NIH study suggests using cannabis while trying to conceive may reduce pregnancy chances
BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Women who use marijuana could have a more difficult time conceiving a child than women who do not use marijuana, suggests a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health. Marijuana use among the women’s partners—which could have influenced conception rates—was not studied. The researchers were led by Sunni L. Mumford, Ph.D., of the Epidemiology Branch in NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The study appears in Human Reproduction.
The women were part of a larger group trying to conceive after one or two prior miscarriages. Women who said they used cannabis products—marijuana or hashish—in the weeks before pregnancy, or who had positive urine tests for cannabis use, were around 40% less likely to conceive per monthly cycle than women who did not use cannabis. The authors noted that although the findings suggest cannabis could affect women’s fertility, they should be tempered with caution as the study observed a relatively small number of cannabis users. However, the authors say their results suggest that women trying to conceive should exercise caution with cannabis use until more definitive evidence is available.
The researchers analyzed data from a broader study of more than 1,200 women ages 18 to 40 with one or two pregnancy losses. The women participated in the study for up to six monthly cycles while attempting pregnancy and throughout pregnancy if conception occurred. After enrolling in the study, the women responded to a questionnaire asking if they had used marijuana, pot, or hashish in the past 12 months, with responses ranging from never, rarely, occasionally, sometimes, often, to daily. Each woman also provided urine samples for analysis when they first entered the study and after six months if they did not conceive or at the time of positive pregnancy test if they conceived.
A total of 62 women (5%) either had a positive urine test or responded that they had used cannabis before conception.
For each monthly cycle, women who had used cannabis while trying to conceive were 41% less likely to conceive than non-users. Similarly, a smaller proportion of cannabis users than non-users became pregnant during the study—42% versus 66%. The authors found no differences in miscarriage rates between users and non-users who had achieved pregnancy.
The authors noted that, compared to non-users, cannabis users also had differences in reproductive hormones involved in ovulation. These differences could potentially have influenced their likelihood of conception. Specifically, users had higher levels of luteinizing hormone and a higher proportion of luteinizing hormone to follicle stimulating hormone.
The authors also noted that animal studies had found that cannabis use could alter the lining of the uterus, making it less likely an embryo to implant and establish a pregnancy. Until more information is available, the authors said, women trying to become pregnant should be aware that cannabis could potentially affect their pregnancy chances.
Reference
Mumford SL et al. Cannabis use while trying to conceive: a prospective cohort study evaluating associations with fecundability, live birth, and pregnancy loss. Human Reproduction. 2020. doi:10.1093/humrep/deaa355
About the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD): NICHD leads research and training to understand human development, improve reproductive health, enhance the lives of children and adolescents, and optimize abilities for all. For more information, visit https://www.nichd.nih.gov.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit https://www.nih.gov.
SOURCE Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; National Institutes of Health (NIH)
If You Purchased Certain Disposable Contact Lenses for Your Own Use From June 1, 2013 to December 4, 2018, this Litigation and a Class Action Settlement Could Affect Your Rights
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The following statement is being issued regarding In re. Disposable Contact Lens Antitrust Litigation.
A class action settlement has been reached with ABB Optical Group LLC (“ABB”), a distributor of disposable contact lenses manufactured by Alcon Vision LCC f/k/a Alcon Laboratories, Inc. (“Alcon”); Bausch & Lomb, Inc. (“B&L”); Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. (“JJVC”); and Cooper Vision, Inc. (“CVI”).
The lawsuit alleges illegal minimum retail pricing policies adopted by contact lens manufacturers called “Unilateral Pricing Policies,” or “UPPs,” for the distribution and sale of certain disposable contact lenses. The safety and effectiveness of contact lenses are not at issue in this lawsuit. For more information, visit the website below. Defendants deny they did anything wrong. The Court has not decided who is right.
Notice was previously provided for settlements with B&L and CVI and the formation of “Litigation Classes.” ABB has since agreed to a settlement, and the Court has permitted those who purchased only contact lenses manufactured by B&L an additional opportunity to opt-out of the Litigation Classes. If you are a Settlement Class Member, you can participate in the ABB Settlement regardless of whether you participated in the earlier settlements.
Who Is Included?
The ABB Settlement Class includes certain persons and entities residing in the United States who made retail purchases of disposable contact lenses subject to a UPP. For a list of the contact lenses subject to a UPP and the dates of purchase included in the settlement, please visit the website below.
How can I get a payment?
The ABB Settlement will establish a $30.2 million Settlement Fund. If you already submitted a timely and valid claim for the B&L and/or CVI Settlements, you do not need to submit another claim. You will automatically be included in the ABB Settlement. If you did not submit a claim in either of the earlier settlements, you must submit a claim for the ABB Settlement in order to receive compensation. You will not be able to share in the B&L or CVI Settlements if you did not submit a timely and valid Proof of Claim in those settlements. You can file a claim at the website. The deadline to file a claim is March 10, 2021. The Net Settlement Fund will be distributed at a later stage of this Action. Please be patient and check the website for updates.
Your other options.
If you do not want to be legally bound by the ABB Settlement you must exclude yourself by March 10, 2021. In addition, consumers who purchased only contact lenses manufactured by B&L have until March 10, 2021 to request exclusion from the Litigation Classes. You may object to the ABB Settlement by March 10, 2021. The Detailed Notice explains how to exclude yourself or object. The Court will hold a Fairness Hearing on July 2, 2021, to consider whether to approve the ABB Settlement. Lead Counsel will ask the Court for attorneys’ fees of up to one-third (33.3%) of the ABB, B&L, and CVI Settlement Funds, after payment of Court-approved costs and expenses. In addition, Lead Counsel will ask the Court for reimbursement of costs and expenses for their work in this Action, and may also seek service awards for the Class Representatives, all subject to the Court’s approval. You may appear at the hearing, yourself or through an attorney you hire, but you don’t have to. For more information, call or visit the website.
www.ContactLensSettlement.com 1-877-253-3649
SOURCE United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
(Español) La CPSC emite advertencia de seguridad del consumidor: separar las celdas de las baterías de iones de litio de los paquetes de batería para alimentar dispositivos podría causar lesiones graves o incluso la muerte
If you purchased Keurig K-Cup Portion Packs from persons other than Keurig, you may be entitled to payment from a class action settlement
SEATTLE, Jan. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — A Settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit called In re: Keurig Green Mountain Single-Serve Coffee Antitrust Litigation, MDL No. 2542, Master Docket No. 1:14-md-02542-VSB-SLC, Civil Action No. 1:13-03790-VSB-SLC, pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit alleges that Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. (“Keurig”) monopolized or attempted to monopolize and restricted, restrained, foreclosed, and excluded competition in order to raise, fix, maintain, or stabilize the prices of Keurig K-Cup Portion Packs (single-serve beverage portion packs manufactured or licensed by Keurig that are compatible with Keurig brewers and generally displays the Keurig brand name or logo on the package) at artificially high levels in violation of Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 1 and 2, Section 3 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. § 14, and various state antitrust, unfair competition, consumer protection, unjust enrichment, and other laws. Keurig denies the allegations. The Court has not ruled on the merits of the claims.
Who Is A Class Member? All individuals and entities that purchased Keurig K-Cup Portion Packs in the United States and its territories, from persons other than Keurig and not for the purpose of resale, during the period September 7, 2010, to August 14, 2020 (except for claims under Mississippi —which are for purchases during the period from March 24, 2011, to August 14, 2020, and for purchases in Rhode Island —which are for purchases from July 15, 2013, to August 14, 2020) (collectively, the “Settlement Class Members”).
What Are The Terms of the Settlement? Keurig has agreed to pay $31 million into a “Settlement Fund” as described in the Stipulation of Settlement and Release (“Settlement Agreement”). The Settlement Fund will be used to pay Settlement Class Members who submit a timely and valid claim, after attorneys’ fees and costs and other expenses have been deducted. Settlement Class Members will give up certain rights to sue Keurig. Any uncashed checks or amounts remaining in the Settlement Fund after payments are made to Settlement Class Members will be distributed cy pres to Consumer Reports.
How Do You Get a Payment? Go to www.KeurigIndirectPurchaserSettlement.com to file or download the notice and a claim form. Claims must be submitted online or postmarked and mailed no later than July 15, 2021.
What Are My Other Options? If you do not want to be legally bound by the Settlement, you may send a request for exclusion no later than May 14, 2021. If you exclude yourself, you will not receive any money, but you will keep your right to sue Keurig for the claims in the Actions as specified in the Settlement Agreement. If you do not exclude yourself, you may object to the Settlement by writing to the Court explaining why you do not like the Settlement or the attorneys fees no later than May 17, 2021. You will still be bound by the Settlement if your objection is rejected. If you do nothing, you will not receive any Settlement benefits; you will be bound by the Settlement; and you will give up certain rights to sue Keurig. For details on how to opt out or object, please read the long form notice available at www.KeurigIndirectPurchaserSettlement.com.
Final Approval Hearing. The Court will hold a hearing on June 4, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern,, at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Thurgood Marshall U.S. Courthouse, 40 Foley Square, New York, NY 10007, or by telephonic or electronic means, to consider whether to approve the Settlement, attorneys’ fees, expenses, and Class Representative service awards as detailed in the Notice. You or your attorney may ask to appear and speak at the hearing at your own expense, but you don’t have to. The Final Approval Hearing date may change, so check the Settlement website regularly.
For More Information. Visit www.KeurigIndirectPurchaserSettlement.com, write Keurig Indirect Purchasers Antitrust Settlement, c/o JND Legal Administration, P.O. Box 91382, Seattle, WA 98111. or call toll-free 1-833-794-0948. Class Counsel can also be contacted at www.kaplanfox.com, www.whafh.com, www.pswlaw.com, access the court docket through the Court’s PACER System at https://ecf.nysd.uscourts.gov, or visit the office of the Clerk of the Court for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse, 500 Pearl Street, New York, NY 10007.
PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE COURT OR THE COURT CLERK’S OFFICE.
SOURCE JND Legal Administration
Blue Shield of California Expands Collaboration with Dignity Health Hospitals to Make Billing and Payment Easier for Patients, Providers
OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blue Shield of California announced the expansion across California of its innovative program designed to transform the medical payment system into a simple, transparent, and more immediate, retail-like experience for patients and medical providers.
Blue Shield has teamed up with CommonSpirit Health (which operates Dignity Health hospitals) and software startup OODA Health to introduce the high-tech program. The group is buoyed by initial, positive results – the process makes cost share payments more streamlined, which resulted in a 92 percent satisfaction rate from patients who used it.
“Our goal is to make the medical billing process better so providers can focus on delivering care to patients that will improve their health and wellbeing,” said Shayna Schulz, senior vice president of transformation and operations at Blue Shield of California. “We are using the latest technologies and innovations to create a healthcare system that puts the people at the center of it. That is our mission as a nonprofit health plan: creating a healthcare system that is worthy of our family and friends, and sustainably affordable.”
The three organizations launched the “Member Payments” pilot program in September 2019 at two Dignity Health hospitals in Sacramento. The program, initially slated to run for 12 months, grew to include six hospitals by the end of that year.
Now, the program has expanded to 20 additional Dignity Health hospitals throughout California. For Blue Shield of California members who receive care at those facilities, they will experience a faster, more concise, and transparent billing process, including additional options on how they pay for their portion of the bill.
“We want to support our patients through the entirety of their medical journey so they can focus on their healing. This collaboration with Blue Shield of California and OODA does just that by using technology to make patient medical bills easier to understand,” said Steve Scharmann, vice president of revenue cycle at CommonSpirit Health. “An important part of caring for our patients is to ensure they have a seamless financial experience that is equal to the high-quality care they receive at our hospitals.”
The Member Payments program works this way:
- Blue Shield of California members receive a consolidated, easy-to-read monthly medical bill from Blue Shield. The patient can choose a payment method for the amount owed – in full or in interest-free installments through their Flexible Spending Account card, credit card, check, or ACH direct deposit connection.
- Participating healthcare providers receive help managing the financial responsibility owed by Blue Shield members, improving their financial performance, and reducing time spent on paperwork and tracking down unpaid bills.
As part of the collaboration, Blue Shield of California also has implemented new technologies to reduce manual processes and work more efficiently to help create a more consumer-friendly experience for members and providers.
Seth Cohen, co-CEO and co-founder of OODA Health, added, “We are honored to grow this collaboration to help even more patients navigate their medical bills, especially during this turbulent time. And we’re proud to streamline administration and drive tangible results for our collaborators. This expansion further proves how innovative collaboration can catalyze transformation in healthcare.”
The Member Payment program is a first step toward real-time claims settlement that will make medical billing and payment more immediate and simpler. The effort is part of Blue Shield of California’s Health Reimagined initiative, a comprehensive effort to transform the healthcare system for all.
About Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association with over 4 million members, 6,800 employees and more than $20 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $500 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation since 2002 to have an impact on California communities.
For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com.
Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.
|
CONTACT: |
Jonna Constantine |
|
Blue Shield of California |
|
|
510-607-2359 |
|
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/810201/blue_jpg_Logo.jpg
SOURCE Blue Shield of California
Ángel Amado Pereira Márquez “Enyelove”‘s new book Pasión Abismal, a gripping unveiling of the author’s innermost fears that influenced her life
HIALEAH, Fla., Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book Pasión Abismal was created by Ángel Amado Pereira Márquez “Enyelove”. Ángel is an author who was born in the state of Mérida, in a town called Bailadores. She studied and graduated at the National Pedagogical Institute on the career of modern languages with a specialty in English.
Ángel Amado Pereira Márquez “Enyelove” said this about her book: “Fate wanted so much to dream of a series of events that they became, through writing, a narrative legend of those dream episodes. On many occasions, Ángel Amado Pereira Márquez had countless and customary insomnia. In them, she reflected the fear she felt of the dark when she was just a child—the fear of height as well as the panic suffered when dreaming that she fell from a building, a viaduct, or any elevation. All this state of affairs made her drowsy, which turned into terror, anguish, fear, and anxiety.”
Published by Page Publishing, Ángel Amado Pereira Márquez “Enyelove”‘s new book Pasión Abismal unravels the author’s deepest anxieties that birthed evoking parables that treasure pearls of wisdom for the readers to ponder upon.
Consumers who wish to partake in the book’s impassioned narrative about life, emotion, and apprehensions can purchase Pasión Abismal in any bookstore or online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.
For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.
About Page Publishing:
Page Publishing is a traditional full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1396478/ngel_Amado_Pereira_M_rquez__Enyelove.jpg
SOURCE Page Publishing
Claudia Quackenbush’s new book “Los Dioses Sí Hablan” is a beautiful novel that unravels expressions of love in many forms
SPRINGVILLE, Utah, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Claudia Quackenbush, a graduate of Bachelor of Hispanic American Literature at the Autonomous University of Tlaxcala, has completed her new book “Los Dioses Sí Hablan”: a gripping and potent expression in forms of poetry that voice out love in its many facets.
Heaviness.
Time nullifies the present,
it poisons future words.
Actions repeat themselves:
I breathe the same air,
the same place
the same memories.
Heaviness.
In Los dioses sí hablan (The Gods, in Truth, Speak), Claudia Quackenbush voices her encapsulated feelings and experiences that she has enjoyed since her marital romance—maternal expressions, sociopolitical thoughts, even her intimate memories, sending the reader to a world of love which breaks barriers and envelops time. Through her poems, one can envision a love for God and nature, peace, optimism, nostalgia, illusions, desire, as well as memories, all viewed through a novel expression of poetry that for the author is the conceptual image that produces desire and thrusts creativity and life forward.
Quackenbush’s poems are verses that seek to develop our dreams, intellect, illusions, sensations, a sense of longing.
Published by Page Publishing, Claudia Quackenbush’s captivating tale about life and love is spoken through creative poetic pieces that let us explore her mind’s wonders while transforming our souls with these inspiring words.
Readers who wish to experience this lovely work can purchase “Los Dioses Sí Hablan” at bookstores everywhere or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.
For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.
About Page Publishing:
Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Page’s accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1396465/Claudia_Quackenbush.jpg
SOURCE Page Publishing
Honda Leads Full-Line Automakers in Fuel Efficiency and Lowest CO2 Emissions According to U.S. EPA Trends Report
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Continuing a more than 40-year history of fuel-efficiency leadership, Honda ranks as the most fuel-efficient full-line automaker in America in a new report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released on Wednesday. Honda has the highest fleet average fuel economy and lowest CO2 emissions of any full-line automaker for the 2019 model year (MY2019), the latest year for which full data is available, forming the basis of the report.
The 2020 EPA Automotive Trends Report ranked Honda first among full-line automakers and second overall with a U.S. fleet average “real world” fuel economy of 28.9 miles per gallon (mpg), a five-year improvement of 1.9 mpg, and 4 mpg higher than the industry average for MY2019. Similarly, Honda’s fleet average CO2 emissions was 307 grams/mile, an improvement of 22 grams/mile from 2014 results and 49 grams/mile lower (better) than the industry average for the 2019 model year.
The EPA’s very first ranking of America’s most fuel efficient vehicles in 1976 had the Honda Civic ranked number one, and subsequent reports have consistently shown Honda among the leaders in EPA’s annual fuel efficiency measurements. That means that for more than 40 years, Honda has made fuel efficiency a priority in its products.
In 2020, Honda set a new all-time record for sales of electrified vehicles in America, growing sales by 4.5% amid significant market challenges.
In an effort to reduce CO2 emissions, globally, Honda intends for two-thirds of its automobile sales to be electrified by 2030 and is making substantial investments for the production of electrified vehicles in America1, including the recently-refreshed Accord Hybrid, CR-V Hybrid, Insight and the Acura NSX hybrid supercar.
Honda’s Commitment to the Environment
Based on its vision of “Blue Skies for our Children,” Honda is working to advance technologies that address society’s environmental and energy concerns. The company intends for electrified vehicles to comprise two-thirds of its global automobile sales by 2030. In North America, the Honda Electrification Initiative will see Honda’s electrified powertrain technologies applied to an expanding portfolio of cars and light trucks in the years ahead. Honda’s electrified vehicle lineup today includes the Accord Hybrid, CR-V Hybrid and Honda Insight, and the Clarity series.
Honda is working to reduce the environmental impact of its products throughout their life cycle, including reducing waste, emissions and further improving the energy efficiency of producing, distributing and selling Honda and Acura products in North America. This includes a 93 percent reduction in waste sent to landfills from Honda plants in North America.
Through its “green purchasing” and “green dealer” initiatives, the company also is working to promote more environmentally responsible business practices with its more than 600 original equipment suppliers and 1,300 retail dealer partners.
1 Using domestic and globally sourced parts.
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1396617/2020_EPA_Automotive_Trends_Report_Manufacturer_Ranking.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/477245/HONDALOGO_Logo.jpg
SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Francisca Restaurant Announces Its Expansion Plans For 2021 In Times Square
MIAMI, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, during the official announcement in Times Square, Francisca Restaurant — one of the most successful Latin American gastronomic concepts in Miami — reported that it will open 12 new locations in Florida as part of its expansion plan for 2021.
“We are happy to share this announcement with our clients and partners. The growth of Francisca Restaurant, a brand with a Venezuelan stamp, is due to the immense support we have received since our opening. After hundreds of requests, we decided to open more locations in other cities in Florida,” informed Jesús Pita, CEO of the company, from New York.
After the opening of the first location in Doral 4 years ago, Francisca Restaurant has opened 2 other locations in Miami Lakes and Miramar and currently generates more than 190 jobs for the community. The next cities where new locations will open are Brickell, Orlando, Kendall, Davie and others to be announced soon.
Levin de Grazia, CEO of Bocas Group, said that the corporation’s plans are focused on bringing Latin American flavors to Florida and the United States. Francisca Restaurant will offer the possibility to small and medium-sized entrepreneurs to invest in a license to work and grow under the backing of one of the most successful brands in the restaurant industry in South Florida.
Under their slogan “Success is cooked over charcoal”, Francisca Restaurant established itself as the headquarters of Miami’s charcoal chicken. Unique in its style and flavor, and as a meeting place to celebrate Latin American gastronomy.
The pride in the traditions of our cuisine is embodied in the story of Francisca, a Venezuelan woman who traveled throughout Latin America and managed to pay tribute to our flavors. Today, this honor grows and is consolidated thanks to a vision of hard work, high quality standards, service and a passion for cooking.
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1396572/Francisca_Restaurant_Times_Square.jpg
SOURCE Francisca Restaurant