Thoughts on 2019
Looking Back at 2019
When business leaders are asked to reflect on the year past, their responses are often littered with statistics of growth, catch-phrases that are the preamble for an annual report, and optimistic platitudes about goals for the year to come. Depending on the audience, this is what folks are interested in reading about — and these sorts of statements certainly can foster excitement among clients and employees, alike. But when I think about 2019, I tend to balance what we have achieved, with how we have achieved it. And the key to that success — our people.
Jumo Health is the evolution of ideas, the result of personal journeys, and the realization of a positive work ethic aligned to a common purpose. From our beginnings a decade ago, this evolution led a mix of artists and writers, of sales personnel, operators, and thinkers, to each other. We don’t get mired in hierarchy, but prefer to operate under an inclusive tent that allows for individual contribution and open, creative dialogue. We believe this approach allows us to yoke learnings from our collective IQ, elevating our work and distinguishing our approach within the markets we serve. So, as we end this decade, it’s not a product or a service that I’m most reflective on, but the winning culture we’ve created together at Jumo Health. It’s this culture that is the real reason behind all that we have achieved, including yet another year of double-digit growth across virtually every key performance indicator.
I’m grateful for the individuals that make up Jumo Health. This includes our internal peers, the hundreds of advocacy groups that work alongside us to create and disseminate resources to those that need it most, the hundreds of hospital child life specialists that share our resources with families during their most trying moments, and life sciences companies that believe an informed care circle leads to a compliant, healthier patient. Together, we are proud to be making a difference today.
On the heels of being named as one of the top patient engagement solution providers, and selected as the cover story by Healthcare Tech Outlook magazine, we’re excited at the hope of what tomorrow brings. As we expand our family of colleagues, clients, and collaborators, we are eager to see where we get to stamp our fingerprint next.
2019 is not just the end of a decade — but the beginning of our second in serving millions of people in some 73 countries covering 82 languages. While we rarely reflect on that figure internally, it marks an incredible accomplishment of our collective work ethic. Everyone at Jumo Health has had a hand in its creation. I can’t help but feel as if we are just getting started.
“What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.” — Anne Frank
On behalf of the entire Jumo Health family, thank you for your belief in our mission and support of our programs.
Sincerely,
Kevin Aniskovich
Looking Back at 2019 and Looking Forward to 2020
The Jumo Health Team Recognizes the End of a Decade
2019 coming to a close marks not only the end of the year, but also the end of the decade! We asked the Jumo Health team to share what they were thankful for this year along with what they are most looking forward to in the year ahead. Here’s what some of them had to say…
Rick, Senior Vice President, Strategic Solutions
In 2019, I am thankful for my newly extended family!
In 2020, I am looking forward to our continued disruption of the industry, delivering hyper-growth for our investors, and ultimately serving patients in need!
Nichole, Product Manager
In 2019, I am thankful that I decided to prioritize my mental health. Finding a good therapist has been life-changing for me. #stopthestigma
In 2020, I’m looking forward to whatever new adventures may come.
Rebecca, Senior Director, Product
In 2019, I am thankful for my fun, funny, loving family, including the newest addition: Nellie! Old friends and new. The team I get to work with every day. Being fortunate enough to travel the world and experience new destinations (South of France!).
In 2020, I am looking forward to new adventures — this sums it ALL up!
Emily B, Marketing Manager
In 2019, I am thankful for summer nights at the beach with family and friends.
In 2020, I am looking forward to all the possibilities the start of a new decade holds.
Elyse, Senior Director, Client Services
In 2019, I’m grateful for the incredibly funny, thoughtful, curious, supportive, and loving people in my life. They continue to challenge me, be a shoulder when I need it, offer different perspectives, and give me a reason to smile each day.
In 2020, I’m excited for new challenges, experiences, and adventures.
Alex, Director, Client Services
In 2019, I’m incredibly grateful for the birth of my daughter.
In 2020, I’m looking forward to watching her grow, and for my husband and me to continue learning as new parents.
Sindy, Area Vice President, Commercial Solutions
In 2019, I am thankful for my family and friends, and our Jumo family of colleagues, clients, and patients that have made 2019 a year to remember!
In 2020, I look forward to it being the year that is bringing me a husband!
Emily S, Executive Director, Strategic Solutions
In 2019, I’m extremely grateful for all the unconditional encouragement and support my husband, Dayne, has given me this year! It’s so important to surround yourself with people who brighten your life.
In 2020, I am looking forward to all of the incredibly exciting things the new year is going to bring!
Jen, Senior Director, Strategic Solutions
In 2019, I am extremely thankful for the health, happiness, and support from my amazing husband, 3 children, parents, and village mamas. I am so grateful to have joined the Jumo Health team!
In 2020, I am looking forward to continued health and happiness, crushing new goals, and being a significant contributor to the future of Jumo Health.
Matt, Director, Product
In 2019, I am thankful for the wonderful, beautiful, and supportive family I have around me, especially my parents. Many of the opportunities that I have had in my life have been made possible by their love and support. Can’t wait to see them all for the holidays!
In 2020, I am excited to be another year wiser, another year more experienced, and ready to take on whatever opportunities 2020 will bring my way.
Erica, Senior Medical Writer
In 2019, I am continually grateful for the privilege to watch my daughter, Emily, flourish and reach new milestones, while both defying and embracing her type 1 diabetes.
In 2020, I look forward to each new medical advancement and glimmer of hope as we take one step closer to a day without constant worry and relentless vigilance. Thank you to my Jumo family for their endless support, laughter, and friendships. I’m excited to transition to the new year as part of this dedicated team as we continue to evolve to better serve and empower people through health education.
Kate, Founder and Chief Medical Officer
In 2019, I am so thankful to work with a team of passionate, dedicated and driven people here at Jumo — which has meant we’ve produced such incredible and innovative programs and resources to support thousands of children and their families worldwide.
In 2020, I am looking forward to seeing more brilliant work be created by this awesome team!
Columba, Editor in Chief
In 2019, I am thankful for people and kindness.
In 2020, my hope is that people continue to care about each other, especially thinking about those less fortunate than themselves, and how they might reach out and help them.
Raising Awareness for World AIDS Day
Jumo Health Bakes to End the Stigma on World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is celebrated on December 1st. It is a day dedicated to uniting and fighting against HIV — to raise awareness of HIV, to break the stigma, to support those living with HIV, and to remember those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.
Fun Fact: World AIDS Day was first celebrated in 1988, the first ever world health day!
What are the Statistics?
About 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV. In the UK, 101,600 people are living with HIV. Around the world, it is estimated that 36.7 million people have the virus.
While advancements have been made in HIV treatment and prevention, it is still a condition that remains prevalent globally; thus, much can still be done to increase awareness, combat prejudice, and improve public education.
What did Jumo Health Do This World AIDS Day?
Raising awareness and providing education on medical conditions is something dear to our hearts at Jumo Health. We also have an affinity for baked goods. So, our London office combined passions and organized a bake sale to raise money for the National AIDS Trust in honor of World AIDS Day. Our very own, Yael Steinitz, coordinated all of the logistics and was the brilliant mastermind behind the event. And, Bruno Valasse, our very creative visual designer, created the beautifully illustrated posters.
The bake sale was a great success, with many people stopping by, way too many delicious treats consumed, and most importantly, money donated to the National Aids Trust.
For us, we believe no act is too small. We believe that, together, we can continue to fight against HIV and make an impact. So, with that, happy #WAD2019!
Jumo Health Celebrates World Children’s Day
Jumo Health Joined PRA Health Sciences and UNICEF to Advocate for Children’s Rights to Safe and Effective Treatments
Thirty years ago, history was made when world leaders made a universal commitment to the world’s children by adopting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Over the past three decades, momentous strides have been made to improve and protect the lives of children globally.
On Wednesday November 20th, we joined PRA Health Sciences and UNICEF to celebrate CRC’s 30 year anniversary and focus specifically on children’s rights to safe and effective treatments. With 70% of medicines having never been tested on children, we know that there is a lot of work to do.
Throughout the day, we heard from different perspectives in the pediatric clinical trial space — from sites, physicians, CROs, patients, and innovators. Our very own Rick Scorzetti, SVP of Strategic Solutions, joined panelists to discuss how we can amplify the pediatric patient voice in clinical trials.
A few themes emerged throughout the discussion…
Patients want better communication and education in clinical trials
The message was universal. Nicole and Melanie, two Marfan Syndrome patient advocates who have been in previous clinical trials, explained that, as a child, they were never explained what the trial was and why it was important. They mentioned their frustration when they were talked over, and not spoken to in a way they could understand.
Sites noted the challenges they face during the informed consent and assent process. With the literacy levels of their patients, sites noted that they even create their own documents to help make sure patients can better understand.
The ask? Education and resources that are trustworthy, relatable, and simplify complex information. Education would help with enrollment and retention in clinical trials. It would arm pediatric patients with the tools to be their own self-advocates and make informed health care decisions. It would help patients stay motivated in the clinical trial because they would understand the why.
Patients and caregivers want more connection in the clinical trial process
The discussions centered on the importance of making participants feel a part of the clinical trial process and actively show appreciation for their participation. One person remembered a recent story where a patient shared that while the clinical trial experience was positive, this patient was never thanked once.
One patient stressed that currently clinical trial protocols are written with only end results in mind, and not with the experience of the patient in mind. When asked what she hopes for the future of clinical trials, she said “connection” — to make those involved feel connected to the study and bridge relationships between all trial stakeholders that will extend beyond the study.
Patients want fewer hospital visits
One parent explained the challenges she faced managing the visit schedule with her career. With a lot of families having to commute to the site, it often requires for the parent to take time off work to make it work. Consolidating in-person visits would alleviate some of the pain points felt by families. The group talked about the potential of virtual visits and other technologies, like wearables, to provide a solution.
Jumo Health is committed to provide personalized health care experiences that give patients and caregivers the foundation for success. To learn more about Jumo Health’s clinical trial solutions, click here.
Advice for Surviving the Holidays with Diabetes
Tips for Making the Most of This Holiday Season With Diabetes
For people living with diabetes, the holidays can seem like a food marathon, with one meal running into the next. Here are some tips and tricks for making it to the finish line.
Traveling For The Holidays With Diabetes
Expectation #1:
When traveling from table to table, there will always be traffic and delays. So before you leave home, check that you have all your essentials and a few extras, just in case of breakage, device malfunctions, higher insulin needs, etc. Essentials may include:
- Glucose testing supplies (i.e., continuous glucose sensor, transmitter, and/or glucometer, test strips, lancets, lancing device)
- Your favorite low blood sugar emergency snacks
- Insulin and methods of delivery (i.e., vials and syringes, pens and needles, inhaled insulin, or pump pods/infusion sets and remote)
- Oral diabetes medications
- Alcohol swabs
Sitting in traffic with a low blood sugar and no snacks, or getting to your destination and realizing you forgot your medical supplies, can turn your happy holiday into a not so happy one really fast. Create your checklist (of whichever supplies you use to manage your diabetes) the night before the festivities, and tape it to your door so you can check everything off before you go.
What People With Diabetes Can Do
Expectation #2:
There will always be one person who will ask, “Can you eat that?” or the more extreme person who smacks the food out of your hand and scolds, “You can’t eat that!” You’re not alone; both scenarios have happened to me.
Instead of getting mad, I find comfort in this post from @thediabeticjourney, “The greatest pleasure I get in this life with type 1 diabetes is doing what people say I can’t do.” We can eat anything, but we have to be very conscious about the ingredients, the portions, and how they will impact our blood sugars. It’s fascinating how many apps and devices there are nowadays to do just that. It’s also great to let someone know what to do in case of an emergency. The more the merrier.
Eating And Drinking With Diabetes
Expectation #3:
There will be different types of food, possibly alcohol, with zero nutrition fact labels to guide you. When I was first diagnosed, I thought I only had 2 options:
- Panic and sadly watch everyone else enjoy the meal and desserts while I had a salad
- Take a wild guess at how much insulin I needed to cover myself, eat everything and settle with high blood sugars for the rest of the season
But over the years, I learned a few tricks to stay on track:
- Ask your host for a list of dishes. The list may change on the day of, but you’ll have a better idea of what to expect, rather than feeling rushed to figure it all out when it’s time to sit down and eat.
- Bring your own dish. It’s the one dish you can count on. You know the ingredients and the expected impact on your blood sugars. This dish is your fallback plan.
- Fearlessly ask the cooks, “what’s in the dish?” Then assess for yourself which ones you want to eat less or more of.
- Drinking alcohol (for those of legal age) can lead to unpredictable blood sugars. Sticking to one type of alcoholic beverage and pairing it with your meal can help.
- Skip the dinner rolls. Have that slice of once-a-year-famous-pie Aunt Serena makes instead.
- Get the CalorieKing app or ask Google how many carbs are in…while everyone has their own special recipe, the internet can help you figure out a ballpark of the amount of carbs you can expect in common holiday dishes.
- Adjust your insulin/medication settings accordingly to all the information available to you. Test blood sugars throughout the day, pace yourself, and have fun.
With the right preparation, the right attitude, and the ability to pace yourself, there’s nothing you can’t do.
For more resources on diabetes, check out our store.
Meda Explains Asthma With Medikidz Comic Book Series For Children
Savion Johnson is a real 10-year-old boy with asthma. But he’s also the cartoon star of Meda Pharmaceuticals and the “Medikidz Explains Asthma” comic book series. The third book in the already successful series launched earlier this month, telling Savion’s story along with the story of asthma using precise clinical terms, but in a way that kids can understand and relate to.
“When we first learned about Medikidz … we thought this was an incredible opportunity to engage kids and help them better understand and manage their asthma so they are able to overcome the challenges associated with this chronic health condition,” said Stuart Loesch, Meda SVP of sales and marketing, in an email interview.
Medikidz, which began in the U.K. 8 years ago and came to the U.S. just over three years ago, started out with a U.K. pediatrician’s desire to explain diseases to kids in a fun and interesting way they could understand. Today, it has more than 150 different titles across a wide range of conditions.
Meda, along with its other pharma sponsors and endorsing partners, works with Medikidz to provide funding and also give some content input. While the books are written by Medikidz in-house by its all-physician team of writers, the company does work with partners on building storylines and ideas for the comic books, said Medikidz account manager Melissa Frascella. The books are free and distributed through pharma sales reps to healthcare providers as well as through Medikidz partner patient organizations, charities and academic group networks, she said.
The books are unbranded and serve as disease education for children, and they give healthcare providers “another tool to communicate and connect with their patients and families,” Loesch said.
“Asthma is a common respiratory condition that affects 6.8 million children in the U.S. alone. We are committed to changing the patient landscape to help those who live with this chronic illness achieve a better understanding of their health and how they can talk to their healthcare provider about treatment,” he said. “… Sponsoring the ‘Explain Asthma’ series helps us to further cement our commitment to respiratory innovation continuing our focus on allergy and asthma in the United States.”
Meda asthma treatments for kids include its inhaled corticosteroid Aerospan, which competes with similar drugs such as Teva’s ($TEVA) QVAR, GlaxoSmithKline’s ($GSK) Flovent and Merck’s ($MRK) Asmanex.
Type 1 Diabetes: A Family Tradition
They say lightning doesn’t strike twice. But what happens when it strikes 3 times…all within a 2 and half year period? Type 1 diabetes first struck my mom in December 2015 at age 61. Then my daughter Emily in August 2017 at 13 months old. I was feeling left out, so I joined them 8 months later for my 35th birthday.
Type 1 diabetes, once referred to as “juvenile diabetes,” can manifest at any age, and diagnosis among toddlers and adults is on the rise. Both genetic and environmental factors have been implicated in causing the autoimmune attack on the pancreas’ insulin-producing cells. Scientists believe that genetics plays only half a role in type 1 diabetes. They’re still unsure about what exactly contributes to the other half, but certain stresses and viral infections may come into play.
As unusual as it is for 3 generations to develop type 1 diabetes in such a short amount of time, what’s more interesting is how different each of our diagnostic experiences were. Fifteen units of insulin to the stomach, a pile of prescriptions, and a mind full of fear and accumulating questions… a lack of empathy or critical education from the endocrinologist… my mom’s first experience as a type 1 diabetic. She spent the next year and a half educating herself and tailoring her diet and insulin regimen to reach her goals.
Mountains of educational resources, a personal support team, intense training, and a week spent in the pediatric hospital wing. Emily’s first experience as a type 1 diabetic. And my first real exposure to what managing a ruthless disease with constant vigilance entails.
By the time I took myself to the ER eight months later, I seemed to be the one providing the education. The staff was perplexed and even somewhat annoyed that I insisted on getting carb counts on their delectable hospital food.
The difference in educational resources and training I received as a parent of a newly diagnosed child vs as a newly diagnosed adult is remarkable. Not to mention the complete indifference that my mom received. The diabetes crash course that accompanied Emily’s diagnosis was invaluable, as my mom and I have been able to apply these learnings to our own management as well. Why wouldn’t an adult be offered the same level of resources and training upon diagnosis? It seems as if adults are just expected to educate themselves about their disease and how to manage it. A colleague of mine sums it up perfectly: “It’s crazy how some doctors can arm patients with very potent drugs and little to no knowledge of how to use them properly.”
Despite the education (or lack of) we received upon initial diagnosis, during these last few years we’ve learned that when it comes to type 1 diabetes, education based on life experience is better than what any medical textbook can offer. (Although pages from a medical textbook at the very least would have been appreciated!)
Some families share hair color, dimples, and personality traits. We share alcohol swabs, test strips, and bruised finger tips. But we also share recipes, tips for controlling sugar highs and lows, and most importantly, support. Amidst the diabetic storm, there are silver linings in knowing that you’re not alone. In knowing that someone understands your frustrations and victories. In knowing that my 3-year-old thinks it’s the norm to inject yourself before you eat. And that you’re not the only one eating quinoa and meatballs instead of spaghetti and meatballs for Sunday lunch.
At Jumo Health, it is our mission to empower people with the knowledge to understand and manage their medical conditions. Watch this video to learn more about diabetes. Click here for more resources on diabetes.
Applied Learning with Animated Videos
Health Literacy Experts, Jumo Health, Team Up with Nutrition Experts, 3ChicPea Entertainment, to Produce Videos on Healthy Eating Habits
New York City (31 October 2019) — In an ongoing commitment to provide age appropriate, educational resources to patients and caregivers throughout their medical journey, Jumo Health is proud to announce its partnership with 3ChicPea Entertainment. Founded by three registered dietitians, 3ChicPea Entertainment is a wellness brand that empowers today’s youth to establish lifelong healthy eating habits.
The partnership will produce various resources to provide general wellness education in ways that children and adolescents can understand, thereby empowering a new generation to effectively act upon a physician’s instructions.
“Health literacy and reading comprehension statistics are embarrassing. Ninety percent of U.S. adults cannot understand and act upon a physician’s instructions. Coupled with the fact that 50% cannot read above an 8th grade level and most available materials are written at or above a 10th grade level — it’s a recipe for disaster in our health care state,” shared Kevin Aniskovich, CEO of Jumo Health. Jumo Health produces evidence-based and age appropriate resources to ensure, regardless of educational attainment, consumers are well prepared to make decisions, act, and stay compliant.
This partnership not only marks the addition of wellness related media to Jumo Health’s library of clinical resources, but also further underscores Jumo Health’s dedication to serving the adolescent and transitional market. As part of this partnership, Jumo Health and 3ChicPea Entertainment have launched, Fuel You, a 2D animated video intended to help children and adolescents understand the importance of nutrition and healthy eating for physical activity, cognitive performance, and quality of life.
Approximately 30.5 million Americans are living with diabetes, and 193,000 under the age of 20 are estimated to have diagnosed diabetes. Since our inception, our goal has been to create health care experiences that give patients and caregivers the tools to understand complex medical issues and effectively manage their health. For Jumo Health and 3ChicPea Entertainment, educating today’s youth on how to live a healthy lifestyle and make the right choices is no exception, and is the cornerstone for effectuating positive health outcomes.
“Today’s entertainment landscape, targeted towards children and young girls, is preoccupied with gaining fame and popularity through capitalizing on one’s outer beauty and being ‘insta-perfect.’ We believe that the next generation needs real people, like themselves, to look up to and act as a role model for healthy behaviors. For us, this partnership is a step in the right direction for the types of media we should provide to children and adolescents,” shared Kristina Viola RD, LDN, Co-Founder of 3ChicPea Entertainment.
Fuel You is available to license for pharmaceutical, clinical trial, payor, hospital, and school library websites. For more information, please contact us at blog.jumohealth.com/contact.
About 3ChicPea Entertainment
3ChicPea Entertainment combines creative storytelling with clinical expertise to produce best in class wellness-focused entertainment. Founded by three Registered Dietitians, 3ChicPea’s mission is to empower today’s youth in establishing healthy habits, driving lifelong healthy behaviors into daily routines. Education is a tailored approach through interactions with the brand’s future release of entertainment media, gamification, and lifestyle products.
3ChicPeaEntertainment.com
Contact Information
For more information about the Jumo Health or this article, call (646) 895-9319 or email [email protected].
Jumo Health Named Top 10 Patient Engagement Solution Provider
Jumo Health Nationally Recognized for Tackling Intricate Health Care Challenges
New York City (29 October 2019) — Jumo Health, the global provider of award-winning, age appropriate health care resources, is proud to announce that it has been recognized as one of the top 10 patient engagement solution providers of 2019 by Healthcare Tech Outlook magazine.
A panel comprised of CEOs, CIOs, and industry analysts, including Healthcare Tech Outlook’s editorial board sought out companies offering powerful solutions that are having a positive impact on clinical outcomes and the broader health care system. Jumo Health came top of the list and was selected as the cover story. “Jumo Health is at the forefront of tackling some of the most intricate challenges,” noted Alex D’Souza, Managing Editor of Healthcare Tech Outlook. “Patient engagement must now extend beyond the exam room, using… more regular and proactive interactions between physicians and patients. Interactions that encourage patients to actively manage their health…to drive measurable improvements in population health,” continued D’Souza.
“It is an honor to receive this recognition alongside the other organizations seeking to ensure patient centricity is more than a buzzword. Jumo Health is a collective of like-minded, collaborative people that share a common goal to change health care today. For too long the industry has ignored the role global deficiencies in health literacy and reading comprehension play in impacting patient care. By creating authentic resources with relatable patient stories to explain a condition, treatment pathway, or how to manage living with a disease, we ensure the patient is at the center of the experience and has the best chance to meet their desired outcome,” said Kevin Aniskovich, President and CEO of Jumo Health.
Read the cover story here.
Contact Information
For more information about Jumo Health or this article, call (646) 895-9319 or email [email protected].