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Setting New Year’s Resolutions? 91% of Canadians believe we should choose progress over perfection

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The no. 1 global nutrition and food tracking app, MyFitnessPal, helps users embrace sustainable eating habits in the New Year, without the pressure and intensity of an ‘all or nothing’ mindset

TORONTO, Jan. 8, 2025 /CNW/ – The new year is here and with it, the push to set and maintain health-focused resolutions. Whether it’s the latest diet trend on social media, the guilt that creeps in after holiday festivities, or the long-held belief that this is the one time a year to become a “new you,” this kind of pressure is not a sustainable approach to wellness. A recent survey shows that of the 19% of Canadians that tried a fad diet, 43% were not successful in reaching their health goals. The New Year can be a fresh start, which is why MyFitnessPal, the no. 1 global nutrition and food tracking app, is encouraging its members to embrace the philosophy of progress over perfection.

Survey Says:

Of those who tried a fad diet and were not successful, 70% say it was because the diet was too restrictive.24% of Gen Z and Millennials have tried a fad diet.91% of Canadians surveyed agree that focusing on progress over perfection is the best approach to successfully achieving a health goal.

Rather than restricting or depriving yourself, it’s about making intentional choices. By planning your week and tracking your food, you will build realistic, achievable habits that account for the moments when real life happens––setting a foundation not only for today, but for life.

“MyFitnessPal acknowledges the mad fads that have been encouraged over the years in a bid for achieving what society deems ‘perfect’,” says Head of Nutrition, Melissa Jaeger, RD. “At MyFitnessPal, we encourage striving for progress, not the concept of ‘perfection’. Restrictive diets lack sustainability and overall nutrient balance – a few factors that contribute to why ‘quick fixes’, fad, or restrictive diets aren’t the solution to achieving long term health goals. Instead of trying the latest fad or revisiting an old trend – try tracking your foods, building awareness of your nutrition habits, and knowing where you stand with your health. Most importantly, don’t let it get in the way of real life. Have a piece of cake on your child’s birthday and enjoy some poutine occasionally––because that’s real life.”

To ensure you always know where you stand when life gets real, Melissa created three tips for a healthy and joyful January.

Add, Don’t Subtract 
Instead of focusing on what you would cut out from your diet this January, set a goal for what you could add to your diet to help support overall motivation and progress towards health and nutrition goals.

Consider setting a SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time Bound – goal to increase daily fruit, vegetable, or water intake. Not only can small steps support overall health goals, they can also reframe how we view our diet when it comes to goal setting. An app like MyFitnessPal makes tracking fruit and vegetable intake simple through the My Weekly Report feature, highlighting dietary patterns based on food groups. You can also track daily water intake via the water tracking widget in the app’s home screen.

Stay Social While Staying on Track
Life doesn’t stop when you set a health goal and it shouldn’t have to. Instead of saying no to dinners at restaurants with family or happy hours with friends, account for these moments by logging your meals so you always know where you stand on the journey to meeting your health goals.

“Tracking what you eat can help you understand the impact of your dietary choices, encouraging a healthier and more mindful approach to eating. When you allow room for flexibility, like enjoying a side of fries, you’re more likely to stay motivated to keep progressing towards your health goals,” says Jaeger.

Don’t Put too Much on January or Yourself
Remember that January is just one month out of the year. Just as one meal, snack or beverage isn’t going to make or break your progress towards your health goals, the first month of the year isn’t the only month to focus on your health goals. Prioritize your health and wellbeing year-round, using tracking tools like MyFitnessPal to gain insight into your dietary habits and learn where you have room for modifications to support your goals.

For more information on MyFitnessPal, visit www.myfitnesspal.com or download the app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Methodology
This Maru Public Opinion survey conducted on behalf of MyFitnessPal was undertaken by the sample and data collection experts at Maru/Blue. 1,531 randomly selected Canadians adults who are Maru Voice Canada online panelists were surveyed from December 18 to December 19, 2024. The results of this study have been weighted by education, age, gender, and region (and in Quebec, language) to match the population, according to Census data. This is to ensure the sample is representative of the entire adult population of Canada. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size has an estimated margin of error (which measures sampling variability) of +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals when compared to the data tables are due to rounding. 

About MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal is the #1 global nutrition and food tracking app for achieving health goals, especially weight management. Since 2005, MyFitnessPal has empowered over 200 million users in over 120 countries to improve their health by tracking their food, recording exercise activity, and logging their weight. As one of the world’s most trusted resources on nutrition, MyFitnessPal’s mission is to help people around the world reach their health goals through better food choices by providing knowledge, motivation and a sense of progress. With one of the largest food databases in the world comprising over 19 million foods, access to over 500 recipes, more than 50 workout routines and exercise demos, and over 40 connected fitness partners, MyFitnessPal provides users with tools for positive healthy change. The MyFitnessPal app is available on the App Store and Google Play store. To learn more, visit www.myfitnesspal.com or follow MyFitnessPal on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and Twitter.

SOURCE MyFitnessPal

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Vivalink Recognized with 2024 Global Healthcare IT Solutions Award by Frost & Sullivan

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Vivalink honored for enabling technology leadership with its innovative remote patient monitoring solutions

CAMPBELL, Calif., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vivalink, a leading provider of digital healthcare solutions, receives Frost & Sullivan’s 2024 Global Healthcare IT Solutions Enabling Technology Leadership Award. This distinction highlights Vivalink as a leader in the global remote patient monitoring (RPM) market for worldwide clinical applications of hospital-at-home, cardiac monitoring and clinical trials.

Frost & Sullivan’s Enabling Technology Leadership Award recognizes companies that apply their technology in new ways to improve existing products and services and elevate the customer experience. Its primary criteria includes Vivalink’s leveraging of technology to improve efficiency, application diversity and creativity, as well as its customer impact through performance, customer experience and brand equity.

Vivalink’s medical-grade wearable technology enables providers to deliver patient-centered care for hospital-at-home services, ambulatory cardiac monitoring, and remote clinical trials. Unlike traditional RPM systems, Vivalink offers continuous, real-time monitoring for a variety of specialties, including cardiology, oncology and neurology, while supporting chronic condition management, early interventions, and specialized applications.

“Frost & Sullivan commends Vivalink for its strategic focus on addressing critical unmet needs and limitations within traditional remote patient monitoring systems, thus accelerating its leadership in the increasingly competitive space,” said Dr. Rishi Pathak, research director at Frost & Sullivan. “With its flexible, versatile, and scalable Biometrics Data Platform and unique business model, the company strategically positions its platform as a convenient, cost-effective, and advanced solution, helping Vivalink capture significant market share.”

This award highlights Vivalink’s commitment to innovation, creativity, and ability to launch new solutions with far-reaching impact and application. Through its evolving solutions, Vivlink enables the integration of RPM technologies for modern healthcare delivery and optimized patient care.

“It is an honor to be recognized as a global leader of health IT solutions, highlighting our commitment to providing informed, continuous data that drives modern healthcare delivery models,” said Jiang Li, PhD and CEO of Vivalink.

For a copy of the detailed award write-up, see: www.vivalink.com/HealthIT_Award

About Vivalink
Vivalink is a provider of digital healthcare solutions for remote patient monitoring in healthcare and clinical trials. By combining medical wearables, advanced algorithms, and clinical applications, we provide a more effective and accessible approach to patient care worldwide.

About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan is the Growth Pipeline Company™. We power our clients to a future shaped by growth. Our Growth Pipeline as a ServiceTM provides the CEO and the CEO’s growth team with a continuous and rigorous platform of growth opportunities, ensuring long-term success. To achieve positive outcomes, our team leverages over 60 years of experience, coaching organizations of all types and sizes across 6 continents with our proven best practices. To power your Growth Pipeline future, visit Frost & Sullivan at http://www.frost.com.

Media Contact:
pr@vivalink.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vivalink-recognized-with-2024-global-healthcare-it-solutions-award-by-frost–sullivan-302347191.html

SOURCE Vivalink

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IDEMIA Awarded 10-Year Blanket Purchase Agreement from the General Services Administration for Next-Generation Identity Proofing for Login.Gov

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IDEMIA offers trusted identity proofing and verification platforms backed by decades-long history of partnership with government agencies.

RESTON, Va., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — IDEMIA Public Security North America, a leader in identity security and authentication services, has been awarded a 10-year blanket purchase agreement (BPA) worth up to $194.5 million from the General Services Administration (GSA) for its identity proofing capabilities. IDEMIA is one of 8 technology providers selected by GSA to accelerate the deployment of next-generation identity proofing technologies for Login.gov, a secure sign-in platform used by the public to create a single digital account that can be used to access multiple federal, state and local government agency sites.

After a rigorous qualification process by GSA, IDEMIA was selected for its robust and trusted identity proofing and verification technology, designed to ensure that individuals are who they say they are and prevent identity-related fraud, and its long-standing history of more than 60 years serving government agencies. IDEMIA’s Identity and Verification (ID&V) solution incorporates document authentication technology with comprehensive checks, such as digital tampering detection, document identification, font anomaly detection, liveness detection, and face capture. It complies with the highest security standards and is certified by the Kantara Initiative as compliant with NIST SP 800-63 rev. 3 Component Service at Identity Assurance Level 2 (IAL2).

IDEMIA’s identity proofing technology supports both active and passive facial liveness detection during authentication to ensure the person behind the camera is an actual individual. This technology has been awarded Level 1 and Level 2 compliance by iBeta in accordance with the ISO/IEC 30107-3 standards and most recently the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Department (DHS S&T). In addition, IDEMIA has incorporated accessibility and usability design feedback from Applause, a world leader in testing and digital quality, to ensure that IDEMIA’s identity proofing technology conforms with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

“We look forward to serving GSA as a committed technology partner, supporting their digital transformation efforts to improve identity verification and customer experience of Login.gov, which is accessed by millions of users,” shared Donnie Scott, CEO, IDEMIA Public Security North America.

IDEMIA’s ID&V solutions are trusted by public and private organizations across the globe. It serves as the backbone of IDEMIA’s Mobile ID issuance technology, which has been rolled out in New York, Arizona, Delaware, Iowa, and Mississippi, with more states to launch in the coming months.

To learn more about IDEMIA’s Identity and Verification solutions, click here.

About IDEMIA Public Security North America
IDEMIA Public Security North America is a leader in identity security and authentication services to governments and private companies operating in North America. Our mission is to Unlock the World, Make It Safer – helping people access what matters most, more quickly, more safely, and more securely, in both the physical and the digital worlds. Our best-in-class technology helps to authenticate and secure physical and digital transactions. IDEMIA is recognized by the National Institute of Standards (NIST) as a top-ranking participant in the Institute’s passenger facilitation simulation testing as well as in its regular Biometrics Technology Evaluations rankings, reinforcing the trustworthiness and reliability of IDEMIA’s facial recognition solutions for government and consumers alike.  

Learn more at www.na.idemia.com / Follow @Idemia_NA on Twitter and on LinkedIn.

Media contact:  
Genevieve de Vera
IDEMIA Public Security North America
(978) 808-7047
genevieve.devera@us.idemia.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/idemia-awarded-10-year-blanket-purchase-agreement-from-the-general-services-administration-for-next-generation-identity-proofing-for-logingov-302347160.html

SOURCE IDEMIA Identity & Security USA LLC

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Topaz Labs to Expand Addison, TX Headquarters from 7,000 to 27,000 Square Feet; Add 130 High-Tech Jobs

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The Town of Addison secures Topaz Labs with a $200,000 grant to build amenities and collaborative spaces for a new office.

ADDISON, Texas, Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Topaz Labs, the leading provider of AI-powered photo and video enhancement technology, and the Town of Addison announce an award of a $200,000 Amenities and Collaboration Grant to Topaz Labs to support the expansion of its headquarters, nearly tripling its current size.

” Topaz Labs is exactly the kind of company we love to see grow here in Addison,” said Wayne Emerson, Director of Economic Development at the Town of Addison. Their innovative work in AI and commitment to the Town make them the perfect partner.

The company will lease 28,208 square feet of office space — up from their current 7,000 square feet and expects to invest at least $2.5 million to customize the space with innovation labs and collaborative workspaces for staff. Topaz Labs will become the sole office tenant at Building 900, the newest building in Village on the Parkway, a vibrant mixed-use destination offering premier shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences.

As AI continues to be a booming industry nationally and locally in DFW, Topaz Labs expects to add 130 high-tech jobs by the end of 2027, further contributing to Addison’s reputation as a hub for innovation and technology.

” Topaz Labs is exactly the kind of company we love to see grow here in Addison,” said Wayne Emerson, Director of Economic Development at the Town of Addison. Their innovative work in AI and commitment to the Town make them the perfect partner. We’re also thrilled for their employees, who will enjoy working in a brand-new, highly amenitized building surrounded by great restaurants, entertainment options, and walkable amenities at Village on the Parkway.”

” We’re so excited for the future of Topaz Labs in Addison,” said Eric Yang, CEO at Topaz Labs. “We sought a vibrant, safe, and energetic community with like-minded professionals doing their best work. We’ve found all of that in Addison.”

” This transformative lease aligns seamlessly with Topaz Labs’ rapid growth in the AI industry, as well as our partnership with the Town of Addison. We are honored to have represented them in securing this exceptional space for their headquarters,’ said Nick Lee, President – Office Division and Principal at NAI.

Topaz Labs will begin occupying its new office space in May of 2025.

About Addison

Addison, Texas, is the Address for Success—a vibrant 4.4-square-mile urban hub offering over 200 restaurants, 22 hotels, 12 million square feet of office space, and upscale residential options. Home to Addison Airport, one of the busiest general aviation airports in Texas, and providing prime access to a diverse and highly skilled workforce, Addison is a strategic location for businesses to thrive. Addison is a premier destination in North Texas, known for its world-class special events and exceptional amenities. Learn more at http://www.addisoned.com/

About Topaz Labs

Topaz Labs is the innovator in AI image and video enhancement software for enterprise-scale and professional videographers, cinematographers, post-production specialists, and consumer photographers alike to improve images and video at a speed and scale never before seen. Topaz Labs allows users to upscale, sharpen, and remove noise from blurry or otherwise imperfect images and videos. The company has 1.5 million customers worldwide. For more information, please visit www.topazlabs.com.

About NAI

NAI Robert Lynn, established in 1962, is a leading commercial real estate firm specializing in Dallas/Fort Worth. With a comprehensive range of services—including office, retail, industrial, property management, capital markets, corporate services, site selection, land, and consulting— the firm combines local expertise with global reach to deliver tailored solutions for clients. Their deep-rooted presence and proactive market approach have solidified their reputation as industry leaders. For more information, please visit www.nairl.com.

Media Contact

Wayne Emerson, Town of Addison, 1 9724507076, wemerson@addisontx.gov, addisoned.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/topaz-labs-to-expand-addison-tx-headquarters-from-7-000-to-27-000-square-feet-add-130-high-tech-jobs-302346695.html

SOURCE Town of Addison

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