating must occur at least once a week for three months to meet the criteria for a BED diagnosis. BED is not associated with the compensatory behaviors, such as purging or over-exercising, that are associated with bulimia or anorexia nervosa.

Studies show that up to 43% of individuals diagnosed with BED are classified as obese, underscoring the complex interplay between psychological and physiological factors in eating disorders. Fewer than 40% of individuals with a lifetime diagnosis of BED have ever received treatment for an eating disorder, according to the World Health Organization.

However, BED is treatable, with the primary therapeutic interventions being psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication. Lisdexamfetamine, marketed as Vyvanse, is FDA-approved for the treatment of moderate to severe BED in adults.

The aim for Mentavi Health is that the addition of BED screening to its assessments will lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of the disorder.    

Mentavi's online assessment system, including the BED screener and ADHD assessment, notifies one of our psychologists once responses are in. The psychologist reviews the results to identify potential conditions like ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, or indications of BED. Without additional patient interaction, an assessment report is generated. Patients can then seamlessly transition to Mentavi's virtual treatment, where our online providers guide them on the next steps.

“Given the health risks associated with untreated BED and its substantial impact on overall well-being, it is imperative for primary care physicians to be able to recognize the signs of BED, understand its potential comorbidities, and determine the most suitable course of treatment for their patients,” Dr. Herman said. “By enhancing awareness, knowledge, and skills in identifying and managing BED, healthcare professionals can contribute to improved outcomes and better quality of life for people struggling with this disorder.” 

For more information on Mentavi Health and ADHD Online, please visit https://adhdonline.com.   

About ADHD Online 

ADHD Online was founded in 2018 with the mission that everyone should have access to quality ADHD assessments regardless of who and where they are. The ADHD Online team has experts across the United States who share a passion for ADHD and related mental health conditions and ensuring patients have access to critical mental health services. ADHD Online provides a critical voice for those who struggle with ADHD and has a unique offering of HIPAA-secured ADHD assessments online with reviews and results from licensed psychologists in all 50 states. ADHD Online is a brand under Mentavi Health. Mentavi Health addresses ADHD and adjacent mental health conditions in conjunction with organizational customers. 

Soundable Health x Google Cloud for Startups
Soundable Health x Google Cloud for Startups

SAN FRANCISCO, September 27, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Soundable Health, a health tech startup that offers innovative AI-based health monitoring solutions using smartphones, is thrilled to announce its acceptance into the Google for Startups Cloud Program. As part of this program, the company will receive a range of benefits from Google, including Google Cloud credits worth up to $350,000 for AI startups, networking and co-marketing opportunities within the Google Cloud Startup Community, business and technical support, Google-wide service offerings, and more. 

Soundable Health specializes in AI-based health monitoring solutions in the fields of urology and respiratory health. Its flagship product, proudP, is an FDA-listed Software Medical device designed for monitoring urinary symptoms related to prostate and bladder problems. Using an acoustic AI/ML engine, it calculates health parameters that assist in urological diagnosis when patients record urination sounds using their smartphones at home, with an accuracy rate of 98%. Another product, Coughy, enables remote monitoring of patients’ cough symptoms and frequency, aiding in characterization of respiratory diseases. The results of a recent clinical study utilizing Coughy was published in Allergy in January of this year. To date, more than 10,000 patients and doctors have benefitted from Soundable’s data-backed assessment of treatment efficacy and shared decision-making. 

“2023 marks a significant turning point for Soundable Health. With strong endorsements from clinical societies this year, our AI-based sound analytics technology has gained recognition from esteemed leaders and experts in the field. We are excited to get accepted into the Google for Startups Cloud Program, and its timing is impeccable. As a state-of-the-art AI health tech startup, this program will enable us to further advance our AI technology, providing significant economic and technological benefits. We are also looking forward to the networking and co-marketing opportunities that lie ahead,” said Catherine Song, PhD, founder and CEO of Soundable Health.

In addition to this achievement, Soundable Health was recently selected as a quarterfinalist for the Digital Health Awards 2023 in the category of Best Use of AI in Health Tech. This recognition underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to developing innovative health monitoring solutions using AI sound analytics. 

Soundable Health

Soundable Health is a health tech startup that provides innovative health monitoring solutions using everyday sounds. With its unsurpassed AI sound analytics, Soundable Health is leading the discovery and development of new digital audible biomarkers that can be detected using smartphones. The new audible biomarkers pioneered by Soundable Health range across various medical fields, especially with underserved chronic symptoms including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and overactive bladder (OAB) in urology (proudP®) and respiratory signs and symptoms including coughs (Coughy®). For more information, visit www.soundable.health.