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Heroes of the COVID-19 Crisis series

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During the global COVID-19 pandemic, cities around the world rapidly adapted to unprecedented challenges. Technological innovation was at the forefront of these efforts. In this week’s article we will talk about how a talented young individual, Shwetal Karade, from Maharashtra helped the community during the crisis.

Shwetal Karade, a tech and strategy professional based in Maharashtra India, addressed a critical issue faced by her home city— the shortage of oxygen cylinders, essential for treating severe cases of COVID-19. She developed and introduced a simple yet effective online portal, TheOxyMapper, to map the supply and demand of oxygen cylinders. The portal integrated data from local councils regarding registered keepers of oxygen cylinders, providing a foundational database of available supplies. By opening the portal to public submissions, Shwetal ensured that anyone and everyone who had oxygen cylinders could make their entry, thus accounting for maximum available resources. Consumers in need of oxygen cylinders could access the portal to see where supplies were available, facilitating quicker and more efficient access to these critical resources.

By providing a centralized source of information, the portal improved the visibility of oxygen cylinder availability across the city. The public could quickly find where oxygen cylinders were available, reducing the time spent searching for this essential item. Although the solution was temporary, it effectively bridged the gap until the regular supply chain was restored.

For her efforts, Shwetal was awarded with the Innovators For Society (IFS) award in 2020 by the Nagpur City Council. This award acknowledges individuals who made significant contributions to public welfare each year.

Technology and community spirit have been critical in navigating the pandemic in other parts of the country too. In Mumbai, an app called CoviHelp has been developed to provide real-time information on hospital bed availability and medical supplies. In Bengaluru, a team of engineers have created a low-cost ventilator that could be rapidly deployed to meet urgent healthcare needs. In Delhi, a community-driven initiative has established a digital platform to connect volunteers with those in need of food and essential supplies during lockdowns. I will cover some of these in the future articles in this series.

As we reflect on the challenges posed by COVID-19, the dedication and ingenuity of individuals like Shwetal and others around the world offer hope and inspiration for a safer future.

Rosario is from New York and has worked with leading companies like Microsoft as a copy-writer in the past. Now he spends his time writing for readers of BigtimeDaily.com

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Health

What Sets Why Not Natural Supplements Above Other Supplements Companies in the U.S.

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Photo courtesy of Why Not Natural

By: Georgette Virgo

In an industry plagued by minimal regulation and questionable practices, Why Not Natural Supplements sets a new standard in transparency and scientific excellence. Founded by chemical engineer Kelin Marquet, this female-owned supplement company challenges the status quo with clean and effective formulations backed by rigorous research.

Why Not Natural Supplements’ outlook on supplement creation contrasts starkly with many competitors in the $50 billion U.S. dietary supplement market. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require pre-market approval for supplements, which leaves consumers vulnerable to potentially ineffective or harmful products. Why Not Natural Supplements has implemented stringent self-imposed standards that go far beyond regulatory requirements.

“We’re on a mission to educate consumers about what a supplement should look like,” says Kelin Marquet. “As a mother of three, I’m motivated by creating supplements that I feel comfortable giving to my own family.”

A Science-First Approach to Supplement Formulation

Why Not Natural Supplements’ commitment to scientific integrity begins with its founder. Marquet’s background in chemical engineering informs every aspect of the company’s product development process.

“I use my background and strong understanding of science to pore through research articles and choose active ingredients that work – not cheap substitutes you usually find in supplements,” Kelin Marquet explains.

This science-first perspective extends to the company’s use of bioavailable forms of nutrients and its emphasis on third-party testing. Why Not Natural Supplements rigorously tests every product—including their best-selling Organic Vitamin D3 Liquid Drops with K2, 4-in-1 Magnesium Complex, Liquid Vitamin A (10,000 IU) with Coconut MCT Oil, and many others—for purity and potency. This practice sets the company apart in an industry where such thorough quality control is far from standard.

Transparency and Clean Formulations

Why Not Natural Supplements’ transparency is evident in its viewpoint on ingredient selection and labeling. The company maintains a list of ingredients that will never appear in its products, including artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, and common allergens.

“It’s not just about what’s in a supplement – it’s essential what’s not in it, too,” Marquet emphasizes. This philosophy extends to the company’s use of clean, minimalist formulations that avoid unnecessary fillers and additives. 

The company provides consumers with clear, accurate information about each product’s contents. This level of transparency is rare in an industry where, according to the National Institutes of Health, supplement labels may not always accurately reflect the product’s contents.

Kelin Marquet emphasizes that each product formulation undergoes rigorous scientific scrutiny, with every ingredient serving a specific, research-backed purpose. “We don’t just throw ingredients together because they’re trendy,” Marquet explains. “Every component in our formulas is there for a reason, in its most bioavailable form, and at the optimal dosage.”

Education and Consumer Empowerment

Why Not Natural Supplements’ mission extends beyond creating high-quality supplements to educating consumers about supplement quality and safety. The company uses its social media platforms and website to provide in-depth information about ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and the science behind its formulations.

This educational outlook is particularly crucial in light of the rapid growth of e-commerce in the supplement industry. As online sales platforms capture an increasing market share, the traditional role of natural and specialty retailers as information gatekeepers is diminishing. Why Not Natural Supplements is stepping into this gap, providing consumers with the knowledge they need to understand dietary supplements and find one that best fits their needs.

“We’re not just selling supplements,” Marquet states. “We’re empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their health by showing them exactly what goes into each formula and why.”

In an industry where regulation is minimal and quality can be inconsistent, Why Not Natural Supplements stands out as a company committed to raising the bar through its science-based method, commitment to transparency, and focus on consumer education.

“Our goal is to change how individuals see natural supplements,” Marquet concludes. “We believe that by prioritizing quality, efficacy, and transparency, we can help consumers reclaim their health and trust in their supplements.”

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