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Stronger Together

New Mexico Statewide Cancer Clinical Trials Network reviewed state’s cancer clinical trials and celebrated advances in cancer care at June Scientific Retreat

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Credit: Robin M. Johnston, UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center
Chandylen Nightingale, PhD, MPH, Wake Forest University, was the keynote speaker at the NMCRA Scientific Retreat
« Stronger Together

For nearly 20 years, the New Mexico Cancer Care Alliance (NMCCA) ensured that New Mexicans in all parts of the state had access to cancer clinical trials. That network of health care organizations has modernized its processes. It also strengthened its focus and mission on delivering clinical trials and clinical research to prevent, detect, and treat cancer and to improve patient outcomes, experiences and access to cancer care using culturally sensitive approaches.

The rebranded organization, now called the New Mexico Cancer Research Alliance (NMCRA), held its first in-person scientific retreat on June 21. Attendees at the event represented The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Lovelace Health System and Memorial Medical Center and the Veteran’s Administration Hospital System.

Summary

  • The New Mexico Cancer Care Alliance (NMCCA) has rebranded as the New Mexico Cancer Research Alliance (NMCRA) to strengthen its focus on delivering cancer clinical trials to New Mexicans.
  • Through the NMCRA’s unique collaboration, every New Mexican has access to cancer clinical trials.
  • Cancer clinical trials test new treatments and new methods of delivering and improving cancer care

A “Gem” to Improve Cancer Care

The NMCRA is an incredible gem for the people of New Mexico,” says Carolyn Muller, MD, FACOG, NMCRA Director. “Clinical research improves the lives of cancer patients by focusing on better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer and to optimally deliver cancer care.”

Cancer Clinical research is conducted through clinical trials, which test new treatments and new methods of delivering and improving cancer care. Some trials test whether new drugs are more efficacious than the currently used “standard” drugs. Some test new drug combinations.

Other cancer clinical trials test better ways to screen for cancer or lessen symptoms from cancer or cancer treatments. Still other trials test different methods of delivering care to different people, such as individuals from different racial or ethnic communities or those who live in rural or underserved communities.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees all clinical trials in the US. It ensures that all clinical trials are conducted safely and with the full understanding and consent of those who choose to take part in them. It also ensures that clinical trials are “designed, conducted, analyzed and reported according to federal law and good clinical practice (GCP) regulations.

The FDA enforces a four-phase process of testing through which new treatments are approved for use. Each phase has its own set of requirements that treatments must meet in order to progress to the next phase.

Professional medical organizations, such as the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) create guidelines for cancer related clinical practice based on the strength of scientific evidence that results from clinical trials. These standards reflect the latest scientific research and best-known practices for delivering care.

The current standard treatments and care practices in effect today went through scientifically rigorous clinical trials to become the standards. When new clinical trials show a drug, treatment or method to be more effective than the current standard, the practice of cancer care changes.

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Muller says that the results of several practice-changing clinical trials were presented at the most recent American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) national conference. Some New Mexico patients took part in those clinical trials.

“Our patients had an opportunity to benefit from the clinical trial treatments, and they also helped future patients receive better care,” says Muller. “They are true heros!”

“Cancer research is the key to progress in our battle against cancer,” says Dr. Heyoung McBride, MD from Lovelace Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology. “It is only through high quality research that we can advance our understanding of biological processes involved in cancer and improve outcomes for patients and loved ones suffering from cancer,” she says.

Daunting Challenges

New Mexico’s small population is spread over a large area: the state ranks fifth in land mass but 36th in population. Offering clinical trials to people throughout the state thus presents a daunting challenge.

Because of their scientific nature, clinical trials demand more than strict adherence to a detailed plan, called a protocol, that every person on the trial must follow. Trials also require evidence that each person has followed that protocol. Should anyone deviate from the protocol – for example, if someone must come off the protocol because of a new health issue or a serious side effect – a note of that situation must also be recorded and reported, especially for safety purposes.

A cadre of expertly-trained research teams are needed to manage clinical trials. Some of these people are trained to ensure that participants in each clinical trial meet all the criteria for joining that trial. Others explain the protocols to potential participants. And many others enter clinical trial data, manage databases, report results to oversight entities, and track patient responses and side effects.

Few, if any, independent doctor’s offices could manage clinical trials on their own. Even some larger health care organizations in the state would struggle under the vast administrative burden. UNM, as the only NCI designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in NM, serves as the academic hub for the NMCRA. And the NMCRA brings cutting edge clinical trials and clinical research from the National Cancer Institute, lead investigators and other stakeholders to the NMCRA member health systems.

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Through the NMCRA’s unique collaboration, UNM’s clinical research expertise is shared with all affiliated cancer treatment providers in the state. The UNM Cancer Center’s Clinical Research Office supports many of the core functions of the NMCRA.

This collaborative effort between the academic and community health systems partners has led to sustained funding support from the National Cancer Institute’s National Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP).

“The NCORP Program delivers state-of-the-art national cooperative group clinical treatment, prevention and screening trials to New Mexico,” Muller says. She also notes that many clinical research leaders in New Mexico across the NMCRA not only serve on the national committees that help to shape the future of these trials but also make sure that New Mexicans can access these trials.

“Health systems in New Mexico value cancer clinical trials,” says Muller.

William Adler, MD, at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, sees the benefits of clinical trials for New Mexicans, He says, “Memorial Cancer Center has made clinical research trials a priority for nearly 15 years. The availability of these national and international studies allows patients to stay at home with their families and still have access to the leading edge of cancer care. The cancer program at Memorial Medical Center has received national recognition for its clinical trial research activities. As the umbrella organization, NMCRA has made cancer clinical research possible in southern New Mexico.”

Malcom Purdy, MD, at Lovelace Cancer Center Medical Oncology agrees. He says, “The Lovelace Cancer Center has participated in clinical trials with the University of New Mexico for close to 40 years. These have included groundbreaking studies which have advanced patient care and cancer treatment, especially in breast cancer. Unlike clinical trials for other conditions, clinical trials for cancer patients take the best of what we know now and add to that care, so all participants receive excellent care. I always tell my patients that participation in a clinical trial gives the best care.

Access for All

As the many affiliates of the NMCRA know, offering the best cancer care isn’t good enough; that care must reach the people who need it.

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In addition to the large cancer care providers, smaller oncology practices throughout the state are also NMCRA affiliates. They provide cancer clinical trials to people in some of the most underserved and remote areas in New Mexico.

And the National Cancer Institute (NCI) also recognizes the need to bring cancer care and cancer research to people who have not taken part in clinical trials in the past or who may face significant barriers to joining then now.

Through the NCORP grants, the NCI has created “a national network that brings cancer clinical trials and care delivery studies to people in their own communities.” The UNM Cancer Center is one of the Minority/Underserved NCORP sites, and NCI cancer clinical trials are delivered through the NMCRA

The NCI is also focusing on cancer care delivery. Cancer care delivery research studies how different processes, models, concepts and approaches can improve the quality of cancer care, patient outcomes, and access to care.

Chandylen Nightingale, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Division of Public Health Sciences, at Wake Forest University School of Medicine spoke at the recent NMCRA scientific retreat and shared her research and insights and the importance of cancer care delivery research.

“It is imperative for New Mexico’s cancer patients to have access to innovative treatments that will hopefully move cancer care forward,” says Ethan Binder, MD, at Presbyterian Healthcare Services Hematology/Oncology. “The NMRCA is a wonderful collaborative effort that truly tailors cancer research for New Mexicans.”

Some of the NMCRA Member Institutions 

The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center

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The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center is the Official Cancer Center of New Mexico and the only National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center in a 500-mile radius. Its more than 120 board-certified oncology specialty physicians include cancer surgeons in every specialty (abdominal, thoracic, bone and soft tissue, neurosurgery, genitourinary, gynecology, and head and neck cancers), adult and pediatric hematologists/medical oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, and radiation oncologists. They, along with more than 600 other cancer healthcare professionals (nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, navigators, psychologists and social workers), provide treatment to 65% of New Mexico’s cancer patients from all across the state and partner with community health systems statewide to provide cancer care closer to home. They treated approximately 14,000 patients in about 100,000 ambulatory clinic visits in addition to in-patient hospitalizations at UNM Hospital. A total of nearly 400 patients participated in cancer clinical trials testing new cancer treatments that include tests of novel cancer prevention strategies and cancer genome sequencing. The more than 100 cancer research scientists affiliated with the UNMCCC were awarded $35.7 million in federal and private grants and contracts for cancer research projects. Since 2015, they have published nearly 1000 manuscripts, and promoting economic development, they filed 136 new patents and launched 10 new biotechnology start-up companies. Finally, the physicians, scientists and staff have provided education and training experiences to more than 500 high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral fellowship students in cancer research and cancer health care delivery. Visit www.UNMHealth.org/cancer.

Presbyterian Healthcare Services

Presbyterian Healthcare Services exists to improve the health of patients, members and the communities we serve. Presbyterian is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system of nine hospitals, a statewide health plan and a growing multi-specialty medical group. Founded in New Mexico in 1908, it is the state’s largest private employer with more than 13,000 employees.

Lovelace Health System

Lovelace Health System (Lovelace) recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of caring, change and progress while continuously improving the practice of medicine.

Lovelace is comprised of Lovelace Medical Group/New Mexico Heart Institute, Lovelace Women’s Hospital, Lovelace Medical Center, Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center, Lovelace Westside Hospital, Lovelace Regional Hospital and Lovelace UNM Rehabilitation Hospital. Across its six hospitals, 33 health care clinics and seven outpatient therapy clinics, Lovelace has 619 inpatient beds and employs a team of more than 3,450, including over 280 health care providers. Lovelace continues to invest in our community, providing more than $81 million in unfunded care and supporting local nonprofit and community organizations with more than $357,000 in charitable contributions and community support in 2022. From the first and only hospital in New Mexico dedicated to women’s health to the state’s only hospital devoted exclusively to cardiovascular care, Lovelace is a leader in meeting the healthcare needs of this region. To learn more about our state-of-the-art treatment options, innovative health care providers and award-winning quality initiatives, visit lovelace.com.

Memorial Medical Center

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Memorial Medical Center is a 199-bed full-service acute care hospital located in Las Cruces, New Mexico and serving a five-county region of Southern New Mexico.  Our mission is simple: Making Communities Healthier.  We are a part of the LifePoint Health family of hospitals, which means we aim to create a place where people choose to come for healthcare, physicians and providers want to practice, and employees want to work. Learn more at mmclc.org.

Source: Michele W. Sequeira, MS, MBA, MWC & University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center

Health

CVS Health study shows continuing suicide crisis in the U.S.

Awareness of the crisis is widespread, but most Americans lack strong knowledge of the warning signs

Despite national trends, Aetna, a CVS Health company, members have seen reductions in suicide-related events over the past year, compared to 2019 baselines

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WOONSOCKET, R.I. /PRNewswire/ — A recent CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS)/Harris Poll survey of Americans 18 years and older found that nearly one in five (18%) U.S. adults say they were plagued with suicidal thoughts in the past year.  


Image provided by CVS Health

Other key findings from the survey include:

  • More than a third of younger adults aged 18-34 (36%) say they had moments in the past year where they contemplated suicide.
  • An overwhelming nine in ten (89%) U.S. adults deem suicide prevention efforts a major priority in our society.
  • However, less than a third (32%) strongly agree they can recognize the warning signs of someone potentially at risk, and only four in ten (43%) are strongly aware of resources that offer support and information on suicide prevention.
  • Nearly eight in ten (77%) U.S. adults believe health care providers have a crucial role in suicide prevention, and there is an opportunity for providers to have more discussions about suicide with patients.

“Our nation continues to face a mental health and suicide crisis, especially among youth and older adults,” said Cara McNulty, President of Behavioral Health and Mental Well-being at CVS Health. “However, with timely, evidence-based interventions, and public awareness efforts, we know suicide is preventable. We’ve developed an approach based on early detection, data-backed support methods, programs for those that have lost someone to suicide and community education to help those in need and empower their support systems. Every life saved is worth the effort.”

Growing reduction in Aetna members’ suicide attempts
As part of its ongoing commitment to mental health and well-being, CVS Health continues to focus on reducing suicide attempts among Aetna members.

  • Despite the increasing national trends, Aetna has seen a 16% reduction in suicide attempts among Aetna adult Commercial members when compared with a 2019 baseline.
  • Aetna member youth (13–17-year-olds) attempts remain above the 2019 baseline. However, since Aetna launched dedicated youth programming in 2021, attempts are trending downward with a 13% reduction when comparing 2022 with 2021.
  • Aetna has seen a 13.7% reduction in suicide attempts among its Medicare Advantage members compared to 2019.

“Every suicide that is prevented is a life that is saved,” said Taft Parsons III, M.D., Vice President and Chief Psychiatric Officer at CVS Health. “We are working closely with our partners to implement targeted interventions for youth and develop similar programming for older adults. Together we can help raise awareness of the ongoing crisis and connect those in need to evidence-based resources that can help saves lives.”

CVS Health resources to prevent suicide
CVS Health has implemented several programs and partnerships to help address the suicide crisis focused on both individuals and health care providers.

Partnerships and programs to support Aetna members in need

  • CVS Health launched a proactive outreach program for high-risk youth members. Clinical staff outreach those families to connect them with specialized services and resources.
  • Aetna members have access to specialized outpatient programs, such as a suicide prevention program that combines digital solutions with telehealth sessions and specially trained, licensed clinicians.
  • Through the Caring Contacts program, at-risk Aetna members receive simple messages of hope after being discharged from an intensive level of care related to suicide. More than 20,000 caring contacts or care bags are delivered annually.
  • CVS Health continues to scale universal screenings and safety planning for all Aetna members, whether or not there is a clear suicide risk, in order to better take action if and when needed.

Partnerships and programs to support health care providers

  • Aetna launched a free suicide prevention training, support and continuing education qualification program for contracted behavioral health and EAP providers. All therapists who provide counseling and other mental health services in MinuteClinics® in select CVS Pharmacy locations are certified in this program.
  • Aetna works with SafeSide, an organization dedicated to mental health education, to train primary care physicians, medical practices and their staff in identification and early intervention for patients at risk of suicide.
  • Aetna facilitates a program in which pediatricians are able to participate in the ECHO suicide prevention training opportunity from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and American Academy of Pediatrics.

CVS Health also offers a number of mental health guidespodcasts and trainings centered around different populations – from the LGBTQ+ community to young adults to parents and caregivers to teachers – and their unique mental health needs.

Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of CVS Health from August 3-7, 2023, among 2,016 U.S. adults age 18+ who agreed to answer questions about sensitive and personal information related to mental health, including topics surrounding suicide. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within ±2.7 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete research methods, including weighting variables, please contact [Doug Feingold ([email protected])].

About CVS Health
CVS Health® is the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. We reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital channels and over 300,000 dedicated colleagues – including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help them with their health – whether that’s managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications or accessing affordable health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help people navigate the health care system – and their personal health care – by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day. Follow @CVSHealth on social media.

About Aetna
Aetna, a CVS Health business, serves an estimated 34 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental and behavioral health plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services, workers’ compensation administrative services and health information technology products and services. Aetna’s customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, visit www.aetna.com and explore how Aetna is helping to build a healthier world.

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Media Contact

Ethan Slavin
[email protected]

Doug Feingold
[email protected]

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Festivals

More than 100 Experiences at the 2023 Kroger Wellness Festival, September 22 & 23 in Downtown Cincinnati

Two-day health and wellness festival to feature panel discussions, food demonstrations, fitness classes and musical performances

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CINCINNATI /PRNewswire/ — The Kroger Wellness Festival, presented by PepsiCo featuring Gatorade, celebrates physical, mental and emotional health for the whole family. This year’s festival will be held on September 22 and 23, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at The Banks, in Downtown Cincinnati. The event will feature more than 100 experiences and food offerings focused on six core pillars of transformation: Balance, move, breathe, care, uplift and play.

The Kroger Wellness Festival will feature panel discussions, food demonstrations, fitness classes and musical performances, which will take place across six stages: Kenvue Stage, BODYARMOR Stage, Gatorade Stage, Campbell’s Food as Medicine Stage, American Greetings Stage and Saratoga Stage over two days.

Parking
More than 7,000 parking spots are available in and around The Banks. Learn more here.

Plan Ahead with the New Event App
Download the new Kroger Wellness Festival app to receive festival alerts, browse programing and explore a map. The free app is available in the iTunes store and Google Play.

Event Map
The event runs along Second Street and Freedom Way from Joe Nuxhall Way to Elm Street at the Banks. Click here for the official event map.

Celebrity and Professional Athlete Appearances
Celebrities who will appear at the 2023 Kroger Wellness Festival include: WWE Champion and actor John Cena, actress Cameron Diaz, Food Network chef Amanda Freitag, Cincinnati Bengals legend Chad Johnson, TV host of “The Talk” Amanda Kloots, Super Bowl champions Eli and Peyton Manning, Peloton instructor Alex Toussaint and professional tennis player Venus Williams.

Two Free Concerts: Barenaked Ladies on Friday and Flo Rida on Saturday
On Friday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Barenaked Ladies, presented by General Mills, will perform on the BODYARMOR Stage. The Toronto band sold 15 million records worldwide and built up an arsenal of hits such as “If I Had $1000000,” “One Week,” “Pinch Me” and “The Big Bang Theory Theme.” The band is currently releasing new material from its forthcoming 18th studio album due out in September. On Saturday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Flo Rida, presented by smartwater, will perform on the Kenvue Stage. Poised at the confluence of feel-good rap, pop and electronic, Flo Rida established himself as the party king of the late 2000s with global smash hits like the T-Pain-assisted “Low” and the massive club banger “Right Round” featuring Kesha. Known for his dynamic rapped/sung attack and larger-than-life personality, Flo Rida has been able to move freely between the rap and pop worlds with 100 million records sold world-wide.

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Race to Vaccinate Racecar
On Friday and Saturday between 9 and 5 pm, Kroger’s Race to Vaccinate racecar will be on-site and our medical providers will be available to administer flu vaccines to people. People will need to provide their government issued identification and insurance cards to receive a vaccine.

2023 Kroger Wellness Festival Programming Highlights

Friday, September 22
11-11:30 a.m., Campbell’s Food as Medicine Stage

  • Reds Hall of Fame Broadcaster Marty Brennaman and his wife, Amanda, will share comfort meal recipes from the original Campbell’s Cookbook and Laura’s Lean.

11:15-12 pm., American Greetings Stage

  • Explore the shifting employer landscape and future of workforce with former bachelor-turned-entrepreneur Dylan Barbour.

12:15-12:45pm, Campbell’s Food as Medicine Stage

  • Chef Christian Gill will lead two chefs in making Cincinnati recipes with a healthy, surprise twist during the Culinary Creator Challenge.

12:30-1:15 p.m., Gatorade Stage

  • Venus Williams, seven-time Grand Slam Winner, entrepreneur and wellness leader, will lead a fireside chat on leadership and resilience, presented by PepsiCo.

1:15-2 p.m., Saratoga Stage

  • Unplug and recharge with a digital detox with mindfulness expert Meriden McGraw.

1:30-2 p.m., BODYARMOR Stage

  • Learn basketball fundamentals, mindset and competitive spirit from the Cincinnati Bearcats, led by former player Alex Meacham.

4:15-5 p.m., Kenvue Stage

  • Amanda Kloots, “The Talk” television host, dancer, actress and fitness instructor, will lead an empowering HIIT workout.

Saturday, September 23: 
11a.m.-12 p.m., BODYARMOR Stage

  • Bengals legend Chad Johnson and FC Cincinnati player Michael Millay and team will lead a workout session, presented by BODYARMOR.

12:15 -1 p.m., Saratoga Stage

  • Internationally recognized barber Vernon Jackson and little-person super-athlete Allison Warrell and others share powerful stories of peak performers who defy the odds.

12:15-1 p.m., Campbell’s Food as Medicine Stage

  • Actor, author and entrepreneur Cameron Diaz will share her favorite organic recipes that support longevity and healthy aging.

12:45-1:15 p.m., BODYARMOR Stage

  • Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky’s favorite mascots, including the Krojis, will join a Tik Tok dance routine led by Jess Evans from Dance Factory Fitness and KISS 107’s Jon Jon.

1:15-2 p.m., Gatorade Stage

  • 16-time World Champion, New York Times best-selling author and record-setting Make-A-Wish granter John Cena will host a fierce workout led by Cornerstone Fitness.

1:45-2:15 p.m., Campbell’s Food as Medicine Stage

  • Food Network Chef Amanda Freitag will explore plant-based meals during this cooking demonstration, presented by Blue Diamond Almond Flour.

2:30-3:30 p.m., Kenvue Stage

  • Bartender Molly Wellmann will lead a demonstration and tasting of a spectrum of tequila spirits with (21+- ID required.)

2:45-3:30 p.m., BODYARMOR Stage

  • Drew and Lea Lachey will present label•less, their musical that focuses on the issues that affect our society with inspiring musical performances.

3-3:45 p.m., Campbell’s Food as Medicine Stage

  • Former NFL great Chad Johnson and Chris Marschall of Sans Bar will discuss the health benefits associated with alcohol abstinence and the importance of living a fully present life.

4-4:45 p.m., Gatorade Stage

  • NFL Super Bowl champions Eli and Peyton Manning will be joined on-stage by special guests, unveiling their secrets to achieving peak performance on and off the field, presented by Gatorade.

4:15-5 p.m., American Greetings Stage

  • Matt Summers, Bengals director of Sports Medicine, and NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz will discuss how to fuel your sports performance.

For more information, visit the Kroger Wellness Festival website.

About Kroger Health:
Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co., is one of America’s leading retail healthcare organizations, with over 2,200 pharmacies and 220 clinics in 35 states serving more than 17 million customers. Our team of 24,000 healthcare practitioners – from pharmacists and nurse practitioners to dietitians and technicians – are committed to helping people live healthier lives. We believe in practicing at the top of our licenses and enabling “Food as Medicine” to help prevent or manage certain diseases. We are dedicated to providing testing and wellness services to help Americans combat the COVID-19 crisis. For more information, visit https://www.krogerhealth.com.

About The Kroger Co.:
At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are Fresh for Everyone™ and dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit®. We are, across our family of companies, nearly half a million associates who serve over 11 million customers daily through a seamless shopping experience under a variety of banner names. We are committed to creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025.

About PepsiCo:
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $79 billion in net revenue in 2021, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with PepsiCo Positive (pep+). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

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SOURCE The Kroger Co.

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Food and Beverage

3 pasos hacia un corazón más sano

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(Family Features) Cuidar el corazón es fundamental para la salud en general, aunque todos los aspectos de la salud son importantes. Las enfermedades cardíacas son la principal causa de muerte entre los estadounidenses, pero no tiene por qué serlo: las elecciones de estilo de vida desempeñan un papel importante para la salud del corazón y nunca es demasiado pronto para adoptar hábitos saludables. 

Considere estos sencillos pasos: desde hacer ejercicio y dormir lo suficiente hasta comer saludable, incluyendo refrigerios buenos para el corazón como las uvas.

Comer bien
Adoptar una dieta equilibrada y nutritiva, rica en frutas, verduras, cereales integrales, proteínas magras y grasas saludables puede tener un impacto en la salud del corazón. Una forma de reducir el riesgo de sufrir enfermedades cardíacas es consumir alimentos bajos en grasas saturadas y colesterol, como las uvas.

Como alimento fácil, conveniente y saludable para el corazón, las uvas son el ingrediente perfecto para un plan de alimentación saludable que incluye recetas como ensalada de uvas, brócoli y aguacate con cobertura de avena tostada. La sabrosa ensalada de brócoli se combina perfectamente con la dulce frescura de las jugosas uvas de California, mientras que la cobertura de avena tostada aporta un toque crujiente.

Las uvas son bajas en sodio y una buena fuente de vitamina K, que promueve la salud del corazón, y contienen el 7% de la ingesta diaria recomendada de potasio, un nutriente fundamental para la salud del corazón. Las uvas son una fuente natural de antioxidantes beneficiosos y otros polifenoles y ayudan a mantener una circulación saludable al promover la relajación de los vasos sanguíneos.

De hecho, según un estudio publicado en el “Journal of Nutrition”, (Diario de la nutrición) los hombres con síndrome metabólico que consumían 1 1/2 tazas de uvas al día mostraron una presión arterial más baja, una mejor función de los vasos sanguíneos y una disminución en un marcador clave de inflamación.

Las mujeres que consumieron 1 1/4 tazas de uvas todos los días como parte de un estudio separado publicado en el “Journal of Nutrition” se beneficiaron y mostraron una reducción en los niveles de triglicéridos en la sangre, los niveles de colesterol LDL, las proteínas inflamatorias y otros marcadores de enfermedades cardíacas.

Dormir bien
El sueño también es fundamental para tener un corazón sano.  La mayoría de los expertos recomiendan que los adultos duerman entre 7 a 9 horas por noche. Para ayudar a lograr ese objetivo, crea una rutina a la hora de acostarse despertándose y durmiendo a las mismas horas. También asegúrese de tener un espacio cómodo para dormir apagando los dispositivos electrónicos y ajustando el termostato a una temperatura agradable.

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Hacer ejercicio
Mantener una rutina de ejercicio de forma regular es bueno para la salud en general. Puede ser especialmente beneficioso para la salud del corazón al reducir la presión arterial, reducir la inflamación y ayudar a mantener un peso saludable. La Asociación Americana del Corazón recomienda al menos 150 minutos por semana de actividad aeróbica de intensidad moderada o 75 minutos de actividad aeróbica vigorosa.  Impulse su entrenamiento y recuperación con alimentos hidratantes y saludables para el corazón, como las uvas.

Encuentre más recetas saludables para el corazón en GrapesFromCalifornia.com.

Ensalada de uvas, brócoli y aguacate con cobertura de avena tostada

Tiempo de preparación: 30 minutos
Tiempo de cocción: 5 minutos
Porciones: 6

Cobertura de avena tostada:

  • 1/2 cucharada de mantequilla
  • 1/3 taza de almendras fileteadas, picadas en trozos grandes
  • 3 cucharadas de avena de grano entero cortada
  • 1/8 cucharadita de sal sazonada
  • 1/4 cucharadita de condimento de hierbas italiano

Aderezo:

  • 6 cucharadas de aceite de oliva extra virgen
  • 1/3 taza de uvas rojas o verdes de California en cuartos
  • 1/4 taza de vinagre de vino
  • 1 cucharada de miel de abeja
  • 1/4 cucharadita de sal marina
  • pimienta recién molida, al gusto

Ensalada:

  • 1 bolsa (12 onzas) de ensalada de brócoli finamente picado
  • 2 tazas de col rizada desmenuzada, ligeramente compactada
  • 1 1/2 tazas de uvas de California partidas a la mitad
  • 1/2 taza de cebolla morada finamente picada
  • 1/3 taza de higos secos picados
  • pimienta recién molida, al gusto
  • 1 aguacate grande, firme pero maduro, cortado en cubos
  1. Para hacer cobertura de avena tostada: En una sartén mediana a fuego medio-bajo, cocine la mantequilla, las almendras, la avena, la sal y el condimento de hierbas italianas por unos 5 minutos, o hasta que estén ligeramente tostados y fragantes, revolviendo con frecuencia.
  2. Para hacer el aderezo: En una licuadora pequeña, haga puré el aceite de oliva, las uvas, el vinagre de vino, la miel, la sal marina y la pimienta al gusto, hasta que quede de consistencia suave.
  3. Para hacer la ensalada: En un tazón grande, mezcle la ensalada de brócoli, la col rizada, las uvas, la cebolla morada y los higos; sazone con pimienta al gusto y rocíe con el aderezo; revuelva bien para cubrir. Agregue el aguacate y revuelva ligeramente. Transfiera a seis platos o tazones para servir y espolvoree con cobertura de avena tostada.

Información nutricional por porción: 320 calorías; 5 g de proteína; 29 g de carbohidratos; 22 g de grasa (62% de calorías de grasa); 3.5 g de grasa saturada (10% de calorías de grasa saturada); 5 mg de colesterol; 160 mg de sodio; 7 g de fibra.


SOURCE:
California Table Grape Commission

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