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Treating Mold Illness in the Aftermath of Hurricanes

By |2024-10-23T20:14:33-04:00October 23rd, 2024|Categories: Mold|Tags: , , , |0 Comments

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season caused tremendous destruction along Florida’s Gulf Coast, as well as in the mountains of western North Carolina and at multiple points in between, and it may not be over — hurricane season doesn’t officially end until November 30.

Adding to these miseries? Among the most serious health threats for people living in these areas disrupted by surging tides and floodwaters is mold.

Structural damage to homes, schools, and businesses combined with trillions of gallons of water cannot help but to increase exposure to mold toxins, which are universally known to negatively impact health.

If you’ve been spending any amount of time in a water-damaged building (home, school, or workplace), and you’re experiencing any symptoms of exposure to toxic mold, please read on.

Photo for Treating mold illness after a hurricane

Mold Toxicity Symptoms

Let’s start with a list of some of the conditions and symptoms that we commonly see in patients who are suffering from exposure to mold toxins:

  • Brain fog (impaired focus and attention). For more information, read “The Brain Fog Mycotoxin Connection” here on our blog.
  • Fatigue, which may be indicative of chronic fatigue syndrome-myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS-ME), depending on its severity (for more information, please read “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Healing Your Frustrations!” here on the PROVOKE Health blog)
  • Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus, which can cause a sore throat and chest pain)
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Irritable bowel syndrome-mixed (IBS-M), characterized by alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea (for more information, read “IBS Diagnosis and Treatment Calls for an Understanding of SIBO and SIFO” here on the blog)
  • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth-small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIBO-SIFO) or candida yeast overgrowth (a type of SIFO). For more information, read “What Is SIBO and What Can I Do About It?” here on our blog.
  • Dementia
  • Sinusitis (with allergy-like symptoms — sneezing, runny nose, congestion, post-nasal drip)
  • Migraines or less severe but recurring or persistent headaches
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Vertigo
  • Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). For more information, please read “What is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome – or POTS?” here on the PROVOKE Health blog.
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), which causes allergy-like symptoms (for more information, read “Diagnosing and Treating Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)” here on our blog.
  • Lichen sclerosus — a condition that causes patchy, discolored, thin skin, usually in the genital or anal area (for more information, please read “Personalized Treatment for Lichen Sclerosus,”)
  • Dermatitis, swelling of the skin (rashes)
  • Chronic food sensitivities
  • Loss of resilience (increased susceptibility to chronic colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other infections)

The list of conditions and symptoms is extensive, partly because mold-related illnesses often go unnoticed by traditional healthcare providers. As a result, those of us who specialize in testing for and treating mold-related illnesses have come to understand its scope in ways that few others do. And here at PROVOKE Health, we don’t guess, we test!

First Steps: Getting an Accurate and Thorough Diagnosis

If you’re experiencing any of the conditions or symptoms described in the previous section, or suffer other unexplained symptoms, you have a choice between two starting points. Begin by having your home inspected, as well as other buildings where you spend time. If toxic mold is suspected, you’ll need to get both your home and yourself tested and treated. If tests come back positive, you’ll want to treat your residence first.

However, if you and your home both test negative, the results will direct our attention to some other cause of your ailments.

At PROVOKE Health, we always start with a thorough evaluation — a physical exam plus an examination of your health history, family history, lifestyle, medications, living environment, and more. This initial examination often reveals factors that we need to take a closer look at by ordering targeted lab tests. Our objective is to keep peeling back “layers of the onion” until we identify the root cause(s) of the symptoms or condition.

For example, a patient may have a vitamin B12 deficiency caused by Continue reading…

Tips for Protecting Your Health After a Hurricane

By |2024-10-09T20:39:28-04:00October 9th, 2024|Categories: Natural Disasters|Tags: , , |0 Comments

Protecting your health after a hurricane is just important as getting the rest of your life back on track. At PROVOKE Health, we’re committed to empowering you to take control of your health, especially when facing challenges brought on by extreme weather. With Hurricane Milton in mind, it’s essential to be prepared for the health risks that come with heavy rains and flooding.

Graphic for Tips for Protecting Your Health After a Hurricane

Two major concerns right now are Vibrio vulnificus infections and mosquito-borne diseases. Here’s how you can protect yourself and your family in the days after a hurricane.

Avoiding Vibrio vulnificus: What You Need to Know

Vibrio vulnificus is a dangerous bacterium commonly found in warm coastal waters like those near our location Tampa Bay, Florida. After heavy rains and flooding, the risk of infection increases, especially in saltwater environments. Vibrio can enter your body through open wounds or be ingested, causing severe illness, and even lead to life-threatening scenarios.

Who Is at Risk for Vibrio vulnificus?

Certain people are more vulnerable than other to Vibrio infections, including:

  • Anyone with a weakened immune system
  • Patients living with common liver diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C
  • Anyone with open wounds, cuts, or scrapes

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

If you’ve been exposed to floodwaters, it’s important to watch for the following symptoms:

  • Diarrhea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fever and chills
  • Rapid heart rate or confusion

If any of these symptoms arise after exposure, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Simple Steps for Protection from Vibrio vulnificus

  • Avoid floodwaters: Stay out of standing water, sea water, or salty water during and after a storm.
  • Cover wounds: If you have open cuts or wounds, keep them protected with waterproof bandages.
  • Clean up properly: After contact with floodwaters, thoroughly wash your skin and wounds with soap and clean water.

Next, you need to know about mosquito-borne diseases that often on the rise after a hurricane. Continue reading…

Hurricane Milton: Act Now — Early Prescription Refills Permitted

By |2024-10-07T13:24:38-04:00October 7th, 2024|Categories: Natural Disasters|Tags: , |0 Comments

If you live in Florida or rely on us for prescription refills, here’s what you need to know about our plan for this week in the wake of Hurricane Milton.

Hurricane Milton Graphic for Healthcare

As of today (Monday, Oct. 7, 2024), Hurricane Milton — rapidly strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico — is forecasted to become a Category 5 storm on a path toward Florida. It is threatening a dangerous storm surge in Tampa Bay, where PROVOKE Health is located.

Prescription Refills

Yesterday, the Governor of Florida issued executive orders declaring a state of emergency in preparation for Hurricane Milton’s projected landfall and allowing early prescription refills.

This means we have waived the usual restrictions on when you can refill your prescriptions, as long as you have refills remaining. You can now get at least a 30-day supply, and this policy will remain in place until the state of emergency is lifted.

If you’d like to take advantage of this or know you need a prescription refill, please submit your request by 5 p.m. Eastern Time today. If we receive your request after 5 p.m., we may not be able to assist you in time.

To request a prescription refill before 5 p.m. today, you can: Continue reading…

IBS Diagnosis and Treatment Calls for an Understanding of SIBO and SIFO

By |2024-10-03T13:49:57-04:00October 2nd, 2024|Categories: Irritable Bowel Syndrome|Tags: , , |0 Comments

We’ve all heard the words Irritable Bowel Syndrome before, but what exactly is it? Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS for short) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, or alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. It can be caused by one or more factors, such as impaired gut motility, food sensitivities, stress, or overgrowth of certain bacteria or fungi in the digestive tract.

As I was writing this post, I ran an internet search for “IBS” and found several websites claiming, “there are no specific tests for it” and suggesting that the condition can be managed, but not necessarily cured. Such statements are misleading.

Although there is no test specifically for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, there are tests for a common cause of IBS — bacterial or fungal overgrowth in the digestive tract. In addition, we can test for food sensitivities through an elimination diet. Effective treatments are available to repair the gut and restore balance to the microbiome.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Diagnosis and Treatment Graphic

This post explores one of the most common causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome — small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO) — along with the treatment options we often use with our patients at PROVOKE Health.

SIBO and SIFO — What’s The Difference?

Your digestive tract contains trillions of microorganisms that aid digestion and help your body in countless ways, including by providing nutritional support. This community of microorganisms is referred to as the microbiome. To function effectively, the microbiome must be balanced. An imbalance, referred to as dysbiosis, can lead to various health problems, including digestive disorders, allergies, and even mood disorders.

Dysbiosis can be categorized into two types:

  • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) — an overabundance of one or more types of bacteria in the gut
  • Small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO) — an overabundance of one or more types of fungi in the gut

SIBO and SIFO can be caused by one or more of the following factors:

  • Poor diet: Diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates and low in fiber and other essential nutrients are especially prone to fueling SIFO, but can also fuel SIBO.
  • Certain medications: Antibiotics can kill beneficial bacteria, providing opportunities for fungi and/or other bacteria to proliferate. Acid-reducers — proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Prilosec (omeprazole), Prevacid (lansoprazole), and Nexium (esomeprazole) — reduce the concentration of acid in the stomach, allowing infectious bacteria to survive the stomach and pass into the intestines where they can flourish. Long-term use of corticosteroids can also cause problems.
  • Compromised immunity: If the immune system is stressed for any reason, its ability to defend against SIBO and SIFO can be reduced.
  • Other health conditions: For example, diabetes can cause high blood sugar, which can promote fungal overgrowth. Intestinal motility disorders (slow movement of food and waste through the digestive track) provide an environment suitable for overgrowth.

IBS and the Connection to SIBO/SIFO

Dysbiosis can result in inflammation, malabsorption of nutrients, excess gas, and irregular food processing. If left untreated, it can damage the thin protective lining of the gut, resulting in leaky gut — a condition in which molecules that should be kept inside the intestines are released, triggering an immune response. This immune response can create a state of systemic and chronic inflammation, and may lead to autoimmune conditions, such as allergies, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and others. When inflammation strikes the intestines, it can result in IBS.

Diagnosing SIBO/SIFO

Specific tests can determine whether you have SIBO or SIFO (or rule it out as a likely cause): Continue reading…

Protecting Your Family from Mold Exposure in Your Home

If you’re anything like me, you believe in the basic hygienic science of clean air, clean water, and clean, nutritious food as a great starting point for optimal health. This trifecta of environmental health factors has always been the foundation of human health.

We all want clean air, food, and water, and to some degree we have it thanks to advances in wastewater treatment, low-emissions technologies, and healthy farming practices. Of course, in other ways, modern society has made our environment even more toxic with plastics, pesticides, food additives, and potentially harmful chemicals in everything from the homes we live in and the clothes we wear to the cleaning solutions, personal hygiene products, and cosmetics we use.

Photo about Protecting Your Family from Mold Exposure in Your Home

Most of us never notice the impact these potentially harmful substances have on our health and well-being. That’s because our bodies have built-in detoxification mechanisms designed to filter out and excrete these chemicals. Assuming these mechanisms are functioning properly, the toxic load does not exceed its capacity and we notice little, if any impact.

Why Toxic Mold Often Goes Undiagnosed and Misunderstood

One common environmental toxin that often overwhelms the body’s detox mechanisms is toxic mold. Such exposure is frequently dismissed as a potential cause of chronic illness.  However, many of the patients we treat here at PROVOKE Health first come to us reporting symptoms that are characteristic of mold toxicity.

These patients often tell us they have already consulted with numerous doctors and specialists, adding they have never received a clear diagnosis or effective treatment. At best, patients are diagnosed as having chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, or some other vague illness and are then prescribed medication that alleviates some of their symptoms to some degree. Usually, though, these patients struggle with chronic symptoms that disrupt their lives and are left without any insight as to what’s making them feel so poorly.

If you are concerned about toxic mold or are experiencing symptoms you suspect may be related to mold exposure, you have come to the right place. In this post, I present practical steps to have your home tested (and treated, if necessary) for toxic mold. and to recover from mold exposure that you suspect is making you or one of your family members ill.

First Steps: Mold Testing and Remediation

Let me start by saying that it’s unlikely your home is free of mold and mycotoxins (the harmful substances molds produce and release into the air).

A home is, in essence, a living organism. We are constantly bringing microorganisms such as mold into the home from the outdoors, and this is normal. The molds we are more concerned about are Continue reading…

Shoulder Pain Cure: There’s a New Multi-Layered Approach

By |2024-09-05T17:43:22-04:00September 5th, 2024|Categories: Peptides|Tags: , , , |0 Comments

If you read my earlier post about a new treatment for rotator cuff injuries (“Is There a Miracle Cure for Rotator Cuff and Other Joint Injuries?”), you know that shoulder pain isn’t something you can just shrug off.

It is such a common occurrence that medical researchers say nearly 70 percent of adult women and men will experience significant shoulder pain at some point in their lifetime.1 While it is usually associated with aging and generally starts between the ages of 30 and 60, shoulder pain can strike at any time and without a known reason.

Although some people feel they can trace their shoulder pain back to a clear cause — an injury, for example — most shoulder pain is due to normal wear and tear over years of use (or misuse), internal inflammation, or other underlying issues.

Illustration for Causes of Shoulder Pain

That said, understanding the factors that can cause or contribute to shoulder pain is important in order to provide effective treatment. In many cases, several factors need to be addressed. In this post, I explore the many causes of shoulder pain and describe the multi-layered approach we now recommend to our patients here at PROVOKE Health to alleviate the pain, repair any damage, and restore strength and range of motion.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

While those of us who have never lived with it may think that it only affects baseball pitchers, competitive swimmers, or football quarterbacks, serious shoulder pain can arise from many factors, including one or more of the following causes: Continue reading…

Chronic Inflammation: New Insights and Next Steps

By |2024-08-30T16:07:17-04:00August 30th, 2024|Categories: Inflammation|Tags: , , , , , |0 Comments

In a wide-ranging speech on Aug. 23, 2004, in Phoenix, Ariz., Robert F. Kennedy Jr., then an independent candidate for President of the United States, made several comments about chronic disease, a topic typically addressed by doctors and, less often, by public health officials.

“Chronic disease is an issue that affects all of us far more directly and urgently than any culture war issue, as well as all the other issues that we obsess over that are tearing apart our country,” Kennedy said. “This is the most important issue. Therefore, it has the potential to bring us together.”

Chronic Inflammation News Graphic

Mr. Kennedy highlighted several data points that we were able to verify to illustrate the severity of the issue, including:

  • The United States spends more on healthcare than any other country, nearly twice as much as Europe. (source)
  • Two-thirds (66 percent) of American adults and children suffer from chronic health issues. (source)
  • About 18 percent of American teens have fatty liver disease. (source)
  • Seventy-four percent of Americans are overweight or obese. (source)
  • Cancers among young adults have increased by 79 percent. (source)

We appreciate Mr. Kennedy for bringing attention to the immense impact chronic disease has on both the U.S. economy and the health of our children and adults. As a Tampa, Florida-based medical practice dedicated to functional medicine and integrative healthcare, we have long been committed to diagnosing and treating the root causes of illness. Mr. Kennedy’s message, which you can read in its entirety here, echoes what we and our colleagues have been advocating in our clinics for years.

Inflammation – The Common Factor in Most Cases of Chronic Disease

One word that was noticeably absent from Mr. Kennedy’s remarks was “inflammation,” which those of us who have dedicated our lives to the medically-supervised care and motivation of others know is at the root of most chronic health conditions.

Virtually all chronic disease can be traced to chronic inflammation, and most chronic inflammation can be traced to preventable causes, including the following: Continue reading…

Meet The Team: Dr. Karalynne Blochberger, MD – Medical Director at PROVOKE Health

By |2024-08-27T14:42:08-04:00August 22nd, 2024|Categories: Meet The Team|Tags: |0 Comments

Dr. Karalynne Blochberger joined us here at PROVOKE Health in Tampa in June of 2023 where she currently serves as Medical Director of our functional medicine and integrative healthcare practice.

Ask her and Dr. Blochberger gladly tell you that her decision to work alongside our founder, Dr. Matthew Lewis, was pragmatic: She wanted to help people figure out the “why” behind their symptoms in order to determine the “how” of their return to optimal health, quality of life, resiliency and confidence.

And that’s pretty much the philosophy behind Functional Medicine and Integrative Healthcare — especially as provided by the doctors and staff here at PROVOKE Health.

A graphic featuring Dr. Karalynne Blochberger of PROVOKE Health in Tampa, Florida

Born in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, where she spent her first decade of life, she and her family moved to Holland, Mich., where she completed her undergraduate studies at Hope College, graduating in 2012 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in both chemistry and Spanish. In 2017, Dr. Blochberger was awarded her Medical Degree from the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University in East Lansing.

In other positions, Dr. Blochberger has worked as a physician at Access Primary Care in Orlando, and Advent Health Primary Care Plus, also in Orlando. She is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

We asked this busy physician — who is known as “Doctor B” by her co-workers and patients — some personal questions, to which she was willing to respond. Get to know Dr. Blochberger, in her own words…

PROVOKE HEALTH: In your own words, please share what drew you to work for PROVOKE Health? Continue reading…

Medications That Deplete Nutrients and How to Minimize the Damage

It’s been nearly 15 years since licensed pharmacist Suzy Cohen wrote her groundbreaking book, Drug Muggers: Which Medications Are Robbing Your Body of Essential Nutrients — and Natural Ways to Restore Them. A member of the Institute of Functional Medicine, the American College for Advancement in Medicine, and the American Association of Anti-Aging Medicine, Cohen effectively focused our attention on over-the-counter and prescription medications that deplete the body of essential nutrients.

In this post, I build on Cohen’s work by highlighting some of today’s common medications associated with nutrient depletion and provide guidance on how to restore the nutrients they are known to affect.

Image Medications That Deplete Nutrients

While it’s important to point out in a post like this one that some over-the-counter and prescription medications can be helpful in treating and managing various illness and relieving symptoms, it’s similarly important to acknowledge that many people don’t realize that some of these same medications can deplete their body of essential vitamins and minerals. The resulting nutrient depletion can lead to a number of health issues, creating a cycle of dependency on more medical interventions that often involve some over-the-counter and prescription medications. Being able to recognize the medications that can rob your body of what it needs to thrive and knowing how to address this issue proactively will help you maintain optimal health while managing your health.

Common Nutrient-Depleting Medications

Many medications are known to deplete nutrients. Most of these are prescription medications, but some are available over the counter, including proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) — medications used to reduce stomach acid.

Statins (Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs)1

  • Nutrient Depleted: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
  • Why It Matters: CoQ10 affects energy production in your cells and has properties that protect your heart. A deficiency in CoQ10 can cause fatigue, muscle pain, and even an increased risk of heart failure, so don’t wait for symptoms to develop before acting.
  • What You Can Do: If you are taking a statin, speak to your healthcare provider about supplementing with CoQ10. If your healthcare provider prescribed a statin medication and did not recommend a CoQ10, consider finding a physician who understands the pros and cons of statins and can explore additional options to treat cardiovascular disease and its associated risk factors.

If you experience muscle pain or weakness, work with your healthcare provider to switch to a different statin medication or explore alternative treatments. Here at PPROVOKE Health, we have patients who had experienced weakness for years during which neither the patient nor doctor was aware this was a side effect of a statin medication. As an aside, I can’t imagine ignoring, dismissing, or failing to address a patient’s years-long experience of weakness and fatigue. Weakness and fatigue are not normal and should be treated just as you would treat heart disease. An increase in energy and strength is usually a sign of improved health and fitness.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) (Acid Reflux Medications)2

  • Nutrients Depleted: Calcium, Vitamin B12, and Magnesium.
  • Why It Matters: Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors may lead to low magnesium levels, which is associated with muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, and seizures. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to cognitive issues, nerve damage, and anemia . A deficiency in calcium may increase the risk of bone fractures.
  • What You Can Do: If you are taking a proton pump inhibitor such as dexiansoprazole (Dexilant), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), or rabeprazole (Aciphex), the best thing you can do is work to resolve the underlying problem in your digestive tract. At PROVOKE Health, we have been working with patients for many years on resolving gastrointestinal problems using comprehensive diagnostic testing and integrative treatments to get to the root of the problem.

Our approach may include Continue reading…

What Does Functional Medicine Say About the Mediterranean Diet?

By |2024-08-30T15:32:52-04:00August 8th, 2024|Categories: Food & Nutrition|Tags: , |0 Comments

Depending on your plan of care, your Tampa functional medicine healthcare provider, like those at PROVOKE Health, may recommend an eating plan based on the Mediterranean diet. If you’re unfamiliar with it, the Mediterranean diet, inspired by the traditional eating habits of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, has long been praised for its health benefits.

Rich in plant-based foods, healthy fats, and lean proteins, the Mediterranean diet emphasizes overall well-being rather than calorie counting or restrictive eating. But what does functional medicine say about the Mediterranean diet? That’s the focus of today’s post.

Tampa Functional Medicine at PROVOKE Health

At PROVOKE Health, we practice functional medicine in Tampa because it’s a patient-centered approach to healthcare that’s intentional about addressing the underlying causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms. This approach to healthcare focuses on personalized plans of care that consider the unique health history (both yours and your family), genetics, biochemical factors, lifestyle, and health and fitness objectives of each of our patients.

When it comes to that which fuels our bodies, especially when we’re sick, functional medicine practitioners like our Founder, Dr. Matt Lewis, D.C., DACBN, CFMP®, and our Medical Director, Dr. Karalynne Blochberger, MD, often emphasize the importance of whole, nutrient-dense foods that support overall health and prevent chronic disease. And that’s where the Mediterranean diet comes into play.

Mediterranean Diet Photo

For additional information about functional medicine, please read Functional Medicine Explained, here on the PROVOKE Health Blog.

Key Components of the Mediterranean Diet

Before diving into the Functional Medicine perspective, let’s first take a moment to understand the components of the Mediterranean diet:

  • Vegetables and Fruits: These form the cornerstone of the diet, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The Mediterranean diet encourages at least five (5) servings of vegetables and fruits per day, ensuring a variety of colors and types to maximize your intake of nutrients that support your plan of care.
  • Whole Grains: Unlike refined grains, whole grains are packed with fiber, which supports digestion and helps you reach and maintain a healthy weight. Whole-grain bread, pasta, and rice are staples of the Mediterranean diet.
  • Healthy Fats: The Mediterranean diet emphasizes healthy fats from sources like olive oil, nuts, and seeds. These fats are beneficial to your heart health and can help reduce inflammation, which is common in most of the chronic illnesses we treat at PROVOKE Health.
  • Lean Proteins: Fish and seafood are the primary sources of protein that the Mediterranean diet relies on — particularly those rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Poultry, beans, and legumes are also included, while red meat is limited.
  • Minimally Processed Foods: The Mediterranean diet is intentional about its avoidance of processed foods and refined sugars, focusing instead on whole, natural ingredients. As we like to say, if it comes in a box, it’s probably not going to be compliant with this particular approach to eating.

Functional Medicine’s View on the Mediterranean Diet

From a Functional Medicine perspective, the Mediterranean diet aligns well with the principles of personalized and whole-body healthcare. Here’s are four ways: Continue reading…

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