Danny Cortenraede has started five companies, from a digital media agency to global soccer community 433. He has plenty of lived experience as an entrepreneur, but he also spent time speaking to peers.

We did a lot of interviews with all kinds of founders, and nine of the 10 times the CEO was responsible for raising that capital, Cortenraede said. And he's responsible for business development. So what does that mean? He cannot spend time on his business.

That was the core revelation that spurred this weeks launch of Venturerocks $75 million sports tech fund that seeks to fund and guide startups from the beginning to their Series A round.

We are not a typical VC, Cortenraede said. We are really a partner for startups, in helping scaling their company.

The concept is to invest, on average, $3-4 million per startup, but do so in phases as the company meets designated KPIs or other milestones. His co-founder in the fund is Bob van Oosterhout, a seasoned sports marketing executive, and one of the general partners in Venturerock is Marc Wesselink, who previously was a key member in the development of the Startup Bootcamp accelerator.

There are so many great founders, super smart people. For example, they have very technical backgrounds, but for us, that's super interesting. Because we see that opportunity, we can help a person like that. And together, we can scale up company, because the founder doesn't have to worry about the cash.

Together, they devised a comprehensive program72 steps across four phasesto help founders grow their companies. While accelerators have a proven track record, these 10-week programs are just a crash course.

We thought, OK, why are we doing this in this way? Cortenraede said. We need to be there for the whole journey.

Venturerock previously launched a fintech version of this concept, and its 12 portfolio companies have an aggregate value of $130 million after two and a half years.

Aiding the growth of the sports companies is the available industry network. Cortenraedes prior companies did extensive work with Disney, Nike, Adidas, Puma, Budweiser and athletes such as Cristiano Ronaldo.

Royal Antwerp manager Mark van Bommel, who as a player starred for the likes of AC Milan and Bayern Munich, invested $1.5 million into the Venturerock sports tech fund. When the Venturerock team held an introductory call with a startup doing video analysis, Bommel joined in and invited one of his video analysts to join, too, for a deep insider perspective.

Venturerock is soliciting a wide array of ideas, from fan engagement to esports and wearables to smart stadiums. He said the sports fund made its first investment recently in an esports company and is expected to invest in 15 startups in total. But we dont want to rush it, he added.

Cortenraede began his career in the corporate world, specializing in telecom at Vodafone, Sony and T-Mobile. In addition to his entrepreneurial experience, he has been investing in startups for years, having founded DC Venture Capital Partners, an independent private equity firm, and InStudio Ventures, which invests in media, tech and sports. He is also one of the co-hosts of Unicorn Hunters, the unscripted Amazon Prime series that also features Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and NSYNC singer Lance Bass.

There are so many great founders, super smart people, he said. For example, they have very technical backgrounds, but for us, that's super interesting. Because we see that opportunity, we can help a person like that. And together, we can scale up company, because the founder doesn't have to worry about the cash.

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Inside Venturerock's $75 Million Sports Tech Venture Investment Company, Including How They Plan to Guide Startups to Scaleups - SportTechie

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CAIS, the leading alternative investment platform for independent financial advisors, today announced its selection by Mariner Wealth Advisors, a privately held advisory firm with over $60 billion in assets under advisement, to provide a customized platform solution for the firms rapidly growing network of advisors. CAIS will offer access to a broad menu of alternative investment funds and products, as well as educational resources, end-to-end digitized transaction processing, and third-party reporting integrations.

We are pleased to have selected a partner that shares our commitment to empower the independent wealth management community, said Marty Bicknell, President and CEO of Mariner Wealth Advisors. At a time when alternative investments are a main event, CAIS technology and team will provide our rapidly growing advisor base, and their clients, with a true competitive advantage.

The collaboration between Mariner Wealth Advisors and CAIS integrates CAISs platform into the firms existing wealthtech ecosystem, creating a customized and seamless pre-trade, trade, and post-trade alternative investing experience. The firms advisors will receive access to a curated menu of diversified alternative investment products across asset classes and qualification levels including private equity, private real estate, private credit, venture capital, and hedge funds. CAIS will also assist in the launch of proprietary funds and multi-manager funds managed by Mariner Wealth Advisors, while also enabling the firm to add their own sourced third-party funds to the platform for centralized monitoring, transacting, and reporting.

This important partnership with Mariner Wealth Advisors ensures that their financial advisors have the necessary tools to meet client demand for alternative investments, while improving operational efficiency, said Matt Brown, Founder and CEO at CAIS. Our unwavering focus on powering RIAs and IBDs has allowed us to understand their unique needs and, in turn, design the best solutions, Brown continued.

With 69% of financial professionals citing a lack of educational resources as a barrier to private markets investing, Mariner Wealth Advisors wealth teams will also benefit from CAIS IQ, a proprietary alternative investment education platform that helps advisors learn faster and retain information longer. CAIS IQ also allows home office professionals to monitor financial advisors learning progress across foundational, asset-class themed and fund-specific courses, some of which are available for CE credits.

Bicknell is one of many wealth management leaders speaking at CAISs inaugural Alternative Investment Summit, a three-day thought leadership event taking place October 17-19 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, California. To learn more about the CAIS Alternative Investment Summit and apply to join us, click here.

About CAIS

CAIS is the leading alternative investment platform for financial advisors who seek improved access to, and education about, alternative investment funds and products. CAIS provides financial advisors with a broad selection of alternative investment strategies, including hedge funds, private equity, private credit, real estate, digital assets, and structured notes, allowing them to capitalize on opportunities and/or withstand ever-changing markets. CAIS also offers custom solutions for advisors seeking to create custom fund vehicles around ideas they source.

CAIS also provides an industry-leading learning system, CAIS IQ, to help advisors learn faster, remember longer, and improve client outcomes.

All funds listed on CAIS undergo Mercer's independent due diligence and ongoing monitoring. Mercer diligence reports and fund ratings are available to advisors on the CAIS password-protected platform. CAIS streamlines the end-to-end transaction process through digital subscriptions and integrated reporting with Fidelity, Schwab, and Pershing, which make investing in alternatives simple.

Founded in 2009, CAIS, a fintech leader, is empowering over 6,600+ unique advisor firms/teams who oversee more than $2.5T+ in network assets. Since its inception, CAIS has facilitated over $18B+ in transaction volume as the first truly open marketplace where financial advisors and asset managers engage and transact directly on a massive scale. CAIS has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Austin, and San Francisco. For more information about CAIS, please visit http://www.caisgroup.com.

Securities offered through CAIS Capital LLC, member FINRA, SIPC.

About Mariner Wealth Advisors

At Mariner Wealth Advisors, we provide 360 advice designed to last. We focus on one thingpartnering with clients to create a financial strategy for today and beyond thats flexible enough to change along with them. The ultimate goal? Helping clients identify what is important so they can achieve their goalswere committed to being here for everything life brings their way. Weve built our firm around what our clients need. We began by offering wealth planning resources and then added services from tax planning to insurance all under one roof. We believe this integrated approach to wealth management helps simplify our clients lives. Founded in 2006 with $300 million in assets under advisement, Mariner Wealth Advisors and its affiliates now advise on over $60 billion in assets.

As of 6/30/22

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Mariner Wealth Advisors Selects CAIS to Scale Alternative Investment Capabilities - Business Wire

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Varsity Healthcare Partners (VHP, Varsity or the Firm), a lower middle market healthcare services private equity investment firm, today announced several recent and significant senior additions to its investment and operating teams, effective immediately.

With respect to the VHP investment team, Varsity announced that Merrick Axel has joined the firm in the role of Partner, following a 16-year tenure at Cressey & Company, where he was a Partner and member of the Investment Committee, jointly leading Cressey & Companys successful investment efforts across many healthcare services segments. Mr. Axel will join Varsitys Investment Committee and lead the Firms new Chicago office, for which it is actively recruiting investment professionals.

Additionally, with respect to the VHP Operating team, Varsity announced three recent senior hires, who will add immediate, necessary capacity while also deepening VHPs financial operational and data science capabilities: (a) Rosemary Free, who joins VHP in the role of Operating Partner, Financial Operations, following her recent tenure as CFO of Vision Innovation Partners and prior thereto serving as Partner in Ernst & Youngs Healthcare Transaction Advisory Services practices, where she lead the Northeast Region, advising private equity and corporate clients on a variety of operational, restructuring, and sell/buy-side engagements, (b) Jay McKnight, who joins the Firm in the role of Operating Partner, Financial Operations, following a successful tenure at Diversicare Healthcare Services, a leading national skilled nursing and post-acute services organization, where he recently served as CEO, overseeing 61 nursing centers with 7,250 licensed beds and supported Diversicares 4,800 employees nationwide; and (c) Robert McElherne, who joins VHP in the role of Operating Partner, Data Scientist, following his most recent tenure at Humana, where he served most recently as Technical Product Leader, supporting enterprise data science needs of Humanas Medicare and Medicaid managed care products, and prior thereto served as Manager, Provider Analytics, within Humanas Physician Performance Insights group.

Our mission, going back to the founding of VHP, has always been to strive for the very best investment performance and create the very best organization in our category, said David Alpern, Founding and Managing Partner at Varsity Healthcare Partners. These highly impactful additions will accelerate our efforts towards achieving that mission, while adding immediate and necessary resources, raising the talent level, and enhancing our culture with like-minded, proven leaders.

Kenton Rosenberry, Founding Partner, added, We welcome Merrick, a longtime friend of the firm and an accomplished healthcare investor and leader, along with Rosemary, Jay, and Robert to the VHP ranks and look forward to the impact they will have on our organization and investments.

ABOUT VARSITY HEALTHCARE PARTNERS

Varsity Healthcare Partners (VHP) is a leading lower middle-market healthcare services private equity investment firm, targeting exclusively multi-site healthcare provider platforms or businesses providing outsourced services, technology, or tools to healthcare providers and/or payers. VHPs tactical investment strategy emphasizes identifying and transacting with growth-seeking, provider-owned or founder-owned companies, leveraging VHPs developed buy and build playbook to drive significant operational, managerial enhancement early in the life of each platform investment, followed by a well-resourced aggressive and multidimensional growth plan. VHPs unique tactical investment playbook and strong track record is complimented by VHPs distinct organizational culture, emphasizing highly collaborative engagement, strong professional accountability, and a commitment to excellence in work product and team performance.

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Varsity Healthcare Partners Announces New Senior Additions to Investment, Operating Teams; Merrick Axel Joins VHP as Partner, Head of Chicago Office -...

Over 13 years of making deals on ABC's "Shark Tank," Kevin O'Leary says he's noticed a common thread among the companies that have brought him the best investment returns.

They're mostly owned or run by women.

"This is real data: 75% of my returns have come from companies run by women," O'Leary tells CNBC Make It. The trend runs across every industry and business sector, he adds not just the ones traditionally viewed as women-friendly.

After more than three decades in total as an investor, O'Leary says there's no secret formula to predict which investments will reap huge returns, and which ones will disappoint. He notes that on "Shark Tank," every investor has "had catastrophic losers I mean, where we lose millions and we've had euphoric monster hits."

Still, O'Leary says he's had "more hits than losers" and sorting through his hits reveals the common theme of women-led companies.

One of his best known "Shark Tank" deals, for example, is his $75,000 investment in Boston-based baked goods company Wicked Good Cupcakes. At the time of the 2013 episode's taping, the company had $150,000 in total sales. That number grew to $10 million within three years, according to an on-air update in 2016.

Other successful deals include O'Leary's investments in cat DNA testing company Basepaws, run by founder and CEO Anna Skaya, and a photo-printing app subscription service called Groovebook run by Julie and Brian Whiteman, a husband-and-wife team.

Groovebook in particular goes down as one of O'Leary's best-ever "Shark Tank" investments, the investor told CNBC Make It in 2018: Less than a year after O'Leary invested $75,000 into the company, it sold to Shutterfly for $14.5 million.

"I don't want to start gender warfare," O'Leary says, adding that he cares mostly about who can get him the biggest return on his investment. "I'd give my money to a goat if I think it can get a return."

Still, he offers up a few thoughts on why women-led companies have been his most successful investments so far:

Women founders often have a harder time raising money to fund their businesses than men do. Female founders received only about 2% of total venture capital money allotted in 2021, according to Pitchbook.

But O'Leary says female entrepreneurs especially those with kids tend to be better listeners, an important quality for serving customers and managing employees. He also says women founders typically set more realistic financial goals for their companies, compared to their male counterparts.

"What I've found was that [women] would set sales targets 30% lower than comparable sales targets from companies run by men," O'Leary says. "I call that testosterone bravado."

Male founders he's worked with set higher sales targets, but only hit those targets 65% of the time, whereas women founders typically hit their more realistic targets 95% of the time, O'Leary says. Failing to meet those targets even if they were unrealistic to begin with can frustrate investors and employees alike, threatening to kill a young company's momentum.

Founders who are mothers have to be great at multi-tasking, O'Leary says. They're also thoughtful about how they use their employees' time, which can create goodwill that helps ensure low turnover, he adds.

Studies do show that mothers are typically forced to multitask more than fathers, with one 2013 study in the BMC Psychology journal finding that women are actually better at the skill than men. Similarly, a 2019 survey of 57,483 workers from HR platform Peakon found that employees at women-led companies were more likely to be engaged and enthusiastic about their work.

"When you go back and look at staff turnover, they had none," O'Leary says of some of his woman-led investments. "They create this really sticky environment where your head of accounting, or your head of logistics or compliance ... they don't leave."

Disclosure: CNBC owns the exclusive off-network cable rights to "Shark Tank."

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Kevin O'Leary on being dyslexic, where he got his financial chops and why he isn't really that mean

Mark Cuban says this was his worst 'Shark Tank' investment ever: 'Next thing you know, all of the money's gone'

Original post:
Kevin OLeary on his best Shark Tank investments ever: 75% of my returns have come from companies run by women - CNBC

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Luke Freeman and Gabe Osho both scored their first goals for the club as Luton won at Cardiff City for the second successive season with a terrific victory this evening.

Although a late strike by Romaine Sawyers led to some nerves jangling in the final moments, Nathan Jones' side have now taken seven points from nine, climbing to ninth in the table.

Hatters boss Nathan Jones went with an unchanged side from the team who drew 1-1 with Sheffield United on Friday night, although midfielder Henri Lansbury replaced Admiral Muskwe on the bench.

The visitors started by far the brighter, with the ball almost exclusively in and around the Bluebirds penalty area during the opening five minutes, although it wouldn't quite drop for a clear-cut opportunity.

After Reece Burke required treatment for a head injury when landing heavily following an aerial duel, it seemed to puncture Town's early momentum, the hosts switched on far quicker from the restart, Max Watters' low attempt drawing a smart save from Ethan Horvath who got down well to parry behind.

Cardiff then had another opportunity which they might well have done better from, the visitors defence caught out by a header and Sheyi Ojo lofting over from close range with Horvath diving straight at him.

Niels Nkounkou dragged wide from 25 yards on 14 minutes too as Town's early dominance had definitely faded.

Midway through the first period, the game then became stretched, Elijah Adebayo stealing in ahead of Ryan Allsop to reach a backpass, but the keeper was able to shut the angles down and close out any shot.

Play was immediately transferred to the other end, with Ojo 20 yards from goal, his curler narrowly falling wide of the target.

Back came Luton once more, Morris beating the offside trap, much to the annoyance of the home supporters in line with the referee's assistant, and after cutting inside his man, went for goal rather than try to locate a team-mate, Allsop spreading himself well.

The game calmed down somewhat, Joe Ralls whizzing one just over the top from 25 yards after a Hatters counter had broken down.

Town were then able to gain a modicum of control, shutting down any Bluebirds breaks, and with Morris holding the ball up impressively, able to wrest the initiative back, Adebayo just not able to reach Bell's searching cross at the far post.

Boss Jones made one change at the break, bringing on Fred Onyedinma for his first minutes of the season in place of Burke, the sub going to wingback as James Bree dropped into the back three.

The move paid instant dividends as the sub was found by an exquisite crossfield pass by Clark, and set about running at his marker Nkounkou to reach the byline and deliver a pinpoint ball that Freeman volleyed past Allsop for his first goal in Luton colours.

Mark Harris sliced miles over as Cardiff tried to respond, while Ralls gave up when a throughball would have picked him out after rolling under Clark's foot, Mahlon Romeo also off target.

With home keeper Allsop looking far ambitious in possession than he was during his Wycombe days, the hosts tried to play out from a goal kick, only to find Luton's press alive to the situation, Morris curling inches wide of a third in as many games.

Town did double their advantage on 62 minutes though when Onyedinma was able to win a free kick on the right flank and Bree swung a magnificent set-piece which could have been converted by a number of unmarked Town players.

Dan Potts wasn't quite able to, but there were still two left at the back post who were, Osho, only just on for Freeman, prodding home just before Tom Lockyer could do so, wheeling away to celebrate in front of the joyous away end.

With Allsop continuing to come out of his are with regularity, the stopper almost lost out to Adebayo, Morris trying his luck from fully 45 yards, the home keeper able to backpedal and coolly bring down on his thigh.

City's efforts continued to look more in hope rather than expectation, Andy Rinomhota tamely wide from the edge of the box.

Town then won a free kick which first team coach Alan Sheehan would have loved to take, scoring from an almost exact position in the stadium three years ago, as this time Bree stepped up, whipping an effort only just over the top.

City poured forward in an attempt to try and halve the deficit, but were met by a Town defence determined not to be breached, Bree producing an absolutely wonderful block to prevent Jaden Philogene from beating Horvath, when he appeared destined to do so.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when they finally did have their radar on with six minutes left, Sawyers picking up a poor clearance and rifling into the bottom corner from 25 yards.

Jones brought on Cauley Woodrow and Luke Berry to try and shore up his side for the closing moments, but Cardiff might have been on level terms, a bouncing cross catching Town's defence out once more, Jaden Philogene twisting but unable to keep his header down.

Rather than that led a grand crescendo for Cardiff, Luton managed to impose themselves once more, with Woodrow seeing plenty of the ball, and from his flick, fellow replacement Cameron Jerome should have put the result beyond doubt, only for Nkounkou to make a terrific sliding challenge.

With the Bluebirds remaining intent on passing it out from the back, a poor sideways ball that went straight out was gleefully seized on by Luton as they made it two wins from three with yet another brilliant away day in Wales.

Bluebirds: Ryan Allsop, Mahlon Romeo, Ryan Wintle, Joe Ralls (C, Rubin Colwill 59), Sheyi Ojo, Cedric Kipre, Mark Harris, Andy Rinomhota (Romaine Sawyers 70), Max Watters (Jaden Philogene 59), Niels Nkounkou, Perry Ng.

Subs not used: Jak Alnwick, Joel Bagan, Gavin Whyte, Jack Simpson.

Hatters: Ethan Horvath, James Bree, Reece Burke (Fred Onyedinma 46), Tom Lockyer, Dan Potts (C), Amari'i Bell, Allan Campbell (Luke Berry 87), Luke Freeman (Gabe Osho 56), Jordan Clark, Carlton Morris (Cameron Jerome 69), Elijah Adebayo (Cauley Woodrow 87).

Subs not used: Matt Macey, Henri Lansbury.

Referee: James Linington.

Booked: Freeman 21, Adebayo 43, Osho 63.

Originally posted here:
Freeman and Osho on target as Luton win in Wales once more - Luton Today

Onel Hernandez was Norwich Citys hero as they made it four straight wins with a last-gasp 2-1 victory against Birmingham at St Andrews. Hernandez, who spent the second half of last season on loan with Blues, swept home the winner in the third minute of second-half stoppage time.

The 29-year-old Cuban wingers first goal since scoring for Birmingham in a 3-0 win against Luton on February 12 came after Scott Hogans clinical strike five minutes after the break was cancelled out by Andrew Omobamideles equaliser in the 63rd minute. Hernandezs winner made it a happy return to the second city for former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith, now in charge of the East Anglian outfit.

Before kick-off Blues announced the signing of West Ham left-back Emmanuel Longelo on a season-long loan. The 21-year-old was at St Andrews to watch the game.

Blues right-back Josh Williams was yellow-carded early on for a lunging foul on Kenny McLean and he was swiftly followed into referee Keith Strouds notebook by Norwich midfielder Kieran Dowell for holding Juninho Bacuna.

Dowell had the first chance, side-footing wide unmarked from 12 yards out from Max Aarons cross. It took a fine intervention by Blues on-loan Wolves defender Dion Sanderson to block the danger as Sam Byram shaped to shoot following a loose ball.

That seemed to spark Norwich into life. Josh Sargents cross-shot was hacked off the line by Auston Trusty after the striker wriggled through and rounded former Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy.

Blues took the lead in the 50th minute with their first effort on goal. Hogan tapped home from Bacunas left-wing cross, which flicked up off Aarons after Jordan Grahams chip into space down the line. It was the strikers second goal of the season. Four minutes later Blues captain Troy Deeney crashed a fierce, rising drive over the bar from Williams cutback from the right.

Norwich drew level in the 63rd minute when centre back Omobamidele scrambled home. Ruddy brilliantly tipped away Marcelino Nunezs curling free-kick, but from the loose ball, Sargent won a couple of headers as it bobbled around a crowded six-yard box before the Republic of Ireland defender slotted home.

Norwich should have scored again soon after but Teemu Pukki side-footed wide from a pullback from fellow substitute Hernandez. The Blues went close to a winner when Marc Roberts header from a corner was hacked away by Pukki.

But Hernandez rewarded late Norwich pressure when he finished low past Ruddy after latching onto Pukkis pass into space after a long ball flicked off Roberts.

(PA)

Sheffield United moved top of the EFL Championship in commanding fashion with a 4-0 win over former leaders Reading. A clash between the top two sides in the division had looked an enticing prospect, but the home side cruised to a one-sided victory at Bramall Lane.

Oli McBurnie opened the scoring with a header from Max Lowes superb cross after 11 minutes and Anel Ahmedhodzic volleyed home from a corner just seconds into the second period.

Iliman Ndiaye put the result beyond doubt shortly after the hour mark and Ahmedhodvic completed the rout with a glancing header 10 minutes from time.

Readings miserable evening saw them slip to fifth in the table thanks to wins for Norwich, Burnley and Watford.

Watford also enjoyed a last-gasp winner at home to Middlesbrough as the club celebrated 100 years of football at Vicarage Road.

Rodrigo Muniz gave the visitors the lead after just four minutes of his full debut, only for Ismaila Sarr to equalise and Vakoun Bayo to fire home the winner in stoppage time.

Burnley had looked set to move second thanks to Brazilian defender Vitinhos close-range header in the 62nd minute and Jay Rodriguez stabbing home the second 10 minutes later in a 2-0 win over Millwall.

QPR complete the play-off places following a comfortable 3-1 win over Hull at Loftus Road.

Ilias Chair curled a superb opener into the top corner after just 10 minutes and goals from Manchester United loanee Ethan Laird and Chris Willock put the result beyond doubt before Tyler Smiths late consolation.

Second-half strikes from Luke Freeman and substitute Gabriel Osho gave Luton a 2-1 win at Cardiff, with Romaine Sawyers drilling home six minutes from time to set up a tense finish.

The only draw of the evening was between Wigan and West Brom, an early Josh Magennis strike cancelled out by Karlan Grant for the Baggies.

PA

Excerpt from:
Norwich claim last-minute winner at Birmingham as Sheffield United go top of Championship - The Independent

Healthy eating and exercise habits before or after diagnosis with Parkinson's disease (PD) could cut mortality risk significantly, new research suggests.

In a population-based prospective cohort study, participants with the healthiest eating and exercise regimen prior to diagnosis reduced their all-cause mortality risk by 49%, while those who adopted healthy habits after diagnosis were 65% less likely to die, compared with those who had the worst pre- and post-diagnosis habits.

The study is the largest to date to examine the association of overall diet quality and physical activity with survival in patients with PD.

Xinyuan Zhang PhD

"We found that diet and physical activity levels before Parkinson disease clinical onset were associated with the risk of mortality afterwards, which means lifestyle habits could have a long-term effect on human health," lead investigator Xinyuan Zhang, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, told Medscape Medical News.

The findings were published online August 19 in JAMA Network Open.

While earlier studies have also demonstrated a link between a healthy diet and decreases in early PD symptoms, the new research tracked the long-term benefits of both diet and exercise.

For the study, researchers analyzed data from 1251 participants (52.1% men; mean age at diagnosis, 73.4 years) in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and the Nurses' Health Study who developed PD.

The Alternative Healthy Eating Index was used to assess overall diet quality. Physical activity was measured from questionnaires and metabolic equivalent task hours per week.

Information on mortality, the primary outcome, was gathered from the National Death Index. During the 32- to 34-year follow up, 942 patients died.

In the pooled analysis, mortality risk was 31% lower among those with the highest diet scores before diagnosis compared with those who had the lowest scores (adjusted hazard ration [aHR], 0.69; P = .002). Healthy diet after diagnosis was associated with 43% lower mortality (aHR, 0.57; P < .001).

In addition, mortality risk was 29% lower for participants with the highest scores for regular physical activity before diagnosis than for those with the lowest scores (aHR, 0.71; P = .004). Similar benefits were found for those with the highest exercise score post-diagnosis (aHR, 0.47; P < .001).

A joint analysis revealed that patients with the highest scores for healthy diet and physical activity had the lowest mortality risk pre-diagnosis (aHR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.36-0.73) and after diagnosis (aHR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.23-0.52).

There were no significant differences in outcomes between men and women.

The findings suggest that healthy habits, whether they come before or after diagnosis, have protective survival benefits in patients with PD, the investigators noted.

"It is never too late to start," Zhang said.

In an accompanying editorial, Beate R. Ritz, MD, PhD and Kimberly C. Paul, PhD, both from the University of California, Los Angeles, write that the study findings "not only reinforce the public health recommendations to engage in these behaviors for staying healthy in general but also add to a growing body of evidence of such behaviors providing protection against PD-related neurodegeneration specifically."

The implications of these findings for clinicians and patients are significant, and suggest that "health professionals need to encourage patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle to, at a minimum, reduce mortality risk, which is higher in individuals with PD than those without PD in the same age range," they write.

One question not answered, however, is whether the decreased mortality and other health benefits from a healthy diet and exercise among patients with PD are greater than those found among age-matched individuals without PD, the editorialists note.

They add that researchers also didn't address the mechanisms that lead to the protective effects of diet and exercise in these patients.

Still, there's no reason clinicians should not offer recommendations on diet and lifestyle to patients on the basis of this new research, Ritz and Paul write.

"Such professional guidance has the added advantage of giving many patients with PD a measure of control over their lives by engaging in activities that improve not only their disease outcome but also their quality of life and life expectancy," they add.

The study was funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Zhang, Ritz, and Paul report no relevant financial relationships.

JAMA Netw Open. Published online August 19, 2022. Full text. Editorial.

Kelli Whitlock Burton is a reporter for Medscape Medical News who covers psychiatry and neurology.

For more Medscape Neurology news, join us on Facebook and Twitter.

Continued here:
Diet, Exercise Tied to Lower Mortality Risk in Parkinson's Disease - Medscape

An expanding waistline might not seem like a big deal, but it is because it could indicate you have a deadly fat inside you called visceral fat that's been linked to stroke, heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and more. Visceral fat is hidden deep in your abdomen and it wraps around your vital organs. You can't see or feel it, but one indication you have it is by excess belly fat. So by getting rid of belly fat, you can lose visceral fat. A balanced diet and exercising at least 150 minutes a week per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines is the most effective way. But according to Dr. Tomi Mitchell, a Board-Certified Family Physician with Holistic Wellness Strategies there are other unconventional ways to consider. "Belly fat can be a stubborn and pesky problem. Although many methods are advertised for getting rid of it, not all are effective. It is important to note that none of these methods substitute for healthy living with proper diet and exercise. Here are four uncommon methods for banishing belly fat." Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Dr. Mitchell says, "Belly fat can be troublesome for several reasons. First and foremost, it can indicate poor health. Excess fat around the waistline is linked to higher heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, carrying extra weight in the belly can make it difficult to wear certain types of clothing. For example, tight-fitting jeans or a form-fitting dress can be uncomfortable and even painful when there's too much belly bulge. And let's be honest: having a little extra weight around the middle doesn't do much for one's self-esteem. Fortunately, there are several ways to lose belly fat and improve one's health. A combination of diet and exercise is usually the best approach, but certain supplements can help. People can improve their health and feel better about themselves by taking action to lose belly fat."6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Dr. Mitchell tells us, "Sustained cold therapy (cryotherapy) over prolonged periods might be an effective method to eliminate body fat. Applying ice to the area can help to decrease inflammation and reduce the size of fat cells. However, one must be aware of some risks, such as tingling, numbness, and skin irritation. This cold therapy, or cryolipolysis, is the idea behind the popular fat trimming, non-surgical procedure, CoolSculpting."

Dr. Mitchell states, "Cellulite is a common cosmetic concern, especially for women. Fat deposits push against the connective tissue under the skin, causing the skin to dimple. While there is no sure-fire way to get rid of cellulite, some treatments can help reduce its appearance. Dry brushing is one such treatment. The act of dry brushing involves using a soft-bristled brush to massage the skin in a circular motion. This helps to break down cellulite and promote circulation. As a result, dry brushing can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite temporarily. However, it should be noted that dry brushing will not permanently remove cellulite or lead to weight loss. Instead, it should be considered part of a comprehensive cellulite-reduction plan that includes diet and exercise."

Dr. Mitchell explains, "Body rolling is a type of self-massage that uses a foam roller or tennis ball to alleviate muscle pain and tension. Athletes often use it to prevent injuries and improve flexibility. However, body rolling can also benefit those who suffer from bloating and stomach pain. The roller's pressure can help break up adhesions and knots in the muscles, which can lead to reduced pain and discomfort. In addition, body rolling can help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. As a result, it can be an effective way to reduce bloating and stomach pain. Although body rolling will not directly remove fat, it can help slim the stomach area's appearance by lowering bloatedness and improving muscle tone."

"Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy that uses suction cups to promote blood flow and break up stagnation," Dr. Mitchell says. "The suction cups are placed on the skin, and the therapist may use massage or acupuncture needles to stimulate the area. Cupping is said to help with various ailments, including pain, inflammation, and digestive issues. In recent years, cupping has gained popularity in reducing belly fat. The suction cups are placed on the stomach, and the therapist may use massage or acupuncture needles to stimulate the area. Cupping is said to help break up stagnation and promote blood flow, which can help to reduce belly fat. Cupping is a safe and effective therapy that can be used to help improve overall health and well-being."

Dr. Mitchell says this "doesn't constitute medical advice and by no means are these answers meant to be comprehensive. Rather, it's to encourage discussions about health choices."

Heather Newgen

Originally posted here:
Little-Known Habits That Shrink Your "Belly Fat" Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

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Overall health has always been a hot topic of conversation, and inevitably talk of weight issues takes center stage. But even if your goal is not to lose weight, weight loss apps can be a great way for you to maintain your current weight, gain weight, track workouts, log hydration levels, introduce healthier foods into your diet or just monitor your overall health. With so many downloadable weight loss apps available, it can be exasperating to figure out which one is the best one for you.

The best weight loss apps will teach you sustainable healthy eating habits, educate you on portion control and promote balanced meals, says Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CSO, CDN, NASM-CPT, Deputy Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab. Hydration, sleep, activity, mental health and so much more play into the holistic health equation, arguably far more so than weight. Apps that provide support in those areas in addition to encouraging healthy food choices are ideal.

The registered dietitians at the Good Housekeeping Institute are here to help you navigate this crowded field and find the app that will help you achieve your goals. Please note that weight loss, health and body image are complex subjects before deciding to go on a diet, consider visiting our article that investigates the hazards of diet culture.

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Best Free Weight Loss App

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Our registered dietitians took the following factors into consideration when reviewing and choosing these apps: Range of features, ease of use, cost, community and social networking opportunities, dietary preferences, and ability to log fitness, sleep and hydration. We also looked for apps that encouraged mindfulness and relaxation techniques and ones that were rated the highest among users on both Android and iOS.

When selecting the ideal weight loss app, you'll want to consider the following:

Meeting your wellness targets: Not all apps are created equal, so its important to find one that is tailored to your needs and lifestyle. If you travel a lot maybe you may want choose an app that has a large database and contains both local and international brands. If you cook at home, look for an app that welcomes a variety of ways to track such as with photographs or by entering recipes. Apps that provides healthy recipe ideas and substitutions may also be a great choice if you need guidance with meal prep.

Affordability: Most apps offer some sort of free trial, so you can give it a road test before committing to the full month or year subscription. Our experts say its important to carefully compare advantages of both short term and longer term commitments. The great thing about apps is that you can figure out if it's going to work for you after a few tries, so feel free to experiment and test it out for a month or two before you make a major commitment.

Community: If you are motivated by the shared experiences of others, look for an app with larger membership numbers and greater social opportunities, such as Facebook groups. Check out the activity and quality of interactions on the apps social media platforms before committing.

The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab stress that these apps are not regulated and many are not formulated with dietary or medical experts. In addition, these apps require some work on your part, so it depends on how much time and effort you can commit to logging your daily foods. For many people, these systems work well because they hold them accountable for the foods they eat, although research is mixed on the effectiveness of apps. The concept is akin to a financial budget, which works only if you accurately track of your spending. When you are logging everything that you consume, you might be surprised at how many calories you are taking in, and that could encourage you to make different choices. As a bonus, these apps can help to keep you on track with staying properly hydrated and maintaining physical activity. Basically, its up to you to get the most benefit out of these apps.

Take note: For individuals with a history of disordered eating, logging calories could be associated with unhealthy dieting practices. In this instance, the use of weight loss apps should be avoided or monitored closely by a healthcare provider.

Weight loss apps arent for everyone, but they can be a useful tool to help to educate you about your diet and to teach you how to make healthier choices. It is always important to remember that there are many factors that go into successful weight loss including setting a realistic weight range that works for you and that you can maintain without feeling restricted. Genetics, life stage and overall health can also play a role.

Remember that there is no magic pill for weight loss; the goal should always be to improve your overall health and to learn how to make better choices when it comes to food and nutrition.

A well-balanced diet should consist of plenty of nonstarchy vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, nuts, seeds and fruit. If you can use these apps to help you add more vegetables to your meals and to eliminate sugary foods and beverages while becoming more aware of what you consume, then it's a win.

As a registered dietitian, Amy Fischer has worked with thousands of patients to improve their overall health through a whole foods and nutritious diet. Amy believes that food is to be enjoyed even on a weight loss journey and that while calories count, the focus should be on health, eating and living better and not just losing weight.

Having been through her own weight loss journey and providing nutrition counseling to patients and clients for the past eight years, Stefani Sassos, registered dietitian and Deputy Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, is passionate about sustainable weight management and healthy eating practices. Shes extremely well versed in the current health and wellness app space and leads category testing efforts for Good Housekeeping.

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11 Best Weight Loss Apps of 2022, According to Registered Dietitians - Good Housekeeping