Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
Winchester, NWTF and Richard Childress Racing Bring Conservation to the Track at Darlington
EDGEFIELD, South Carolina, March 21 -- The National Wild Turkey Federation issued the following news release:
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Winchester, NWTF and Richard Childress Racing Bring Conservation to the Track at Darlington
Conservation is taking center stage at one of NASCAR's most iconic venues as Winchester, the National Wild Turkey Federation and Bass Pro Shops debut a special-edition No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet at the Goodyear 400 in Darlington, South Carolina.
"Partnerships like this allow us to connect people to conservation in a meaningful way," NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter said. "Having
... Show Full Article
EDGEFIELD, South Carolina, March 21 -- The National Wild Turkey Federation issued the following news release:
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Winchester, NWTF and Richard Childress Racing Bring Conservation to the Track at Darlington
Conservation is taking center stage at one of NASCAR's most iconic venues as Winchester, the National Wild Turkey Federation and Bass Pro Shops debut a special-edition No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet at the Goodyear 400 in Darlington, South Carolina.
"Partnerships like this allow us to connect people to conservation in a meaningful way," NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter said. "Havingthe NWTF represented on the No. 3 car puts our mission in front of millions of NASCAR fans, including right here in our home state of South Carolina, and introduces new audiences to the impact of conservation and the importance of protecting our hunting heritage. We are incredibly thankful to Winchester Ammunition and Richard Childress Racing for this opportunity."
The inclusion of the NWTF in this campaign comes at no cost to the organization, providing valuable national exposure that expands the NWTF's reach to new audiences, thanks to Winchester's dedicated support.
The bold paint scheme, made possible through Winchester and Richard Childress Racing, prominently features the NWTF alongside Bass Pro Shops and Winchester Long Beard(R) XR(R), highlighting a shared commitment to conservation, wildlife habitat and America's hunting heritage. The initiative serves as a high-visibility platform to raise awareness among NASCAR's diverse and passionate fan base about the importance of conservation and the role hunters and partners play in sustaining wildlife populations.
Winchester has stood alongside the NWTF since its founding in 1973, serving as the organization's first million-dollar sponsor and contributing more than $2 million to support conservation delivery. This long-standing partnership has helped conserve millions of acres of habitat and advance science-based wildlife management across the country.
The Winchester Long Beard(R) XR(R) shotshell, featured on the car, has become a trusted name among turkey hunters nationwide. Known for its dense patterns and knockdown power, Long Beard(R) XR(R) has also proven its performance at the NWTF World Still Target Championship, where it has helped set records and redefine expectations for turkey load performance.
The timing of the race aligns with the spring turkey season across much of the country, when wild turkeys are top of mind for outdoor enthusiasts. By bringing this message to the track, partners are connecting the excitement of racing with the traditions and conservation efforts that sustain the outdoors.
Fans can catch the No. 3 "Committed to Conservation" Chevrolet at the Goodyear 400 on FS1, with coverage also available via the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
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About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.3 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $22 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to deliver healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues to unite a nation through the life-changing power of the outdoors.
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Original text here: https://www.nwtf.org/content-hub/winchester-nwtf-and-richard-childress-racing-bring-conservation-to-the-track-at-darlington
[Category: Animals]
Post-Acute & Long-Term Care Medical Association: OIG Flags Inappropriate Antipsychotic Use in Nursing Homes
COLUMBIA, Maryland, March 21 (TNSrpt) -- Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association issued the following news:
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OIG Flags Inappropriate Antipsychotic Use in Nursing Homes
A new report from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) found that some nursing homes inappropriately administered antipsychotic drugs to residents with dementia, exposing them to serious health risks. Based on 40 focused inspections conducted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the report found that facilities used these drugs to manage behavior rather
... Show Full Article
COLUMBIA, Maryland, March 21 (TNSrpt) -- Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association issued the following news:
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OIG Flags Inappropriate Antipsychotic Use in Nursing Homes
A new report from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) found that some nursing homes inappropriately administered antipsychotic drugs to residents with dementia, exposing them to serious health risks. Based on 40 focused inspections conducted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the report found that facilities used these drugs to manage behavior ratherthan for medically appropriate reasons, despite FDA warnings that antipsychotics increase the risk of death for elderly patients with dementia.
OIG also found that nursing homes often failed to follow required safeguards when residents were prescribed antipsychotics, including attempts to reduce dosages and monitor adverse effects. The report found that medical directors and nursing home pharmacists frequently did not take steps to prevent or address inappropriate use, and weak facility policies further undermined protections for residents.
In response, OIG recommended that CMS:
1. Further develop resources for nursing homes and increase transparency in order to reduce inappropriate use of antipsychotic drugs and improve dementia care in nursing homes.
2. Take steps to ensure that nursing home medical directors fulfill their role in reducing the inappropriate use of antipsychotic drugs.
3. Take steps to ensure that nursing home pharmacists fulfill their role in reducing the inappropriate use of antipsychotic drugs.
4. Assist nursing homes in improving their policies and procedures pertaining to antipsychotic drug use.
CMS did not explicitly concur or nonconcur with OIG's first and fourth recommendations. CMS nonconcurred with the second and third recommendations. OIG added clarification to these recommendations based on CMS's comments to the draft and encouraged CMS to re-examine its position on concurrence in its Final Management Decision.
PALTmed has been actively engaged on this issue for some time, including many conversations with CMS. PALTmed has previously stated that, "While there is a national need for better and more approved treatments for behavioral and psychiatric symptoms in dementia, clinicians need to be mindful of and avoid labeling patients with other diagnoses to justify the use of medications or other treatments." In addition, PALTmed has guidance to support understanding of CMS requirements related to antipsychotic medication prescribing in nursing homes.
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REPORT: https://oig.hhs.gov/documents/evaluation/11547/OEI-02-23-00200.pdf
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Original text here: https://paltmed.org/news-media/oig-flags-inappropriate-antipsychotic-use-nursing-homes
[Category: Medical]
International Game Fish Association: Integrity on the Line
DANIA BEACH, Florida, March 21 -- The International Game Fish Association issued the following news:
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Integrity on the Line
Why IGFA Rules Matter More Than Ever in Tournament Fishing, World Records and Fair Play
By Patrick Mansell
Long before electronic charts, carbon-fiber rods, and digital scales, sportfishing faced a fundamental problem - how to compare one angler's achievement to another's fairly. A record claimed in one port might be impossible to verify in another. Equipment varied wildly. Stories grew larger with every retelling.
That is where sportfishing separates itself from
... Show Full Article
DANIA BEACH, Florida, March 21 -- The International Game Fish Association issued the following news:
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Integrity on the Line
Why IGFA Rules Matter More Than Ever in Tournament Fishing, World Records and Fair Play
By Patrick Mansell
Long before electronic charts, carbon-fiber rods, and digital scales, sportfishing faced a fundamental problem - how to compare one angler's achievement to another's fairly. A record claimed in one port might be impossible to verify in another. Equipment varied wildly. Stories grew larger with every retelling.
That is where sportfishing separates itself fromsimple fish catching. Most anglers understand regulations - seasons, size limits, closed areas - rules set by states, NOAA, and international management agencies to protect fish stocks and manage fisheries. Those regulations are enforced by law, and rightly so. But alongside them exists another system, one that governs fairness. That system is built on ethical angling rules for our sport, and it is administered by the International Game Fish Association.
The IGFA was created to bring order to that chaos, not by regulating fisheries, but by setting standards for anglers themselves.
While governments manage fish populations through laws and enforcement, the IGFA established a voluntary code that defines what constitutes a legitimate catch. Those rules have become the backbone of competitive angling, bringing consistency to tournaments, ensuring fairness among anglers, and preserving the integrity of the sport's highest achievements.
For more than eighty years, the IGFA has served as the sport's neutral referee. It does not tell anglers when they may fish or how many fish they may keep. Although catches submitted for IGFA records and its other recognition programs must adhere to local fisheries regulations. Instead, it defines how a fish must be caught for that catch to be measured honestly against another in a tournament, across oceans, or in the permanent record books of the sport.
Those rules are not theoretical. They come alive at the end of a fly line, in the final minutes of a light-tackle fight, and in the hard realities of bringing large, powerful fish to the leader without assistance. A few examples illustrate how that works in practice.
Fly Fishing -- Skill Over Strength
Few fisheries expose the intent of IGFA rules as clearly as modern fly fishing for powerful species. In some destinations, anglers routinely use 50- to 60-pound monofilament as leaders without IGFA-class tippet when targeting species such as giant trevally or marlin. This practice may be effective, but it falls well outside IGFA standards. It is also, quite frankly, not fly fishing in its truest definition.
IGFA fly-fishing rules strictly limit the length and breaking strength of leaders and tippets, with a maximum class tippet of 20 pounds. These limits ensure that the class tippet remains the weakest connection and primary connection to the fish. The rules also prevent anglers from extending shock tippets beyond allowable lengths or building systems that turn fly fishing into something else entirely. To quote the late IGFA Fishing Hall of Famer, Mark Sosin, who helped develop the IGFA's rules for fly fishing: "Fly fishing was never intended to be an unlimited category..."
"Fly fishing was never intended to be an unlimited category..."
- IGFA Fishing Hall of Famer, Mark Sosin
The result is a level field where success is determined by presentation, timing, knot-tying skills, and fish-fighting techniques rather than over-matched tackle. Under these standards, a fly-caught fish taken in the Seychelles can be fairly compared to one landed in Australia or the Bahamas. The fish does not care how it was caught, but the record books do.
Marlin on Light Tackle - Time, Pressure, and Discipline
Light-tackle marlin fishing pushes anglers into a narrow margin where patience and discipline matter as much as skill. IGFA rules governing line class, leader length, and allowable assistance are designed to prevent the escalation of advantages that technology and teamwork can introduce. The rules limit how and when a leader can be touched, prohibit certain forms of mechanical or physical assistance, and define exactly what constitutes a legal catch. These details matter, no matter if you are fishing for records, in a tournament, or just for fun.
Without these rules, light-tackle records would quickly lose meaning. With them, a striped marlin caught on 12- or 16-pound line off New Zealand can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with one taken in Baja or Kona, measured not by conditions, but by compliance.
Swordfish on Conventional Gear - Control Without Shortcuts
Few fisheries test both equipment and restraint like daytime swordfishing. Battles can last hours, fatigue sets in, and the temptation to assist at the boat grows as the finish approaches. IGFA conventional tackle rules place strict limits on the use of electric reels, leader length, hook configuration, and physical assistance, ensuring that the angler remains connected to the fish through skill and endurance rather than shortcuts and unsportsmanlike mechanical advantages. These rules are especially relevant in swordfish fisheries, where size, power, and prolonged fights magnify the consequences of even small violations.
A swordfish landed legally under IGFA rules represents more than strength; it represents discipline. It demonstrates that even in the most demanding fisheries, fairness and comparability still matter.
IGFA Rules and Tournament Standardization
The influence of IGFA rules becomes even clearer when the focus shifts from individual achievement to organized competition. Tournaments, by their nature, demand consistency. Anglers travel across borders, fish unfamiliar waters, and compete against crews with different boats, budgets, and local knowledge. Without a shared rulebook, results would be impossible to compare, and credibility would suffer.
Take the International Light Tackle Tournament Association (ILTTA) tournament series as an example. Drawing some of the most skilled light-tackle anglers in the world, these events are held where precision, discipline, and technique are paramount, and competition is exceptionally high. By aligning closely with IGFA standards, ILTTA ensures that every catch reflects the true ability of the angler from bite to release. When a fish is brought to the leader under these rules, there is no ambiguity about how it was caught or whether assistance crossed the line. The result is a level of credibility and integrity that elevates not only the competition but the accomplishment itself.
An experienced mate hooking a fish and passing the rod can certainly make it easier for another angler to catch a fish. But in those cases, the angler isn't really catching the fish from beginning to end.
The same philosophy applies to tournaments that do not allow "hook and hand," where a mate or other team member may hook a fish and pass the rod to another angler. One of the IGFA's cardinal rules is that once a fish strikes or takes a bait or lure, nobody but the angler may touch the rod, reel, or line. An experienced mate hooking a fish and passing the rod can certainly make it easier for another angler to catch a fish. But in those cases, the angler isn't really catching the fish from beginning to end. The bite and properly feeding and hooking a fish is the best part of the game. Sure, it takes skill and time to learn how to do this well, and even experienced anglers still miss strikes, but doing it the right way will eventually result in making you a better angler. Something all anglers aspire to be.
A common real-world scenario outside of tournaments further illustrates this: on many charter boats, mates are trained to react instantly to a bite, often reaching the rod before the angler and setting the hook out of instinct. While efficient, this exact action would result in disqualification under IGFA rules if contact is made after the strike, even momentarily. These examples reinforce that success is not measured solely by the number of fish brought to the boat, but by the angler's ability to perform every step of the process under real conditions, from the initial bite to the final release.
The Stakes Can Be Enormous
Tournament fishing and record chasing are not games. In an era when tournament purses can reach into the millions of dollars, a single rule violation can carry staggering financial consequences. Many participants are professional tournament anglers whose livelihoods and the success of their boats, crews, and sponsors depend on strict compliance. The same is true for record chasers who invest tens of thousands of dollars traveling to remote destinations such as the Amazon, Africa, or far corners of the globe in pursuit of a single opportunity. A careless mistake at the leader, an overlooked measurement, or a misunderstanding of the rules can undo an entire expedition.
Just as critical, an IGFA-eligible catch must comply not only with IGFA rules, but with all applicable local, state, and national laws. Harvest and transport regulations vary widely. In some jurisdictions, even possessing or transporting an over-slot fish, such as a snook in Florida, would make a record application invalid, regardless of how cleanly the fish was caught.
Captains and mates must read the IGFA rulebooks, keep copies aboard, and understand the regulations governing the waters they fish. Disqualification for failure to comply with these standards can be devastating, and there remains a widespread concern that too many charter captains and mates still do not fully understand the rules, putting entire fishing ventures and everyone involved in jeopardy.
From Rules to Sportsmanship
That shared framework does more than standardize results; it shapes behavior on the water. When anglers know the boundaries, competition becomes cleaner. Decisions made in the heat of a fight, whether to touch a leader, apply pressure, or back down harder, are guided by an understanding that the rules matter as much as the catch.
This is where sportsmanship enters the picture. IGFA rules clarify what "winning" actually means. They reward preparation, discipline, and patience over improvisation and shortcuts. Few anglers who fish serious tournaments want to explain a disqualification at the dock.
The Standard Behind the Record
Chasing a world record is rarely casual. Anglers travel thousands of miles, spend years refining tackle and technique, and invest fortunes in boats, crews, and time on the water. A record fish often represents not just a single catch, but a lifetime of preparation. When an application is submitted to the IGFA, it carries all that weight with it.
At IGFA headquarters, records are not rubber-stamped. They are examined in detail - line samples measured, leader lengths scrutinized, photographs reviewed, witness testimonies compared, timelines reconstructed. In some cases, the difference between acceptance and rejection comes down to millimeters, pounds, and ounces, or a single moment at the leader that went unnoticed at sea but becomes decisive on land.
Chasing a world record is rarely casual. Anglers travel thousands of miles, spend years refining tackle and technique, and invest fortunes in boats, crews, and time on the water. A record fish often represents not just a single catch, but a lifetime of preparation. When an application is submitted to the IGFA, it carries all that weight with it.
Those conversations are not easy. Emotions can run high. Anglers who have poured their lives into a single goal sometimes respond with frustration or disbelief. The IGFA staff absorbs that reaction not because they enjoy saying no, but because saying yes when the rules have been violated, even unintentionally, would undermine every record that came before it.
Every Sport Has Rules--Fishing Is No Different
Some may say that adhering to IGFA angling rules is only necessary when fishing for world records or participating in tournaments. But is that really the case? Fishing is a sport with both a rich history and a future in front of it. Every true sport is defined by its rules. Fishing is no exception.
Think of it this way, if you're into, let's say, tennis or baseball, even in a casual game with friends or family, you still follow the rules of the sport. You may not be competing at Wimbledon or the World Series, but the structure of the game remains the same. Fishing is no different. The rules aren't just for competition, they define the integrity of the sport itself.
IGFA rules ensure that achievement in angling is defined by skill, discipline, and integrity, rather than being influenced by disproportionate tackle, outside assistance, or methods that diminish the role of the individual angler. The late Ken Fraser's All-Tackle bluefin tuna remains one of the most significant records ever, distinguished not only by its size but by how it was caught, on compliant tackle and fought solely by the angler. It is this standard that gives the catch lasting significance and establishes it as a credible benchmark. By contrast, a fish taken on extremely heavy gear, fought by multiple individuals, or with an electric reel may still be impressive, but it represents a fundamentally different effort. Without a consistent framework of rules, such distinctions would be lost, diminishing the integrity of comparison. IGFA rules preserve that standard, ensuring the record book reflects not only what was caught, but how it was achieved.
The Quiet Authority of the Rulebook
In the end, the power of IGFA rules lies in their voluntary nature. No one is forced to follow them, yet the best anglers, the most respected tournaments, and the most enduring records almost always do. That quiet authority has allowed the IGFA to level the playing field across species, oceans, and generations, creating a common language for achievement in a sport defined by challenge, preparation, and integrity.
The rules are not there to limit ambition. They exist to protect it, because when a fish is remembered, whether in a tournament ledger or the permanent pages of the record book, it should be remembered for the right reasons, long after the dock talk fades.
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Original text here: https://igfa.org/2026/03/20/integrity-on-the-line-why-igfa-rules-matter-more-than-ever-in-tournament-fishing-world-records-and-fair-play/
[Category: Environment]
HFA Show 2026 Brings the Global Fitness Industry Together in San Diego
BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 21 -- The Health and Fitness Association (formerly the International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association) issued the following news release:
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HFA Show 2026 Brings the Global Fitness Industry Together in San Diego
More than 10,000 industry professionals registered to explore innovation, education, and new partnerships across a trade show floor featuring 380 exhibitors
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The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) concluded The HFA Show 2026 this week, with more than 10,000 health and fitness industry professionals registered from around the globe, along with
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 21 -- The Health and Fitness Association (formerly the International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association) issued the following news release:
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HFA Show 2026 Brings the Global Fitness Industry Together in San Diego
More than 10,000 industry professionals registered to explore innovation, education, and new partnerships across a trade show floor featuring 380 exhibitors
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The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) concluded The HFA Show 2026 this week, with more than 10,000 health and fitness industry professionals registered from around the globe, along with380 exhibitors showcasing the latest equipment, programming, technology, and software, and 150 expert presenters and educational speakers for three days at the San Diego Convention Center.
The evening before the show's opening, 240 people gathered for the HFA Hall of Fame, which honored the organization's second class of inductees and raised more than $200,000 for the HFA Foundation, a 501(c)3 public charity that works to support health through exercise. The evening also included a celebration recognizing Elaine LaLanne's 100th birthday and her lasting contributions to the fitness industry.
The first day of the show featured a full slate of education sessions and a Zenoti-sponsored keynote by Erica Dhawan titled "Win Together: Building Resilient, High-Performing Teams in the Age of AI." Dhawan shared strategies for building trust, fostering agility, and strengthening collaboration in the age of AI. The program also included the Women's Leadership Summit, followed by the Women's Leadership Summit Reception, both sponsored by Daxko. The evening concluded with The HFA Show Kick Off Party, sponsored by Hapana with music provided by BMI.
The day also included the Brazilian Forum and the Latin American Forum, both sponsored by ABC Fitness.
The trade show floor opened on day two with 380 exhibitors and featured destinations including Innovation Alley (sponsored by Sweatworks) that featured the following companies: Alchemy Innovations LLC, AI Advertising by Mixo Ads, BELLIX, Bolt Recovery, Buzz Bomb Caffeine Company, DetecFit, Fit - M.O., Fit-X, HipDoc, InSquare, MatFresher, Milton AI, Nervo Labs, ObliQ Fitness, OmniFit, OnSight, Silient, Superset App, and xplate.
The trade show also included the New Product Zone featuring nine companies, the Pickleball Experience, and the Demonstration Stage. The show was supported by 52 sponsors overall, including nine in the New Product Zone and five in the Recovery Lounge.
Outside the trade show, the Recovery Lounge was a place for attendees to relax and hear about recovery products from Am-Finn Sauna Company, CryoBuilt, Silent, WellFit, and WellnessSpace Brands.
Startup companies in Innovation Alley participated in a Pitchfest each day of the trade show. The winners of the first Pitchfest will be announced soon. They will receive a complimentary booth at The HFA Show 2027 and will be recognized in a future issue of Health & Fitness Business.
The show floor also featured group exercise classes and early-morning workouts, bringing energy to the event while giving attendees the chance to experience new training formats and equipment firsthand.
The second-day keynote, sponsored by Matrix, featured entrepreneur, author, and speaker Jesse Itzler, who delivered "The Spiritual Billionaire." Blending storytelling, humor, and personal reflection, Itzler shared lessons from his entrepreneurial journey about creating opportunity, cultivating resilience, and building a life that achieves big goals without sacrificing what matters most.
Prior to the second-day keynote, HFA handed out two awards. The Jim Worthington Advocate of the Year Award went to Chris Craytor, CEO of ACAC Fitness & Wellness Centers, for his service to the fitness industry and HFA. The John Holsinger Global Leader Award was given to LifeFit Group CEO Martin Seibold.
The day also included the 29th Annual Financial Panel, which was renamed the Rick Caro Financial Panel in honor of Rick Caro, president of Management Vision, who created the panel 28 years ago and had moderated it each year until his death in August 2025.
International attendees participated in multiple events on the second day, including the Canadian Forum, EMEA Forum, APAC Forum and the International Attendee Reception celebrating the global fitness community.
The final day of the show featured a keynote from Olympic champion Apolo Ohno, sponsored by ROR. In "From Podium to Pivot: How Champions Upgrade, Adapt, and Win Again," Ohno shared lessons on reinvention, adaptability, and performance in a rapidly changing environment. Additional education sessions, supplier seminars, and trade show activity continued throughout the day.
Prior to the keynote, Bodytech Colombia Co-founder and Executive Vice President Gigliola Aycardi received the Woman Leader Award in Honor of Julie Main.
Across all three days, the event convened leaders from around the world for education, business development, product discovery, and conversations about the future of the health and fitness industry. Topics throughout the event included leadership, technology, AI, operations, training, recovery, and global industry trends.
"What stood out this year wasn't just the scale of the event, but the strength of the conversations happening across every part of the show," said Liz Clark, president and CEO of the Health & Fitness Association. "From the keynote stage and education sessions to the trade show floor, industry leaders came together to share ideas, explore innovation, and build the relationships that will help shape the future of health and fitness."
HFA would like to acknowledge Alloy Personal Training Solutions, LLC for authorizing the use of its registered trademark "Stronger Together" as the theme for The HFA Show 2026.
HFA thanks this year's exhibitors and sponsors for their support.
Photos from the show can be found here. The HFA Show 2027 will take place March 10-12, 2027, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
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About the Health & Fitness Association
The Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA), a global community of industry leaders, is the only worldwide trade association providing a unified voice for the community of leaders who operate health and fitness facilities, offer professional guidance on physical activity, and provide the tools and equipment to do so to the millions of fitness facility members who understand that exercise improves their physical and mental health.
Through advocacy, education, and research, the association speaks to opportunities, challenges, and changes that are moving the industry into a new era.
Founded in 1981, the association publishes a monthly magazine, Health & Fitness Businessopens in a new tab, and operates The HFA Showopens in a new tab, the HFA European Congressopens in a new tab, and the Fly-In and Advocacy Summit. The association also partners on events around the world, including Fitness Brasilopens in a new tab, ChinaFitopens in a new tab, MEFIT Summitopens in a new tab and Wellness & Fitness LATAMopens in a new tab. Follow the Health & Fitness Association on Facebookopens in a new tab, Instagramopens in a new tab, LinkedInopens in a new tab, Xopens in a new tab and YouTubeopens in a new tab.
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Original text here: https://www.healthandfitness.org/the-hfa-show-2026-brings-the-global-fitness-industry-together-in-san-diego/
[Category: Health Care]
DEC Rejection of Enforcement Discretion Request Threatens Refrigerant Supply, Puts New York Businesses at Risk
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 21 -- The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International issued the following news release:
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DEC Rejection of Enforcement Discretion Request Threatens Refrigerant Supply, Puts New York Businesses at Risk
Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) expressed strong concern following the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) decision to reject requests for enforcement discretion under 6 NYCRR Part 494.
The decision comes despite mounting warnings from industry stakeholders that the current
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 21 -- The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International issued the following news release:
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DEC Rejection of Enforcement Discretion Request Threatens Refrigerant Supply, Puts New York Businesses at Risk
Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) expressed strong concern following the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) decision to reject requests for enforcement discretion under 6 NYCRR Part 494.
The decision comes despite mounting warnings from industry stakeholders that the currentregulatory timeline will disrupt refrigerant availability across the state.
Without enforcement flexibility, grocery stores, convenience stores, and other businesses that rely on refrigeration systems are expected to face significant refrigerant shortages in the near term, threatening daily operations and increasing costs for businesses and consumers alike.
"DEC's decision puts New York businesses in an impossible position," said Alex Ayers, HARDI's Vice President of Government Affairs. "Without an adequate supply of compliant refrigerants, essential businesses like neighborhood grocery stores and restaurants will struggle to operate and serve their communities."
Industry experts have repeatedly warned that supply chain constraints and misalignment with federal standards make compliance with Part 494 timelines impractical, and the consequences extend beyond individual businesses. Shortages could lead to Increased consumer prices, reduced availability of fresh and frozen foods, and strain on already-fragile supply chains.
"This bill affects basically every New York resident, business, hospital and school in the state by revising a regulation that right now makes people pay huge amounts of money to keep their refrigeration system going," said Ken Pokalsky, VP of Government Affairs of the Business Council of New York State. "New Yorkers want the state to be more affordable and this bill does just that -- and it is so important that it pass or consumers will be forced to dig deep into their pockets and no one can afford that."
In response to these concerns, local business leaders joined Senator Christopher Ryan to highlight newly introduced legislation (S9066/A9596) aimed at addressing deficiencies in Part 494 and aligning New York with federal standards.
The legislation seeks to provide regulatory clarity and prevent further economic harm without sacrificing climate leadership.
Watch the full (https://vimeo.com/1175568239/bdf6be7abc) Press Conference from Friday, March 20.
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Original text here: https://hardinet.org/posts/press-release/dec-rejection-of-enforcement-discretion-request-threatens-refrigerant-supply
[Category: Air Conditioning/Refrigeration]
American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries Posts Commentary: For Whom Are Trump Accounts Especially Advantageous?
ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 21 -- The American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries issued the following posted the following commentary by content writer and reporter Paul Mulholland:
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Trump accounts are great for helping a child get a head start on retirement, but may be less suited for certain specialized purposes than other accounts, suggests a whitepaper.
Advantages
The paper notes that there is really no reason to pass up the $1,000 seed money available for children born between 2025 and 2028, "Trump accounts offer qualifying children free money that families shouldn't leave
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 21 -- The American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries issued the following posted the following commentary by content writer and reporter Paul Mulholland:
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Trump accounts are great for helping a child get a head start on retirement, but may be less suited for certain specialized purposes than other accounts, suggests a whitepaper.
Advantages
The paper notes that there is really no reason to pass up the $1,000 seed money available for children born between 2025 and 2028, "Trump accounts offer qualifying children free money that families shouldn't leaveon the table."
"These accounts' unique strength is that qualifying children can receive contributions that may not be available otherwise," the paper explains.
Trump accounts can receive contributions from employers, state governments, and charitable donations that might be unavailable in other cases.
Drawbacks
However, Trump accounts have some drawbacks compared to other accounts. For one, as others have noted, Trump accounts are restricted to U.S. equity index funds.
"The all-equity investment options offer little global diversification and risk mitigation as children approach withdrawal age," the paper explains. This can greatly increase the downside risk for investors, especially as they approach the age of 18 when they can make certain qualified distributions, such as for higher education.
529 accounts also have greater tax advantages for higher education saving than Trump accounts, since qualified distributions from 529s are on a Roth basis, whereas Trump account distributions are taxed as ordinary income. 529s also have higher contribution limits and broader investment options.
Families should be careful to weigh the trade-offs of Trump accounts with other accounts. The only straightforward positive of Trump accounts is that it opens additional contribution sources.
Additionally, children are not automatically enrolled. The paper argues that many families will not go through the enrollment process, "and those most likely to miss out are lower-income families."
However, children are not currently enrolled in retirement savings at all unless they have an income to open an IRA and are excluded from many plans in any case.
"When all these factors are considered," the paper concludes, "Trump accounts may be less favorable than most existing account structures for family savings, beyond available seed, philanthropic, governmental, and employer contributions available for certain children."
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Original text here: https://www.asppa-net.org/news/2026/3/for-whom-are-trump-accounts-especially-advantageous/
[Category: Human Resources/Personnel]
American College of Cardiology: Health Impacts of Alcohol Depend on What You Drink - And How Much
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- The American College of Cardiology posted the following news release:
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The Health Impacts of Alcohol Depend on What You Drink - And How Much
Low to moderate wine consumption shows lower risk compared with spirits, beer and cider
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While high alcohol intake has been associated with worse health outcomes regardless of the type of alcohol consumed, the potential impacts of low to moderate alcohol intake appear to vary by beverage type, according to a study being presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26).
The study of more
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- The American College of Cardiology posted the following news release:
* * *
The Health Impacts of Alcohol Depend on What You Drink - And How Much
Low to moderate wine consumption shows lower risk compared with spirits, beer and cider
*
While high alcohol intake has been associated with worse health outcomes regardless of the type of alcohol consumed, the potential impacts of low to moderate alcohol intake appear to vary by beverage type, according to a study being presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26).
The study of morethan 340,000 British adults adds to previous research showing less alcohol consumption is better for health and provides new insights into the impacts of drinking at low and moderate levels.
"These results come from the general population, and in certain high-risk groups, such as people with chronic diseases or cardiovascular conditions, the risks could be even higher," said Zhangling Chen, MD, PhD, a professor at the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University in China and the study's senior author.
Researchers analyzed alcohol consumption habits and mortality outcomes among 340,924 adults who participated in the UK Biobank study between 2006-2022. Each participant completed a dietary questionnaire when they enrolled in the study and were grouped into four categories based on their alcohol intake, measured in terms of grams of pure alcohol per day and week. For reference, a 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine and a 1.5-ounce shot of spirits each contain about 14 grams of pure alcohol. People consuming less than 20 g (about 1.5 standard drinks) per week were classified as never or occasional drinkers. Men consuming between 20 g per week and 20 g per day and women consuming between 20 g per week and 10 g per day were considered to have low alcohol consumption. Daily consumption of 20 g to 40 g (about 1.5 to three standard drinks) for men and 10 g to 20 g for women was considered moderate. Daily consumption of more than 40 g (about three drinks) for men and 20 g (about 1.5 drinks) for women was considered high. Health outcomes were tracked for over 13 years on average.
Compared with never or occasional drinkers, those with high alcohol consumption were 24% more likely to die from any cause, 36% more likely to die from cancer and 14% more likely to die from heart disease. Differences in risk by alcohol type emerged at low and moderate levels of consumption, where drinking spirits, beer or cider was associated with a significantly higher risk of death while the same level of wine consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk of death.
Looking at deaths from cardiovascular disease in particular, researchers found that moderate wine drinkers had a 21% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared with never or occasional drinkers. By contrast, even low intake of spirits, beer or cider was associated with a 9% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared with drinking never or occasionally.
"Our findings help clarify previously mixed evidence on low to moderate alcohol consumption," Chen said. "These findings can help refine guidance, emphasizing that the health risks of alcohol depend not only on the amount of alcohol consumed, but also on the type of beverage. Even low to moderate intake of spirits, beer or cider is linked to higher mortality, while low to moderate intake of wine may carry lower risk."
Researchers said that several factors may account for the differences by alcohol type. Certain compounds present in red wine, such as polyphenols and antioxidants, may have benefits for cardiovascular health. Wine is also more likely to be consumed with meals and by people who have higher-quality diets and healthier behaviors in general, while spirits, beer and cider are more likely to be consumed outside of meals and were associated with lower overall diet quality and other lifestyle risk factors.
"Taken together, these factors suggest that the type of alcohol, how it is consumed and the associated lifestyle behaviors all contribute to the observed differences in mortality risk," Chen said.
In their analyses, researchers adjusted the data to account for demographic factors, socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, cardiometabolic factors and family history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, they said that the research has inherent limitations as an observational study and suggested that high-quality randomized trials could help to better understand the impacts of alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption was assessed based on self-reporting at baseline and did not capture changes in drinking patterns over time. In addition, UK Biobank participants are generally healthier than the overall population, which may limit the study's generalizability.
Despite these limitations, the study's large sample size and length of follow-up strengthen its statistical power. Researchers said the study provides a more comprehensive and nuanced picture of the health impacts of alcohol consumption than many prior studies, offering a high degree of granularity in terms of the amount and type of alcohol consumed as well as a variety of mortality outcomes.
Ziyue Li will present the study, "Alcohol Use at Mid-Life and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality," on Saturday, March 28, at 12:30 p.m. CT / 17:30 UTC in Posters, Hall E.
ACC.26 will take place March 28-30, 2026, in New Orleans, bringing together cardiologists and cardiovascular specialists from around the world to share the newest discoveries in treatment and prevention. Follow @ACCinTouch, @ACCMediaCenter and #ACC26 for the latest news from the meeting.
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The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart.org patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at ACC.org.
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Original text here: https://www.acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2026/03/18/20/23/The-Health-Impacts-of-Alcohol-Depend-on-What-You-Drink-And-How-Much
[Category: Medical]
