Month: August 2025

Guideline Emphasis on Earlier Treatment to Reduce Health, Dementia Risks Boosts Urgency to Keep Closer Watch on Blood Pressure

 OMRON innovations support 2025 guidelines on heart-brain connection, close blood pressure management throughout pregnancy, and healthy lifestyle behaviors

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Heart health leader OMRON Healthcare today issued a national call-to-action for regular at-home blood pressure monitoring in response to new guidelines by the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC). The first new set of guidelines since 2017 emphasize earlier detection and treatment of high blood pressure for all Americans – making regular at-home blood pressure monitoring an essential daily health practice.

“Half of all U.S. adults have high blood pressure, which is the number one preventable risk factor for heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and cognitive decline,” said Jim Li, executive director, global medical affairs at OMRON Healthcare. “The 2025 guidelines make one thing clear: don’t wait for your next doctor’s visit. Regular blood pressure monitoring at home is an important practice for long-term good health.”

The new AHA/ACC guidelines incorporate a decade of research on blood pressure, from 2015 to 2024, and emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle and early intervention of high blood pressure to reduce the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and dementia.

“The first new guidelines in eight years bring major changes to how we should view blood pressure and the urgency to make routine monitoring a priority as a bridge to earlier treatment,” said OMRON Healthcare U.S. Managing Director Alice Koehler. “The guidelines spotlight the heart-brain connection and higher dementia risks from uncontrolled blood pressure. There is more urgency to keep closer watch on blood pressure before, during and after pregnancy to prevent long-term health damage to moms and babies.”

OMRON Healthcare issued the following recommended actions based on the new AHA/ACC blood pressure guidelines:

• Start routinely monitoring your blood pressure at home. For patients with systolic blood pressure of 130–139, the guidelines now recommend medication if lifestyle changes don’t achieve targets within 3–6 months. This raises the importance of earlier detection, best achieved by routine blood pressure monitoring at home. “Routine can be once a week, once a day, or more for some,” said Li. “Talk to your doctor. Blood pressure is a valuable health insight.” The OMRON Platinum and EVOLV are ranked as top blood pressure monitors for home use.
• Take care of your heart to take care of your mind. The guidelines focus on a growing body of research linking blood pressure management to cognitive function and dementia prevention. “High blood pressure and untreated conditions like atrial fibrillation disrupt the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain,” said Li. “Routine at-home monitoring with tools like the OMRON 10 Series with AI-powered AFib detection can help identify these heart-brain health risks earlier than ever before.”
• Expecting moms: monitor before, during, and after pregnancy. The guidelines are based on research showing how pregnancy-related high blood pressure can impact immediate and long-term health outcomes for mothers and babies, urging more frequent monitoring before, during and after pregnancy. “Pregnancy represents a critical time for moms’ and babies’ cardiovascular health,” said Koehler. “Those preparing to conceive should visit validatebp.org, apply the pregnancy filter, and search for recommended at-home monitors.”
• Maintain healthy weight to support healthy blood pressure. The guidelines recommend maintaining healthy weight to support blood pressure control, specifically mentioning GLP-1s as a viable weight loss tool when diagnosed by a physician. Originally developed for diabetes, GLP-1s have shown remarkable effectiveness for weight reduction, a major factor in lowering blood pressure. Pairing healthy weight loss choices with regular home monitoring can help deliver the best outcomes. OMRON offers an online library of health and lifestyle articles to support behavior change.
• Tap into virtual coaching to build healthier habits. The guidelines place healthy lifestyle behaviors as the cornerstone of blood pressure management, encouraging regular exercise, stress control, weight management, and reduction or elimination of alcohol and sodium as primary practices. “Digital health tools are providing a path to meaningful behavior change,” said Li. “Our OMRON Connect app acts as a virtual coach that provides insights on blood pressure readings along with tips to take walks, destress, and stay on medication for more blood pressure control.”

“The new guidelines are a call to action for earlier detection and proactive blood pressure management for overall good health,” said Koehler. “OMRON innovations – from our advanced blood pressure monitors and Intellisense AFib detection to the OMRON connect app – are accessible, affordable, and designed to support medical professionals and patients of all ages.”

For more information on blood pressure monitoring, AFib detection, and healthy lifestyle behaviors, visit OmronHealthcare.com.

About OMRON Healthcare, Inc.
OMRON Healthcare, Inc., is the world’s leading manufacturer and distributor of personal heart health products and an innovator in technologies supporting respiratory and pain management care. With over 50 years of medical device category leadership, OMRON is passionate about empowering people to take charge of their health at home through precise technology. Its market-leading products include a full range of home blood pressure monitors, nebulizers and TENS devices. The company’s mission is Going for Zero, the elimination of heart attacks and strokes. With more than 350 million devices sold globally, OMRON provides the world’s most recommended blood pressure monitors by healthcare professionals. OMRON Healthcare strives to improve lives and contribute to a better society by developing innovations that help people prevent, treat, and manage their medical conditions. The company provides products and services in over 130 countries. For more information, visit OmronHealthcare.com.

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SOURCE OMRON Healthcare

CALGARY, AB, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Westbridge Renewable Energy Corp. (TSXV: WEB) (OTCQX: WEGYF) (FRA: PUQ) (“Westbridge”, “Westbridge Renewable” or the “Company”) a leading developer of utility-scale renewable energy and energy infrastructure, announces August 22, 2025 as the effective date of its previously announced consolidation of the Company’s common shares (“Common Shares“) on the basis of one (1) post-consolidation Common Share for every four (4) pre-consolidation Common Shares (the “Consolidation“).

The name of the Company and trading symbol will remain the same after the Consolidation. The new CUSIP will be 95716A201 and the new ISIN will be CA95716A2011.  The Consolidation reduces the number of shares issued and outstanding from 101,149,851 Common Shares to approximately 25,287,462 Common Shares issued and outstanding, subject to rounding for fractional shares. 

Letters of transmittal with respect to the Consolidation will be mailed to all registered shareholders of the Company. All registered shareholders will be required to send their respective certificates representing their pre-Consolidation Common Shares along with a properly executed letter of transmittal to the Company’s transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company of Canada (“Computershare“), in accordance with the instructions provided in the letter of transmittal. All shareholders who submit a duly completed letter of transmittal along with their respective pre-Consolidation Common Share certificate(s) to Computershare, will receive a post-Consolidation Common Share certificate or Direct Registration Advice representing their post-Consolidation Common Shares.

No fractional shares will be issued as a result of the Consolidation. Any fractional interest in Common Shares will be rounded down to the nearest whole number, in accordance with normal TSXV policies.  Proportionate adjustments will be made to the Company’s outstanding stock options, restricted share units and performance share units following the effective date of the Consolidation. 

The Consolidation is being undertaken in order to position the Company for broader institutional investor participation, enhance trading liquidity, and support its long-term capital markets strategy.

“This share consolidation is a strategic step that supports Westbridge’s broader growth trajectory and enhances our profile in public capital markets,” said Stefano Romanin, CEO of Westbridge.

About Westbridge Renewable Energy

Westbridge originates, develops, operates and monetizes best-in-class, utility-scale solar PV projects, stand-alone battery energy storage projects and other clean energy-focused development. The Company has a portfolio of projects in four key jurisdictions: Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and Italy. Westbridge delivers attractive, long-term returns by originating and developing an international portfolio of renewable energy assets to support increasing demand for energy and grid reliability. Management brings a strong track-record with a cumulative 40+ development projects worldwide. As one of very few listed, pure-play international solar and BESS development companies, Westbridge provides investors with access to greenfield solar and energy storage projects at the earliest stage of development, allowing them to benefit from the full development value chain. Westbridge aims to deliver clean, sustainable electricity and energy storage solutions to support increasing electricity demand and grid reliability in the jurisdictions in which it operates.

For more information, please visit: www.westbridge.energy | Twitter | LinkedIn

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this document contains forward-looking information and statements and the timing thereof. Forward-looking information also includes management’s assessment of future plans and operations, that the Consolidation will impact the Company as anticipated; and that the treatment of fractional shares will align with management’s current expectations. Such forward-looking statements or information are provided for the purpose of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future, including project milestone progress at Fontus, and should not be relied upon for any other purpose. Forward-looking statements or information typically contain statements with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “potential”, “will”, “may”, “could”, “should”, or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding future performance and outlook. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them, as actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the Company’s ability to complete licensing and interconnection processes; availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms or at all; risks relating to general business, economic, competitive, regulatory, policy and social uncertainties; changes in laws or market conditions; and the risks identified under the headings “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis, and other disclosure documents available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by law.

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SOURCE Westbridge Renewable Energy Corp.

ORANJESTAD, Aruba, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a landmark initiative to support talented and deserving students, the President of Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba (XUSOM), Ravi Bhooplapur, has announced the launch of the XUSOM Scholarship Program. This groundbreaking scholarship offers full tuition coverage for 10 exceptional students who achieve a 495+ score on the MCAT. The announcement comes as part of the university’s continued commitment to fostering educational opportunities and ensuring that financial barriers do not limit access to high-quality medical education.

The XUSOM Scholarship Program aims to reward hard work, dedication, and academic excellence while making it possible for aspiring doctors from all walks of life to pursue their medical careers. Students who qualify for the scholarship will receive full financial support for their tuition throughout their medical education at XUSOM, a renowned institution known for its cutting-edge medical education and commitment to training the next generation of doctors.

In his statement, President Ravi Bhooplapur shared his enthusiasm for the new scholarship initiative, saying, “At XUSOM, we see education as the foundation of progress, and we firmly believe that financial barriers should never stand in the way of accessing quality education. These scholarships go beyond covering tuition. They promote diversity, inclusion, and excellence within the medical field. By supporting the brightest minds, we’re helping shape the future of healthcare. The 10 MCAT Scholarships are a reflection of our commitment to ensuring that the next generation of doctors and healthcare leaders comes from a pool of the most talented and deserving individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances. They embody our core values of excellence, accessibility, and the transformative power of education.”

Key Highlights of the XUSOM Scholarship Program

• Eligibility: Available to students who achieve a score of 495 or higher on the MCAT and meet additional academic criteria.
• Award: Full tuition coverage for the entire duration of the medical program at Xavier University School of Medicine.
• Application Periods: Now accepting applications for September 2025, January 2026, and May 2026 intakes.
• How to Apply: Begin your journey today at https://application.xusom.com/sign-up and take the first step toward your dream medical career in paradise.

XUSOM has long been recognized for its innovative teaching methods, strong focus on clinical experience, and a curriculum designed to meet the evolving needs of modern healthcare. With this scholarship program, the school aims to make medical education accessible to those with the potential to make a significant impact on the healthcare industry.

For more information about XUSOM https://xusom.com/.

Contact: Mamta Purbey, mpurbey@xusom.com, 5163332224

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SOURCE Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba

• It has benefited thousands of people through more than 250 strategic alliances.
• “We are celebrating 20 years of Fundación Banorte. Our purpose is clear: provide families in vulnerable situations, a level playing field so they can thrive with dignity. We want a country where poverty is not their destiny. Let’s keep building strong families!” said Carlos Hank González, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Banorte.

MEXICO CITY, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In its 20 years of existence, Fundación Banorte, the social arm of Grupo Financiero Banorte, has benefited thousands of people thanks to more than 250 strategic alliances.

Throughout these two decades, Fundación Banorte has honored the conviction with which it was born: to change the lives of thousands of Mexican families—with you, for you, for Mexico!

Chaired by Carlos Hank González and led by Jimena Prado Lebrija, Fundación Banorte has evolved to consolidate a comprehensive model based on five pillars: housing, education, health, nutrition, and women’s empowerment. This model has allowed the Foundation to support vulnerable communities with both immediate and sustainable solutions.

Regarding this celebration, Carlos Hank González, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Banorte, said:
“We are celebrating 20 years of Fundación Banorte. Our purpose is clear: provide families in vulnerable situations with a level playing field so they can thrive with dignity. We want a country where poverty is not their destiny. Let’s keep building strong families!”

On the other hand, Jimena Prado, Head of Fundación Banorte, stated:
“At Fundación Banorte, we know that building a fair Mexico begins with strengthening families. Through our comprehensive program in housing, health, education, nutrition, and women’s empowerment, we work to break the cycle of extreme poverty and generate real opportunities for development. With strategic alliances and a sustainable approach, Mexican families can chart their own path toward a dignified and thriving future.”

In 2020, Fundación Banorte implemented a comprehensive model to multiply its impact. Since then, it has achieved the following results:

1. Housing
Fundación Banorte has built, expanded, or rehabilitated 6,500 homes in communities such as Estado de México, Chihuahua, Yucatán, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Veracruz, Puebla, Nuevo León, and Chiapas.

2. Education
More than 70,000 people have benefited through classroom construction, scholarship programs, and workshops that open doors to knowledge.

3. Women’s Empowerment
Fundación Banorte has provided tools to more than 3,000 women to start businesses, generate income, and strengthen their leadership.

4. Nutrition
Over 500,000 people have received food packages.

5. Health
More than 2,000 people have gained access to medical diagnoses, eyeglasses, and hearing aids, improving their quality of life and autonomy.

At Fundación Banorte, every story of transformation is a testimony of hope and perseverance. With our eyes set on the future, we reaffirm our commitment to building a fairer, more supportive Mexico with stronger families.

 

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SOURCE Banorte