The science of bionics helped the more than 1 million Americans with leg amputations take a giant step forward, as the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) revealed clinical applications for the world’s first thought-controlled bionic leg in this week’s New England Journal of Medicine. This innovative technology represents a significant milestone in the rapidly-growing field of bionics. Until now, only thought-controlled bionic arms were available to amputees.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/63339-rehabilitation-institute-of-chicago-first-thought-controlled-bionic-leg
The statistics on food waste are alarming. Nearly all Americans are guilty of tossing edible food both before and after it hits their plates. The good news is, it’s easy to make small changes that can save a family of four up to $1,500 a year in food bills.
That’s the message being delivered on Stop Food Waste Day by foodservice leader Compass Group, food manufacturer Unilever, and Top Chef personality, Tom Colicchio.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8077751-compass-group-unilever-stop-food-waste-day/
Losing weight and being healthier are at the top of everyone’s New Year’s resolutions. But, despite the best intentions, work, kids, and social events often push lifestyle changes to the bottom of the list. While many are familiar with type 2 diabetes, fewer are aware of prediabetes, a serious health condition that affects 86 million Americans (more than 1 in 3) and often leads to type 2 diabetes. People with prediabetes have higher than normal blood glucose (sugar) levels, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
To raise awareness and help people with prediabetes know where they stand and how to prevent type 2 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have partnered with the Ad Council to launch the first national public service advertising (PSA) campaign about prediabetes. The PSA campaign, featuring first-of-its-kind communications techniques, was developed pro bono by Ogilvy & Mather New York for the Ad Council.
Nearly 90 percent of people with prediabetes don’t know they have it and aren’t aware of the long-term risks to their health, including type 2 diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. Current trends suggest that, if not treated, 15 to 30 percent of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years. The good news is that prediabetes often can be reversed through weight loss, diet changes and increased physical activity. Diagnosis is key: research shows that once people are aware of their condition, they are much more likely to make the necessary lifestyle changes.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7731551-ad-council-prediabetes-psa/
After learning that more than 80 million Americans are living with heart disease, Mrs. Claus decided it was time that she and Santa make a change. She now creates a daily regimen for the Claus household filled with heart healthy meals and activities, including, of course, milk fortified with omega-3s and joining in the reindeer games.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7183432-heart-healthier-holiday-dsm/
All natural disasters, including the recent hurricanes, are a reminder how swiftly emergencies and disasters can happen. To address the fact that less than 50 percent of households have developed an emergency plan and discussed it with their families, FEMA and the Ad Council are working to inform and encourage all Americans to plan ahead for disasters. FEMA and the Ad Council are announcing the release of new public service announcements (PSAs) as part of the Ready Campaign to conclude National Preparedness Month. The PSAs, “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.” encourage families to take time to talk about their emergency plans – what to do, where to go for an evacuation or shelter-in-place, and how to get in contact in the event that you are separated in a disaster or emergency.
“Preparedness is a shared responsibility. It’s important to be aware of your local hazards,” said FEMA Acting Deputy Administrator for Protection and National Preparedness Katie Fox. “The first step to preparing for a disaster doesn’t cost anything – talk to your family and make a plan for evacuation, shelter and communication. Discuss what you will need. You can also take training or a CPR course to help yourself and others.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8170051-ad-council-fema-ready-gov-national-preparedness-month-disaster-plan/
Fifth Third Bank (NASDAQ: FITB) today announced a first-ever, company-wide initiative to deliver its Empower U financial literacy courses throughout its 10-state footprint. The Empower U initiative brings Fifth Third together with more than 60 local nonprofit organizations in outreach to nearly 3,000 individuals in the communities it serves.
According to a recent study commissioned by Fifth Third, more than 40 percent of Americans feel they could benefit from professional advice about their day-to-day finances. Empower U, one of the Bank’s signature L.I.F.E. (Lives Improved through Financial Empowerment®) programs, is designed to do just that.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7723853-fifth-third-bank-empower-u-initiative/
The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity today released a new report “Energy Cost Impacts on Families” that details the plight of American households who are significantly harmed by rising energy costs.
The study finds that on average nearly half of America’s households are bringing home $1,900 a month, less than $23,000 annually, and spending 17 percent of those hard-earned dollars on energy. Low and fixed income families, including minorities and senior citizens, are among the most vulnerable to energy price increases and frequently must make tough choices about what to do to meet energy costs.
“No one should go without food or medication to keep the lights on but that’s exactly what is taking place in millions of households across America,” said Mike Duncan, president and CEO of ACCCE. “Regulations like EPA’s calamitous Clean Power Plan will only exacerbate the economic struggles families face, making it all that much harder to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. This administration should put Americans ahead of its politically charged agenda and immediately take action to ensure vulnerable families are not harmed further by these reckless regulations.”
To view the Multimedia News Release, go http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7552751-accce-family-energy-impact-report/
To coincide with Independence Day, the Ad Council, R/GA and an unprecedented group of brands launched “We Are America,” an extension of the iconic Love Has No Labels campaign, explaining that love for country is love for the people who make up this country. The new PSAs, featuring WWE Superstar John Cena, continue to further the campaign message of acceptance of all communities regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age and ability. Love Has No Labels encourages audiences to recognize their implicit bias – biases that live in our subconscious – in order to promote inclusion. “We Are America” invites everyone to submit their photos to demonstrate the true diversity that makes up America. Upworthy, a 2015 campaign launch partner, shared “We Are America” on its social platforms and will be creating a series of videos launching in the coming months to help further the campaign message.
According to a new survey from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Ad Council, one in three millennials (34 percent) ranked saving as their number one goal for the year – ahead of living a healthy lifestyle (20 percent), paying off debt (19 percent), and losing weight (14 percent). But while saving was a top priority, a majority of millennials attributed their lack of saving to impulse buying (65 percent).
For older millennials, those born between the early 1980’s and early 1990’s, saving is crucial as they work towards major milestones in their lives. When asked what they were saving money towards, respondents sought to secure their future by saving for an emergency fund (40 percent), saving for retirement (22 percent) or starting a family (15 percent). They also reported saving for larger purchases like a vacation (36 percent), a new house (27 percent), a car (26 percent), home improvements (20 percent), or a wedding (8 percent). To provide Americans aged 25 to 34 with the tips and tools to take control of their personal finances, AICPA and the Ad Council’s national advertising campaign, Feed the Pig, is continuing to collaborate with new partners to deliver this critical content in a relevant and engaging way.
“Many young adults think saving is impossible,” said Gregory Anton, CPA, CGMA, chair of the AICPA’s National CPA Financial Literacy Commission. “While low salaries and high debt levels can certainly be barriers to saving, the key is to create a budget and stick to it. Establishing a disciplined saving strategy early in life and avoiding missteps will reap substantial long-term dividends.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7790851-ad-council-feed-the-pig/
While regular visits to the eye doctor and dentist are mainstays of preventive healthcare, less than one in four Americans have had their hearing checked in the past two years, according to a consumer survey by Wakefield Research on behalf of EPIC Hearing Healthcare (EPIC). And, while most people with poor vision own glasses or contacts to help them see better, only one in five people who could benefit from a hearing aid wears one.
“A lot of people aren’t aware how important preventive care is for their hearing health,” said William M. Luxford, M.D., medical director, House Clinic. “Regular, comprehensive hearing exams by an audiologist are the best way to establish a baseline for your hearing and ensure any hearing loss is caught early so further damage can be prevented or minimized and hearing can be improved as quickly as possible.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7823651-epic-healthy-hearing-habits/
Summertime means vacation time – but, with unpredictable weather patterns, fluctuating gas prices and increasing costs, Americans nationwide are concerned about getting away. Our national travel expert has some great trips on how to survive summer travel – he/she will cover everything from how to get the best deals to planning a vacation suitable for the whole family.
Some of the unique and useful tips Amy can offer are:
• Travel trends: Travelling to destinations during their peak seasons can drive prices up. Visiting during off-peak times can help save money and you’ll have easier access to activities than at busier times of the year.
• Get organized: Planning a fun and successful trip means, setting a budget, researching, and booking early! Shop around to find transportation and accommodations that suit your needs and your budget.
• Get Your Ride Ready: If you’re hitting the open road, make sure any maintenance you need to have done on your vehicle is taken care of including checking your vital fluids, tires, and headlights and break lights.
• First Aid Kit: Make a little room in your luggage for a travel first aid kit. It won’t cost much, and it won’t take up much space but it can certainly come in handy.
According to a National Safety Council poll released today, one in four Americans personally knows someone who has overdosed or died from an opioid overdose, knows someone who has become addicted to opioids, or has become addicted themselves. In response to the survey results – and a recommendation from the President’s Commission for Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis – the National Safety Council is launching a provocative nationwide public education campaign that literally puts a face on the opioid epidemic. Stericycle is the Council’s exclusive disposal partner on the campaign.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8207151-national-safety-council-stop-everyday-killers-opioids/
