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Save Cats from Dying in Laboratories and Help Felines Find Their Forever Homes
National Cat Day, celebrated on Saturday, October 29th, is a day to encourage cat adoption and learn more about ways to improve the lives of cats. A federal bill gaining attention in Congress aims to ensure that felines used in laboratories have a chance to find their forever homes across the country.
More than 18,000 cats – along with 60,000 dogs and 140,000 rabbits – are used in experiments in the United States every year, with many suffering and dying in cruel, unreliable tests. Even when cats (and other animals) survive an experiment, they are often killed and discarded if they are considered no longer useful to the laboratory, when they could instead be released for adoption into loving homes.
Cats are used in many experiments including those involving vision and hearing, sleep patterns, paralysis and the brain, strokes and parasites. Such studies may involve invasive and gruesome procedures including drilling holes in their skulls to implant electrodes, or being intentionally deafened and blinded. Over 5,400 cats are used in experiments known to cause pain and some are purposely performed without pain relieving drugs. Cats may be selected for experiments because they are easy to handle and house, are inexpensive and easy to acquire. Hundreds of cats are held in laboratories but not used in experiments and even these cats may be killed if they are deemed “surplus” to the laboratory.
Now, the Companion Animal Release from Experiments [CARE] Act, championed by Californian Congressman Tony Cárdenas, could ensure that cats, as well as dogs and rabbits, are put up for adoption rather than killed when no longer wanted for experiments in laboratories that receive taxpayer funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The Bill was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives in October 2021 and is currently open for lawmakers to add their names to it in support, to make legislative progress more likely.
Congressman Cárdenas said, “It’s simple: if a research facility uses pets for research, then they must work to find them homes. We experiment on over 200,000 dogs, cats, and rabbits each year. The least we can do is give these living beings a chance at life in a loving home. My bill requires research facilities funded by the NIH to develop adoption policies for those animals. This is part of a larger effort to move away from animal-based testing and research wherever possible and toward more humane and sound scientific research.”
Monica Engebretson, Cruelty Free International’s North America Head of Public Affairs, said, “While we believe that these experiments shouldn’t be happening in the first place, we are pleased that the CARE Act has the potential to save hundreds of animals with a desire to live free from suffering. Organizations across the U.S. are ready to help laboratory survivors find happy endings. Anyone who cares about animals should support the CARE Act.”
People can help to advance the CARE Act by contacting their Representative and asking them to become a cosponsor of the bill to #SendSurvivorsHome. Representatives can be contacted at bit.ly/CAREAct22.
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Heroes Deserve Good Coffee and So Do You!
Meet the Firefighter, Veteran-Owned Brand Brewing Up Delicious Coffee and More
Fresh, delicious coffee is not necessarily a staple in firehouses around the country. Paul Clarke can attest to that. He found a caffeinated reason to elevate the coffee drinking experience for firefighters like himself by starting Fire Grounds Coffee Co., a fantastic brand to highlight for Veteran’s Day (soon to be on America’s new investment TV show, America’s Real Deal).
Yet, initially, life put a temporary hold on his brilliant idea that came to him at 2 a.m. with sirens roaring and lights flashing. He was deployed to Iraq as a Marine officer and would spend the next nine months overseas. The specialty coffee business would have to wait until his return.
Today, Paul, along with co-founder, veteran, and fellow firefighter Kyle Lund, are brewing some fine cups of coffee with the brand that does so much to help others. Over 1,000 pounds of coffee have been donated to first responders and the goodness continues (for every five bags of coffee sold, one is donated to a first responder). The coffee selections are named for the comradery found in firehouses and police districts, such as Bubba Brew, Rescue Roast, Old Tige 5, and Back The Blue.
Its Caffeinate-A-Station Program also allows anyone to purchase 5 lb. bags of coffee and donate straight to any fire station, police station, or hospital of their choice at a discounted price!
It’s one thing to enjoy a great cup of coffee that’s roasted on demand. It’s also quite satisfying to know that the sale of this premium, 100% Colombian air-roasted coffee provides first responders with access to mental health resources and advocacy.
Tackling more than the coffee business, the partners understand the mental challenges that go hand-in-hand with a first responder’s lifestyle. Their success in building a brand from the ground up (pardon the pun) has meaning beyond profitability – heroes deserve good coffee and so do you! They see it as their duty to give back to first responders that go out of their way to serve and protect and to let them know they’re appreciated. For Paul and Kyle, it’s personal as PTSD and suicide can affect anyone in our community, as they’ve witnessed firsthand.
“A huge part of what we do is our giving back,” says Paul. “We love giving coffee to first responders through our caffeinate-a-station program, but, more importantly, we are partnered with a nonprofit called Next Rung. Mental health is a huge issue amongst first responders and is often overlooked because it’s such a ‘macho’ job. Alcoholism, drug use, and suicide is rampant across all first responder jobs. We have had four members attempt to commit suicide within the last six months in my own department and two of them were successful. I was actually really close to one of them and it shocked everybody. So this issue is near and dear to my heart.”
Next Rung provides counseling and resources anonymously across the nation to anyone who needs it. The brand shares the literature with every order, and they donate a portion of proceeds from its events to the non-profit.
A synopsis of what sets Fire Grounds apart from other coffee brand competitors:
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For every five bags of specialty coffee sold, one bag is donated to a first responder as a thank you to this valuable group of men and women whose heroism and commitment to serving and protecting our communities do not go unnoticed.
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Six first responder-inspired coffee selections, with fun names such as Bubba Brew, Rescue Roast, Old Tige 5, and Back The Blue, to satisfy every coffee lover’s palette.
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Artisanal Coffee Pods for brewing made easy.
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Subscriptions so that great coffee is always on hand.
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Their Caffeinate-A-Station Program, where you purchase 5 lb. bags of coffee and donate straight to any fire station, police station, or hospital of your choice at a discounted price!
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The coffee also helps provide first responders with access to mental health resources and advocacy when needed as the brand partners with the nonproft, Next Rung.
For Veteran’s Day, I’d love to work together on a piece from this inspiring brand I love so much! Paul and Kyle, currently firefighters in Dallas, are media darlings and are happy to share their heartwarming story with your audience. Let’s make that happen and chat soon.
About Fire Grounds Coffee Co.:
Fire Grounds Coffee Co. is built on the belief that heroes deserve the best quality coffee. The company was founded by two U.S. veterans who now serve as firefighters and paramedics in the Dallas area and are all about putting first responders – first. For every five bags of specialty coffee sold, one bag is donated to a first responder as a thank you to this valuable group of men and women whose heroism and commitment to serving and protecting our communities do not go unnoticed. As for the coffee itself, what sets Fire Grounds apart from other premium craft coffee is that our coffee is air roasted on demand, per order, which means you get only the freshest brew possible with every cup. Follow us on Instagram @firegroundscoffeecompany.
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LaSalle Clinics Urge Women to Get Screened During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
“Women should not take chances. Every woman should get an annual breast cancer screening and because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to schedule an exam,” said LaSalle Medical Associates CEO Dr. Arteaga.
LaSalle Medical Associates encourages women to come in for breast cancer screening during October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. ” October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer.,” said the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network says mammograms should start at 40 for women at average risk, but before40 for women with a higher risk profile, such as a genetic mutation, family history, a benign breast disease diagnosis, or radiation therapy to the chest at a young age.
“Women should not take chances. Every woman should get an annual breast cancer screening and because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to schedule an exam,” said LaSalle Medical Associates CEO Dr. Albert Arteaga.
Dr. Arteaga himself lost a younger sister to breast cancer when she was in her 40s. “There were three of us,” said Dr. Arteaga. “Our youngest sister never opened up to tell either me or her older sister—both of us being doctors—that she had a lump on her breast. Later we learned that she kept making excuses about it, ‘I bumped myself’ or ‘It’s just a bruise’ and she basically ignored it for over six months.
“She was in her early 40s and unfortunately, the disease spreads more rapidly in younger women than it does in women who are past menopause, due to female hormones that promote growth. Our family had no history of cancer, and she was otherwise healthy. But at the age of 48 years, six months, and 28 days she died.
“Once she was diagnosed, she was a good patient and followed her doctors’ orders and participated fully in her treatment. The cancer metastasized to her brain, and she was able to beat that. But in the end, it spread to her liver, and that was the end.”
When asked what he would say to women about this tragic disease, Dr. Arteaga said, “Stop living in denial! At the first sign of a lump, make an appointment to see your physician. And make it a habit to get screened every October when breast cancer awareness month comes around, which is a good way to remember it’s time for a routine mammogram.”
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., clinics accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net, and Inland Empire Health Plan coverage, as well as Medicare Medi-Cal and cash.
For more information or to make an appointment call the office closest to you: Fontana (909) 823-4454; San Bernardino 17th Street (909) 887-6494; San Bernardino Mt. Vernon Ave. (909) 884-9091; Rialto (855) 349-6019; and Hesperia (760) 947-2161.
About LaSalle Medical Associates
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest, independent, and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle operates six clinics employing more than 100 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accepts Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net, and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) coverage.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to approximately 380,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare counties.
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New Puppy Pack and Kitten Kit from Standard Process Offer Key Supplements, Giving Pet Parents an Easy Approach Toward Long-Term Health
-National Pet Wellness Month is the perfect time to get new pets on a healthy path with whole food-based supplements-
When introducing a new puppy or kitten into the family, the hope is they will become a long-term cuddly companion. The best way to ensure this is to start them off on a healthy path by maintaining a well-balanced diet. In honor of October being National Pet Wellness Month, Standard Process®, a leading whole food-based nutritional supplement company, is introducing the Puppy Pack and Kitten Kit. The kits offer pet parents an easy way to get their fur babies off on the right paw, by including two products that deliver complex nutrients that might not be adequately consumed through a pet’s typical diet alone.
“For puppies and kittens, the early days are critical in building a strong nutritional foundation,” said Jody Griffiths, CVT and Veterinary Support Technician at Standard Process. “It’s important pet owners are better equipped to properly support their pets’ nutritional needs so they can spend a long, fulfilling life with them.”
The Puppy Pack and Kitten Kit are part of the Standard Process Veterinary Formulas™ line, which has been trusted by veterinarians for more than 20 years. Along with a cat nip toy or collapsible water dish, the kits include animal-specific canine and feline versions of the following two Standard Process supplements:
- Whole Body Support: This offers general multisystem support for daily maintenance of all the body systems, with emphasis on a healthy endocrine system.
- Immune System Support: This supports optimal function of the immune system and provides nutritional and biochemical support for healthy immune cells and tissues.
Though a pet’s nutritional needs change based on age, activity level and health status, the products contained in the Puppy Pack and Kitten Kit — along with all Standard Process Veterinary Formulas — are made with human-quality ingredients. Their aim is to provide vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in forms that are as close as possible to the way nature intended so that pets can experience a lifetime of optimal wellness.
“The Puppy Pack and Kitten Kit are great starting points for achieving long-term health,” continued Griffiths. “And as your puppy or kitten grows into an adult, we have a complete line of pet products standing by to support them throughout their lives.”
Along with other Standard Process Veterinary Formulas products, the Puppy Pack and Kitten Kit are available for purchase online, or in-person, from partnering veterinarians. Visit standardprocess.com/veterinary-supplements to find a purchasing option that works best for you. And for more information about Standard Process visit standardprocess.com or follow @StandardProcess on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Standard Process Inc.
Standard Process is a family-owned, third-generation company that has been a leader in making whole food-based supplements since 1929. From the company’s certified organic farm at its Palmyra, Wisconsin headquarters; to the Nutrition Innovation Center in Kannapolis, North Carolina; Standard Process is committed to clinical science that advances health and changes lives through whole food-based nutrition. Using regenerative farming practices and advanced manufacturing technologies designed to protect the vital nutrients found in each ingredient, Standard Process produces more than 300 high-quality supplements in its certified organic manufacturing facility. For more information about Standard Process and to find a health care professional who sells Standard Process products, visit standardprocess.com.
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Vegan Slow Fashion Brand Hemincuff – designed for the modern, fashion-forward risk takers
You might notice, our fashion world is changing, people start to put more attention on sustainable and recycle products. Fast fashion brands are not as popular as before. Now is the time for us to turn to slow fashion. For Hemincuff, slow fashion and sustainability is a priority. Mainly, all vegan brands are mass-produced. Unlike many current fashion brands, Hemincuff is no fast fashion. The creative director, NOEL VELOZ’s work is meticulous and has integrity. His aim is to set the tone for the vegan luxury market and really move it up and on.
Hemincuff, this NYC-based vegan and sustainable accessories brand is designed for the modern, fashion-forward risk-takers. Hemincuff is committed to empowering advantageous professionals that are focused on achieving the unachievable and looking elegant while doing it. The geometric and minimalistic designs create a clean, yet hip and expressive style, perfect for a beach picnic date, a night out on the town with your girls, and everything in between!
Hemincuff creates timeless handmade products made to last and be worn in different ways. Adding Rubber to our PU leather gives it strength and long lasting durability. They run many quality test on their items to make sure they are providing you with a great sustainable product that is handmade. Their Aesthetic will always be luxury but their products will be priced at a Luxury contemporary price point to fill in the gap in the sustainable luxury market.
Their materials are Recycled PU Leather: They gather left over PU Material from Artisan workshops in Italy. These scraps are shredded and mixed with recycled rubber and pressed into sheets. Their new Material is finished with coating and protection.
Recycled Nylon : They gather left over Canvas from Italy, NY and Mexico
Recycled Canvas: They gather left over Canvas from Italy, NY and Mexico
Recycled Hardware: They gather left over hardware from Italy, NY and Mexico.
Recycled Microfiber: They gather left over Microfiber from Italy, NY and Mexico
Hemincuff Manufacturer 80 percent of their Collection in the U.S in Florida with their independent team of independent craftsman at their Atelier. It took 10 years to develop the team of skilled craftsmen. The other 20 percent of Hemincuff collections due to production capabilities of the items is imported from Mexico made by LATINOS.
About the packaging Hemincuff wrap their products in recycled packaging by giving it a second life and also encouraging the end consumer to recycle the waste material again. They source their packaging in the U.S and from their overseas partners.
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Hemincuff – A NYC-based Vegan and Sustainable Brand Creates effortless, cool sense of style
If you ask me what is the new trend, I will tell you without hesitation, it is vegan leather. Protecting our mother earth and having a sustainable world is the thing we want to put more efforts in. Fashion brands lead the trends, they influence people and guide people to use more vegan and eco products. At the same time, the designs are so important, so people can still keep their good tastes and not to compromise to purchase the products they don’t like.
Hemincuff, the NYC-based vegan and sustainable accessories brand is designed for the modern, fashion-forward risk-takers. Hemincuff is committed to empowering advantageous professionals that are focused on achieving the unachievable and looking elegant while doing it. The geometric and minimalistic designs create a clean, yet hip and expressive style, perfect for a beach picnic date, a night out on the town with your girls, and everything in between!
The Hemincuff Origami portfolio case features an adjustable and removable shoulder strap, with silver hardware and a magnetic front flap closure. Additional interchangeable shoulder strap in white. Handcrafted with recycled vegan material, this bag is made using an origami folding technique that does not utilize any stitching.
- Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 2 inches / 40.6 x 30.5 x 5 cm
- Made from recycled vegan material
- Adjustable and removable shoulder strap
- Additional interchangeable shoulder strap in white
- Magnetic front flap closure
All packaging in this collection is recyclable, recycled and free from petroleum based plastics.
The material is Recycled PU Leather: Hemincuff gather left over PU Material from artisan workshops in Italy. These scraps are shredded and mixed with recycled rubber and pressed into sheets. This new Material is finished with coating and protection. Composition: PU Leather: 55% Recycled Rubber: 22% Water/ Humidity: 11% Polyester: 12% Other materials Recycled nylon, canvas, microfibres and hardware from artisan workshops in Italy, NY and Mexico.
Hemincuff creates high quality vegan leather bags and accessories for the 21st century business-minded individual, that exude an effortless, cool sense of style. Their handmade, eye-catching pieces are meticulously crafted with diligence and detail. Their quality is undeniable; whilst the geometric, minimalist lines create a clean, yet hip and expressive style. Hemincuff is committed to empowering a new world order of advantageous professionals that are focused on achieving the unachievable, and looking great while doing it.
