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See previous 74 interviews: Sen. Cory Booker talks about the success of Newarks school reforms, civil rights activist Dr. Howard Fuller talks confronting Elizabeth Warren on charter schools, criminologist Nadine Connell talks about the data behind school shootings, former U.S. Department of Education secretary John King talks the Trump administration and more. The full archive is right here.

When you tell people youre going to conduct an exit interview with John White, Louisianas state superintendent of schools, reactions are swift. The longest-serving state education chief in the country, White has steered some of the most audacious education and school-improvement initiatives of the era, ranging from prodding teacher training programs to professionalize to creating a list of evidence-based curriculum and incentives for districts to use.

And, of course, guiding the grand experiment that has been rebuilding New Orleanss schools in the wake of Hurricane Katrina into a system of independent charter schools, first under the control of the state-run Recovery School District and now, in an unprecedented governance arrangement, by the elected Orleans Parish School Board.

In the process, White has acquired a public profile thats unusually high for an education policy wonk. And so it is perhaps inevitable that in the weeks since he announced he will step down this spring, the education community grapevine has lit up with speculation about his next act.

White recently sat down with The 74 to talk about his tenure, what he learned from being a classroom teacher and what challenges education advocates should be thinking about next. He did not quell any of the rumor-mongering about his own future except to note that he will continue to be involved in Propel America, the nonprofit he co-founded that works to bridge the gap to skilled, entry-level jobs for high school graduates. And he is a new dad.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

The 74: Your friend Paymon Rouhanifard, former superintendent in Camden, New Jersey, suggested I ask about your experience as a teacher. In his view, much of what youve done in the years since you taught in Jersey City was influenced by that experience.

White: I learned a lot about what it meant to be well educated. I have carried a sense with me from then about not just wanting kids to graduate and not just wanting them to do well on certain measures, but also wanting them to have a good education. One thing this job has allowed me to come back to is the essentials of being well educated and insisting there are non-negotiables that have to do with what that means.

One of those things is to have a base of knowledge, having read certain materials and had certain discussions and studied certain places and people. If you havent done those things in this society, its very hard to think critically or strategically because you simply arent playing with the raw material, the raw knowledge that well-educated people are playing with.

I struggled with that as a teacher. Ultimately, I arrived at a pretty good plan for my kids to bolster not just their conventional skills, but the knowledge of the world and of history that would allow them to be good readers and critical thinkers.

Whats a present-day example of an outgrowth of that belief?

Were one of four states thats operating an assessment pilot under the Every Student Succeeds Act, which is effectively a test that is purely based on curriculum and texts.

As an English teacher, I always ask myself, to what degree are my kids going to be able to step into a literature seminar at a university and be comfortable with and perform in that environment? The test that weve designed and are now implementing with more than 10,000 kids actually measures, Did you understand and can you make sense of the books that youve read? Not just, Can you adequately summarize this passage youve never seen before?

Thats a different level of understanding and a different level of education.

Other education leaders who have tried to make the kinds of big changes you led had much shorter tenures that often sparked political backlash. What enabled you to persist?

Ive worked for the state of Louisiana for nine years. Ive been in this role for eight years. Its a shame that we think of that as a long tenure. Students and school leaders deserve much greater continuity than they get.

I think we all can acknowledge that education has a particularly long tail in terms of impact. It takes time to see whats worked at the scale that were contemplating across 700,000 or 800,000 kids.

I always thought it would be better to be more invested for the long term to see things through to greater levels of fruition and to be able to evaluate whether the things youve done have worked while you were still in office.

In terms of why Ive been able to do it, the people who work around me in the organization have persisted too. And the team of board members and legislative leaders and superintendents and teachers, teacher leaders that have been in my orbit very regularly.

You have to have that team. Our ability to keep the team together allowed us to weather political vicissitudes and to confront strategic challenges over a longer period of time.

New Orleans schools returned to local control a year and a half ago. Is there still work to be done in easing the tension between autonomy and accountability? Im thinking of the ongoing grading scandal at Kennedy High School and other issues that seem to have bedeviled the Orleans Parish School Board.

Big urban school systems are messy. They have a history of underserving low-income kids of color and people with disabilities in every city in this country. Part of the problem is that theres not a light shined on their struggles, whether their struggles are manifestations of corruption or incompetence or just circumstance.

Look at New York City, where I was before. That is a massive bureaucracy that employs 120,000 people. For the media or the public to get a lens into the daily dysfunction of the bureaucracy is a very difficult thing. Theres a lot of forces working to make sure that the world doesnt know just how difficult educating kids is and how often people fail at that challenge.

In every other school system [than New Orleans], theres an incentive to make the world think that everything is OK. The legal watchdog on the system is also the system itself. Thats a contradiction.

In New Orleans, you have a situation where the watchdog is only a watchdog, and thats the school district office. So things like the grade-fixing at Kennedy High School, as one example, they come to light largely because there is a watchdog and the watchdogs job is to transparently lay those things out and deal with them and find ways of making sure they dont happen again.

We have a circumstance now in New Orleans where buses have not, in 13 school management organizations, been adequately reviewed. The school board isnt going to the media and denying it. Theyre addressing it. Theyre putting out statements and theyre sanctioning people who wont get on board.

The incentive structure is different. So when I see things happening like that, of course Im disappointed, but those things exist in every large school system in the country. Whats more shocking is that there are not more stories about it.

There are a number of places around the country where education policymakers are attempting to find a third way giving schools in traditional districts charterlike autonomy but not going as far as New Orleans. Texas, for instance, has created attractive incentives for districts to ask outside nonprofits to run schools.

There are a number of experiments going on around the country that are playing in the gray space between pure autonomy and pure regulation. Renaissance Schools in New Jersey. The empowerment zone concept thats at work in Springfield, Massachusetts, which I know [the nonprofit organization Empower Schools] is taking elsewhere, including Denver.

These are incredibly exciting innovations because in a way, more than collective bargaining, the one thing that is the most static in the system across 14,000 school districts is governance. That is the ultimate force right now for uniformity, for kind of a one-size-fits-all approach.

Of course, all those things come with risks. If youre claiming to be creating autonomies, but in fact the incentives political or otherwise are not those that people who are really autonomous truly possess, you could be risking creating a charade and a whole bunch of work that ultimately really doesnt manifest itself in anything particularly different for kids.

Autonomy is a word that needs to be scrutinized and understood for why its so powerful before you just go around granting it. Its not a thing that exists in shades of gray, in my experience: You either come to work feeling that your job is to fulfill the mandate that someone else has given you or that your job is to fulfill the challenges in front of you. An entrepreneur is a self-generating problem solver. An actor in a compliance-oriented system is simply absorbing passively what theyre told to do. Of course, in all of our jobs, there are variants of both of those things.

There is a risk in thinking that you can finely thread that needle. I have not seen a lot of experiments where people think, Well, well give them autonomy on this, but not on that and still have it result in really entrepreneurial behavior.

About your initiative to vet curricula and push schools to use high-quality materials, versus what we know plays out when teachers of varying talents take to, say, Pinterest in search of lessons how do you enable teachers, or, for that matter, their leaders, to be entrepreneurial in a way that promotes excellence?

Thats a question were wrestling with. Ironically, were sitting here in New Orleans, the school system where schools exercise the greatest flexibilities of any district in the country. Then [there are] the other 63 counties we call them parishes where we have done a lot to say curriculum is a non-negotiable. Your curriculum shall have certain features, and the publishers that live up to that standard will be active here, and the ones that dont will not.

That would seem to be the antithesis of autonomy. But I would say two things. First, there are conditions within which autonomy flourishes and conditions within which that does not. Autonomy flourishes in the presence of coherence.

We in the education establishment in America have treated [curriculum] as ancillary, as if its like its the drapes on your walls and windows rather than a fundamental piece of the framework of your home. In every other functional education system in the world, it is thought of as a foundational piece.

Theres nothing hurtful to autonomy about there being standards, about there being clear assessments that measure those standards and about there being a curriculum that embodies the standards. That encourages autonomy because it creates a road map for teachers. They know that if they roughly follow that map, then theyre going to get, in a linear way, to the goal. Its a trust environment.

We in the education establishment in America have treated [curriculum] as ancillary, as if its like its the drapes on your walls and windows rather than a fundamental piece of the framework of your home. In every other functional education system in the world, it is thought of as a foundational piece.

Secondly, your principal has to be in a position to translate the academic program into a system of learning for teachers. I dont care how good your curriculum is, I dont care how autonomous your school if your principal cant take the academic program and translate it into a daily means of teachers reflecting on outcomes, learning the curriculum and making plans for future implementation, that wont be a good school.

Youve gotten pushback from both sides politically on vouchers. Was it worth it?

I dont view our traditional public program, our charter public program and our nonpublic program as different from one another. In my view, school choice has a moral dimension and a practical dimension. The moral dimension is that affording rights to the privileged and not to the underprivileged is anti-American and wrong. And the practical dimension is, in a world where there are not enough good schools, why would we take off the table the ability of someone to attend a good school?

Unfortunately, the issue of private school choice, or school choice generally, is typically neither approached from a moral perspective or a practical perspective. Its approached from an ideological perspective, which means its a purity test for both conservatives and liberals. Im not that interested in purity tests.

Im for school choice. Im also for good schools. Im not for funding bad schools, and I am for increasing enrollment at good schools. So we have an accountability system. The accountability system has shown that there are good private schools and there are not-so-good private schools. Im for kids going to the good private schools. It seems very simple to me.

On the left, there is an aversion to even entertaining the notion of publicly funding religious institutions, which is tying one hand behind our back, I think, because you are taking off the table potentially very rich opportunities for social-emotional, values-based education. In a state like Louisiana, taking off the table the ability of kids to attend institutions that have served kids here for literally centuries.

Im for school choice. Im also for good schools. Im not for funding bad schools, and I am for increasing enrollment at good schools. So we have an accountability system. The accountability system has shown that there are good private schools and there are not-so-good private schools. Im for kids going to the good private schools. It seems very simple to me.

On the right, theres an aversion to regulating those schools and establishing even a very limited bar for minimum standards of quality. I cant see the justification of that from either a moral or practical perspective. Morally, it cant be right that we grow schools that are failing to teach young people basic things like reading. And from a practical perspective, if our goal is increasing the odds that youll be able to attend a good school, why on earth would we accept schools that are patently failing generations of kids, all in the name of them escaping failing schools?

Whats next in terms of educational progress, writ large? What is the next frontier?

Families are ridiculously strained in the first five years of childhood and in the years immediately following childhood. I appreciate the fact that Democrats and Republicans now are generating ideas in that space.

Complementing a childrens agenda should be a family and work agenda. Im excited about the popularizing of childcare, of maternal and paternal leave policies. Im excited about the promotion of work attainment systems and subsidies and education subsidies to get certain credentials. The cost of college and debt reduction.

In the K-12 system, we just passed a federal law that were supposed to be implementing. This is not the time for bunches of new ideas. This is the time for following through on our commitments, and it will take new and creative ways of doing that work.

For example, if we believe that our job is to get kids to grade level on standards, standards-based assessments and otherwise, we need better curriculum, we need better teacher training at scale, we need a generation of better tests. We need colleges of education and other prep programs to get serious about educating kids on using specific curriculum in a way that is seamlessly integrated with schools themselves.

We need early college courses that are challenging our students in terms of the real rigor of the world beyond. We need a legitimate career and technical program that involves workplace-based education.

Nothing that Im saying is new, but the law is new. If youre implementing the law in a way that is really faithful to the goal of elementary and secondary schools, youre doing all those things. And what I see is an aversion to talking about the substance of schooling.

Has becoming a dad changed your worldview in terms of your work?

No. I mean, I want to leave open the fact that it might in the long run. The day I became a parent is the day that I most viscerally felt how fortunate I am. Because when youre given the charge by God or nature or whatever power you ascribe it to, to take care of a person who has nothing, you really do realize how much you have. And especially when you walk around the maternity wards of these hospitals and you glance at the different circumstances among the people especially in a city like New Orleans, where you really have the wealthy and the poor in the same shared little space you understand what is I think sort of cheaply called the achievement gap. You understand its roots very deeply.

Whats next for John White?

I have no plans. Im going to take some time and figure it out. Ive been very blessed to have extremely good mentors, to work for incredible people and to have worked on, in my view, the most important domestic issue that our country presented me. And Ive done it for 21 straight years. I am going to take a little bit of time and think about how I replicate the learning and the mentorship and the mission orientation that Ive had in the first 21 years of my career in the next 21 years.

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The 74 Interview: Outgoing Louisiana Chief John White on the New Orleans Experiment, His Longevity and What It Means to Be Well Educated - The 74

The United States ranks below nearly 40 countries when it comes to childrens health and well-being, while the health of children worldwide is under threat due to sustainability issues, according to a new report.

The report was compiled by health experts in a commission convened by the World Health Organization (WHO), Unicef and published in the medical journal The Lancet. It ranked 180 countries on three measures of child well-being: flourishing, sustainability and equity. The categories include health, education, nutrition, sustainability, greenhouse gas emissions and income gaps.

The U.S. came in at No. 39 on the child flourishing index, while Norway, South Korea and the Netherlands ranked in the top three respectively. Meanwhile, Somalia, Chad and the Central African Republic ranked last respectively.

Countries were also ranked by levels of excessive carbon emissions. Researchers looked at projected levels for 2030. The United States ranked number 173 for sustainability.

When the report factors in CO2 emissions, however, the top three countries were ranked 156, 166 and 160 respectively, based on their carbon emissions. The United States, Australia and Saudi Arabia are among the10 worst emitters in the world.

The report notes that while the poorest countries need to do more to support their childrens ability to live healthy lives, excessive carbon emissions from wealthier countries threaten the future of all children across the globe.

Despite improvements in child and adolescent health over the past 20 years, progress has stalled, and is set to reverse, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and co-Chair of the Commission Helen Clark said in a statement.

It has been estimated that around 250 million children under five years old in low-and middle-income countries are at risk of not reaching their developmental potential, based on proxy measures of stunting poverty. But of even greater concern, every child worldwide now faces existential threats from climate change and commercial pressures.

The reports authors called for countries to stop excessive carbon emissions, tighten regulations around commercial marketing of harmful products like alcohol and introduce new policies to protect childrens health, nutrition and rights.

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U.S. ranks 39th in child well-being study - The Hill

Beta thalassemia syndromes are among the most common monogenic disorders that occur globally and are generally inherited as autosomal recessive diseases. The beta globin gene HBB is found on the short arm of chromosome 11, and to date, more than 200 pathogenic HBB mutations have been identified. Beta globin and alpha globin combine to create the adult hemoglobin tetramer, which comprises 2 chains of each; however, reduced or absent synthesis of beta globin chains can create an imbalance that leads to accumulation and precipitation of free alpha chains in the red blood cell precursors. The result is anemia, which then stimulates erythropoietin synthesis that results in intense proliferation of bone marrow, skeletal deformities, dysregulated iron homeostasis, and increased levels of reactive oxygen species in the erythroid cells. Based on the severity of the phenotype, beta thalassemias are classified as either transfusion-dependent (TDT) or nontransfusion-dependent (NTDT).

Advances in understanding the pathophysiology of beta thalassemia have substantially improved patient management and led to a robust increase in life expectancy. However, longer survival brings its own set of issues. Moreover, the underlying pathophysiology of the syndromes has not been eliminated, and current treatments, although effective, are associated with complications. Improvements in survival have also been associated with age-related disorders that occur in the general population.

In a review article published in Expert Review of Hematology, Irene Motta, MD, of the department of clinical sciences and community health at the Universit degli Studi di Milano in Italy, and colleagues discussed the management of common complications that have been observed in patients with beta thalassemia.

Cardiovascular diseases remain a significant cause of morbidity and the primary cause of death in patients with both TDT and NTDT. More than 70% of deaths in this patient population are due to cardiovascular disease, and arrhythmias are becoming more prevalent in adults who have experienced previous iron overload.

All patients transitioned to adult care are monitored closely for these complications, said Hayley Merkeley, MD, MSc, FRCPC, of the division of hematology at the University of British Columbia in Canada. With respect to cardiac concerns, patients receive echocardiograms every 1 to 5 years depending on their symptoms, as well as a cardiac [magnetic resonance imaging scan] every 6 [to] 12 months.

Arrhythmias should be treated as in the general population. Although ablation strategies can be considered in select cases, there are currently no specific recommendations for it.

Adrenal insufficiency is another complication of thalassemia, although the researchers noted that among all of the thalassemia-related endocrinopathies, adrenal insufficiency in particular has been poorly studied and underreported in adult patients. Because it tends to develop gradually over time, and symptoms may be nonspecific and attributed to chronic anemia, undetected adrenal insufficiency may eventually present as a life-threatening acute crisis.

It is recommended, therefore, that the annual endocrinological evaluation for patients with both TDT and NTDT who are older than 18 years should always include basal adrenal function evaluation (adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH] and cortisol basal levels), and replacement therapy with cortisone acetate should be given if a diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency is made. For patients with low or borderline basal cortisol levels, an ACTH stimulation test should be performed in order to identify adrenal insufficiency.

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Managing Complications Associated With Increased Longevity in Beta Thalassemia - Hematology Advisor

Hes a fierce competitor and a loyal teacher to his students, constantly praising them and giving them invaluable advice. Now hes being recognized by the National Speech and Debate Association for his excellence and longevity in the sport of speech and debate.

Hes a fierce competitor and a loyal teacher to his students, constantly praising them and giving them invaluable advice. Now hes being recognized by the National Speech and Debate Association for his

Hes a fierce competitor and a loyal teacher to his students, constantly praising them and giving them invaluable advice. Now hes being recognized by the National Speech and Debate Association for his excellence and longevity in the sport of speech and debate.

Hes a fierce competitor and a loyal teacher to his students, constantly praising them and giving them invaluable advice. Now hes being recognized by the National Speech and Debate Association for his

Dayton speech, debate teacher honored with national award

Hes a fierce competitor and a loyal teacher to his students, constantly praising them and giving them invaluable advice. Now hes being recognized by the National Speech and Debate Association for his excellence and longevity in the sport of speech and debate.

Dayton High Schools Speech and Debate Coach James Kingsmill will be recognized at the Donus Roberts Award Ceremony at the National Speech and Debate Association National Tournament in Albuquerque, New Mexico on June 19 with his First Diamond Award.

A Diamond coach award reflects on excellence and longevity in the activity.

According to the NSDA website, A coachs first Diamond is earned when they receive 15,000 points and have been coaching in the Association for at least five years since achieving the degree of merit (25 points). Five years must pass between each new diamond award, and 15,000 points must be earned to receive a second diamond. An additional 30,000 points must be earned, and five years must pass for each additional diamond.

Formed in 1925, The National Speech and Debate Association, previously called the National Forensic League until 2014, is the worlds largest forensic organization devoted to speech and debate activities. It bestows numerous awards and recognition to students, coaches, and schools annually. Diamond Coach Awards reflect excellence and longevity in the activity.

Prior to coaching at Dayton, Kingsmill coached at Galena Park and Needville High Schools. Under his leadership, Kingsmills debate teams have had success on the state and national level. His students have advanced to the University Interscholastic League (UIL) State Contest in both Cross Examination and Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Informative and Persuasive Speaking. His students have debated Student Congress in the Texas State Capitol.

Nationally his debate teams have earned spots as National Qualifiers and Finalists for the National Speech and Debate Association National Tournament and have earned the distinction of Academic All Americans.

Since his arrival at Dayton ISD, Kingsmills students have regularly competed and won numerous awards.

dtaylor@hcnonline.com

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Dayton speech, debate teacher honored with national award - Chron

KEY POINTS

Life expectancy statistics bring so much hope in 2020, particularly when tracing the origins of the data. The huge increase in global life expectancy over the past few decades displays a truly pleasing picture. This upward trend may be attributed in part to pioneering studies in the field of medicine and science.

The findings from both kinds of research continue to add weight to universally accepted facts like how eating a healthy and balanced diet can prevent the development of life-threatening ailments. Going on a holiday hasalso been proven by many meticulous studies to be good for your health.

In one such study covering a period of 40 years, going on vacation can help extend your lifespan. The results of the study were published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging.

The Vacation and Life Span Link

Researchers, to prove such a hypothesis, analyzed data on more than 1,000 male executives in their middle age who were born between 1919 and 1934. These participants were asked to join the Helsinki Businessmen Study in 1974 and 1975. increase life expectancy through vacation Photo: Pexels

Each of the volunteers had at least one cardiovascular disease risk factor like high cholesterol, glucose intolerance, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and high triglyceride levels.They were then divided into a control group comprising of 610 men and an intervention group consisting of 612 men and observed for five years.

The intervention group, during that time, received written and oral advice every four months to perform aerobic physical activity, consume a healthy diet, attain a healthy weight, and quit smoking.They also received drugs, like beta-blockers and diuretics, which were recommended during that time to reduce their blood pressure. They were also given lipids like clofibrate and probucol.

Those in the control group received the usual healthcare and were not examined by the investigators. As expected, those in the intervention group enjoyed a lower cardiovascular disease risk of 46% compared to the control group at the end of the study.

A 15-year follow-up conducted in 1989, however, showed more deaths occurred in the intervention group compared to the control group. The surprising discovery made the researchers conduct some deeper investigation. They found that shorter vacations are linked to more deaths occurring in the intervention group.

3 Weeks is the Golden Number

They found that those who only had 3 weeks or less of annual vacation had an increased 37% chance of dying as compared to those who had more. The data they looked at was between 1974 to 2004.

As per the professors who analyzed the findings, they revealed that men who had shorter vacations slept less, and they were the ones to worked more. In short, they had a stressful lifestyle.

In conclusion, Professor Timo Strandberg from the University of Helsinki in Finland said that the results of the study suggest that reducing stress is also essential in programs that aim to reduce cardiovascular risk. A healthy lifestyle and reducing stress may be among the most effective keys to prolonging life.

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Improve Longevity By Finding Time Each Year To Do This - International Business Times

In 1991, India was yet to open the door of its economy. Cable TV was still in its first days. Sachin Tendulkar had scored just one of the 100 international centuries he would go on to. The Soviet Union was still a confederation of 15 states that would birth many countries. Before they would go on to take their giant steps in 1991, a 17-year-old Indian boy that year entered the hurly-burly of professional tennis. Thirty years later, Leander Paes is poised to exit, at the age of 46.

As tennis careers go, it is recognizable in many respects, conventionally and tangibly, unconventionally and intangibly. Conventionally and tangibly, one could count Paes doubles title haul and that would make for noteworthy reading: 18 Grand Slams across mens doubles and mixed doubles, and 54 titles in mens doubles. However, stopping at that would be to miss the bigger picture of human possibilities.

Unconventionally and intangibly, Paes career has been about using grit, heart, and smart to make much more of his, relatively speaking, modest talents. It runs through his career and it shows up as something he embraced and pursued more readily and more easily than many of his peers across tennis generations: longevity.

Among players who have been his doubles contemporaries, Paes is up there when it comes to weeks spent in the top 10 rankings in mens doublesthe elite group in doubles. At 461 weeks or about nine years, his count of weeks spent in the top 10 is ninth across players who were active during his time. Fellow Indian Mahesh Bhupathionce friend and then foe, with whom he won 26 titlesis two places above Paes.

Extend that to the top 20 ranking and Paes leapfrogs Bhupathi and slots in at the fifth spot. Three of the four players above Paes were part of doubles pairings that were sticky. There are the Bryan brothers, Mike and Bob, who are still active. There is Todd Woodbridge, who had a long run with Mark Woodforde. This raises the tantalising question of what if the Paes-Bhupathi had stayed hyphenated longer on court.

Paes first entered the top 10 in doubles ranking in 1997 and remained a fixture there till 2000. This was the Paes-Bhupathi golden run and saw Paes even ascend to be the worlds top-ranked mens doubles player. Their pairing was electrifying, right up there with pairings before them who forged a collective identity with a partnership that was sticky and led to success.

Before Bhupathi, Leanders still young career could be broken into two phases. The first was when singles was his first pursuit an Olympic medal in 1996 and some stellar matches in the pressure and workload cauldron that is the Davis Cup. In singles, he moved in the ranking band of 100-200 till about 2001 before giving it up.

The second phase was when Paes turned his attention to doubles in a bigger way. As the game moved to power-hitting from the baseline, something that was never his strength, the switch to doubles for a player with quick hands and court craft made sense. Paes doubles career took off in 1997. Hes been a fixture on the tour and in the main draws since. Besides the first run with Bhupathi, he had another longish stint in mens doubles between 2009 and 2014.

In the set of his most successful doubles contemporaries, Paes stands at number eight in terms of total matches played, across singles and doubles. His winning percentage of 62% is the lowest in this set (Bhupathi is at 65% and the Bryan brothers lead with 75%). However, in terms of the number of years on tour, he leads them all.

That also partly underscores how Paes has managed his workload, especially in the past few years. When one talks about longevity, the arena of tennis where it came together for Paes like little else was Davis Cup. The team competition, in Paes heydays, called on a top player to play three matches in three days, each over a five-set format that didnt draw the line at some point. Play he did. With 91 wins, Paes is fifth among all players in terms of Davis Cup wins and theres not a single contemporary in this top 10 list. He leads all in Davis Cup doubles wins. He has as many singles wins too.

It is not bad for a player who was prone to losing his forehand and could not stitch a rally from the backcourt. It is a testament to staying the course and maximizing.

http://www.howindialives.com is a database and search engine for public data

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Leander Paes, the long-playing record - Livemint

In a society that attempts to be as inclusive as possible, there has been a rise in beauty brands attempting to cater to the different skin tones that occupy the world. However, with the whitewashing of wellness and beauty brands, there has been a disdain and disconnect when it comes to skincare for other skin tones. This then has raised the question of what role race plays when it comes to skincare, and whether its important to take note of someones skin tone as opposed to their skin type.

In fact, an article published in the JAMA Dermatology revealed that black patients preferred, and were more satisfied, when they were in a specialized skin-of-color clinic, and they also preferred a dermatologist of similar race or ethnicity as they believed that said dermatologist understood their specific needs and experiences better.

Unfortunately, it can be quite problematic for darker-skinned women when trying to find and trust products that can work. For one, many beauty products aimed at black women are quite toxic, and ironically, their toxicity is often based on the fact that a lot of these products attempt to enforce a black womans affinity to whiteness.

For instance, a lot of creams marketed at black women are marketed in such a way that they perpetuate the idea that said creams can help to lighten the skin. Unfortunately, the skin-lightening ingredients found in these creams can have an adverse effect on their health.

Hydroquinone is a common bleaching agent, yet research has found that its horrible for your health. According to an animal study published in the Critical Reviews in Toxicology journal, hydroquinone may potentially increase the risk of skin cancer.Its no wonder that its banned in Japan, the EU, Australia, and Kenya. Its important to ensure that your face cream does not contain either hydroquinone or mercury as an ingredient.

Additionally, hair care products that are aimed at straightening black hair also contain toxic ingredients. A study published in the journal Environmental Researchtested 18 popular hair products that black women use. The researchers discovered that 80% of the tested products contained high levels of chemicals that have the potential to disrupt the endocrine system a system responsible for regulating metabolism, reproduction, sleep and growth, and development.

These toxic ingredients include parabens, phthalates, fragrances, nonylphenols, and cyclosiloxanes. Its important to read the ingredients list when it comes to your beauty products to ensure that they do not contain any of the aforementioned ingredients.

Every single person on earth has melanin on their skin, as this compound is responsible for giving us our skin color. There are two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is responsible for darker skin and pheomelanin is responsible for lighter skin. Additionally, eumelanin cells provide further protection from the suns UV rays.

Now, while skin tone does not translate to skin type, it should be noted that there are a few skin concerns that generally affect one skin tone more than the other. This may be a result of old stereotypes and myths such as black dont crack and beige dont age leading to many people not taking care of their skin as well as they should, thus exacerbating common skin concerns.

Yes, black skin contains eumelanin cells which can help to provide additional protection from the sun. However, this doesnt exempt people with darker skin from using sunscreen.

Sun damage is sun damage and everybody needs to protect themselves from it. As such, having black skin, while helpful in this sense, isnt protective enough. Therefore, no matter what skin color you have, you should always apply and reapply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF50 every day of the year. If youre worried about a ghost-like appearance that is often associated with most sunscreen, try opting for a sunscreen that is free of titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide.

According to findings from the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, the skin structure of darker skins helps to protect them against premature wrinkling, and this is likely where the notion of black dont crack was born.

While hyperpigmentation affects every skin tone, darker skin tones are more prone to it. This is as a result of their melanin and pigment structure. In dark skin, these two factors are more responsive to trauma. This then means increased inflammation and, as such, an increased risk of darker, longer-lasting marks and hyperpigmentation.

As mentioned, white women are more susceptible to sun damage. This then results in the appearance of premature wrinkles, as well asage spots. That said, its important that they practice sun protection at all times.

Aside from the aging effects of sun damage, white women are more susceptible to drier skin. These two factors can serve to accelerate the aging process. That said, some women may adopt an anti-aging regiment early in their lives when compared to other skin tones.

According to research published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Asian skin may be more sensitive than other skin tones.

That said, its important to read the ingredients list on your favorite skincare products in order to prevent irritation. Common ingredients that may irritate skin include sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), parabens, fragrances, and even face acids such as glycolic acid.

Yes, there are a few skincare concerns that may be more common in one race than the other. However, this doesnt remove the fact that we should all adopt a skincare routine that can help to maintain the health of our skin.

Regardless of your skin tone, it would be advisable to base your skincare routine on your skin type. Every skincare routine needs to include a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, as well as a broad-spectrum sunscreen. The ingredients found in your cleanser and moisturizer can help to address your skin type concerns. Any additional products can be aimed at specific areas of concern that may be brought on as a result of your skin tone.

For example, take a black woman with oily skin. Its important for her to ensure that her cleanser and moisturizer help to regulate the excess oil in her skin. She can then add additional products that may help to address any possible pigmentation.

At the end of the day, its important to remember that your skin is unique and theres no reason to generalize and categorize it in one group. If you really want to keep it healthy, its important to understand its needs. Following this, you should then adjust your skincare regime specific to you and your skins needs.

Gorbatenko-Roth K, Prose N, Kundu RV, Patterson S. Assessment of Black Patients Perception of Their Dermatology Care.JAMA Dermatol.2019;155(10):11291134. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2019.2063

Helm, J.S, Nishioka, M., Brody, J.G., et al. (2018). Measurement of endocrine disrupting and asthma-associated chemicals in hair products used by Black women, Environmental Research,Volume 165, Pages 448-458,

ISSN 0013-9351, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2018.03.030.

McGregor, D.(2007)Hydroquinone: An Evaluation of the Human Risks from its Carcinogenic and Mutagenic Properties,Critical Reviews in Toxicology,37:10,887-914,DOI:10.1080/10408440701638970

Rawlings, A.V. (2006), Ethnic skin types: are there differences in skin structure and function?1. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 28: 79-93. doi:10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00302.x

Vashi, N. A., de Castro Maymone, M. B., & Kundu, R. V. (2016). Aging Differences in Ethnic Skin.The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology,9(1), 3138.

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Should We Be Color-Blind When It Comes To Skincare? - Longevity LIVE

Over the past few years, advice for those approaching, and in, retirement has increasingly taken centre stage for many in the industry. The Product Intervention and Product Governance Sourcebook, issued in January 2018, alongside the recent Dear CEO letters to adviser firms, are examples of the FCAs increasing focus on this part of the market.

From a client perspective, significantly more people are entering drawdown, even those with smaller pots, and they are staying in drawdown for longer. Having a clear strategy for different client segments means you can help both your clients and your firm mitigate the risks that emerge as clients move through later life. It may also help you find ways of simplifying and bringing to life complex topics, such as income sustainability and longevity, in a way that clients can understand.

Three Dear CEO letters this year make FCA intentions clear

There are increasing demands on firms, including the need to ensure the cost to the client is appropriate, detail those costs on an annual basis, demonstrate they fully understand the products theyre recommending, and evidence that those products are in the best interests of their client. Making sure all of that is done on a consistent and efficient basis across a firm may lead some advisers towards establishing a centralised retirement proposition to sit alongside their centralised investment proposition. The ying of decumulation to the yang of accumulation.

Creating a CRP

There is no regulatory requirement to have a CRP, but it may build a framework that helps you manage the various interrelated risks of giving retirement advice, while helping you address the issues your clients face as they enter retirement.

As well as drawdown, a CRP needs to cover all assets a client may use in retirement, from pensions to ISAs, offshore and onshore investments, defined benefit and state income, and property.

A CIP is all about having a structured investment process that aims to deliver a robust solution that is both repeatable and consistent during the growth phase. However, a CRP is much wider than just investment, and should include all the risks clients face as they move through later life.

Retirement is no longer a cliff edge. Many more clients gradually ease from working into retirement, for example, by phasing tax-free cash withdrawals. So there needsto be consistency and a working link between your CIP and CRP to reflect this. A CRP needs to evolve from a CIP.

It is crucial that a CRP sets out a firms position around some of the complex issues facing clients in retirement, such as how you assess capacity for loss, when annuities play a part in your proposition and for which clients. It needs to consider inflation and longevity in a way clients can follow, and include a documented, robust sustainable withdrawal strategy.

Read our DFM Centre article: No CIP makes PROD compliance even more tricky

Other considerations

Investment clearly plays a part in all this. We know investment when taking an income is different from the growth phase, and different solutions may be needed. Sequence risk is a key factor when taking an income and there are a number of methods commonly used to manage this risk.

One option is holding funds in cash equivalent to, say, two years income. Pot investing is a similar concept where income is drawn from the lowest volatile fund with money rebalanced regularly. Taking natural income is favoured by some, while others may opt for volatility managed funds.

All these strategies have benefits and downsides. You may want to set out your reasons for using a particular strategy along with supporting evidence, as you may use different strategies for different client segments.

There are other areas to consider too. Vulnerable customers are of particular importance to the FCA and are one of the reasons it so vehemently advocates the need for regular reviews, and documentation of conversations and recommendations.

When is a client vulnerable?

Vulnerability comes in many different forms. It could relate to your clients health, certain life events (such as divorce), how resilient their finances are to unexpected losses, or even their level of financial knowledge. By assessing your clients against each of the FCAs drivers of vulnerability both at the outset and at their regular reviews you can ensure your advice is tailored accordingly. And having your vulnerability policy set out within a CRP means there can be consistency across your firm.

Some may see CRP as the latest fad in retirement planning, but it can help firms set out their strategy in a number of key areas, such as sustainability of income and longevity. These are areas many clients simply dont understand, and being able to articulate a clear strategy, with evidence to support it, may help clients understand why recommendations are being made, and the benefits these may bring.

Andrew Tully is technical director at Canada Life

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A CRP is the yin to a CIP's yang - Money Marketing

An elderly lady hears a knock at the door. Thinking its Meals on Wheels, she opens it to find a bloke dressed in blue, wearing a red cape with his pants on over his tights and claiming to be Clark Kent. She stares at him in bafflement.

Superman! he cries.

She looks him up and down, doubtfully. Ill have the soup, please, she says.

I tell this partly because its silly and makes me laugh aloud, partly to illustrate that the prefix super has rather lost its heroic allure here in 2020.

Since the advent of superbugs that dont respond to antibiotics, super rats that are resistant to poison and now super-spreaders, unwittingly responsible for infecting countless others with the new coronavirus, super-anythings are best avoided.

But how would you feel about being dubbed a super-ager? Its where your biological age is much lower than your chronological age, making you a source of wonder and envy.

We all know people who look decades younger than their peers and are far more energetic than their own teenage kids. What is their secret?

Thanks to a new breakthrough in DNA testing at the University of Southern California, researchers have pinpointed the genes present in those who remain young at heart (as well as mind and limb), despite the passage of the years.

While the outlook is bright for these veritable Benjamin Buttons who stay active long past retirement, they are the exception rather than the rule. Scientists found that some individuals had a body age 40 years older than their real age. In one instance a 66-year-old was found to have a biological are 114 whereas a 59-year-old had a body age of 23.

But the good news is that genetics alone dont dictate health and longevity or, indeed, healthy longevity. Lifestyle is arguably an even more crucial factor and improving it will reverse ageing.

With 29 per cent of adults in England obese, and a further 35 per cent overweight, a horrifying 64 per cent, the majority of the population is fat, according to the NHS.

No wonder its buckling under the burden; in 2017/18, there were 711,000 hospital admissions where obesity was recorded as a primary or secondary diagnosis, a figure up 15 per cent. Yes, thats up 15 per cent from 2016/17. Overeating is a homegrown epidemic raging out of control.

Maybe super-aging as a concept, as a goal, could provide a positive incentive to those battling with weight? It certainly shook me from my complacency.

A few years ago, I interviewed metabolic experts at Newcastle University, who were taking part in the fascinating BBC Series, How To Stay Young, in which a cross section of ordinary people had their body age measured. In every case, it was far older than their birth age, due to poor diet and too little exercise.

Purely in the spirit of research, I gamely went through the same tests and discovered I had a biological age of 70, compared to my actual age of 51. This shocking differential was down to my weight, which was placing me at increased risk of diseases like cancer, dementia and type 2 diabetes.

I was gutted. Mortified. In tears and deeply ashamed, I had neglectfully allowed a few pounds here or there to accumulate to the point where I was seriously compromising my own long-term health.

It was stupid and unnecessary. Just because adverts and voiceovers exhort you to go ahead and treat yourself doesnt mean you should. I thought I was better than that. Turns out, I wasnt.

I was told in no uncertain terms to lose weight, and fast. It didnt matter how; a crash diet was far less of a danger than staying fat. I always thought of fat as being a largely inert substance that caused narrowing of arteries and surrounded organs making them less efficient.

It turns out that fat enters every cell. It impedes healthy functioning, disrupts the metabolic processes, creates conditions that cause cancers to develop and ages the body prematurely. Terrifying stuff. But sometimes we need to be frightened into effecting change.

I know I did. And my diet journey taught me that if losing weight is hard, keeping it off feels downright Sisyphean. So how to stay focussed? I genuinely believe that turning the obesity crisis from a moral panic into a numbers game might do the trick.

Who wouldnt want to join the ranks of the super-agers? Targeted goals shed five pounds, get back eight years of health or whatever would transform losses into gains.

Warding off old age is a far more potent, life-affirming goal than fitting into a favourite frock in time for a spring wedding. Especially when you know you have last years capacious polka-dot Zara dress on standby, just in case.

I eventually lost 22lbs (10kg) in 12 weeks, slashing my biological age to 55 and halving my risk of type 2 diabetes. I was delighted, but thereafter the real work started as I have sought to maintain my new weight ever since.

These headlines about super-aging have given me a useful fillip and reminded me whats at stake. I feel its a message that urgently needs to get out there.

If more of us had the mindset that refraining from that 4pm slump brownie might be a sacrifice today but an investment in tomorrow, mine could be a generation of super-agers, skiing, surfing and bringing meals on wheels to those decades younger but far less fit for purpose.

Read Judith Woods at telegraph.co.uk every Thursday, at 7pm

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Could super-agers slim down the vast amount the NHS spends on obesity? - Telegraph.co.uk

Precision Medicine Software Market:

This report studies the Precision Medicine Software Market with many aspects of the industry like the market size, market status, market trends and forecast, the report also provides brief information of the competitors and the specific growth opportunities with key market drivers. Find the complete Precision Medicine Software Market analysis segmented by companies, region, type and applications in the report.

The major players covered in Precision Medicine Software Market: Syapse, Allscripts, Qiagen, Roper Technologies, Fabric Genomics, Foundation Medicine, Sophia Genetics, PierianDx, Human Longevity, Translational Software, Gene42, Inc, Lifeomic Health and more

Request a Sample Copy @ https://www.reportsandmarkets.com/sample-request/global-precision-medicine-software-market-2019-by-company-regions-type-and-application-forecast-to-2024

Precision Medicine Software Market continues to evolve and expand in terms of the number of companies, products, and applications that illustrates the growth perspectives. The report also covers the list of Product range and Applications with SWOT analysis, CAGR value, further adding the essential business analytics. Precision Medicine Software Market research analysis identifies the latest trends and primary factors responsible for market growth enabling the Organizations to flourish with much exposure to the markets.

Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers

Research objectives:

Key Developments in the Precision Medicine Software Market:

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The Precision Medicine Software Market research report completely covers the vital statistics of the capacity, production, value, cost/profit, supply/demand import/export, further divided by company and country, and by application/type for best possible updated data representation in the figures, tables, pie chart, and graphs. These data representations provide predictive data regarding the future estimations for convincing market growth. The detailed and comprehensive knowledge about our publishers makes us out of the box in case of market analysis.

In this study, the years considered estimating the market size of Precision Medicine Software are as follows:

This report includes the estimation of market size for value (million USD) and volume (M Units). Top-down and bottom-up approaches have been used to estimate and validate the market size of Precision Medicine Software market, to estimate the size of various other dependent submarkets in the overall market. Key players in the market have been identified through secondary research, and their market shares have been determined through primary and secondary research. All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns have been determined using secondary sources and verified primary sources.

Table of Contents: Precision Medicine Software Market

Chapter 1: Overview of Precision Medicine Software

Chapter 2: Global Market Status and Forecast by Regions

Chapter 3: Global Market Status and Forecast by Types

Chapter 4: Global Market Status and Forecast by Downstream Industry

Chapter 5: Market Driving Factor Analysis of Precision Medicine Software

Chapter 6: Precision Medicine Software Market Competition Status by Major Manufacturers

Chapter 7: Precision Medicine Software Major Manufacturers Introduction and Market Data

Chapter 8: Upstream and Downstream Market Analysis of Precision Medicine Software

Chapter 9: Cost and Gross Margin Analysis of Precision Medicine Software

Chapter 10: Marketing Status Analysis of Precision Medicine Software

Chapter 11: Report Conclusion

Chapter 12: Research Methodology and Reference

Key questions answered in this report

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Reports and Markets is not just another company in this domain but is a part of a veteran group called Algoro Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. It offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for a wide range of sectors both for the government and private agencies all across the world. The database of the company is updated on a daily basis. Our database contains a variety of industry verticals that include: Food Beverage, Automotive, Chemicals and Energy, IT & Telecom, Consumer, Healthcare, and many more. Each and every report goes through the appropriate research methodology, Checked from the professionals and analysts.

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2020 Global Precision Medicine Software Market In-depth Research with Syapse, Allscripts, Qiagen, Roper Technologies, Fabric Genomics, Foundation...

The novel coronavirus has claimed around 1,770 lives and affected almost 70,000 people with no possible cure in sight. Scientists all over the world are working hard to find treatment. More than 80 clinical trials have been launched to find the treatment for the deadly virus. While trying everything from stem cell therapy to HIV drugs, China has resorted to giving a 3,000-year-old traditional remedy a trial, to treat the patients. The new health commission head in Hubei, Wang Hesheng said that their efforts have shown some good results and the Traditional Chinese Medicine experts have been sent to Hubei for research and treatment. The treatment in Wuhan hospital combines Traditional Chinese Medicine, commonly known as TCM and western medicines. This combination is given to more than half of the confirmed cases in Hubei.

The reports of treatments and vaccine of those infected with the virus have caused ripples of excitement in people who are looking at it as a sign of hope!

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?Traditional Chinese Medicine ranges back to thousands of years. TCM practitioners use various mind and body practices (acupuncture, tai chi, Chinese herbal products) to address several health issues.

Coronavirus in IndiaTill now there have three positive cases of novel Coronavirus in Kerela, India. The good news is that out of these three, two patients have already been discharged after showing negative results for the test of the virus.

Common symptoms of novel coronavirusThe initial symptoms of novel coronavirus are very similar to that of normal cold and flu. Common symptoms include:

- Fever

- Cough

- Shortness of breath

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Coronavirus: Doctors try 3,000-year-old Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat the virus - Times of India

Three-year-old initiative advocates for eye exams for children before they start school

DALLAS, Feb. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --The Vision Impact Institute (VII) and Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) have announced an extension of their collaboration, Kids See: Success, that includes a generous financial commitment from OGS. Launched in 2017, Kids See: Success promotes the importance of healthy vision for children and educates parents, legislators, advocacy groups, nurses, school teachers and administrators about the need for comprehensive eye exams for school-age children. The initiative is active in several US states. In the U.S., more than 12.1 million school-age children have some form of vision problem.

The partnership is a natural fit for both organizations. The VII raises awareness and advocates for the priority of good vision, while OGS supports programs globally that train eye care professionals, promote communityeducation, raise awareness of the importance of eye health, establish optometry schools and deliver eye care and glasses.

"The continued support of OGS ensures that more children will have access to a level playing field when it comes to their education," says Kristan Gross, VII's global executive director. "When children can't see well it impacts so many aspects of their lives, including their learning and chance for future success."

"It's heartening to know that we have a solution for poor vision for the youngest members of our population," says Eric Anderson, interim executive director at OGS. "A comprehensive eye exam and access to a pair of glasses is a simple way to have a big impact on a child's life for years to come. It's the reason we continue our commitment to Kids See: Success."

About the Vision Impact Institute The Vision Impact Institute's mission is to raise awareness ofthe importance of vision correction and protection to make good vision a global priority. Its Advisory Board is comprised of six independent international experts: Pr. Kevin Frick(United States), Pr. Clare Gilbert (United Kingdom), Mr. Allyala Nandakumar (United States),Mr. Arun Bharat Ram (India), Dr. Serge Resnikoff (Switzerland),and Dr. Wang Wei (China).

The Vision Impact Institute is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which receives support from the Vision for Life Fund from Essilor, the world leader in ophthalmic optics. The Vision Impact Institute hosts a unique database of research atvisionimpactinstitute.org.

Contact:Andrea Kirsten-ColemanGlobal Communications Manager andrea.kirsten@visionimpactinstitute.org

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vision-impact-institute-and-optometry-giving-sight-extend-collaboration-on-kids-see-success-301008590.html

SOURCE Vision Impact Institute

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Vision Impact Institute and Optometry Giving Sight Extend Collaboration on Kids See: Success - Yahoo Finance

Jacksonville, Fla. and Santa Ana, Calif., February 20, 2020 Johnson & Johnson Vision, a global leader in eye health, today announced the launch of Prioritize Your Eyes, a worldwide effort to raise awareness about the connection of eye health to overall health. Prioritize Your Eyes encourages everyone to take the single most important step to protect their eyesgetting an eye examand is part of the companys ongoing commitment and collaboration with various partners and professional organizations to elevate eye health and make 2020 the year of greater eye health awareness.

Click to Tweet: Sight is our most valued sense, but only 1 in 100 people understand the importance of eye exams. @JNJVision encourages you to #PrioritizeYourEyes by getting an eye exam in 2020and continues its efforts to provide those in need with access to eye care: bit.ly/323V9Uf

More than 2 billion people around the world suffer from visual impairment, yet 1 billion of these instances could have been prevented or is yet to be addressed.[i] Additionally, the number of people experiencing blindness and visual impairment globally is expected to double by 2030 unless corrective measures are taken.[ii]

The prevention and treatment of life-altering eye conditions can start with a single eye exam, which can detect more than 270 different medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke risk, as well as cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal disorders such as macular degeneration.[iii] Despite the wide variety of health benefits that could result from an annual eye exam, only one in 100 people understand the importance of getting one.[iv]

In the U.S., about half of adults at high-risk for vision loss did not visit an eye care professional in the last 12 months2 and more than a third of children under 18 have never received an eye exam,[v] said Carol Alexander, OD, Head, North America Vision Care Professional Relations, Johnson & Johnson Vision. Many people wait to see their eye care professional until they experience blurry vision, which may be too late. Certain serious eye conditions, as well as general health conditions, do not have any symptoms and can be detected through a comprehensive eye exam. This is why an annual eye exam is so vital and why were working to help Prioritize Your Eyes.

Johnson & Johnson Vision is committed to working with the eye health community to change the trajectory of eye health worldwide. Examples of this ongoing commitment are highlighted within the just released Our Global Vision for Good: 2019 Community Impact Report, which details the companys signature charity partnerships and efforts to provide access to eye care to those in need:

As part of the worlds largest healthcare company, Johnson & Johnson Vision is working collectively to make 2020 the year of visionusing our size and reach to elevate eye health awareness and the importance of eye exams to help as many people as possible, said Shlomi Nachman, Company Group Chairman, Cardiovascular Specialty Solutions Group and Johnson & Johnson Vision. We are proud to have provided access to care to millions of people around the world and look forward to further increasing our collaborations with advocacy, professional, and charitable organizations to help make caring for your eyes a global health priority.

You can find an eye care professional for an annual eye exam here, and follow @JNJVision on Twitter and Johnson & Johnson Vision on LinkedIn to see how patients, eye care professionals, employees and partners worldwide make the commitment toPrioritize Your Eyes in 2020.

About Johnson & Johnson Vision At Johnson & Johnson Vision, part of Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies*, we have a bold ambition: to change the trajectory of eye health around the world. Through our operating companies, we deliver innovation that enables eye care professionals to create better outcomes for patients throughout their lives, with products and technologies that address unmet needs including refractive error, cataracts and dry eye. In communities with greatest need, we work in collaboration to expand access to quality eye care, and we are committed to helping people see better, connect better and live better. Visit us at http://www.jjvision.com. Follow @JNJVision on Twitter and Johnson & Johnson Vision on LinkedIn.

Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies As the worlds most comprehensive medical devices business, we are building on a century of experience, merging science and technology, to shape the future of health and benefit even more people around the world. With our unparalleled breadth, depth and reach across surgery, orthopaedics, vision and interventional solutions, were working to profoundly change the way care is delivered. We are in this for life.

*Comprising the surgery, orthopaedics, vision and interventional businesses within the Johnson & Johnsons Medical Devices segment

Media Contact:

Abby Reiner

Johnson & Johnson Vision

904-443-1604

[emailprotected]

Source: Johnson & Johnson Vision

https://www.jjvision.com/press-release/johnson-johnson-vision-calls-individuals-worldwide-prioritize-your-eyes-2020

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Johnson & Johnson Vision Calls on Individuals Worldwide to Prioritize Your Eyes in 2020 - PharmaLive

Image caption Matthew Wood hopes the gene therapy will help him keep his remaining vision

A new gene therapy has been used to treat patients with a rare inherited eye disorder which causes blindness.

It's hoped the NHS treatment will halt sight loss and even improve vision.

Matthew Wood, 48, one of the first patients to receive the injection, told the BBC: "I value the remaining sight I have so if I can hold on to that it would be a big thing for me."

The treatment costs around 600,000 but NHS England has agreed a discounted price with the manufacturer Novartis.

Luxturna (voretigene neparvovec), has been approved by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which estimates that just under 90 people in England will be eligible for the treatment.

The gene therapy is for patients who have retinal dystrophy as a result of inheriting a faulty copy of the RPE65 gene from both parents. The gene is important for providing the pigment that light sensitive cells need to absorb light. Initially this affects night vision but eventually, as the cells die, it can lead to complete blindness.

An injection is made into the back of the eye - this delivers working copies of the RPE65 gene. These are contained inside a harmless virus, which enables them to penetrate the retinal cells. Once inside the nucleus, the gene provides the instructions to make the RPE65 protein, which is essential for healthy vision.

Matthew Wood started losing his sight as a child, and is now registered blind. However, he does have some peripheral vision and can detect large objects and bright lights. He told the BBC: "Since I was a child I was continually told there was no treatment for this condition, so it's amazing to receive this gene therapy."

Mr Wood, from London, had his right eye treated during an hour-long operation at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

His left eye will be injected in a few weeks. The surgery was carried out by Prof Robert MacLaren, who has pioneered research into gene therapies for preventing blindness.

He told the BBC: "This is very exciting - this is the first approved NHS gene therapy for an eye disease, but there are opportunities to use gene therapy to treat other diseases in future, not only in the eye."

The treatment is only suitable for patients who have some remaining vision. It should bring the biggest benefits to children with RPE65 retinal dystrophy, as it could halt sight loss before permanent damage is done.

It is not known how long the benefits of the treatment will last, but it's thought it could be several decades.

Jake Ternent, 23, from Durham, had his gene therapy at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.

Like Matthew Wood, he is registered blind, but has some limited sight. He told the BBC: "I hope the treatment could improve my night vision, and possibly even my day vision, which would be incredible. I feel lucky and privileged to get this on the NHS."

Prof James Bainbridge - from Moorfields Eye Hospital - who treated Jake, told the BBC: "To be at the point now where we are able to offer this treatment on the NHS, is truly remarkable. This is the first example of what's anticipated to be a whole new generation of treatments."

It will take a month or two before Matthew and Jake know what changes the gene therapy has made to their vision. But even if it simply prevents further sight loss, both say they will be delighted.

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS medical director, said: "Loss of vision can have a devastating effect, particularly for children and young people, but this truly life-changing treatment offers hope to people with this rare and distressing condition."

Follow Fergus on Twitter.

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Gene therapy to halt rare form of sight loss - BBC News

In each photo of her three young children, Second Lady of Pennsylvania Gisele Fetterman noticed a pattern.

I saw a consistency, red eyes in both my boys, but in her I noticed one red eye and one yellow eye, Fetterman saod.

One of Grace Fettermans eyes had a yellow glow. At the time, Gisele didnt know what it meant, so she called a local doctor.

He said to pull her out of school immediately, she recalled. I learned in her case it was Coats Disease, but in many cases, its cancer or a tumor. She would have lost her eyesight completely in one eye.

Coats Disease is a rare eye disease caused by abnormal development of the blood vessels of the retina, said Dr. Erica Beaver, an optometrist with Premier Eye Care.

For 8-year-old Grace, wearing glasses corrected the issue. She no longer has to wear them but goes in every six months for check-ups. The Fettermans are sharing Graces story so other families know the glow.

According to the CDC, less than 15% of preschool kids get an eye exam but childhood exams are key to detecting eye issues.

Beaver says babies should have their first eye exam between six and 12 months old, when the eyes are starting to develop, so issues with the eye or diseases like Coats can be detected.

After the initial exam, as long as everything is healthy, the next eye exam should be scheduled between ages 3 and 5 then once every 1 to 2 years after.

If the child is complaining about vision or pain in the eye or headaches, get them checked, said Beaver. Parents can also look for squinting, closing one eye or tilting their head to see more clearly.

Eye screenings done at school or at the pediatricians office are not the same as an in-office eye exam, Beaver says. Those are vision screenings for distance or near vision, not a look at the health of the eye.

See the article here:
Noticing a glow in her eye, Second Lady saves daughters sight - ABC27

(PRESS RELEASE) SAN RAMON, CA CooperVision has become a global patron of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. The company becomes part of a select group of leaders including Allergan, Bayer, Novartis and Standard Chartered Bank that supports IAPB at the highest level to help achieve universal access to eye health.

As part of the relationship, CooperVision and IAPB will collaborate to bring greater awareness and action to the growing prevalence and severity of myopia in children worldwide. A seminal 2015 report on the issue from the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that myopia and high myopia are increasing globally at an alarming rate, with significant increases in the risks for vision impairment from pathologic conditions associated with high myopia.

CooperVision has a heritage of addressing widespread refractive issues such as astigmatism and presbyopia. More recently, we have taken on even greater challenges such as childhood myopia, not only correcting it but also successfully slowing its progression, said Daniel G. McBride, president of CooperVision. Even with the remarkable progress were making, no single organization can do this alone. Were optimistic about what our new partnership with IAPB will mean for millions of children, adults and families worldwide.

IAPB are excited about the opportunity to partner with CooperVision to create sustainable and lasting change in eye health, including addressing the substantial global increase in myopia, said Peter Holland, chief executive, IAPB. The leadership, insight and innovation of our Patrons regularly unearth new approaches, models and alliances for greater collective and individual impact. By working together, we exponentially increase our abilities to confront and overcome vision impairment issues.

In addition to its IAPB patronage, CooperVision contributes significant funding, knowledge and time to a range of eye health-focused organizations every year. These include being a founding member of the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition, a Global Platinum sponsor of Optometry Giving Sight, and partner in Our Childrens Vision. As part of its corporate responsibility initiatives, CooperCompanies is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, concentrating on good health and well-being, responsible consumption and production and complementary partnerships.

CooperVision develops a range of products designed to aid eye care professionals. Silicone hydrogel soft contact lens brands such as Biofinity and clariti 1 day are worn by millions worldwide. Its myopia care portfolio includes advanced lenses such as Paragon CRT and Procornea DreamLite designed for overnight wear (orthokeratology), as well as innovations such as MiSight 1 day contact lenses for slowing the progression of myopia in children (8-12 years of age at the initiation of treatment).

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Prevent Blindness to Hold 15th Annual 'Eyes on Capitol Hill' Advocacy Event - InvisionMag

If youre tired of struggling with poor eyesight, specifically someone who wants to improve their vision, reverse glaucoma, cataract, near-sightedness and wants to stop using glasses, then here is good news.

There is a newly discovered USA Organic remedy that has helped over 642 Nigerian men, women and children restore eyesight, improve vision and cure severe eye problems within few weeks.

You see

As it says above, I was a glaucoma and cataract sufferer, and for several years I was battling with this eye condition. I wasted money on expensive pills and eye drops not until I discovered thisUSAOrganic remedy that reverses glaucoma, cataract, and cures severe eye problems like

Glaucoma, Short- Sightedness (Myopia), Far- Sightedness (Hyperopia), Lazy Eye (Amblyopia), Cross-Eye (Strabismus), Eye Strain, Macular Degeneration, Cataracts, Astigmatism, Old-Age Sight, Light Sensitivity, Diabetic Retinopathy and other various eye problems.

In fact, this Organic Remedy has now been used by over 642 Nigerian men and women, with remarkable success to improve vision and restore eyesight in few weeks.

And the best part is, it works whether youre 8 or 80 years old.

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If youve noticed that your eyesight keeps getting worse, even after spending money on countless number of drugs and eye drops

If youre concerned about whether the eye problem will ever stop, and you would like to put an end to it before you lose your eyesight completely

If you ever get embarrassed or frustrated at your inability to read or see things properly

If youre experiencing blurry vision, blind spot, or any kind of issue with your vision

And if you want a scientifically proven way to correct your failing eyesight and achieve perfect 20/20 vision in as little as few weeks

Then Read every single word on this page, because I promise you will be able to improve your eyesight tremendously with this USA Discovered Organic Remedy.

You see, I was once in your shoes, I used to battle with severe eye problems that made me had blurred vision, dry itchy and red eyes.

But my eye doctor told me I could only live with it, so my optician kept on recommending eye glasses lens (or spectacles) so I could manage it to improve my vision.

But, as time went by this became ineffective, caused several eye irritations and also negatively affected my self esteem.

3 years later, my eye condition had worsened after several eye exams, I was diagnosed with glaucoma in the right eye.

In my Situation, several solutions like eye drops, pills and surgery was recommended.

Eye surgery which was the longest time treatment was really expensive, and even comes with its own side effects after several months or years.

So, I decided to start using eye drops just so I could manage to see because at this point, I was literally going blind.

You can Check Out the USA Discovered Organic Solution Here >>

The whole story was finally different when I came in contact with myOld Secondary School FriendFRANK, who is now an optician based in the USA.

He told me the secret behind many Eye drops and recommended glasses.

He Revealed How Research Has Proved That Wearing Lenses and Contacts May Finally Destroy Our Eyesight Over Time.

Not Only that, he also Revealed the secret of most Pharmaceutical Companies that Produces Eye Drops to me, how they are reaping people off their hard earn money when trying to regain their eyesight.

First, most MLM and Pharmaceutical companies sell very expensive prescription drugs and glasses that takes a very long time to work.

They want you to keep coming back to buy more and more drugs from them, to make more money out of you because they know it will take forever for it work.

Another way they cheat people is that, they try to keep people suffering from eye problems away from finding out other safe, natural and Easy ways to cure glaucoma, cataracts, myopia and other eye problems without using their expensive drugs or going for surgery anymore.

So, he Finally revealed to me that there is an Organic Solution that Gives PERMANENT CURE TO ALL EYE PROBLEMS which helps reverse Glaucoma, Cataract, Myopia, Aged Cross-Eye (Strabismus), Eye Strain, Macular Degeneration, Astigmatism, Old-Age Sight, Light Sensitivity, Diabetic Retinopathy and other various eye Issues without any side effect whatsoever.

Most of these cases he has handled in the eye specialist clinic he works with in USA, and his patients improved their eyesight, and they never had to wear glasses or go for expensive eye surgery again.

You Too Can Check Out the USA Organic Remedy I am Talking About Here ->

http://bit.ly/purxcnws

But there is a Problem,

This solution is very rear to Find in Nigeria because it can only be imported from the USA.

At first, I was shocked and surprised.

But he told me the exact plant extracts contained inside this Organic Solution, and how they improve overall eyesight health and restores vision.

I quickly pleaded with him to help me send a complete supply it.

The next morning, I quickly sent the money to him.

To my surprise, in less than 3 weeks of using it, it was almost like a miracle to my eyesight problem and it helped improve my vision.

My eyes became crystal clear, my vision was never blurry again, and I started to feel that my glaucoma was a thing of the past.

Click Here to get access to the Herbal Remedy that helps you cure glaucoma, cataract, near-sightedness in few weeks!

http://bit.ly/purxcnws

After It worked for me,

In order to be sure how effective this USA Organic Solution is, I also Introduced it to some of my co workers who are battling with different eye issues.

They also got it, took it as prescribed and in less than 1 month, most of them came back with great testimonies Sharing the good news of how this Organic Product miraculously clear their eyesight issues and help them regain their sight completely.

After some months, I also went to my eye clinic for checkup, and what I discovered was amazing.

My Eye Doctor took me through some test and told me that there is great improvement in my eyesight and that most of the previous problems can no longer be found.

I was filled with Joy in my heart.

I was happy I will not be using glasses again.

Check Out the Organic Remedy Here

http://bit.ly/purxcnws

HERE ARE TESTIMONIES FROM SOME NIGERIANS WHO HAVE USED IT TO CURE DIFFERENT SIGHT PROBLEMS

Mrs Amaka in LAGOS is one of those that used this Organic Solution to Cure her Eye Issue Permanently and Here is what she says

Amaka Edith

A Mother and a Teacher.

This is the BEST Answer I know to Achieve perfect 2020 vision

My name is Amaka Edith

And I know how it feels not to have a 20/20 vision because I have used glasses for years, used eye drops, drank eye tea & taken enough meds.

I found it difficult to see clear unless I use drops, everything always looked blurry

In fact, it got to a point I could not see what I am reading or writing. It affected my work as well.

UNTIL my U S based Doc friend introduced me to this Newly Discovered Organic Solution that made my vision so sharp that I can see the tiniest of the article from far away.

Thank You Doctor. For Showing Me the Way of Light & Vision.

I recommend this Solution to anyone who is serious about clearing any sight issues.

Another Great Testimony from Bar. Jubril Aina, Abuja

I once had a Glaucoma and Cataract, when I was Introduced to this Solution from my USA Based Friend.

He said it was a newly discovered solution for all sight issues.

After using it for some weeks, I was surprise with the changes in my Eye, I have to Call my eye doctor for a test and what he said got me surprised.

Right now, I am 67year old and I can read anything, even the tiniest letter.

This USA Newly discovery is the Solution We are Looking for..

If You Will Also Like to Cure Any form of Eye Problem, be it Glaucoma, Cataract, Myopia, Aged Cross-Eye (Strabismus), Eye Strain, Macular Degeneration, Astigmatism, Old-Age Sight, Light Sensitivity, Diabetic Retinopathy OR any other various eye Issues without any side effect whatsoever.

Go Here to Check the New USA Discovered Organic Remedy

http://bit.ly/purxcnws

See the original post here:
Newly discovered: The USA organic solution that cures cataract, glaucoma, blurry vision, other eye problem ... - Daily Post Nigeria

(PRESS RELEASE) SAN RAMON, CA CooperVision has become a global patron of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. The company becomes part of a select group of leaders including Allergan, Bayer, Novartis and Standard Chartered Bank that supports IAPB at the highest level to help achieve universal access to eye health.

As part of the relationship, CooperVision and IAPB will collaborate to bring greater awareness and action to the growing prevalence and severity of myopia in children worldwide. A seminal 2015 report on the issue from the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that myopia and high myopia are increasing globally at an alarming rate, with significant increases in the risks for vision impairment from pathologic conditions associated with high myopia.

CooperVision has a heritage of addressing widespread refractive issues such as astigmatism and presbyopia. More recently, we have taken on even greater challenges such as childhood myopia, not only correcting it but also successfully slowing its progression, said Daniel G. McBride, president of CooperVision. Even with the remarkable progress were making, no single organization can do this alone. Were optimistic about what our new partnership with IAPB will mean for millions of children, adults and families worldwide.

IAPB are excited about the opportunity to partner with CooperVision to create sustainable and lasting change in eye health, including addressing the substantial global increase in myopia, said Peter Holland, chief executive, IAPB. The leadership, insight and innovation of our Patrons regularly unearth new approaches, models and alliances for greater collective and individual impact. By working together, we exponentially increase our abilities to confront and overcome vision impairment issues.

In addition to its IAPB patronage, CooperVision contributes significant funding, knowledge and time to a range of eye health-focused organizations every year. These include being a founding member of the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition, a Global Platinum sponsor of Optometry Giving Sight, and partner in Our Childrens Vision. As part of its corporate responsibility initiatives, CooperCompanies is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, concentrating on good health and well-being, responsible consumption and production and complementary partnerships.

CooperVision develops a range of products designed to aid eye care professionals. Silicone hydrogel soft contact lens brands such as Biofinity and clariti 1 day are worn by millions worldwide. Its myopia care portfolio includes advanced lenses such as Paragon CRT and Procornea DreamLite designed for overnight wear (orthokeratology), as well as innovations such as MiSight 1 day contact lenses for slowing the progression of myopia in children (8-12 years of age at the initiation of treatment).

Here is the original post:
CooperVision Becomes Global Patron of International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness - InvisionMag

PUBLISHED: 16:00 20 February 2020

Mellissa Dzinzi

Visually impaired man Darren Palmer treated unfairly by pure gym, pictured with his guide dog. Picture: MARK ATHERTON

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The 44-year-old, who lives with his wife in Weston, has had to adjust to life with his guide dog and has even lost friends as a result of his visual impairment.

At the beginning of this year, Darren gained his confidence back and joined Pure Gym, in Gallagher Retail Park, despite his impairment.

He said: "It started around 2012, there was a big black spot in my eye which kept coming and it got worse over time.

"I have a little bit of vision in my left eye. The doctors did what they could to save my sight. It could have been worse."

Darren said it took a long time for doctors to diagnose his condition and he found it increasingly difficult to go out with friends.

He added: "Before the surgery, I used to walk into people, and it got to a point I couldn't go out with my friends.

"I got put on a pub watch once because they thought I was drunk, I even showed them my card. After that, I got a symbol cane.

"As soon as I had a cane, I felt like a vulnerable person.

"I took me a while to come to terms with losing my sight.

"People assume you are completely blind and you can't do anything."

Exercise is one of the activities which has helped Darren to regain his independence.

He said: "I have equipment at home, but I wanted to join the gym. I had my induction and the manager was more than happy for me to use the gym and for me to have my guide dog with me.

"I've lost friends from it - people don't know how to act or they avoid you. It's quite sad."

Darren is 'physically abled' despite his visual impairment.

He has a guide dog, but this often attracts unwanted attention from members of the public who want to stroke the animal.

This can distract the dog, which could put Darrren in danger.

Small issues which would not usually pose a problem can also be a big challenge to Darren, such as cars parking on pavements.

Darren said: "It's a silly little thing I used to do when I used to drive.

"The guide dogs are trained to walk on the path and on the road.

"They might go around the cars and onto the road, which can be dangerous.

"I had two little kids in McDonald's asking questions about the dog.

"It was lovely because some kids really take an interest, which is nice.

"Some children will point to the dog and say he's a special dog because they've learnt about guide dogs at school.

"I get caught on the school bus sometimes and it can be a challenge when the children try to climb over the dog. I have to remind people not to distract him.

"He can get into small spaces on the bus and trains. I never used to suffer from claustrophobia till I lost my sight, especially on trains. People stand over the dog and crowd him."

Since his diagnosis, Darren has had a great deal of support from Vision North Somerset.

A number of shops and supermarkets also run a lanyard scheme which enables people with hidden disabilities to get help.

For anyone who is struggling with visual impairment or going through the same situation as Darren, he said there is help out there.

He added: "There is help and support. The help I received from Vision North Somerset was priceless. They went above and beyond.

"Places like Tesco have a lanyard scheme, which I think is fantastic - it indicates to the staff you may need help.

"If you see someone struggling, don't be afraid to ask the person to help them. They're probably just afraid to ask for help."

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Darren from Weston lost his sight in 2016 | Latest Weston-super-Mare and Somerset news - Weston Mercury

Considering the battering that my right eye has taken, it is doing pretty well. I have fairly good long-distance vision. I switch between a contact lens and very thick glasses.

Some of my material as a comedian is based on sight loss. As I found my voice as a comedian, it has developed into all manner of things. Now I just tend to gossip on stage. I always try and justify it by saying that because I have spent a lot of my life in hospital waiting rooms, a good distraction is a little bit of gossip.

My first show, A Poke in the Eye, was about the year I lost my sight when I was 21. It was a complex journey. The show was picking out the most interesting parts of that time. My mum, dad and my brothers were main characters in it.

I thought I would use what was a negative experience and turn it into something positive. It is your unique outlook on the world that people find funny. You need to tap into that as much as you can. Comedy is one of the few things I have found that I am good at. What better way to spend your time than with a group of people having a laugh.

You have to be resilient. You have to put up with tough audiences. But the highs are so great that you put up with the lows. I did an Edinburgh Fringe run of my third show, Eyecon, on a Saturday and it was packed full with a really young, rowdy audience. They were an absolute riot and it just felt like a party.

There are loads of times where shows havent gone well. I will try a new joke or a new subject and it just dies. No one finds it funny. You have to take it all with a pinch of salt. Sometimes they are not the audience for you.

It is your unique outlook on the world that people find funny. You need to tap into that as much as you can

Any comedian who is giving it their all I admire. My idol was always Joan Rivers. She was one of the first female comedians ever. I got compared to her in Edinburgh and there is no greater compliment.

You will always get a little bit nervous. It would be weird if you didnt. Sometimes I am really tired and I have had a long day. Without that adrenalin, I would have been totally flat. You turn that nervousness into energy. As soon as you get your first laughs and things start to flow, youre away.

I decided to support the International Glaucoma Association because there isnt much awareness around young people and glaucoma. It is one of the biggest causes of sight loss and it is a condition that can be controlled. I am very much a believer in prevention rather than cure.

Humour has been my defence and my saving grace. When things have been properly tough, I have found a way to laugh it off. The only alternative is to cry. I know how I want to live my life.

Georgie Morrell is a stand up comedian. She supported the International Glaucoma Associations Glaucomasters campaign during National Eye Health Week 2019. For more details about upcoming gigs visit her website.

Image credit: Steve Ullathorne

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Humour has been my defence and my saving grace - AOP