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Covid-19 Live updates: Johnson & Johnson tests one-shot vaccine

Johnson & Johnson plans to enroll 60,000 participants in its Phase 3 trials. Dr. Anthony Fauci and other top U.S. health officials are scheduled to testify before a Senate panel today.

— NYT: Top Stories

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Business

AM Best affirms credit ratings of American International Group, Inc. and most subsidiaries; downgrades Issuer Credit Ratings of life/health subsidiaries

OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “bbb” of American International Group, Inc. (AIG) (headquartered in New York, NY) [NYSE: AIG]. AM Best also has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICRs of “a” of its property/casualty insurance subsidiaries (collectively referred to as AIG PC). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. Concurrently, AM Best has downgraded the Long-Term ICR to “a” from “a+” and affirmed the FSR of A (Excellent) for the members of the AIG Life & Retirement Group (AIG L&R). The outlook of the Long-Term ICR has been revised to stable from negative, while the outlook of the FSR is stable. (Please see below for a detailed listing of the companies and ratings.)

AIG’s ratings reflect its consolidated risk-adjusted capitalization at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), which is an improvement from the very strong level seen in the 2019 review period. Additionally, consolidated risk-adjusted capital is likely to improve now that the Fortitude Reinsurance Company Ltd. (Fortitude RE) transaction has closed. While the closing of Fortitude RE brought with it significant write-downs during 2020, these write-downs did not impact the general insurance or life and retirement statutory entities, and cash flow is still expected to be positive. Overall, AM Best views this transaction as positive for AIG as it sheds longer-tail risk liabilities, along with potentially riskier, longer-duration assets paired with those reserves. Access to the capital markets and significant liquidity at the holding company level also aids the balance sheet. An offsetting factor in the balance sheet strength assessment is the increase in financial leverage and a lower interest coverage ratio expected for 2020.

AIG’s historical operating performance has been hampered by significant losses in general insurance, but the company has made strides in refining its risk profile and AM Best expects further improvement. AIG’s business profile is global, with a distinctly diverse set of property/casualty and life and annuity products, a broad distribution network and significant market share on many of its lines of business.

The ratings of AIG PC reflect the group’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as very strong, as well as its marginal operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

AIG PC’s risk-adjusted capital position improved in 2019, reflective of a material reduction in net loss reserves as the group continues to pay down claims for older accident years. The group’s balance sheet strength continues to benefit from reinsurance support from highly rated companies. Offsetting these positive factors is the continued reduction in surplus levels that have decreased in each of the past five years, as well as the group’s high gross underwriting leverage, which has risen in recent years as a result of increased use of reinsurance to curb volatility and increase underwriting profitability.

AM Best views AIG PC’s operating performance as marginal. The group has been materially impacted over the last five years by underwriting losses and a reduction in investment income, leading to a five-year operating ratio of 102.1 that continues to lag the commercial casualty composite performance over the same time period by a considerable margin. However, AM Best notes that the group’s operating performance has demonstrated a steadily improving trend for the past three calendar years, attributable to numerous underwriting and risk management initiatives, as well as positive pricing momentum in most key business lines. The potential for further improvement in the near term is reduced by uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which could dampen growth opportunities, increase underwriting losses and creates the possibility of investment impairments.

The ratings of AIG L&R ratings reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as adequate, as well as its strong operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate ERM.

The Long-Term ICR downgrade reflects a revision in AM Best’s assessment of the AIG L&R’s operating performance to strong from very strong. AM Best believes the group’s more-recent returns, and prospective returns, will be more in line with its strong rated peers, driven by intense competition within the annuity segment and record low interest rates, both of which are likely to continue to drive spread income and fee income lower. In addition, the low interest rate environment is likely to negatively impact the top and bottom lines within the individual and group annuity segments.

AIG L&R’s balance sheet assessment remains stable at adequate, and its year-over-year risk-adjusted capital position remains virtually unchanged at year-end 2019. The risk-adjusted capital position benefits from the large modified coinsurance agreement with Fortitude RE, which reduces much of the risk from the longer-term structured settlements book of business. AIG L&R has had a high dividend payout ratio back to the parent due in large part to a series of de-risking practices, which has lowered the need for additional capital, but overall capital and surplus growth has been limited. Going forward, the parent holding company may become less reliant on AIG L&R dividends due its recent sale of Fortitude RE, increased liquidity and improving performance within its general insurance segment. AIG L&R’s ratings also reflect its favorable business profile with a diverse set of product offerings and national reach with its robust distribution network.

The FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICRs of “a” have been affirmed with stable outlooks for the following subsidiaries of AIG, which are collectively referred to as the AIG Property Casualty Insurance Group:

  • National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA
  • American Home Assurance Company
  • Lexington Insurance Company
  • Commerce and Industry Insurance Company
  • AIG Property Casualty Company
  • The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania
  • New Hampshire Insurance Company
  • Illinois National Insurance Company
  • AIG Specialty Insurance Company
  • AIU Insurance Company
  • AIG Assurance Company
  • AIG Insurance Company – Puerto Rico
  • AIG Insurance Company of Canada
  • AIG Insurance Hong Kong Limited
  • Granite State Insurance Company
  • Tudor Insurance Company
  • Stratford Insurance Company
  • Western World Insurance Company
  • Blackboard Specialty Insurance Company
  • Blackboard Insurance Company
  • American International Group UK Limited
  • American International Reinsurance Company, Ltd.
  • AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd.
  • Validus Reinsurance, Ltd.
  • Validus Reinsurance (Switzerland) Ltd.

The Long-Term ICRs have been downgraded to “a” from “a+” and the FSR of A (Excellent) affirmed, with the outlook of the Long-Term ICR revised to stable from negative and the FSR outlook maintained as stable, for the following operating subsidiaries of AIG, which are collectively referred to as the AIG Life & Retirement Group:

  • AGC Life Insurance Company
  • American General Life Insurance Company
  • United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York
  • The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media – Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2020 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

Gregory Dickerson
Associate Director—P/C
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5161
gregory.dickerson@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Manager, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Erik Miller
Associate Director—L/H
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5187
erik.miller@ambest.com

Jim Peavy
Director, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com

Categories
Business

Merck Animal Health completes acquisition of worldwide rights to VECOXAN® brand of parasiticides for ruminant portfolio

Broadens Merck Animal Health’s Position with Enhanced Parasite Protection in Calves and Lambs

MADISON, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–$MRK #AnimalHealth–Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced the completion of its previously announced acquisition of the worldwide rights to VECOXAN® (diclazuril), an oral suspension for the prevention of coccidiosis in calves and lambs, from Elanco Animal Health.

VECOXAN is efficacious, in lambs, against the prevention of coccidiosis caused by Eimeria crandallis and Eimeria ovinoidalis, and in calves, against coccidiosis caused by Eimeria bovis and Eimeria zuernii. VECOXAN is available in Europe, South Africa, South Korea and Japan.

Parasite control and protection is an essential and significant part of ruminant overall health management and outcomes. “With advanced digital and diagnostic solutions to manage the welfare of animals as critical components of our technology, we are dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of animals and the people who take care of them,” said Rick DeLuca, president, Merck Animal Health. “This complementary product for youngstock will add to our existing portfolio of veterinary medicines, including parasiticides, vaccines and services, which provides a full range of complementary solutions for our customers, and underscores our commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®.”

Coccidiosis, a common cause of scours (diarrhea) in lambs and calves that is highly prevalent on cattle and sheep farms, is caused by protozoan parasites called Eimeria that multiply in the intestinal wall, transmitted from animal to animal by the fecal-oral route. Clinical signs include painful scours with or without blood, and decreased appetite and depression, which may progress to dehydration and weight loss. Coccidiosis primarily affects young animals; calves and lambs as young as three to four weeks of age may be affected.

Coccidiosis causes significant economic loss to farmers and producers due to reduced feed conversion, reduced growth rates, reduced performance or death, and by increased susceptibility to other infections, such as intestinal disease or Bovine Respiratory Disease.

About VECOXAN

VECOXAN is an anticoccidial of the benzeneacetonitrile group without antimicrobial activity and has anticoccidial activity against Eimeria species. The product can be used in calves and lambs, beef and dairy, of any weight, in any management system, without environmental restrictions. It has a zero-day meat withdrawal period.

About Merck Animal Health

For more than a century, Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter at @MerckAH.

Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA

This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of the recent global outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19); the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

Contacts

Merck

Media:

Hester de Voogd

+1 (201) 463-0407

Hester.de.voogd@merck.com

Pam Eisele

+1 (267) 305-3558

Pamela.Eisele@merck.com

Merck

Investors:

Michael DeCarbo

+ 1 (908) 740-1807

Michael.DeCarbo@merck.com

Categories
Local News

In response to C19, virtual gala honors P’ton leaders, ‘Open Space is Open’

During the height of the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic in Princeton, N.J., D&R Greenway hosted their

From L-R: John Rassweiler and Phyllis Marchand – virtual honorees at D&R Greenway spring gala 2020.

annual awards gala virtually, earlier this month.

The local land trust organization quickly responded to the COVID-19 global health crisis by emphasizing that its central New Jersey 21,000 acres of preserved “Open Space is Open” for public enjoyment.

Earlier this spring, the nonprofit, D&R Greenway land trust organization announced its transition of their traditional spring fundraiser from an in-person event to a “Virtual Gala” celebrating “Open Space is Open,” and honoring community leaders such as former Princeton Mayor Phyllis Marchand and Business Leader John Rassweiler.

“While it is not safe to gather together physically, we can gather electronically to celebrate two great pillars of the Princeton community who have contributed mightily to preserving land: former Princeton Mayor Phyllis Marchand and John Rassweiler, who served longer than anyone on the D&R Greenway Land Trust’s board,” said D&R Greenway President & CEO Linda Mead.

D&R Greenway held their “Virtual Gala” and a participatory after-party utilizing Princeton TV and Zoom to show pre-recorded videos featuring the land preservation accomplishments of Marchand and Rassweiler, and the co-winners of the Donald B. Jones Conservation Award.

Virtual party goers who supported the Gala connected with honorees via Zoom, while they acknowledged the event sponsors in the film credits.

In acknowledgment of her award, Marchand commented, “I care about D&R Greenway because I care about the legacy I will leave to my grandchildren and to all future generations…take care of each other, take care of our planet and enjoy ‘Land for Life!’”

St. Michael’s Preserves of D&R Greenway Land Trust.

The other virtual honoree and over two-decades member of D&R Greenway Rassweiler said that, “D&R Greenway is one of my lead charities because its objectives have been consistent and are ones I strongly support. Its organization and execution always have been at a high professional level.”

The event also honored the family and friends of the late Michael “Iron Mike” Snyder with a community service award and also built a new trail for him off Rosedale Road.

D&R Greenway’s “Our Open Space is Open” messages have gotten attention both locally and nationally as people today realize more than ever the benefits of preserved lands and how a daily dose of walking is to their good health and well-being.

Categories
Digital - AI & Apps

Software giant creates company culture by giving back

With a “people promise” to its employees and community, a prominent software company, in Tinton Falls, N.J., demonstrates it has a big heart.

Commvault Cares volunteers make sandwiches for the homeless at Asbury Park homeless shelter Wednesday.
— Provided photo

Commvault, New Jersey’s largest software company, reflects its “people promise” or, its corporate social responsibility (CSR), when it launched a volunteerism and charitable program called Commvault Cares in August three years ago.

Commvault Vice President and Chief Resources Officer Jesper Helt, said they initiated the social program because of “how we perceive our responsibility in the community where we are present…an organization that needs to give back and enrich the community that we are part of.”

Commvault Cares started in August 2017 with volunteers that have grown from about 850 volunteers last year, and is expected to exceed more than 1000 this year.

“We are early in August (now). We’ll get in above the goal we’ve set,” said Helt.

The company expects to surpass its past volunteering and charitable efforts for this year’s third annual Commvault Cares events.

From Aug. 1 through Aug. 27, the company’s calendar is full of events for Commvault Cares CSR within Monmouth County.

Commvault Cares events include the company’s collaboration with Ronald McDonald House, where volunteers cook for families in need; ice-cream social at Arbor Terrace; lunchbreak, where volunteers feed local community members; volunteers also organize costumes at Count Baise Theater; they help garden at Oasis Farms; beach cleanup at Sandy Hook National Park; they make sandwiches for the homeless at Asbury and Hoboken homeless shelters; among other community volunteering and charitable events.

“We do a diverse set of charities and volunteer activities that are done within and outside the office,” said Helt.

He also said that the company does similar activities throughout the year and globally, but Commvault Cares is specifically for August.

“We do many things throughout the year because it is meaningful and important to our company that we are engaged in that way,” said Helt.

He also said the company’s CSR is focused on “sustainability as it concerns the environment, children and health.”

Last year, Commvault Cares received the Horizon Hero Award for its volunteer work, he added.

Helt also said Commvault volunteers because it is entirely dependent on the talent that makes up the company, and that they are responsive to how employees feel when they are at work, and what it takes to make them productive and creative.

Volunteers from Commvault make meals for the needy at Ronald McDonald House in Monmouth County.
— Provided photo

He said that in order to attract and retain talent, the company has to care about the employees’ lifestyles that include work and leisure time.

“We as a company need to cater to your lifestyle…to represent many of the things that you care about as an employee. Part of that is giving back to the community, and getting involved in the community,” said Helt.

He said that Commvault wants to be a force for those in need and for the communities around them.

Commvault wants its employees to have the freedom to make an impact together in the local communities with their community partners during and after work hours, he said.

“It’s at the very core of how we as a company try to create a culture, an employee experience that is attractive and meaningful,” explains Helt.

The volunteers are from among Commvault’s more than 2,500 employees.

Commvault is the largest of its kind in New Jersey, making an impact locally and globally.

This worldwide company delivers backup and recovery software for enterprises and large organizations that need to manage their data.

Click these links to learn more about Commvault’s history and products.

Follow @Michelle_Dryden on Twitter.

 

Categories
Local News

Fashion show models show off their new bodies

HAMILTON, N.J. — Physicians and staff at Robert Wood-Johnson University Hospital Barnabas Health (RWJBH) in Hamilton hosted their annual Bariatric Fashion Show last week at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, to showcase their patients’ weight loss success stories.

A bariatric surgery patient models her before and after looks following her surgery at RWJBH.
-Provided photo

There were about 20 patients who have undergone bariatric surgery as their ultimate weight loss resort, and now they have life-transforming results that are inspirational to anyone who has struggled with weight and health issues.

“I was completely paralyzed. I was in a wheelchair, and I am a previous stroke victim,” said Tanza Baker, one of the surgery-patients-turned-model.

Baker who was a size 34 has lost 195 pounds. Two other patients have lost 140 and 197 pounds each. In total, the fashion show participants have lost more than 2,000 pounds, said Joe Hannan, communication specialist at RWJBH.

“Bariatric surgery is a weight loss option for people who have tried more traditional methods of losing weight and haven’t had success,” says Hannan.

There are several common types of bariatric surgeries that change the anatomy of the stomach and/or intestine. The effects of this include curbing the appetite and sometimes altering the metabolic processes. This results in gradual weight loss.

“It took about a year and a half for me to lose 195 pounds,” said Baker. “Now that I have lost the weight my medical issues have improved 1000 times.”

She said among her weight-related health issues, her cholesterol levels, her asthma, and the cortisone shots in her knees have all gotten better now.

Baker’s life has changed dramatically.

She said she that for about a year now she has been an Ashley Stewart plus-size model at a size 14. She is also a gospel radio show host on WBJL 103.9 FM for about seven months now. And, she is looking forward to having her story published by Bloomberg Business Week. She now also has a better relationship with food, eating healthier by including more vegetables in her diet and drinking more water. She plans on doing more activities and also on maintaining her new weight.

Previously, she suffered from depression. She said her weight was dragging her down. Even though she still struggles with balance and partial paralysis of the face, she said she is much happier and wants to be an encouragement to others with similar issues.

So she tell others to, “realize your situation if you’re struggling with your weight. Go for the surgery. Don’t be afraid. Go for being healthier. Without your health you don’t have anything at all,” she said.

Baker said she wants to see people happy, and has already encouraged five persons to have the surgery.

Hannan said there are risks associated with surgeries in general and also with this one, but by electing to undergo bariatric surgery, physicians and patients determine that the greater risk is to allow obesity to continue unchecked.

To maintain their weight losses, physicians and dieticians prescribe each patient a unique diet that they have created. The most critical part of the nutrition plan is portion control and staying well hydrated, said Hannan.

For those considering bariatric surgery, it is covered by many health insurance plans, and the out-of-pocket cost varies by insurance company.

Categories
Local News

Detox facility to open at Catholic Charities in City

TRENTON, N.J. — Citing a great need for another detox facility in Trenton, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, decided to start a program by the end of this year.

Interior of detox building at Catholic Charities, 10 Southard St., Trenton.
– Provided photo

Lisa Thibault, communications manager at the Trenton nonprofit, recently quoted a news source that in 2015 there were nearly 128, 000 heroin addicts in New Jersey, and so the urgency for the program is necessary.

“The actual need is greater than the available programs,” she said.

In response to the epidemic of opioids abusers and other drugs users, Catholic Charities is opening the new ambulatory detox program that complements other resources for addiction and mental health recovery treatments at 10 Southard St. and North Clinton Avenue, Building 4, in Trenton.

“The addition of this new program, offering safe and cost-effective treatment for individuals seeking recovery from opioid and other substance dependence is much needed,” said Marlene Lao-Collins, executive director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton.

“In this area, there is a great unmet need for treatment, particularly opioids addiction,” Thibault emphasized.

She said Catholic Charities anticipates scaling up to meet the needs of the community.

The ambulatory detox program is the final component of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC).

Launched July 1, this is a federally sponsored initiative that integrates behavioral health services, substance abuse treatment, and primary care at Catholic Charities’ Trenton campus.

According to Susan Loughery, director of operations at Catholic Charities, the initiative has already produced measurable improvements in treatment outcomes.

“In just four months, consumers receiving care through CCBHC have seen an overall reduction in the need for hospitalization and improved access to integrated services,” she said.

Catholic Charities at 10 Southard St. will be home to new detox facility in Trenton.
– Provided photo

The new detox program intends to fill the gap in the current array of addiction recovery services, said Thibault.

She said they believe there is much interest in this community-based and outpatient program, and patients will come in for treatment and then go home.

Thibault said Catholic Charities of Trenton is one of only seven community providers selected to participate in CCBHC.

They offer other programs that include:
• Comprehensive mental health services
• Addiction services
• Care coordination and navigation for primary medical services
• Services for children, and
• Comprehensive services for veterans

Catholic Charities plans to have a semi-private open house Nov. 28 from noon to 3 p.m. at the detox facility.

For more information about services or the detox program, call Catholic Charities access center number at (800) – 360- 7711.

Categories
Local News

Council discusses future of Princeton health care

-Photo by Michelle Dryden George DiFerdinando, M.D., Chair on Princeton Future and member of Princeton Board of Health presents chart on aspect of healthcare.
-Photo by Michelle Dryden
George DiFerdinando, M.D., Chair on Princeton Future and member of Princeton Board of Health presents chart on aspect of healthcare.

The Council on Princeton Future held its regular fall meeting last week and discussed many matters regarding the future of healthcare locally and nationally. There were members of the local board of health, including George DiFerdinando, M.D, Heather Howard, Ph.D, and Rick Weiss. They spoke about the Affordable Healthcare Act, nutrition, and technology, among other topics, to a group of community individuals at the Princeton Public Library.

Princeton Future Healthcare Fall Meeting from Michelle Dryden on Vimeo.

Categories
Art & Life

Advocacy groups: Legalize it! Tons of benefits

Recently, a group of more than 50 physicians called Doctors for Cannabis Regulation (DFCR) announced their presence and their purpose, endorsing marijuana for adult recreational use and public health benefits.

DFCR offers a break from the American Medical Association (AMA) stance on medical marijuana. Even though the AMA is the largest membership of doctors in the country, the smaller group, DFCR, is making an argument that legalizing marijuana does more good than harm.

Photo by Mike Theiler/AFP Here, holding a sign in front of the White House on April 2, Charles Schatz of Bel Air, Md., joins dozens of demonstrators, demanding the use of marijuana for medical cases.
Photo by Mike Theiler/AFP
Here, holding a sign in front of the White House on April 2, Charles Schatz of Bel Air, Md., joins dozens of demonstrators, demanding the use of marijuana for medical cases.

According to Christopher Ingraham in the Washington Post article, the DFCR cites “hundreds of thousands of annual marijuana arrests, racial and economic disparities in marijuana enforcement, and the role of prohibition in keeping marijuana prices high and lucrative to violent drug dealers…”

Ingraham notes that the physicians believe that allowing the legalization of marijuana and regulating it is the best way to avoid criminalization from illicit drug trade, to ensure public safety, and to combat the negative consequences of strict enforcement polices in certain disadvantaged communities.

At the federal level, the Senate Appropriations Committee also recently passed an amendment allowing doctors at the Veterans Health Administration, (VA), to use marijuana or cannabis to treat certain illnesses such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in their patients.

The drug is known to be beneficial for a wide array of illnesses such as pain, mental health issues, eyesight, seizures, respiratory illnesses, and even certain immune disorders.

However, there are some who oppose the use of the drug because of its addictive nature.

‘”You don’t have to be pro-marijuana to be opposed to it’s prohibition,”‘ said the founder and board president of DFCR, David L. Nathan.

Nathan addressed the facts that nine percent of adults who use the drug become dependent on it and that heavy uses in adolescents can damage the development of their brains.

Nevertheless, according to researchers, this drug is known to be less harmful to individuals and society than other legal common drugs such as alcohol and tobacco.

Categories
Business

Shaklee rep raves about Vivix

Vivix is a powerful anti-aging tonic that was developed after years of research by Shaklee, a popular natural nutrition company in the United States.

Nicole Stone, an independent distributor and director of Shaklee Corporation, who started selling Shaklee products November 2012, said Vivix is one of the most popular Shaklee products.

“It helps people with all kinds of ailments like diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, skin problems, heart problems and many more,” said Stone.

Stone said that people feel rejuvenated after taking Vivix, which work on their body cells, as it fights against cellular aging. She said many individuals are getting rid of their prescription medicines.

“We have testimonials about the products,” said Stone.

Order Vivix today at Nicole’s website at www.beautybreakfast.myshaklee.com.

Vivix ad from Michelle Dryden on Vimeo.