Health & Wellness

(NAPSI)—If you or someone you care about is among the more than 42 million Americans battling addiction and struggling with the isolation and stress of the pandemic, there’s a ray of hope and a positive path forward in the form of online recovery and support programs. Among increased feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety, therapy has become a necessity, and in the midst of COVID-19, the recovery community has pivoted to online meetings and teletherapy sessions to fight the war of isolation. 

Before COVID-19 shut down life as we knew it, most people associated addiction recovery with meetings in church basements and community centers or 30-day stays in treatment centers. In fact, online recovery treatment and support has been around for more than 10 years and has proven as effective, if not superior to in-person treatment, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

In addition, an independent study conducted by Lionrock Recovery, a telehealth provider of substance use disorder treatment and support, showed that 80 percent of people in their online recovery meetings since the pandemic started, had never attended any support meetings—either online or in person - prior to the coronavirus outbreak. Half of those surveyed said they would  attend only online meetings when restrictions were lifted. Nearly all of the participants (98 percent) said they would continue to attend online meetings, even when in person meetings become a viable option again. Lionrock has experienced over 400 percent growth in attendance of online recovery support meetings since the pandemic first caused national shutdowns in March. 

Addiction Risk Rising With COVID-19: The Center for Disease Control (CDC) surveyed adults during late June to assess mental health, substance use, and suicidal ideation during the pandemic. The agency found an alarming 24.7 percent of young adults and 19.5 percent of adults ages 25 to 44 started or increased substance use to cope with pandemic-related stress or emotions in June, with the Black and Hispanic populations and essential workers disproportionately affected. However, the report concluded that expanded use of telehealth, an effective means of delivering treatment for mental health conditions, including depression, SUD, and suicidal ideation, might reduce COVID-19-related mental health consequences. 

According to Peter Loeb, co-founder of Lionrock, one of the reasons telehealth is so effective in treating people with substance use disorder and supporting long-term recovery, is  its flexibility and privacy. People can seek and receive HIPAA-compliant treatment from the privacy of their home, any time of day. To-date, a major barrier for people seeking treatment is the fear of stigma in their communities; online treatment’s privacy eliminates that concern. 

The benefits of telehealth inspired Loeb to create National Online Recovery Day, which is celebrated on September 22, as part of National Recovery Month. National Online Recovery Day is a campaign to raise awareness for online treatment of substance abuse. It is the first national health awareness day focused on the benefits and advantages of telehealth services for any health issue. 

While 42.2 million people need treatment, SAMHSA data reveals only 4 million people actually receive it. The COVID-19 pandemic threatens to create an epidemic from substance abuse, but by improving awareness of, and access to, online care, more Americans can receive the care and support they need. 

Learn More 

To learn more about online recovery for substance use disorders visit www.NationalOnlineRecoveryDay.com. 

(NAPSI)—The COVID-19 pandemic has made simple acts like seeing friends and family, going to the grocery store, or celebrating a life milestone more complicated. However, it has simplified the ability to create and maintain new fitness habits. Exercise physiologist and Bowflex Fitness Advisor Tom Holland says that since our time isn’t as compartmentalized as before, we have the opportunity to be more mindful and make healthy changes to our lifestyles, including the following:

1.Try something new in the comfort of your own home

At home you can experiment with new stretches, workouts, and equipment without feeling the pressure of a gym setting. For a unique indoor cycling experience, the new Bowflex VeloCore bike (https://www.bowflex.com/bikes/velocore/velocore-bike.html) offers a choice between the traditional stationary setting, and lean mode – with a side-to-side leaning motion that mimics the feel of riding on an open road. The VeloCore bike integrates the JRNY platform, which delivers engaging digital content on a large touch screen, and custom coaching and workouts. It also connects with third-party cycling apps, including Peloton and Zwift. With products like this, you don’t need to leave your home to have a challenging and fun workout.

2.Eat healthier because you are not eating out

Restaurant portions are often two to three times larger than the recommended healthy portion sizes. Now, most of us are eating at home more frequently, and it’s an ideal time to develop healthy eating habits. You can cook every meal while being mindful of nutritional value and avoid the typical tempting foods that would be available at a restaurant by buying healthier options. 

3.Build out your home gym 

According to a recent survey conducted on Nautilus, Inc.’s behalf by YouGov, the percentage of consumers* working out at home on a weekly basis has increased from 43% before COVID to 73% during COVID. 

Regardless of your home’s size, investing in versatile and space-efficient fitness equipment, such as the Bowflex SelectTech 2080 barbell with curl bar (www.bowflex.com/selecttech/2080-barbell/100874.html)—which offers seven incremental weights in one—means you’ll have 24/7 access to a calorie-burning workout on your own schedule. 

Now, there are no more excuses for not having a healthy lifestyle or fitting in a workout. The only thing holding you accountable is yourself. That’s why Holland recommends starting these habits now, so you’ll be more likely to continue working out and eating healthy even past the pandemic.

Citation: *All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1066 US adults aged 18 to 64 years old who have spent $500 or more on fitness in the past year. Fieldwork was undertaken between July 27 to August 3, 2020. The survey was carried out online.

(NAPSI)—If you’re a business owner and you haven’t already pivoted your business model to accommodate the pandemic, you could be missing out on higher revenue opportunities. A June 2020 GetApp.com survey found that 92% of small businesses in the U.S. had already done so, adding elements such as online sales, takeout and to-go orders, virtual offerings and more. Such companies were three times more likely to report higher-than-expected revenues than those that didn’t. That’s a significant number, and it’s incredible news considering the far-reaching economic downturn. 

If your company has already made changes, it’s not time to take your foot off the gas just yet. Many businesses went into emergency mode after the crisis and put a quick solution in place. This is great and necessary for the short term, but it’s not enough. It’s crucial to keep adapting as the crisis continues. It’s now time to think about the long term. Do you have the right technology in place to support your business goals for the next five years? What about the next 10? Technology is such an important part of the recipe for business success as we move into a more digitally connected world.  

If those numbers about higher-than-expected revenue have convinced you it’s time to add more digital revenue streams, take a look at three of the most common business pivots made by business owners we surveyed and how you can build on them for long-term success.  

Pivot 1: Adopt a new online delivery channel. Most people we spoke to have incorporated more digital elements to their business, such as online ordering for restaurants or using eCommerce software to set up online product sales. While many small businesses may have already wanted to go digital, COVID-19 forced them to change quickly and rush to get a minimally viable product up and running.

How to build on this: Small businesses that have invested in IT and software since the pandemic and see technology as a driver right now are able to thrive. Take restaurants as an example. Before COVID-19, many only had an online booking system. Now, having a point-of-sale (POS) platform that enables curbside pickup and local delivery is essential.  

Pivot 2: Develop a new virtual service. Two out of five GetApp.com survey respondents added a new virtual service to their offerings. Think of a fitness class offering training or a craft cocktail bar offering mixology classes online using a video conferencing platform.  

How to build on this: Don’t feel limited to recreating an in-person experience online. The video conferencing technology available now opens the doors to a lot of innovative ideas. For example, while some virtual workout attendees may enjoy meeting at the same time as their classmates, there’s no reason fitness centers couldn’t record a class and offer it on demand for those who aren’t able to make a 6 a.m. workout. Think of it as the ability to reach even more customers than you may have been able to with in-person offerings.  

Pivot 3: Create a new offline delivery channel. Business owners are also adding new offline offerings. In our survey, this was the third most popular business model change. Yes, digital transformation is incredibly important for your business, but offline channels work hand in hand with your software tools. How to build on this: eCommerce and POS software vendors are moving quickly to ensure their platforms include curbside, takeout and online ordering as an option. Find a vendor that allows this as an add-on or included as part of your software so you can keep revenue up during a time of social distancing. Once you have a solid platform in place, ensure it’s backed by an offline process and marketing plan so customers know about your new services.  

Next steps: You may not have the right software in place to grow your business. Whether you’re still thinking about changing your business model or have already added new offerings to your lineup, it’s important to have the right software in place. It’s always easier to scale once you have a solid foundation. The right software can help support your business model changes to ensure you’re able to not just survive the current economic downturn, but grow your business for years to come.  

For more tips about how software can help grow your business, visit ­GetApp.com/resources. 

(NAPSI)—On average, women experience change of life at age 51 and, while September has been designated Menopause Awareness Month, any time of year is a good time for women of any age to consider their personal health and how to improve it.   

These facts and tips that may help. Menopause is usually defined as 12 months with no menstruation. It’s often accompanied by hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, pain during intercourse and dryness.   

What to do? To cool hot flashes, dress in layers, and avoid hot rooms and hot beverages, caffeine, spicy foods and alcohol. It also helps to eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep and exercise, not smoke and practice relaxation techniques. As for dealing with intimate dryness, there’s now an all-natural, vegan, personal moisturizer and lubricant that helps women find pleasure and comfort through all stages of life. Called Chiavaye (pronounced: kee-ah-vay), it caters not only to women in menopause but also those affected by pregnancy, endometriosis, chemotherapy and more. A high-quality all-natural moisturizer, made by women for women, it can also to remove makeup, hydrate the hair, treat nipple chafing caused during breastfeeding, as a bath oil and generally pamper dry skin. It’s so pure, its even edible. Endorsed by gynecologist Dr. Barb DePree, M.D., Chiavaye can help with vaginal dryness, discomfort, itching, chafing, burning, painful intercourse and thinning vaginal walls. It has a smooth, velvety feel that’s never sticky and adjusts to your body temperature. It’s sustainable, earth-friendly, comes in a sleek, discreet package and made in the USA from six natural ingredients. It’s available at Walmart this autumn: 

•Coconut Oil: This penetrates multiple skin layers to deliver nourishment and hydration. Studies show it can have antibacterial and antifungal effects. 

•Almond Oil: This locks moisture into the skin and is anti-inflammatory, plus it can act as a natural mild pain reliever. The almond oil soothes sore muscles and may be beneficial for healing. 

•Vitamin E: An antioxidant that removes free radicals that damage the cell structure. Studies show it can promote blood circulation and regenerate cells. 

•Grapeseed Oil: An anti-inflammatory that promotes anti-aging and can be antimicrobial. It’s also an antihistamine to relieve dry, itchy skin, PMS and hemorrhoids. 

•Sunflower Seed Oil: This retains moisture and can boost healing and acts as a barrier oil for friction. 

•Evening Primrose Oil: Widely used in treating PMS, endometriosis, and symptoms of menopause, studies show this oil is beneficial in reducing inflammation.

Learn More

For further facts, visit chiavaye.com.

(NAPSI)—Nasal congestion is nothing to sneeze at. It affects roughly 20 percent of the population and is associated with reduced quality of life, difficulty sleeping, reduced daytime performance, and increased need for healthcare. In addition to the physical misery, it is estimated the annual financial impact of chronic congestion is more than $5 to $10 billion. Fortunately, scientists are coming up with new and better ways to deal with the problem.

New Device

That’s good news since, until recently, most of the current treatments for nasal congestion and season allergies were drugs that must be regularly ingested in the form of nasal sprays (decongestants or steroids), pills (decongestants or antihistamines) or uncomfortable nasal irrigators. Each of these has its own side effects and risks. In addition, current treatments provide only partial or temporary relief. Fortunately, there’s a new patented device that uses a combination of acoustic vibrations, and gentle, resistant pressure to help open nasal breathing and relieve nasal congestion, naturally—in as little as three minutes.

Called SinuSonic, it consists of a fully disposable medical-grade silicone nosepiece on a resin body. A flutter valve on top creates gentle, self-guided oscillating expiratory resistance.

A recent study published in the prestigious International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology (IFAR)—the official journal of the American Rhinologic Society (ARS) and the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (AAOA)—found the relief from chronic nasal congestion can be life changing. Eighty percent of participants enjoyed a clinically relevant improvement.

Doctor’s Opinion

“We were excited to see measurable positive changes in both objective nasal airflow as well as patient-reported symptom scores and quality of life,” said Dr. Rodney Schlosser, an internationally known sinus specialist and one of the lead researchers on the study. “Our initial results demonstrate that SinuSonic is a safe and effective treatment alternative to conventional pharmacologic and surgical treatment for these patients.”

Learn More

To see the device in action or purchase online, go to www.SinuSonic.com.