Lifestyle Healing Institute, a center for complementary and alternative medicine, treats illnesses with data-driven approaches delivered by a medical team with decades of experience. With new investments in its outdoor garden campus, LHI recently enhanced its holistic, integrative approach to healthcare. 

LHI's improved campus includes gardens, nature paths for walking and bicycling, a swimming pool and badminton court, and outdoor spaces for meetings, lounging, meditation and prayer.

LHI founder Wyatt Palumbo said the treatment center has added the new features to enhance and improve patients' recovery process.

"It's like going to your primary care doctor or any specialist's office and having the ability to work with your doctors in both a clinical setting as well as in a real-world application," Palumbo said. "Patients have the ability to work in a clinical setting, and also in more of an everyday life setting, where they are able to ask questions and learn hands-on what works for them. They can directly apply lifestyle tools, new ways of life, and rediscover old ones."

The campus also allows caretakers such as spouses and other family members - the "silent warriors," Palumbo said - the opportunity to participate in both individual and group treatments to support their loved ones' healing and recovery process. 

By blending scientifically validated diagnostics and therapies with the necessary lifestyle changes to support both the body and mind, LHI specializes in the treatment of chronic illness, including immune and infectious disease disorders like chronic Lyme disease, as well as chronic conditions involving pain, fatigue, brain fog, among others. Now patients with these everyday illnesses have the opportunity to work in both a traditional setting of a clinic and the real-world outdoor setting of what Palumbo calls the "pharm property." 

"I haven't seen this kind of integrated treatment center short of paying tens of thousands of dollars or unless you have access to a large-scale hospital and university system," Palumbo said. "It's now available to the everyday patient locally and nationwide becoming the only Lyme disease treatment center of its kind." 

All of LHI's therapies and facilities are integrated within one personalized treatment program with a multidisciplinary team of doctors and healthcare practitioners with more than 150 years of clinical and medical experience. 

Each program includes utilization of the "pharm property," the outdoor space that spans about two acres and functions as a "real-world rehabilitation" for adults working towards healing, both one-on-one and in groups.

"We began by providing chronic Lyme treatment, addressing all the symptoms that accompany the disease," Palumbo said. "Treating those patients quickly showed us that this kind of facility better supports the whole person no matter the symptoms they had."

LHI has successfully treated more than 1,000 patients since its founding in 2014 with its holistic and integrative approach to traditional care, blending biochemical, emotional, psychological, and lifestyle therapies in both indoor and outdoor environments.

"We are hoping to redefine what primary care should look like," Palumbo said. "It's critical that we address each person's unique healing needs while keeping them engaged in the process, and investing in our natural campus ensures we can continue to do that."

To learn more, visit https://lifestylehealinginstitute.com.

About Lifestyle Healing Institute
Lifestyle Healing Institute is a complementary and alternative treatment center specializing in chronic illness and overprescribed medications. Using a data-driven, holistic approach to healthcare, LHI's patented Baseline Therapy is delivered in one treatment program by a team of integrated doctors and healthcare professionals. To learn more, visit www.lifestylehealinginstitute.com.

Media Contact

Maria Penaloza
[email protected]

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and several other prominent professional athletes are speaking publicly about the benefits of psychedelics for mental health and sports performance. Experts at Rythmia Life Advancement Center, a medically licensed resort in Costa Rica that conducts ceremonies with ayahuasca, say the athletes' openness is reducing a long-held stigma and paving the way for more people to improve their health through plant medicines.

Ayahuasca is an increasingly popular plant medicine known for its psychedelic effects that can help users experience transformational journeys of self-discovery and reflection. Plant medicines have become more accepted and widely used in the wake of clinical studies that show ayahuasca, psilocybin and iboga have huge promise in treating conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), opiate addiction, nicotine addiction, alcoholism, anxiety and depression.

In interviews published in early August, Rodgers said he consumed ayahuasca in ceremonies in 2020 and 2022. Rodgers went on to win the National Football League's Most Valuable Player award in 2020 and 2021.       

"When Aaron Rodgers spoke out, I thought it was incredible because I'm an advocate for people in the public eye sharing their psychedelic experiences, especially those who don't fall into the standard box of a 'psychedelic user' as it helps alleviate a lot of the stigmas," said Isaac Mackie, Director of New Business Development & Operations at Rythmia. "I also think there's a potentially fascinating correlation that he used ayahuasca before winning the league's most valuable player recognition in 2020 and 2021." 

Rodgers is one of several athletes who say they have benefitted from psychedelics. Daniel Carcillo, a former National Hockey League player, suffered at least seven concussions throughout his career, leaving him with mental illness, headaches, impaired memory, slurred speech, and insomnia- symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. After using ayahuasca, his depression and anxiety vanished, as did the other symptoms, he said in 2020.

Former UFC fighter Dean Lister said he was struggling with the use of alcohol and prescription medicine until he decided to try psilocybin, which has helped him stop using the substances. NFL player Kenny Stills said using ketamine, a legal anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects, helped treat his depression. And like Rodgers, former NFL player Kerry Rhodes said an ayahuasca ceremony changed him and, like Carcillo, relieved his CTE-related symptoms and improved his quality of life.

According to Kelly Slater, an American professional surfer, 11-time World Surf League Champion, and member of Rythmia's board of directors, "This work has truly changed my life, and the lives of people around me, for the better. Many thanks to Gerry and the Rythmia team."

As more people share their experiences with ayahuasca and other plant medicines, organizations like Rythmia can reach more people whose lives could benefit from the ancient healing powers of plant medicine. Rythmia specializes in helping guests use plant medicines safely and effectively through various methods, like ayahuasca ceremonies.

"We're seeing more and more people are beginning to accept plant medicine and ayahuasca as valuable tools in their healing journey," adds Mackie.

Retreats, like Rythmia Life Advancement Center, are a valuable resource for anyone interested in pursuing the powers of plant medicine. To learn more, visit https://rythmia.link/press.

About Rythmia Life Advancement Center

Rythmia Life Advancement Center is focused on incorporating plant medicine into metaphysical teachings. The results of its program are spectacular, with over 95% of its 12,000+ clients reporting a life-changing miracle during their stay. Furthermore, the company is a model of diversity. Eighty-two percent of Rythmia's staff are members of a minority community and/or identify as LGBTQ+. And the company prides itself on its management team, 70% of whom are members of a minority community and/or identify as LGBTQ+. For further information and/or reservations, call (888) 443-5566 or visit https://rythmia.link/press. 

Media Contact

Maria Penaloza
[email protected] 

Women continue to face an uphill battle regarding professional success, especially given the growing prevalence of age discrimination in the workplace. According to a 2022 survey by AARP, nearly two out of three women aged 50 and up say they experience discrimination regularly. E Woman, a social networking platform for women, offers a space for women professionals to connect and support each other against ageism in the workplace. 

Amy Karaman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of E Woman, believes rather than seeing age as a liability, companies need to shift their perspective and see it as an asset. "Companies should take advantage of older employees' experience and knowledge to combat age bias," she said. "Given the right support and conditions, they can thrive while providing mentorship and wisdom to their younger counterparts. We hope to build that same community culture, collaboration and cooperation among women here at E Woman."

Karaman offers some sage advice on how women can take care of their inner and outer beauty as time goes on: (a) focus on mental health and (b) find a community or support system. Karaman says these two things were pivotal to her well-being; for over a decade, Karaman worked in the beauty industry and befriended many women older than herself who had their own knowledge to pass on. The most valuable piece of advice she received: that it's about doing the little things to preserve one's own mental health.

Olivia Haley, the 2008 winner of Miss Senior America and E Woman user, is one of the many women who have shared their personal stories on the platform. Haley says that winning the pageant in 2008 reinforced the idea that it's never too late to discover new talents. "I tell senior women there is no one like them, and their lives are worth celebrating," she said. "Seniors are the foundation of America, and it is upon our experience and resources that the younger generation can build a better society." At 60, Haley earned her real estate license and is a successful real estate agent to this day.

Karaman created the E Woman app to serve as an online women's support group and give women a safe place to share and connect with others who may be going through similar experiences. It also provides forums for different events and stages in a woman's life. Included are support groups for single and working moms, women challenged with finding a better work-life balance, and those coping with loss.

Each group on the app offers women the opportunity to anonymously share their struggles, offer advice and connect with those with similar life experiences. 

E Woman is now available on www.ewoman.world and is offered in several languages. Members can join categorized groups anonymously or with their usernames to share their stories and connect in a judgment-free space.

To learn more, visit www.ewoman.world.

About E Woman
E Woman is a social media platform dedicated to every woman who feels alone. Founded by Amy Shakhlo Karaman, an immigrant who escaped an arranged marriage in Uzbekistan and came to America to build her life from the ground up, this online community allows women around the world to discuss similar struggles. E Woman is now available on www.ewoman.world and offers every language. Members can join categorized groups anonymously or with their usernames to share their stories and connect in a judgment-free space. To learn more, visit www.ewoman.world. 

Media Contact:

Maria Penaloza
[email protected] 

Statistics show people with disabilities are less than half as likely to own a computer than those without. That's why Digitunity, a national nonprofit organization connecting donors of computers with organizations serving people in need of technology for education and work, works to close the digital divide that disproportionately affects this particular population.

People with disabilities make up one of the nation's largest disadvantaged groups. About 61 million people in America, 26% of the population, have a disability, according to the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. According to a United Nations study on disability and employment, people with disabilities are less likely to be employed.

In the U.S., about 35% of working-age people with disabilities are employed, compared to 78% of the rest of the population. The UN also found that two-thirds of unemployed respondents with disabilities want to work but could not find jobs. This gap persists regardless of educational attainment. 

The American Institute for Research found that annual household income for people with disabilities is $23,300 less than those without. That disparity in income makes people with disabilities about half as likely to own a computer, Pew Research found in 2021, which inspired Digitunity's endeavors. 

"We know that in today's society, having a computer in your home is essential to educational and economic achievement," said Scot Henley, executive director of Digitunity. "Better access to technology can be the defining factor in helping people with disabilities overcome challenges they face in the job market and have stable, successful lives."

Digitunity reaches communities, including people with disabilities, through its Digital Opportunity Network of more than 1,500 businesses, nonprofits, faith-based groups, schools, government agencies, and technology refurbishers. These partners work together to create an impact in communities nationwide by distributing technology to those who need it.

Digitunity also recently launched the Corporate Pledge to End the Digital Divide, where companies that sign the pledge commit to support digital equity by donating new or end-of-cycle computers or making a financial contribution to advance computer access and digital skills. Several major corporate donors have already signed the pledge and made contributions.

By connecting corporations' technology nearing the end of its life cycle with organizations and people in need of computer donations, Digitunity also turns problems like e-waste into solutions that help communities. As a result, nearly 400,000 devices have been distributed across Digitunity's Opportunity Network. To learn more, please visit digitunity.org.

About Digitunity

Since the 1980s, Digitunity has advanced digital inclusion by connecting donors of technology with organizations serving people in need. Our mission is to ensure everyone who needs a computer has one, along with robust internet connectivity and digital literacy skills. To learn more about our mission, visit www.digitunity.org.

Media Contact:

Maria Penaloza
[email protected]

Irina Pushkareva
Hello and welcome! My name is Irina, and I am grateful for the chance to connect with you through my art and love for our Mother Nature.

Local artist Irina Pushkareva is changing the way we view the landscape of SW Florida with her intricate paintings of the natural world. Through her art, she hopes to drive greater awareness that conserving animals and the natural environment is a foundation for a stable and healthy human society.

As an artist who focuses her attention on capturing the beauty of the natural world, Irina Pushkavera wanted to do her part to save it. Her latest collection of paintings showcase SW Florida's diverse wildlife, with a portion of every print sold going to support the efforts of the Florida Wildlife Federation.

"This project is important to me because I see how fast the state of Florida is being developed, and how negatively this development impacts Florida's nature and its wild species. People seem to underestimate the importance of nature in our modern society. Today, people struggle a lot with anxiety, chronic stress, depressive moods and even depression. But it was proven that watching animals in the wild brings joy, peace and harmony to one's mind," Pushkareva explained.

This project also serves as a reminder that our environment, its animals and humankind are all tied together.

"The reason I chose to paint wild animals thriving in their natural surroundings, is because I wish to bring the feelings of joy, serenity and harmony to people through my art. People often act on emotions, on whatever feels good in the moment. When we do that, we create chaos in our lives, in other people's lives, and in our surroundings as well. Only when we are calm and peaceful, our rational thinking turns on. Our emotions no longer direct how we act. Instead, we decide what is more rational and effective to do at the moment," Pushkareva said. "It is important to protect and serve the natural environment we live in, because we can't flourish as a society without it. But, nature can flourish without us. The more we connect to nature, the more we connect with our true selves."

Irina's mission as an artist is to empower others through her art and bring a feeling of serenity and joy.

To learn more about Irina Pushkareva and her work, visit ipushkareva.com.

About Irina

Irina Pushkareva began to draw and paint as soon as she could hold a pencil at the age of 1 and half. In her teenage years, Irina was trained in traditional ways of painting and drawing, but found it restricting and wanted to break free from traditional art. In 2016, while studying in Parsons, Pushkareva developed her own contemporary oil painting style, which allowed her to create "lines" of oil paint, instead of blending all the shades together like seen in traditional art forms. Since graduating in 2018 from Parsons with BFA in Fine Art, Pushkareva has been creating and showing her work in the United States.

Media Contact: Melissa Bill
Email: [email protected]

Irina Pushkareva
Hello and welcome! My name is Irina, and I am grateful for the chance to connect with you through my art and love for our Mother Nature.

Miniatus Grouper
Watching animals often helped me to find courage and peacefulness of mind to stay true to myself, and brought me serenity and joy that empowered me to work hard on what I love to do the most - creating.\nI wish to bring you the same feelings through t

The Fifth Chinese Shaoxing Opera (Yueju) Festival Concludes in East China's Zhejiang

The Fifth Chinese Shaoxing Opera (Yueju) Festival concluded with big success on August 20 in its birthplace, Shengzhou, a county-level city of Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, according to Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Zhejiang Provincial Government.

"Originated in Shengzhou, Yueju is the representative of Zhejiang culture, and Shaoxing and Shengzhou have profound foundation of Yueju. The Opera Festival has permanently landed in Shaoxing along with a glorious mission and great responsibility, said Chu Ziyu, an official with the Zhejiang Provincial government at the closing ceremony.

The closing ceremony started with the classic Shaoxing Opera "Butterfly Lovers". It vividly demonstrated the hundred-year development course of Yueju --- bold in exploration, brave in reform. 

The festival, with "Shaoxing Opera Festival, People's Festival" as its headline, ran from July 31 to Aug 20. The festival attracted the participation of 15 high-quality plays from all over the country, together with other Yueju activities such as Global Yueju Fanciers Carnival, Shaoxing Teenagers for Classic Yueju, and the 100 Plays in 100 Places as schools, communities, villages, and squares.

The Chinese Shaoxing Opera Festival is a national art festival held in Zhejiang every four years, started in 2006. It has played a great role in preserving Chinese traditional culture and promoting its development and prosperity.

"We will take the festival as a new starting point, continue the innovation in Yueju tradition and broaden the market. We will also strengthen the integration of Yueju and cultural tourism, nurture Yueju talents, and strive to build Shaoxing at a new and higher level," said Ding Ruxing, an official from Shaoxing city government. 

Shaoxing Opera, originated in Shengzhou county of Shaoxing, dubbed "the second national opera," following Peking Opera, is the most popular local opera. Shaoxing Opera is good at lyrics, mainly singing. It is beautiful in voice and primarily focuses on the theme of love stories. "Butterfly lovers", "A Dream of Red Mansions", "Mu Guiying Takes Command", etc., are well-known Shaoxing Opera repertoires both at home and abroad. 

For more stories on Yueju and Shaoxing, Zhejiang. Please enjoy the following four official media platforms of Shaoxing Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio Television and Tourism. People are welcome to check them out:

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Contact person：

Sasa Guan

Email: [email protected]