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health and wellness

health and wellness

Is Your Space Designed with Consideration to Diverse Health Needs or Abilities?

Reimaging Workplace Wellness

Thinking of Incorporating Sustainable Design in Your Home or Multi-Family Project?

Beginners Guide to Building a Workplace Wellness Program

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Sep 30

Today is Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. ⁠
#Every Child Matters

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Sep 28

Did you know?⁠
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Numerous artificial ingredients are typically added to highly processed foods to improve taste and extend shelf life. However, since these additives do not add nutritional value to food, they may become toxic when consumed in large quantities.⁠
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Sourcing packaged foods and beverages without harmful artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners, and preservatives can help limit artificial ingredient consumption, as well as promote a diet of whole, natural foods. The food industry can help individuals avoid artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives. Limiting artificial ingredients is an optimization of the WELL Concept. Let us know if you would like to learn more!

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Sep 26

Taking Action on the Climate⁠ Crisis
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Climate change is the single greatest threat to public health in the 21st century. It already impacts all facets of our lives from more extreme weather, wildfires, and disasters to rising sea levels, increased air pollution, and the likelihood of more disease. This week, international leaders from business, government, and civil society gather in New York City for the 14th annual Climate Week, to showcase progress and raise awareness of global climate action that still needs to take place. A new report released by the World Health Organization warns that climate change is the "single biggest health threat facing humanity."⁠
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We know that human health and planetary health are inextricably linked. We also know that strategies that address climate health impact human health, too. There are many green building certifications that now encourage organizations to assess and disclose their carbon emissions, set science-based reduction targets and move toward carbon neutrality. These features focus on direct climate action by holding organizations accountable for their actual greenhouse gas emissions and tracking their progress toward those targets.⁠
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“We simply can’t have healthy people without a healthy planet.” Dr. Whitney Austin Gray⁠
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Be sure to check out our blog: https://matthewsdesigngroup.ca/?p=5969&preview=true&_thumbnail_id=5980 Link is also in our bio!
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#ClimateCrisis harms our health!⁠
#CARE4Climate #ClimateAction #ClimateEmergency #ClimateJustice

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Sep 23

Should you be concerned about the effects of blue light? ⁠
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According to recent studies, long-term exposure to blue light might seriously be affecting our health and longevity.⁠
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So what is blue light? Blue light is given emitted off of screens such as phones, computers, and LED lights. The largest blue light source is the sun, which makes it clear that blue light is unavoidable. A study conducted at Oregon State University tested the effects of blue light on fruit flies. They found that blue light affected both retinal and non-retinal cell longevity in common fruit flies, affecting everything from vision health to neurocognitive factors and locomotor function as well as movement, and overall longevity of organisms—especially later in life.⁠
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Fortunately, there are a few ways we can protect ourselves from blue light on a daily basis. Check out this article for more information: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/blue-light-exposure-impacts-your-longevity-new-study-reveals⁠
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Contact us for a list of ways to mitigate the effects of blue light in your home or office info@matthewsdesigngroup.ca

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Sep 21

Did you know?⁠
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A report by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) states that granite may contain varying concentrations of uranium and other naturally occurring radioactive elements. These elements can emit radiation and produce radon gas. In fact, Some granite used for countertops may contribute variably to indoor radon levels.⁠
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One way to avoid this is to source research your countertop materials thoroughly to mitigate health risks as well as to reduce Radon concerns.⁠
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Indoor air quality can be properly managed through different features listed in the WELL Air concept, including source control strategies, passive and active building design, and operation strategies, and human behavior interventions. Effective mechanical ventilation is particularly effective at bringing radon emissions below recommended thresholds.⁠
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Check out the article on radon in granite countertops by the EPA here: https://www.epa.gov/radon/what-about-radon-and-radioactivity-granite-countertops⁠
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Contact us for a list of recommended countertop materials and suppliers at info@matthewsdesigngroup.ca

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Sep 19

What does sustainability really mean? ⁠
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According to the Brundtland Report, sustainability is defined as: ⁠
development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.⁠
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We spend an average of 90% of our time indoors, therefore buildings have a tremendous impact on our daily lives. The built environment also immensely impacts our economy, society, and use of resources.⁠
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Research says buildings are responsible for:⁠
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➡️40% of total energy use, 72% of electricity use,⁠
➡️38% of greenhouse gas emissions⁠
➡️40% of raw materials use⁠
➡️40% of waste output/136 million tons annually⁠
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By building green, we can substantially reduce or even eliminate the environmental toll of our buildings while maintaining or even improving the economic and social impact they have. Contact us for sustainable design ideas at info@matthewsdesigngroup.ca⁠
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Read the whole report titled Our Common Future here: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/5987our-common-future.pdf

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Sep 16

If you live in the Okanagan you've probably experienced the negative effects s from wildfires in the region. Are you continuing to exercise outside during these smoke events? If so, it might be worth noting that exercise is a particular problem during smoky days because exercise simply makes you breathe more. The harder your body works, the more oxygen you need, and so the more air you’ll have to suck in to get it.⁠
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Many components of polluted air are bad for our health, but among the most problematic are PM2.5 particles, those smaller than 2.5 microns. (By comparison, dust and pollen tend to be in the PM10 category, ten microns and under.) These small particles can reach deeper into the lungs. Smoke or polluted air that contains a lot of PM2.5 particles can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, and can cause coughing and shortness of breath.⁠
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Consider working out indoors rather than outdoors to avoid the negative effects of PM2.5 on your health. The RESET standard suggests indoor air performance to ensure occupant health.⁠
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Click here for more info: https://matthewsdesigngroup.ca/services/well-fitwel-certification/

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Sep 14

Did you know?⁠
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Work-induced fatigue is common among office workers, with research indicating that over 20% of the workforce experiences prolonged fatigue. This may be caused by a depletion of physical and mental resources, resulting in an accumulated need to recover from mental fatigue and stress.⁠
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By providing restorative spaces for individuals to step away from the stress of the office environment, recharge, and refocus, employers can help alleviate the negative effects associated with workplace fatigue or mental depletion. Additionally, adding plants to a space has been linked with decreased levels of diastolic blood pressure, depression and anxiety.⁠
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Let us know if you need help designing a restorative space for your workplace.

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Sep 12

Ever wondered why we subconsciously wake up when we see light and feel tired or drowsy in the dark? All mammals have a 24 hour clock built into them, called the circadian system. Light is the main driver of the circadian system, which controls body processes, such as digestion, the release of certain hormones, body temperature, and sleep. Humans evolved their sleep schedules to be dependent on the natural day-night cycle. ⁠
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Access to appropriate levels of light in indoor environments can be achieved through building design, façade design, space layout, and lighting design. Windows, atriums, and skylights are design features that can be utilized to increase daylight in a space. ⁠
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Light exposure is a precondition of the WELL AP Standard. Check out this article for more info: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4254760/⁠

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Sep 9

Which comes first, succeeding and then being happy, or being happy and then succeeding? An interesting article by the National Wellness Institute sheds light on employees’ job satisfaction and emotional well-being. ⁠
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Workforce happiness has increasingly become the focus of many businesses. While it is most certain that employee happiness should boost job performance, the question is whether success is a byproduct of happiness or the reason for it. And just how much does initial happiness matter? ⁠
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Check out the article 'Top Performers Have a Superpower: Happiness' here: https://nwijournal.com/top-performers-have-a-superpower-happiness/

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Sep 7

Did you know? ⁠
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The chemical composition of drinking water, and therefore, its quality, changes from city to city and even within buildings due to the highly variable conditions of its sourcing, treatment, and distribution within cities and inside buildings.⁠
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How can we ensure that our drinking water is high quality? By making sure that the drinking water is treated appropriately. ⁠
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Many building-scale interventions can improve water quality depending on the contaminants that need to be removed. Typical technologies able to capture contaminants include activated carbon filters, ion exchange resins and reverse osmosis (RO) systems.⁠
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It is crucial to provide access to drinking water that complies with health-based limits on chemical composition.

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Sep 6

Our work environment and daily routines have a profound impact on our health influencing everything from our mental well-being to our chronic disease risks. A large percentage of workers are working from home, with this new normal it is all the more difficult to separate our work lives from our domestic life, therefore, increasing our stress levels. ⁠
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Fitwel has identified several health-promoting workplace strategies and interventions that can be readily adapted to support holistic health while working from home. Here are 7 ways to optimize health:⁠
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1. Connect with Nature - views of nature have a calming effect, which can contribute to reduced stress⁠
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2. Prioritize Daylighting - greater access to sunlight during the workday is associated with higher melatonin levels at night (better sleep)⁠
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3. Build in Regular Activity - decreasing sedentary behavior by taking a walk, using a standing desk, or working out can promote feelings of well-being ⁠
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4. Install Shading Options - having control over the amount of sunlight in your space can increase comfort levels and enhance mental health⁠
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5. Establish Cleaning Schedules - regular cleaning of bathrooms and kitchens can reduce the transmission of diseases⁠
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6. Eat Healthy & Stay Hydrated - strive for more mindful eating by ⁠
stepping away from your computer at lunchtime⁠
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7. Integrate Fresh Air - ventilation, can help improve air exchange, and enhance indoor air quality⁠
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To learn more about FitWel click the link in our bio!⁠
https://matthewsdesigngroup.ca/services/well-fitwel-certification/

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Sep 2

School is starting! It is important for parents to be alert, and keep kids safe.⁠
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According to Health Canada, people are much more aware of food allergies and their risks today than ever before. Many schools have careful guidelines about what students can and can't bring in their lunches. Products with allergen-free claims are now commonly found on grocery store shelves. Even with that heightened awareness, people need to be alert to the risks of food allergies for the safety of those with this potentially life-threatening condition.⁠
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What kinds of foods could have the potential to trigger an allergic reaction? Here is a list:⁠
⚠️Peanuts⁠
⚠️Tree nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachio nuts, and walnuts)⁠
⚠️Sesame seeds⁠
⚠️Milk⁠
⚠️Eggs⁠
⚠️Fish⁠
⚠️Crustaceans and molluscs⁠
⚠️Soy⁠
⚠️Wheat and triticale⁠
⚠️Sulphites⁠
⚠️Mustard⁠
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As there is no cure for food allergies, avoidance of food allergens is the recommended strategy for preventing serious allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.⁠
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Labelling of food allergens is a Precondition of the WELL Building Standard, read more here: https://matthewsdesigngroup.ca/services/well-fitwel-certification/#well⁠
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Check out this article for more information on allergens: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-allergies-intolerances/food-allergies.html⁠

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Aug 31

Did you know?⁠
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Alcohol and drug use contribute significantly to the global burden of premature death and disability. Harmful use of alcohol is a leading global risk factor, accounting for 3.3 million deaths per year (or 5.9% of all deaths) and 5.1% of the global burden of disease in 2014.⁠
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Today is International Overdose Awareness Day #iOAD2022⁠
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These significant losses can be mitigated by increasing the availability and access to substance abuse and addiction support services and by offering substance use education.⁠
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Prevention programs that address substance use through education and workplace policy, as well as available and affordable screening and treatment offerings, have been shown to be effective methods of preventing unhealthy substance use habits and addiction.⁠
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Please click the link in our bio for more information. 🤍⁠
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#iOAD2022 #wellness #workplacewellbeing #employeehealth #workplacehealth #healthybuildings #sustainabledesigns #wellbuildinginstitute #kelownainteriordesign #health #interiordesign #westkelownainteriordesign #kelowna #okanagan #kelownanow #canada #kelownaliving #kelownabc #okanaganlife #okanaganlifestyle #ylw #westkelowna #britishcolumbia #okanaganliving #explorekelowna #okanaganvalley⁠

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Aug 29

The most sustainable way to decorate your home involves shopping for pieces that will last, instead of shopping based on trends. Here are some ways that you can contribute to sustainable design:⁠
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🍃Reupholster before you replace⁠
🍃Shop secondhand⁠ when possible (watch for toxic paints and varnishes)⁠
🍃Swap in eco-friendly materials where possible⁠
🍃Look for labels such as Declare, Cradle to Cradle Certified (CM), and Green Tag Certified ⁠
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If you need help with redesigning your space to make it 'greener', feel free to contact us at info@matthewsdesigngroup.ca⁠
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Check out these links for more information:⁠
https://declare.living-future.org/⁠
https://www.ecolabelindex.com/ecolabel/cradle-to-cradle-certification⁠
https://www.ecolabelindex.com/ecolabel/greentag-certified

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Aug 26

The materials industry has been able to develop and adapt products to satisfy the needs of the market. However, some newly introduced chemicals that pose to be advantageous from a performance or cost perspective, may be associated with negative health effects.⁠
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Selecting products that are devoid of or have reduced amount of chemicals associated with health concerns may help to prevent exposure to these compounds. Check out Building Green's Enhance Product Guide to improve your material selection experience: https://www.buildinggreen.com/product-guidance⁠
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Link is also in our bio!

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Aug 24

Did you know?⁠
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Depression is the leading cause of disability in the world, and depression and anxiety alone cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion due to lost productivity, yet global annual spending on mental health is less than $2 per person.⁠
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How can we mitigate this global loss? By promoting mental health & well-being and implementing supportive programs, policies, and resources. ⁠
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Given the high prevalence of mental health conditions among the working population, the workplace is an important target for promotion, prevention and intervention efforts. Strategies such as increased organizational support, enhancement of mental health literacy and reduction of stigma, which have been shown to help people recognize signs of poor mental health and encourage help-seeking behavior can improve mental health & well-being. ⁠

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Aug 22

Have you ever wanted to improve your quality of life in your home or workplace? What better way to improve your day-to-day than by improving the air you breathe? ⁠
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We realize that indoor air quality is nuanced, constantly changing, and not obviously detectable by human senses. However, continuous ⁠monitoring makes indoor air quality results actionable and helps protect the health of occupants. ⁠
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Our team can help you achieve RESET™ Air Certification for your space so that you can breathe confidently. Call us for more information.

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Aug 19

Homes, especially the materials used to build the home can have an enormous impact on the environment. Your home’s footprint on the environment can be considerable and lasting depending on the choice of materials and appliances that you use. ⁠
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Green homes often focus on reducing these impacts by utilizing efficient and renewable energy sources, sustainable materials, and environmentally friendly construction techniques.⁠
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According to an article by Leaders in Energy, there are six green home building trends that will be popular in 2022. These trends will save homeowners money and energy while also protecting the environment. Some of these trends have already become common practice, but others are just now making their debut in new homes.⁠
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Six Green Building Trends:⁠
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1. Solar Panels⁠
2. Sustainable Materials⁠
3. Energy Efficiency⁠
4. Eclectic Design⁠
5. Water Conservation⁠
6. EV Charging Points⁠
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Check out the article for more information: https://leadersinenergy.org/6-green-home-building-trends-for-2022/ Link is also in our bio!

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Aug 17

Did you know?⁠
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Nearly a quarter of the global population fails to achieve physical activity guidelines and is considered physically inactive. Reduced healthcare costs, reduced absenteeism and increased productivity are the economic benefits of workplace programs.⁠
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How can physical activity be encouraged at work? By making physical activity readily available, and by providing employees opportunities to be physically active. ⁠
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Workplace wellness programs and offerings are considered great steps toward decreasing barriers to physical activity engagement among employees. Providing health club memberships and changing insurance benefits is a good place to start.

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