Author: sHq_LoGiNz

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia findings offer hope for pediatric cardiac patients and their families

PHILADELPHIA, March 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) reported today that adolescents with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) who took mavacamten experienced reduced obstruction, allowing blood to flow more easily from the heart. The research, presented today at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session in New Orleans, was also published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited heart disease and is characterized by abnormal thickening and stiffness of the heart muscle, which can obstruct blood flow. HCM can cause chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and swelling, and can progress to heart failure, dangerous arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death. Mavacamten, a medication that reduces myosin activity to improve cardiac function, is approved for adults. However, this research is the first to assess the drug in adolescents, who typically have more severe disease.

“I’ve cared for children with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for decades, and treatment options have been limited to symptom-focused medications or invasive surgery,” said Joseph Rossano, MD, MS, the study’s lead author and Chief of the Division of Cardiology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “If this drug receives FDA approval for teens, it could offer a transformative, precision medicine approach as the first pediatric-specific targeted therapy for this condition.”

In the study, global trials sites enrolled 44 teens (ages 12 to <18) with symptomatic obstructive HCM. Of those, 23 participants randomly received mavacamten and 21 received a placebo for 28 weeks. The trial was double-blind, meaning that neither families nor doctors knew who got the drug. The researchers measured change in the pressure gradient across the heart’s outflow tract during a Valsalva maneuver (a standard way to provoke the obstruction) from the start to week 28.

After 28 weeks, patients taking mavacamten experienced a significant drop in the blockage leaving the heart (about 48.5 mm Hg) compared with almost no change (0.5 mm Hg) in the placebo group. Side effects were similar in both groups, and all patients met a key safety threshold. Overall, mavacamten greatly reduced the obstruction in adolescents with HCM and appeared safe in this study.

Additionally, blood markers that indicate heart damage fell in patients taking mavacamten but rose in those on placebo. That pattern suggests mavacamten may do more than ease symptoms; it could slow disease progression and even reverse some damage to the heart.

“These results are encouraging as they suggest the drug might help the heart heal, changing the patient’s underlying biology over time instead of just relieving symptoms,” said Rossano. “If these findings are confirmed with further research, we’ll want to look at starting treatment in children sooner, before the heart has experienced years of damage.”

This study was supported by Bristol Myers Squibb.

Joseph Rossano, MD, is a paid consultant to Bristol Myers Squibb and served as the site principal investigator for the SCOUT-HCM Study at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Rossano et al. “Mavacamten in Adolescents with Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.” NEJM. Online March 29, 2026.

About Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia:
A non-profit, charitable organization, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation’s first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals, and pioneering major research initiatives, the hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. The institution has a well-established history of providing advanced pediatric care close to home through its CHOP Care Network, which includes more than 50 primary care practices, specialty care and surgical centers, urgent care centers, and community hospital alliances throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. CHOP also operates the Middleman Family Pavilion and its dedicated pediatric emergency department in King of Prussia, the Behavioral Health and Crisis Center (including a 24/7 Crisis Response Center) and the Center for Advanced Behavioral Healthcare, a mental health outpatient facility. Its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit https://www.chop.edu. 

Contact: Natalie Solimeo
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
267-426-6246
solimeon@chop.edu

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/precision-medicine-breakthrough-mavacamten-markedly-reduces-heart-obstruction-in-teens-with-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-302727894.html

SOURCE Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

The Campaign Unites Experts, Organizations, and Advocates to Promote Environmental Responsibility and Drive Action Toward a More Sustainable Future

NEW YORK, March 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mediaplanet announces the launch of Sustainable Living, a cross-platform campaign debuting within LA Times and online. This timely initiative brings together environmental leaders, sustainability experts, nonprofits, and innovative organizations committed to advancing eco-conscious practices and inspiring individuals and communities to live more sustainably.

As climate challenges and environmental concerns continue to shape global conversations, Sustainable Living explores actionable solutions and forward-thinking strategies that empower individuals and industries alike to reduce their environmental footprints. Through expert insights, compelling stories, and research-driven perspectives, the campaign highlights topics like clean energy, responsible consumption, waste reduction, sustainable food systems, and green innovation.

The campaign features editorial contributions from leading voices across environmental science, policy, business, and advocacy — each working toward a shared goal of creating a healthier planet for future generations.

Featured Editorial Voices:

• Dave and Jenny Marrs
• Kathryn Kellog

Editorial & Advocacy Partners Include:

• Environmental Defense Fund
• Clean Energy States Alliance
• Earth Day
• Cool Earth
• Environmental Working Groups
• Sierra Club
• GRID Alternatives
• ReFed

Campaign Partners & Contributors Include:

• Lenox
• Reencle

Special Editorial Spotlight:

Home renovation experts, entrepreneurs, and sustainability advocates Dave and Jenny Marrs grace the cover of Sustainable Living. Best known for their work transforming homes and communities, the Marrses have become influential voices in promoting thoughtful design, responsible building practices, and environmentally conscious living.

In an exclusive interview, Dave and Jenny share how their passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces is deeply connected to their commitment to sustainability. From incorporating reclaimed materials and energy-efficient solutions into their projects to supporting local agriculture and community initiatives, they emphasize that sustainable living starts with intentional choices at home.

The Marrses also discuss the importance of balancing modern design with long-term environmental impact, highlighting how homeowners can make practical, meaningful changes without sacrificing style or comfort. Their approach reflects a broader mission to inspire families across the country to embrace sustainability in ways that are both accessible and impactful.

“Sustainability extends beyond materials to people and places, and family values profoundly shape our approach at home,” Dave and Jenny shared in an exclusive interview with Mediaplanet. “It’s about building homes that nurture relationships and a sense of place, where reuse and care honor both heritage and responsibility. Ultimately, it’s living intentionally. A home that’s kind to the planet is also one that feels deeply personal and enduring.”

Through thought leadership, impactful storytelling, and collaboration with purpose-driven organizations, Sustainable Living underscores the importance of environmental responsibility and the role each individual plays in shaping a more sustainable future.

The campaign officially launches nationwide on March 29, 2026, within copies of LA Times and online.

To read the digital version of the campaign, visit:

Sustainable Living – Impacting Our Future

Media Contact:

Josh Rouse
Operations and Production Manager
Josh.rouse@mediaplanet.com
Mediaplanet

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sustainable-living-campaign-launches-in-la-302727955.html

SOURCE Mediaplanet

New analysis by Dr. TaMika Fuller and Dr. Victoria Lender highlights how supporting working caregivers can reduce burnout, strengthen engagement and drive organizational performance

PHOENIX, March 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies has released a new white paper, “How Organizations Can Help Sandwich Moms Achieve Work-Life Balance,” authored by TaMika Fuller, DBA, and Victoria Lender, DBA, both affiliated with the University’s Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR). The paper offering actionable strategies for employers to better support employees of the “sandwich generation,” balancing care for both children and aging parents.

Building on insights from the University of Phoenix 2025 Career Optimism Special Report™ Series: Moms in the Sandwich Generation, the white paper moves beyond identifying the challenges facing “sandwich moms” to examine how those pressures translate into measurable workplace outcomes—and what organizations can do in response. Prior research found that approximately 23% of U.S. adults are part of the sandwich generation; this new analysis shows how insufficient workplace support contributes to burnout, career stagnation and reduced productivity.

From insight to action: What employers need to change

This white paper identifies sandwich moms as a growing and often underserved workforce segment whose experiences directly affect organizational outcomes, including retention, engagement and institutional trust.

Key workplace impacts highlighted in the paper include:

• Increased burnout and absenteeism tied to competing caregiving and work demands
• Career stagnation and reduced advancement opportunities due to inflexible workplace structures
• Financial strain associated with caregiving responsibilities
• Lower engagement and trust when employer support systems fall short

Evidence-based strategies to support working caregivers

The white paper outlines practical, research-informed strategies organizations can implement to better support sandwich generation employees, including:

• Expanding flexible work arrangements, including remote and hybrid options
• Enhancing paid leave and caregiver-specific benefits that account for both childcare and eldercare
• Training managers to lead with empathy and performance-based evaluation, rather than availability
• Redesigning career pathways to support nonlinear progression and long-term growth

“The challenges facing sandwich moms are not just personal—they are organizational,” said Fuller. “When employers design policies that reflect real-life caregiving demands, they move beyond just supporting employees—they strengthen retention, performance and long-term workforce stability.”

“Employers have an opportunity to rethink how work gets done,” added Lender. “The sandwich generation is a critical segment of the modern workforce, and by aligning workplace practices with their workforce realities, organizations can unlock greater engagement and create more sustainable career pathways for working caregivers.”

A growing workforce segment with business impact

Sandwich generation caregivers represent a significant and economically consequential segment of the workforce. According to the 2025 AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving report, 63 million Americans—nearly 1 in 4 adults—provide ongoing care, and 7 in 10 family caregivers are employed while balancing these responsibilities.

The white paper builds on this national context to show that without targeted employer support, dual caregiving demands can disrupt work, increase burnout and limit career mobility. Conversely, organizations that invest in flexible policies and caregiver support systems are better positioned to strengthen retention, engagement and overall workforce resilience.

The full white paper is available through the University of Phoenix Research Hub.

About the authors
Fuller is a University of Phoenix research fellow in the Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research. She serves as Department Chair of Culinary, Dietetics and Hospitality Management at Tarrant County College and teaches economics and business courses. Fuller earned a Doctor of Business Administration from University of Phoenix and holds graduate degrees in managerial economics and educational leadership.

Lender works in supply chain and logistics and teaches supply chain management, leadership, operations strategy and business courses at several universities. She earned a Doctor of Business Administration from University of Phoenix.

About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life^® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

About the College of Doctoral Studies
University of Phoenix’s College of Doctoral Studies focuses on today’s challenging business and organizational needs, from addressing critical social issues to developing solutions to accelerate community building and industry growth. The College’s research program is built around the Scholar, Practitioner, Leader Model which puts students in the center of the Doctoral Education Ecosystem^® with experts, resources and tools to help prepare them to be a leader in their organization, industry and community. Through this program, students and researchers work with organizations to conduct research that can be applied in the workplace in real time.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/university-of-phoenix-white-paper-translates-sandwich-generation-research-into-employer-strategies-to-improve-retention-and-workforce-stability-302727738.html

SOURCE University of Phoenix