Young Atlanta Filmmaker/Actress Olivia Healey's Film Hailed as 'Sensory Masterclass'

ATLANTA, June 21, 2023 (Newswire.com) - An anxiety attack can be debilitating. It's never been easy — and often not even feasible — for those suffering from those attacks to convey through words what they are feeling or experiencing. Which is why the short film "Breathe" by 19-year-old Atlanta filmmaker Olivia Healey is being viewed by those in the mental health space as a potential groundbreaking tool.

Healey wrote, produced and stars in the film, something she felt compelled to create following an epiphany during a therapy session for her anxiety. It centers around her description of an anxiety attack feeling like she's in a white room and unable to find the door to get out.

"My ultimate goal for 'Breathe' is for it to serve as a visual and auditory tool in conversations about anxiety in schools and other mental health spaces, as well as be an accessible take-home video that those struggling with anxiety can use to show rather than tell what their anxiety feels like to their support system," Healey explains.

Mental health and education professionals who attended the June film premiere agree about the potential impact of "Breathe."

"Ms. Healey's short film 'Breathe' is the perfect springboard for opening a discussion on anxiety and panic attacks. A great contribution from a talented young woman who has learned to deal with her demons," said Dr. Peter C Thomas, president of Georgia Psychological Foundation.

Licensed psychologist Dr. Josh Spitalnick, who is board certified in behavioral and cognitive psychology and CEO/practice owner of Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta, referred to Healey's film, made when she was 18, as a "sensory masterclass" that accurately portrays the depth of the emotions one experiences during an anxiety attack.

"What a sensory masterclass in showcasing the intensity and loneliness of what debilitating anxiety and panic feels like for so many. In less than five minutes, 'Breathe' incorporates haunting storytelling along with sensory-evoking visuals and sounds, leading each of us to hold our own breath waiting to see what happens next. As an anxiety specialist, I see tremendous value in such a film that offers insight, inspiration, and hope to those who have no voice, who feel misunderstood, and who rely on resilience and grit each and every day to overcome their struggles."

Healey was meticulously intentional in using multiple elements to make anxiety relatable. She acknowledges that someone else's anxiety may look completely different from the white room that "Breathe" uses as a metaphor — it could be a monster chasing them or a black tunnel with no light at the end.

"But even so, you'll probably be able to relate to at least one element," Healey said. "Especially the symptoms of the fight, flight, freeze or fawn experience. If you can still relate to none of those elements, you can hopefully at least connect to the idea of wanting to understand what others go through in order to increase empathy in this world."

The ultimate goal is to publicize the impact "Breathe" can have for national mental health organizations so they realize the value in partnering with Healey to implement "Breathe" as a tool for both anxiety sufferers and their support systems. In addition to sparking interest in her film, Healey hopes that sharing the story of "Breathe" will aid the fight to normalize conversations around anxiety and panic disorders. 

Healey is represented by Barbara Divisek at Aligned Stars Agency and Elana Dvorak at East West Management.

Contact Information:
Amanda Abelita
Publicist
[email protected]
6143543322
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Original Source: 'Breathe' Short Film Poised as Groundbreaking Tool for Anxiety Education

NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 21, 2023 (Newswire.com) - VoluMetrix, a Nashville-based biotech startup dedicated to creating a new wave of solutions for vital monitoring to enhance well-being, announced today that it has been awarded a grant from the CHOP-based Pennsylvania Pediatric Medical Device Consortium, funded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, to accelerate the development of the NIVA Pediatric Monitor, a device designed to provide volume status monitoring non-invasively for pediatric patients.

"We are thrilled to be honored with this prestigious award, as it will provide invaluable support for the continued development of our exciting technology focused on improving pediatric care," said Kyle Hocking, Ph.D., President & CEO of VoluMetrix.

Detecting hemorrhage early in pediatric patients poses a challenge, as vital sign changes often occur only after significant blood loss and end-organ damage have already developed.¹ In the context of surgical procedures, hemorrhage stands as a leading cause of pediatric perioperative morbidity, with improved survival linked to prompt and adequate resuscitation.² Although various devices and calculations have been used to estimate volume status, their accuracy in the pediatric population has been found lacking. Addressing this critical gap, VoluMetrix is currently developing the NIVA Pediatric Monitor, an investigational non-invasive sensor patch placed on the wrist. This innovative device aims to provide real-time volume status estimate with hemorrhage detection to be used during surgical procedures through the recovery phase.

Pennsylvania Pediatric Medical Device Consortium (PPDC) is funded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and based at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). PPDC provides seed funding and support for innovators taking promising ideas into commercialized medical devices for children. "The PPDC is delighted to support VoluMetrix and its innovative solution to an unmet clinical need for children with the NIVA Pediatric Monitor," said Joshua Dienstman, Program Manager of Pennsylvania Pediatric Medical Device Consortium.

What is NIVA Technology?

NIVA is a proprietary venous waveform technology from VoluMetrix, representing a major innovation in vital monitoring technology. The venous waveform is an energy-based signal generated by the heart and respiratory activity that reflects numerous physiologic conditions, including pulse rate and respiration, as well as intravascular and extravascular dynamics.

About VoluMetrix

VoluMetrix is a Nashville-based company that is dedicated to creating a new wave of solutions for vital monitoring to enhance well-being. As pioneers of non-invasive venous waveform technology, we are partnering closely with patients and practitioners to develop the pathway towards the optimal implementation and utilization of our technology, from hospital to home.

NIVA technology is investigational and is not available for sale in the United States.

For more information, please visit our website at https://www.volumetrix.com.

1. American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. (2017). Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Student Course Manual (10th ed.). Chicago, IL: American College of Surgeons

2. Karam et al. (2017). Perioperative hemorrhage in pediatric patients: a review of etiology, risk factors, and management. Current opinion in anaesthesiology, 30(3), 408-415.

Contact Information:
Annie Alvis
Chief Operating Officer
[email protected]


Original Source: VoluMetrix Awarded Grant From Pennsylvania Pediatric Medical Device Consortium to Advance the NIVA Technology for Pediatric Patients

ATLANTA, June 21, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Bruder Healthcare, a Hilco Vision Company, and a leading provider of eye care products including the #1 doctor-recommended Bruder moist heat eye compress, announced an eye care industry distribution agreement with Tallahassee, Florida-based AllerFocus for its Percutaneous Allergy Test, an easy-to-use, pain-free, needle-free allergy screening for 78 of the most common airborne and environmental allergens. Since one in three individuals suffer from eye allergies, the need for an allergy test to determine possible impact on eye irritation is important. Patients suffering from eye-related allergies can experience watery eyes, itchiness, sensitivity to light, redness, and grittiness like the symptoms individuals experience with dry eye.

With dry eye disease being a multifactorial condition, Bruder was looking to add diagnostic help for eye doctors. "AllerFocus marks a significant addition to Bruder's comprehensive line of eye care products, adding a crucial diagnostic solution for eye doctors in their treatment of patients," said Brent Jones, General Manager of Bruder Healthcare and Global Head of Dry Eye at parent company Hilco Vision. 

Why It's Crucial

One in four adults have seasonal allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that can affect the eyes. U.S. Pharmacist reported that allergic conjunctivitis, one of the most common ocular allergies, affects up to 30% of the general population. "The chances are significant that some eye complications are caused by allergies. AllerFocus enables doctors to discover if pollen, animal dander, dust mites, grasses, mold spores or other environmental airborne antigens are to blame," said Mary Jackson, founder of AllerFocus.

What It Includes

AllerFocus relies exclusively on skin contact to identify which allergens cause skin reactions. Doctors receive a supply of the 78 allergens (shipped cold), dip well tray sets and storage containers, 10-prong sterile testing applicators, measurement tool, and documents, including an allergy health assessment form, test prep card for patients, test signature forms, and color-coded test report form, plus marketing materials in English and Spanish. An allergen description book and allergen test cart are also shipped in the first delivery to doctors. Each kit contains enough testing materials for 40 patients.

Once preparing the dip wells in the tray, and inserting the 10-prong applicators, four separate applicators are applied per arm to the patient. About 15 minutes later, eye care staff can measure the size of the flare or skin reaction among the 78 allergens compared against the two controls, indicating one of five levels of allergy. From there, doctors can advise on allergens to avoid, and patients may decide to seek treatment from an allergy doctor.

Where It's Going

"This strategic alliance aligns with our vision of empowering healthcare professionals and improving patients' quality of life through advanced technologies. With AllerFocus, we are confident in our ability to set new standards in diagnosing eye-related allergies," added Jones.

"We are delighted to team up with Bruder Healthcare, a recognized leader in eye care. Their dedication to excellence and strong distribution network will undoubtedly amplify the reach and impact of AllerFocus. Together, we will transform the way allergies are diagnosed, benefiting countless patients," added Jackson.

About AllerFocus:

Based in Tallahassee, Florida, AllerFocus gives practitioners the ability to skin-test patients for allergies and offer options for their patients to become desensitized within three to four years to the symptom-causing allergens. More at allerfocus.com.

About Bruder Healthcare:

Bruder Healthcare designs and markets therapeutic and ophthalmic medical products to professionals and consumers around the world, including the #1 doctor-recommended moist heat eye compress. Our broad line of proprietary products provides relief for the millions of people who suffer from pain, dry eye, and other ocular surface conditions. Bruder Healthcare is a part of the Hilco Vision family of eye care brands and companies. Open your eyes to bruder.com.

Contact Information:
Stan Samples
Senior Mgr, Marketing Communications
[email protected]
770-410-0726 x231
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Original Source: Bruder Healthcare Expands Dry Eye Portfolio With Eye Care Distribution of AllerFocus Percutaneous Allergy Test

The program expands virtual cardiac rehabilitation access to five provider service areas in Arizona

NEW YORK, June 21, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Recora, the leader in virtual cardiac recovery, today announced its partnership with Arizona Heart Rhythm Center to provide virtual cardiac rehabilitation services for heart disease patients in the practices service area. The virtual care program expands upon Arizona Heart Rhythm Center's mission to provide the latest treatment options and achieve superior outcomes for patients.

Recora's Virtual Recovery Program is a turnkey solution for providers that delivers the technology, staffing, and outreach required to launch and maintain the delivery of virtual cardiac rehabilitation to patients. By offering this virtual care solution, Arizona Heart Rhythm Center is seeking to improve enrollment, engagement, and program completion for heart disease patients throughout its cardiovascular specialists' offices serving the Phoenix, Sun City, Gilbert, Prescott, and Yuma communities. 

"Partnering with Recora to offer virtual cardiac rehab to our patients was a natural step in our strategy to offer the best, cutting-edge care to our patients," said Dr. Vijay Swarup, Medical Director, Arizona Heart Rhythm Center. "This technology creates an entirely new level of access for heart disease patients in our community to properly address the necessary steps to complete cardiac rehabilitation and improve their health to add years to their lives."

The Recora Program includes many virtual tools to keep patients connected throughout their recovery journey, including on-demand support from care teams, 24/7 chat, and additional resources to meet their customized needs along the way.

"It's an honor for Recora to partner with Arizona Heart Rhythm Center and expand access to so many heart disease patients throughout the state of Arizona," said Recora CEO Abhishek Chandra. "There has long been a problem in cardiac rehabilitation where patient enrollment and engagement remains very low despite overwhelming evidence to the benefits of cardiac rehab. Arizona Heart Rhythm Center can make a tremendous impact by offering a virtual solution to help solve these critical access issues."

Recora's Cardiac Recovery Program has garnered industry-leading results that include:

• 15% hospital readmission rate for Recora patients, versus the national average of 43% across Medicare patients with heart failure at six months.
• 87% Recora cardiac recovery program completion rate, versus the national average of 26%. 
• 80% of patients with hypertension markedly improved their blood pressure due to diet and exercise
• 94% of Recora patients adhere to their cardiac medication.
• 80% improvement of distance and strength gains among Recora patients.

ABOUT RECORA

Recora's mission is to redefine the future of heart health. Recora's Cardiac Recovery Program for health systems, medical groups and health plans makes it easier to recover from a cardiac event through immersive programs delivered online. With Recora, healthcare providers are able to establish a longitudinal relationship with patients and help them live longer, fuller lives. To learn more, visit recora.com. 

ABOUT ARIZONA HEART RHYTHM CENTER

Arizona Heart Rhythm Center is internationally recognized for its innovation, exemplary care, superior outcomes, and patient experience. Our mission is to provide the latest treatment options, and our goal is to achieve superior outcomes. We continuously explore innovative and improved technologies in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure. Our doctors are experienced clinician-scientists engaged in international clinical research. Our commitment to cutting edge-medicine and higher levels of expertise results in our center having access to the newest therapies. Therefore, patients are frequently among the first to benefit from these new and improved treatments.

Contact Information:
Adam Hritzak
Director of Marketing, Recora
[email protected]
614-946-7916

Vera Aguayo
Operations Project Manager
[email protected]


Original Source: Recora and Arizona Heart Rhythm Center Open New Virtual Care Service for Heart Disease Patients

NEW YORK, June 20, 2023 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: With summer just around the corner, it's important to understand the safest ways to get some much-needed vitamin D in your system - especially when participating in recreational summer activities. 

While staying indoors throughout summer might be the safe and sound way to avoid the need for urgent care, we know this is no way to enjoy your summer vacation fully. Instead, look at our tips below to help you and your loved ones take in the vitamin D of summer while having fun and staying safe.  

Watch out for signs of dehydration 

When participating in activities, drinking water, and staying hydrated are essential regardless of the season. In summer, however, staying hydrated is even more important to regulate your body temperature. Dehydration can cause unclear thinking and unstable moods, lead to further health issues and cause your body to overheat, which results in painful muscle cramps, fatigue, and heat exhaustion. 

Whether you are going for a walk, to the beach, to watch your favorite summer sport, or simply sunbathing in the backyard, take a bottle of water with you and stay hydrated. 

Some typical signs of dehydration include: 

Tiredness that leads to exhaustion and fatigue 

Excessive thirst accompanied by lightheadedness 

A dry mouth 

Rapid heart rate and fast breathing 

Dark-colored urine and going to the toilet less often 

The best way to treat hydration is to rehydrate your body immediately by drinking water, diluted fruit juice, and liquids that contain hydrates, such as sports drinks. 

Use plenty of sunscreen to avoid sun damage 

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 in 5 Americans will have developed skin cancer by the age of 70 - approximately 9,500 people every day.  

Dermatologists recommend that sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 be used to block at least 97% of the sun's UVB rays. 

Wearing sunscreen while attending summer events and activities can prevent nasty sun damage, severe sunburn, and skin cancer.  

Be proactive and keep a first-aid kit on-hand 

Take a proactive approach to your recreational summer safety and keep a first aid kit on hand.  

Whether your summer is spent by the water, camping, playing sports, or at home in the backyard, you never know when a first-aid kit will come in handy.  

To be cautious and proactive with your summer safety, it is recommended to have a first-aid kit that includes the following: 

• Saline 
• Sterile gauze pads 
• Tweezers 
• Thermometer 
• Instant cold compress 
• Adhesive bandages 
• Compress dressings 
• Antiseptic wipes 

Some other ways to take a proactive approach to summer recreation are to: 

Learn how to swim and spot rips in the water 

Wear protective clothing like hats, boots, helmets, knee pads, wrist guards, etc. 

Take regular breaks to avoid injury and burnout 

Let someone know if you are not feeling well  

Of course, a first aid kit can't resolve all injuries. So, know when to see your local urgent care center for injuries that need further attention quickly.  

Learn CPR 

People love to participate in outdoor recreational activities in summer, like swimming, boating, camping, and hiking. It's always best to do activities that you have some experience in already or have an experienced person with you. Safety in numbers could save your life. 

Whether someone has had a heat stroke while hiking or had an unfortunate swimming accident, having someone that knows CPR in your group could mean the difference between life and death.  

Have fun and be safe this summer 

Summer is the time of year when heat-related incidents, sporting injuries, swimming accidents, and bicycle collisions happen the most. But don't let these circumstances stop you from having a great outdoor summer.  

With these summer recreational safety tips and urgent care centers close by, you'll be prepared for almost anything and can enjoy a safe and happy summer. 

Common services provided by urgent care centers include in-person & virtual care for cold and flu symptoms, allergic reactions, physical examination, and more. 

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


Original Source: Summer Recreational Safety Tips