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Health & Well-Being Articles
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Are you suffering? “Chronic pain is a problem that has reached near epidemic proportions,” said Edward Covington, M.D., director of the Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program at the Cleveland Clinic. “The ‘can do, can cope’ spirit of Americans can lead to untreated chronic pain, which has a severe impact on people’s work, personal relationships, hobbies, and even sex, and can greatly diminish their quality of life. In addition to physical disability, it may also lead to irritability, anxiety, or depression.” Do you endure discomfort to the point that it is affecting the way you live your life? Are you sick and tired of conventional methods of pain management? Are you taking pills that aren’t effective? Is your medication creating negative side effects? Are you ready to try something new? Perhaps it is time to consider an integrative approach to healing… a new way based on ancient methods. Are you aware of Hypno-Reiki? Hypno-Reiki is a combination of two powerful methods of healing, Hypnosis and Reiki. Each method has proven to be effective, but when used together, the modality has great potential. Hypnosis is a deep state of relaxation, or altered state of consciousness created by focused attention. For thousands of years, it has been used as an effective method for relief of physical pain and discomfort. In the hypnotic state, we are open to positive suggestions and imagery which will create change. It is an ideal time to implement other therapeutic modalities, such as Reiki, because our whole system is primed to healing. Reiki, a healing practice originated in Japan, is a non-invasive, gentle modality which translates to “spiritually guided life force energy or universal healing energy”. It helps the body’s natural ability to heal itself though the flow and focusing of energy. The Center for Disease Control reports in 2002 that 62% of U.S. adults had used some form of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), often in conjunction with other alternative and conventional medical treatments. The 2007 National Health Interview Survey, which included a comprehensive survey of CAM use by Americans, found that “people use Reiki for relaxation, stress reduction, and symptom relief, in efforts to improve overall health and well-being. Reiki has been used by people with anxiety, chronic pain, HIV/AIDS, and other health conditions, as well as by people recovering from surgery or experiencing side effects from treatments.” Hypnotherapy can help with the perception of pain, by changing the expectation. In studies about how the human brain and nervous system work, Dr. Kenneth Casey, a professor of neurology at the University of Michigan and a neurology consultant to the VA Health Care System in Ann Arbor states that “the brain has mechanisms to directly control what we feel, it actively controls the flow of sensory information that results in our perceptions.” In fact, key regions of the brain appear to react as much to the expectation of pain as much as they do to actual painful stimulation. The mind can alter the feeling of pain by substituting another feeling such as heat, tingling, numbness. It can also divert the location of pain to another body part, thereby allowing relief. In a January 5, 2004 article by Benedict Carey, The Los Angeles Times reports “the brain can virtually shut down pain signals when preoccupied.” At that point, the body’s energy system is aligned with thoughts of health and wellness. The body-mind connection is fully functioning while in the state of hypnosis. The mind doesn’t know the difference between what is imagined and what is perceived as reality. When Reiki is administered to someone in the hypnotic state, the benefits are magnified. The healing power of life force energy is added and the whole body becomes at peace. Though Reiki may be an unfamiliar term and may sound "new-agey," the effectiveness of this ancient treatment has been shown. The International Journal of Behavioral Medicine reviewed 66 clinical trials on biofield therapies. It was concluded that there was strong evidence that biofield therapies such as Reiki help reduce the intensity of pain. Julie Kusiak, MA, a Reiki practitioner in the integrative medicine department at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, states, "Recent studies on Reiki therapy reflect a broad spectrum of its benefit for pain relief.” Examples cited were decreased anxiety and pain, lower fatigue, reduced depression and better quality of life. Hypnosis and Reiki create profoundly relaxing effects, which make the combination of Hypno-Reiki even more effective for the treatment of anxiety, stress and pain. Hypno-Reiki complements any other form of medical treatment, as there are no contraindications. There is a long history of both scientific and anecdotal evidence to support the use of behavioral and relaxation approaches to treat chronic pain. The American Hospital Association President and CEO Rich Umbdenstock stated, “Complementary and alternative medicine has shown great promise in supporting and stimulating healing. It’s one of the many tools hospitals look to as they continue to create optimal healing environments for the patients they serve.” Much research concludes the effectiveness of hypnosis as an alternative method of healing. Scientific American Mind’s (July, 2005) article titled “The Truth and the Hype of Hypnosis” which stated that “hypnosis has been shown to be a real phenomenon with a variety of therapeutic uses- especially in controlling pain.” The article further cites a meta-analysis published by the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis which found that “the pain relieving effect of hypnosis is often substantial, and in a few cases the degree of relief matches or exceeds that provided by morphine.” In Biofield Therapies:A Best Evidence Synthesis,a systematic review examined 66 clinical studies and found “equivocal evidence for biofield therapies’ effects on fatigue and quality of life for cancer patients, as well as for comprehensive pain outcomes and affect in pain patients, and for decreasing anxiety in cardiovascular patients”. Currently, there is a peer review method for analyzing the state of scientific studies done on Reiki programs in hospitals and clinics. The process is rigorous, impartial and incorporates the best practices for scientific review. Dr Mehmet Oz is a proponent of Reiki and is often quoted as saying, “Reiki has become a sought-after healing art among patients and mainstream medical professionals.” According to a 2008 American Hospital Association survey, 84% of hospitals indicated patient demand as the reason for offering Complementary and Alternative Medicine services because of “clinical effectiveness”. Simply stated, it works. More and more, science tells us that the condition of our body is directly related to our positive thoughts of wellness or our negative thoughts of stress, anxiety and pain. Thoughts are energy. Thoughts create. Your body is a manifestation of the thoughts of your sub-conscious mind. You have the power to change the way you think and to change the way you feel. There is an unlimited supply of “spiritually guided life force energy” available to you to help create your natural state of being, which is a state of well-being. If you are suffering, you can give yourself permission to let go of the pain. You can change your expectations and move toward a better, more joyful life. Perhaps Hypno-Reiki is the way to do it! Patricia Lynn Belkowitz, C.Ht., EFT-CC, and Claire Staffa, RM, HM Patricia Belkowitz is a clinical Hypnotherapist focusing on health and wellness. Claire Staffa is a certified Reiki Master specializing in balance, harmony, and assist the body to heal itself. They practice together at Dr. Sharon Norling’s Mind Body Spirit Center in Westlake Village. For more information about Patricia go to www.TheMindMatters.com and to find out about Claire, visit www.HarmoniousReiki.com or log on to www.TheMBSC.com. |
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Home, Garden & Pets Articles
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Originally published in Society 805 
What is Art…. By Vonder Gray
I have had several people in the past month tell me they do not do art, wish they were artistic or creative. I think art is subjective; we like certain forms, painting, sculpture, dance, film, theater for me (among others). Being artistic in a traditional sense is wonderful and exciting and joyful but generally comes with a price for the artistic one. The Muse is not always friendly! Most of these admirers of my artist’s life have lived lives I admire and I want to honor their creativity and art! I have had 2 unsuccessful marriages so feel anyone who’s had a successful long term marriage has a personal creativity I long for. 
Anyone who can keep a beautiful house consistently without being a pain in the butt about it wins a big star in my book; the art of folding sheets and towels to make a neat linen closet eludes me and organized kitchen drawers are a fantasy! Such vision and creativity I applaud!  My vision, since I was a young child, has always been paintings. I see things, all things as paintings…and maybe theater pieces, monologues, plays and the occasional film script. It is a gift, I love it and am grateful for it and still sometimes I stand in front of my friend’s linen closet and think it’s so beautiful! It touches something in my soul! And then I want to paint it! I look at another friend’s ability to make order out of chaos with numbers and I’m awed by the talent and vision. As I mature in age and wisdom I am becoming more accepting of myself and my art, my creativity, my shortcomings and am able to see and revel in the rich and rewarding life I have lived and wish the same for all “creatives”! So…go forth, be creative and most of all enjoy your life! Vonder Gray is an artist, actor & writer living in Ventura CA She is also the author & editor of http://www.vondergray.blogspot.com/ |
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Beauty & Fitness Articles
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Come join us for an exciting meet and greet with Richard Huber, PhD founder of the 302 Professional Skincare line! This was an extremely popular event in January and we urge you to come enjoy listening and interacting with Dr. Huber and enjoying light food and cool drinks. We look forward to seeing you! RSVP by calling (805) 244-0244 or emailing us at
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THE 302 STORY
From the Rainforest to Our Skin! Dr. Richard Huber’s research team from Eli Lilly and Company was funded by a grant from MIT to: “Go to the rain forest and discover the Fountain of Youth!” During a two-year research expedition Dr. Huber’s team encountered a community of farmers growing coffee beans in the mountains of Guatemala. In this region Dr. Huber discovered members of this one village had youthful, disease and acne free skin that was almost unaffected by the equatorial sun.  Dr. Huber learned that the only significant difference between this “Fountain of Youth” community and other farmers was these people supplemented their daily diet with avocados from the trees shading their coffee crops. Dr. Huber learned residents in this village ate 8-10 avocados per person, per day!
Dr. Huber realized that there was something in the avocados that was causing their youthful skin. He returned to his lab and isolated the avocado serum that was internally protecting the farmer’s skin from the effects of environmental aging. After extensive testing, Dr. Huber created the all-natural 302 Skincare line so that everyone could benefit from avocado’s healing effects without eating 8-10 avocados each day. HOW 302 WORKS
Dr. Huber’s testing revealed the healthy-aging serum, called Avocatin, contained in avocados had a molecular weight of 302. This means the molecules are small enough to flow through our 28 layers of protective skin cells and reach our dermis where our skin is created. 302 is unlike anything else. 302 Skincare is a nutrient based treatment. 302 delivers the Avocatin nutrients to our dermis layer to reduce wrinkles and keep our skin youthful and hydrated. The Nevada Cancer Institute uses 302 Drops and Serums for cancer radiation burns because they’ve found Avocatin to be the most effective treatments they’ve found for their patient’s recovery. 302 THERAPY
Instead of eating 300 avocados every month, all 302 Drops and Serums contain the most effective concentration of the avocado serum for daily use. After cleansing, one application per day provides the optimal amount of Avocatin to restore your skin to a more youthful condition. Multiple applications per day can also help your skin’s recovery from post-op treatments and wound care to diminish or eliminate skin scaring. |
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Beauty & Fitness Articles
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“Age doesn't matter, unless you're a wine.” Anonymous by Sharyn Yonkman
Originally published in Society 805  Why is it that no matter how many advances are made in anti-aging technology of skin care products, for many, fighting the effects of the passing years is a loosing battle? No matter how many potions and lotions we spread on our skin, the single most important – and BASIC – step in maintaining healthy, beautiful skin is taking care of it from the inside out!
The link between internal and external health, and the beautiful skin that results from complete health and well-being., is often overlooked. You can be certain; however, that what you put into your body affects how your skin looks. Our skin is our largest organ, and as such, feels the effects of everything going on inside our bodies According to Georgiana Donadio, PhD, DC, MSc, founder and director of the National Institute of Whole Health in Boston, “Your skin is the fingerprint of what is going on inside your body, and all skin conditions, from psoriasis to acne to aging, are the manifestations of your body’s internal needs, including its nutritional needs.” Just as exposure to the sun and pollution damage skin from the outside, neglecting to eat enough good quality fruits and vegetables means that we do not have enough vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to combat the negative effects of environmental exposure on our systems. Unfortunately, busy schedules and the convenience of processed, packaged, and fast foods make the quality of many people’s diets less than optimal. Meanwhile, the consequences of our poor decisions show in the lines, sagging, and dullness of our complexions. Pay attention to what you eat and drink. To improve the quality of your skin, the following are recommended: - Foods rich in vitamin C (sweet red peppers, red berries, citrus fruits, Brussels sprouts, and kale),
- Coenzyme Q10 (walnuts, sardines, tuna, yellowtail, soybeans and sesame oil)
- Lots of pure water
- Omega-3 essential fatty acids and vitamins A; C and E.
- Salmon, green tea, flax-seed oil, cold-pressed olive oil, blueberries and pomegranates all make the list of foods for beautiful skin.
- Glutathione – a potent antioxidant (glutathione boosters include asparagus, broccoli, spinach, turmeric, and garlic).
Why are antioxidants important? The simplest answer is that antioxidants are important because they fight free radicals. Antioxidant production declines with age, intensifying the need to acquire additional antioxidants from other sources, primarily fruits and vegetables. Grapes are a major source of the powerful antioxidant, Resveratrol. In recent studies, resveratrol has been found to boost anti-aging enzymes called sirtuins, which are universal regulators of aging in virtually all living organisms. Drink your colors The pigments in food very frequently contain phytochemicals - including many with antioxidant properties - that are essential for overall health in terms of the way we look and the way we feel. Diets high in antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables provide a wide array of health benefits; in addition to protecting cells from oxidative stress, antioxidants are known to strengthen immune system function, reduce cancer risk, and protect against heart disease. Eating a variety of different colors helps ensure that you are ingesting a variety of antioxidants and nutrients. Regardless of your genetic makeup, aging occurs as we become more susceptible to years of exposure to inflammatory substances Foods that are high in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances can help mediate exposure on a daily basis, and may even reverse the effects of past exposure. The key is making smart dietary choices that give your cells the best shot at maintaining healthy form and function. A product that I recently became aware of that helps you to do just that is Lifeoxylin® Cellular Defense Elixir from Apriori Beauty. It is a highly concentrated blend of phytonutrients from plants, fruits, and vegetables, to support complete wellness and beautiful skin from the inside out. Each 1 ounce serving is jam-packed with antioxidants (the equivalent of 6 servings of fruits and vegetables) and ingredients to support health at the cellular level. Very simply, Lifeoxylin elixir offers an ideal supplement to your daily diet. If you would like to try a free sample, please contact me (info below). The first step to beautiful skin is making choices that will help you feel your best. When you feel good, you look good . . . it’s as simple as that! This month’s Free and Easy Beauty Tip Take care of yourself inside and out and even aging can be beautiful! Questions, comments, concerns? Would you like to take a quiz that tells what your total body toxic load is? Just want more info? Feel free to contact me at 805.677.3117 or
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www.aprioribeauty.com/ic/sharynyonkman |
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Media, Advertising, Branding & Marketing Articles
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People love to buy, but they hate being sold. Originally published on WomenCentric  Alyse Hart Alyse Hart comes by her sales skills naturally. Her father, uncles and grandfather were all successful salesman — all without using a hard sell. In fact, Hart says of her father, “I didn’t even know he was in sales. I just thought he talked to everybody.” She used the techniques she learned working during summers for her dad, a manufacturer’s representative for several lines of kids’ clothing, to become a million-dollar producer for a magazine group. Eventually, she started teaching women colleagues how to sell, then left the corporate world to become a coach and founded her company, Sell It Like a Woman. Hart, however, has learned that life needs balance. She uses drumming and dancing to center herself, dissipate her nervous energy and as an alternative to meditation. The dance she does is called “conscious movement.” “You just do what feels good to you. Eventually, it becomes very genuine.” She also participates in a drum circle. There, too, she says, “You can do anything you like.” Both activities represent “total expression, uncensored.” In the drum circle she attends, “125 people are all doing their own, crazy beats — and after an hour everyone blends to one another and it becomes like a heartbeat.” The result? “I step out in the world more daring, less worried — and I improvise much better.”  Hart recently ventured into the world of social media — but she didn’t leap into it blindly. She read Clara Shih’sFacebook Era and took a four-week class through the online community In the Know Resources. She also received training from a friend’s daughter.
Hart uses social media as a stepping-stone to face-to-face interaction. “I ask people if they want to have coffee,” she says. She’s astonished by the number of people who ignore the interactive nature of social media. “There are plenty of people wanting to ‘friend’ me,” she says, “and they tell me all about them, and they don’t ask or comment about me.” Hart also is doing what she can to make her business scalable. She went from one-on-one coaching to developing teach materials, to group calls and workshops. In June, she launched a home-study program called “Zero to Hero: A Sales Makeover Program.” It consists of 10 reports, or lessons, split into two reports each week. Next, she wants to take it global, offering foreign rights and translating it to different languages. Her top sales tips: - Practice, practice, practice
- Don’t listen to what they tell you.
- Throw away the notion of selling. You have to be a good explainer and educator. The greatest thing you can give anybody is to make something understandable and to be able to relate to them.
- You have to have your secret sauce. Don’t be afraid to be different.
- It’s not all about the closing. If you’re not good at opening, you have no one to close. Alec Baldwin was wrong in “Glengarry Glen Ross.“ ABC isn’t “Always Be Closing.” It’s “Always Be Connecting.”
- The reason we have a hard time with closing is that it equals finality. We hate endings. If women can look at closing as an opportunity to take their relationship deeper, it’s a big change. “Once we tie the knot with somebody, that’s when you can take your relationship deeper, because someone’s invested with you. Instead of wrapping it up, you can take it to the next level. It’s a new beginning.”
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Beauty & Fitness Articles
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Dr. Emery and her team at Remedy Skin + Body will offer a 15% "In The Know"discount in any products and services through July 31, 2011. Mention ITK when booking to get your 15% discount. Services offered:  Lines & Wrinkles Tone & Texture Pigmentation Blemishes Unwanted Hair Body Aches & Pains Talia Emery, M.D. is a board certified family physician who began owning and operating her own aesthetic medicine and laser skin centers in 2006. She is a private consultant in the aesthetic medicine industry for which she is engaged to speak to and train physicians and their staffs across the country. Dr. Emery lives is Southern California with her husband and two young boys. She enjoys watching and participating in numerous outdoor activities and sports and participating in her hometown community events. Join us on June 4th at the Day of Renewal to benefit the Breast Cancer Fund to hear Dr. Emery Speak about Healthy anti-aging skin care made simple.--Dr. Emery will sort through the facts and myths about skin care and the latest trends in anti-aging products and procedures. Participants will learn how to de-clutter their vanities and make their skin care regimen simple, safe, and effective! Buy tickets to the Day of Renewal $150, all proceeds going to the cause Return to Day of Renewal Overview Page Enter to win a custom facial and gift basket. Drawing Held on June 4th, Do not need to be present to win, Click Here to buy 6 tickets/$10 for opportunity drawing to win this or other prizes  |
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General Articles
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 This "fun"shop" will give you a basic understanding of how the Lymphatic System works. (We will have too much fun to call this a workshop.) You will learn to use playful tools to help stimulate the the flow as you move through your daily activities. Through Movement, Healing Sounds and breath work. We will have a good time together jump starting our immune systems for healthier, more joyous experience of life.
Lymphatic Wellness Therapy is being recognized as one of the fastest growing modalities in the hands on complimentary health care. Long recognized as a preventative and healing assist in Europe and South America more and more Doctors are recommending it in the U.S. Donna Freaney received her first certificate in Lymphatic Massage in 1994. Lymphstar Technology is used in addition to manual lymphatic massage at the Center for Lymphatic Wellness. In the last several years Donna has been advancing her studies in newer, more advanced methods with the use of the Lymphstar technology Lymphatic Wellness Institute offers classes and workshops self care as well as trainings for health care professionals through the Lymphatic Wellness Institute. For a private complimentary consultation call 805 639 0447 Join us for the Day of Renewal to benefit the Breast Cancer Fund. Purchase Tickets to the Day of Renewal Return to Day of Renewal Overview |
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Community Service Articles
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 Esta makes loosing weight and getting in shape fun!
My Health Studio was developed out of her personal struggle with fitness. She has an accredited fitness certification from the prestigious National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Join us at the Day of Renewal on June 4th and dance your way to health and fitness. Esta will be teaching "Just Move 4 Life" which has elements of synchronized cardio movements combined with Zumba, Salsa, Cha-Cha, Meringue, Samba and more. This class is filled with great music. As with all of Esta's classes, laughter is a requirement! Return to Day of Renewal Overview Buy Tickets to the Day of Renewal
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General Articles
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Awareness Integration and Movement, Jeni's own method of somatic education, works with the brains natural ability to adapt when presented with new and unusual movement patterns. Feel the difference and the freedom of movement with just one lesson. Gentle, unique exercises, some on the floor, some sitting help you understand how you are moving in everyday actions and how you can move with more ease. Take this information into any activity from driving a car, walking, playing a sport or even doing yoga. Come relax with Jeni and improve the way you move
Jeni has been presenting yoga and movement awareness at the Day of Renewal since its inception. This year she is excited to bring along an interesting and relaxing movement experience called AIM.
Return to Day of Renewal Overview Purchase Tickets for Day of Renewal |
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Health & Well-Being Articles
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 What happens when you try to get BPA out of your diet? The Breast Cancer Fund and Silent Spring Institute enlisted five families to participate in a study of BPA and phthalate exposure from food packaging to find out. The results were published in Environmental Health Perspectives (March 2011).
For three days, they provided fresh food—not canned or packaged in plastic—to each family. They avoided canned foods and drinks and meals prepared outside the home. The effect was significant. While the families were eating fresh food, their BPA levels dropped an average of 60 percent. The takeaway: you can reduce your BPA exposure by cooking fresh foods at home, avoiding canned foods, choosing glass and stainless steel food and beverage containers, and not microwaving in plastic. Study Abstract BACKGROUND: Bisphenol A (BPA) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) are high-production-volume chemicals used in plastics and resins for food packaging. They have been associated with endocrine disruption in animals and in some human studies. Human exposure sources have been estimated, but the relative contribution of dietary exposure to total intake has not been studied empirically. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the contribution of food packaging to exposure, we measured urinary BPA and phthalate metabolites before, during and after a “fresh foods” dietary intervention. METHODS: We selected 20 participants in five families based on self-reported use of canned and packaged foods. Participants ate their usual diet, followed by three days of “fresh foods” that were not canned or packaged in plastic, and then returned to their usual diet. We collected evening urine samples over eight days in January 2010 and composited them into pre-intervention, intervention, and post-intervention samples. We used mixed effects models for repeated measures and Wilcoxon signed rank tests to assess change in urinary levels across time. RESULTS: Urine levels of BPA and DEHP metabolites decreased significantly during the fresh foods intervention (e.g., BPA geometric mean 3.7 ng/mL pre-intervention and 1.2 ng/mL during intervention; MEHHP geometric mean 57 ng/mL vs 25 ng/mL). The intervention reduced geometric mean concentrations of BPA by 66% and DEHP metabolites by 53-56%. Maxima were reduced by 76% for BPA and 93-96% for DEHP metabolites. CONCLUSIONS: BPA and DEHP exposures were substantially reduced when participants’ diets were restricted to food with limited packaging. |
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