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While pain relievers might be needed at times for joint pain, they all have side effects, and none solve the problem that caused the pain. Drugs seek to interfere with pain perception one way or another by temporarily suppressing the symptoms. That is also true for injected steroid drugs. If the cartilage or cushioning tissue in a joint is missing, the steroid shot will not replace it. In fact, because steroids have side effects that can degenerate joint tissue, they are generally safe to use only about three times.

 Surgical joint replacements just throw away the joint and put in a new one. That technology is impressive, but the manmade substitution is not as good or as long-lasting as the one nature provided. Surgeries run sometimes-serious risks associated with anesthesia and potential infection or rejection. The cost is high and the recovery time is long. The practice of medicine has begun to slowly adopt stem cell therapy as an alternative that is safer, more effective and less expensive. Doctors committed to patient welfare will find convincing support for stem cell therapy in the large number of scientific studies showing impressive results.

 Stem cell therapy is superior to either of the mainstream approaches because it rebuilds joints naturally, the same way that they were created before birth. The undifferentiated stem cells not only become whatever type of cell the body needs, they also fight inflammation and signal our immune system and tissues to get busy healing. X-rays show that cushioning reappears even in bone-on-bone knees. Unlike other kinds of therapeutic injections that require precise placement into a joint, stem cells are attracted to the trouble spots.

 It is possible to surgically extract adult stem cells from bone marrow or body fat, but those stem cells are not very plentiful, and may mirror the condition of the aging patient. Stem cells are also present in amniotic fluid, but that liquid also contains potential allergens. The most effective, purest stem cells are those from donated human umbilical cords (which would otherwise become medical waste). The donated umbilical cord material is then prepared in tightly controlled U.S. Food and Drug Administration-inspected facilities like blood banks.

There are various grades of quality in finished stem cell products from different providers. The most effective sources carefully monitor stem cell quality, as well as density and vitality.

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Uber Health has expanded its services to include access to pharmaceutical delivery in Dallas, with plans to grow in the coming months. With COVID-19 cases still on the rise across the U.S., getting to a pharmacy to pick up prescriptions can be challenging for many and nearly impossible for some. Uber Direct has been integrated with on-demand prescription delivery platform NimbleRx to help deliver medication.

 

Talha Sattar, founder and CEO of Nimble, says, “By tapping into Uber’s delivery expertise, Uber Health is able to facilitate prescription delivery directly to people’s homes. Uber Health began with a vision to help alleviate transportation as a barrier to care, and helping our most vulnerable populations get the prescriptions they need to stay healthy is a natural and exciting next step for us.”

 

Access to care is more than getting to and from doctor appointments. Uber Health launched in March 2018 to broaden the Uber for Business suite of enterprise solutions. Since then, they have worked closely with healthcare partners to identify and address challenges within the non-emergency medical transportation experience.

 

For more information, visit Tinyurl.com/UberDirectDelivery.

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When EarthX found a way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day virtually on April 22 with more than 570,000 live-stream views and 124,000 engagements in 171 countries, the EarthX organization, considered the world’s largest and most inclusive environmental celebration, conference and film festival  did what it does best; it virtually, united conservatives, progressives, capitalists, activists across all divides to save the planet - and EarthxTV was born.  It will debut on September 21.

EarthxTV hopes to be the go-to virtual platform for environmental organizations, educational institutions, government partners, festivals and filmmakers, positioning it as the leading global connector and environmental forum to positively impact our world for a sustainable and conservable future.  It is a secure virtual content platform that will distribute diverse environmental free content in one place through livestream, replay and partner content.

 Some of the original series in production include weekly episodes of EarthxCEO; Green Justice; Never Give up/Women in the Environment; Planet911 Youth Reports; Science in Action; and EarthxFilm Presents Screenings and Conversation; and monthly episodes of Earth Day 2020 Comic Book; and EarthXR Presents.

 For more information, visit Earthx.org.  

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Garland-based Kandi America, a subsidiary of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Kandi Technologies Group Inc., acquired SC Autosports of Garland, in 2018 to distribute electric vehicles (EV) in the U.S. Now they have launched one of the most affordable electric EVs on the American market, with an initial focus on the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. 

Their Auto EVolution For All campaign permits customers to put a refundable $100 deposit down for models K27 and K23, which will be available for delivery later this year. Johnny Tai, CEO of Kandi America, states, “At Kandi, we are on a mission to make electric cars accessible for all.”

Priced at $12,999 after federal tax credits, the K27 is the compact model with ample interior space that can comfortably accommodate up to four passengers. The car features a 17.69 kWh lithium battery and a driving range up to 100 miles, making it a good choice for urban driving. The K23 is $22,499 after federal tax credits. The size of a small SUV, this model includes a 41.4 kWh ternary lithium battery with a driving range of more than 180 miles.

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Ford Motor Co. intends to make electric versions of the F-150 pickup and Ford Transit van soon. The pick-up’s PowerBoost gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain comes first, which combines a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission with an integrated 35-kW electric motor. In model-year 2022, the F-150 will add a true battery-electric drivetrain to its options. The model may be named Everglades.

 

A new front trunk will have two compartments that can be accessed without opening the hood. Extra cargo space in the front instead of an internal-combustion engine is one of the many benefits of a fully electric powertrain. It is expected be all wheel drive and will be the quickest F-150. Electric motors can produce a ton of power at basically zero RPM.

 

 

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To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival in the West of Paramahansa Yogananda and his founding of Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), the 2020 Self-Realization Fellowship World Convocation, a free global online spiritual gathering, will be presented from August 9 through 15, bringing thousands of seekers together for spiritual renewal and upliftment during these challenging times and an immersion in the yoga meditation teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda (Autobiography of a Yogi), widely regarded as the father of yoga in the West. All sessions will be free, led by SRF monks and nuns, and livestreamed on the organization’s website.

 

This spiritual gathering will provide strength, solace and spiritual guidance to seekers through the power of group meditations, united prayer, kirtan and talks on the yoga teachings of Yogananda, who through his many books and recordings has introduced millions to India’s timeless science of the soul.

 

The event is ideal for those that are new to meditation or want to deepen existing practices, and a practical way to explore yoga meditation with one of the oldest and most respected yoga organizations in the country and meditate online in real time with like-minded yogis worldwide. 

 

For more information or to register (required), call 323-225-2471 or visit Yogananda.org/convo2020.

 

 

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A grapevine can add both beauty and functionality in any home landscape, and these-low maintenance cultivars should produce for many years. The Lone Star state is home to the largest repository of wild grape species in the nation with 13 native varieties.

 

In 2015, viticulturist Dr. Justin Scheiner and horticulturist Dr. Steve George of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, designed six Earth-Kind vineyard research trials spread across the state to evaluate potential improved cultivars suitable for backyard grape growing. In 2019, three more sites were added across Dallas-Fort Worth. 

 

Grapevines from these trials were evaluated and only the ones that meet the rigorous demands of Earth-Kind gardening are recommended regarding the criteria of 

 

Pierce’s disease tolerant; aesthetically pleasing; self-fertile; productive; high-quality fruit; and minimal disease and pestilence susceptibility. Recommended cultivars include:

 

Southern Home— As opposed to true muscadines it will tolerate both acidic as well as slightly alkaline soils. It has performed well on the heavy “black gumbo” clay that is prevalent in Dallas/Fort Worth. It has very good candy like flavor and can also be used for wine.

 

Champanel—It thrives on heavy clay soil, requires very little input, and has beautiful dark green leaves with snow white undersides that catch the eye when there is a breeze.

 

Lomanto—The vines are well adapted to the soils of North Texas and do not grow as large as Champanel; this is of benefit for those with tight spaces in their landscape.

 

Victoria Red—The flavor and texture is utterly refreshing. It has edible seeds, but not many in each grape. The pinkish-rose colored grapes grow in long clusters, many up to a foot long. Berries start maturing in mid-July to early August. It is well adapted to our soil and heat.

 

Miss blanc— This grape is an extremely tough hybrid from Mississippi that does well in North Texas. It thrives under heat and humidity and has low pest disease susceptibility.

 

Michael Cook is the North Texas viticulture program specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. He can be reached at 940-349-2896 or M.Cook@tamu.edu.

 

 

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As we’re enjoying summer, there are some risks to our furry family members. In addition to proper parasite control, especially fleas, ticks, and heartworms, here are a few tips to keep pets happy and healthy as the weather warms.

 

1. Fresh water keeps pets hydrated and minimizes the risk of heat exhaustion/stroke. Check a pet’s water several times each day and keep the bowl full. Don’t forget that water evaporates quicker when it’s warmer.

 

2. Keep pets inside if possible. If it’s too hot for people, it’s definitely too hot for furry pets. If pets must be kept outdoors, provide plenty of shade, ensure air flow, and lots of fresh water (even using multiple water bowls).

 

3. Clip pets because longer-haired dogs and cats are more comfortable as it warms when their hair is clipped shorter and closer to their body.

 

4. Watch the sun. Pets, especially lighter coated/skinned pets can get burned, and excess sun exposure can cause skin cancer in pets. Sunscreens made for people are usually safe for pets, but always check with a veterinarian first.

 

5. Never leave pets unattended in the car.

 

6. Watch noises. Pets can get stressed with fireworks, larger gatherings, cookouts and storms. It’s cruel to not consider a pet’s emotional state during these times. When needed, short-term use of safe conventional antianxiety medications may be considered, but natural remedies such as CBD oil and herbs such as valerian and lavender are also worthy of consideration.  Many CBD oils have little efficacy, so, follow a vet’s advice on the best, most-effective CBD oil that could help a pet.

 

7. Enjoy water safely. Many pets love being in the water, but can’t naturally swim and die when they can’t get out of a pool. Think of the pet as a child and keep them away from the water unless they are strictly supervised.

 

8. Exercise care on walks. Walking a pet in the middle of a 100-degree, 90 percent humidity day is torture. This is simply asking for trouble, such as fatal heat stroke. Limit walks to early morning or later evening hours when the sun is hiding.


Shawn Messonnier, DVM, is a past supporting member of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians and author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, Breast Choices for the Best Chances: Your Breasts, Your Life, and How YOU Can Win The Battle. 

 

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The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has received a bronze designation from the national SolSmart program for helping local governments across the Dallas-Fort Worth area make it faster, easier and more affordable to go solar. NCTCOG is the first regional organization in Texas to achieve SolSmart designation.

 

Andrea Luecke, president and executive director at The Solar Foundation said “This designation recognizes the superb leadership from NCTCOG in leading a collaborative effort to encourage solar and other renewable energy growth in the Lone Star State. Other Texas communities that are interested in going solar should take advantage of the resources that NCTCOG has to offer.”

 

Their website includes a comprehensive guide to increasing solar deployment across Texas, with steps for homeowners to go solar, best management practices for local governments, an extensive resource library, training for a variety of audiences, including real estate professionals and fire and code officials, and much more.

 

For more information, visit GosSolarTexas.org.

 

 

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Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Clean Air Action Day, the annual celebration of environmental awareness put on by Air North Texas will be observed differently this year. 

 

The City of Dallas will sponsor a virtual Air Quality Town Hall meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., August 4,  the first in a series of quarterly town halls to support their Comprehensive Environment and Climate Action Plan.

 

It will focus on the objective that all Dallas communities breathe clean air. Buzz Smith will speak on electric vehicles and Dr. Haneen Khreis, from Texas Tech, will talk about air quality and environmental justice.

 

Many social distancing strategies such as working from home, can double as clean air strategies as residents pledge to do simple things every day to positively impact air quality. It is important to work toward better air quality every day, especially in Dallas-Fort Worth, which remains in nonattainment for ozone pollution.

 

People can also plan the most fuel-efficient route and combine trips when they do have to drive. Other examples include bicycling or walking to the store, packing lunch in a reusable bag and buying locally grown foods. North Texans are encouraged to observe social distancing protocols while aiming to improve air quality.

 

Sign up for air pollution alerts at AirNorthTexas.org/signup. Individuals will be notified when ozone levels are predicted to be unhealthy so they can take extra precautions and limit actions that affect air quality on those days. Visit AirNorthTexas.org/howto for resources and information on programs that can help improve air quality each day.

 

 

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