Dr. Kenneth Cooper, 93, spoke at UT Tyler Health Science Center for National Public Health Week about the importance of exercise and the history of aerobics. Founder of the physical conditioning system that can improve health, Cooper is known as the Father of Aerobics and also owns the Cooper Clinic in Dallas.

When Cooper was in medical school in the 1950s, nutrition and fitness were not taught. In high school, he made all-state as a basketball player. However his dad actively discouraged him from continuing basketball and never went to his games. At that time, it was believed poeople could develop an enlarged heart from doing too much exercise, he said. His dad discouraged him because he thought he would die.

The theory was you get an athletic heart and thats when your heart gets larger, Cooper said. It gets muscular and then when you stop exercising it disburses the fat.

Cooper helped pioneer treadmill stress tests when he was in the United States Air Force while working with Nasa along with his colleague Dr. Bill Thornton. They developed a way to do them safely without an EKG (electrocardiogram). When he started doing them, people thought they were dangerous. He conducted treadmill stress tests for former president George W. Bush. He said they asked Bush if he wanted to continue multiple times. At one point the chief of cardiology said, Youre gonna kill the president, Cooper recalled.

Through the test they found he had 98% obstruction in his left anterior descending artery, LAD, also known as widowmaker, Cooper said.

If that blocks off, youre dead because thats where the heartbeat comes from, Cooper said. We saved his life. That was done within two hours.

At the event in Tyler, Cooper advised people to have a BMI under 25, exercise five days a week for 30 minutes, consume 5 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, limit alcohol to seven a week and not to use habit-forming drugs. He also advised against the use of tobacco. He recommended people take vitamins D3 and Omega-3s. He also encouraged stress control activities such as exercise, meditation and sleep. He recommends people do a comprehensive physical exam. For those over 50, they should be doing the exam annually. For those 40 to 50, they should be doing the exam every 12 to 18 months. For those 35 to 40, they should do a baseline exam.

76% of diseases are preventable and 45% of cancers are preventable, Cooper said. And no question about the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Cooper shared statistics from 1970-2015 regarding survival rate for women and men who follow Coopers recommendations. On average, the survival age for women is 94.4. The survival age for men is 86.5. This is higher than the average American at 77.

Dr. Jarrett Berry, who used to work at Cooper Clinic with Cooper and now works at UT Health East Texas North Campus, reached out to Cooper for the talk for National Public Health Week after Theresa Byrd, UT Tyler School of Health Professions Dean, asked him about getting him for the talk. She was excited for this talk since she had read his work and gone to various of his talks.

This is the first time Cooper came for a talk at UT Tyler. The first time Byrd met Cooper was 30 years ago.

I was really happy for people to hear this message that we really can prevent disease and we can lengthen our life and I think a lot of people do not know that, Byrd said. Theyre not gonna understand how important it is to keep moving.

For National Public Health Week, UT Tyler partnered with NET Health to conduct various events focused on public health. They emphasized nutrition and fitness. In East Texas, there are underlying factors contributing to the high health disparities.

We have a real problem in East Texas, we have an obesity problem [and] we have a smoking problem, Byrd said. Physical activity is very helpful for those things. Its hard to be physically active if youre smoking. Also, physical activity can help people decrease weight, just make them healthier overall. So I think its really important.

Villatoro, a Report for America Corps member reporting for the Tyler Morning Telegraph, can be contacted a rvillatoro@tylerpaper.com. To make a donation to support work like this, visit https://bit.ly/supportlocaljournalists. Your support helps to write the narrative that truth matters, that undercovered stories deserve to be told, and that on-the-ground journalism serves our communities in immeasurable ways. Your gift supports Report for America corps members salaries to cover key issues including health, justice, education and the environment.

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'Father of Aerobics' Dr. Kenneth Cooper, 93, visits Tyler and talks about importance of exercise - Tyler Morning Telegraph

Company Logo

Global Organic Food Market

Dublin, April 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Organic Food Market Report by Product Type, Distribution Channel, Region and Company Analysis 2024-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Organic Food Market was worth US$ 205.90 Billion in 2023. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.14% from 2024 to 2032. The global organic food market is estimated to reach a worth of US$ 532.72 Billion by 2032.

Organic food is gaining international recognition due to health and environmental consciousness. It is produced without synthetic insecticides, fertilizers, or GMOs, supplying perceived fitness benefits. Organic foods comply with farming guidelines emphasizing natural methods for soil health and biodiversity.

They prioritize environmental sustainability. This ends in products perceived as healthier and more eco-friendly than conventionally produced foods. Demand extends to meat, dairy, and processed ingredients. As consumers prioritize health and sustainability, the organic food market expands, reshaping the food enterprise.

Global Organic Food Market Trends

The growing recognition of the health advantages of ingesting organic products fuels the increase in the organic food market. Organic foods often have more beneficial nutrients, including antioxidants, than their conventionally grown counterparts. So, people with hypersensitive reactions to ingredients, chemicals, or preservatives may additionally discover that their signs and symptoms reduce or disappear when they consume the most effective organic food. The Pew Research survey states that 76% of adult respondents bought organic food for health concerns. Environmental issues (33%) and convenience (22%) have been the second and third most popular reasons for buying organic food.

The growing worries about the environmental effects of agricultural chemicals further fuel the organic food market. The World Health Organization reports that globally, around 422 million human beings have diabetes, with the majority living in low- and middle-income countries, and 1.5 Million deaths are attributed to diabetes yearly. Both the variety of cases and the prevalence of diabetes have gradually grown during the last few decades. The growing occurrence of persistent illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, coupled with a rise in infectious illnesses and healthcare expenses, prompts clients globally to prioritize healthy, high-quality food and beverages. This reflects an increasing focus on health and well-being.

Launching vegan, cholesterol-free, and gluten-free organic snacks appropriate for people with lactose intolerance and celiac sickness additionally drives an increase in the organic food market. For example, in 'Veganuary' 2023, Unilever's Ben & Jerry's unveiled the Oatmeal Dream Pie Non-Dairy, featuring Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies & Marshmallow Swirls. Their plant-based ice creams lessen the carbon footprint, as visible in Sweden, wherein the Big Pack family ice cream variety was remodeled with a plant-based (pea protein) alternative, resulting in a 37% lower carbon footprint than the original. The company pursues around 20% of its ice cream merchandise to be non-dairy by 2030.

Organic meat, poultry, and dairy might be crucial in the global organic food market

Organic meat, poultry, and dairy are pivotal in the global organic food market due to the increasing need for natural, sustainable, and ethically sourced animal products. These segments provide antibiotic - and hormone-free options, aligning with health and environmental concerns. The Vegetarian Butcher, Unilever's leading plant-primarily based meat brands, emphasizes 'sacrifice nothing' in its products crafted from soy and wheat. It has expanded to over fifty-five international locations, capitalizing on successful partnerships with quick-service eating places like Starbucks and Burger King.

United States has the potential to take the lead in the global organic food market

The United States could dominate the global organic food market. This is because of improved consumer demand for healthier, eco-friendly alternatives. According to the USDA, certified organic land for crops or livestock has surged from 1.8 Million acres in 2000 to 4.9 Million acres in 2021, with natural income making up three percent of US farm receipts. The US leads organic production and export, adhering to strict USDA organic standards. These rules, overseen by the National Organic Program, govern labeling organic foods. Certified natural products should meet these standards, ensuring compliance with US organic laws. Growing health focus and patron desire for organic food bolster America's dominance, strengthened by using robust infrastructure and distribution networks.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute

Details

No. of Pages

200

Forecast Period

2023 - 2032

Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023

$205.9 Billion

Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2032

$532.72 Billion

Compound Annual Growth Rate

11.1%

Regions Covered

Global

Company Analysis: Overview, Recent Developments, Revenue Analysis

Danone S.A.

General Mills Inc.

Sprouts Farmers Market Inc.

The Hain Celestial Group Inc.

The Kroger Company

United Natural Foods Inc.

Dole Food Company Inc.

Newman's Own

Product Type

Distribution Channel

Country

North America

United States

Canada

Europe

France

Germany

Italy

Spain

United Kingdom

Belgium

Netherlands

Turkey

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

South Korea

Thailand

Malaysia

Indonesia

Australia

New Zealand

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Argentina

Middle East & Africa

Saudi Arabia

UAE

South Africa

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/gm84m

About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Global Organic Food Research Report 2024: A $532.72 Billion Market by 2032, Driven by Demand for Cholesterol ... - Yahoo Finance

(Beyond Pesticides, May 1, 2024) According to a new analysis by Consumer Reports, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Pesticide Data Program (PDP) Annual Summary has once again failed to accurately portray the safety of some of the most commonly sold fruits and vegetables in the United States. A review of seven years of PDP data show that 20% of the foods tested pose a high risk to the public and 12 specific commodities are so dangerous that children or pregnant people should not eat more than one serving per day, according to Consumer Reports analysis. Consumer Reports contend that U.S. Environmental Protection (EPA) pesticide residue tolerances are too lenient. To better evaluate potential health risks associated with various foods, Consumer Reports applied stricter residue limits than the EPA tolerances (see here for CRs analytical methodology). Notably, USDA certified organic food products are not permitted to be produced with the pesticides identified by the report. Pesticide residues found in organic, with rare exception, are a function of the off-target chemical-intensive agriculture pollution through pesticide drift, water contamination, or background soil residues.

The Consumer Reports results fly in the face of the rosy outlook reported by the USDA in its 2022 PDP Annual Summary, which found that 99% of the fruits and vegetables the agency tested had residues below the established [EPA] tolerances. Agencies typically point to acceptable or legal residues as protective of health and the environment, despite potential adverse effects associated with inadequate assessment of health outcomes, such as endocrine disruption, vulnerable population groups, exposure to mixtures and synergistic interactions, and more.

Beyond Pesticides reported in February that EPAs methodology for calculating acceptable levels of pesticides in food has long been criticized as inadequate. Scientists at Consumer Reports note that EPAs calculations of tolerable levels of pesticides in food are at least 10 times higher than they should be to adequately ensure the health and safety of the public and the countrys ecosystems. According to Consumer Reports, EPA has never applied the tenfold safety factor to certain pesticides required as by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 to protect vulnerable populations. [Readers and the public can reference Beyond Pesticides database Eating with a Conscience, which identifies the multiple pesticides that can be used on individual crops and the resulting exposures not only to consumers, but to farmworkers, farmers, neighboring communities, and the environment.]

Michael Hansen, PhD, senior scientist at Consumer Reports, states, The way the EPA assesses pesticide risk doesnt reflect cutting-edge science and cant account for all the ways the chemicals might affect peoples health, especially given that people are often exposed to multiple pesticides at a time.

To ensure the most up-to-date information, the list of pesticides to which the tenfold safety factor is applied by Consumer Reports is based on the latest scientific findings in the Endocrine Disruption Exchange, a database maintained by TEDX, a nonprofit research institute that uses publicly available scientific research to identify chemicals with at least one study demonstrating endocrine-disrupting properties. The tenfold safety factor is also applied by Consumer Reports to the list of endocrine disruptors identified by the European Commission. Consumer Reports analysis not only applies the tenfold safety factor to appropriate chemicals, but it also calculates the relative risk of each food based on the average amount, frequency, and number of pesticide residues found on each food type, and the relative potential of the pesticide to negatively affect human health. Together, this information was used to develop a ranking system from Very Low Risk to Very High Risk.

Of the 59 fruits and vegetables included in the analysis, which includes data from 2016-2024, 22 foods are identified as Moderate Risk or higher, including seven that were Very High Risk. This is based on data analyzed from nearly 30,000 samples taken between 2016-2024. With this methodology, it is advisable that some people limit their food consumption to no more than one-half serving per day for many commonly eaten vegetables, such as bell peppers, blueberries, potatoes, and strawberries.

Watermelon and green beans were identified as some of the highest risk foods. Watermelon carries a small but serious risk of contamination with oxamyl, a highly toxic insecticide. [See Beyond Pesticides Gateway on Pesticides here]. Similarly, while only four percent of domestically grown green beans from chemical-intensive agriculture tested positive for the insecticide acephate or one of its breakdown products, the levels found were up to 100 times higher than considered acceptable by Consumer Reports scientists. Perhaps more alarming is the fact that acephate has been illegal for use in green bean cultivation since 2011. (See here for Beyond Pesticides coverage.)

Consumer Reports analysis highlights the inadequacy of the PDP to adequately convey the potentially serious impacts of continuing to use toxic pesticides in the production of food. Beyond Pesticides has reported on the misleading nature of the PDP annual summary and how certain mainstream organizations, such as Blue Book Services/Produce, cover the annual update by reinforcing USDAs depiction of pesticide exposure in produce as safe.

USDAs PDP and EPAs risk assessment measures fail to account for vulnerable subpopulations, such as farmworkers, people with compromised health or preexisting health conditions, and children (see here and here). Beyond the residues of pesticides in and on food, exposure to pesticides used in crop production results in disproportionate risk and harm to farmworkers, their families (including children who are working as farmworkers), and fence line communities living near farms. [See here for coverage of a January 2024 report led by Nathan Donley, PhD, environmental health science director at the Center for Biological Diversity and Robert Bullard, PhD, executive director of the Robert D. Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University in Houston].

Similarly, the PDP Annual Report also fails to adequately promote the benefits of organically grown produce. Consumer Reports found that nearly all organically grown food tested had low or very low pesticide risk and only spinach and potatoes posed a moderate risk among domestically grown varieties. Beyond Pesticides notes, organic food products have been found to have zero contact with pesticides unless due to pesticide drift from other farming operations.

Consumer Reports first began reviewing PDP data and presenting its own analysis in 2020. Since then, it has recommended that the public eat an organic diet whenever possible and has advocated for change in how pesticides are used and regulated. Not only is the production of organic food better for human health and the environment than chemical-intensive production, but emerging science reveals also what organic advocates have been saying for a long timein addition to lacking the toxic residues of conventional foods, organic food is more nutritious.

A study published by The Organic Center reveals that organic food is higher in certain key areas, such as total antioxidant capacity, total polyphenols, and two key flavonoids, quercetin and kaempferol, all of which are nutritionally significant (read a summary in the Beyond Pesticides Daily News Blog). Another study published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry looked specifically at the total phenolic content of marionberries, strawberries, and corn, and found that organically grown products contained higher total phenolics. Phenolics are important for plant health (defense against insects and diseases), and human health for their potent antioxidant activity and wide range of pharmacologic properties including anticancer, antioxidant, and platelet aggregation inhibition activity. For more on the health benefits of organic agriculture, see here.

Organic agricultural practices, which reject the use of harmful pesticides, are capable of the benefits the Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial is demonstrating. Not only does organic food remove the risk of ingesting toxic chemicals, it eliminates the risk posed to farmworkers and the environment. Such practices protect human and animal health, and support functional ecosystems and biodiversity. Widespread adoption of organic and certified organic regenerative agriculture can also lift human agro-activity out of its current chemical dead-end. The public has an important role to play in this transition: learn more about organic agriculture, advocate for it, and vote for organics by creating market demand for organic food.

All unattributed positions and opinions in this piece are those of Beyond Pesticides.

Sources:

Produce Without Pesticides, Consumer Reports, April 18, 2024 6 Fruits and Vegetables Loaded With Pesticides, Consumer Reports, April 18, 2024 Consumer Reports recently conducted its most comprehensive review of pesticides in 59 US fruits and vegetables, The Guardian, April 18, 2024 Healthy or high risk? New analysis warns of pesticide residues on some fruits and veggies, New Lede, April 18, 2024 Agricultural Justice, Beyond Pesticides website Gateway on Pesticide Hazards and Safe Pest Management, Beyond Pesticides website

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Pesticide Residues in Food Do Not Tell the Full Story on Hazards and the Importance of Organic - Beyond Pesticides

The annual event kicks off Mental Health Awareness Month by providing people with available resources.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. "Never give up" and "Your story isnt over" are just some of the signs and reminders to Peninsula residents at the Brittingham-Midtown Community Center in Newport News.

Mental health is a big issue in our communities," said Ivy Baptist Church Pastor Kevin Swann. "There are a lot of traumas that go unaddressed.

Saturday morning, theHampton-Newport News Community Services Board kicked off Mental Health Awareness Month with its second annual mental health expo educating the community and addressing misconceptions.

I think the first piece is the stigma that I should just be able to keep going, that I dont need help, that Im not that bad., said Dr. Kristie Norwood, a licensed psychologist and the founder of Remind U Wellness and Outreach.

The event exposed residents to organizations and agencies offering help in Hampton and Newport News. Some of those resources include support for substance abuse, and mental and physical wellness.

Just bringing light to the subject, making it more comfortable to talk about it and get the help that people need," Swann said.

The event centered around the eight wellness dimensions, including physical, spiritual, emotional and social wellness.

Health encompasses a large area, Swann said. You know you cant just talk about one and not address the other.

I think the education is so important for the community," Dr. Norwood said. "Also, we know that we are better when we are a community with each other.

The overall goal here is to remind residents they are not alone and that there are several resources in this community to support them.

The expo also included conversations on the journey to seeking mental health treatment, coping strategies and stress management tips, as well as exploring how faith can positively impact ones mental health.

Read more here:
Newport News mental health expo provides resources, reminds people they aren't alone - 13newsnow.com WVEC

Despite its outward simplicity, meditation can be challenging. But recent studies suggest that theres something that can help usher us into a meditative state: sound.

Whether youre vibing to your favorite tune or immersing yourself in a soothing sound bath surrounded by singing bowls, gongs, and chimes, sound not only helps us achieve meditation but can also amplify its benefits.

Hilary Curtis, a licensed mental health counselor and executive director of Recovery Unplugged, a national addiction treatment program that uses music as medicine, says that pleasing sounds can positively impact our physiology.

We react to music in physiological and emotional terms, as the auditory system is a portal, or doorway, to the vagus complex, the part of the brain and nervous system that controls our overall physiological and emotional regulation, says Curtis. This nerve plays a crucial role in regulating heart rate, digestion, and stress responses. Activation of the vagus nerve triggers the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter known for its calming effects on the body.

Think of elevator music that calms us in a small space with strangers, lullabies for our children, and how playing songs at gatherings heightens our emotional safety and connection to others, says Curtis.

(Relax with 4+ hours of ASMR on Nat Geos Vibe Check.)

This response holds significant health implications. Recent studies propose that sound could be a potent tool for reducing chronic stress, a trigger that negatively affects all areas of the body. A 2022 clinical study found that participants exposed to singing bowl sounds during a sound bath reported substantial reductions in depression and tension, as well as an enhanced feeling of well-being.

You might have noticed that AI-powered watches now offer algorithmic music and soundscapes for stress reduction or that the practitioners who help you manage your health are now incorporating sound therapy into your wellness routine.

Elena Bradford, a yoga teacher certified in sound healing, says that most people live in a state of overactive thinking, overdoing, and stress, making meditation difficult. Studies have shown, however, that you can go from beta (our everyday, analytical chatter of the mind) to theta (a deep meditative state) within as little as 30 seconds when you incorporate sound into your practice, Bradford says.

(What is serotoninand can you really boost it?)

When that happens, Bradford says the effects are overwhelmingly positive. Clients report relief from pain, decreased stress, feelings of relaxation and calm, a release of repressed emotions, and greater positivity.

Her observations align with the research. Studies have shown that certain sound frequencies can entrain brainwave patterns, guiding the mind into deep relaxation and meditation. For example, binaural beats, which involve playing two slightly different frequencies in each ear, have been found to synchronize brainwaves and induce states of calmness and focus.

Moreover, sound therapy has been linked to the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with feelings of pleasure and well-being. This neurochemical response may contribute to the profound sense of relaxation and positivity reported by individuals after engaging in sound-based practices.

In a 2020 clinical study, an emWave Pro device was used to measure mood, stress index, and heart rate variability before and after a sound therapy session. Results showed a noticeable improvement in all areas, including reduced tension, anger, fatigue, depression, and confusion.

(Youve heard of forest bathing. Now try forest therapy.)

A 2022 study revealed that sound-based interventions, including music therapy and sound baths, effectively reduced pain intensity and improved pain-related quality of life for individuals with chronic pain conditions.

Another clinical study compared the effects of a 30-minute silent meditation to those of a 30-minute sound meditation. Sound meditators reported significantly less stress, tiredness, and negativity than those who meditated in silence.

As with any wellness program, benefits vary per individual, but practitioners report a direct correlation between consistent practice and the resulting benefits. Bethann Schacht, director of Aurora Counseling Associates, says, If sound therapy becomes part of your lifestylesimilar to healthy eating and exercise you should see consistent results.

Several experts state that even 10 minutes a day of mindful meditation can profoundly impact stress levels and feelings of overall well-being. So using sound to help you reach that point may be your biggest return on investment regarding your emotional and physical health, says Lisette Cifaldi, a master clinical social worker.

(Urgency culture might lead you to burnout. How can you combat it?)

While sound baths and therapy are increasingly easy to find, Schacht says you can practice using an app like Insight Timer in your home. The free app serves as a meditation timer with ambient sound options, and an upgraded paid subscription includes courses on sound healing.

Incorporating sound into your meditation practice helps focus your attention inward, says Schacht. Thoughts can be tyrants, but sound meditation teaches you to be fascinated by them, to tame your thoughts so they dont control you.

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Meditation can be hard. Here's how sound can help. - National Geographic

NEW YORK, May 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The globalmindfulness meditation application marketsize is estimated to grow by USD 1.48billion from 2023 to 2027, according to Technavio. This growth is expected to occur at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 30.01% during the forecast period.

To understand more about this market -Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Report Attribute

Details

Base Year

2022

Forecast period

2023-2027

Historic Data for

2017 - 2021

Segments Covered

End-user (Individual and Corporate ), Platform (Android, iOS, and Others ), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa)

Key Companies Covered

Aura, Calm.com Inc., CBZ Village des Pruniers, Headspace Inc., Humm.ly Inc., Inner Explorer, Insight Network Inc., Meditation Moments BV, Meditation Oasis, MindApps AB, Mindfulness Everywhere, Mindvalley Inc., Portal Labs Ltd., Simple Habit Inc., Smiling Mind Pty Ltd., Ten Percent Happier Inc., UCLA Health, Waking Up LLC, Welzen, and Yedi70 Software and Information Technologies Inc.

Regions Covered

North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa

Key Trends Fueling Growth

For more insights on the market trends with forecast market size and historic data (2017 - 2021)-Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Major Challenges:

To know more about the market opportunities impacted by market dynamics, click here to-Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Analyst Review

In today's fast-paced world, mindfulness meditation applications are increasingly essential for managing stress, chronic pain, and high blood pressure. These apps, compatible with smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches running Android operating systems, cater to individuals seeking relief from anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses.

Utilizing modern technologies like sensor technology and artificial intelligence, these apps offer breathing techniques, body relaxation exercises, and yoga sessions to promote stable mental health. With gamification elements and progress tracking features, users can monitor their mental well-being and adherence to mindfulness practices.

Targeting a wide audience, including aging populations and those in corporate wellness programs, these apps provide personalized coaching and motivation. They contribute to preventative healthcare and workplace wellness initiatives, complementing traditional treatments like spa therapies and mindfulness courses.

As smartphone penetration and app usage continue to rise, the mindfulness meditation application market thrives, addressing the growing demand for digital wellness solutions in today's digital-centric society.

Market Overview

In the growing Mindfulness Meditation Application Market, users seek solutions for stress management and mental well-being. With the prevalence of lifestyle diseases on the rise, digital technology steps in to offer accessible solutions. Wearable technology devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers integrate seamlessly with tablets to provide muscle relaxation and stress relief.

These apps cater to user needs by offering guided meditation sessions led by mental health professionals, mindfulness experts, and meditation teachers. Subscription models ensure continuous access to content, promoting consistency in practice. As individuals become increasingly conscious of screen time, these applications offer a balance by leveraging technology to alleviate stress-related disorders. In this dynamic market, the focus remains on delivering effective tools for relaxation and mental health enhancement.

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Key Topics Covered:

1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation

7 Customer Landscape 8Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10VenodrLandscape 11VendorAnalysis 12Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

ContactsTechnavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email:[emailprotected] Website:www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio

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Mindfulness Meditation Application Market size to record USD 1.48 billion growth from 2023-2027, Touch input and ... - PR Newswire

By Deborah Burke Henderson, Contributing Writer

MILFORD For the average person, it might seem a stretch to move from educational training and professional work as a biomedical engineer onto the yoga mat, but Mary Greens lifelong interest in health and wellness has brought her right here, albeit through a circuitous route.

Its been a kind of dot-to-dot experience, Green quipped with a smile.

Green recalls an introduction to yoga when she was just eight years old. Although she refused to attend a class with her mother, she and her younger brother did try to copy the contorted postures pictured in The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga, a 1960 how-to book that was kept on the coffee table. Some of the postures made such an impression that Green has been practicing yoga, on and off for decades, but most seriously engaging in the work in her mid-twenties.

As the fifth of six kids growing up in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Green was fascinated with the creative process and building things, starting with her brothers LEGO blocks. She credits her mothers artistic nature and supportiveness as key influences in allowing her to develop this innate passion of making thingseven when things got messywhich has also carried throughout her life.

I was always drawing, painting and creating silly cartoons, Green recalled. I loved being funny and making my siblings and friends laugh.

Green credits her older brother, an engineering student at the time, with engaging her interest in math and problem-solving skills while she was in middle and high school. Later, when facing decisions about college, she felt drawn to both art and engineering and wondered how she might combine the two.

Classes in biology, anatomy, and physiology intrigued me and stimulated my passion for the workings of the human body and health and how technology might support that in terms of wellness, Green stated.

After graduating with a bachelor of science degree in biomedical engineering from Syracuse University, Green established herself in the health industry. Green worked initially as a medical research assistant in an eye-care unit at a Boston hospital and then as an engineer for a medical device company where she worked on innovative optical technology creating devices for lab instrumentation.

The company I worked for had a terrific fitness center and provided offerings in yoga, tai chi, and aerobics, Green noted. At the time, I was more interested in fast-paced exercise, but I kept coming back to yoga.

It was there that she met her future husband, a fellow engineer. They started a family and after the twins were born, Green chose to become a stay-at-home mom. As their children grew, she discovered the Kripalu Center in Lenox, Mass., and took workshops and trainings in yoga and mindfulness.

I had an aha moment there, realizing these teachings could be the perfect segue to maintain my passions and continue helping others, Green stated.

She went on to receive certification from Kripalu as a yoga instructor. Additionally, in an eight-week curriculum at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, she experienced Jon Kabat-Zinns Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MSBR) technique which she found to be transformational.

For the past 16 years as a mat-based yoga instructor in workplace, educational, and community settings, Green has encouraged people to take care of themselves through mindfulness and mindful movement.

Movement implies you are in your body, Green stated. I offer guidance and instruction about making different shapes with our bodies, and always doing so with awareness of ones own experience, noticing the sensations each movement brings.

Ten years ago, the Community Center in Ashland hired Green to sub for a chair yoga instructor, and shortly thereafter, she took the position over. A typical class has 25-30 participants, ranging in age from 60 to more than 90 years old.

I sing Marys praises, Bea Riordan said. She is very welcoming and makes you feel good, no matter what your ability. I have been coming for nearly two years and find relief from my chronic back pain while I am here.

Fellow chair yoga enthusiast John Palmer, in his mid-eighties, admits he spends an inordinate amount of time sitting at his computer but finds this class a great relief.

Marys got a playful personality and keeps us smiling, said Palmer who started attending in mid-December. After completing just five consecutive classes, I noticed improvement both in my flexibility and balance.

Beyond the crucial benefits of dynamic stretching and strengthening ones overall muscles and joints during her hour-long class, Green sees great value in the community and friendship these seniors experience.

It warms my heart to see these folks care for one another, Green said. They are warm and welcoming with each other. It is a community of like-minded people who are discovering new ways to care for their bodies, find stillness, and experience life-affirming attitudes.

Green notes that the benefits of chair yoga are the same as a traditional practice: people physically get stronger, become aware of the breath and their bodies, and experience the psychological benefits of discovering a calmness in moments of stillness and gentle movement.

Recently, she was asked to teach a class in mindfulness and meditation at the center, and ten chair yoga students immediately signed up.

Even in the first session, I realized this practice will help still my racing mind and help me pay better attention to my body, Steve McCormick said. I thank my wife, Carol, for getting me here, but Im here to stay.

How does Green do it all? She credits her own daily practice.

My favorite time of day is early morning when I engage in some stretching movements and find stillness in a short meditation. I also make time to do a quick sketch, all of which sets my compass for the day. That and a good cup of coffee gets me going.

Greens advice to her students: Open and grounded, thats how we should walk in the world.

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Milford engineer turns to the yoga mat for encore career - fiftyplusadvocate

Blessing Nurses Alumni Association hosts goat yoga event for community wellness

by KHQA Staff

Blessing Nurses Alumni Association hosts goat yoga event for community wellness (Blessing Health).

Quincy, Ill. (KHQA)

A Blessing nurses' group is offering goat yoga sessions this spring.

The public is invited to register for a session of goat yoga at Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences in Quincy on Saturday, May 4 at 2:00 p.m.

The goat yoga session is sponsored by the Blessing Nurses Alumni Association as part of its observance of 2024 National Nurses Week.

Goat yoga is similar to traditional yoga, during which participants follow the lead of a teacher, performing different poses designed to enhance flexibility and strength.

During a goat yoga session, baby goats, known as kids, join the human participants. Goat yoga has been proven to improve mental and physical health.

Scientific studies have confirmed the positive effects of human-animal interaction on well-being. Research has shown that spending time with animals can reduce stress levels, and even alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The college is located at 3609 N. Marx Drive in Quincy. The fee to participate in the goat yoga session is $30 for adults and $14 for children 12 and under.

Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Each participant will sign a liability waiver at the start of the goat yoga session.

Participants need to bring their own yoga mat to the session if they dont want to be directly on the grass, but it is not required to participate in the class.

To register and pay the session fee, go here.

Payment may be brought the day of the goat yoga session but must be paid before the start of the class.

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Blessing Nurses Alumni Association hosts goat yoga event for community wellness - khqa.com

Retirement is a source of anxiety for many Americans, with older employees worried about being forced out of work before they are ready and younger generations less than convinced they will be able to afford to retire at all. But many college-educated baby boomers are flipping the script and redefining how and when they retire on their own terms, a trend that could have significant effects on the workplace for years to come.

Of course,theres no single approach to work and retirement in the U.S.while some are able to exit the workforce at 65 to travel and pursue hobbies without worrying about their finances, many others are never able to fully retire at all. Others who want or need to continue working are pushed out by employers, while some are set on leaving the traditional work world as soon as possible, with the goal toquit in their 50s, or even earlier.

Phased retirement is different still, and, according to some reports, could be a growing trend. Rather than a hard-stop retirementhere for 40 years, gone tomorrowworkers are given the option to gradually pare back hours and reduce stress while still earning income and maintaining connections. Proponents say it not only helps employees with the transition to retirement, both mentally and financially, but that it also benefits employers.

Businesses are all struggling with recruiting and retaining talent, so you have to keep the talent you havethats a lot more effective, efficient, and productive, Chris Littlefield, president of retirement and income solutions at Principal, previously told Fortune. Its a mega-trend in the workforce. It will be a very significant lever for them over the next decade.

How does that work in practice? Heres what three baby boomers approaching or past the traditional retirement age told Fortune about their ideal phased exit.

Name: George Cavedon Age: 73 Location: New Hampshire

After a decades-long career working in retail, George Cavedon retired in his fifties after his company was sold, a dream for many workers. But Cavedon soon found the early retirement life wasnt for him; he missed having somewhere to go during the day that wasnt a golf course, and Eventually, he joined the ranks of the unretired, and found a new job working at a small marketing firm. Hes been there for 18 years, with no intention of slowing down anytime soon.

Im trying to cut back. Being 73, my energy isnt what it used to be, Cavedon says. But I enjoy what I do, I enjoy coming in and working with people. Im a social kind of guy.

For Cavedon, his current working arrangement is ideal. He gets out of the house but has some flexibility with his hourssomething he was never allowed in his first career in retail. Because he works in sales and meets with clients in person, his mind stays sharp, he says, and talking with younger coworkers keeps him up-to-date on trends and perspectives hed otherwise miss.

Cavedon recognizes his approach to work isnt for everyone. He has plenty of friends who have retired and moved to states like Florida with warmer weather and more leisure activities. But for better or worse, he says part of his identity is tied up in his work. Eventually hell scale back to working three days a week rather than five, but not yet. And the money doesnt hurt, either.

Retirement to me is a scary thing. How much can you lay on the beach? he says.For my own personal mental health and well-being, I like being active and working.

Name: Renee Stanton Age: 61 Location: New Jersey

Phased retirement is the goal for Renee Stanton, who has worked in IT-adjacent roles her entire career. She has no desire to leave the workforce completely but would appreciate the flexibility to go skiing and sailingher lifelong passionsduring the on-seasons, and to spend more time with her adult children and aging parents. A self-described frustrated artist, Stanton also foresees wiling away more afternoons in her dads art studio.

Its not a problem for me to fill my timethe problem for me is to find the time for all the things I want to do, says Stanton, 61. They say you have to have retirement goals. My retirement goal isthey have front-row parking for skiers 80 and above. My goal is to be parking there.

Though she has enough moneyand passionsto retire now, Stanton says she learned a lesson when her father, a cabinetmaker, retired in his sixties. Now 87 and going strong, he believes he left the workforce too early and could have benefitted financially from staying employed longer. With potentially decades ahead of her, she is being extra cautious with her finances.

She plans to reduce her hours significantly and move to a contractor role, so she can work when she wants to and take time off on her own terms. Ill be in full control, she says. That will allow her pensions and Social Security payments to continue to grow, and because she still has a few years until Medicare coverage kicks in, shell need to earn enough to pay for her health insuranceand her ski passes.

Its time for me to take a step back and plan more time for fun, says Stanton. I still want to work and bring some money in. I saved for retirement, but not ski-addiction retirement.

Name: Joy W. Age: 66 Location: New York

At 50, Joy W., who asked that her last name be withheld to freely discuss her career plans, completed a masters degree in psychology. A long-time human resources worker, Joy, now 66, decided to pursue a second act that better aligned with her desire to help people. That first degree lit a match, and a few years later, she also completed a masters in social work. She now works as a full-time psychotherapist in rural Connecticut, with clients ranging in age from 25 to 95, but many who are post-retirement.

Through her work, Joy has realized she has no desire to stop working completely, though she and her husband are financially secure and shes past the traditional retirement age. But she is beginning to scale back, working four days a week instead of five.

When I think about ending my career, I imagine Ill be doing some sort of volunteer work that takes advantage of my skills, says Joy. I wont just drop out 100% one day. Ill be doing something. Its interesting, its stimulating for me, and theres a huge need for it.

Her clients also have influenced her choice to keep working. Many of them have some form of regret about retiring, she says, and its usually because they did so too soon. Talking with them validates her zigging-zagging path toward phased retirement.

They werent ready for how they felt the day they woke up after retirement, she says. They didnt know how to do retirement, and that took them by surprise.

Many family members, including her father and some siblings, were retired by their companies, which also informs her approach to work. She wants to make the choice for herself, and one benefit of switching careers when she did, Joy says, is that shes been in the drivers seat since the beginning. Her current employer knew from the jump that she didnt plan to work full time for long. Theyre just happy to have her while they do.

That felt really liberating, she says. It really lowered the anxiety level, at least mine, and probably theirs too. We each knew where the other stood.

What is your retirement budget?Fortuneis writing about what Americans at different income levels are spending in retirement. To share your story, email senior writer Alicia Adamczyk atalicia.adamczyk@fortune.com.

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How 3 baby boomers are approaching phased retirement, the 'mega-trend' reshaping workplaces - Fortune

Updated at 5:37 p.m. ET

The House Oversight and Accountability Committee on Wednesday advanced legislation aimed at preventing improper payments in the employer-sponsored health insurance program for federal workers, as well as to ensure roughly 1,200 U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers receive the enhanced retirement benefits they were promised.

In 2022, the Government Accountability Office issued a report finding that the federal government needs to do more to ensure enrollees in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, which provides health insurance to roughly 8 million federal employees, retirees and their families, are eligible for the benefits.

Although the Office of Personnel Management in recent years has issued guidance instructing agencies and insurance carriers to verify the eligibility of family members, GAO argued that the agency should do more, such as its own monitoring program or audit, something OPM has argued is too cost-prohibitive with its current resources. The OPM inspector general has speculated that FEHBP could be improperly providing benefits within the range of $500 million to $3 billion annually.

The FEHB Protection Act (H.R. 7868), introduced by Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., requires federal agencies to verify the eligibility of family members of federal workers for the program, i.e. that spouses are married to the employee and children are under the age of 26. It also requires OPM to conduct an audit of the current insure rolls to ensure their continued eligibility, as well as for OPM to incorporate a review of the issue as part of its fraud risk assessment of FEHBP.

It is unfortunate that OPM is still unable to ensure that employing offices are executing basic verification requirements, and its unacceptable, Waltz said Wednesday. The American people deserve to know that the tax dollars they earn are spent appropriately and free from fraud and waste.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., the committees ranking member, sought unsuccessfully to amend the bill to include language that would authorize additional funding go to OPM to cover the cost of the audit, but Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., expressed a willingness to amend the bill before it reaches the House floor authorizing a specific dollar figure, based on analysis from the Congressional Budget Office. The CBO does not score legislation until it has advanced out of committee.

In a statement, OPM said that it is committed to ensuring FEHBP is administered efficiently and preventing improper payments.

"OPM remains committed to address improper enrollments in the FEHB program and finding solutions within our current resources," an agency spokesperson said. "We continue to emphasize to Congress that additional investment is required to support our efforts to reduce waste, fraud and abuse within the FEHB program and hte critical role that agencies and carriers play in this effort."

The bill advanced by a 37-6 vote.

Fixing a CBP Retirement Foul-up

The panel also voted unanimously to advance legislation aimed at fixing a more than decade-old mistake by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that misled around 1,200 CBP officers about their retirement benefits.

In 2008, CBP implemented a law making CBP officers eligible for enhanced retirement benefits to make up for the fact that they are required to retire at age 57, provided that they have 20 years of service and make larger retirement contributions. The law set up a transitional system for those hired before July 6, 2008, which provides the enhanced retirement annuity rate despite the fact that they would not have reached 20 years of service before their mandatory retirement rate.

But the agency mistakenly told officers who were given job offers before July 6, 2008 but did not start work until afterward that they also would be eligible for the enhanced benefits. It wasnt until 2020 that CBP realized its mistake and rescinded those enhanced benefits, despite the fact that those 1,200 employees had paid more from their paychecks toward their Federal Employees Retirement System annuity than they otherwise would have for over a decade.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Retirement Corrections Act (H.R. 7869), introduced by Rep. Ryan Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., would restore those enhanced benefits to CBP officers affected by their agencys mistake.

Since these officers planned their retirement, their lives and careers around incorrect guidance given to them by CBP, this bill corrects the misunderstanding by providing the enhanced benefits to this small group in the same way as existing officers, as they were told at the time, Comer said. It also directs GAO to report on the proper management of this benefit to prevent similar mistakes from occurring in the future.

Both bills may now head to the floor for consideration by the full House.

Continued here:
House panel advances bills to improve FEHBP oversight and fix CBP retirement snafu - Government Executive