Friday, January 31, 2003

Med Access Announces Industry Leading e-Referral Network

Med Access Announces Industry Leading e-Referral Network

Med Access users now able to electronically send complete patient data and requests to other health care providers

Kelowna, B. C. (PRWEB) October 29, 2010

Med Access announces launch of an exclusive e-Referral Network that allows Specialists, GPs, urgent care clinics, call groups, and allied health professionals to electronically forward any information in a patient’s chart directly to the next care provider where it becomes fully-operable information in that provider’s Med Access Electronic Medical Record (EMR). Health care providers have complete control over the scope of the patient information that they choose to send and receive.

“The e-Referral Network is a valuable tool to support better and more efficient communication between GPs and Specialists using Med Access EMR, relieving Specialists of the burden of establishing a new patient record for each new patient seen,” commented Paul Walker, President and CEO of Med Access. “Continuity of care and reliability of follow-up are significantly enhanced between all care providers. For example, family doctors can use the e-Referral Network to provide an update for a colleague’s patient seen at a walk-in clinic or when taking call for a call group.”

Adding extra value for customers of our comprehensive EMR, Med Access is now a leader in inter-clinic communication and is helping to establish a new benchmark for EMR communication and interoperability.

About Med Access

Med Access is Western Canada’s leading provider of Specialty and Family Practice Electronic Medical Record (EMR) software, and the only vendor conformed and publicly funded in all 4 Western provinces. The company is privately held and has a wide and diverse shareholder base. Med Access is headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia, with offices in Calgary and Winnipeg. For more information on Med Access, visit http://www. med-access. net

Media Contact

Paul Walker
President and CEO
#7, 2250 Leckie Road
Kelowna, B. C. Canada V1X 7K1
1.888.781.5553
Http://www. med-access. net
Paulw(at)med-access(dot)net

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Ergonomic Floor-Cleaning Machines from Advance Contribute to LEED-EBOM Certification while Increasing Worker Comfort

Ergonomic Floor-Cleaning Machines from Advance Contribute to LEED-EBOM Certification while Increasing Worker Comfort

Cleaning equipment that minimizes vibration, noise and user fatigue increase operator safety and cleaning productivity.

Plymouth, MN (Vocus) September 30, 2010

Advance now offers ergonomically designed floor-cleaning equipment that can help contribute points to LEED-EBOM certification. Advance’s Advenger™ rider-scrubber with EcoFlex System and the ProTerra™ rider-sweeper meet requirements for sustainable cleaning equipment specified by the Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance Rating System (LEED-EBOM). The Advenger and Proterra offer ergonomic design features that minimize physical stress on the user and maximize operator safety, both of which are requirements under the LEED-EBOM program.

The use of ergonomic cleaning equipment is a prerequisite to Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Credit 3.4: Green Cleaning – Sustainable Cleaning Equipment of the LEED-EBOM rating system. IEQ Credit 3.4 includes a statement requiring that “powered floor equipment is ergonomically designed to minimize vibration, noise and user fatigue.” Floor-cleaning machines that meet requirements for ergonomic design contribute to facility sustainability by improving the health and safety of cleaning and maintenance staff.

Advance’s Advenger and Proterra offer the ease of ride-on machines, operate at low sounds levels (less than 70 dBA) and minimize vibration during operation, all of which are ergonomic features that reduce the physical toll on operators. An open, low-to-the-ground operator compartment on the Advenger scrubber offers safe, easy boarding and comfortable operation. The Proterra sweeper includes a unique Clear-View™ design that gives the operator clear sight lines to the floor and side brooms without having to risk injury by leaning outside of the operator compartment.

LEED for Existing Buildings-Operations and Maintenance is a voluntary standard for defining, measuring and certifying the sustainability of an existing commercial building. The individual sections and points of the LEED-EBOM rating system – including IEQ Credit 3.4 – work together to define a sustainable building. Even if LEED certification is not a goal, the standards offer a guide for establishing best practices that reduce the environmental impact of cleaning, improve the indoor environmental quality of buildings and lower the cost to clean and maintain buildings.

Advance is a brand of Nilfisk-Advance, Inc., one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality commercial and industrial floor maintenance equipment. Advance’s commitment to its customers is achieved with equipment that supports both environmentally preferable cleaning and facility cleanliness. For more information on Advance cleaning equipment, call 763-745-3500 or visit http://www. advance-us. com.

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Thursday, January 30, 2003

LearnShare's Upcoming Leadership Summit Addresses Changing Role of the Training Professional

LearnShare's Upcoming Leadership Summit Addresses Changing Role of the Training Professional

LearnShare, LLC, the consortium of Fortune 1000 companies organized to research, design, purchase, package and share best practices in the training and development field, today announced the details of its upcoming LearnShare Summit scheduled for March 3, 2006 in Las Vegas following the Sharing@LearnShare conference at the Tuscany Suites and Casino.

Toledo, OH (PRWEB) January 3, 2006

LearnShare, LLC, the consortium of Fortune 1000 companies organized to research, design, purchase, package and share best practices in the training and development field, today announced the details of its upcoming LearnShare Summit scheduled for March 3, 2006 in Las Vegas following the Sharing@LearnShare conference at the Tuscany Suites and Casino. 

The attendees of the Summit will discuss how new business models demand a different approach to the acquisition of knowledge and skills in organizations. The Summit will be a forum to present and discuss the latest research on the changing face of learning and development in organizations, and provide CLOs and other training professionals the opportunity to develop a new strategic agenda specifically for their situation

The Summit will be facilitated by author and recognized speaker Martyn Sloman who is an Adviser for Learning, Training and Development at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and a Professor at Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh. Mr. Sloman has been responsible for research projects that investigate the role and contribution of learning and training in organizations, e-learning, and the links between people management and technology, and training in the global economy.

LearnShare Summits are designed for CLOs and other senior learning & development executives to share open dialogue and best practices with their peers on varied topics in an intimate setting. Although summits are usually open to LearnShare members and select guests only, LearnShare is extending the invitation to top industry professionals interested in attending.

To obtain more information about attending the Summit event, please visit our website (http://www. learnshare. com/site/newsite/summit_lasvegas/ (http://www. learnshare. com/site/newsite/summit_lasvegas/)) or contact Matt Franks at 419-327-4160 ext. 4162 or email conferences@learnshare. com. Top executives only, please.

About LearnShare

LearnShare LLC, founded in 1996, is a consortium of over 35 diverse, industry-leading companies dedicated to sharing their proven expertise and innovative practices across member organizations to enhance their competitive advantage. LearnShare's key focus is to provide technology-based learning solutions, collaborative communities, best practices and applied research to meet its members' mission critical business education and development needs. The original member companies are 3M, ChevronTexaco, Deere & Co., Eaton, General Motors, Levi Strauss & Co, Motorola, Northwest Airlines, Owens Corning, Owens-Illinois, Pfizer Inc, Pilkington, and UnitedHealth Group. For more information, visit www. learnshare. com.

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Wednesday, January 29, 2003

Baxa CEO Greg Baldwin Is Now Profiled at the Expert Information for Journalists Website and Available to Address Selected Business Topics

Baxa CEO Greg Baldwin Is Now Profiled at the Expert Information for Journalists Website and Available to Address Selected Business Topics

Greg Baldwin, Chairman and CEO of Baxa Corporation of Englewood, Colorado, is now profiled on the Expert Information For Journalists website – Expert411.com. Baxa Corp., a privately held company is a leader in serving hospital pharmacy systems for handling, packaging and administering liquid medications from oral to multi-ingredient IV. Baxa is a registered medical device manufacturer with the FDA and has sales in over 35 countries.

Englewood, CO (PRWEB) April 2, 2005 -

Greg Baldwin, Chairman and CEO of Baxa Corporation is now profiled on the Expert Information For Journalists website at http://expert411.com/_wsn/page7.html (http://expert411.com/_wsn/page7.html). Topics he is prepared to address for media interviews include the following:

Business Strategy Organic Growth Versus Venture Capital Lean Manufacturing Process Building a Strong Management Team Six Sigma Implementation

Baldwin is a standard-bearer for organic growth strategies in business and often speaks to organizations addressing the topic of "business growth without venture capital." He is a proponent of simplified strategic planning and has been a strong advocate for lean manufacturing practice, Six Sigma and investment in research, development and product planning activities. Baldwin is responsible for leading the Baxa Corporation's sales growth from $26.5 million in 1997 to more than $65 million in 2004. Through his leadership, Baxa met the regulatory challenges of ISO 13485 and EN46001 (CE), while achieving operational excellence through the adoption of lean manufacturing processes and Six Sigma. Baldwin is responsible for developing a strong management team for the company as well as implementing its successful strategic planning process.

Recently named to the Healthprolink (Bellevue, WA) Board of Directors, Baldwin formerly served as President of and CEO of Baxa Corporation from November, 1997 to April, 2003. He had been Senior Vice President for Worldwide Sales and Marketing at Baxa since joining the company in 1993.

Prior to joining Baxa, he worked for ten years in sales and marketing management for the telecommunications industry. A graduate of Bowdoin College (Brunswick, ME), Baldwin holds an MBA from Boston University, serves on the Board of the Colorado BioScience Association and is a Trustee of Denver Academy, a grades 3-12 school for children with learning differences.

About Baxa Corporation

Celebrating 30 years of business in 2005, Baxa Corporation is a Denver-based manufacturer of medical devices and systems for preparing, handling, packaging, and administering liquid medications. The company manufactures and markets a wide range of healthcare products for use in hospitals, critical care units and alternate-site pharmacies. Privately held, Baxa Corporation has subsidiaries and sales offices in Canada, the United Kingdom; Denmark, and Germany; and distribution partners worldwide. Further information is available at http://www. baxa. com (http://www. baxa. com).

Contacts:

Marian Robinson, Vice President, Marketing, Baxa Corporation: 800.567.2292 ext. 2157 or 303.617.2157

Email: marian. robinson@baxa. com

Http://www. baxa. com (http://www. baxa. com)

Maggie Chamberlin Holben, APR, Absolutely Public Relations: 303.984.9801 or 303-669-3558,

Email: maggie@absolutelypr. com

Http://www. absolutelypr. com (http://www. absolutelypr. com)

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Tuesday, January 28, 2003

Scribe Moves to Qwest to Meet Accelerated Growth: Leader Exceeded 11,000 Users and Adds Second Facility

Scribe Moves to Qwest to Meet Accelerated Growth: Leader Exceeded 11,000 Users and Adds Second Facility

Move to add capacity for streamlining customer workflow for medical dictation, transcription, and archival while preparing for EMR/EHR integration.

Lake Forest, IL (PRWEB) March 22, 2007

Scribe Healthcare Technologies, Inc. (http://www. scribe. com (http://www. scribe. com)), a leading healthcare technology company, today announced its move to Qwest. The move was precipitated due to Scribe's increasing growth now exceeding 11,000 users. Scribe platform users include physicians, clinicians, administrative personnel, and transcriptionists.

"Our increased growth has outstripped our current collocation partner's capacity. With the move to the Qwest CyberCenter in Chicago and the addition of a second CyberCenter in Denver, Qwest will meet our grow requirements for years to come. Having multiple collocations will also allow for load balancing and redundancy" said Mark Boyce, CEO of Scribe.

"Most of our customers won't notice any difference between hosting facilities -- that's a good thing," says Brian Pitsch, VP of Development. Scribe customers rely on immediate access to dictations and transcribed files. Many have chosen to integrate their EMR/EHR solutions with Scribe. As a result Scribe becomes a data feeder to populate the EMR/EHR. The selection of Qwest and the Qwest CyberCenters ensure scalability.

With the change to Qwest and the addition of a second hosting facility, Scribe will achieve the following:

Improved redundancy and disaster recovery Ability to distribute server loads worldwide Increased speed for user experience Greater scalability

Scribe technologies are modular and Web-based, leveraging the Internet and standard Microsoft applications. Scribe offers a variety of technologies that help hospitals, medical practices, and MTSO manage documentation workflow.

About Scribe Healthcare Technologies, Inc.

Scribe Healthcare Technologies is a privately-held healthcare technology company based in the Chicago area. The company has developed a proprietary web-native platform that complements and extends the value for patient registration, Practice/Hospital Management and EMR Solutions. Scribe's platform includes complete solutions for dictation, transcription, document management, EMR-Lite, Web portal, and reporting with data analytics.

Scribe serves more than 11,000 users. Business partners and resellers include consulting firms, transcription companies, and business process outsourcers. Additional information is available at www. scribe. com.

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Monday, January 27, 2003

The Chocolate Nerd Has The Scoop On Designer Chocolate

The Chocolate Nerd Has The Scoop On Designer Chocolate

Imani Powell, New York based writer/ illustrator and self proclaimed Chocolate Nerd launches The Chocolate Nerd, a blog dedicated solely to designer chocolate.

NEW YORK, NY (PRWEB) March 30, 2006

Imani Powell, New York based writer / illustrator and self proclaimed Chocolate Nerd launches www. chocolatenerd. blogspot. com, a blog dedicated solely to designer chocolate.

“The Chocolate Nerd is about finding the hippest chocolate and giving the reader an unbiased opinion about the product,” explains Powell. “I put taste first, then comes design, innovation and purity.”

The inspiration behind the blog was an uncanny obsession with luxury chocolate:

“Before the blog, I was sharing my chocolate randomly with complete strangers. I thought, there’s gotta be a better way!”

Powell isn’t the only one inspired by the latest take on the ancient confection. According to the New York Times, more and more consumers are becoming obsessed with the production and pursuit of better chocolate.

"Chocolate is the new olive oil," said a chocolatier to reporter Julia Moskin of the New York Times.

“There’s definitely a fresh approach to chocolate,” agrees Powell. “There’re tons of new, high end chocolate boutiques popping up in the hippest of neighborhoods with more of a focus on cocoa content, design and exotic ingredients.”

Better chocolate is what consumers want, be it for health reasons: cocoa is reportedly an antioxidant, or to quell an obsession with luxury goods.

“Chocolate is the perfect luxury,” explains Powell. “It’s indulgent, it costs less than the latest “it” bag and you’ll find it in chic places the world over.”

According to Powell, even huge companies like Haagen Dazs are taking note: “Their flavors are becoming more sophisticated to keep up with consumer needs. Poor quality chocolate is a thing of the past. I’m loving being a part of that movement.” Chocolate Nerd may be viewed at: www. chocolatenerd. blogspot. com

Imani Powell is a New York based writer / illustrator and lifestyle consultant. Her writing has appeared in Essence, Fashion Wire Daily and AOL. com. Random House will release mini journals and note cards of her latest illustration project titled “The Young and The Stressless” in October 2006.

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Sunday, January 26, 2003

Domestic Violence Brings Damage You Can't See

Domestic Violence Brings Damage You Can't See

There is a solution to ending domestic violence. Thinking outside the box, an answer is imminent. Abusive behavior begins in the dynamics of a family. The logical answer is to begin at the beginning. Children are the untapped resource that will make the changes in the dynamics of the cycle of domestic violence.

Newnan, GA (PRWEB) June 1, 2010

Domestic Violence safe-haven is bringing a Bright Space project to help children cope with the trauma of domestic violence. Community Welcome House and the Bright Horizons Foundation For Children are partnering to bring a Bright Spaces project to Community Welcome House located in Coweta County in the state of Georgia. As a nonprofit faith based shelter that houses women and children victims of domestic violence the reality of the damage to the children is seen each day. Identifying two areas for the Bright Space, the project is set to move forward on June 11, 2010 with a partner kickoff.

The Bright Space will include an area designed for infants and toddlers using the "Great Places for Babies" initiative. The preschool and school-age area will feel like a place where children can relax, play and focus on homework and life. It will have a club house atmosphere. There will be an art studio designed to be used as part of the therapeutic process for children who have experienced trauma or crisis. Also part of the plan is a gardening space for planting, caring and then the enjoyment of eating the vegetables. A space for residents to go to sit and reflect in a calm and peaceful space will be the reflection garden with a bench, small reflection pool and a rock garden. An outdoor art center will be a shed that houses an easel and art materials. There will be an outdoor play house that will offer dramatic play materials, a small stage, a puppet theater and costumes for the children to act out scenarios. The desire of children is to be loved and accepted.

The family dynamics of children living in an abusive home is cyclical. Preteens and teens, when they begin to form dating relationships, will seek out and find the behaviors they have seen patterned in the home. Power and control or respect and love are confused in the home where domestic violence lives. In a young child the physicians and care givers often are not skilled in the area of detecting abuse unless it is obvious: sexual, broken bones, bruising. Infants born to abused women often suffer poor health. Signs can include prolonged crying and irritability, sleep disturbances and digestive problems. Toddlers and preschool children may be either aggressive or withdrawn. School aged children may have poor grades, fail in school exhibit poor social skills with general aggressiveness and outbursts of anger. They have low self esteem or are bullies. The children believe they are responsible for the victim parent's safety. This begins at a young age. Non-intimate violence by teens against others is rising at an alarming rate. Many of these young people were abused and saw abuse in their homes; done by adults. Teens from violent homes are at greater risk for suicide and homicide, delinquency, sexual promiscuity and sexually transmitted diseases, drug and alcohol abuse. A project like Bright Space offer solutions to the feelings for the children. This is why this project is so important.

Children who grow up in a violent home, physical or not, need safety and stability found in a non-violent environment plus support, therapeutic intervention and education just as their victim parent does. Bringing the Bright Space to Community Welcome House is an important step in addressing the generational cycle of abuse. To find out about this important project and be a part in making it a reality, contact Linda Kirkpatrick executive director of Community Welcome House at lindakirk(at)charter(dot)net.

Child abuse and domestic violence are linked in a number of important ways. In a national survey of more than 6000 American families, 50% of men who frequently assaulted their wives also abused their children. Research suggests that between 80 to 90 percent of children are aware of the violence in their home; even if they do not see the beating they hear it. Early intervention can make a difference.

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." -- Anne Frank

Safe-havens like Community Welcome House are there to help. You can reach us 24 hours a day 7 days a week at 770-304-0966; www. communitywelcomehouse. org. The national domestic violence hot line is 1-800-33 HAVEN (42836)

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Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc. Offers Revolutionary New Performance Patches That Reduce Friction

Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc. Offers Revolutionary New Performance Patches That Reduce Friction

A revolutionary new way to reduce friction and prevent blisters before they start.

(PRWEB) July 15, 2004

Tamarack Habilitation Technologies Inc., a design and development firm of orthotic and prosthetic componentry, recently made available a revolutionary new way to reduce friction, prevent painful blisters and decrease blister healing time so now you can go farther than you’ve ever gone before. Called ENGOTM Performance Patches, each patch is applied directly to the source of friction – the footwear or athletic equipment. Patches are manufactured using ShearBan® patented technology comprised of a specially-formulated low-friction film. This slippery blue top-layer virtually eliminates friction between the footwear or equipment and skin.

When incorporated in footwear or on equipment, volume is unaltered. The adhesive creates a strong bond, eliminating migration. And don’t worry about sweating – it was developed with sweat in mind. ENGO patches are easy to apply and use. Patches are latex-free and come in three sizes: regular ovals, large ovals & sheets. Trimming to tailor-fit is an option. The slippery blue top layer uses a SmartPatchTM concept whereby color change from blue to white indicates the need for patch replacement. Each patch is extremely durable, lasting anywhere from several weeks to several months.

When used for hotspots, ENGO has been proven to prevent blister formation. According to Jeff Chambers, head Certified ATC for Minnesota State University, Mankato, “Student-athletes reporting hotspots during practice received an ENGO patch in the area of their shoe causing friction. We simply asked them to remove their shoe and 45 seconds later they were back on the practice field. Amazingly, our student-athletes reported immediate relief. The best thing? Blisters never formed where ENGO was placed.”

When used to help treat a blister, healing time has been shown to be significantly reduced. Users agree that ENGOTM Performance Patches save blisters, performance, time and money. “Blisters are a huge problem with most of our teams during pre-season,” stated Jeff Chambers. “Using ENGO this past year has not only saved us a tremendous amount of time, but has also eliminated the need to utilize materials normally used to protect and care for blisters. This is the best product I have seen and used to prevent blisters and manage calluses in my 20+ years as a Certified Athletic Trainer.”

For more information, visit www. GoEngo. com, call 866.795.0057 or write to Tamarack Habilitation Technologies Inc., 1670-94th Lane NE, Blaine, MN 55449. ENGO is exclusively distributed by Sports Health, a division of School Health.

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Friday, January 24, 2003

NS&I Reveal Gardeners are Reaping the Financial Benefits of Growing their Own Produce

NS&I Reveal Gardeners are Reaping the Financial Benefits of Growing their Own Produce

NS&I has announced that it is sponsoring the Royal Horticultural Society Grow Your Own Campaign for the second year.

London, UK (PRWEB) March 5, 2009

New research* released by NS&I shows that gardeners are reaping the financial benefits of growing their own fruit and vegetables. Seventy eight per cent of those who grow their own said that people should consider nurturing their own home-grown produce as a way to save cash.

As NS&I announces the second year of its sponsoring the Royal Horticultural Society's (RHS) 'Grow Your Own' campaign, it is urging Brits to give growing a go - with even more financial benefits than simply boosting savings (http://www. nsandi. com/ (http://www. nsandi. com/)). The study also revealed that growing your own produce can teach valuable lessons about looking after personal finances. The research served to reinforce the message that having an investment savings account (http://www. nsandi. com/products/invac/index. jsp (http://www. nsandi. com/products/invac/index. jsp)) while producing home grown produce was a recipe for success.

90% of people said that growing their own produce was similar to having a savings account (http://www. nsandi. com/products/easa/index. jsp (http://www. nsandi. com/products/easa/index. jsp)) as they needed to plan ahead, and a similar number (92%) stated that for both disciplines it is only possible to reap the benefits through patience and regular effort.

Last year NS&I and the RHS (http://www. nsandi. com/rhs (http://www. nsandi. com/rhs)) joined forces to help improve the nation's health and wealth through the 'Grow Your Own' campaign - and this year the campaign returns with a new flavour as NS&I and the RHS encourage Britons to give fruit growing a try.

Tim Mack, Head of Marketing and Communication at NS&I, explained: "We're proud to actively support and sponsor the 'Grow Your Own' campaign, because we know that growing your own is just like saving in many ways - it helps you financially and your initial investment (http://www. nsandi. com/products/invac/index. jsp (http://www. nsandi. com/products/invac/index. jsp)) benefits from good planning and nurturing. Growing your own fruit or veg is not only worthwhile but is also something that can be done almost anywhere."

The sponsorship builds on the successful relationship that NS&I has had with the RHS for many years, including NS&I's involvement in the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show where in 2009, NS&I will again be supporting the Growing Tastes Cookery Theatre.

Richard Hunt, Corporate Development Manager at the RHS, added: "NS&I is an ideal partner for the Grow Your Own campaign, and we're delighted that these two national institutions are working together. We hope we will inspire the British public to use whatever space or means they have to get growing."

The RHS will be running a series of events throughout the year, demonstrating how easy and worthwhile home-grown produce is. Kicking off with a free open day on 7 March across all four RHS Gardens (Wisley, Rosemoor, Harlow Carr and Hyde Hall), the 'Grow Your Own' campaign will offer curious gardeners and keen amateurs top advice on how to grow and care for fruit and vegetables - with growing starter kits available to the first 2,000 visitors to each garden.

Notes to Editors:
*The survey, which questioned people about their growing and savings habits, was carried about by TNS in January 2009 among 1,009 GB adults aged 16+.

About NS&I
NS&I is one of the UK's largest financial providers with 28 million customers and over £88 billion invested. It is best known for Premium Bonds, but also offers Inflation-Beating Savings, Guaranteed Equity Bonds and Children's Bonus Bonds in its range. All products offer 100% security, because NS&I is backed by HM Treasury.

About the RHS
The RHS is the UK's leading gardening charity dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening. Its charitable work includes undertaking scientific research into issues affecting gardeners, holding plant trials and educational events and activities.

RHS membership is for anyone with an interest in gardening. Support the RHS and secure a healthy future for gardening.

RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262

PR Contact:
Gill Stephens
National Savings and Investments
375 Kensington High Street
London
W14 8SD
020 7348 9301
Www. nsandi. com

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IBD Insurance Announces Increasing Dental Benefits and Decreasing Premiums on NC Dental Plans

IBD Insurance Announces Increasing Dental Benefits and Decreasing Premiums on NC Dental Plans

Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina dental plans will now pay 100% of preventative care costs and a larger percentage of basic dental services while decreasing policy holder premiums.

Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) December 10, 2007

While many health and dental insurance rates are increasing for 2008, IBD Insurance Services, a BCBSNC Authorized Agency with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, announces that its dental plans will now offer more coverage at a lower premium.

"In this industry, we rarely see an increase in benefits along with a decrease in rates. BCBSNC is constantly striving for ways to give more back to their policy holders," says Andrea Hunnicutt Grater, NC insurance agent with IBD (http://www. ibdinsurance. com (http://www. ibdinsurance. com)).

Previously, the BCBSNC dental plans covered 80% of preventative care costs such as teeth cleanings and x-rays. With the new changes, preventative care will now be covered at a full 100%.

Additionally, basic services such as fillings and simple extractions that were previously covered at a rate of 50% by insurance will now be covered at 60%.

Instead of a price increase for the additional dental insurance benefits, premiums for BCBSNC dental insurance will decrease by several dollars.

"This change in the benefits structure is a wonderful opportunity for those who wish to improve their overall health - including their dental health - to do so affordably in 2008," says Grater.

About IBD Insurance Services: IBD Insurance (http://www. ibdinsurance. com (http://www. ibdinsurance. com)), a BCBSNC Authorized Agency with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, provides individual and group health insurance for those in the Raleigh North Carolina area. IBD's mission is to serve each NC health insurance customer with integrity by tailoring health care plan packages to every client's unique needs.

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Thursday, January 23, 2003

US Urged by Natural Solutions Foundation to Alter Codex Course, Support WHO Global Strategy to End World Hunger, Promote World Health

US Urged by Natural Solutions Foundation to Alter Codex Course, Support WHO Global Strategy to End World Hunger, Promote World Health

The Natural Solutions Foundation is urging the US to support the strongly pro-health direction of WHO (the World Health Organization)which has directed Codex to become active in promoting health for the first time in Codex history. The US is highly influential in Codex. Focusing Codex on consumer well-being would allow the US to join the emerging pro-health coalition of national members of Codex, a much needed change in direction for the United States. The Natural Solutions Foundation believes this change of direction would be a positive move for the US and could improve the image of the United States in the international community.

Croton on Hudson, NY (PRWEB) October 10, 2006

The United States has a rare opportunity to reach out to the consumers of the planet by assuming leadership in the implementation of the World Health Organization's (WHO)Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health (http://www. who. int/dietphysicalactivity/en/)(GS (http://www. who. int/dietphysicalactivity/en/)(GS)), the Natural Solutions Foundation said in formal comments submitted to the US Codex Office and FSIS system for Codex policy comments (docket FSIS-2006-0023).

The Natural Solutions Foundation (http://www. HealthFreedomUSA. org (http://www. HealthFreedomUSA. org)) is a global leader in natural health and health freedom. They have taken an international leadership role and are actively engaged in international education and the enhancement of international policy-making opportunities to support global consumer health and health choices. The Foundation participates in Codex meetings and global liaison: it has developed international ties focusing on moving Codex toward the same pro-health focus that it is urging the US to adopt to correct the United States/Codex' over-emphasis on trade and corporate policies rather than health despite the Codex mandate which includes "protecting the health of consumers". (http://www. codexalimentarius. net/web/index_en. jsp (http://www. codexalimentarius. net/web/index_en. jsp)).

The next public opportunity the US will have to put its considerable strength behind the concept of health, rather than trade, within the Codex context is the 28th session of the CCNFSDU (Codex Committee on Nutrition and Food for Special Dietary Uses, October 30-November 3, 2006,Chiang Mai, Thailand). Both CCNFSDU and CCFL (Codex Committee on Food Labeling) are tasked with providing direction to Codex in the implementation of the GS. Natural Solutions Foundation's comments on implementation of the GS urges the US to join South Africa and other pro-health countries to use the power of the US strength in Codex, the international food standard setting body, to shift the balance toward health.

WHO offered Codex the opportunity to rectify its lack of positive impact on human health and its focus on trade in preference to health when it pointed Codex toward implementation of its Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health during the 28th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (July 4-9, 2005, Rome, Italy). Several representatives of Codex' parent organizations, WHO and FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), chastised Codex for "failing to make a contribution to human health" (http://press. arrivenet. com/health/article. php/669453.html (http://press. arrivenet. com/health/article. php/669453.html)) since its inception in 1963, including Dr. Kirsten Leitner, WHO Under-Secretary for Sustainable Development. Dr. Jorgen Schlundt, another WHO representative, reacted to the comments of the evaluation of a joint WHO/FAO 2002 Consultation "...when the outcome of the Codex evaluation came out, and when the discussions were there in the World Health Assembly, there was a clear direction that we need to do more for human health through the Codex mechanism."

WHO and FAO strongly recommended that Codex redress the imbalance by implementing the pro-health GS and told Codex that it would expect instructions on how to do that from CCFL and CCNFSDU at the 29th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). That guidance was not forthcoming and the process was to be repeated awaiting the 30th session of the CAC (July 2 - 7, 2007). Natural Solutions Foundation believes that the US policies and pressures in Codex focus on trade to the detriment of health. Few countries have the technical, economic or infrastructure to do as much good in this area as the United States, notes the Natural Solutions Foundation which is why US policy can directly help Codex meet its WHO/FAO initiated need to "do more for human health."

Codex Committee on Food Labeling (CCFL) and Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods For Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU) are the only Codex committees which "have a relationship to nutrition" and were therefore asked to develop a program for GS implementation. Although directed to provide guidance for Codex action and implementation of the GS, CCNFSDU failed to provide time for meaningful discussion at its 27th session (Bonn, Germany, November 21015, 2005). At CCFL (May 1-5, 2006, Ottawa, Canada), South Africa's comments (http://www. prweb. com/releases/2006/5/prweb381188.htm (http://www. prweb. com/releases/2006/5/prweb381188.htm)), including the explicit affirmation of "optimal health" as a goal for Codex and a ban on the marketing of Junk Foods to children 18 and younger, were assented to by most of the countries present.

The US, however, took specific exception to both "optimal health as a goal for Codex" and any prohibition on marketing junk foods to children although they are known to cause disease and shorten life span when consumed by children. In fact, WHO has taken a strong position against marketing junk food to children (http://www. who. int/nutrition/topics/dietnutrition_and_chronicdiseases/en/ (http://www. who. int/nutrition/topics/dietnutrition_and_chronicdiseases/en/)). The US made no verbal or written public objection to the other 9 provisions of the 11 principles presented by South Africa.

Codex Alimentarius Commission acts as the world's food standards setting body by creating standards and guidelines to govern international trade through ratifications of standards and guidelines ("texts"). Trade disputes between nations are settled by the World Trade Organization (WTO) which can impose substantial trade sanctions on non compliant countries unless they have protected their rights to enforce their own health standards domestically and through international trade by using the "Codex 2 Step" (http://www. healthfreedomusa. org/resources/books. shtml (http://www. healthfreedomusa. org/resources/books. shtml)).

Although Codex texts are voluntary and advisory (ftp://ftp. fao. org/codex/Alinorm06/al29_41e. pdf (http://ftp://ftp. fao. org/codex/Alinorm06/al29_41e. pdf)),(paragraph 24, p. 4) lack of compliance with Codex texts can result in punishing WTO sanctions. For that reason, the Natural Solutions Foundation, working with the Citizens for Health Codex Working Group has developed a template for correction of dangerous Codex texts which allow countries to protect their populations from adulterated or unwholesome food, protect natural health options and avoid crippling WTO trade sanctions referred to as the "Codex 2 Step (c)". The Natural Solutions Foundation has been actively building an international coalition of pro-health countries who can use this technique to prevent world hunger and promote world health. Organizing the application of these techniques, the Natural Solutions Foundation has initiated the International Decade of Nutrition (http://www. prweb. com/releases/2006/9/prweb432432.htm (http://www. prweb. com/releases/2006/9/prweb432432.htm)) to accomplish these goals on a global scale.

The US position opposing optimal health (http://www. prweb. com/releases/2006/5/prweb381188.htm (http://www. prweb. com/releases/2006/5/prweb381188.htm)) stands in stark contrast to the pro-health principles which the US espouses domestically and internationally. By supporting the forward-looking, pro-health principles for the implementation of the GS presented by South Africa at the 34th session of CCFL (May 1-5, 2006, Ottawa, Canada), the US would take a major step in reversing its role in promoting and supporting the dangerous, illness promoting imbalance between Codex' mandate for "protecting health of the consumers" (http://www. codexalimentarius. net/web/index_en. jsp (http://www. codexalimentarius. net/web/index_en. jsp)) and its mandate for ensuring "fair trade practices in the food trade". This change of direction in US policy is supported by the Natural Solutions Foundation Medical Director, Rima E. Laibow, MD and its President, Major General Albert N. Stubblebine III (US Army, Ret.)both in their verbal remarks in the US Codex Office public meeting held by the US Codex Office (September 13, 2006, Frank Wiley Building, Bethesda, MD) to allow input in US policy for the up-coming CCNFSDU meeting and in the formal comments presented during the written comment period for the same purpose.

Natural Solutions Foundation also submitted comments during this comment period which are critical of US support for the proposed addition of fluoride, a known multi-system toxin and dangerous industrial waste product, to infant formula. Codex' standards and guideline (texts), which govern international trade of food, allow dangerously high levels of many biologically active, toxic compounds (e. g., reintroduction of banned dangerous pesticides, veterinary drugs and synthetic growth hormones) and production techniques which are favored by industry interests. Consumer health and well-being is often significantly compromised by these texts.

For more information, please contact the Natural Solutions Foundation (http://www. healthfreedomusa. org (http://www. healthfreedomusa. org))

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Tuesday, January 21, 2003

Piribo: The Future of BioSciences, New Publication Announcement

Piribo: The Future of BioSciences, New Publication Announcement

Piribo, the online destination for business intelligence for the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, has now added a new report called “The Future of BioSciences - Four Scenarios for 2020 and Their Implications for Human Healthcare”.

(PRWEB) September 29, 2006

Piribo, the online destination for business intelligence for the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, has now added a new report called “The Future of BioSciences - Four Scenarios for 2020 and Their Implications for Human Healthcare”. http://www. piribo. com/publications/biotechnology/future_of_biosciences. html (http://www. piribo. com/publications/biotechnology/future_of_biosciences. html)

In the coming years, the convergence of genomics, proteomics, stem cell research, regenerative medicine, bioinformatics, nanotechnology and other life science technologies will pose significant opportunities and challenges in every sector of society. Two years ago, the William and Phyllis Mack Center for Technological Innovation, part of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and Decision Strategies International, Inc. (DSI) embarked on an ambitious program to lay out a range of reasonable futures for biosciences. Based on numerous workshops at the Mack Center and individual interviews with over 50 leading experts from academia, government and the private sector, the report represents a truly unique undertaking. This report presents four scenarios that describe how emerging life science technologies might impact human healthcare between now and 2020. Major trends and uncertainties are identified, as well as key stakeholder groups expected to play a significant role in shaping the future. Our long-term goal is to provide decision makers in various industries with strategic insights needed to develop, commercialize and deploy emerging life science technologies.

Contents

Part I: Introduction

Chapter 1:  Assessing The Future Of Biosciences

Chapter 2:  Biosciences Today

Part II: Four Scenarios For The Future Of Biosciences

Chapter 3:  Scenario A - Where's The Beef?

Chapter 4:  Scenario B - New Age Of Medicine

Chapter 5: Scenario C - Bio Gridlock

Chapter 6: Scenario D - Science Held Hostage

Part III: Next Steps

Chapter 7:  Profiting From Uncertainty

Appendices

I. Drivers Of Change

“The Future of BioSciences - Four Scenarios for 2020 and Their Implications for Human Healthcare” is available from Piribo. For more information go to: http://www. piribo. com/publications/biotechnology/future_of_biosciences. html (http://www. piribo. com/publications/biotechnology/future_of_biosciences. html)

Piribo Product ID: DSI001

About Piribo.

Piribo (http://www. piribo. com (http://www. piribo. com)) is a UK-based independent online store supplying business information on the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The website now carries over 3,800 English language titles including, market reports, studies and books and is the UK’s largest online biopharma information store. Subscribers receive a free monthly newsletter and email alerts on new titles in their areas of interest. The company was established in 2004.

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"Cup of Joe" Supports Troops and the Angels who Serve Them

"Cup of Joe" Supports Troops and the Angels who Serve Them

In honor of 9/11 and those who fight to keep something like that from happening again, Green Beans Coffee is running a matching effort on its “Cup of Joe for a Joe” project. For each dollar spent purchasing a “Cup of Joe” for the troops from midnight September 10, 2010 to midnight September 12, Green Beans Coffee will donate $1 to Soldiers’ Angels.

Pasadena, CA (PRWEB) September 10, 2010

In honor of 9/11 and those who fight to keep something like that from happening again, Green Beans Coffee is running a matching effort on its “Cup of Joe for a Joe (http://www. greenbeanscoffee. com/coj)” project. For each dollar spent purchasing a “Cup of Joe” for the troops from midnight September 10, 2010 to midnight September 12, Green Beans Coffee will donate $1 to Soldiers’ Angels.

The Cup of Joe project allows anyone, anywhere in the world, to say thanks to the troops through the simple act of buying a cup of coffee online and having it delivered along with their own personal note of encouragement into the hands of a deployed Soldier. Cups of Joe can be purchased at www. greenbeanscoffee. com/coj (http://www. greenbeanscoffee. com/coj).

Soldiers’ Angels (http://www. soldiersangels. org) and Green Beans Coffee have been partners for several years, with Green Beans donating thousands of tons of coffee for Soldiers’ Angels to send to deployed troops, and Soldiers’ Angels gladly spreading the word about the Cup of Joe program.

“A cup of coffee that says, ‘I’m thinking of you’ is such a wonderful way to honor our heroes on a day that reminds us of so many heroes who have sacrificed for all of us for the last nine years. We are so proud to stand with Green Beans Coffee and accept their generous offer to not only send the troops a cup of coffee, but help our organization support the troops as well,” said Patti Patton-Bader, founder of Soldiers’ Angels.

Soldiers' Angels is an award-winning 501(c)(3) with hundreds of thousands of volunteers providing aid and comfort to members of the U. S. Armed Forces, veterans and military families through a wide variety of hands-on projects and volunteerism. For more information, visit www. soldiersangels. org or call 615-676-0239.

About Green Beans Coffee: founded in 1996, Green Beans Coffee Company is committed to bringing great coffee service to military personnel stationed around the globe and creating a warm environment where troops can relax and feel at home. The company operates 70+ cafes in the US and at military bases in six countries throughout Southwest Asia, the Middle East and East Africa. In response to customer demand, Green Beans Coffee is currently expanding its footprint in the U. S. market and around the world by offering its super premium coffee products, fresh baked goods, and healthy meal options in airports, metropolitan cities, and suburban communities. Green Beans Coffee Company believes in giving back to those that serve their country and a portion of every sale is donated to organizations like Soldiers’ Angels that support military families and children of the fallen. More information about Green Beans Coffee and their Cup Of Joe For A Joe program can be found on the company's website at http://www. greenbeanscoffee. com (http://www. greenbeanscoffee. com) and on Facebook at: http://www. facebook. com/cupofjoeforajoe (http://www. facebook. com/cupofjoeforajoe)

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Monday, January 20, 2003

Professional Physicist and Practicing Healer Publishes Book on Human Chakras and Biofield

Professional Physicist and Practicing Healer Publishes Book on Human Chakras and Biofield

New book demonstrates the benefits of the application of multiple approaches to the concept of the human biofield

Sacramento, CA (Vocus) May 20, 2010

Information on the existence of an individual’s “biofield” has its roots in ancient times; people, spanning different centuries, have had diverse ideas regarding the concept. This book, Cosmoenergy: The Human Biofield and Chakras by physicist and healer Emil Bagirov, discusses the concept of the “biofield” or “informational energy field” and the human chakra.

For centuries, knowledge on these subjects has been passed form previous generations to the next with practically no significant modifications or alterations. Today, this is a widely discussed topic with some people speaking of influencing a person through his or her “biofield”. It has been said that the proof of the existence of this “biofield” and knowledge of its properties has almost always been kept within the circle of the initiated such as shamans and priests, and only passed on, in the strictest of confidence, to those who are thought to be worthy by the consecrated ones themselves. Aside from this, there is more information about these subjects that has been propagated all throughout the world.

The book demonstrates the benefits of the application of varied approaches, both traditional and nontraditional, to the concept of human “biofield” and chakras. This work is, in essence, an original introduction into a very current and relevant problem connected to the existence of the human “biofield” and the definition of its properties. Some notes from the author, a professional physicist and practicing healer, as well as information on the problem, are presented in this book as well. For more information on this book, log on to Xlibris. com (http://www2.xlibris. com/bookstore/bookdisplay. aspx? bookid=80253).

About the Author
Emil Bagirov is a Doctor of Science, a physicist, the rector of the Moscow Institute of Cosmoenergy and Psychology and the head of the Cosmoenergy School. For his unique outstanding achievements in the field of healing, Mr. Bagirov has been named a “Leading Healer” by six International Academies of Nontraditional Medicine (as affirmed by the 1998 UNESCO Convention). Emil Bagirov’s School has been included in the “Russian Healthcare Services” directory. Mr. Bagirov’s doctorate thesis dealt with the utilization of cosmic energy – the informational energy field of the Universe. Mr. Bagirov is also the author of many books and articles.

Cosmoenergy * by Emil Bagirov
The Human Biofield and Chakras
Publication Date: May 17, 2010
Picture Book; $31.99; 62 pages; 978-1-4500-7839-9
Picture Book Hardcover; $41.99; 62 pages; 978-1-4500-7840-5

Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7479. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (610) 915-0294 or call (888) 795-4274 x. 7879.

For more information on self-publishing (http://www2.xlibris. com/requestkit3/index. aspx? src=prps) or marketing (http://www2.xlibris. com/marketingservices/index. aspx? src=prms) with Xlibris, visit www. Xlibris. com. To receive a free publishing guide (http://www2.xlibris. com/requestkit3/index. aspx? src=prps), please call (888) 795-4274.

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Friday, January 17, 2003

The One Thing You are Most Likely to Regret -- Renowned Author and Columnist Brian Vaszily Launches New Blog Focused on a No Regret Life

The One Thing You are Most Likely to Regret -- Renowned Author and Columnist Brian Vaszily Launches New Blog Focused on a No Regret Life

Want to enjoy life more and live a no regret life? Renowned author and widely read columnist Brian Vaszily has launched a new "Live Deeper" blog dedicated to helping people avoid "The One Thing You are Most Likely to Regret."

Lake Forest, IL (PRWEB) March 13, 2007

Renowned author and widely read columnist Brian Vaszily has launched a new "Live Deeper" blog dedicated to helping people avoid "The One Thing You are Most Likely to Regret." (http://blog. sixwise. com/blogs/vaszily-brian/archive/2007/02/19/the-one-thing-you-are-most-likely-to-regret. aspx)

"It is my observation that far too many people end up merely existing versus really living," Brian Vaszily states in this short but powerful piece. "Go to work, come home, watch some TV, go to bed, and the same thing again the next day. Shopping and chores and more TV on the weekend. A few holidays in between. Yawn."

Vaszily then goes on to describe "the one thing" most people regret above all else -- which he believes a great majority of people suffer from -- and how to turn it around and live a no regret life.

He explains why an elderly gentleman "with the most enormous feet I'd ever seen" -- you can find out just how big those feet were -- who Vaszily had met long ago was the motivation and inspiration behind this knowledge and his overall vision to "help others explore, experience and enjoy life more intensely while bypassing the traps that would hamper that goal."

Check out Brian Vaszily's new "The One Thing You are Most Likely to Regret" blog -- which also includes some eloquent and entertaining response comments from readers -- at http://blog. sixwise. com/blogs/vaszily-brian/archive/2007/02/19/the-one-thing-you-are-most-likely-to-regret. aspx (http://blog. sixwise. com/blogs/vaszily-brian/archive/2007/02/19/the-one-thing-you-are-most-likely-to-regret. aspx).

The "Live Deeper" blog by Brian Vaszily (http://blog. sixwise. com/blogs/vaszily-brian/default. aspx) has already recorded over 60,000 views though it is brand new -- you can see all of his posts at http://blog. sixwise. com/blogs/vaszily-brian/default. aspx (http://blog. sixwise. com/blogs/vaszily-brian/default. aspx) to find out why. You can also use that same URL to subscribe for free to his blog in your favorite RSS Reader.

Brian Vaszily's blog is hosted by SixWise. com, home of the no-cost Be Safe, Live Longer & Prosper newsletter, now the #1 most subscribed to personal safety & wellness newsletter on the Web with articles provide expert insights in the areas of health, wealth, personal safety, career, relationships and life enjoyment. Visit SixWise. com. If you are interested in interviewing Brian Vaszily, use the contact information in this release.

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Litigious patients are not the problem&#194

Litigious patients are not the problemÂ

(PRWEB) March 6, 2001

The news that one in ten hospital patients is harmed by errors (70,000) is a figure that will shock the public, but clinical negligence experts are not surprised. What does surprise them though, is that the health industry continues to blame the legal profession for being over litigious and driving up the NHS bill.

According to the top clinical negligence web site, www. medical-accidents. co. uk, the blame should remain with hospital operating procedures and the system that still overworks surgeons and nursing staff. Patients who suffer from a mistake, and the families and friends left behind after someone dies, can only be expected to seek legal redress.

Adrian Miles, owner of www. medical-accidents. co. uk says:

“It is not surprising that so many die as a result of hospital blunders. What I do find amazing though, is that so few families actually succeed in going the full distance with a legal claim. One has to ask: why? Is it because it is still very difficult to sue a doctor because of a non-transparent system? Is it because cases take so long to go through the legal process when many people just want to rebuild their lives? Is it because there are sometimes cover ups where surgical staff deny the death was anything to do with the procedure they carried out, or that the complications were just one of the risks waived beforehand?”

“It is not just the personal cost to the patient, relatives and friends, but also the wider picture. There is a cost from the extra days in hospital needed by patients after such errors. This is running to at least £1bn a year according to a research team from University College London.”

The study was published in the British Medical Journal and looked at more than 1,000 medical and nursing records at two hospitals in London. These results were then extrapolated to produce national predictions. The survey also found that:

· almost 11% of patients suffered some sort of adverse event;

· in almost 50%, hospital staff should have prevented the errors;

· a third of the errors led to "moderate or greater impairment”;

· in 19% of cases, the decline in health was permanent;

· in 6%, the adverse event led to death.

ENDS.

For further information and interviews, contact: Matthew Clarke 01209 822060 or 07870 443535 or matthew@spinoffice. co. uk

Note for editors:

· www. medical-accidents. co. uk is owned and operated by Full Force Marketing, based in Cornwall.

· The site is part of a portfolio of facilities under www. interactive-law. co. uk.

· www. medical-accidents. co. uk is a REFERRAL site and only has solicitors on the panel if they hold a Clinical Negligence Franchise.

Wednesday, January 15, 2003

Reno Nevada Plastic Cosmetic Surgeon Harnessing Futuristic 3-D Imagery and Laser Technology for Aesthetic Enhancement Procedures

Reno Nevada Plastic Cosmetic Surgeon Harnessing Futuristic 3-D Imagery and Laser Technology for Aesthetic Enhancement Procedures

Dr. Tiffany McCormack, a plastic surgeon in Reno Nevada, is now using two of the most innovative new tools for patients who are considering breast augmentation surgery and skin rejuvenation. The Portrait 3-D Surgical Simulation Platform offers patients a chance to see the possible outcome of breast enhancement before they even step into the operating room; and the Active FX and DeepFX™ laser skin resurfacing system could be the latest breakthrough in fighting the signs of age and skin damage.

Reno, NV (Vocus) September 23, 2009

With technology becoming more and more futuristic at a faster and faster pace, and more people opting for aesthetic enhancement to help them feel better about the way they look, one Reno plastic surgery practice is embracing some of the latest advances to help patients who are considering two of the most popular methods to renew their appearance.

Portrait 3-D Surgical Simulation Platform
At McCormack Plastic Surgery, patients considering breast implants in Reno Nevada can get a sense of what they may look like after the procedure before setting foot inside the operating room. Axis Three computer software combined with image-capture technology patented and developed by Siemens has resulted in the Portrait 3-D Surgical Simulation Platform, a way for Dr. Tiffany McCormack to show patients a view of the possible outcome after breast augmentation, lift, reduction, or breast reconstruction procedures. While nothing can be said to completely and accurately predict the future, the Portrait 3-D system takes the best guess it can by using data and computer imagery based on photos taken of the patient to simulate likely results. The manipulated image displays results from a variety of angles, and allows the patient to “try on” different sizes of implants so she can compare outcomes. Dr. McCormack uses the Portrait 3-D Surgical Simulation Platform in her initial breast surgery consultations, and says it’s just part of the overview for patients so they can get a general idea of what they may look like after the procedure. “We really try to achieve a natural result that’s well-balanced, and we let patients try on implants ahead of time so that they can have an idea of what a certain ‘size’ is going to look like under their own clothes.”

ActiveFX™ and DeepFX™ Laser Skin Treatments
Another new and innovative technology being used by Dr. Tiffany McCormack offers Reno laser skin resurfacing patients a new way of restoring healthy skin and revitalizing skin texture. The ActiveFX™ and DeepFX™ fractional laser skin treatment systems by Lumenis are gaining more and more notoriety for their effectiveness in rejuvenating skin affected by sun damage, uneven pigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines, age spots, and even some cases of deep scarring. The ActiveFX™ system differs from other laser skin treatments in that it typically takes only one treatment to provide significant results, whereas other techniques may involve four or five. DeepFX™ laser rejuvenation works to restore areas of skin that exhibit stretch marks and scars. The system is designed to promote healthy skin growth and tighten the skin, with only gentle penetrations of light energy. This can allow patients to experience a more rapid, and hopefully more comfortable, recovery.

As the number of women considering aesthetic enhancement procedures continues to climb, Dr. McCormack embraces new technologies to help patients in their decisions, as well as to offer only the most advanced treatments.

About Dr. Tiffany McCormack
Dr. Tiffany McCormack is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons. She recently received the 2008 Goldline Research Award recognizing her as one of the Ten Most Dependable Plastic Surgeons of the West. Dr. McCormack’s work has been published in a variety of books and medical journals, and she has traveled abroad to offer her expertise in repairing craniofacial abnormalities in an area with limited access to medical treatment. Dr. McCormack completed residency training at Stanford University and practiced in the San Francisco Bay Area for 10 years. She opened McCormack Plastic Surgery in Reno and the Lake Tahoe area in 2007 with a goal of offering comprehensive, personalized care for all patients. “We hand-hold our patients from beginning to end. We get to know them all very well, and we truly care about our patients. I love the fact that we can change somebody’s life, and change the way they feel about themselves.”

For more information on state-of-the-art laser skin resurfacing procedures and Portrait 3D in Reno at McCormack Plastic Surgery, the practice can be reached at 10685 Professional Circle, Suite B, Reno, NV 89521, or by visiting http://www. plasticsurgeryrenotahoe. com.

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Athlete Alert: Renowned Neurosurgeon Identifies Aspartame & MSG in Sudden Cardiac Death

Athlete Alert: Renowned Neurosurgeon Identifies Aspartame & MSG in Sudden Cardiac Death

Neurosurgeon Russell Blaylock, M. D. explains the relationship between sudden cardiac death, especially in athletes, and excitotoxic damage produced by food additives and artificial sweeteners.

(PRWEB) April 15, 2005

Dr. Russell Blaylock, an author and neurosurgeon, explains the relationship between sudden cardiac death, especially in athletes, and excitotoxic damage caused by food additives and artificial sweeteners.

-- By Russell L. Blaylock, M. D. --

Over 460,000 people anually die of a disorder called sudden cardiac death, according to CDC statistics. This condition strikes otherwise healthy people who have experienced no obvious symptoms of heart disease prior to their abrupt deaths.

An alarming number young athletes are included in these deaths, in high schools and colleges as well as among professional athletes. While in some of these individuals cardiologists found evidence of coronary disease and scars from earlier silent heart attacks, there is one mechanism that's getting no attention at all: the excitotoxin damage caused by food additives and the artificial sweetener aspartame. This is despite growing evidence that the excitotoxic mechanism plays a major role in cardiac disease.

Previously, it was thought that excitotoxic food additives, such as monosodium glutamate and aspartic acid in aspartame, cause their damage in the cardiovascular centers in the brain stem and/or by over-stimulating sympathetic centers in the hypothalamus of the brain. Both mechanisms have resulted in sudden cardiac death in experimental animals.

A particularly deadly combination occurs in young athletes: Low magnesium intake, high calcium intake, low intake of omgea-3 fatty acids and excitotoxins in food additives. Strenuous exercise, especially in extreme heat, depletes the body's magnesium stores, as does consumption of carbonated drinks and taking calcium supplements. Also adrenalin secretion, increased during exercise, intensifies heart muscle irritability and further loss of magnesium as well. When calcium supplements are taken in the face of an existing magnesium deficiency, both magnesium and calcium are driven into the bones, producing a sudden magnesium-depletion crisis.

Low magnesium produces seizures and causes sudden cardiac arrest. In a classic experiment it was found that stressing magnesium-deficient animals resulted in an almost 100% mortality from sudden cardiac arrest. Adding magnesium reduced mortality dramatically. A considerable body of evidence has shown that low omega-3 fat intake significantly increases the risk and severity of cardiac arrhythmias, the main cause of sudden cardiac death.

A number of studies have shown that Americans are significantly deficient in these protective fats. Finally, recent research has shown that the brain is not the only tissue having glutamate receptors. Numerous glutamate receptors have been found both within the heart's electrical conduction system and the heart muscle itself.

When an excess of food-borne excitotoxins, such as MSG, hydrolyzed protein soy protein isolate and concentrate, natural flavoring, sodium caseinate and aspartate from aspartame, are consumed, these glutamate receptors are over-stimulated, producing cardiac arrhythmias. When magnesium stores are low, as we see in athletes, the glutamate receptors are so sensitive that even low levels of these excitotoxins can result in cardiac arrhythmias and death.

This is especially so when combined with the other factors mentioned. Under such condition, free radicals and lipid eroxidation products build up within the muscle cells, leading to the same outcome.

High consumption of aspartame adds an additional cardiac muscle toxin: methanol. A number of studies have shown that consuming aspartame and MSG (and similar excitotoxins) together greatly magnifies the toxicity.

Young people live on junk foods, most of which contain a number of excitotoxic additives. Several studies have shown that the levels consumed by our youth equal those that cause damage in experimental animals. Humans are 5X more sensitive to these toxins than any animal.

The same factors operate in older individuals. Most people over age 50 years are depleted of magnesium, have low omega-3 fat intakes, are under stress and take a number of medications which compromise nutrition, especially magnesium levels. Because seniors are more likely to have coronary artery disease plus other medical conditions, their risk of sudden cardiac death is even higher.

Both athletes and those over age 45 should take magnesium supplements, antioxidants, omega-3 oils, eat more vegetables and avoid foods and artificial sweeteners containing excitotoxins such as aspartame and MSG. This accomplishes a lot more than attempting to rescue a victim with an external defibrillator after the fact.

Dr. Blaylock's web site is www. russellblaylockmd. com. He is author of "Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills and Health & Nutrition Secrets to Save Your Life." He can be seen in the movie on aspartame, "Sweet Misery: A Poisoned World."

Copies are available from cori@soundandfuryproductions. com.

Case histories now being taken on aspartame and brain tumors from New York, New Jersey, Illinois and Mississippi in the last three years. Send to Bettym19@mindspring. com

Also, The FDA blamed deaths on ephedra and removed it from the market. The FDA records on ephedra were reviewed by the renowned neuroscientist Dr. John Olney who founded the field of neuroscience called excitotoxicity and tried to prevent the approval of aspartame and said ephedra is safe.

The Ephedra story is on http://www. wnho. net (http://www. wnho. net)

In the movie, "Sweet Misery," Diane Fleming is interviewed from prison. Her husband, an aspartame addict, who played basketball several times a week, died and she was charged with his death. Several experts have written affidavits that Charles Fleming died from aspartame.

Contact:

Dr. Betty Martini

Mission Possible Intl

9270 River Club Parkway, Duluth, Georgia 30097

770 242-2599

Http://www. dorway. com (http://www. dorway. com)
Aspartame Toxicity Center: http://www. holisticmed. com/aspartame (http://www. holisticmed. com/aspartame)

Aspartame Information List: http://www. wnho. net (http://www. wnho. net)

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Manisses Communications Group Launches New Product - Parenting Handouts: From Tots To Teens

Manisses Communications Group Launches New Product - Parenting Handouts: From Tots To Teens

Leading mental health publisher Manisses Communications Group announces the launch of a new product, “Parenting Handouts: From Tots to Teens.” The handouts were developed for mental health and education professionals who regularly work with children and their parents or caregivers.

Providence, RI (PRWEB) April 14, 2005

Leading mental health publisher Manisses Communications Group announced the launch of a new product, “Parenting Handouts: From Tots to Teens.” The handouts were developed for mental health and education professionals who regularly work with children and their parents or caregivers. Each handout offers practical advice on issues children and adolescents face, with the aim of helping parents better understand and advocate for their children.

“Our Parenting Handouts cover a plethora of topics that are major concerns for today’s parents,” said Karienne Stovell, executive editor for Manisses Communications Group, Inc. “These handouts cover issues such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), school violence, bedwetting, dealing with conflict, drugs and alcohol, dyslexia, self-esteem, depression, bullying and much more.”

“They are ideal for psychologists, teachers, community leaders, pediatricians, school counselors and others who are challenged to answer parent questions,” added Stovell. “Our Parenting Handouts are the ideal resource tool for parents, but church groups, professionals and others will find this information very valuable as well.”

Those who purchase the product are also given access to free online monthly updates for one year. In addition, they may copy and distribute the handouts at their discretion, free from copyright concerns that restrict use of similar products.

Purchase Information

“Parenting Handouts: From Tots to Teens” includes one set of over 50 handouts and online access to monthly updates for one full year. Parenting Handouts may be purchased directly from Manisses Communications Group. The set costs $99.95 plus shipping and may be purchased by calling customer service at (800) 333-7771 or online at www. manisses. com.

For more information on this product go to:

Http://www. manisses. com/bookstore/bookstore/write-ups/childhandouts1.htm (http://www. manisses. com/bookstore/bookstore/write-ups/childhandouts1.htm)

Manisses Communications Group, Inc. is a publisher serving the needs of addiction and mental health professionals. Established in 1984, Manisses periodicals include: Addiction Professional magazine, Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly, Behavioral Healthcare Tomorrow magazine, The Brown University Child & Adolescent Behavior Letter, The Brown University Child & Adolescent Psychopharmacology Update, The Brown University Digest of Addiction Theory and Application, The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update, The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update, Mental Health Weekly, and a variety of books, white papers, audio conferences and special reports.

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Tuesday, January 14, 2003

Leading Broadcast PR Firm Forms Alliance With Prominent Healthcare Information And Education Organization To Generate Television Coverage For MenÂ’s Health Issues

Leading Broadcast PR Firm Forms Alliance With Prominent Healthcare Information And Education Organization To Generate Television Coverage For MenÂ’s Health Issues

New Partnership Will Create Unique Media Opportunities For Public Relations Practioners And Healthcare Marketers

(PRWEB) June 19, 2003

NEW YORK – D S Simon Productions has reached an agreement with Men’s Health Network (MHN) that will allow selected healthcare public relations professionals to align their corporation or clients' messages with the non-profit organization's national credibility and media presence.

By identifying specific PR campaigns focusing on men's health issues and pairing them with third-party spokespeople from MHN, the company will be able to produce video news releases (VNRs) and satellite media tours (SMTs) with powerful healthcare messaging and unprecedented medical news value that will generate significant television coverage for all parties involved.

“Because of their long history as a credible source for medical news, we felt that partnering with Men's Health Network would give tremendous value and create a huge number of opportunities for our clients and the media” says Douglas Simon, president & CEO of D S Simon Productions.

D S Simon Productions is currently looking for individual sponsors to partner with MHN for broadcast campaigns during a number of awareness periods, including: National Men's Health Week (June 9-15th), National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (September), Prostate Health (September), Diabetes (November), Colorectal Cancer (March), and other issues such as Accidents and Injuries, Aging, Cancer, Cardiovascular and Stoke, Children's Health, Domestic Violence, Erectile Dysfunction and Impotency, STDs and HIV-AIDS, and Mental Health, including Suicide and Depression. In addition, there will be a number of post-medical conference opportunities to partner with MenÂ’s Health Network surrounding conferences they attend such as those of the American Urological Association, American Public Health Association and the National Safety Council.

The company is also interested in selecting sponsors related to any disease or medical condition that affects men and issues related to getting men to go in for preventive health care. D S Simon Productions Inc will work with MenÂ’s Health Network to develop additional programs, campaigns and funding such as web-base initiatives and special events in conjunction with public relations agencies, medical marketing agencies, pharmaceutical industry, healthcare corporations and organizations, health, fitness, exercise and sports industries

“MHN is thrilled to have the opportunity to pair our educational programs with a solid and proven communications company like DS Simon,” says Tracie Snitker, Director, Public Affairs for Men’s Health Network. “This partnership will greatly expand our capabilities to provide information to the American public and medical community on the silent crisis of men’s health.”

About MenÂ’s Health Network:

MenÂ’s Health Network is a non-profit educational organization comprised of physicians, researchers, public health workers, and other health professionals who recognize menÂ’s health as a specific social concern. MHN is committed to improving the health and wellness of men through education campaigns, data collection and work with health care providers to provide better programs and funding on menÂ’s health needs. In 1994, MHN led the advocacy that established National MenÂ’s Health Week in Congress and promotes educational campaigns nationwide during this time. Other recent programs include MHN HealthZone, Time Out for MenÂ’s Health, and the Colonhealthline. The organization also provides health statistics to the government, media, medical professionals and the general public. (For more information log on to www. menshealthnetwork. org

About D S Simon Productions Inc:

Established in 1986, D S Simon Productions Inc is a leading media communications company specializing in a wide range of media and business communications services. An official Newsroom Resource of the Radio and Television News Directors Association (RTNDA), the company produces and distributes video and audio via satellite and hard copy to the broadcast media. The company provides a variety of news beats including consumer, medical, health, technology, business, personal finance, entertainment, fashion, lifestyle, travel and tourism, parenting and human interest topics. Broadcast formats include: video news releases (VNRs), satellite media tours (SMTs), live remote segments, in-studio interviews, electronic press kits (EPKs), b-roll, corporate videos, webcasts, streaming video and public service announcements (PSAs). Broadcast formats are for free and unrestricted use for accredited media outlets. The company also produces and syndicates newscast inserts, half-hour specials, one or two minute features, series of various lengths and other programming. Broadcast formats are for free and unrestricted use for accredited media outlets. Newsrooms can access current advisories via the AP Express wire on AP NewsCenter, ENPS, and AP NewsDesk 2000. Search for the slug: DSSP The company also produces and syndicates newscast inserts, half-hour specials, one or two minute features, series of various lengths and other programming. D S Simon Productions Inc is headquartered in New York City and has West Coast offices in the San Francisco Bay and Los Angeles areas. For more information log on to www. dssimon. com

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Saturday, January 11, 2003

Reflections from an Unabashed Divorce Buster

Reflections from an Unabashed Divorce Buster

The President's Healthy Marriages initiative has sparked heated debates among liberals and conservatives. One veteran marriage therapist and best-selling author believes they're missing the point.

(PRWEB) January 17, 2004

The New York Times created quite a stir with its front page news yesterday, "Bush Plans $1.5 Billion Drive for Promotion of Marriage". Apparently, there are many who question the President's motives and worry about the implications of government money being spent on private matters such as marriage. But after four decades of rampant divorce and disposable marriages, isn't it time we asked ourselves about the emotional and financial costs to society when divorce is seen as a rite of passage?

Research suggests that children raised in divorced homes suffer emotionally, are more likely to engage in substance abuse and illegal activity and have a higher highschool drop-out rate. Adults in healthy marriages live longer, are healthier, do better financially, are more productive workers, are happier and have better sex lives than the single or divorced crowd. (Sorry, Sarah Jessica Parker)

If marriage touts these benefits, why then, this startling statistic: Of the marriages that end in divorce, fifty percent of these divorces will occur within the first four years of marriage. From bliss to breakup in a blink of the eye. Why? Because marriages don't come with instruction manuals, that's why. We're not born knowing how to have healthy, loving relationships. Our ideas about marriage come from our own parents' marriages, often strikingly poor models.

Contrary to what the American reality show viewers might think, good marriages aren't about choosing the right partner - someone who shares your background, beliefs and interests. Research tells us that people in long-term, loving marriages are no more similar to each other than those who divorce. Successful couples have their fair share of problems and differences. What separates loving couples from those who divorce is skills, relationship skills. People need to know how to communicate about the kids, sex and money, how to argue constructively, manage conflict and maintain friendship and passion over time. And the good news is that all of these skills can be taught. Bring on Marriage 101.

To interview Michele Weiner-Davis, Author of the newly released paperback, THE SEX-STARVED MARRIAGE and Divorce Remedy, call The Divorce Busting Center, 800-664-24353.

Thursday, January 9, 2003

Older Adults Can Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Older Adults Can Lower Risk of Heart Disease

ICAA provides resources as wellness professionals prepare for Heart Month

Vancouver (PRWEB) January 22, 2007

February is Heart Month, a good time to remember that cardiovascular diseases are still the leading cause of death in the United States (American Heart Association) and Canada (Heart & Stroke Foundation). Cardiovascular diseases include heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, heart failure and congenital cardiovascular defects.

How do you reduce the risk of heart disease? Physical activity, healthy eating, maintaining or losing weight and not smoking are the answers. These lifestyle choices are free and attainable, and fend off heart disease along with diabetes and obesity.

"Heart disease is a particular concern as we age," points out Colin Milner, CEO of International Council on Active Aging (ICAA). "About one-third of adults ages 45 to 54 have cardiovascular disease (1). People ages 65 and older account for more than 83% of deaths from cardiovascular disease (2). If we get older and gain weight, stop moving and allow stress to take over, then we're more likely to risk heart disease.

"The good news is you can lower the risks of heart disease at any age. And you can find plenty of support for lifestyle changes at seniors centers and fitness and wellness centers."

As part of the annual ICAA/Philips Heart Month campaign, a new web site has been launched to give ICAA members tools to bring the Heart Month messages to their local areas. The site includes content from Philips Medical Systems (www. philips. com/heartstart (http://www. philips. com/heartstart)), provider of HeartStart Defibrillators, which are used to provide treatment for sudden cardiac arrest.

Older adults can look for special classes and information sheets that can introduce them (and their families) to prevention steps they can start tomorrow:

1. Walk every day, starting with only 5 minutes and increasing by 5 minutes every week.

2. Choose more vegetables and fruit at the market.

3. Look for an age-friendly wellness center or personal trainer (http://www. icaa. cc/facilitylocator. htm (http://www. icaa. cc/facilitylocator. htm)).

The ICAA Heart Month web site at http://www. icaa. cc/heartmonth. htm (http://www. icaa. cc/heartmonth. htm) is available to anyone who is interested in finding tools to inform elders about heart disease. Access is free and does not require registration. The Heart Month toolkit includes links to resources for planning and executing a campaign to reach elders, lifestyle messages that lead to change, consumer education materials, lesson plans, free downloadable posters and organizations that are sources of more information.

Of special note are the visual resources for a Valentine's Day campaign, including postcards, posters and invitations to encourage people to become more physically active. The materials are available as a free download.

By joining with the many organizations that promote physical activity, healthy eating and smoking cessation during Heart Month, ICAA members are ready to help older adults reduce the risks of heart disease.

1. American Heart Association, Fact Sheet: Baby Boomers and Cardiovascular Diseases--Statistics

2. American Heart Association, Fact Sheet: Older Americans and Cardiovascular Diseases--Statistics

About the International Council on Active Aging

Www. icaa. cc

The ICAA is the world's largest membership association dedicated to changing the way we age by uniting and working with professionals in the retirement, assisted living, recreation, fitness, rehabilitation and wellness fields. We connect a community of like-minded professionals who share the goals of changing society's perceptions of aging and improving the quality of life for Baby Boomers and older adults within the six dimensions of wellness (emotional, vocational, physical, spiritual, intellectual, social).

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Wednesday, January 8, 2003

Hollander Consultants Continues Expansion Into Cyberspace

Hollander Consultants Continues Expansion Into Cyberspace

“Ask Hollander Consultants” Is Third New Website in Series

Portland, OR (PRWEB) June 8, 2005

Hollander Consultants continues its outreach into the information exchange of cyberspace by starting http://www. askhollander. com (http://www. askhollander. com), a website designed to provide practice management advice for healthcare practices. The site offers practice owners a forum to ask questions concerning practice management issues and get advice from Hollander ConsultantsÂ’ over 22 years of experience in providing practice management results.

“The staff of Hollander Consultants has decades of experience in nearly every aspect of practice management. The new website, http://www. askhollander. com (http://www. askhollander. com), will be a basic question and answer locale for individuals that need help in resolving issues in their practices,” said Matthew Bratschi, director of public affairs for Hollander Consultants.

In addition to its flagship websites, www. hollanderconsultants. com and www. solutionsmags. com, Hollander Consultants is creating a diverse presence on the World Wide Web with two additional websites, www. hollanderpressroom. com and www. practicemanagementblog. com.

The new website is third in what will be a series of five new websites. The upcoming websites will concentrate on the incredible success of Hollander ConsultantsÂ’ clients and marketing strategies that nearly any practice can use to expand.

“Hollander Consultants has grown over the past 22 years through very successful word-of-mouth about the results we gets with our clients. This year we are on the cusp of a new period of expansion for the company. These new websites will create a greater national presence for Hollander Consultants than we ever had,” said Fred King, CEO of Hollander Consultants.

Based in Portland, Hollander Consultants was named one of the top 50 companies to work for in Oregon by Oregon Business magazine, the chief publication for Oregon businesses.

Hollander Consultants is one of the leading national consulting firms in United States and Canada for the combined dentistry, optometry and veterinary professions and uses the administrative systems developed by business management pioneer, L. Ron Hubbard.

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Spatz FGIA Announces First Implants of Spatz Adjustable Intragastric Balloon System

Spatz FGIA Announces First Implants of Spatz Adjustable Intragastric Balloon System

Spatz FGIA, Inc., a privately held medical device company, today announced the first implants of its Spatz Adjustable Balloon System. The Spatz Adjustable Balloon System is a non-surgical weight loss therapy for the overweight and obese. The system's innovative features offer greater weight-loss success, increased patient safety, and ease of use for the physician.

New Jersey, New York (PRWEB) October 19, 2009

Spatz FGIA, Inc., a privately held medical device company, today announced the first implants of its Spatz Adjustable Balloon System. The Spatz Adjustable Balloon System is a non-surgical weight loss therapy for the overweight and obese. The system's innovative features offer greater weight-loss success, increased patient safety, and ease of use for the physician.

The first Spatz Balloon implants were performed by Dr Evzen Machytka, MD, PhD, at the University Hospital in Ostrava, Czech Republic, on October 13 and 14, 2009. The five patients who underwent the balloon placement procedure were observed overnight in the hospital and discharged the following day. In the coming months, these patients will participate in follow-up consultations for post-placement monitoring and confirmation of successful weight loss.

Dr Machytka stated that obesity is considered the number one health issue facing the world population, and explained how intragastric balloon weight loss therapy contributed to solving this world-wide problem.

"Over 1 billion people are overweight, with 300 million obese. Obesity is associated with several chronic illnesses, including diabetes, atherosclerosis, heart disease, liver disease and some cancers. Intragastric balloons have been used in weight loss therapy for the last 15 years in approximately 100,000 patients. An average weight loss of 15 kg or more over six months has been achieved safely and successfully. Weight loss has been shown to significantly diminish and sometimes even reverse some of these associated diseases."

Dr Machytka briefly described intragastric balloon placement and explained how it promotes weight loss.

"Using a non-surgical endoscopic procedure, the deflated balloon is inserted into the patient's stomach through the mouth of a sedated patient. The balloon is then filled with saline, or in some cases air, to occupy about one third of the stomach. This provides a feeling of satiety, stimulating hormonal influences, and slowing stomach emptying, thereby diminishing appetite. After six months, the balloon is removed from the patient's stomach via a simple procedure. Support by a dietician or nutritionist before, during, and after balloon removal promotes proper eating habits, ensuring successful weight loss and maintenance of that loss."

The Spatz Adjustable Balloon System has an innovative valve, allowing the balloon volume to be adjusted in the patient's stomach via a routine endoscopy procedure.

Dr Machytka praised the balloon's ease of post-implant adjustment and its removal mechanism.

"Locating and operating the Spatz System's valve was straightforward. I plan to customize the balloon size at least once during the course of treatment for each patient, to achieve better weight loss results. After implantation, I adjusted some of the balloons - both increasing and decreasing volumes. The highly visible blue extraction clasp at the end of the catheter is a good innovation. I believe it will make balloon extraction with a polypectomy snare much easier, and will not require purchase of a special tool. "

Dr Machytka explained how another unique feature of the Spatz Adjustable Balloon System provides improved patient safety.

"Due to the acidity naturally present in the stomach, intragastric balloons can develop leaks, causing the balloon to deflate. If this happens, the balloon can migrate through the digestive system. This occurs infrequently, and in the majority of cases, the balloon will simply pass through the patient's system without incident. However, there have been cases where surgical intervention was necessary. The Spatz System has a patented uncrushable catheter 'tail' attached to the balloon, preventing it from leaving the stomach. Should the balloon deflate, it will remain harmlessly in the stomach until removed via a standard endoscopy procedure."

Spatz FGIA CEO and System designer Dr Jeffrey Brooks, a gastroenterologist with over 20 years clinical experience, explained how the uncrushable 'tail' feature will enable the Spatz Adjustable Balloon System to remain in the patient's stomach for a longer period, increasing weight loss potential.

"Currently, intragastric balloons must be removed after six months, due to the rising incidence of balloon deflation after six months, which in turn increases the risk of intestinal obstruction. Spatz FGIA will be presenting evidence to the European regulatory authorities to show how the Spatz Adjustable Balloon System's special uncrushable 'tail' eliminates this risk. Until the regulatory authorities approve leaving the balloon in place for longer periods, patients and physicians will be advised to ensure removal of the Spatz System after 6 months."

Dr. Brooks expressed excitement over the first implantations of the Spatz Adjustable Balloon System, and stated that the System would soon be available in Europe. He invited medical device distributors to contact him to discuss including the Spatz Adjustable Balloon System in their product line.

"I am delighted with the performance of our System. It will not only provide more effective weight loss, but increased patient safety and physician confidence."

** Spatz and Spatz Adjustable Balloon are trademarks of Spatz FGIA, Inc.

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Monday, January 6, 2003

Sarasota Inventor is All Thumbs

Sarasota Inventor is All Thumbs

Six months ago when 43-year-old licensed massage therapist Greg Polins started with severe pain in his wrists and thumbs, he feared the end of his career was near. It was at this point he knew he had no choice but to create a solution that would allow him to continue his work.

(PRWEB) October 19, 2004

Having an artistic background helped Polins draft initial drawings in order to conceptualize a glove-like tool that would protect his thumbs during deep tissue and neuromuscular massage. At the time, Polins owned and operated a Sarasota-based massage clinic that just happened to be next door to a company that produced custom prosthetics. “Once I had a few drawings, I was able to get a few rapid prototypes with the help of my neighbor and then started searching for a patent attorney”, Polins said.

After registering his invention with the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office, Polins spent time with Sarasota-based PRO Design Solutions a specialty software engineer company that created a 3D model of his invention and a few rapid prototypes. He then created a small user group of about ten massage therapists and asked them a series of questions after using the device for a few days. The response was overwhelming and 10 out 10 therapists wanted to keep the prototypes. “At that point, I knew I had invented something that was going to change an entire industry…something that would help thousands of people keep their careers and income”, Polins said.

Although Massage therapy is a relatively new market it doesnÂ’t look like the industry will be doing anything less than exploding each year. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, 28% of adult Americans got a massage within the last five years. Of that 28%, 23% got them for relaxation and stress reduction, 53% for health-related reasons, and 15% to pamper themselves. And Twenty-five percent of Americans expect to get a massage within the next 12 months.

Polins has also done his homework in the industry; currently there are no marketed massage tools or patents that even resemble Thumbsavers™. The invention is currently patent pending and the name and logo is in the process of being successfully trademarked. Polins recently negotiated production with a Sarasota-based manufacturer with mold production in Taiwan.

PolTech is also in the process of pre-production on a DVD training video in order to promote various ways that users can enhance the experience of Thumbsavers. Polins will attend various industry tradeshows and plans on meeting with massage schools around the country to educate users on the tools preventative maintenance qualities.

PolTech is taking orders Thumbsavers at www. thumbsavers. com. They are two versions available; male and female. The unit price is $19.95 each or two for $30.00.

To find out more information about Thumbsavers, please visit their Web site at www. thumbsavers. com.

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Carolinas Healthcare Forum Presents "Keys To A Successful Joint Venture Ambulatory Surgery Center" A Seminar for Hospitals and Physicians

Carolinas Healthcare Forum Presents "Keys To A Successful Joint Venture Ambulatory Surgery Center" A Seminar for Hospitals and Physicians

Caryl Serbin, President and founder of Surgery Consultants of America leads a panel of experts in a discussion of hospital/physician ambulatory surgery center joint-venture projects.

Fort Myers, FL (PRWEB) January 16, 2007

A panel of experts put together by Surgery Consultants of America (SCA) will detail the key elements necessary for a successful hospital/physician ambulatory surgery center joint-venture project. The presentation is one of ten segments of the Carolinas Healthcare Forum on Hospital-Physician Joint Ventures to be held February 1, 2007. The event is being hosted by McGuireWoods LLP, which, according to the American Health Lawyers Association, is the 4th largest health care law firm in the nation. It will be held from 3:00 to 8:00 p. m. at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, NC. Its purpose is to present the key issues and challenges faced by today's hospital-physician joint ventures.

This informative discussion, led by Caryl Serbin, President and founder of SCA, will be presented in a case study format. "In our discussion, we show how a joint venture makes sense from all viewpoints, and what is needed for success."

Speaking from the management team's standpoint, Serbin, offers concrete recommendations that hospitals, physicians, and existing ASCs can implement to ensure a successful outcome for their project.

"There are a lot of reasons a hospital board will want to structure their ASC as a joint-venture," says Raymond Shingler, Senior Vice-President and CIO of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, the hospital owner of the two centers being examined. "Higher profit margins, an expanded market share, and the ability to attract more and better doctors - these are all good arguments that can be presented to a hospital board to help them with their decision." Shingler discusses these and other items for consideration from the hospital's standpoint.

"We are delighted to have Caryl Serbin and Ray Shingler as keynote speakers," says Scott Becker, Co-chair of the McGuireWoods LLP Health Care Department, "Even if they see only this discussion, attendees will come away with a lot of useful information."

SCA is a consulting firm which specializes in the development and management of multi-specialty ambulatory surgery centers. For more information about SCA, call 1-800-694-5808 or visit www. scapress. com (http://scapress. com). For more information or to register for this event, visit www. mcguirewoods. com (http://www. mcguirewoods. com)

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Sunday, January 5, 2003

Stark State College selects Computing OptionÂ’s Regent 4 Student Information System and Financial Aid Software

Stark State College selects Computing OptionÂ’s Regent 4 Student Information System and Financial Aid Software

Stark State College selects Computing OptionÂ’s Regent 4 Student Information System and Financial Aid Software

FREDERICK, MD (PRWEB) August 21, 2004

Computing Options, operating as Computing Options Company, Inc., announced today that Stark State College in Canton, Ohio, has selected the Regent 4 Student Information System module and Financial Aid Management Module to manage part of the administrative function of the College. Stark’s selection of Regent 4 is the result of 3 years of evaluation of several administrative ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions costing several times more than Regent 4 with no additional functionality. “Deciding factors leading us to choose Regent 4 were its easy-to-use web-based functionality, the interoperability and stability that its pure java architecture provides, and it’s rich business functionality”, said Greg Lanka, Director of Computer Services for Stark State College. “We have the same business needs as a College with 50,000 students, but can’t afford to spend $3 million or more for administrative software when we only have 6000 students. Computing Options’ Regent 4 administrative software provides us a solution we can afford with no compromise in functionality”, says Lanka.

About Computing Options Inc.

Computing Options Company, Inc. has been providing enterprise application software exclusively to the Higher Education market since 1979. The Company’s product line consists of 4 software modules that can be deployed stand-alone or integrated as a suite, and can be integrated to existing “back-end” administrative systems. The modules are Financial Aid Management, Student Information System, Financial & General Ledger, and Human Resources/Payroll. Computing Options’ clients include mainly small two and four-year colleges in the United States. Computing Options is privately held, debt free and profitable and headquartered in Frederick, Maryland.

About Stark State College

Stark State College is located in Canton, Ohio and offers 42 associate degree programs in the areas of business technologies, engineering technologies, health technologies, information technologies, and public service technologies. In addition, the College offers six one-year certificate programs in administrative information, bookkeeping, job and family services, massage therapy, medical coding specialist and medical transcription.

For more information:

Contact: Bryan Chaney, Vice President of Sales, Computing Options Company Inc.

301-662-5592 x 25, bryan. chaney@computingoptions. com

Www. computingoptions. com

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