Vancouver, BC, Dec. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — From nutrition software to medicinal mushrooms, 2021 is the year for health innovation, and many companies are recognizing this opportunity. Mindful Media shares 12 companies that are taking the challenge out of health, making it easier than ever to access.
“Want to get fit and look fabulous this 2021 so you can curl up in your sweatpants on the couch knowing you have 6-pack abs? If so, look no further!”
If you think the above statement sounds ridiculous, that makes two of us.
The reality is, staying mentally and physically healthy has been incredibly challenging over the past year as the societal pressures of having “places to go and people to see” aren’t there to keep us accountable.
More than ever before, it is actually ENCOURAGED to stay in every night of the week. An activity that leaves many within steps of the refrigerator, home to some dangerous treats like ice cream and perhaps a nice chardonnay.
The solution to the pandemic-fatigue that many are feeling is discovering ways to make health accessible, fun, and beneficial… or simply put, easier.
How do we make health easier, you ask?
Thankfully, there are a number of health and wellness companies out there who have taken on this task. Through an innovative approach to health solutions, these companies experienced rapid growth in popularity throughout 2020.
With new habits forming, the success of these companies is sure to persist into 2021.
We’ve outlined 12 companies that are doing amazing things in making health easier in 2021, which is something we can all benefit from.
Peloton
If 2020 was kind to one industry, it would be that of at-home workout equipment. Peloton is a shining example of the success this industry has experienced. The company, which was founded in New York in 2012, is reported to have grown 350% in 2020 according to a recent Forbes article. So, what’s the reason for this surge in success? Gym closures, social distancing measures, and humanity’s innate thirst for competition have all contributed to the growth of Peloton’s popularity, which is now on a 4 to 8 week backorder for buyers interested in joining the biker gang.
What we love about Peloton is that they continue to push forth with innovations. They have now expanded on their lineup of stationary bikes to bring customers and members the Peloton tread, providing a full service guided workout experience. And for interested buyers that are spooked by the steep price tag? No problem. The company offers a 90-day free trial to their guided workout programs which require only body-weight and minimal equipment. Peloton has done a sensational job bringing the experience of boutique fitness classes into the home, and many are believing this trend will persist past the pandemic as people are falling in love with the ease of at-home workouts.
As the world’s leading producer of N95 masks, 3M was in high demand this past year. The industry conglomerate found itself at the center of an industry battle to fulfill personal protection equipment orders to countries all over the world. The Minnesota based company responded to this pressure by doubling their global output of N95 masks, which are specially designed to filter 95% of airborne particles, to 1.1 billion units annually.
Almost a year later, the vast majority of the world is still masking up when stepping out of the home. This trend is not anticipated to change until a vaccine is widely available, and even then, some are believing the act of wearing a mask may persist into mainstream culture. Boasting a selection of respirators designed to meet each individual’s need, the 3M will continue to provide protection on a global scale come 2021.
Rated the #1 app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation, Calm is regarded as one of the most successful meditation apps in the world, with a mission to make the world happier and healthier. And let’s face it – 2020 hasn’t been a walk in the park. Globally, mental health issues are on the rise resulting from isolation, social distancing, and disruptions to routine, Calm provides users with a convenient and accessible way to combat anxiety, insomnia, and stress through simply participating in the sessions available in the apps content library.
Through answering a series of questions, Calm curates customized exercise options suited to the needs of each user. This allows users to focus on the areas that they are specifically struggling with by listening to a meditation practice that has been intuitively selected by the app. Daily reminders promote consistency, which is important for beginners looking to benefit from the practice of meditation. Calm is not only highly effective, but highly convenient, and is a wonderful tool to help individuals cope with the heaviness that is the pandemic.
Over the past few years, meal kits have been rising in popularity thanks to their convenience and customization, proving to have an option for nearly all lifestyles. Are you a mom on the go with a handful of kiddos to feed after school and before hockey practice? Or perhaps a busy working professional who has no desire (or time) to stop by the grocery store after work and battle the lines? Whatever the case may be, meal kits are making life easier.
HelloFresh is a leader in the meal kit industry, having been one of the first companies to launch such an innovative solution. With a variety of options to choose from (vegetarian, vegan, low carb, family-sized, couple sized) the meal kit and delivery company is providing a solution for everyone and is taking the guesswork out of “what should I make for dinner tonight?” Furthermore, grocery shopping is something that is no longer safe for at-risk members of the community. With HelloFresh delivering the meal kits once a week, those who are concerned about their health can stay safe from the comfort of their home.
Founded in 2007 in Los Angeles, Alo Yoga is driven by the mission to spread good by bringing yoga to the world. The studio-to-street wear company creates minimal, yoga forward workout attire designed to increase movement and mobility, promoting a healthier and grounded lifestyle. Over the years, the company has expanded on its original line of yoga attire to offer workout clothing for a variety of physical activities, including running, barre, pilates, and exploration.
Today, Alo is far more than just a yoga apparel company. The industry titan also features a full virtual fitness program that allows members to follow professional instructors teaching a variety of classes that range in difficulty. This option is affordable on its own at $20/month, or, if you fancy ordering an item from their website, you get one month of the membership for free. 2021 is all about the home workout, and Alo is making this easier through their extraordinary yoga and fitness attire as well as their beautifully curated workout content as available on Alo Moves.
Lifestyles are busier today than they have ever been before, and this has created an increasing reliance on dining out/ordering in to stay nourished throughout a fully packed day. The problem with these options is that the nutritional value of the dishes is often a guessing game, which is not sustainable for individuals and families looking to source healthy choices. Recognizing this flaw in the system, Sonia Couto launched MenuSano in 2015 as a solution to her and her team “…wondering why, when you purchase boxed food you get nutrition labels, but not when you purchase restaurant food.”
As a nutrition analysis and recipe costing software, MenuSano allows foodservice, restaurants, manufacturers, schools, and hospitals the ability to create recipes and generate compliant nutrition labels, promoting health through consciousness. This Toronto-based solution to the guessing game of nutrition has been very well received by business owners. It provides an affordable and attainable solution to comply with government regulations for nutrition labeling. Consumers benefit by having access to the information at the point of sale which allows them to make healthier decisions. This breakthrough in awareness and accessibility is why MenuSano is a fundamental player in making health easier in 2021.
Learn more about the software making health easier here
Fredi
2020 has been the year of burnout for many – the world has imposed a number of uphill battles resulting in high levels of stress, emotional overwhelm, and distractions that have made everyday life incredibly challenging. Fredi is a company that believes success at work starts with wellness, and that’s why they’re helping ambitious women put their wellness first so they can experience snowballing wins at work and in life. Their product, Focused by Fredi, is an all-natural daily supplement in the nootropics space that is helping individuals feel sharp, collected, and energized all day long. Founded in 2019, the wellness company was created to introduce this simple step to your morning routine so you can tackle the day feeling motivated, clear-headed, and confident.
Chelsea and Mitch Glaser are the sibling duo who created the company as a solution to the high-stress and fast-paced lifestyles they had both been living with Chelsea running her own company and Mitch working as a Wall Street Investment Banker. They were both working hard to reach their goals, but often felt held back by the effects of burnout in the process. With their blend of six 100% natural ingredients, the Glasers are upgrading your morning routine and encouraging more self-care. As an industry-leading nootropic solution, Focused by Fredi is the supplement to turn to in 2021 for those looking for a natural and healthy way to boost their productivity.
SafetyWing is making health easier in 2021by making health ACCESSIBLE. Developed by a team of nomads themselves, SafetyWing is the world’s first International Travel Medical Insurance and global health insurance created to meet the needs of remote workers and digital nomads who are location independent. This growing workforce now has access to revolutionized subscription-based insurance policies that can cater to the unique needs of each individual.
All of SafetyWing’s products cover COVID-19, an offer that few other insurance companies have included in their policies. By continuing to provide extensive coverage, this San Francisco/Norwegian company is proving to be at the forefront of a global workforce shift that is embracing remote-work opportunities. Regardless of what your office looks like in 2021, SafetyWing will provide the coverage you need to keep you and your family safe and healthy anywhere in the world.
It’s time for kombucha to make room on the shelves – water kefir is the new probiotic beverage that is healing gut health one sip at a time! Founded in 2015 by Patrick Whitner and Rany Bochi, Sunny Culture is a health-focused beverage company that has successfully scaled its water kefir product from the countertops of Rani’s kitchen to taking over the shelves of Whole Foods across Florida in only a few short years. The light, probiotic beverage is made with live water kefir culture and is available in four flavors of Probiotic Water Kefir and three flavors of the concentrated Probiotic Shot.
The founders, who met at the age of 12 when they were roommates at a tennis academy, have a long history with health and nutrition, and created the product as a way to make wellness easier (and delicious). Sunny Culture’s water kefir beverages are free from the vinegary-bite and bloat that is often associated with kombucha, and offers what Rany described as a “… soft champagne-esque bubbly beverage – without the booze.” With 2021 being the year of fresh starts, let’s hit refresh on our health habits by introducing Sunny Culture into our everyday consumption routines.
As a company making waves in medical advancements, Tryp Therapeutics is gaining a name for itself as a drug development company that will be known in 2021. This innovative psychedelic pharmaceutical company is making strides in the development of transformative medicines targeting diseases such as Fibromyalgia and CNS disorders by unlocking the therapeutic potential of psilocybin. Led by a world-class team from biotech companies and pharma giants Pfizer, Roche, and Merck, Tryp is focused on identifying and developing clinical-stage compounds for orphan diseases and other diseases that have ineffective first-line treatment options. Tryp Therapeutics is at the forefront of the emerging psychedelic renaissance which is looking like it will potentially transform medicine in 2021.
Learn more about Tryp Therapeutics advancements here
Stay Wyld
Mushrooms are making a comeback in 2021, and no we’re not talking about the kind you sautee to serve on top of your steak. Holistic mushrooms, rather, are being widely recognized for their sensational benefits, and Stay Wyld Organics is at the forefront of this movement. The industry-leading health and wellness company is firmly rooted in helping people to live their healthiest daily lives through incorporating the benefits that mushrooms offer.
As an age-old remedy, medicinal mushrooms have been used for thousands of years, and Stay Wyld is re-purposing their properties to benefit today’s society through an environmentally conscious lens as the first and only medicinal mushroom company to commit to plastic-free packaging With a line up of 7 different capsule formulas and 5 powders, the company is focused on supporting a variety of health issues, including cognitive function, memory, immune defense, and stress & anxiety. Their organically, North American grown products are steamed for enhanced bioavailability and offer a natural and easy solution to support everyday health. This wellness crusader is guiding us into a healthier 2021!
A good company creates something good. A great company creates something good with the purpose to create great change. OhFresh Brands is an example of a great company through the change they’re creating in providing American’s with easier access to nutritional food and beverage options. Launched in 2018, the innovative company is disrupting the U.S. beverage industry through its focus on sourcing healthy products and distributing them to retailers across America at an affordable price. Yousef Abuzuaiter, founder and CEO of the importing and incubating firm, stated that OhFresh Brands is “bringing healthy international consumer products to the U.S.”
The past two years have seen OhFresh experience explosive growth. Their lineup of health-focused products has expanded to include a variety of names, from Mogu-Mogu to Sappe Aloe Vera, as well as OhFresh’s own line of canned beverages. On top of this, they continue to partner with a growing number of American retailers to make their products available from coast to coast. Through OhFresh’s determination to provide American’s with healthy beverage and food alternatives, they are making health in 2021 as easy as a walk down the block!
See what health-focused products OhFresh has in store
Michael Graziano Founder Mindful Media michael@mindfulmediapr.com https://www.mindfulmediapr.com
Hallmark launching a streaming service with two new original series, and Bill Skarsgård out for revenge in “Boy Kills World” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.
Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Alex Garland’s “Civil War” starring Kirsten Dunst, Natasha Rothwell’s heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone” and Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts.
NEW MOVIES TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15
— Alex Garland’s “Civil War” is finally making its debut on MAX on Friday. The film stars Kirsten Dunst as a veteran photojournalist covering a violent war that’s divided America; She reluctantly allows an aspiring photographer, played by Cailee Spaeny, to tag along as she, an editor (Stephen McKinley Henderson) and a reporter (Wagner Moura) make the dangerous journey to Washington, D.C., to interview the president (Nick Offerman), a blustery, rising despot who has given himself a third term, taken to attacking his citizens and shut himself off from the press. In my review, I called it a bellowing and haunting experience; Smart and thought-provoking with great performances. It’s well worth a watch.
— Joey King stars in Netflix’s adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s “Uglies,” about a future society in which everyone is required to have beautifying cosmetic surgery at age 16. Streaming on Friday, McG directed the film, in which King’s character inadvertently finds herself in the midst of an uprising against the status quo. “Outer Banks” star Chase Stokes plays King’s best friend.
— Bill Skarsgård is out for revenge against the woman (Famke Janssen) who killed his family in “Boy Kills World,” coming to Hulu on Friday. Moritz Mohr directed the ultra-violent film, of which Variety critic Owen Gleiberman wrote: “It’s a depraved vision, yet I got caught up in its kick-ass revenge-horror pizzazz, its disreputable commitment to what it was doing.”
— The year was 2006. Snow Patrol, the Northern Irish-Scottish alternative rock band, released an album, “Eyes Open,” producing the biggest hit of their career: “Chasing Cars.” A lot has happened in the time since — three, soon to be four quality full-length albums, to be exact. On Friday, the band will release “The Forest Is the Path,” their first new album in seven years. Anthemic pop-rock is the name of the game across songs of love and loss, like “All,”“The Beginning” and “This Is the Sound Of Your Voice.”
— For fans of raucous guitar music, Jordan Peele’s 2022 sci-fi thriller, “NOPE,” provided a surprising, if tiny, thrill. One of the leads, Emerald “Em” Haywood portrayed by Keke Palmer, rocks a Jesus Lizard shirt. (Also featured through the film: Rage Against the Machine, Wipers, Mr Bungle, Butthole Surfers and Earth band shirts.) The Austin noise rock band are a less than obvious pick, having been signed to the legendary Touch and Go Records and having stopped releasing new albums in 1998. That changes on Friday the 13th, when “Rack” arrives. And for those curious: The Jesus Lizard’s intensity never went away.
— Hallmark launched a streaming service called Hallmark+ on Tuesday with two new original series, the scripted drama “The Chicken Sisters” and unscripted series “Celebrations with Lacey Chabert.” If you’re a Hallmark holiday movies fan, you know Chabert. She’s starred in more than 30 of their films and many are holiday themed. Off camera, Chabert has a passion for throwing parties and entertaining. In “Celebrations,” deserving people are surprised with a bash in their honor — planned with Chabert’s help. “The Chicken Sisters” stars Schuyler Fisk, Wendie Malick and Lea Thompson in a show about employees at rival chicken restaurants in a small town. The eight-episode series is based on a novel of the same name.
— Natasha Rothwell of “Insecure” and “The White Lotus” fame created and stars in a new heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone.” She plays Mel, a broke, go-along-to-get-along, single, airport employee who, after a near-death experience, makes the conscious decision to take risks and pursue her dreams. Rothwell has been working on the series for the past eight years and described it to The AP as “the most vulnerable piece of art I’ve ever put into the world.” Like Mel, Rothwell had to learn to bet on herself to make the show she wanted to make. “In the Venn diagram of me and Mel, there’s significant overlap,” said Rothwell. It premieres Friday on Hulu.
— Shailene Woodley, DeWanda Wise and Betty Gilpin star in a new drama for Starz called “Three Women,” about entrepreneur Sloane, homemaker Lina and student Maggie who are each stepping into their power and making life-changing decisions. They’re interviewed by a writer named Gia (Woodley.) The series is based on a 2019 best-selling book of the same name by Lisa Taddeo. “Three Women” premieres Friday on Starz.
— Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts Sunday on Paramount+. Stallone plays Dwight Manfredi, a mafia boss who was recently released from prison after serving 25 years. He’s sent to Tulsa to set up a new crime syndicate. The series is created by Taylor Sheridan of “Yellowstone” fame.
— One thing about the title of Focus Entertainment’s Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 — you know exactly what you’re in for. You are Demetrian Titus, a genetically enhanced brute sent into battle against the Tyranids, an insectoid species with an insatiable craving for human flesh. You have a rocket-powered suit of armor and an arsenal of ridiculous weapons like the “Chainsword,” the “Thunderhammer” and the “Melta Rifle,” so what could go wrong? Besides the squishy single-player mode, there are cooperative missions and six-vs.-six free-for-alls. You can suit up now on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.
— Likewise, Wild Bastards isn’t exactly the kind of title that’s going to attract fans of, say, Animal Crossing. It’s another sci-fi shooter, but the protagonists are a gang of 13 varmints — aliens and androids included — who are on the run from the law. Each outlaw has a distinctive set of weapons and special powers: Sarge, for example, is a robot with horse genes, while Billy the Squid is … well, you get the idea. Australian studio Blue Manchu developed the 2019 cult hit Void Bastards, and this Wild-West-in-space spinoff has the same snarky humor and vibrant, neon-drenched cartoon look. Saddle up on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch or PC.
Former President Donald Trump is on the brink of a significant financial decision that could have far-reaching implications for both his personal wealth and the future of his fledgling social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). As the lockup period on his shares in TMTG, which owns Truth Social, nears its end, Trump could soon be free to sell his substantial stake in the company. However, the potential payday, which makes up a large portion of his net worth, comes with considerable risks for Trump and his supporters.
Trump’s stake in TMTG comprises nearly 59% of the company, amounting to 114,750,000 shares. As of now, this holding is valued at approximately $2.6 billion. These shares are currently under a lockup agreement, a common feature of initial public offerings (IPOs), designed to prevent company insiders from immediately selling their shares and potentially destabilizing the stock. The lockup, which began after TMTG’s merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), is set to expire on September 25, though it could end earlier if certain conditions are met.
Should Trump decide to sell his shares after the lockup expires, the market could respond in unpredictable ways. The sale of a substantial number of shares by a major stakeholder like Trump could flood the market, potentially driving down the stock price. Daniel Bradley, a finance professor at the University of South Florida, suggests that the market might react negatively to such a large sale, particularly if there aren’t enough buyers to absorb the supply. This could lead to a sharp decline in the stock’s value, impacting both Trump’s personal wealth and the company’s market standing.
Moreover, Trump’s involvement in Truth Social has been a key driver of investor interest. The platform, marketed as a free speech alternative to mainstream social media, has attracted a loyal user base largely due to Trump’s presence. If Trump were to sell his stake, it might signal a lack of confidence in the company, potentially shaking investor confidence and further depressing the stock price.
Trump’s decision is also influenced by his ongoing legal battles, which have already cost him over $100 million in legal fees. Selling his shares could provide a significant financial boost, helping him cover these mounting expenses. However, this move could also have political ramifications, especially as he continues his bid for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential race.
Trump Media’s success is closely tied to Trump’s political fortunes. The company’s stock has shown volatility in response to developments in the presidential race, with Trump’s chances of winning having a direct impact on the stock’s value. If Trump sells his stake, it could be interpreted as a lack of confidence in his own political future, potentially undermining both his campaign and the company’s prospects.
Truth Social, the flagship product of TMTG, has faced challenges in generating traffic and advertising revenue, especially compared to established social media giants like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Despite this, the company’s valuation has remained high, fueled by investor speculation on Trump’s political future. If Trump remains in the race and manages to secure the presidency, the value of his shares could increase. Conversely, any missteps on the campaign trail could have the opposite effect, further destabilizing the stock.
As the lockup period comes to an end, Trump faces a critical decision that could shape the future of both his personal finances and Truth Social. Whether he chooses to hold onto his shares or cash out, the outcome will likely have significant consequences for the company, its investors, and Trump’s political aspirations.
Cochise County, AZ — Law enforcement officials in Arizona have apprehended Ronald Lee Syvrud, a 66-year-old resident of Cochise County, after a manhunt was launched following alleged death threats he made against former President Donald Trump. The threats reportedly surfaced in social media posts over the past two weeks, as Trump visited the US-Mexico border in Cochise County on Thursday.
Syvrud, who hails from Benson, Arizona, located about 50 miles southeast of Tucson, was captured by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday afternoon. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed his arrest, stating, “This subject has been taken into custody without incident.”
In addition to the alleged threats against Trump, Syvrud is wanted for multiple offences, including failure to register as a sex offender. He also faces several warrants in both Wisconsin and Arizona, including charges for driving under the influence and a felony hit-and-run.
The timing of the arrest coincided with Trump’s visit to Cochise County, where he toured the US-Mexico border. During his visit, Trump addressed the ongoing border issues and criticized his political rival, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, for what he described as lax immigration policies. When asked by reporters about the ongoing manhunt for Syvrud, Trump responded, “No, I have not heard that, but I am not that surprised and the reason is because I want to do things that are very bad for the bad guys.”
This incident marks the latest in a series of threats against political figures during the current election cycle. Just earlier this month, a 66-year-old Virginia man was arrested on suspicion of making death threats against Vice President Kamala Harris and other public officials.
