Kivo Daily Staff, Author At Kivo Daily

Step into an Imaginative World: Xuemeng Zhang’s Solo Exhibition, “Other Rooms,” Opens in New York City

Kivo Daily Staff on March 15, 2023

Zhang’s solo exhibition, Other Rooms, is on view from March 15th to March 26th, 2023 at :iidrr Gallery in New York City.

Xuemeng Zhang is a visual artist whose work is centered on exploring the connections between the mind and the eye. Her art navigates between identity and culture, belonging and alienation, and perception and cognition. Zhang earned a BA in Psychology and Studio Art from Clark University, and she furthered her education with Masters in Fine Arts (MFA) with specialization in Photography, Video, and Related Media from the School of Visual Arts.

Zhang’s work has been displayed internationally at various prestigious venues, including Arte Laguna Prize (Venice, Italy), Untitled Art (Miami Beach, Florida), Kühlhaus Berlin (Berlin, Germany), Floor_ (Seoul, South Korea), ZAZ 10TS (New York, NY), and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (Philadelphia, PA). Her work has also been featured in notable publications such as F-Stop Magazine and Al-Tiba9 Contemporary Art Magazine.

Xuemeng Zhang’s artwork focuses on the tension between the unpredictability of imagined spaces and the certainty of photographic images, which challenges one’s perception. Zhang reconstructs and visualizes the architectures of the mind by using photographs as raw material. She builds spaces that do not yet exist physically, acknowledging feelings of uneasiness and envisioning how one lives in this built world.

Photo Credit To: O27, 2022, Xuemeng Zhang

One of her notable projects is named “Other Rooms,” which is a photographic project on the reconstruction of imaginary spaces. Using geometrical and irregular shapes to visualize the structuring of imagined spaces, Zhang’s work questions how imaginary spaces form and function and how idiosyncratic perception influences and shapes the way we make sense of the world.

Zhang is exhibiting her work in the Arte Laguna Prize Exhibition in Venice, Italy from March 12th to April 16th. Her solo exhibition is also forthcoming at u1 Gallery (Tokyo, Japan) in July. Zhang’s artwork is unique, as it delves into the depths of the human mind, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. Her work showcases her exceptional talent and creativity and provides a thought-provoking insight into the world of imagination.

Artist Website: www.xuemengzhang.com

Dr. Khuong Nguyen Explains the Difference Between Pediatric and General Dentistry

Kivo Daily Staff on March 13, 2023

Many general dentists treat children and adults but aren’t pediatric dentists. Many parents wonder about the differences between the two and which is right for their children.

Dr. Khuong Nguyen is here to explain the differences and advantages of pediatric dentistry.

Education and Training

All dentists are trained in general dentistry. They must obtain a bachelor’s degree and then complete dental school. After dental school, a dentist has two paths to choose from.

They can begin a general dentistry residency, or they can choose a specialty. Pediatric dentistry is a specialty and requires 2-3 years of education after dental school, according to Dr. Khuong Nguyen.

During this time, they learn about children’s dental issues and treatments and techniques designed for kids.

In addition to learning about the physical aspects of treatment, they are also trained in child behavior. This allows them to comfort kids and help keep them calm and still in the chair.

Equipment and Tools

General dentists usually have tools and equipment designed for adult mouths. These tools can be too large for children, leading to discomfort.

A pediatric dentist has equipment and tools to meet the needs of kids of all ages, which provides them with a more effective and comfortable experience.

Kid Friendly

Visiting the dentist can be scary, particularly for kids. They may be nervous or intimidated in a regular dentist’s office, Dr. Khuong Nguyen explains. However, pediatric dentists do everything they can to create a pleasant, kid-friendly atmosphere.

Most offices have children’s books, and some even have toys for younger patients. The walls are typically brightly colored and fun and may include some kid’s favorite cartoon characters.

Many offices also offer kid-sized furniture, which can make them feel more at home.

Of course, the dentist chairs are also built with kids in mind. Adult chairs can feel very big and daunting. Kid’s chairs are smaller, and often have whimsical designs or colors.

Working with Parents

A pediatric dentist has the knowledge and experience to provide the best dental care for kids. In addition to their dental skills, they work closely with parents to keep their kids’ smiles healthy.

This starts at a baby’s first visit, where the dentist will show the parent how to use a gum brush and brush a baby’s first tooth.

As the child grows, the pediatric dentist will continue to guide the parent in caring for their child’s teeth. When the child is old enough, the dentist will help the child learn how to brush properly.

Dr. Khuong Nguyen

Dr. Khuong Nguyen has been a pediatric dentist for more than 20 years. He opened Clairmont Pediatric Dental in 2003. He was certified as a board-certified pediatric dentist by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 2008.

Dr. Nguyen believes it’s important to create a positive experience for kids. This can encourage them to keep healthy smiles throughout their lives.

A Conversation with Jay Modi About the Finer Points of Financial Technology and Entrepreneurship

Kivo Daily Staff on March 9, 2023

Born and raised in London in the United Kingdom, Jay Modi received his early education at the Royal Grammar School of Worcester in Worcestershire. When he was 14 years of age, Jay moved to Canada where he attended Western Canada High School. He then enrolled and began taking classes at the University of Calgary, but mid-way through his freshman year he chose to leave the school in order to work full-time on founding a real estate business.

Since leaving university, Jay Modi has had a diverse and successful career, having explored a number of professions. After his real estate business, he pursued asset management as a vocation for a period of time. He then spent three years in Los Angeles living out a personal dream of founding a film production company. While in Hollywood, Jay was involved in the production of twelve different movies, even earning an executive producer credit on a celebrated project called The Bronx Bull, which is currently available for viewing on Netflix. He then chose to switch coasts, relocating to the Atlantic Northeast. After spending some time working alongside large hedge funds in New York City’s asset management and investment industry, Jay Modi earned his financial technology—or ‘fintech’—bona fides, and he decided to return to Canada and put his newfound skill set to use. He now boasts more than two decades of experience in a variety of sectors of the business world.

Currently, Jay is the owner and operator of a company called Approval Nation, which is a business that provides financing to people who wish to buy vehicles. Based mostly in the digital sphere, Approval Nation is highly acclaimed for its innovative, 21st century approach to lending.

Why did you decide to go into financial technology?

I saw that the world was changing and, even though the internet has been around since the early 1990s, there was still a lot more growth to come. The internet seemed like the ideal platform to connect the world and help people gain access to information, both pertaining to business and in their own personal lives, and I felt that it should be adopted by the financial industry. I figured financial technology would help people better understand their financial lives, as well as provide them with access to financial products online. As everyone knows, finance isn’t something that’s usually taught in schools. But in this day and age, when everyone’s on the internet, ordinary people without formal training can access the tools that they need to be successful in a financial capacity.

What trends in your industry excite you?

I think that artificial intelligence is here to stay. Online banking and access to apps is exciting, too—especially online lending, because it allows a person to apply for loans online. It’s much more time-efficient than the traditional way of applying for a loan because you don’t have to make an appointment with anyone or even leave the house. So, the trends I’m excited about in financial technology all have to do with providing greater access to financial products.

What would you tell others looking to get into your industry?

First, determine what part of the industry you want to get into and what role you want to play within that space. Then talk to people who are already established in that space and try to really understand how to make yourself fit into it.

What is one thing you would change in your industry today if you could?

I would bring in regulations in some areas and relax regulations in others. Right now, though, things are on a good path in that respect. The growth rate is good, the products that are coming out are good, and fintech is doing pretty well overall.

How has financial technology changed over the last decade?

Companies have been adapting to produce more online services. I think a lot of people were afraid of the concept of conducting their financial affairs online a decade ago, but now trust has been established. You can input your data online and there are a lot more security policies in place than there once were. Companies are adhering to data breach policies and making sure they have the proper protections, and as a result, the average consumer feels much more comfortable banking and investing digitally.

Who has been a role model to you and why?

My father, Rasik Modi, has been a great role model to me. He has a very family-oriented attitude, and I’ve learned a lot from him—everything from the way he manages finances and to his overarching approach to life. He’s an entrepreneur, as well, so he’s taught me a lot about business.

How do you maintain a work life balance?

As an entrepreneur, sometimes your business will take up most of your attention. It’s important to know when to take a break if you feel yourself burning out or if you’re overworking yourself, even if it’s just getting up from the computer and going for a quick walk. I go to the gym and spend time with friends and family, but one of the most important aspects of maintaining a good work life balance is managing time and mental fatigue. Delegating tasks to other people helps with this issue. It also pays to take a look at your life structure and implement policies and routines that give you a little bit of a break on a daily basis.

What is one piece of advice you would like to leave our readers with?

Never give up. Make sure that the reason for what you’re doing to be successful is the right reason. Don’t do it because you’re trying to get revenge or make someone jealous because that won’t motivate you for long. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, no matter how crazy your dreams are, anything is possible.

AZ-900: A Guide to Pass the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Exam

Kivo Daily Staff on March 9, 2023

Image commercially licensed from Unsplash

Cloud computing allows us to store, use and manage data on a remote server. The industry is thriving, and it obtained a boost when businesses expedited their digital transformation. Experts in cloud computing manage and create systems, build and implement cloud infrastructures, and provide user support and troubleshooting. It is widely used to virtualize an organization’s IT infrastructure, allowing employees to access the data from anywhere. Both non-technical and technical candidates can take the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ 900 exam. Working in the cloud computing industry has several benefits. But to pass the test, you must follow a set of steps.

AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals: A Brief

For the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 test, you get 60 minutes to answer 40 to 60 questions. The Azure certification cost is $99, and passing the examination requires a score of 700. Since Microsoft Azure Fundamentals is appropriate for novices who have yet to gain experience in programming or cloud computing, anybody can sit for the AZ-900 certification exam. If you’re looking for a job in cloud computing, the AZ-900 test will help you get started.

By signing up for this exam, you can learn more about cloud services and make a career choice in the expanding cloud business. This certification provides a one-way pass to several prestigious firms with great job chances. AZ-900 can be used to pursue careers as a software engineer, DevOps engineer, data engineer, cloud engineer, backend developer, migration consultant, and data scientist.

The AZ-900 Microsoft certification syllabus includes

Core Azure services
Cloud concepts
Azure pricing
Support
Security
Privacy
Compliance and trust

AZ-900 Study Guide

This Microsoft Azure certification will help you understand Azure properly and begin your journey for advanced-level certifications. Follow the recommended strategies to enhance your preparation.

Know your Exam Objectives

This may be the most crucial element of thoroughly grasping the ideas while taking the certification exam. The following subjects get covered in the AZ 900 exam

Describe cloud concepts – 25-30%
Describe Azure management and governance – 30-35%
Describe Azure architecture and services – 35-40%
Instructor-led Training

These arrangements can be made at a Microsoft learning partner. Additionally, Microsoft-certified trainers conduct the AZ 900 certification training. As mentioned above, the Microsoft cloud certification course will provide foundational knowledge of cloud principles, Azure governance and management tools, and essential Azure services.

Microsoft Learn Modules

The majority of the articles on Microsoft Learn are text-based. Additionally, it offers you brief tests after each module. It’s free to educate yourself on the AZ-900 Microsoft Azure certifications test material. You are guided through practical exercises in Azure basics to launch your first services at no cost. The six-part course introduces you to fundamental cloud ideas and gives you a concise rundown of various Azure services.

AZ-900 Books

Microsoft makes the Exam Ref series as many individuals still choose books to learn. Always verify the publication date and whether any significant revisions have been made because books might occasionally need to catch up on the exam objectives.

Take Practice Tests

The exam will cover a range of subjects, so you must be aware of that. Taking practice tests will help you ace the test and Azure certification training. Practice your study strategy and prepare for the exam by finishing the Microsoft AZ-900 sample tests. Understanding the test’s question pattern will help you improve your answering skills and time management. Additionally, these practice exams will help you identify your weak areas so that you may take steps to enhance them.

Join Online Groups and Communities

These forums can help you with anything from education to technical support on pertinent subjects. People join the Microsoft community to exchange ideas and acquire the most recent information about Azure certifications. You may stay updated about test revisions by participating in group conversations with subject-matter experts regarding your queries.

Final Thoughts

Sign up for the exam after you’ve finished studying. Instead of cramming topics, using the proper method might help you prepare for exams. Additionally, practice exams can help you evaluate your responses and pinpoint flaws. The Azure Fundamentals AZ 900 certification is evidence of your expertise in cloud computing and can help you gain a better position with a competitive salary. Anyone who wants to pursue a profession in cloud computing can benefit from it. You can get there with determination and an effective learning method.

Unlock Your Productivity Potential: The Ultimate Guide to Time Management for Entrepreneurs

Kivo Daily Staff on March 8, 2023

By Jeff Lucien Holland

Being an entrepreneur can be both exciting and overwhelming, with many tasks and responsibilities to juggle. But as an entrepreneur, the success of your business is directly tied to your ability to manage your time effectively. Here are a few tips on how to get more done in less time.

Prioritizing Tasks

The first step to effective time management is setting priorities. As an entrepreneur, it’s essential to recognize that not all tasks are created equal. Some tasks are critical to the success of your business, while others are less important. By focusing on the most important tasks first, you can ensure that you’re making the most of your time.

One way to prioritize tasks is to use the “Eisenhower Matrix,” a simple tool that helps you categorize tasks into four categories: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. By identifying which tasks fall into each category, you can focus on the tasks that are most important and most urgent.

Compartmentalizing Tasks

Another key aspect of effective time management is compartmentalizing tasks. As an entrepreneur, it may seem tempting to try to work on multiple projects at once. But in reality, this approach can lead to distractions and decreased productivity.

Instead, concentrate on one task at a time and finish it before moving on to the next one. This can help you reduce distractions and increase productivity. If you have multiple projects to work on, consider breaking them down into smaller, more doable tasks that you can complete one at a time.

Staying Organized

Staying organized is another important aspect of time management. By keeping a calendar or schedule and using tools like to-do lists and productivity apps, you can stay on top of all your tasks and avoid wasting time on unimportant activities.

When creating a schedule or to-do list, be sure to include breaks and downtime. While it may seem counterintuitive, taking some rest time can actually increase your productivity by allowing you to recharge and refocus.

Continuously Improving

Finally, it’s important to remember that time management is a continuous process. There will always be new challenges and obstacles to overcome, and it’s important to be flexible and adaptable. By staying focused, setting priorities, staying organized, and constantly looking for ways to improve your productivity, you set yourself up for long-term success.

Conclusion

Time management is an essential skill for entrepreneurs. By prioritizing tasks, compartmentalizing projects, staying organized, and continuously improving, you can get more done in less time and set yourself up for long-term success. Remember that your time is your most valuable resource, so use it wisely.

Adrienne Gates: Powerhouse CEO, Tax Expert, and Financial Literacy Advocate

Kivo Daily Staff on March 8, 2023

Many people dream of achieving financial independence and paving the way to build

Generational wealth for their children. One aspect of achieving that goal is financial literacy and understanding how to do one’s taxes, whether personal or for a small business. Adrienne Gates is a businesswoman, tax expert, and financial counselor who has helped many of her clients’ progress on their financial journey. With her expert guidance and her company’s suite of tax and financial services, Adrienne can help anyone achieve their goals.

Adrienne Gates believes that financial literacy is a solid foundation needed for anyone to start building and growing wealth. However, only some have access to education and the necessary tools to become more financially literate. She knows what it feels like to hit financial rock bottom. But, as one who has successfully climbed her way out of it, she now serves as an instrumental figure in helping others move upward on their financial journey.

Adrienne has built businesses geared towards delivering solutions to financial literacy and tax preparation. One of which is EZ Money Tax, a tax preparation company that takes away the stress of tax season from their clients by making the tax filing process easier for them. The company provides Personal Tax Preparation services for W-2 Employees, students, military personnel, senior citizens, and retirees. EZ Money also provides Small Business Bookkeeping Services. For years, Adrienne Gates and her team have served the people of Atlanta as a trusted name for tax prep, building a reputation for providing high-quality assistance centered on honesty, fairness, and integrity.

Adrienne Gates also supports entrepreneurs as they work towards their dreams. To help them grow their businesses, Adrienne created Cache Enterprises to assist small business owners in finding funding and capital for their different ventures. She and her team do this by guiding entrepreneurs to build their business credit and find the proper funding and loan plans for their businesses. Through their expertise, their entrepreneur clients can better navigate the complicated process of business loans and building good credit. “Their personal credit score won’t be a hindrance to getting the capital they need. My team and I will find the best solutions for them,” Adrienne explained.

Furthermore, she also advocates for better financial literacy for the underserved members of her community. Her independent non-profit organization, Pathways of Wealth and Economic Resources Atlanta (P.O.W.E.R. Atlanta, Inc.), focuses on improving financial literacy, awareness, and education by removing barriers to access. “Understanding personal finances and how the system works will help others as they get on the track to becoming more financially stable. With the right knowledge, they can make better financial decisions that will make a huge difference in their future”, Adrienne relayed. She also stated that helping to educate the e marginalized in her community and give them the skills they need to make informed financial decisions. “Ultimately, we at P.O.W.E.R. Atlanta Inc., want to create a mindset of sustainability and success regarding personal finances”, she added.

Adrienne Gates’ passion for financial literacy and helping entrepreneurs stems from her experiences of making irresponsible and poorly-informed decisions that ended in her losing her home. This period of her life served as a wake-up call. Adrienne quickly changed her viewpoint and pursued further training and education, becoming a tax specialist in 2014 and has also built other businesses since then.

“I found a passion for business and financial freedom, and I am committed to helping others turn their lives around, as I have. Financial literacy is a vital life skill, and I want more people to educate themselves”, Adrienne shared. With EZ Money Tax Solutions, Cache Enterprises, and P.O.W.E.R. Atlanta, Inc., Adrienne helps individuals take charge of their financial future.

Jared Scott’s Uplifting Message Sparks Positivity and Change in Hawaii

Kivo Daily Staff on March 7, 2023

Jared Scott is a beacon of inspiration for those who aspire to leave a lasting impact on the world. He’s versatile, donning many hats – a devoted spouse, loving father, persuasive orator, compassionate counselor, wise entrepreneur, and gifted musician. His journey towards becoming a renowned motivational speaker commenced at the tender age of 15, when he resided in Midland, Texas, and lost a dear friend to the town’s suicidal outbreak. Being a songwriter and rapper, he utilized his artistic skills to create awareness and address the issue of suicide prevalent in his school district.

Jared’s talks, seminars, and initiatives are firmly rooted in the power of emotional intelligence. He aims to inspire listeners to take hold of every moment and use it as a catalyst for a purposeful and fulfilling life. According to him, the ability to handle our emotions, outlook, and responses is the key to living an authentic and honest existence.

Jared sets his sights on the education system’s young populace, encompassing students, teachers, and authority figures, along with entrepreneurs and influencers. He firmly believes that nurturing emotional intelligence in these individuals can catalyze a chain reaction of affirmative change, empowering them to make a tangible difference in their communities. Furthermore, he aims to uplift the uplifters and inspire the inspirers, triggering a wave of positivity that spreads far and wide.

Jared’s uplifting trip to the enchanting land of Hawaii brought a beacon of hope to the young hearts yearning for a brighter tomorrow. The island’s youth were grappling with unfavorable economic and educational conditions, as highlighted by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The pandemic had inflicted significant damage on their emotional state, plunging them into the depths of despair and worry. Jared’s adept social and emotional learning programs proved to be the ideal antidote to the daunting issues facing Hawaii’s youth.

By means of his captivating speeches and engaging workshops, Jared instilled in the students the power to embark on a fresh journey and equipped them with the tools necessary to effectively regulate their thoughts and feelings. In addition, he invested extensive hours post the assemblies by providing personalized attention to each student and conducting group exercises to foster a stronger sense of community within the school premises, with the optimistic aspiration of extending its impact beyond the boundaries of the institution.

Jared’s words of hope and perseverance came like a refreshing breeze to the young souls in Hawaii. His charismatic approach to touching the hearts of his listeners and his unwavering commitment to motivating them to strive for greatness had an indelible impact on every individual he encountered. Likewise, his uplifting message resonated deeply with the students, encouraging them to make every second count and to blaze a trail toward a life filled with significance and fulfillment, despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

Jared Scott’s tireless efforts to empower the youth in Hawaii have illuminated the transformative power of a compassionate mentor and counselor. His impact has reverberated far beyond the lives he’s directly touched, inspiring a new generation of community leaders to emulate his example. Jared’s message of hope, resilience, and emotional intelligence is a beacon of light in a world that sorely needs it, reminding us all of the profound impacts we can make when we dedicate ourselves to helping others.

George Gemeinhardt Discusses How Music Brings Joy to People’s Lives

Kivo Daily Staff on March 7, 2023

George Gemeinhardt has succeeded in every field he’s tried, including in music. As the 1972 recipient of the John Phillip Sousa Band Award, he knows a thing or two about performance and how music can improve life. In a world where more children are ignoring the world of music in favor of internet fame, he hopes to inspire at least a few to try out music to see what joy it brings them in life.

George Gemeinhardt on the Importance of Music

George Gemeinhardt has split his life between business and music, though he mostly plays for fun and enjoyment these days. Though some of his business partners don’t understand his love of playing, others get where he is coming from as a person. That’s because music is one of the most positive things in the world and a powerful way to bring people together and manage the challenges that life brings their way.

Multiple studies have shown that listening to and playing music can help with negative emotions by letting people express them adequately and constructively. Rather than feeling anxious or unable to process these negative feelings, music enables you to communicate them positively. Self-expression is critical to happiness in people of all ages, from the youngest to the oldest.

Performers, in particular, get these emotional benefits because they are creating music near and dear to their hearts. Even better, the sound of the music itself can bring joy. Studies show that people hearing music they like often feel a euphoria that fights negative emotions and improves their quality of life. Music also bridges cultural and personal gaps, bringing together people who may not have much in common beyond the love of a performer or musical style.

Just as critically, George Gemeinhardt believes music can be a healing, creative art for people who need it the most. For example, his musical skills have helped him manage anxiety, feel better about his life, and create an array of other emotional benefits. Likewise, young children and teens struggling with the stresses of reality may find that music performance provides a beneficial outlet.

Even those children or teens who don’t want to perform may still find that music creates a fascinating creative outlet. For example, some people become music critics and write about their favorite bands and performers. Others prefer just listening to music and letting the soothing tones of their favorite music calm their anxiety, hype them up for the day, or provide other real emotional benefits.

While George Gemeinhardt still believes that performance is the key to real satisfaction in music, listening to and casually enjoying your favorite bands, composers, and performers is still a significant benefit. He strongly suggests seeking outside your comfort zone and finding music you might not have listened to otherwise, such as classical and jazz players, that can soothe your heart and inspire your creativity.

Khyati Undavia Explains Compounded Medication (and Why It’s Important)

Kivo Daily Staff on March 2, 2023

Image commercially licensed from Unsplash

Khyati Undavia is a licensed pharmacist and holds the role of pharmacist in charge. Her specialty is compounding medications. Today, she explains what compounded medications are and why they are necessary.

What is Compounding?

Compounding refers to the process of creating customized medications tailored to meet the unique needs of individual patients. When a commercially available product cannot provide the desired therapeutic effect, compounding may be used to prepare medication that is specially formulated and dosed for the patient’s requirements. The U.S. Pharmacopia Convention (USP) defines compounding as the preparation, mixing, assembling, altering, packaging, and labeling of drugs, drug-delivery devices, or devices in accordance with a licensed practitioner’s prescription, medication order, or initiative based on the practitioner-patient-pharmacist-compounder relationship in the course of professional practice.

There are two types of compounding: traditional compounding and medically optional compounding. Traditional compounding is used when a patient’s medical needs cannot be met by commercially available products, and the preparation of customized medication is deemed medically necessary. Medically optional compounding, on the other hand, may be undertaken to accommodate a patient’s dietary preferences or to improve the taste of medication.

Compounding can be utilized to prepare medications in various forms, including intravenous, topical, or oral administration. The process of compounding ensures that patients receive medication that is personalized to their unique requirements, thereby promoting optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Why is Compounding Done?

Compounding is done for a variety of reasons, according to Khyati Undavia.

Changing Delivery Method

One reason is to change the delivery method of the medication. For example, a tablet can be converted to liquid if the patient can’t swallow a pill. It can also be changed to a topical cream, which can be absorbed by the skin, rather than ingested. Medications can also be converted to a suppository form.

Allergy or Intolerance to an Ingredient

Another reason for compounding is to address allergies or intolerances to inactive ingredients, which can be removed from the medication. If a patient can’t tolerate an inactive ingredient, compounding can deliver the medication without the ingredient.

Medications often include inactive ingredients to create stability or to create tablets. Inactive ingredients can also be used to change a medication’s color, texture, or flavor. In some cases, particularly pain medication, specific ingredients are used to make the medication tamper resistant.

In some cases, it’s a preference rather than an allergy. Someone who wants to avoid gluten, for example, may request gluten free medication.

Customized Strength or Dosage

Compounding also allows the strength or dosage of the medication to be customized for the individual based on the doctor’s prescription.

Change in Flavor or Texture

Additionally, medications can be compounded to improve their taste and texture, particularly for children or pets who may be unwilling to take medication that tastes bad. While adults may be willing to endure unpleasant medication for the sake of their health, young patients may require a medication that tastes good to ensure compliance.

Compounding vs. Drug Manufacturing

While both compounding and drug manufacturing involve the production of medications, there are significant differences between the two processes. Drug manufacturing refers to the large-scale production of FDA-approved drugs, while compounding is typically done on a smaller, individual basis.

Compounded medications are prepared for individual patients with a valid prescription and are dispensed directly to them. In contrast, manufactured drugs are typically distributed to hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities for further distribution to patients.

Compounding Pharmacies

According to Khyati Undavia, while most pharmacies are equipped to perform basic compounding using tools such as a mortar and pestle for grinding ingredients and graduated cylinders for measuring liquids, only a few specialize in compounding. Pharmacists are trained in making compounds as part of their education, and scales and ointment slabs are used to weigh and mix ingredients. However, of the approximately 56,000 community pharmacies in the U.S., only 7,500 specialize in compounding medications.

Sterile and Non-sterile Compounding

Most pharmacies can perform non-sterile compounding. This typically involves compounding topical creams, suspension liquids, and tablets or capsules.

Sterile compounds are introduced directly into the body. These include eye drops, injectable medications, and IV infusions. Sterile preparations require a higher level of expertise and knowledge than non-sterile compounds.

Compounding Pharmacy Oversight and Regulations

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating the safety and efficacy of food and drugs in the United States. Before prescription drugs can be marketed, the FDA must approve their manufacture. The FDA evaluates medications for their quality, safety, and effectiveness.

However, most compounding pharmacies are exempt from FDA regulations. While the FDA oversees the active ingredients used in compounded medications, they do not oversee the compounded preparation itself. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also provides oversight for compounded medications that contain controlled substances. State authorities are responsible for overseeing compounding pharmacies as well.

To ensure high-quality standards for compounding, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a private not-for-profit organization, issues standards for compounding. These standards apply to medications, dietary supplements, herbs, and food ingredients commonly used for compounding.

Compounding pharmacies may also seek accreditation through the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB). While this accreditation is not required, it reflects a commitment to high-quality standards and quality assurance.

Compounding Pharmacist Training

Pharmacists are trained in compounding during pharmacy school. Most states require a pharmacist to pass tests on compounding before receiving their license.

However, pharmacies that specialize in compounding can seek additional education. There are no state or federal regulations that require additional training.

Active pharmaceutical ingredient, or API, manufacturers typically offer compounding training.

Compounding Pharmacy Benefits

Depending on your specific needs, there are multiple advantages to selecting a compounding pharmacy. These types of pharmacies prioritize individuals, collaborating with both doctors and patients to create personalized medications.

In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a medication dose that is not available through the manufacturer. Alternatively, a patient may require a different route of administration or a modification of an inactive ingredient due to allergies or other sensitivities.

By working with a compounding pharmacy, patients can receive the precise medication that meets their unique requirements in a timely manner. Rather than simply dispensing standard medications, compounding pharmacies offer a tailored approach that can result in improved outcomes and a better overall healthcare experience.

Drugs That are Commonly Compounded

Many medications can be compounded, but certain types are compounded more frequently than others. Pain medications, particularly opiates, are commonly compounded, as the pharmacist may adjust the medication’s strength or provide it in a non-standard form, such as liquid or lollipops, to suit the patient’s needs. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications are also frequently compounded because the dosage is personalized to the individual patient. Transdermal creams are a common type of HRT medication that is compounded in pharmacies. Additionally, dermatology medications are regularly compounded to customize the medication to the patient’s specific skin type and dermatological requirements.

Khyati Undavia

Khyati Undavia, originally from Bombay, India, developed a passion for life, art, and her cultural heritage, earning several accolades for her dancing skills. At the age of 15, she moved to the United States.

After earning her B.S. in pharmacy and completing her residency, Undavia worked at Medco before taking a bold risk on a struggling pharmacy. Undavia seized the opportunity to purchase the business, using her expertise to transform it into a thriving enterprise. Her efforts paid off, and she succeeded in building a successful pharmacy from the ground up.

StretchYo Serves as a Go-to Resource for Those Looking to Get Ahead

Kivo Daily Staff on March 1, 2023

Without a doubt, most people have experienced going through a rut at a certain point in their lives. Individuals have admitted to having a hard time focusing, leading them to become trapped in an unproductive cycle. Having gone through this experience in his lifetime, Sarad Dhungel recognized the need to address this gap. For this reason, he breathed life into StretchYo.

StretchYo is an app that helps go-getters translate their vision of success into a reality. It essentially transforms a person’s lifestyle, with the goal of making it more healthy and more productive. In other words, StretchYo is a productivity and personal development platform that potentially serves as a launching pad for those who aspire to get ahead.

As a platform that aims to increase the productivity levels of aspirants, StretchYo provides a wide variety of offerings that are strategically designed for success. It has a to-do list feature, where users can list down their tasks and become more motivated to finish them within the day. The app also offers a Pomodoro technique feature which allows users to become more focused on their tasks by setting a time for productivity and relaxation. On top of that, StretchYo also has a collaborative feature where people can become productive with their friends, families, and loved ones. White noise sounds are also available in the app to prevent users from getting distracted by their surroundings.

Through the power of technology, Sarad Dhungel has created an app that not only assists aspiring powerhouses in reaching their goals but also pushes them to become better versions of themselves. As a matter of fact, StretchYo provides a special feature where users can challenge themselves to do far-reaching tasks. The app sets different goals throughout the day, and the users aim to achieve them within a period of time. In this way, aspirants have the opportunity to improve their skills every day while continuing to achieve their goals.

Although StretchYo already includes an extensive array of functions and services, Sarad Dhungel continues to make innovations in the app to make it people’s ultimate launching pad for productivity. The app has been released to the public, but it continues to undergo massive improvements for a better user experience. One feature that the team is looking into is adding a breath work and deep relaxation tool.

In an interview, Sarad revealed that he poured his heart into the app, reminiscing the times when he was unproductive. Through StretchYo, he hopes that people will be one step closer to their dreams and be reminded of the endless opportunities that the world has in store for those who continue to persevere. “I wanted to help people live a life that they want in the future,” shared Sarad. The founder plans to expand his horizons in the coming years, ringing true to his vision of serving as a catapulting device for millions of go-getters across the globe.

Author: Kivo Daily Staff

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