VANCOUVER, BC /PRNewswire/ – Hapbee Technologies, Inc. (TSXV: HAPB) (OTCQB: HAPBF) (FSE: HA1) (“Hapbee” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce it has launched an athlete and fitness professional outreach program (the “Program”) aimed to help grow market share and awareness of the benefits of its one-of-a-kind digital wellness technology platform.
Mr. Iggy Rodriguez, a former collegiate athlete, and U.S. National Rugby Team member, is spearheading the Program. Mr. Rodriguez joined Hapbee as VP of Business Development in 2021. He has established relationships with leaders in wellness and professional sports dating back to his tenures with the Los Angeles Dodgers and with Therabody®, where he held similar business development positions.
Targeting further wellness market penetration and user adoption, the Company is actively pursuing product engagement with professional and amateur athletes, fitness professionals and others. Recently, the Company received feedback from former and current professional athletes regarding their experiences utilizing Hapbee’s digital wellness technology platform.
Accomplished professional NHL (National Hockey League) player and Olympic gold medalist Matt Duchene was first introduced to Hapbee by a member of his training staff. “I’ve been using Hapbee for pre-game naps quite a bit and find I‘m sleeping pretty deep,” said Duchene. “It‘s something I will continue to use and am happy to have.”
Dan Hinote, the first NHL player to be drafted coming out of the prestigious West Point Academy and now an Assistant Coach with the NHL’s Nashville Predators stated, “I first heard about Hapbee on a wellness podcast and have become a devoted user. An all-natural and effective solution for sleep, recovery and focus that doesn’t result in unwanted side-effects or chemical dependencies is a massive win for both current and former athletes. Every team should be buying Hapbees for their players and coaches.”
Hapbee for Professional Athletes and Pro Sports Teams
The Company encourages shareholders to visit its Athletes and Teams webpage to learn more about what athletes and fitness professionals experience while using Hapbee at https://hapbee.com/pages/hapbee-athletes.
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The Company believes sports and fitness professionals are a natural fit for its wellness technology platform. Through its Program, Hapbee intends to educate athletes and training staff in the amateur and professional ranks about the potential benefits of Hapbee by encouraging them to explore how the wellness platform may assist in sleep, performance, and recovery routines.
“Professional athletes put a tremendous amount of strain on their bodies during training and competition. Sleep and recovery are critical for them to perform at a top level,” stated Yona Shtern, CEO of Hapbee. “I‘m delighted by the feedback Hapbee is getting from athletes who are competing at the highest levels and we are now focusing on expanding the number of athletes that utilize our platform. Establishing a presence among professional athlete communities will serve to further build our credibility and our brand recognition with the broader consumer market.”
The Company is neither a sponsor of nor affiliated with the NHL or Nashville Predators. The professional athletes in the included video were not paid to review or provide testimonials of Hapbee’s product.
About Hapbee
Hapbee is a digital wellness technology company that aims to help people take control of how they sleep, perform and feel. Hapbee’s digital wellness library of Wellness Routines utilizes patented ultra-low radio frequency energy (ulRFE®), designed to help optimize users’ sleep, productivity, recovery, and downtime. Hapbee devices and subscriptions are available for purchase at Hapbee.com and through a growing network of select distributors.
Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking information or statements (collectively, “forward-looking statements“), including those identified by the expressions “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “should” and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company or its management. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect current expectations regarding future results or events. This news release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and various estimates, factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Any statements pertaining to the anticipated filing date for the Filings, as well as statements pertaining the expected timeline for the halt to be lifted are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding the Company’s ability and intended timing to complete its Filings.
Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement, and are subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions which include, but are not limited to, those described in Hapbee’s annual information form dated May 2, 2022, as well as those described in Hapbee’s other disclosure documents, copies of which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. The Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. Readers should not place undue reliance on the Company’s forward-looking statements.
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Regulations have cleaned up cars, power plants and factories, leaving cleaner air while economies have grown.
Cavan Images/Josh Campbell via Getty ImagesRichard E. Peltier, UMass Amherst
The Trump administration is “reconsidering” more than 30 air pollution regulations, and it offered industries a brief window to apply for exemptions that would allow them to stop following many air quality regulations immediately if approved. All of the exemptions involve rules finalized in 2024 and include regulations for hazardous air pollutants that cause asthma, heart disease and cancer.
The results – if regulations are ultimately rolled back and if those rollbacks and any exemptions stand up to court challenges – could impact air quality across the United States.
“Reconsideration” is a term used to review or modify a government regulation. While Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin provided few details, the breadth of the regulations being reconsidered affects all Americans. They include rules that set limits for pollutants that can harm human health, such as ozone, particulate matter and volatile organic carbon.
Zeldin wrote on March 12, 2025, that his deregulation moves would “roll back trillions in regulatory costs and hidden “taxes” on U.S. families.“
What Zeldin didn’t say is that the economic and health benefits from decades of federal clean air regulations have far outweighed their costs. Some estimates suggest every $1 spent meeting clean air rules has returned $10 in health and economic benefits.
How far America has come, because of regulations
In the early 1970s, thick smog blanketed American cities and acid rain stripped forests bare from the Northeast to the Midwest.
Air pollution wasn’t just a nuisance – it was a public health emergency. But in the decades since, the United States has engineered one of the most successful environmental turnarounds in history.
Thanks to stronger air quality regulations, pollution levels have plummeted, preventing hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. And despite early predictions that these regulations would cripple the economy, the opposite has proven true: The U.S. economy more than doubled in size while pollution fell, showing that clean air and economic growth can – and do – go hand in hand.
The numbers are eye-popping.
An Environmental Protection Agency analysis of the first 20 years of the Clean Air Act, from 1970 to 1990, found the economic benefits of the regulations were about 42 times greater than the costs.
The EPA later estimated that the cost of air quality regulations in the U.S. would be about US$65 billion in 2020, and the benefits, primarily in improved health and increased worker productivity, would be around $2 trillion. Other studies have found similar benefits.
That’s a return of more than 30 to 1, making clean air one of the best investments the country has ever made.
Science-based regulations even the playing field
The turning point came with the passage of the Clean Air Act of 1970, which put in place strict rules on pollutants from industry, vehicles and power plants.
These rules targeted key culprits: lead, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter – substances that contribute to asthma, heart disease and premature deaths. An example was the removal of lead, which can harm the brain and other organs, from gasoline. That single change resulted in far lower levels of lead in people’s blood, including a 70% drop in U.S. children’s blood-lead levels.
Air Quality regulations lowered the amount of lead being used in gasoline, which also resulted in rapidly declining lead concentrations in the average American between 1976-1980. This shows us how effective regulations can be at reducing public health risks to people.USEPA/Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office (1986)
The results have been extraordinary. Since 1980, emissions of six major air pollutants have dropped by 78%, even as the U.S. economy has more than doubled in size. Cities that were once notorious for their thick, choking smog – such as Los Angeles, Houston and Pittsburgh – now see far cleaner air, while lakes and forests devastated by acid rain in the Northeast have rebounded.
Comparison of growth areas and declining emissions, 1970-2023.EPA
And most importantly, lives have been saved. The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to periodically estimate the costs and benefits of air quality regulations. In the most recent estimate, released in 2011, the EPA projected that air quality improvements would prevent over 230,000 premature deaths in 2020. That means fewer heart attacks, fewer emergency room visits for asthma, and more years of healthy life for millions of Americans.
The economic payoff
Critics of air quality regulations have long argued that the regulations are too expensive for businesses and consumers. But the data tells a very different story.
EPA studies have confirmed that clean air regulations improve air quality over time. Other studies have shown that the health benefits greatly outweigh the costs. That pays off for the economy. Fewer illnesses mean lower health care costs, and healthier workers mean higher productivity and fewer missed workdays.
The EPA estimated that for every $1 spent on meeting air quality regulations, the United States received $9 in benefits. A separate study by the non-partisan National Bureau of Economic Research in 2024 estimated that each $1 spent on air pollution regulation brought the U.S. economy at least $10 in benefits. And when considering the long-term impact on human health and climate stability, the return is even greater.
Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles in 1984: Smog was a common problem in the 1970s and 1980s.Ian Dryden/Los Angeles Times/UCLA Archive/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY
The next chapter in clean air
The air Americans breathe today is cleaner, much healthier and safer than it was just a few decades ago.
Yet, despite this remarkable progress, air pollution remains a challenge in some parts of the country. Some urban neighborhoods remain stubbornly polluted because of vehicle emissions and industrial pollution. While urban pollution has declined, wildfire smoke has become a larger influence on poor air quality across the nation.
That means the EPA still has work to do.
If the agency works with environmental scientists, public health experts and industry, and fosters honest scientific consensus, it can continue to protect public health while supporting economic growth. At the same time, it can ensure that future generations enjoy the same clean air and prosperity that regulations have made possible.
By instead considering retracting clean air rules, the EPA is calling into question the expertise of countless scientists who have provided their objective advice over decades to set standards designed to protect human lives. In many cases, industries won’t want to go back to past polluting ways, but lifting clean air rules means future investment might not be as protective. And it increases future regulatory uncertainty for industries.
The past offers a clear lesson: Investing in clean air is not just good for public health – it’s good for the economy. With a track record of saving lives and delivering trillion-dollar benefits, air quality regulations remain one of the greatest policy success stories in American history.
This article, originally published March 12, 2025, has been updated with the administration’s offer of exemptions for industries.Richard E. Peltier, Professor of Environmental Health Sciences, UMass Amherst
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Veggies forVeterans Phoenix VA, May 14, 2025 Image Credit: Rod Washington
In a powerful display of community support and health advocacy, the Phoenix VA Hospital hosted another landmark Veggies for Veterans event yesterday, May 14, 2025. This milestone event, marking eight years of service since April 2017, continues to transform lives through the collaborative efforts of Gregory’s Fresh Market and the VA Health Care System. Yesterday’s distribution saw 600 veterans receiving fresh produce at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center, adding to the impressive total of over 22,000 veterans served since the program’s inception.
“This is a way to thank them for their service,” explains Diana Gregory, founder of Gregory’s Fresh Market. This sentiment resonates deeply with veterans like Bobby Smith, who shared, “This helps with my wife and my budget because food is getting more expensive. It really has added to our diet, we were able to have healthy food.”
Yesterday’s distribution featured carefully curated bags filled with seasonal favorites including apples, oranges, zucchini, potatoes, bell peppers, and onions. The program, funded through Gregory’s 501(c)(3) organization and supported by key sponsors including Arizona Complete Health, Peddler’s Son, and Fry’s, has become a model for veteran support programs nationwide.
What makes this initiative particularly impactful is its dual benefit: while veterans receive access to fresh, nutrient-dense foods, local farmers and suppliers also gain support through the program’s commitment to sourcing produce locally. This approach creates a sustainable cycle of community support that extends beyond the immediate benefits to veterans.
The dedication of participants like David Eberly, who waited since 6 a.m. to participate, demonstrates the program’s significance to the veteran community. Phoenix VA Nurse Practitioner Isabel Kozak, who has witnessed the program’s impact firsthand, noted, “I just absolutely love being able to hear Veterans’ stories about how this event is so helpful to them.”
Corporate volunteers and VA staff worked side by side to distribute the produce, creating an atmosphere of genuine care and community engagement. Veterans don’t need to be enrolled in VA care to participate, making the program accessible to all who have served. This inclusive approach aligns perfectly with President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served our nation’s military, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
The Future for Veggies for Veterans
The Veggies for Veterans program continues to grow, with regular distribution events scheduled throughout the year. For veterans interested in participating, the program will return to the Phoenix VA Hospital on September 10 and November 5, 2025. This consistent presence ensures that veterans have reliable access to fresh, healthy food options while fostering a stronger sense of community support.
As this initiative enters its ninth year, it stands as a testament to how community partnerships can create meaningful impact in the lives of those who have served our country, one bag of fresh produce at a time.
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
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Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
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In an inspiring display of community spirit this Wednesday, something extraordinary unfolded at the Veggies for Veterans program in Phoenix. A group of seniors, driven by their desire to give back, took the initiative to volunteer and serve their local veterans – creating a beautiful moment of intergenerational connection and purpose.
The impact was immediate and profound. Not only did these senior volunteers find fulfillment in their service, but they unanimously expressed their eagerness to return, demonstrating how Veggies for Veterans serves a dual purpose: addressing food insecurity while creating meaningful social connections that combat loneliness and isolation.
Diana Gregory, founder of Diana Gregory Outreach Services, has built this remarkable program in partnership with the Carl T. Hayden VA Hospital of Phoenix. Through Gregory’s Fresh Market and initiatives like Veggies for Veterans, the organization provides critical access to fresh produce three times a year, serving thousands of veterans in our community.
The program’s success highlights a growing need in our community. As food insecurity continues to affect our veteran population, Diana Gregory Outreach Services stands at the forefront of addressing this crisis. The organization delivers over 30,000 bags of fresh fruits and vegetables annually to seniors and veterans, making a tangible difference in their lives.
But perhaps what makes Veggies for Veterans truly special is how it creates a ripple effect of goodwill. When seniors step up to serve veterans, they’re not just distributing fresh produce – they’re building bridges, fostering connections, and proving that everyone has something valuable to contribute, regardless of age.
As this week’s heartwarming event showed, Veggies for Veterans is more than a food distribution program – it’s a catalyst for community building, a source of purpose for volunteers, and a beacon of hope for those it serves. The urgent need for expanded support continues, but with each new volunteer and every bag of fresh produce distributed, we’re taking steps toward a healthier, more connected community.
To support or learn more about this vital initiative, consider reaching out to Diana Gregory Outreach Services, a 501(c) charitable organization based in Phoenix, Arizona, and be part of this growing movement of community service and care.
Related Link:
Veggies for Veterans: https://dianagregory.com/veggies-for-veterans/
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
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