Eric Lefkofsky Talks About Using Data to Improve Medicine

Eric Lefkofsky Talks About Using Data to Improve Medicine

In a recent interview on Bloomberg TV, Eric Lefkofsky talked about data-driven medicine. Mr. Kefkofsky is the CEO of Tempus, a company he founded to provide technological solutions to medical problems.

Throughout his career, he brought technology to industries that hadn’t used much technology before. He became inspired to do the same with the medical industry when he realized how little health care providers were using data in their work. There was a clear need to bring data to medicine, and he strove to fill it.

He founded Tempus with the initial goal of fixing the data infrastructure underlying care for cancer patients. That involved collecting data about who cancer patients were, what drugs they were taking, and how they responded to those drugs. Tempus than analyzed the data to discover patterns that explain why patients responded to the drugs the way that they did.

The process involves sophisticated genetic sequencing. It relies on cutting-edge technology tools to perform complex analyses that would have been impossible or unaffordable several years ago. For example, as recently as 12 years ago, it would have cost a million times more to generate the kind of genomic data that Tempus generates and uses today.

The result has important clinical applications. Physicians use the information Tempus provides to select medications for their patients. The data helps them pick the drug that is most likely to help patients.

Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have all recently announced that they are starting to become involved in the business of data mining for health care. Mr. Lefkofsky thinks this is a positive trend. Using more technology in medicine will improve people’s lives, and the health care industry is so big that there is room for all of these companies to thrive in the medical data space.

Although Tempus is a young company, founded in 2015, it already has had a strong impact on the way that cancer is treated. There are approximately 250 hospital systems that are working with Tempus, and data from about 25 percent of all cancer patients in the U.S. is now processed at Tempus.

The technology will have an even larger impact in the future. Mr. Lefkofsky predicts that in about five years, all cancer patients in the U.S. are likely to have their genomes sequenced. He believes the same thing will start to happen at some point with cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, and other health problems. Within five to 10 years, almost everyone in the U.S. will have their genonmes sequenced a lot. The result will be an era where medical treatment can be tailored to individuals in a way that was not possible in the past.

Mr. Lefkofsky said that he has learned from all of his past business experiences. He has a simple formula for success. After each experience, he tries to repeat what worked well and avoid repeating what didn’t. One lesson he has learned from past experiences is to wait longer before taking a company public. He says that when there are huge paradigm shifts in the way things are done, it’s better to wait until everything is solidly in place before going public.

Meanwhile, Tempus is growing. The company that started by focusing on cancer patients has now expanded to helping patients with diabetes and depression. Its plans for the future include working with other diseases, including cardiovascular disease.

In addition to being CEO and founder of Tempus, Eric Lefkofsky is chairman and co-founder of Groupon, whose world-famous site changed the way that companies attract new customers. He also co-founded Mediaocean, Echo Global Logistics, Inner Workings, and Uptake Technologies.

 

The Top 5 Gifts for Your Valentine From the RealReal

The Top 5 Gifts for Your Valentine From the RealReal

The RealReal is there for those who want to go all out this Valentine’s day. You know your beloved deserves to be pampered, so why not let the RealReal do the work for you? Then, all you have to do is choose something rather than stress out about a gift. The following are five gifts to give your wife or partner this holiday.

  1. Mikoh One-Piece

It may be time to admit that the perfect gift for your beloved is a swimsuit piece. It is always hard to find the perfect piece. You need something that makes a statement and looks wonderful. Of course, it is always a good idea to look through your partner’s swim-wear to make sure you get swim-wear that your loved one likes. She might like this Mikoh Hawaii Hula one-piece. It is a classy and colorful piece that is not too trendy. It can definetly be worn a few seasons.

  1. John Hardy Hoops

There are times when the best gift is jewelry. Your loved may like to show off jewelry from time to time, and wearing hoops is a great way to do that. This type of accessory simply does the trick from time to time, especially when she wants to look classy and chic at the same time. The John Hardy Two-Tone Palu hoop earrings are wonderfully designed, and the color could match any outfit. They are definitely worth the trouble, and they should make a great Valentine’s gift.

  1. Gucci Loafers

Gucci loafers could also be the right gift. The Gucci loafers look stylish and comfortable. You want your loved one to walk on air, and why not let your Valentine walk in style, too? These are quite unique and should help make your partner feel special.

  1. Rick Owens Beanie

If your loved one lives in a region that gets cold during the winter, you may want to consider this Rick Owens gift. The Rick Owens 2019 Wool Beanie looks spectacular, yet it is also a simple design that was made to be worn with almost anything. The natural fabric is soft but also warm as can be, making it ideal for any person who wants to stay warm and feel luxurious. You definitely cannot go wrong with this particular gift.

  1. Fendi Bag Charm

Your partner may have a few purses, but there are some nice accessories out there. You can opt for a nice bag charm. These charms have a special way of revitalizing any purse in just one second. Fendi has a beautiful fox fur bag charm that your loved one can use with any purse. It will give all your loved ones bags a new look.

Hopefully, you find the perfect gift in this short list. Flowers are always a go too gift according to a company that offers hand bouquet in Singapore. Of course, you need to make sure you go with your heart when it comes to gifts, so make sure you are listening because it is whispering what your beloved really wants this Valentine’s.

Amazing Chalk Art Images That Will Leave You Speechless

Amazing Chalk Art Images That Will Leave You Speechless

Although Banksy and other graffiti artists still get most of the news coverage, there is a growing cadre of chalk artists that are plying their trade, sometimes anonymously and sometimes signed, across the United States to growing acclaim.

It’s no surprise that San Francisco leads the way in chalk artistry. The city has set aside funds to employ chalk artists to decorate the sidewalks around public playgrounds with whimsical fairy tale figures and heroic comic book figures.

Chicago has white washed several blank building sides for the express purpose of chalk drawing. The city provides youth with free colored chalk balls to sketch whatever they want — within limits of public good taste, of course.

Bistros everywhere from New Orleans to Salt Lake City have paneled their walls with chalkboard, and hired the best local chalk artists to draw not only ornate menu options but fantastical portraits of local and historical interest — like Jean LaFitte the pirate in New Orleans, or Brigham Young in Salt Lake.

And one of the trendiest birthday party stunts in 2019 is to hire a chalk artist, or a whole team, to decorate every available blank space outside of a boy or girl’s home with representations of their favorite superheroes and cartoon characters.

The Most Practical Healthy Habits for Sleep Optimization

The Most Practical Healthy Habits for Sleep Optimization

A healthy night’s sleep is often the best treatment for the anxiety and stress of everyday life. How many hours do you sleep each night? More important, how WELL do you sleep each night?

Doctors and sleep specialists all agree that these practical tips will bring better rest:

Don’t eat after eight p.m. at night. The stomach doesn’t like to work when the rest of the body is getting its rest. Heartburn can turn a late night snack into late night insomnia.

Keep the lights dim, long before going to bed. When possible, use only indirect lighting in the rooms where you spend your evenings. This sends a signal to the brain that sleep is on the way, and it begins to slow down and relax.

Don’t leave important decisions until you can ‘sleep on it.’ This only keeps you awake looking for solutions when you’re in bed. Instead, either work out problems in the late afternoon, or discipline yourself to say “I’ll make that decision tomorrow.”   

Don’t go to the gym too late in the evening. Never workout after seven at night. Your body needs several hours to resume its normal metabolism after a strenuous workout. That said, there’s much to be said for getting at least a minimum of exercise each day, because that has been proven to increase the healthy sleep you need each night.

Discover these Less traveled islands on Your Next Vacation Getaway

Discover these Less traveled islands on Your Next Vacation Getaway

Robinson Crusoe had the right idea when he washed up on a desert isle — enjoy the peace and quiet, and beauty, without the crowd and tourist traps that infest so many island vacation spots.

You, too, can find an island getaway that isn’t flooded with travelers where beauty and serenity can be had all day, and all night.

Nosy Ankao, off the coast of Madagascar

Ferry boats cross over to this gem of an island every hour during the fall and winter. There are a few luxury hotels, but mostly it’s pristine white sand beaches with a hypnotic view of the Indian ocean, and little shacks on the shore that serve up spicy shrimp timbales with rice on a banana leaf for less than two dollars.

Palau, near the Philippines

This island nation hasn’t done much about the tourist industry, and so its many unspoiled beaches and friendly inhabitants make it worth the long plane ride. Snorkelers say the coral reefs are the most unspoiled in the world.

Coral Caye Island, Belize

It faces the Atlantic, but Coral Caye, off the coast of Belize, feels more like the Caribbean — with conch chowder and sago croissants served up day and night. The island has few hotels, but many b-and-b’s — and some of the best shoreline fishing in all of South America.

5 Valentine’s Day Gifts You Can Find at The RealReal

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, its time to get shopping for something for your loved one. On this special day, you want to give them something that is unique and which they would truly admire. For those who are on the lookout for something truly special, a piece of fine luxury is what you should consider.

Designer goods always have a special appeal, no matter what the occasion. If you are thinking of getting something truly admirable, a good piece of designer clothing or a well-styled accessory is all that you need.

The RealReal is one of the best sites to get luxury goods that are just as good as the ones that are brand new and off the shelves. Because of the lowered price that you have to pay on goods, this is a great place for those who want to make a wise investment and buy something that is worth giving. The wide inventory and range of products also make finding the perfect gift incredibly easy.

Here are some of the products from The RealReal that would make for great gifts this Valentine’s Day:

  1. Louis Vuitton – Monogram Ellipse GM

Louis Vuitton is one of the most well-known luxury brands and going in for a beautiful Monogram Ellipse is a great gift to give your Valentine. The luxury bad comes with the signature brown tan monogram and comes with brass hardware for a superior level of support. The product has a single exterior zip and comes with flat shoulder straps. Moreover, the joy of owning a Louis Vuitton bag is something that your Valentine surely won’t forget.

  1. Burberry – Belted Zip-Front Jacket

Burberry is a luxury brand that is unmatched by most of the newer brands that have been emerging. A jacket from Burberry is not only incredibly luxurious but also something that stands as a style statement in itself. This particular product comes with four front pockets and a blent closure at the waist. If you want to give your Valentine something that is practical and which looks incredibly fashionable, this is the product to go in for.

  1. Sharon Khazzam – Diamond Stitch Ring

Jewelry always makes for a great gift on Valentine’s day, and a ring is an even better choice to cement your love for that special person. A Sharon Khazzam ring is something that is sure to grab your Valentine’s attention and is something that they can’t not treasure. If you want to score extra brownie points with the person you love, this is one gift that you should definitely consider choosing.

  1. Roger Muhl – Pierres de Provence

Sometimes, clothing or accessories might not be the best gift to give to the one you love, especially if they are rather picky about what they like. If your valentine is, however, someone who appreciates fine art, consider giving them a beautiful Roger Muhl piece. The Pierres de Provence is one of the more famous pieces by the French Artist, who is particularly known for his landscape paintings and intriguing textures.

 5. Frederique Constant – Slimline Mini Watch

A watch is always a classic gift that you can’t ever go wrong with, especially if it is one by Frederique Constant. The Slimline Mini Watch is designed to look dainty and beautiful and is definitely a gift that is worth giving. The diamond bezel and silver dial are all the more reason why this watch is a statement piece that your Valentine would appreciate. The watch can also make a great gift if you are torn between getting your Valentine a good luxury accessory or a nice piece of jewelry.

 

 

 

 

 

Perform At Your Highest Level: Food, Lifestyle, and Recovery Tips That Can Help

Perform At Your Highest Level: Food, Lifestyle, and Recovery Tips That Can Help

The ability to perform at your highest level whether it is professionally, physically, or mentally can be a huge help in your overall quality of life. Too many people think it is not possible to be working at their highest level on a consistent basis. This is due to them not setting themselves up for success as they do not know what they are capable of. The best thing that you can do is take a proactive approach to your performance daily. The following are tips to help increase your quality of performance in a more regular way.

Eat With What You Are Doing Later In Mind

If you are going to hit a hard workout it is probably wise to avoid a greasy burger a few hours prior. Eat with what you have to do in mind later as this can make all of the difference. Drinking a cup of coffee at the right time can make you perky enough to meet with a boss that is not exactly your favorite or do a squat set that haunts your dreams. Take time to research what foods can be great for what activities at a health resource like Happy Body Formula. You might find that what you are eating actually has a negative impact on your performance.

Recovery Shakes/Supplements

People that exercise in an intense fashion need to be focusing on their recovery immediately after completing the workout. This window of time is optimum for recovery and allows a person to come back even stronger the next day. Chocolate milk has been shown to be great for recovery and many in the track and swimming community use it on a daily basis. Make sure that your recovery shake aligns with your goals as some can be quite high in calories.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is undervalued with some people being able to function with only a few hours of sleep while others need 8 hours or more. Each person differs immensely but knows how much sleep makes them feel great the next day. Far too many people stay up too late doing things that are worthless like binging Netflix when they could be getting their body/mind ready for the next day. If you are not getting sleep although trying seeing a specialist or looking into new mattresses can help.

Limit Alcohol Intake

Nobody performs at their peak when they have a hangover regardless of what people say of their younger days. This does not mean that you cannot have a glass of wine for dinner but do not continue drinking until you finish the bottle. The one aspect that many people forget about drinking alcohol is the immense appetite some people get. Downing a few burritos late at night might impact your performance the next day via stomach problems. Moderate your drinking to see if it impacts your performance and if it does not then you are not drinking too much.

Take the time to see where you want to perform at a higher level and set goals in place that will help you achieve this goal. You are capable of far more than you even think, start tapping into your true potential

Helping Plantar Fasciitis Is Easier Than You Thought

Helping Plantar Fasciitis Is Easier Than You Thought

Most common amongst runners and those that do repetitive activities like running, but the truth is that it can strike any person at any time.  Known to doctors and individuals themselves, plantar fasciitis is the common cause of heel pain. This incredibly painful foot-related issue impacts millions of people each year.  For those that aren’t familiar with it, it is an inflammation of the tissue running from the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. When you have plantar fasciitis you definitely know it.  The intense stabbing pain presenting itself is most often found in the morning. As movement increases, the pain may diminish, but it is likely to return after long periods of sitting or standing.

Podiatrists are usually the doctor of record for this ailment.  They understand that the repetitive stress on the heel and the attached tissue is one of the root causes of the problem.  There are also other risk factors, including: age, foot mechanics, obesity, and occupations where employees are on their feet for significant periods of time.  Dr. Stephen Bui understands this all too well. He is both a podiatrist and a runner, who has a group of friends that run together in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania each morning.

When his running group began having foot issues, as did he, he decided it was time to do the only thing he knew how to do: research the answer to plantar fasciitis and find a viable solution.  Although once you have the ailment it can always come back, Dr. Bui was keenly aware that there are things you can do to help prevent reoccurrence. When he began his research, he noticed that there is an abundance of products on the market targeting those with plantar fasciitis, but in his medical opinion, few would make a significant difference.  This is when he set out to invent and patent the HighHeeler.

Remember this name: Dr. Stephen Bui. You may not know him yet, but as the inventor of the HighHeeler and other aids, Dr. Bui’s 18 years of podiatry experience have helped more people than he can count.  Because he is so passionate about helping people, even those he doesn’t personally know, Dr. Bui did the only thing he could: he took a sabbatical from his private podiatry practice to start Active Life Solutions, http://www.activelifeusa.com/.  Active Life Solutions is an e-commerce company he started, and an incubator designed, to help find and invent products geared toward mainstream health management.  Plantar fasciitis being only one of the areas it covers.

Dr. Bui’s invention, the HighHeeler, is a reasonably inexpensive, lightweight, and portable device used to aid in the treatment and prevention of plantar fasciitis.  Because he understands the importance of heat and cold during times of great foot stress, he invented it so it enables the user to have the ability to include a hot or cold stone massage for the foot during use.  The 5-in-1 treatment proffered by the HighHeeler virtually eliminates the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, and most importantly, the reoccurrence of it, especially since, as noted above, the risk of reoccurrence is far greater once you have had it.

“This project was extremely important to me. I put my blood, sweat and tears into the invention of the HighHealer because I feel it will help people with severe foot pain,” Bui said.

The average plantar fasciitis patient attempts to solve the problem himself or herself.  This is not the smartest or quickest route to take. Instead of doing what is needed medically: proper stretching several times per day, hot and cold breaks, and more; patients tend to deal with the symptoms as they come.  While this can help in part, it does not guarantee that the problem will be solved or that it won’t reoccur. The HighHeeler is a game changer in this respect. Because it is portable, it can be used anywhere, at any time, thus not requiring an extra item on the daily “to do” list.

Building foot strength and performance is something we should all do.  Professional athletes do it. Many runners do it. We tend to take our feet for granted, which is a shame, since they do so much for us.  By using a device like the HighHeeler, we eliminate all guesswork. Designed with Soapstone in the middle, which can be removed and heated or frozen. The HighHeeler affords relief to tender foot parts.  Because of the design, it also eliminates the need for stretching as the massage is stretching you at the very same time.

What many of us don’t know is that plantar fasciitis impacts many foot modalities. The HighHeeler was designed to address the five prominent ones, including: stretching the Plantar Fascia ligament, strengthening the smaller muscles which stabilize feet, loosening calf tightness, reducing inflammation and finally, massaging the foot.  Because all these areas are all integrated into the work, this product offers a much more complete solution.

Dr. Bui oversees the in-house testing of all products carried by Active Life Solutions from a medical and a non-medical perspective. “We have helped companies from several countries successfully launch innovative products,” Bui said. “We not only help companies launch, we invest in the people behind these products as well.”

The site offers a multitude of solutions, from the HighRoller to the HighHealer, HighBaller, HighTrainer, Swedish Posture, IAMRUNBOX, SP1KE seat cushion, and the SP1KE standing mat, BLACKROLL, and more.  Stability, stretching and flexibility are the hallmarks of each product. While some solve an immediate problem, like the HighHeeler, others help us in our day-to-day movement and allignment.

If you happen to be running in Waynesboro one morning, you may see Dr. Bui and his friends speed by.  When you do, take a moment to think about how this doctor’s professional expertise has truly created a game changer.  As he puts it, “when we are doing what we need to properly to prevent injuries, the miles ahead of us seem easier and far more exciting.”

A Love Story You’ll Want to Read This February

A Love Story You’ll Want to Read This February

Next Therapist Please tells the journey of Janie as she recounts the tragic moments in her life and her everyday experiences. After Janie loses her husband and son in an unexpected accident she is forced to start again. Struggling with not only her grief, but other various mental illnesses, Janie attempts to pick up the pieces of her life and find happiness. Her witty sense of humor and sarcastic tone create comic relief that keep the serious topics light.

Although Janie misses her former family, she decides to enter the dating world after a chance encounter with her prior, and very desirable, therapist. She struggles with her various options as a couple very different men show an interest in dating Janie. However, this novel is more than just a light romance story, it packs a punch with it’s relatable take on the struggles of mental illness and reinventing oneself.

If you’re looking for a love story to read this February, look no further than Next Therapist Please.  This romantic comedy will have you flying through the pages to discover what happens next. A fun and relatable story perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Modern is the Popular Nursery Design for Expecting Moms in 2019

Modern is the Popular Nursery Design for Expecting Moms in 2019

One of the best things that you do that helps increase excitement for your newest addition is that of setting up the nursery. This can help make soon to be parents more excited as the baby becomes more of a reality than ever before. Styles of nurseries differ but in 2019 the modern nursery look has become as popular as ever before. The following are the reasons it has become popular along with what a modern nursery requires.

In the past there has been pink or blue in a nursery but with modern nurseries these have become more neutral colors like that of greys. The colors as well as the patterns of bedding need to be considered as well as you do not want contrasting styles in one room. According to old tales the color of the room can even impact the personality of your child as they grow up.

Modern nurseries also incorporate letters that can light up and give the room a custom feel. For those parents that know the sex and name of the upcoming baby, this can be a great way to impress all that see the nursery.

The modern nursery is going to continue to gain popularity in today’s world as simple works when it comes to children. Take the time to see what features you would like to see in your nursery today!