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Culinary, Health & Fitness, MSM Online

KIND Bars: The Perfect Combination of a Tasty & Healthy Snack

By Justina Coronel Photography Courtesy of KIND What if you could indulge in something so delicious and tasty and yet is so healthy for your body? Who wouldn’t want something as amazing as this? Well, KIND bars have over 22 bars and 6 Healthy Grains with multiple recipes that are perfected just for you. The KIND brand believes that if you can’t pronounce the ingredients that are entering your body then those products shouldn’t be going in. That’s why the ingredients are made of whole nuts, fruits, and whole grains, which contain essential nutrients for your body, such as fiber, protein, and antioxidants. The KIND Fruit & Nut bars are just as simple as whole nuts and fruit bound in honey, but yet keep your taste buds craving for more. If you need a little more kick in your life, the KIND Nuts & Spices bars have the highest quality whole nuts with naturally delicious spices such as cinnamon and chili pepper bound in honey. If these weren’t intriguing enough, these bars have 5 grams of sugar or less and are gluten-free and non-GMO. The perfect tasty and healthy combination is worth a celebration! What really should be celebrated is that KIND bars support one cause each month with $10,000! Anyone can vote and choose which organization should be supported for that month, causing everyone to be involved and awarded. KIND bars are not only so yummy and kind to each body but the company is truly supportive and kind to everybody.

Beauty, Body, Health & Fitness, LIFESTYLE, MSM Online, Skin Care

Perfect Mother’s Day Gift: New Spa Treatments at the Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau

By Justina Coronel What better way to show your mom some Mother’s Day loving than a luxurious retreat at the two-level, 40,000-square-foot Lapis Spa at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach? Lapis has enhanced their fabulous spa menu with a new innovative set of treatments: the Ayurveda treatments. Ayurveda, meaning life and knowledge in Sanskrit, is one of the world’s oldest, natural sciences and whole healing systems practiced by millions in India. These treatments are all about restoring and enhancing the body’s well-being by reducing physical discomfort as they dispose body toxins and transport the body back into balance. The treatments use three oils and herbs that follow the body’s intuition and needs. They stimulate relaxation, rejuvenation, and detoxification; what a perfect combination! The Ayurvedic Rituals’ feature four treatments that compliment each other. The Abhyanga Massage is a massage with a continuous flow of warm herb-infused oils that bring balance back to the seven layers of the body. The Arundhati Five Star Treatment focuses on healing the most nerve endings of the body such as the hands, feet, and scalp. Sirodahra Zekhara Ritual is a hair and scalp treatment that increases blood circulation and encourages more sound sleep. And last but not least, the final service includes Avar Na Body Wraps, which stimulates exfoliation and produces rehydration to the skin. “We are dedicated to bringing guests thoughtfully innovative services that reflect the changing wellness industry, likewise, we seek opportunities to invigorate even the oldest traditions, like the Ayurvedic Rituals, so our guests are exposed to a selection of services appreciated around the world,” said Josie Feria, Director of Spa Operations. And after these refreshing and revitalizing treatments, your mom will definitely be thanking you and singing the tune, “Oh, oh oh, Sweet Child o’ Mine.” To reserve an appointment, please visit fontainebleau.com/lapis, call 866-750-4772 or email LapisSpa@fontainebleau.com.

Health & Fitness, Health & Fitness, The Issue

Vixen Workout: Finding Your Inner Strength

By Gisel Habibnejad Photography by Alex Medina Famed Miami workout sensation, Vixen Workout, rapidly rose to the top in the fitness world in the last few years. Janet Jones, “Commander-in-Chief” of the Vixen Army, had no idea the potential of her idea when she took a risk by leaving everything conventional behind to pursue a happier and better lifestyle. Her inspiration has touched women across the country because she has anchored her real emotions to help empower other women and mothers in the work force. Janet has always had a passion for dance. Her résumé includes the Miami Heat Dance Team in 2005. After she left the team, she hopelessly fell into a corporate job because she felt it was the standard thing to do. Like many women, she subconsciously fell into what usually becomes a “zombie life” – dedicating your entire being to work and the household. While she really loves being a mother, she felt trapped by this routine and found herself emotionless as her light faded away. When she was laid off from her conventional job, she was left with nothing but 13 cents in her bank account and a newborn baby to support. With much courage and effort, she finally decided to take action. Something most people fear and shy away from. She then turned to her first love: dance. Janet channeled all her energy towards this passion and finally began to feel like herself again. She knew she wanted to help other women channel their inner beauty, too. “Abandoning yourself does not make you a better mother, wife, sister, daughter, etc. You need to take care of yourself first in order to take better care of everyone around you.” With the support and love of her family, the Vixen Workout was born. The goal of the class is to make every woman feel like they are in a nightclub with their friends dancing the night away, while unknowingly burning 1,000 calories per class (400-600 for beginners). The ultimate Vixen Army woman is “a woman who has found her light (or reignited it) and makes every woman around her see herself in the best possible light,” shares the Miami native. The hour long classes are made for every type of body shape and fitness need, whether you aim to lose weight or just simply want to tone up. However, the classes cannot be fully effective without a healthy diet, as any other workout routine. Speaking of nightclubs, Janet shares her favorite memory so far with Vixen Workout is when she took her class to LIV Nightclub, which sold out within 24 hours. The club was packed with 300 women of her Vixen Army. Every month, the Vixen Army can expect Janet to create new choreography and playlists. She produces routines that are easy to pick-up, whether you are a professional dancer or have never taken a dance class before in your life. With 102 choreographed routines to date, she has no plans of stopping any time soon. In August, she will be launching a nationwide certification program. So, how does this fitness maven juggle her business life with her personal life? She balances out her schedule with work, family, and fun. If she finds herself with one busy workweek, she will dedicate the next week to her family, home, and personal time. For her, family comes first and she would never let anything get in the way of that. She also shared some advice for those who have lost their light: “Each one of us is here to do something amazing. Listen to the voice inside not what ‘society’ tells you to do. The voice inside is your connection to your true self. Keep dreaming!” With the success of the Vixen Workout, Janet is happy to say she has found her light and happiness once again. “I have had the opportunity to change lives by doing what I love. I feel as if it is now my responsibility to affect as many women as possible.” For more information on the Vixen Workout, please visit vixenworkout.com

Health & Fitness, Health & Fitness, MSM Online

Cold. Pressed. Raw: Juicing Your Way to a Healthier You

By Gisel Habibnejad A new trend has been on the rise for the past couple of years. No, it’s not a fashion trend but a health trend. Juice cleansing offers an easy and natural way for detoxing the body of harmful toxins most humans consume everyday. Luckily, Cold. Pressed. Raw. offers this and much more right here in Miami. With flavors ranging from kale, spinach, celery, cucumber, parsley, apple, romaine, and lemon (The Green) to pineapple, mint, and alkaline water (A-Phro-Fruit) there’s a juicing collection for everyone.  CPR provides three levels of cleanse for first-time juicers to begin with and gradually build-up to reach the ultimate deep cleanse of level 3. If you’re a veteran, you can start at whichever level you feel comfortable with. But what really sets this company apart is their Athlete line. This is recommended for athletes and very active individuals. The line is perfectly tailored to those searching for a deep cleanse to revitalize their bodies. It contains The Green, A-Phro-Fruit, Eye-Vee (Swiss chard, French sorrel, kale, spinach, cucumber, parsley, and ginger), Mexi-Cayenne (lemon, alkaline water, cayenne, and raw agave), Heart Beet (beet, pear, lemon, and alkaline water), and Green Almond (raw almond, spiraling, chlorophyll, date, vanilla extract, and alkaline water). The chlorophyll, which plays an important role in the process of photosynthesis in plants, helps build, oxygenate, and replenish red blood cells in humans. Besides their cleverly named juice blends, CPR offers a carefully orchestrated collection of juices customized to your level of cleansing.  For more information or to make orders, please visit www.coldpressedraw.com

Health & Fitness, Health & Fitness, The Issue

Christine Bullock: The Evolution of Fitness

By Angela Betancourt Photographed by Sarah Orbanic Christine Bullock is a triple threat. She is a fitness model, wellness expert, and fashion maven that has set a new standard in the industry and she is only getting started. She’s been voted “LA’s Hottest Trainer,” has been featured in dozens of national magazines and TV programs, and her Butt Lift DVD won top Pilates DVD of 2013. Perhaps the only things more impressive than her accolades are her credentials. She has a BA in Psychology and Education and was a ballet dancer with the Pittsburg Ballet Theatre. She also has certificates in Pilates, Yoga, Barre, TRX, HIIT, Pre and Postnatal fitness, and nutrition.   Christine recently developed a new fitness series called “Evolution 20” which is a 60 day workout program and nutritional plan that requires only 20 minutes a day. As a busy woman herself, Christine saw an opportunity to create a program that would be effective and wouldn’t demand too much of our already busy lives.   Christine believes that fitness and nutrition are the keys to living life to the fullest. Eating well, exercising, and feeling good about yourself will not only get you ready for summer, but will enhance your overall quality of life. “Fitness is about creating the strongest version of yourself.”   In January Christine came to Miami to do a photo shoot for the all-natural Champion Naturals and shared a few words of wisdom on getting ready for summer and building a healthier life.   Don’t diet. “Going on a diet is restrictive and it’s like a punishment. I eat more than the people around me but I eat healthy.” Instead, focus on eating healthier foods. The number one thing she would recommend everyone stop eating right now is sugar. Sugar is in everything including processed foods so it’s not the easiest thing to eliminate.   Mix up your workouts. Get off the treadmill and try something different. “A 20-minute hard core work out is more effective than spending two hours doing the same thing.” Even celebrities in Hollywood have caught on to variety in working out. Christine points out that some Victoria Secret models have incorporated boxing to tone the upper body. Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna also mix things up. “Changing up your workout and tricking the body is what helps improve your physical form.” Stick to it. Though eating well and increasing your fitness level will put you on the road to a healthier you, results will be minimal if you don’t stick to it. Finding the motivation to work out can sometimes be difficult. Christine suggests reaching out to a friend. Having someone workout with you makes you accountable for each other and can serve as extra motivation. Push through it. On particularly hard days when working out is the last thing you want to do, you just have to push through the feelings. “The first 10 minutes can be miserable,” describes Christine about her tough days. “But if you push past those 10 minutes eventually things get easier.” Make a plan. An effective way to commit to a workout plan, is to “schedule things into a calendar and make them nonnegotiable items on your to do list. When you schedule things into your day you are more likely to follow through.” This isn’t just true for workouts. On Sundays, Christine plans out all her meals and workouts for the week. She also prepares some of the ingredients beforehand; she makes hummus, salsas, and chops up vegetables so they’re ready to go. Get the latest look. Christine loves fashion and blogs about fashionable gear on her website. She believes that feeling confident while exercising is an important part in having a good workout and wearing the right outfit can make a big difference. One of her favorite places to shop is Carbon 38. They feature a massive variety of active wear for just about every activity. “They have 70-100 new arrivals every month and there is something for you no matter what your style.” Christine gravitates to their Michi and Alo Yoga collections and loves bright colored gym shorts and apparel for spring. Christine also recommends checking out Lorna Jane Active Living, which is also very hot right now.

Events, Health & Fitness, MSM Online

“Just Move” with 24 Hour Fitness

By Gisel Habibnejad Starting a new workout routine can be difficult and 24 Hour Fitness understands that. They have developed a new program, called Just Move, to encourage everyone to get up and move! Last week, 24 Hour Fitness clubs across the country hosted Zumba classes to celebrate and motivate people everywhere to start-up their daily exercise schedule now. They host monthly courses dedicated to show people that exercising can be fun and different. What else sets this gym apart from the others? The environment of friendly instructors and sense of community help gym-goers forget they are actually working out. They help find solutions according to your lifestyle to accommodate your fitness goals. No matter what, you can always find time to work on your fitness at this gym. We caught up with Lashaun Dale (Vice President, Group X, Creative, 24 Hour Fitness) to find out more about Just Move: MSM: What was the inspiration behind the Just Move movement? LD: We are excited to provide opportunities for celebrating creative expressions and a chance to ‘restart’ your commitment to health and fitness in a community setting with like-minded individuals. Our monthly events offer this environment and a variety of special activities and experiences to give our members new ideas to refresh their workout commitments. MSM: How will the Zumba classes help jumpstart the idea of a healthy, everyday workout? LD: Zumba is such a great program–and one of its signatures is that it is easily tailored for your fitness goals, but always a good sweat and a good time. One of the main reasons to try a Zumba class is for community. Research shows that having a network and reference group that supports the change you desire and believes in you is one of the most critical factors to achieving your goals. We also really love that Zumba celebrates and provides a chance for creative expression–which is truly one of the keys to a long term commitment to a fitness routine and healthy and fit life. MSM: What are some other ways 24 Hour Fitness can integrate exercise into anyone’s hectic day? LD: We offer a wide variety of classes and workouts, different settings, along with content that can inspire and instruct you as you move forward on your path.  We just need you to come through the door of our club. Then, we can guide and work with you to find the solution “that moves you” to become the best version of you that you desire. MSM: Do you have any advice for those who find it hard to begin a weekly workout schedule? LD:  To your point above, the hard part is actually taking the first step.  However, it is easier if you really think of and dream of the bigger reason behind your goal.  Change is ignited from within, from a desire to experience a different version of your life.  From there, anything is possible, if you’re ready for the challenge.  Our goal is to give you a map, a supportive community and informed solutions that will entertain and educate you along your way. MSM: Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about 24 Hour Fitness and Just Move? LD: Just Move is a signature event–one of many moments that happen every day at 24 Hour Fitness.  If you miss the event, don’t worry–pick a time that you CAN come to the club; grab a friend if you wish, and get in the door.  We will be ready to help you begin your fitness journey from there! So grab your favorite gym partner and head to the nearest 24 Hour Fitness to start your new daily routine with people who care and encourage a fit and friendly lifestyle for you! For more information, please visit www.24hourfitness.com Photography Courtesy of 24 Hour Fitness

Events, Health & Fitness, MSM Online

Serena Williams Ultimate RUN South Beach

Photography by Augustus Laurencin To kick-off the event, The Ultimate Evening with Serena Williams which took place on Friday, December 12th, served as a fabulous opener for what this event is all about – helping those in need. This event included attendees who placed bids on exclusive live and silent auction items benefitting The Serena Williams Fund. The fund “provides assistance to families affected by violent crimes and provides underprivileged youth around the world with the highest quality of education available to them.”     The first annual Serena Williams Ultimate RUN South Beach was held this past Sunday, December 14th on Ocean Drive. More than two thousand runners participated of all ages and abilities to support the Serena Williams Fund. Registrants received a premium Nike tech gender-specific Serena Williams Ultimate Run t-shirt and a custom finisher medal with chip-timed result as a prize for participating. Also in attendance for the run, Venus Williams, joined her sister in post-race celebrations which included singing karaoke jams for their audience. “Today’s run was so enjoyable and the spirit of everyone who came out was so passionate which helped me to build the energy I needed for my first quarter marathon. I’ve never ran that far before, so I had to pace myself, but I was pleased with my finish time. I’d like to thank all the sponsors and everyone who participated in the run to help raise money for underprivileged youth around the world,” said Serena.  

Body, Health & Fitness, Health & Fitness, Healthy Recipes

EAT TO LIVE

By Polina Ivko To quote Benjamin Franklin, “One should eat to live, not live to eat.” Since the beginning of time, human society searched for sources and ways of improving their longevity and quality of life. Do you recall the fountain of youth or recent hormone therapies? In the history of modern science there were many successful experiments done to test the effects of nutrition and diet on our health. The recent rave is about calorie restriction. This dietary regimen promises to improve lifespan, promote weight loss, boost body repair function and survival rate after a major trauma or disease. The research on calorie restriction dates back to 1930s. Initially, the studies consisted of experiments on small animals under various nutritional conditions. For example, in 1982 Dr. Donald K. Ingram at the National Institute of Aging, Baltimore, Md., conducted a study in which mice fed every other day lived 82% longer than mice fed every day. Currently, Dr. Luigi Fontana at the Washington University School of Medicine is working with people who switched to a daily calorie restriction diet. It will take many years to get the true results, however, Dr. Fontana already observed some life improvements of the subjects and even calls them “new species.” He predicts that “calorie restricters” lifestyle will change how a human body works and ultimately result in better and longer life. You may have heard of many stars, models and gurus talk not only about what they eat, but also about how much they eat. For instance, a supermodel mentioned in countless interviews that she eats at her stomach’s want, but gives the indulgences up for a few days before or after that. Also, Fauja Singh, marathon runner, is a living proof of calorie restriction benefits. The man is 101 years old who has been active all his life, never had a surgery, has no signs of heart disease and takes no medication. He believes that the secret is in his diet that consists of simple foods and half-portions. In other words, Singh eats half of the amount of calories a regular person consumes. So, what is really happening in your body during fasting that makes you healthier? Scientists at the Whitehead Institute tied cell hyperactivity with mTORC1 (mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1) which decreased production of ketone, a known sign of aging in mice. When you fast, your blood glucose and insulin levels decrease aiding in mTORC1 inhibition, hence, prolonging your life. Calorie restriction is an up and coming trend in the health and fitness world, that might not have enough scientific evidence yet, but is certainly worth your attention. Take a look around at your friends and family, evaluate their dietary lifestyle and make your own conclusions.  http://www.miamishoot.com/msmwinter2012/files/70.html  

Beauty, Body, Health & Fitness, Health & Fitness, Skin Care

WINTER SKIN PROTECTION

1. Cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser and WARM water. A hot shower may feel great during the cold temperatures, but it will destroy the top layer of your skin that helps retain moisture and will dry out your skin even faster. Stay away from soaps that have strong antibacterial ingredients and deodorants that contain skin irritating ingredients. 2. Modify your facial skin care routine by skipping the toners and astringents. These products are for drying out excess oils in the skin and may dry you out further during the winter. Use sparingly in case you do need it. 3. With cold windy dry air and hot heat pounding at your skin daily, moisture is continuously being pulled. Apply moisturizer frequently throughout the day as often as your skin feels tight and dry. 4. Do not ditch your sun protection just because the days are shorter. Using an SPF is important no matter what time of year it is. Use a minimal SPF of 15 to ensure sun protection and re-apply every 1-2 hours. 5. Exfoliating will help clear skin of dead dry cells that build up on your skin’s surface. This will help keep your skin smooth and promote new skin growth. Be sure not to over exfoliate this can damage the new cell growth and decrease the potency of your moisturizer. 6. Don’t forget that your lips have skin too. Exfoliate your pout with a yummy sugar scrub and follow up with a moisturizing lip balm.

Health & Fitness, Health & Fitness

THE TRUTH ABOUT HANGOVERS

          by Ingrid Macher Okay, so you had some fun last night. But you ended up drinking too much and now you’re paying for it. Oops! Chances are… if your pounding headache allows you to, you’re probably searching the internet for cures for your hangover. But you need to be careful with that because there’s a lot of misinformation out there. And it turns out… a lot of commonly shared cures for hangovers aren’t just ineffective… but can actually harm your health. Don’t worry though… I’m about to give you the truth… and help you get over that hangover quickly. Make the pain go away. When we aren’t feeling good, we want that pain to go away fast. So we often rely on pain medication as a quick fix to get over whatever’s ailing us. Have you ever heard the term, “Take two Tylenol and call it a day?” Well it turns out… Tylenol is one of the worst things you can take when you’re hung over! Because Tylenol contains a substance called acetaminophen. That’s what makes it effective at getting rid of your headache. The only problem is, it places a burden on your liver. And if your liver is in a vulnerable state (like it is after drinking), you can end up with liver damage! So stay away from the Tylenol. If you need that quick fix pain reliever, stick to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen. Does coffee give you energy? Since you’re usually feeling lifeless the day after a night of drinking, it makes sense you’d want to drink some coffee for a quick “pick me up”. But as tempting as that may sound, coffee may be one of the worst things you can drink! Why? Because coffee contains a lot of caffeine, which dehydrates you! And if you’re feeling the standard hangover symptoms of a pounding headache and dry mouth, then you’re already dehydrated! The last thing you need is to start flushing out more water (which coffee does, since it’s a diuretic). So if you need a little boost of energy, what should you do? Well, oolong tea is a great alternative to coffee. It contains much less caffeine… and more vital nutrients, which you’re also depleted of after drinking. Another option is to drink water with a squirt of fresh lemon. Water is the substance your body needs most after drinking. You desperately need to rehydrate yourself. And the lemon adds minerals and antioxidants. But a third alternative many people don’t know about… is coconut oil. It is one of the best foods you can eat for a quick burst of energy. It’s made up of special fats that are instantly used for energy (instead of stored around your waist). It’s also a strong natural antibiotic known for its immune boosting properties. So taking down a spoonful of the stuff can get you going quickly. Put the booze away. Another myth often spread is that drinking more alcohol in the morning will help make the hangover go away. This is because hangovers happen when your body rapidly returns your blood alcohol level to zero. So by drinking again, you can delay the process and ease the pain. The only problem is, all this does is delay the inevitable. By drinking again, you’re putting your body under a heavy burden of stress at a time it’s already depleted. Not to mention… drinking so regularly is a dangerous path you don’t want to go down. So when your night ends, so should your drinking. So then what should you do? Well, take some ibuprofen, rehydrate yourself, give yourself an energy boost with some coconut oil, and then be sure to eat nutritious foods to start putting the minerals back in your body. When you follow those steps, you’ll get over your hangover the healthy way. If you found this information helpful, please share it with your friends. http://www.miamishoot.com/msmwinter2012/files/72.html

Health & Fitness, Health & Fitness

YOGA – THE HARMONY OF SOUL

    THE HARMONY OF SOUL Yoga is my passion. The first time I took a yoga class I knew it would change my life. It made me feel invigorated, stress-free, healthy, strong, graceful and feel more beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. I continued to practice yoga and every time I discovered more benefits such as weight loss, resolution of my scoliosis, mental clarity and a feeling of unity of my body, mind and spirit. Some of the most common questions that I hear every day as an instructor are; why should I do yoga and what benefits does it bring? The answer is very simple. Yoga induces one’s health on many levels: psychological, physical, biochemical, intellectual and spiritual. If people are healthy they are happy. Yoga is a great way to escape every day stress for anyone. It is a path through which you can resolve your emotional and psychological problems by meditation, exercising pranayama (deep breath) and asanas (body positions). Everyone expresses different levels of stress over a lifetime, that translates into muscle strain and eventually creates a tension shell over the body. Yoga has a large variety of exercises channeled towards relaxation that can help you unlock that tension shell and prevent future physical and mental stress by creating a stronger willpower, a mental ballast and an ability to enjoy life easily. Moreover, a person who is free of the muscular and psychological tension will experience an improved quality of sleep. Yoga is also a perfect road to physical well-being. The exercises that are done during a yoga practice help to restore the proper structure of spine, normalize the work of musculoskeletal system and all the internal organs, regulate blood circulation, endocrine system, digestive tract and respiratory system. After every practice you will find yourself feeling limber, relaxed and as light as a snowflake. In terms of biochemistry, yoga helps to lower the levels of glucose, sodium, cholesterol, white blood cells and increase the levels of hemoglobin, lymphocytes and thyroxine in blood. Hence, it can prevent or regulate existing conditions such as diabetes, obesity, sports injuries, arthritis, osteoporosis and countless others. Everybody can find something in themselves to fix with yoga. Yoga improves the intellectual abilities by properly regulating hemispheric interactions of the brain which forms wholeness and interconnection of all psychological processes. Furthermore, the practice influences spatial thinking and teaches the brain to develop creative approaches to solving any problem and increases the quality and volume of attention and memory. Do not be surprised to find yourself more successful in your career, social circles and socio-economic standing. Harmony of soul is another element that is exercised through meditation during a yoga practice. You will learn to balance your life, love the world as it is and ultimately find peace. Indeed, yoga has a very unique system that enforces development and unification of every component of human psyche and body. You will not find any other activity that offers such a wide range of work on yourself physically, mentally and spiritually all at once. __________ Polina Ivko is a Yoga instructor in South Florida born and raised in Kiev, Ukraine. She got her first taste of exercise as a ballet and traditional dance student at Kiyanochka Choreography Academy at the age of 6. Through out her life she was looking for ways to balance and unite mind, body and heart. Finally, she found herself in yoga. After an extensive training, she became an instructor at the age of 16. Currently, Polina specializes in many formats such as yoga, pilates, cardio training and silver sneakers. For a consultation, please contact her at: indulgeinyogahealth@yahoo.com

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