How To Get Involved And Support Mental Health Awareness Month 2018
In recent years, the topic of mental health has risen to the top of the public’s consciousness. Part of the reason for this attention spike is the ever-digital nature of our lives and the questions this raises about how technology impacts the way we relate to the world around us. And while smartphones are contributing to the problem, social platforms have also empowered people with mental health issues to vocalize their experiences and #StopTheStigma.
Explanations aside, the attention is warranted. Mental health has historically been treated much differently than physical health, a disparity that often materializes as negative societal perceptions or even discrimination in health coverage, making it difficult for people to afford or access proper care. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH), roughly 45 million U.S. adults live with a mental illness, but only half will receive treatment.
The stigma surrounding mental illness also makes one third of Americans embarrassed to even talk about it, according to a One Medical and Ipsos survey. The more we talk about it however, the less taboo it becomes, and the more help people will seek and receive.
Mental Health Awareness Month & The Scope of Mental Illness
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is a wonderful opportunity to spark and continue this powerful conversation. Before we can work to incite change, it’s important to fully grasp the scope of the problem. According to the One Medical survey, 69% of respondents say, “at least one mental health issue affects their well-being.”
Other studies further prove how common the issue is. Research conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) shows approximately 1 out of every 5 Americans suffers from mental illness each year, and a study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology revealed that a staggering 80% of people will experience at least one episode of mental illness in their lifetime.
The most common mental health issue adults experience is an anxiety disorder, affecting nearly 18% of the U.S. population.
Children’s Mental Health: The Facts
Mental health issues don’t discriminate based on age, either. In fact, mental health disorders are very common among children and adolescents. According to the NIMH, 50% of all lifetime cases begin by the age of 14. 75% begin by the age of 24.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that the most common mental health issues among youth are:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Nearly 6.4 million children ages 4-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. The average age of an ADHD diagnosis is 7, though symptoms may appear as early as 3 years old. And over the past 8 years, there’s been a 42% increase in ADHD diagnoses.
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents include generalized anxiety, post-traumatic stress, social anxiety, and OCD and afflict an estimated 32% of children ages 13 to 18.
Depression
Depression and anxiety are comorbid, meaning they are often present at the same time. 13% of 12 to 17-year-olds experience some type of depression, which can include depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder.
Like adults, a large majority of children with diagnosable anxiety and depression are not getting treatment.
Suicide
Most children understand the meaning of “suicide” by the third grade, and according to the NIMH, it’s the second leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 10 and 24.
According to NAMI, 90% of those who have died by suicide had an underlying mental illness.
Tips For Getting Involved
The key to improving the state of mental health across the country is awareness, education, and support. At Jumo Health, we’re dedicated to producing content and additional resources on these topics on a regular basis to provide accessible education and awareness.
Here are a few ways you can get involved this Mental Health Awareness Month.
Start Young
May 1st through the 8th is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week specifically, and if we address the health of our children, we can ensure they get the treatment they need now and set a foundation for a fulfilling life that’s not defined solely by their diagnosis.
If you know of or have a child that has been diagnosed with a mental health, mood, or behavior disorder, there are a wealth of resources to help you and other parents navigate the kinds of conversations and questions you will have. One of the most helpful things for anyone dealing with a diagnosis is knowing they aren’t alone, which is why we created the In My Words podcast. Releasing this month is a 3-part episode where a young woman named Gianna shares her story and experience with depression, anxiety, and a suicide attempt. Gianna and the other special guests featured in the episode, including a psychiatrist from Stanford and a program manager from Bring Change 2 Mind, hope to inspire others to get the help they need and combat cultural misinformation.
Also on Jumo Health are discussion guides for parents designed to help navigate the conversation with a doctor after a diagnosis, and our signature comic books featuring the Medikidz superheroes are available online as digital comics and audiobooks to help children further understand their own conditions.
The JED Foundation is another wonderful organization whose mission is to empower today’s youth to become emotionally healthy adults. They have a wealth of peer-reviewed resources to help educate teens, young adults, families, and schools on mental health, specific conditions, and how to give or seek help.
Stay Informed
Mental health comes with a harmful stigma that generates feelings of shame in those who deal with these issues, making them afraid to seek help. Because of this stigma, most Americans still don’t understand mental health fully — and because they don’t understand it, the stigma persists.
They key is to stay informed and seek out the facts — about the conditions, the symptoms, and how to get help if you’re worried about someone, or worried about yourself. For teens and young adults, JED’s mental health resources can help here, too, with their comprehensive information on how to proceed under specific circumstances, learning how to cultivate emotional well-being, and high-level overviews of various conditions.
Other reputable resources include MentalHealth.gov, the National Institutes of Mental Health, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Staying informed and treating mental health as just as important as and indivisible from physical health will fight this stigma and ensure that people get the treatment they need.
Have the Conversations
The more we learn about mental illness, the more we’ll know how to talk about it. This means knowing which words to use and avoid, and being able to cultivate a healthy, accurate, and supportive cultural conversation.
There are a number of initiatives to help people facilitate these kinds of conversations and to teach us all how to approach the topic in the right way. Mental Health America, for example, has resources for how to start the conversation, including a letter template, along with how to broach the topic with parents, what to do if someone talks to you about their mental health, and what you can expect to come out of this kind of dialogue.
Stop the Stigma
Staying informed and keeping the conversation going are two vital pieces of the #StopTheStigma puzzle. You might also consider holding or participating in a local fundraising event, or getting involved with worthwhile organizations like the JED Foundation and Bring Change 2 Mind, who are always working hard toward creating an emotionally healthy future.
Another way to work toward this ever-important goal is to become an advocate. Your voice carries weight, and there are a number of ways to use it to advocate for mental health awareness, from speaking up for a friend to creating your own awareness campaign. This is especially true in the age of social media, where it’s easier than ever to spread a message you believe in. Don’t underestimate the influence you can have on the lives of others.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram this Mental Health Awareness month and continue the conversation to #StopTheStigma and #OwnYourMentalHealth.
PRA Health Sciences Announces Partnership With Jumo Health
RALEIGH, N.C. (June 19, 2017)
As part of its new Center for Pediatric Clinical Development initiative, PRA Health Sciences is pleased to announce its partnership with Jumo. Jumo is an award-winning provider of educational health care information and resources for children, families, and caregivers.
“We are excited about this partnership,” said Mark Sorrentino, Vice President, The Center for Pediatric Clinical Development. “When it comes to pediatric clinical trials, we know that patients and caregivers are fearful and there is often a lack of understanding of what to expect. Jumo’s novel materials aid in the education and engagement of these trials.”
PRA’s new Center for Pediatric Clinical Development which was announced earlier this year is looking to bring innovation to pediatric clinical trial design and implementation and to facilitate patient recruitment. “We look forward to collaborating with PRA and finding new and innovative ways to assist young patients and their families and to help them remain engaged and motivated in clinical trials,” said Kate Hersov, Founder,
A provider of consulting services as well as experienced technical and operational services, The Center for Pediatric Clinical Development team connects PRA’s pediatric expertise across functional areas into a single global resource to support all aspects of client needs related to pediatric product development.
About PRA Health Sciences
PRA (NASDAQ: PRAH) is one of the world’s leading global CROs by revenue, providing outsourced clinical development services to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. PRA’s global clinical development platform includes more than 70 offices across North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, South Africa, Australia and the Middle East and over 13,300 employees worldwide. Since 2000, PRA has performed approximately 3,500 clinical trials worldwide. In addition, PRA has participated in the pivotal or supportive trials that led to U.S. Food and Drug Administration or international regulatory approval of more than 70 drugs. To learn more about PRA, please visit www.prahs.com.
PRA Health (PRAH) Shares Rally on Partnership with Jumo Health
June 20, 2017, 09:24:00 AM EDT By Zacks Equity Research, Zacks.com
Leading global contract research organization PRA Health Sciences recently announced a partnership with Jumo, a global provider of educational health care information. Notably, the deal was signed as part of PRA Health’s new ‘Center for Pediatric Clinical Development’ initiative, which was announced in May.
Meanwhile, PRA Health carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
With a solid background in conducting pediatric clinical trials, the latest development is likely to bolster the company’s footprint in the niche space. Per management, PRA Health can leverage on Jumo’s solid education-information system to bridge the gap between caregivers and patients while conducting pediatric clinical trials.
Impressive Stock Performance
Shares of PRA Health rallied 2.3% to close at $75.50 following the news release. Additionally, a long-term expected earnings growth rate of almost 19% indicates solid chances of higher return from the stock in the near future.
Meanwhile, over the last one month, the stock has had an impressive run on the bourse, gaining 6.2%, higher than the Zacks categorized Medical Services Market’s gain of 4.9%.
Bottom Line
Undoubtedly, the latest development reflects PRA Health’s initiatives to enhance the operating facilities of its new wing – Center for Pediatric Clinical Development.
In this regard, the Center for Pediatric Clinical Development is supported by a cross-functional group of experts to provide strategic pediatric product development, consulting, technical and operational services.
We believe that the company can soon scale to the position of a single global resource unit that can cover all aspects of patient needs related to pediatric products. In this regard, PRA Health was named the Clinical Research Company of the Year by PharmaTimes in May. Notably, this marked the fifth consecutive prestigious recognition for the company with respect to pediatrics.
KeyPicks
Some better-ranked stocks in the broader medical sector include Inogen Inc. INGN , Luminex Corporation LMNX and IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. IDXX . Notably, Inogen and Luminex Laboratories sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while IDEXX carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Some better-ranked stocks in the broader medical sector include Inogen Inc. INGN , Luminex Corporation LMNX and IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. IDXX . Notably, Inogen and Luminex Laboratories sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while IDEXX carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Inogen has a long-term expected earnings growth rate of 17.50%. Notably, the stock represents an impressive one-year return of 104.9%.
Luminex has a long-term expected earnings growth rate of 16.3%. The stock posted a positive earnings surprise of 237.5% in the last reported quarter.
IDEXX Laboratories has a long-term expected earnings growth rate of 19.37%. Additionally, the stock represents an impressive one-year return of 83%.
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Ascensia Diabetes Care and Jumo Make Learning About Diabetes Fun
NEW YORK AND MISSISSAUGA (May 30, 2017)— In an effort to help kids understand their type 1 diabetes diagnosis, Ascensia Diabetes Care and health education company Jumo are teaming up to create engaging, creative, and age-appropriate materials for kids.
Sponsored by Ascensia Diabetes Care, Jumo, through its signature comic book line and superhero characters called the Medikidz, is creating two new comic books for Canadian children living with diabetes, Medikidz Explain Blood Glucose Meters and Medikidz Explain Type 1 Diabetes.
In the introductory book, Medikidz Explain Blood Glucose Meters we meet Kate, who has just been diagnosed with diabetes and given a blood glucose meter. The Medikidz arrive to explain how both the meter and the related app work to keep her informed and healthy.
Through the follow up book, Medikidz Explain Type 1 Diabetes, the fictional main character, Ashleigh, is playing hide and seeks with friends. Suddenly she becomes dizzy and realizes that she forgot to take her insulin. She is whisked away to the fictional Mediland, where the Medikidz explain her condition, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
“Many diagnosed with a chronic, life-long health condition, such as diabetes, may feel afraid, overwhelmed, confused, and often dejected, and those feelings can be exacerbated for children,” said Kevin Aniskovich, Jumo’s Chief Executive. “Our hope is that our fun, educational approach will help kids not only understand their type 1 diabetes, but successfully manage their disease with confidence as they move forward.”
“We are excited about our partnership with Jumo,” says Russ Newsome, Region Head, Americas, Ascensia Diabetes Care. “Katie and Ashleigh’s stories are not unusual for children living with diabetes. Our goal is to support these children so they can live successfully with diabetes, better manage their daily routine and still lead extraordinary lives.”
The introductory book was distributed in April, while the Medikidz Explain Type 1 Diabetes comic book will become available this summer. To learn more, please visit: www.contourpowerpack.ca.
About Ascensia Diabetes Care
Ascensia Diabetes Care is a global specialist diabetes care company, dedicated to helping people living with diabetes. Our mission is to empower people living with diabetes through innovative solutions that simplify and improve their lives. We use our innovation and specialist expertise in diabetes to develop high quality solutions and tools that make a positive, daily difference for people with diabetes.
Home to the world renowned CONTOUR® portfolio of blood glucose monitoring systems, our products combine advanced technology with user-friendly functionality that help people with diabetes to manage their condition. We are committed to continued research, innovation and development of new products and solutions. As a trusted partner in the diabetes community, we collaborate closely with healthcare professionals and other partners to ensure our products meet the highest standards of accuracy, precision and reliability, and that we conduct our business compliantly and with integrity.
Ascensia Diabetes Care was established in 2016 through the sale of Bayer Diabetes Care to Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co., Ltd. Ascensia Diabetes Care products are sold in more than 125 countries. Ascensia Diabetes Care has around 1,700 employees and operations in 33 countries.
For further information please visit the Ascensia Diabetes Care Canada website at: http://www.ascensiadiabetes.ca
®TM see www.ascensiadiabetes.ca/tm-mc
Eisai Launches Medikidz Explain Epilepsy Comic Book
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. (March 23, 2017)–Eisai Inc. is pleased to announce that it will be launching the latest “Medikidz Explain Epilepsy,” book as part of their participation at the Epilepsy Foundation’s National Walk for Epilepsy on Saturday, March 25th, 2017. The book is the sixth in the series of educational comics designed to inform people about epilepsy and will focus on the transition from pediatric to adult health care.
WHO
The Medikidz superheroes and the comic book’s stars
WHAT
Meet and greet with the Medikidz superheroes and the comic book’s stars at the Eisai booth. The Eisai booth will also feature an interactive craft station for kids to design their own superhero capes and attendees will be able to pick up free copies of the book to learn more about epilepsy. The stars of “Understanding Transitional Care in Epilepsy” will be available for on-site interviews and photo opportunities.
WHEN
Saturday, March 25th, 2017
WHERE
Washington Monument Grounds, 15th St. and Independence Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20007
WHY
The National Walk for Epilepsy, held annually by the Epilepsy Foundation, is a community event for friends, families, corporations and organizations gathering to celebrate their fundraising success and demonstrate their support in the fight against epilepsy. Eisai is attending and sponsoring the event for the 8th year and will be accompanied by friends of the community, Magnolia Paws for Compassion and Jumo Health, creators of the Medikidz series. Money raised from the National Walk for Epilepsy helps the Epilepsy Foundation provide services for people living with epilepsy, bring awareness programs to the community and aid research funding for the condition.
“Medikidz Explain Epilepsy” Comic Book Series
The “Medikidz Explain Epilepsy” series was first launched in December 2013 in order to help increase education about epilepsy. Eisai co-developed and supported the publication of five previous comic books in the series as further resources for families who are affected by epilepsy. The series is peer-reviewed by leading medical professionals.
About Eisai Inc.
At Eisai Inc., human health care (hhc) is our goal. We give our first thought to patients and their families, and helping to increase the benefits health care provides. As the U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary of Tokyo-based Eisai Co., Ltd., we have a passionate commitment to patient care that is the driving force behind our efforts to discover and develop innovative therapies to help address unmet medical needs. Eisai is a fully integrated pharmaceutical business that operates in two global business groups: oncology and neurology (dementia-related diseases and neurodegenerative diseases). Each group functions as an end-to-end global business with discovery, development, and marketing capabilities. Our U.S. headquarters, commercial and clinical development organizations are located in New Jersey; our discovery labs are in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania; and our global demand chain organization resides in Maryland and North Carolina. To learn more about Eisai Inc., please visit us at www.eisai.com/US and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
New Leader, New Offerings, New Name: Medikidz Is Now Jumo Health
Medikidz, a children’s health education company, launches Jumo brand and new efforts to serve children and families with age-appropriate education and condition management resources
NEW YORK AND LONDON (January 5, 2017)— Medikidz, a children’s health education company based in New York and London, today announced it has tapped health care entrepreneur Kevin Aniskovich to be its Chief Executive. Aniskovich, who joined in September, immediately diversified the global company by unveiling an expanded product portfolio and rebranding to Jumo.
The company, which has grown into the leading global brand in children’s health education, produces award-winning health content for children across 50 countries in 30 languages. It is widely known for its signature comic book line that uses Medikidz—animated superheroes— to explain various health topics to children. Expanding from this comic book anchor, Jumo will offer additional learning resources such as podcasts, videos, and mobile apps.
“Jumo is an evolution of the transformative reach Medikidz has realized over the years,” said Chief Executive Kevin Aniskovich. “Jumo welcomes more types of experiential learning, offers more ways for patients and families to connect with each other, and serves more markets. By expanding this suite of products, we enable a broader adoption of these resources.” Under Jumo, the company’s diverse offerings will enhance education and support for children and families navigating difficult health issues. Enterprise solutions are also available for pharmaceutical, payors, hospitals, and clinical research organizations.
About Kevin Aniskovich
A serial entrepreneur specializing in product development and market positioning primarily in the health care sector, Aniskovich has started multiple health care related ventures. Most recently the President of Great Blue Research, Aniskovich previously held Chief Innovation Officer positions at Sharecare and Remedy Health Media. Prior to that time, he founded and led Intelecare Compliance Solutions.
Aniskovich has over 20 years’ experience in marketing, technology and health care. Among other recognitions, Aniskovich is a former recipient of PharmaVoice Magazine’s Top 100 Most Inspiring People in Life-Sciences Industry.
Eisai Launches Medikidz Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Comic Book
“Medikidz Explain LGS,” endorsed by leading advocacy groups, educates public on rare and severe form of epilepsy
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Oct. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Eisai Inc. today announced the launch of “Medikidz Explain Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS),” an educational comic book designed to inform people about LGS, a rare type of epilepsy that is usually characterized by multiple seizure types, cognitive impairment or developmental delays. The book was peer-reviewed by medical professionals and endorsed by the LGS Foundation, Child Neurology Foundation and Epilepsy Foundation.
Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/7954551-eisai-medikidz-epilepsy-comic-book-series-issue-5
“Medikidz Explain LGS,” the fifth installment of the “Medikidz Explain Epilepsy” comic book series, is a story about a seven-year-old boy named Jackson who lives with LGS. The story is told from the perspective of his younger sister Tenley and demonstrates how to explain LGS not only to siblings of those living with LGS, but also to others who may not understand what someone living with this condition experiences.
The new book will be launched at the LGS Foundation’s 2016 International LGS Awareness Day event, where Eisai is a sponsor. The event will take place at the Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore on Saturday, October 29 at 6:30 PM in advance of LGS Awareness Day (November 1). The event aims to celebrate real-life superheroes: those living with LGS and their families. Jackson’s family and the Medikidz superheroes will attend the event to hand out free copies of the new Medikidz book.”We are proud supporters of this latest Medikidz comic book,” said Christina SanInocencio, Executive Director of the LGS Foundation. “Our hope is that this comic book will not only help families and caregivers affected by this condition receive information and encouragement, but that it will also help the general public gain a better understanding about a day in the life of someone living with LGS to ultimately help reduce stigma.
“In the book, Jackson experiences a seizure while watching television with his family. The Medikidz, a group of young superheroes whose mission is teaching about the body and how illness affects it, appear and explain to Tenley how LGS affects her older brother. Tenley’s experience with the Medikidz helps her better understand her brother’s condition, and how she can more effectively help care for, and play with, Jackson.
“Jackson is such a sweet, loving boy,” said Jeannie, mother of Jackson and Tenley. “By sharing our story through the Medikidz book, we hope people will gain a better understanding about his condition and how LGS affects the entire family. When Jackson was diagnosed, we did not have educational and age-appropriate materials, so we’re honored to be featured in the series to help educate others about his condition.”
“Eisai is committed to public education about the unique challenges associated with LGS,” said Tim Clark, Senior Director, Government Affairs, Policy and Corporate Advocacy, Eisai Inc. “We are pleased to unite the protagonists of this book with other families at the LGS Awareness Day event in Baltimore to bring attention to the unique challenges of this rare form of epilepsy.”
To order a free copy of “Medikidz Explain LGS” visit LivingWithLGS.com. To learn more about the LGS Foundation’s 2016 LGS Awareness Day event, visit LGSFoundation.org/LGSAware.
“Medikidz Explain Epilepsy” Comic Book Series
The “Medikidz Explain Epilepsy” series was first launched in December 2013 in order to help increase education about epilepsy. Eisai supported the development and publishing of four previous comic books in the series as further resources for families who are affected by epilepsy. The series is peer-reviewed by leading medical professionals.
About Eisai Inc.
Eisai is a fully integrated pharmaceutical business that operates in two global business groups: oncology and neurology (dementia-related diseases and neurodegenerative diseases). Each group functions as an end-to-end global business with discovery, development, and marketing capabilities. Our U.S. headquarters, commercial and clinical development organizations are located in New Jersey; our discovery labs are in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania; and our global demand chain organization resides in Maryland and North Carolina. To learn more about Eisai Inc.
For further information: Media Inquiries, Laurie Landau, Eisai Inc., 201-746-2510; Investor Inquiries, Ivor Macleod, Eisai Inc., 201-746-2660
Medikidz and COPD Foundation: Partnership of Superhero Proportion
Receiving a diagnosis of a chronic disease can be a scary and confusing time; and the impact on family members and children is often overlooked. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. While the prevalence of COPD is seen in an older generation, educating loved ones about the disease is a key factor to promote understanding and support.
This is why we are proud to have partnered with Medikidz and the COPD Foundation to develop a comic book that provides a creative and innovative way to help those with COPD explain their condition to friends and family, specifically children and adolescents.
Medikidz is a children’s medical education organization that works closely with healthcare professionals, families, children and patients to produce unique learning materials in an interactive, powerfully visual comic book format, thereby helping to educate children about their health as well as the health of those around them.
This comic book follows the story of Andrew and Hannah who are guided by the Medikidz ‘superhero’ team to help them understand COPD and ways in which they can help their Grandma.
“When we talk about COPD, we don’t do enough to highlight who is affected; which includes patients and loved ones,” explains Fabiana Talbot, the COPD Foundation. “This magazine has two tiers of effectiveness; not only as a preventative measure, by showing children the repercussions of smoking, but also from an awareness standpoint. These kids can become future advocates removing the stigma surrounding COPD.”
Looking for more information about COPD or support for yourself or a love one? Join the COPD: Life is Calling community.
Eisai Launches Medikidz Explain Playing Sports With Epilepsy
NEW YORK AND LONDON (APRIL 26TH, 2016) – Living with epilepsy can be challenging, and even scary at times, but it doesn’t have to stop you from pursuing your dreams. With the help of their superpowers, the “Medikidz” are back to show young readers that you may be able to continue doing what you love while living with epilepsy.
This week, Eisai Inc. announced the availability of its latest book in the series of school-age comic books —as part of the company’s commitment to advancing epilepsy care by educating and addressing the stigma associated with the condition.
The new book “Medikidz Explain Playing Sports with Epilepsy,” tells the story inspired by 12-year-old Hannah and Olympic medal-winning ice hockey player Chanda Gunn. In the story, Hannah considers quitting ice hockey after experiencing a seizure during a big game. But with the help of the Medikidz, she travels back in time to visit 12-year-old Chanda, who was having similar doubts about sticking with hockey after her own epilepsy diagnosis. Knowing that Chanda has a big future ahead of her, Hannah encourages her to keep playing, despite her epilepsy—and in the process realizes that she wants to continue playing the sport she loves too.
As a spokesperson for the Epilepsy Foundations’ Athletes vs Epilepsy, a nationwide program that brings epilepsy and seizure awareness to different sports through participation by athletes, Chanda is proud to help raise awareness and reducing stigma through both initiatives. For more information, please visit www.epilepsy.com/make-difference/get-involved/athletes-vs-epilepsy.
To order a free copy of the new book and to learn more about Hannah’s and Chanda’s experiences playing sports and living with epilepsy, visit www.advancingepilepsycare.com.
Pharma Partner Medikidz Aims To Be Children’s Health Ed Superhero
It’s up, up and away for Medikidz comic books as the communications company looks to build out a global brand dedicated to kids’ healthcare, backed by pharma partners.
Founded in 2009, Medikidz has grown its stable of books to 4 million titles in 30 different languages across more than 100 conditions that affect children and their families. Now the company is moving into digital with titles, apps, reminders, online communities and other software resources.
What’s behind the new push? Medikidz has a bigger goal in mind.
“We see the potential to be the first global brand for kids’ healthcare. Like Sesame Street is for preschool education,” said co-founder and CEO Dr. Kate Hersov, who is also a pediatrician. “It’s about education, but it’s also about helping children live healthy lives.”
She said about 90% of its titles are backed by partnerships with pharma companies, which include Sanofi ($SNY), Eisai, Amgen ($AMGN), Novartis ($NVS) and AbbVie ($ABBV) South Africa.
The key is the superheroes. Children and teens are “a fickle audience,” Hersov noted, but the comics, humor and graphics create an immediate engagement in language they can understand.
Medikidz was born, as Hersov explained, because she and her founding pediatrician partner were flummoxed by the lack of information for kids about their own diseases or treatments. She recalled a 9-year-old boy with a fracture who needed an x-ray, but because no one explained what was going to happen when he was whisked away from his parents, he was so afraid that he wet his pants.
“I was so frustrated as a healthcare professional with younger patients that I never had anything to give to them to help them understand what they’re being told about their condition or treatment. It was all just for the grown-ups,” she said. “It’s empowering for them to know what’s going on inside their bodies, and helps gives them a bit of control back.”
She experienced that lack of information herself. Her mother had breast cancer when Hersov was just 10, and her mother later told her that one of the hardest parts of her illness was trying to explain what was happening to Hersov and her three sisters.
Hiliary Johnson, who was Sanofi’s Lantus product manager at the time of its Medikidz partnership, wrote then that “partnering with Medikidz allowed us to enhance our education platform for children and really showed how committed we are to patient care and education.
“The relationship was highly collaborative,” Johnson continued, adding, “The outcome was a comic book that we were all proud of because we both had the same goal in mind–helping children understand Type One Diabetes.”