Latest news with #MikeWalters
Forbes
25-06-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Wildfire Smoke Is Dangerous To Pets. Here's How To Keep Them Safe
An aerial view shows smoke from Canadian wildfires dimming the downtown skyline on June 3, 2025, in ... More Chicago, Illinois. The smoke caused air quality alerts in parts of Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin and was visible in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Fire season is in full swing, with wildfires blazing in a dozen U.S. states and Canada. Wildfire smoke often leads to poor air quality that can negatively impact humans and animals alike, so many veterinarians and health officials are urging the public to protect pets. The early signs a dog is being affected by wildfire smoke can mirror some of the symptoms of minor seasonal allergies in dogs, like a runny nose and eyes. But if they develop respiratory difficulties, it's time to consult your veterinarian, according to Mike Walters, DVM, MS, DACVECC, medical director at ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals – Los Angeles in Culver City, California. 'If a pet has a predisposing illness — pulmonary disease, lung disease, asthma, airway disease, something like that — that puts them at risk,' he said. 'Those pets are probably going to be showing clinical signs earlier on than an otherwise healthy dog or cat.' When wildfires burn homes as well as vegetation, the smoke contains additional toxins. Dogs might show respiratory distress by gagging or coughing, as though they're trying to clear their throat. It can lead to labored breathing. 'It doesn't take a lot of energy for a normal, healthy dog to breathe, but as they become distressed, they're putting more energy, more effort into their breathing,' he said. 'You start seeing them really working to bring air in and out. Anybody could probably recognize, 'Hey — my dog is having a problem breathing.' But if cats get to that point, that can be a very serious problem.' Cats can develop respiratory issues and other serious problems when air quality is poor due to ... More wildfire smoke. Cats are usually 'quiet' about their breathing, so when they have respiratory issues, they may experience fatigue, and reduced thirst and appetite, Dr. Walters noted. 'Maybe they start becoming weak, not wanting to move around, not doing their normal activity. And then further signs might be they're becoming disoriented, they might stumble,' he said. 'Those are very serious signs. Those cats need to be seen by a veterinarian sooner than later.' How To Protect Dogs And Cats From Wildfire Smoke The most important way to protect dogs and cats from wildfire smoke is to keep them inside, according to Dr. Walters. 'That's first and foremost,' he said. 'Limit their outdoor activity to only go to the bathroom. We're not going on walks. We're not running around playing ball.' To help keep pets safe from wildfire smoke, he also recommends: While being indoors obviously won't be a change for indoor cats — keeping cats indoors protects them from many dangers, including bird flu — dogs will need extra enrichment activities to compensate for not getting their typical outdoor exercise. So this is a prime time to practice positive training to engage a dog's mind and give their energy somewhere to go, Dr. Walters suggested. For instance, family members can hide in different rooms with kibble or dog treats to take turns calling 'Come!' and rewarding the dog for a successful find. Dogs need extra enrichment activities like play and training activities while staying inside due to ... More wildfire smoke. You can also play with toys together and, of course, bank some extra snuggle time if your dog or cat is a cuddler. One activity you should not pursue: putting a mask made for humans, like an N95, on a dog or cat. Masks are fitted for flatter human faces and won't work on an animal. 'If you get to the point where you feel like as mask is needed for you or for your dog or cat, you need to move,' Dr. Walters said. 'You need to get out of the area. That's probably not a safe environment for anybody to stay in and breathe.' Preparing To Evacuate Due To Wildfire Smoke Or A Fire Itself Always bring your pets if you have to evacuate due to wildfires. If you need to evacuate due to wildfires, be sure to bring your pets. Last year when a wildfire threatened their home, Dr. Walters and his wife were able to quickly evacuate with their four dogs and a conure (small parrot). The key is preparation since conditions can change so quickly, he emphasized. Be sure each pet is microchipped and your contact information is up to date with the microchip registry in case you're separated. Pack a 'go bag' with everything your pet might need, including medications, food, water bowls, harnesses, leashes, gallons of water, bedding and favorite toys, as well as a copy of their shot records (often printed on an animal hospital invoice). Keep the go bags for your pets and other members of the family in an easily accessible place, and make evacuation plans ahead of time. 'Where are you going to go? What are you going to bring? How are you going to escape? What different routes do you have? Ask yourself, 'Do I have all the things that I need? Do I have a go bag for myself? Do I have a go bag for my pets? Is it all someplace easy to get to? Is there an emergency veterinary clinic that I'm heading toward that I could use if I needed to? Do I have gas in my car? Is it serviced?'' he said. 'You need to have a plan.'
Finextra
24-06-2025
- Business
- Finextra
PingPong implements Verification of Payee with Form3
PingPong, the world-leading provider of embedded cross-border payment solutions for enterprises, today announces it will be using Form3's Verification of Payee (VoP) solution for SEPA account validation, giving PingPong a competitive edge by implementing compliance measures five months ahead of the October go-live date. 0 Operating from 37 offices globally with over 60 financial licences, PingPong's platform delivers faster, more transparent, and higher-quality cross-border B2B transactions for enterprises, financial institutions, and SaaS companies. PingPong's proactive adoption of Form3's VoP solution well before the European Payments Council's October 2025 implementation deadline demonstrates this strategic approach. Form3's solution will ensure that PingPong is compliant with the Instant Payment Regulation, delivering faster, forward-compliant, and safer payments to the EU for PingPong's clients. The solution offers enhanced protection against authorised push payment (APP) fraud and payment errors while demonstrating the company's commitment to staying ahead of regulatory requirements. Today's announcement marks the third Form3 product that PingPong has adopted, having previously integrated SEPA Instant and Credit Transfer solutions into its customer offering. Mike Walters, CEO, Form3, said: "We're very happy to be working with PingPong, one of the leading global cross-border payments platforms. As the VoP deadline is imminent, what we can offer customers such as PingPong is a proven product that features zero downtime, and is second-to-none when it comes to operational resiliency." The VoP solution has been designed with compliance in mind for customers. Form3's fully managed service delivers compliance with regulations such as IPR and PSD3. A key selling point is that Form3 provides rolling scheme updates without service interruption. Form3's cloud-based, account-to-account payments platform, on which the VoP solution operates, is underpinned by a single API designed to integrate seamlessly into existing infrastructure. This allows customers to meet regulatory requirements while focusing on growth, improving the overall customer experience. The European Payments Council will implement the new VoP scheme in October 2025. It is designed to reduce fraud and payment errors by allowing a payer to verify whether the name of the intended payee matches the name held by the payee's payment service provider (PSP) for the provided IBAN. Alex Young, FI Partnerships Lead at PingPong, said: "We selected Form3's VoP solution because it's fast, resilient, and ensures we remain compliant against ever-changing regulations. By implementing this solution five months ahead of the October deadline, we're turning compliance into a competitive advantage for our enterprise, fintech and financial institution clients. Staying ahead of regulatory requirements is essential to maintaining our position as the world's leading cross-border payments provider. The onboarding experience from Form3 has been smooth, featuring excellent communication. We are deepening our partnership with Form3 because their technology is best-in-class for our cross-border payment needs."
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Canton packs 200 years of fun into 10 days for Bicentennial June 20-29.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The Canton Bicentennial begins June 20 with the 'Canton Cruise In' Car Show, and winds up with the Bicentennial Birthday Bash on June 29. The In between is packed with ice cream, concerts, historic bus tours, a time capsule reveal, a parade, and of course, plenty of birthday cake. Mike Walters, the chairman of the Canton Bicentennial 2025 Committee, and Carla Bobell, the executive director of the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk more about it. There has been such a huge interest in so many of the events that one of them is sold out in advance, the tribute to The Doors, who played at Canton High School in 1967. Not to worry, there is plenty of music on tap from at least four local bands, including the Canton High School band on June 24. 'There's so many different events, if you're a historian, and would love to learn all the history, or if you are just looking for some family friendly events to attend, this is the event to come out to,' Bobell said. One of those many historical events will be the reveal of a time capsule planted in 1925. Walters is pleased with its condition. 'We know it's dry, it's never been rained on, never had anything done to it, so we're very proud of this time capsule,' he said. Find out its 100-year-old secrets June 23 at 6:30 p.m. They will also prepare another capsule for 100 years from now. That opening is on my calendar. Another highlight of the 10-day event is the Parade of History, June 28, at 10 a.m. The fest also includes 5K run and walk June 28, to work off all the birthday cake. They've only been preparing for this celebration for 200 years, and it will be worth the wait. Find a comprehensive list of events and times at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
24-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
KeyBank's Commitment to Building Relationships With Small and Middle Market Businesses Wins 12 National and Regional Best Bank Awards From Coalition Greenwich
KeyBank is being recognized for its support of small and middle market business clients with twelve 2025 Best Bank Awards in middle market banking and small business. These awards reflect Key's sophisticated platform and depth of expertise for growth companies as well as its commitment to helping small businesses grow and run better. KeyBank received the following nine national and regional Coalition Greenwich Best Bank Awards for middle market banking: These awards recognize KeyBank's ability to build trusted relationships with middle market clients, providing them with high quality advice and day-to-day service, that helps them optimize business performance. 'These awards are a testament to the deep trusted relationships we've built with our clients and the dedication of the teams that serve them every day,' said Ken Gavrity, President of Key Commercial Bank. 'We are honored to be recognized by Greenwich Associates and our clients and remain committed to delivering a best-in-class platform and deep industry expertise that empowers middle market businesses to grow and succeed.' KeyBank also received the following three national and regional Coalition Greenwich Best Bank Awards for Small Business Banking: 'Our people are the foundation of KeyBank and these awards from Greenwich reflect their expertise and ability to reach out and build relationships with small businesses across the nation,' said Mike Walters, President of Business Banking at KeyBank. 'We are committed to providing small businesses with the tools and guidance they need to help them run better and grow in their communities.' Methodology Small Business: Awards are based on more than 13,000 interviews with businesses with sales of $1 million –$10 million across the country. Middle Market Business: Awards are Based on nearly 12,000 interviews with businesses with sales of $10–500 million across the United States. ABOUT KEYCORP In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at December 31, 2024. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit KeyBank Member FDIC.
Associated Press
21-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
SDS Products Announces New Standard in Performance Beverages: DRYP Hydration
DRYP Hydration is a New Line of Performance Beverages That Will Take the Drink Industry by Storm TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / February 21, 2025 / DRYP Hydration drops the mic by announcing a new line of performance beverages that will take the drink industry by storm. This new line of beverages with its modernized and balanced configured formula of electrolytes and vitamins is designed for the evolving needs of today's athletes seeking that ultimate performance edge in every sport to maximize results. DRYP Hydration offers four new fresh flavors that redefine what beverages should taste like, all without high-fructose corn syrup or artificial Hydration DRYP Tropical Fruit Flavor Bottle The company was launched by co-founders SDS CEO Tyler Nguyen and renowned celebrity reporter and co-founder of TMZ Mike Walters after meeting while their 10-year-old sons competed on the same elite travel baseball team. After many discussions with the team coaches and the common fatherly discussion of 'What do we give the kids to hydrate and fuel them in between games during the long and competitive multi-game tournaments?' DRYP ... Fuel To Compete was born. DRYP has forged new partnerships with professional athletes to help guide and improve the products and educate athletes all over the world. 'At SDS, we took a hard look at today's athletes and what they really need to perform their best at everything they do,' said Nguyen. 'They needed something new so we gave them DRYP Performance. You instantly know from the very first taste that this drink is different and that you can feel it. We brought back the real and natural ingredients because they are just plain better. We are excited to see athletes perform in their sports knowing they have our support.' 'Bottom line, it works, and it's cool,' DRYP's President Walters said. 'The kids love wearing their drip on the field with a DRYP in their bags. Plus, it tastes better than anything in the market. Period.' Designed with a new combination of four electrolytes and eight vitamins to support better energy, hydration, muscle function, and heart performance while reducing cramping and fatigue, DRYP ensures athletes will have the Fuel To Compete - to bring home the win! DRYP includes: 4 Electrolytes: 300mg Sodium, 64mg Potassium, 10mg Calcium and 5mg of Magnesium optimally formulated to maximize quick absorption. 8 Essential Vitamins: Vitamins A, C, D, and E with Vitamins B3, B5, B6, and B12 to help combat fatigue, allowing athletes to stay focused and maintain peak performance levels during training and game days. Unbeatable Taste: Four great new flavors - Orange, Lemon Lime, Tropical and Grape. But, not like you have ever tasted before. No acidic aftertaste to interfere with your performance focus. DRYP Hydration products are now available through its exclusive distributor TriStar Distributors in Lake Havasu, Arizona. About DRYP Hydration DRYP Hydration is the new standard in performance beverages. Founded in 2024, SDS comes to the table with a product line of drinks for every sport, ensuring each athlete has everything they need to perform at their best. Visit us at 7142674652 Tyler Nguyen
