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What To Take On Your First Gravel Event

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With the explosion of gravel cycling and events such as Dirty Reiver just a few weeks away, we look at what essentials should be taken whilst out on a big gravel ride.

Frame Bags

Somewhere to put spares is essential. Brands such as Restrap and Evoc have a great choice of luggage to fit to your bicycle. Of course, they are available in a wide range of sizes and colours ensuring there is an option for every gravel cyclist.

Nutrition

Big rides need fueling properly to ensure the body is receiving the nutrients it requires. Small, packable options such as Torq’s Explore Flapjacks not only provide an energy boost, but are also great tasting and easy to digest to keep hunger at bay. Whilst the many options of drink supplements ensure that hydration is taken care of.

Spares

Let’s be honest, at some point you will have a mechanical. Carrying a few spares like spare chain links, a pouch of sealant and a multitool are a great place to start. And of course, a small pump or Co2 cartridge are essential. A small TPU inner tube is also a great option given their lack of size.

Your essentials

Tell us what your essentials are for big gravel rides and good luck to anyone about to take part in their first big gravel ride.

  • Andrew McAteer

    A keen cyclist, I’ve ridden everything from road, track, mountain and gravel. Have worked in the bike trade for over 15 years and have had too many bikes in that time to remember!
    Can usually be found having a beer post-ride at the local brewery.



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How to Slim Down This Spring

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Spring is here and we are about to kickstart our Spring Slim Down Challenge coming up April 8th!

I know nutrition can sometimes be the toughest thing when going on your health journey, I know it was for me. For years I tried so many different diets that never worked. They always left me still hungry, not feeling good, and definitely didn’t help me to lose weight. 

So, I wanted to give you some nutrition tips with you so you are set up for success in this challenge!

Let’s get into all the juicy deets!

Nutrition Tips

1. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. You can always add in an LSF wellness boost to change up the flavor, get more benefits, and stay hydrated!

2. Incorporate plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables into your meals for added vitamins and minerals.

3. Choose lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and tofu to fuel your workouts. I recommend trying to get at least 100g of protein daily or 20g per meal. Adding a scoop of LSF plant protein into a smoothie is an easy way to help hit this goal every day too!

4. Limit processed foods and opt for whole, nutrient-dense options instead.

5. Don’t forget to treat yourself occasionally – balance is key to a sustainable healthy lifestyle. And not all treats are bad, I have a lot of healthy treats that curb my cravings on my blog😉

SSD Nutrition Schedule 

I planned out the SSD Nutrition Schedule to make sure you are always feeling full, fueled, and enjoying your meals.

Prior to day 1 of SSD

First up we have our 2 Day Detox that I suggest you do the weekend before the challenge! P.S. you will receive this for FREE just for signing up for my Spring Slim Down Challenge. 

Week 1

In week one of SSD you will be following the 7 Day Slim DownThis plan will detox your body, help you ditch the bloat, and reset what healthy eating looks like so you will be set up for success right from the start of the challenge! 

Week 2-5

For weeks 2-5 you will be following the Hot Body Meal Plan which is my 4 week meal plan created for healthy weight loss! This is the key to losing weight and feeling your best!

Week 6

Last week of SSD, Woohoo!!! You will be following the 7 Day Slim Down again to finish out this challenge strong. 

I cannot wait to start my Spring Slim Down Challenge with you on Monday April 8th! 



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Sweet Potato, Aubergine & Tahini Salad — Green Kitchen Stories

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1. Cut the aubergines and sweet potatoes in dices, place on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil and salt and roast at 200C for approx 30 mins.

2. To make the marinade, add olive oil and apple cider vinegar to a jar along with the ground paprika, cumin, coriander, chili and a good pinch salt. Add a lid and shake.
3. When the vegetables are done roasting, pour over the marinade, toss and let cool.

4. Make the tahini dressing in a large bowl by stirring together tahini, olive oil, maple syrup and lemon juice.
5. Add the cooked quinoa to the bowl. Chop the romaine and cucumber coarsely and add to the same bowl. Toss!

6. Plate the salad. Start with the quinoa, romaine and cucumber, then add the roasted veggies and top with parsley, pomegranate seeds and toasted almond flakes.
Enjoy!



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Top 5 Meditation Teacher Trainings of 2024

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Whether you want to become a meditation teacher, you already teach yoga and want to offer meditation, or simply want to dive deeper into your own personal practice, a Meditation Teacher Training (MTT) course may be right for you.

While most countries do not require meditation teachers to be licensed or certified, a good MTT course can:

  • Help you learn new techniques
  • Hone your teaching skills
  • Learn what to do (and what not to do) for teaching individuals and groups
  • Deepen your personal meditation practice
  • Build your confidence as a teacher
  • Build your career as a meditation teacher

The certification can help you feel more confident in offering your services when you become a meditation teacher, improve your ability to gain new clients and even get (and accept) insurance.

These Are the 10 Best 200-Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training Programs
 

 
 

Ready to Become a Meditation Teacher? Here’s What to Look For In a Meditation Teacher Training (MTT):

When you’re looking for a meditation teacher training, it can feel like a daunting task. There are many trainings out there to choose from, and each MTT is packaged and formatted a bit differently.

So how do you know which training is best for you? Consider the following factors:
 

1. Your Current Schedule

Do you currently have time in your schedule for an in-person training? Does an intensive sound good for you, or do you prefer something a bit more spread out, and/or self-paced?
 

2. Your Ability to Travel

Some meditation teacher trainings are in person, while others are hybrid or fully online. Some students love the idea of combining travel with their training, while others don’t have the ability to travel and therefore choosing a local training or online option best suits their needs.
 

3. Your Budget

Not surprisingly, the cost of meditation teacher trainings varies considerably from training to training. This is based on the location, the teachers, and the format. Many great options from our list below have lower price tags and/or scholarship or payment plans available.
 

4. Your Desired Focus

Meditation teacher training is not a one-size-fits-all. Each training on our list offers a different focus, from meditation rooted in Buddhist principles, to a greater focus on mental health or spirituality. Consider which aspect of meditation most speaks to you, and pursue a training that fits your desired focus.
 

5. Your End Goal

What do you want out of attending a meditation teacher training? Many people take certifications to deepen their own practice, while others use them for a career change. Many others are seeking a way to enrich their current career or teaching offerings.

Some of the trainings on our list offer ongoing support post-graduation, business of meditation courses, mentorship programs and more. Peruse each training below to get a feel for which has the offerings that most align with your end goal.

Now that you know what to look for, below are our top five best online meditation teacher training programs in 2024.

Find Your Perfect Meditation Match! Here Are 5 Meditation Styles Based On Your Needs
 
 

5 Best Online Meditation Teacher Training Courses:

 

1. Meditation University’s 200-hour Meditation Teacher Training Course (MTT-200)

meditation university update

Meditation University’s Meditation Teacher Training Program (in partnership with Meditation Magazine) brings together twelve of Meditation Magazine’s top teachers and authors (including our founder, Ashton August!) to create one of the world’s most comprehensive meditation teacher training courses.

The great power in the MTT-200 comes from “learning from specialists.” Think: trauma specialists, child meditation specialists, and breathwork specialists, all offering their expertise. Every teacher in the MTT-200 provides intimate insights into how they built their successful careers as meditation teachers, so you can do the same. This course also helps you develop your own practice and provides tools to become a successful full-time meditation teacher.

Fully Online: Yes, this course is fully online. There are pre-recorded videos and live Zoom sessions, but you don’t have to be in any specific location

Format: 12-Week Course (which includes the live sessions & mentorship), or the “DIY” track (access to videos & course materials, but no live/interactive/mentorship sessions)

Teacher(s): Kevin Ellerton, YouAligned founder Ashton August and YA Classes teacher Dr. Jenelle Kim, Prince Daniels Jr, Nhi Nhi Le, Thara Natalie, Brett Cotter, Isabelle Baker, Mark Van Buren, Forrest Neal, Dr. Mansi Vira and Ronn Pawo McLane

Meditation Technique(s): Breathwork (5 different types), Metta, Tibetan bowls, “Awakening”, Shikantaza, Mindfulness, Chakras, Body-scan, Zen koans, Standing and walking meditation, Karma yoga, meditation for kids, meditation for traumatized individuals and more

Accreditations: The Meditation Organization and International Mindfulness & Meditation Alliance

Length: 12 weeks

Additional Bonuses:

  • Comprehensive Meditation Teacher’s Manual with dozens of styles of meditations
  • MTT-200 graduates’ names are published in Meditation Magazine and can get coaching leads through listing
  • Direct access to publishing articles in Meditation Magazine
  • Graduates can use Meditation Magazine logo on their websites
  • Graduates can livestream meditations to Meditation Magazine’s 20k+ social followers
  • Graduates can “moderate” (and possibly attract clients) in Meditation Magazine’s Facebook group
  • Graduates get a one-on-one mentorship and career building session

Price: $3000 for the Full 12-Week program, or $1500 for the “DIY” Track. Scholarships and discounts are available Scholarships, financial aid, and payment plans are available!
 

2. The Path Meditation Teacher Training

The Path MTT Landscape

The Path’s Meditation Teacher Training is renowned for having interactive, discussion-based classes with expert teachers, small class sizes, weekly challenges to bring mindfulness into your daily life, and a focus on community.

Students can expect to learn to practice and guide a variety of meditation techniques, the neuroscience behind meditation, and Buddhist wisdom — in an accessible, understandable way so you can incorporate the learnings and learn to live with more joy, calm, and ease. Students have an abundance of opportunities to guide meditations (live and recorded) and receive feedback to confidently guide a range of mindfulness and compassion meditations.

The Path leads an internationally recognized meditation accreditation program. Graduates receive a Meditation Certification for Teaching Mindfulness and Compassion Meditation. The Path also offers a robust Business of Meditation course that’s the perfect bridge between certification and teaching.

Format: Fully online with live weekly classes & pre-recorded videos, readings, and other homework.

Teacher(s): Dina Kaplan, Leon Ford, Richie Davidson (neuroscience), and more. Also includes a section on trauma-informed mindfulness.

Meditation Techniques: Mindfulness of the Breath, Mindfulness of Body Sensations, Mindfulness of Sounds, Mindfulness of Thoughts and Emotions, Compassion Meditation, Walking Meditation, Noting, and more.

Length: 12 weeks

Price: $1,099 (partial scholarships and payment plans available)

 

 
 

3. Sounds True’s Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program

Sounds True Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification

This is the most expensive course on our list, coming in at $6,700. Sounds True’s Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certificate Program is a two-year course, with live training from big-name meditation teachers like Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield.

This course combines online videos with live Zoom trainings, teaching practices and Q&As. It also features video lessons from Eckhart Tolle, Dan Siegel, George Mumford, Zenju Earthlyn Manuel and Kristin Neff. It includes a “Cultural Sensitivity Training” so you can teach a wide variety of people from all demographics.

Format: Pre-Recorded Videos & Live Sessions

Fully Online: Yes, this course is fully online. There are pre-recorded videos and zoom sessions, but you don’t have to be in any specific location

Teacher(s): Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield (with “guest appearances” by Eckhart Tolle, Dan Siegel, George Mumford, Zenju Earthlyn Manuel, Kristin Neff, Van Jones and several other guest teachers

Meditation Technique(s): Mindfulness

Accreditations: International Mindfulness Teachers Association

Length: 2 years

Price: $6,700
 

4. The Chopra Center’s Meditation Instruction Certification

Chopra Meditation Program
Everyone has heard of Deepak Chopra… so getting an internationally recognized certification from Chopra Center’s Meditation Instruction Certification will certainly be deeply rewarding.

This comprehensive training focuses on the ancient Vedic meditation technique of Primordial Sound Meditation. Learn about the history of this unique mantra-based meditation tradition, yoga philosophy, and receive a toolkit of practices and personalized teaching strategies to support you as a teacher.

Format: Pre-recorded videos & live zoom sessions

Teacher(s): Deepak Chopra, Devi Brown, Yogini Shambhavi Devi, Roger Gabriel, Pete Kirchmer, Teresa Long, Manjula Nadarajah and Pandit Vamadeva Shastri

Meditation Technique(s): Primordial Sound Meditation

Length: 16 weeks

Additional Bonuses:

  • 16 interactive online sessions
  • Your own Primordial Sound Mantra
  • Weekly live Q&A webinars, private facebook group, practice sessions, and interactive group discussions
  • Meditation Teacher’s Manual, teacher tools, marketing and teaching templates and other resources
  • Monthly online group meditations

Price: $3,995

Why Deepak Chopra Is Practicing Two Hours of Yoga Every Day
 

5. The Mindfulness Center’s SOMA Meditation Teacher Training

Mindfulness Center SOMA Meditation Teacher Training 2
The Mindfulness Center’s “SOMA” Meditation Teacher Training is deeply rooted in science. In fact the name SOMA stands for “Science Of Mindful Awareness.”

The course is led by Dr. Deborah Norris, a prolific neurobehavioral scientist who is also the founder of The Mindfulness Center, author of , Editor-in-Chief of MindBodyJournal.com, and Psychologist-in-Residence and Director of the Psychobiology of Healing Program at American University.

As it is run by a scientist, it’s not surprising that this course focuses on evidence-based practices and the effects that different meditation techniques have on the brain.

Dr. Norris’s steadfast focus on the science underlying mindfulness is the virtue that earns this course a spot on our top five list of the best meditation teacher training programs.

Format: Pre-recorded videos and live monthly discussions

Teacher(s): Dr. Deborah Norris, with faculty Jessie Taylor and Aurora Hutchinson

Meditation Technique(s): Covers a variety of well-studied meditations, specifically self-awareness and compassion-based mindfulness techniques

Accreditations: International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)

Length: 160 hours

Price: $1,700
 

BONUS: Sacred Breath Academy’s Breathwork Facilitator Training

Sacred Breath Academy Breathwork Facilitator Training
The Sacred Breath Academy’s Breathwork Facilitator Training may be the most comprehensive online breathwork facilitator training we have found online. If you want to specialize in breathwork, and have less interest in teaching more traditional forms of meditation, this is a nice bridge.

It includes 350 hours of self-paced work (using their online platform), plus 50 hours of “intensive” work, either in person or online.

While this article is mainly focused on online-only meditation teacher trainings, this course does have an in-person component (but if you need to, you can take the intensive part online.)

The Sacred Breath Academy highly recommends joining the in-person component, though, in the US, Mexico, Greece or Bali (sounds like fun if you can make it work)! Travel, food and lodging are not included in the tuition, so budget accordingly.

Format: 350 hours of self-guided online modules and 50 hours intensive (either in-person or online)

Teacher(s): Kaya Leigh

Meditation Technique(s): Breathwork

Length: 400 hours

Price: $4,444
 
 

Becoming a Meditation Teacher Is More Than a Certificate

In our internet age, online meditation teacher training has become the new normal. Meditation and yoga teacher trainings are offered in abundance, and while it’s great to have variety, not all meditation teacher training programs are created equally.

If you want to become a meditation teacher, it’s important to make an educated decision on which certification program is best for you, and for your future students and career as a teacher.

Some online MTTs provide only one or two hours of instruction, and viola – you’re a certified meditation teacher!

While this can sound nice if all you want is a piece of paper that says you’re “certified,” it does not do much to build your knowledge, wisdom, practice, presence, confidence, impact, professional network or career.

If you’re really serious about becoming a meditation teacher, it’s important to pursue a training program that will truly set you up for success. This filter is how we chose the meditation teacher trainings on this list.
 

Not all meditation teacher trainings are created equally.

 
The good news is that there are really powerful and transformative online meditation teacher training programs that can truly help you become a powerful, successful and impactful meditation teacher.
 
 

Which Is the Best Meditation Teacher Training for You? Final Takeaways

There you have it – the best options for online meditation teacher trainings. Which one calls to you?

Still not sure? Don’t hesitate to contact the trainings you’re interested in. We have found that most of these organizations are responsive and dedicated to helping you find your right MTT fit. Each teacher training listed here has an FAQ page, reviews and testimonials, and videos and curriculum samples to give you a better sense of what to expect.

This article did the heavy lifting for you in terms of research. Now you’ve narrowed down your search and our hope is that you come away with a great sense of clarity and inspiration in your meditation teacher training journey.

The world needs more meditation, and as teachers, you become the gatekeepers of this potent practice.

Whether you decide to take one of these meditation teacher trainings (or another!) to deepen your own meditation practice or to guide others in their journey, they are all incredible programs, led by phenomenal teachers and wisdom keepers, and you are sure to have a transformative experience.



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Preworkout Gingerbread Energy Balls – Kelly Jones Nutrition

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Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

I created this recipe when I was pregnant with my son and my love need for ginger hit an all-time high. I was nauseous until the day he arrived and creating these gave me a break from the ginger chews and ginger tea. Believe it or not, exercise also helped take my mind off of the nausea, so with my need for small bites of food all day, these delicious preworkout gingerbread energy balls were born. From there I’ve had everyone from professional and endurance athletes to active adults and kids enjoy them throughout the holiday season and beyond! They are also perfect to get your kids in the kitchen to help with a holiday recipe other than cookies.

Fueling with Preworkout Gingerbread Energy Balls

The balanced moisture and bold flavor in my gingerbread muffins are great for breakfast or if you have 60-minutes before a workout, but these preworkout gingerbread energy balls are a bit better on the go. You can store them in your car in cooler weather, pack them to take to work or in your kid’s school bento lunchbox. Plus, they freeze and thaw well, so a double batch is a must to reduce prep time next week once you’ve run out.

If you’re the type to exercise at the crack of dawn these are perfect as you’re running out the door, too. They also fit the bill during endurance events. I had an ultra-endurance client eat them (among other things) during a trail race last year and while it was a great energy boost that satisfied hunger on the course, the spices were also great for his GI tract, since he’s one of the many endurance athletes who experience some exercise induced GI distress.

Lately, I’m grabbing 2 before my 8 AM lifts to ensure I have the energy I need without feeling overly full during the workout or overly hungry by the time I am back for a full breakfast!

healthy gingerbread energy bites

An Easy 15-Minute Snack

What most of you will love about this recipe, is it really tastes like a treat, but is filled with nourishing ingredients and can be made in minutes. After dumping ingredients into a food processor and pulsing for under a minute, they’re ready to be rolled into balls or pressed into bars.

I just scoop a bit more than a tablespoon of the mixture right out of the food processor at a time and put them directly into a storage container where they’ll hang out in the fridge til we pack them with our work lunches or snack on them pre-workout. You can also use a small cookie scoop for a more uniform size and to save a little time.

Gingerbread Energy Ball Variations

preworkout gingerbread energy balls

These gingerbread energy balls are vegan and gluten-free so that everyone can enjoy them! Tree nut allergies in your household? If that is the case, you can replace the almond flour with more oat bran and add a tbsp of sunflower seed butter.

No oat bran? Quick cook oats will work, too!

Looking for more festive snack ideas? Check out these holiday recipes that work to fuel your body and mind before or after a workout!

gingerbread energy balls

Gingerbread Energy Balls

These gingerbread energy balls give you the taste and nutrient density your body craves along with the energy it needs to power through the holidays!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Course Snack

Cuisine American

  • ½ Cup oat bran
  • ½ Cup almond meal
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/8⅛ heaping tsp ground clove
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 ⅓ cups pitted medjool dates packed
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Add all ingredients except dates and vanilla to a food processor and pulse until you have a fine flour.

  • Add dates and vanilla and pulse until the texture is that of wet sand.

  • Scoop roughly one tablespoon at a time and roll into a ball in your hands.

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Keyword gingerbread energy balls, holiday recipes, pre-workout snacks

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Overcoming Key Diversity Gaps Within the Healthcare Continuum

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Disparities in diversity and inclusion continue to permeate every aspect of healthcare. Despite guidance from the FDA, a significant portion of the population remains underrepresented within the healthcare continuum.

In the U.S., stark statistics reveal the extent of these imbalances. Only about 36% of active physicians are female, with even fewer identifying as non-White. While Black and Hispanic Americans comprise a considerable portion of the population, their representation among healthcare practitioners is disproportionately low. Moreover, clinical trials—the cornerstone of medical advancement—suffer from a glaring lack of diversity, with minority groups significantly underrepresented. Although this data is less available for other countries, the same trends are noticeable. Improving diversity remains one of the most pressing global imperatives throughout the industry.

As these disparities have real implications for health outcomes, healthcare leaders need to take proactive steps to foster diversity and inclusivity throughout every facet of drug development and care delivery. Here, we look at a few of the top diversity challenges facing healthcare leaders today, and steps they can take to start closing these gaps.

Lack of diversity among clinical trial participants

A research study from Johns Hopkins on clinical trials over a 27-year period found that only 40% included data on patient race or ethnicity and of that, 94% of participants were White.

Inadequate representation in clinical trials hampers our understanding of how different populations respond to medical interventions. It’s critical to take steps to remove bias from the trial design process and make trials more accessible to diverse patients. To do so, we need to address the ABCD Diversity Factors, which include lack of awareness of clinical trial opportunities, the burden of participating in trials, lack of confidence in the pharmaceutical industry, and processes that unknowingly disqualify diverse participants from participating.

Healthcare organizations must remain agile in their approach, adapting outreach and tailoring strategies to meet the diverse needs of constituents. By identifying the ideal target patient pool and locations (based on geography or sociodemographic characteristics), we can pinpoint shared common ground of diverse patients and potential risk factors that might increase drop-out rates, such as lack of awareness, too high of a trial burden, or lack of confidence.

Lack of understanding around SDOH

While clinical care impacts 20% of health outcomes, social determinants of health (SDOH) affect as much as 50%. SDOH are the conditions where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that contribute to health risks and outcomes.

Factors such as socioeconomic status, education, nutrition, environmental factors, access to transportation, and proximity to care facilities all profoundly influence a person’s health. Failure to understand and address SDOH perpetuates disparities in health outcomes, clinical trial recruitment and engagement, and treatment access, particularly among marginalized communities.

By analyzing socioeconomic factors, geographical disparities, and access to healthcare services, organizations can develop targeted interventions to mitigate these disparities and improve health outcomes for all individuals. In the U.S., organizations can also get involved in the Department of Health & Human Services’ Healthy People 2030 initiative, which is spreading awareness around the impact that SDOH have on healthcare, and helping communities and healthcare leaders take steps to improve these factors.

Lack of diverse thought leadership 

Homogeneity in perspectives and experiences among healthcare leaders and decision-makers stifles innovation, limits critical analysis, and perpetuates unconscious biases. Embracing diversity of thought is essential for fostering creativity, empathy, and inclusive decision-making processes within healthcare.

Part of this involves acknowledging the lack of diversity among practitioners and within healthcare leadership. The healthcare workforce remains disproportionately homogeneous, with limited representation of racial and ethnic minorities, women, and other marginalized groups. This lack of diversity undermines cultural competency, patient-provider trust, and the ability to understand and address diverse patient needs effectively. One study reports that if there were more Black doctors, the gap in cardiovascular mortality and life expectancy between racial groups would be substantially less.

Promoting diversity and inclusion within healthcare organizations requires efforts across multiple fronts. For example, recruiting more diverse medical students can help transform practitioner demographics and foster a more representative workforce, which in turn fosters diversity of thought. Furthermore, implementing cultural competency training across the organization ensures effective communication and collaboration among healthcare providers and patients from diverse backgrounds.

Lack of data-driven diversity insights

There are a lot of misconceptions around patient willingness and accessibility, true disease burden, and the financial implications and value of improving diversity gaps. Much of this can be tracked to a clear lack of data analysis related to diversity.

Leaders need a framework to identify, understand, effectively address diversity gaps, and measure improvement across the continuum of care. A data-driven approach can provide valuable insights into demographic trends, disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, and the underlying factors contributing to these discrepancies.

Advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI can identify patterns, trends, and correlations within vast datasets faster than any human can. AI-driven algorithms can also remove biases in trial design, automate patient matching processes for trial participants, and optimize trial recruitment strategies to ensure inclusion of diverse patient populations.

Moreover, data-driven strategies extend beyond clinical research to workforce diversity and inclusion efforts. By analyzing demographic data and workforce metrics, organizations can identify areas for improvement, develop targeted recruitment strategies to increase diversity among healthcare practitioners (and therefore increase diversity of thought), and implement the right types of cultural competency training.

Improving representation through comprehensive strategies

Addressing diversity gaps within healthcare is essential for ensuring equitable treatment and accurate outcomes measurement for all individuals.

Beyond the need for data and technology, stakeholder engagement and regulatory frameworks are also crucial for promoting diversity and inclusion. Actions like collaborating with patient advocacy groups and community leaders helps healthcare organizations develop effective, patient-centric approaches that address the unique needs of diverse populations. Likewise, government guidance and legal mandates reinforce the importance of diversity efforts, foster an environment for progress, and build consensus across all levels of the healthcare ecosystem.

To effectively bridge these gaps, a comprehensive approach is necessary, integrating data-driven strategies, technological advancements, policy changes, and stakeholder commitment to foster a more inclusive and equitable healthcare ecosystem.

Photo credit: Andrii Shyp, Getty Images

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New Mobility Newsletter – Apr. 2, 2024

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NYDJ Launches Women’s Adaptive Jeans on QVC

Women’s denim brand NYDJ, known for slimming jeans designed for a range of body types, is the latest mainstream brand to enter the adaptive marketplace. The Marilyn Straight Adapt-Denim Wheelchair Fit jeans include a higher back rise with a lower front rise, an adjustable elastic waist, flat seams, a zip fly with snap closure, faux front pockets, and no pockets in the rear.

Curaprox Samba Robotic Toothbrush

Designed for people with disabilities, the Samba toothbrush will clean your teeth with no hand movement required, according to the manufacturer. We asked Mike Franz to put the $299 robot in his mouth and see if it cleaned any better or easier than his regular toothbrush. The verdict? Read the review to find out.

Nathalie McGloin: A Driving Force for Inclusion in Motorsports

England’s Nathalie McGloin became the first woman with quadriplegia to win a professional auto race. “My disability doesn’t matter because I’m on the racetrack with nondisabled drivers, and we are all doing the same thing at the same time,” she says. See how McGloin races her Porsche 987 Cayman S and how she’s making it easier for others with disabilities to hit the track.

Toyota Mobility Foundation Launches Innovation Hub for Accessibility Startups

The Toyota Mobility Foundation made headlines a few years ago when it ran a challenge for mobility product companies with a $1 million top prize. Their current endeavor to foster accessibility-product startups may not offer the same eye-popping cash award, but it could have an even greater impact. The aim is to help companies make the difficult jump from promising prototype to sustainable business.

How to Fund an Expensive Adaptive Vehicle

Being able to drive your own vehicle is a major key to independence for many wheelchair users. But how do you pay for a modified vehicle that can come with a $60K-100K price tag? We share how other wheelchair users have pieced together vehicle funding via voc rehab, tax-deductible crowdfunding, manufacturer rebates and accessibility grants. We also link to the best web resources and offer expert advice from United Spinal Association’s Resource Center.


Support New Mobility

Wait! Before you wander off to other parts of the internet, please consider supporting New Mobility. For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. But none of this is cheap, easy or profitable. Your support helps us give wheelchair users the resources to build a fulfilling life.

donate today



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Leveraging Cloud Native Technologies in the Broadcast Industry

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In recent years, the broadcast sector has witnessed a radical shift driven by digital technological advancements. As patterns of media consumption evolve, broadcasters are progressively adopting Cloud Native technologies to enhance their media supply chain efficiency. Nonetheless, the integration of Cloud Native solutions, such as Kubernetes, into broadcasting infrastructures encounters obstacles due to a lack of development catering to the specialized needs of real-time media workflows. This discussion aims to elucidate the challenges broadcasters face in adopting Cloud Native technologies and to explore viable solutions.

The Promise and Challenges of Cloud Native Technologies

Cloud Native technologies present a significant opportunity for broadcasters to refine their media workflows, augment scalability, and increase agility. Kubernetes, notably, stands out as a premier container orchestration platform, offering a scalable and robust framework for the deployment, management, and scaling of applications.

Despite its benefits, the integration of Kubernetes within the broadcast industry faces impediments. Conventional solutions, such as service meshes and load balancers, which were predominantly designed for web traffic (TCP & HTTP), do not fulfill the specific requirements of media workflows. Media workflows demand specialized solutions adept at managing high-throughput, low-latency media streams (UDP & RTP), something beyond the capabilities of typical solutions, while simultaneously ensuring reliability and service quality.

Chart with connectivity options

Addressing the Gap

To bridge the existing gap between Cloud Native technologies and the requirements of real-time media, urgent collaboration and the development of open-source solutions tailored to media workflows are essential. Collaborative efforts among broadcasters, technology providers, and open-source communities can spearhead innovation and expedite the development of Kubernetes-based solutions tailored for the broadcast industry.

A strategic approach to narrowing this divide is the creation of specialized service meshes specifically engineered for real-time media workflows. These innovative solutions could integrate features such as low-latency UDP, Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization, and zero memory copy, ensuring the high-performance handling of media streams. Utilizing the flexibility and scalability of Kubernetes, broadcasters can establish resilient and efficient media supply chains that respond effectively to fluctuating workload demands.

Moreover, open-source initiatives are pivotal in fostering innovation and standardization within the broadcasting sector. By actively contributing to and collaborating on open-source projects, broadcasters can shape the development of Cloud Native technologies to more closely match their operational requirements. Prominent open-source projects like Open Broadcast Stack (OBS) and FFMPEG are aimed at providing an extensive array of tools and frameworks designed specifically for broadcast needs. Enhancing this toolset through contributions of libraries and toolsets could facilitate the broader adoption of Cloud Native technologies in existing industry applications.

Another challenge to navigate is the orchestration of workflows and business processes. Ross Video Catena emerges as a robust platform engineered to optimize the communication and orchestration of media applications within Kubernetes ecosystems. Employing Catena’s capabilities can significantly advance the standardization of communication and business logic orchestration for media applications leveraging Kubernetes.

Your trusted technology partner

Cloud Native technologies offer immense promise for revolutionizing the broadcast industry, delivering scalability, agility, and efficiency in media workflows. Nevertheless, the seamless integration of Kubernetes and other Cloud Native solutions into broadcasting infrastructures necessitates specialized development to meet the distinct challenges of media workflows. Through concerted collaboration and the embracement of open-source initiatives, broadcasters can lead innovation and hasten the development of Kubernetes-based solutions designed to meet their specific needs. Collective endeavors can unlock the full potential of Cloud Native technologies, heralding a new epoch in digital media distribution.

You can see how Cisco is helping with this transition by checking out Media Streaming Mesh or visiting our NAB Booth #W2743 in the West Hall.

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5 Tips for Maximizing Health Benefits

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Employee engagement is pivotal in unlocking the full potential of health benefits programs within organizations. When employees actively engage in their health benefits, they are more likely to utilize them effectively, improving overall well-being and productivity. Engaged employees are motivated to take advantage of the benefits and advocate for healthy lifestyles. By emphasizing the significance of employee engagement in health benefits programs, organizations can create a culture of wellness and foster a more positive and productive work environment. Discover effective strategies to enhance employee engagement and maximize the potential of your health benefits program.

5 Unique Jalapeno Peppers Nutrition facts and Health Benefits

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Selection and Storage

Fresh green and ripe jalapeno peppers are readily available in US markets throughout the year. During the winter months, they are imported from Central American countries, especially from Mexico. Organic pods may be found in local farmers’ markets.

When purchasing, choose fresh, green, firm peppers that are uniform in size, featuring smooth, shiny skin and blunt ends. It is acceptable for jalapenos to have white markings on the shoulder ends. Avoid purchasing dry, wilted pods, as well as those with cracks, cuts, or surface bruising.

For storage at home, place the peppers in a vegetable compartment inside the refrigerator set at high relative humidity. They will keep well for up to a week. Pickled jalapenos can be stored for several months when kept in the fridge.

Preparation and Serving methods

To prepare jalapenos, begin by washing them in cold water and patting them dry with a soft absorbent towel. It is advisable to wear gloves when handling hot chili peppers. Remove the stems, then chop or slice them according to your preference. To reduce their heat, discard the seeds and central white placenta if desired. Grilling them under mild heat not only reduces their spiciness but also adds a smoky flavor.

Jalapenos have become popular in US households due to their versatility in various cuisines, such as Tex-Mex cuisine (Texas-Mexican cuisine). Raw green, grilled, smoked, or pickled jalapenos are used in a wide range of Latin American, Spanish, Caribbean, and Asian dishes.

Here are some serving tips:

pizza with baby corn, black olives, jalapenos topping
Pizza with jalapeno peppers, baby corn, and black olives topping.
  • Jalapenos can be used as a substitute for bell peppers in the preparation of ratatouille, a traditional Occitanian recipe.

  • Raw green jalapeno peppers can be added along with tomatoes and white onion to make fresh Pico de gallo.

  • You can experiment with other fruits and vegetables to create salsa, guacamole, chutney, and salads.

  • Split jalapenos halfway lengthwise, remove the seeds, and stuff them with sausage, cheese, etc., to prepare stuffed jalapenos, also known as jalapeno poppers.

  • Mexican and Tex-Mex American cuisine prominently features smoke-dried jalapenos, known as chipotle.

  • Add jalapeno rings as toppings on pizzas.

  • Pickled jalapenos are commonly eaten with sandwiches, tortillas, burgers, and more.

  • Jalapeno peppers are a staple ingredient in mouthwatering Tex-Mex cuisine, including nachos, chili con queso, fajitas, and more.

  • They also contribute distinctive flavor and spiciness to vegetable stews, poultry, meat, and seafood dishes.

Safety Profile

Similar to other hot chili peppers, jalapenos also contain an active component called capsaicin, which imparts a strong spicy, pungent character. Even consuming a small amount may lead to severe irritation and a burning sensation in the mouth, tongue, and throat.

  • When capsaicin in jalapeno peppers comes into contact with the mucosa of the oral cavity, throat, and stomach, it initially triggers inflammation and may soon cause a severe burning sensation, perceived as ‘hot,’ through free nerve endings embedded in the mucosa. Consuming cold yogurt dilutes the concentration of capsaicin, prevents its contact with the stomach walls, and may help alleviate the burning pain.

  • Avoid touching your eyes with fingers contaminated with chili pepper. If accidental contact occurs, thoroughly rinse your eyes with cold water to reduce irritation.

  • Similar to other chilies, jalapeno peppers may exacerbate existing gastritis, stomach ulcers, and gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) conditions.

  • Extended consumption of old, spoiled chilies poses the risk of exposure to certain chemical compounds such as aflatoxin (fungal mold), which are known to cause stomach, liver, and colon cancers. (Medical disclaimer).

Also read ≻≻

≻≻ Poblano peppers nutrition facts.

≻≻ Bell pepper nutrition facts.

≻≻-Back to Spices from Jalapeno-peppers. Visit here for an impressive list of healthy spices with complete illustrations of their nutrition facts and health benefits.

≻≻-Back to Home page.

Further reading:

  1. USDA National Nutrient Database. (opens in new window)

  2. Agri Life Extension-Texas A&M System. (Opens in new window)



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