Monday, December 31, 2007

Tips on Flying During the Flu Pandemic

Tips on Flying During the Flu Pandemic

H1N1 has spread around the world through airline travel since it first appeared in Mexico in April 2009. Within two months, the World Health Organization had declared it a pandemic. H1N1 is transmitted by vapor expelled when people speak, sneeze, cough, laugh, eat, exhale and sing. So if you're sick should you fly? Diana Fairechild, aviation environmental consultant and author of Jet Smarter, answers this question to a reader of her web site, Flyana. com.

New York, NY (PRWEB) September 29, 2009

H1N1 has spread around the world through airline travel since it first appeared in Mexico in April 2009. Within two months, the World Health Organization had declared it a pandemic.

H1N1 is transmitted by vapor expelled when people speak, sneeze, cough, laugh, eat, exhale and sing.

So if you're sick should you fly?

Diana Fairechild, aviation environmental consultant and author of Jet Smarter, answers this question to a reader of her web site (http://www. flyana. com/H1N1.html): "If you feel ill and are deciding to fly or not to fly, ask yourself this question. Are you willing to risk being detained at your destination airport?"

"Travelers who are ill on arrival, and also those seated near the ill passenger, are being detained in quarantine for several weeks," adds Ms. Fairechild, "so when they are released, if they're lucky enough not to be ill, they've entirely missed the event for which they purchased their airplane ticket."

The Air Transport Association, a lobbyist for 26 airlines and 85 other companies that supply the airlines, said on Aug. 31, 2009 that passengers have "no greater risk when traveling by air than going to school or work."

Ms. Fairechild disagrees. "First, at school and work if someone is sneezing or coughing in your bio-space it is likely you can move away. On airplanes, usually you cannot do this. Second, the ceilings at work and school are not as low as airplane ceilings, so with less volume of air on board there's a stronger possibility that a virus molecule could be near your nose when you're ready to inhale."

"I am a realist, not an alarmist," says Ms. Fairechild. "I base my H1N1 advice to passengers on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) documentation on the spreading of influenza, measles, smallpox and TB in airplane cabins. For H1N1, the CDC recommends we maintain a distance of over three feet (1 metre) from others.

"Most first-class airline seats don't have this luxury," says Ms. Fairechild, adding, "In economy, that space is only on rare, empty flights."

"I'm surprised that the CDC does not recommend the most important tip for passengers who need to fly: WEAR A MASK and put a barrier between you and airborne viruses," says Ms. Fairechild. "Wearing a mask cuts down your chances of picking up H1N1 by over 90%." She continues, "I base this statement on an informal survey that I conducted from the podium at a medical conference. In a ballroom full of physicians, I asked for a show of hands if they agreed that passengers could lessen the likelihood of catching a contagious disease by wearing a handkerchief over their noses. Every hand that I could see went up."

Diana Fairechild, who flew over 10 million miles as an international chief flight attendant, offers this further advice to passengers: "If you decide to fly with a handkerchief over your nose, you can wash it with soap and hot water during flight to keep it uncontaminated. Then the damp hankie will provide you with some needed personal humidity in the dry cabin air."

"Don't worry about anyone thinking you're a terrorist when you wear a handkerchief or mask," she adds. "It's always smart to wear a mask when flying and flight attendants know this; they might even be envious because the airlines don't allow them to protect themselves in flight with a mask."

"Many countries today," says Ms. Fairechild, "among them China, Australia, Bulgaria and Turkey, have now installed fever-screening cameras to test all arriving passengers. Maybe TSA could do this PRIOR to departure."

Diana Fairechild can be reached at http://www. Flyana. com. Since the publication of her first aviation book in 1992, she has become a trusted source of tips to improve the quality of life for airline passengers, and her expert testimony in a precedent-setting aviation lawsuit was upheld by the U. S. Supreme Court.

###

POTOMAC-HUDSON ENGINEERING, INC. RELEASES SOFTWARE UPGRADE FOR FIELDACE VERSION 3.0

POTOMAC-HUDSON ENGINEERING, INC. RELEASES SOFTWARE UPGRADE FOR FIELDACE VERSION 3.0

Upgrade of FieldACE PDA Inspection/Compliance Management Software

BETHESDA, MD (PRWEB) December 18, 2003

Potomac-Hudson Engineering, Inc. announced the release of version 3.0 of its Environmental Health & Safety Compliance Management Software. FieldACE is a computerized inspection program that eliminates paper checklists and significantly reduces data entry time increasing productivity. FieldACE reports help companies comply with OSHA, NFPA, JCAHO, EPA, FDA and other regulatory agencies.

The program consists of two modules: the management software that resides on a desktop personal computer (PC) and the handheld device with the associated inspection software. The desktop module is a Windows-based application used to set up inspection schedules, and to analyze and report the status and results of inspections. Inspectors can download scheduled inspections on the handheld unit. Completed inspections are then uploaded from the handheld units to the management module for reporting and data manipulation.

By eliminating the data entry process, FieldACE allows the user to focus more on their enviornmental, health and safety job, increase their productivity and efficiency.

The release of 3.0 gives users unprecedented flexibility with features such as data export, user definable fields, Pocket PC compatibility, Work Order module. Potomac-Hudson Engineering, Inc. recognizes that users need flexible, easy-to-use software to fully leverage their inspection program data, while minimizing administrative burden. To learn more about FieldACEÔ, visit www. fieldace. com.

FieldACE software was originally developed for the Navy Environmental Leadership Program (NELP) in 1999. Today FieldACE is being used in universities, hospitals, municipalities, military bases, airports and corporations around the country.

Potomac-Hudson Engineering, Inc. (PHE) is a multidisciplinary environmental and information technology consulting firm. Their mission is to help governmental and private clients meet demands for increased productivity in the face of dwindling resources. Founded in 1988, PHE has established a nationwide reputation for the consistent delivery of high-quality technical products at very competitive rates. Potomac-Hudson Engineering, Inc. has offices in Washington, DC, California, New Jersey and North Carolina.

###

Friday, December 28, 2007

New Director of Sonoma State University's Wine Business Program<BR> Plans to Help Wine Industry Cope With Tough Times

New Director of Sonoma State University's Wine Business Program<BR> Plans to Help Wine Industry Cope With Tough Times

He was writing software in 6th grade and stretching his management skills for local businesses<BR> soon after. His M. B.A. was earned at the prestigious Haas School of Business at UC<BR> Berkeley. Now David Hehman of Sebastopol, has joined Sonoma State University School of <BR> Business and Economics as the new director of the Wine Business Program. <BR>

(PRWEB) January 18, 2002

He was writing software in 6th grade and stretching his management skills for local businesses soon after. His M. B.A. was earned at the prestigious Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and his entrepreneurial spirit led to creation of a successful leisure-lodging web site and a healthcare software company.

Now David Hehman of Sebastopol, has joined Sonoma State University School of Business and Economics as the new director of the Wine Business Program.

Created through a partnership between the university and the wine industry, Sonoma State's Wine Business Program is the first university program of any kind to focus exclusively on the business dynamic within the wine industry.

Professional development courses and cutting-edge research projects by the faculty are now helping the wine industry tackle problems caused by the recent economic downturn and the oversupply of grapes on the market.

Hehman is a member of the North Bay Angels investor group and is also a partner in Spartina Ventures, LLC, an early-stage venture capital fund.

He and his wife moved to Sonoma County from Connecticut to get closer to nature. This position matches his passion for teaching and working with local businesses, he says.

Hehman was previously Vice President Business Development of Vacationspot. com, a leading independent leisure lodging web site, which sold to Expedia, Inc. He joined VacationSpot. com from GetawayZone where he was co-founder and CEO. GetawayZone merged with VacationSpot in December 1998. Hehman also co-founded and served as CEO of HealthDeskCorporation, a healthcare software company, from 1991-1995.

"DavidÂ’s entrepreneurial background, teaching interests, and his desire to become involved in the wine industry made him a perfect fit.," says Dr. Ahmad Hosseini, dean of the School of Business and Economics. "We are excited to have him on our team to grow our Wine Business Program and foster ties to the business community."

Hehman replaces Armand Gilinsky who is heading up the new Entrepreneurship Center at Sonoma State University. Hehman, who will also serve as a Development Officer for the School of Business, says he and Gilinsky are working closely together to build both programs into valuable community resources.

CONTACT INFO: David Hehman, Director, Wine Business Program, (707) 664-2260

NOTE: A digital photo of Mr. Hehman is available.

Global Computer Assisted Surgical (CAS) Systems Market to Reach US$2.2 Billion by 2015, According to a New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc

Global Computer Assisted Surgical (CAS) Systems Market to Reach US$2.2 Billion by 2015, According to a New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

GIA announces the release of a comprehensive global report on Computer Assisted Surgical (CAS) Systems market. Although the prolonged severity of the current economic slowdown has temporarily weakened current growth variables, the world Computer Assisted Surgical (CAS) Systems market is nevertheless forecast to recover poise in the medium-to-long term period to reach US$2.2 billion by the year 2015.

San Jose, CA (Vocus/PRWEB) January 06, 2011

CAS technologies have drastically changed the way in which surgeries are performed. Advances in Computer Assisted Surgery (CAS) technologies have enabled to expedite progress in medical and surgical interventions. Employing the robust and clinically proven CAS systems, surgeons can utilize improved surgical techniques with much greater success rates. Besides, CAS technologies aid patients as they experience less pain and shorter recovery periods, which in turn lead to shorter hospital stays and reduced hospital bills.

Pressure from the recession, which severely impacted most industrial sectors has forced growth to slow down in the healthcare industry, which was once widely opined to be recession resilient. With most surgical systems and equipment being capital heavy investments, tight liquidity, lack of credit availability, capital shortages, and high borrowing rates, triggered by the recession, has forced hospitals and healthcare facilities to reduce capital expenditures on new equipments. In the United States, for instance, reductions in federal funding coupled with declines in philanthropic donations, have put hospitals under severe financial pressures thus blocking investments in medical equipments. Expensive computer assisted surgical devices and systems are therefore relatively sensitive to economic cycles and although still offer a sturdy value proposition from a technology standpoint have temporarily lost their popularity due to a host of macro economic reasons, such as, decline in reimbursements of medical imaging, cutbacks in healthcare expenditure, budgetary constrains and postponement of equipment replacement decisions.

The bad economy has also resulted in increasing the number of uninsured patients and reducing the number of elective surgeries, such as, dental CAD/CAM procedures, especially among self-pay patients thus reducing the volume of surgical procedures and services. This has in-fact reduced the immediate need for new surgical equipment, devices and systems. Although the above factors have slowed down the growth momentum over the last year or two, a quick and sharp recovery in growth momentum is forecast to be on cards since computer-aided surgery (CAS) and image-guided surgery (IGS) are indispensable tools in modern minimally invasive surgical methodologies. Growing popularity and widespread use of endoscopic surgical techniques in almost all surgical procedures provides an easy road to recovery. Computer assisted or robotic systems offer surgeons superior visual acumen enabling dexterous navigation of surgical instruments through the body’s anatomical structures. For instance, 3-dimensional visibility allows high degrees of rotational dexterity, while simultaneously reducing tissue manipulation, trauma and the resulting inflammatory response of the body. Additionally, medical surgical training for the less experienced surgeons is rapidly shifting towards computer simulators away from apprenticeship, given the growing acknowledgment of the fact that of knowledge of patient-specific anatomy is as important as knowledge of the normal anatomy. Strong opportunities therefore exist for surgical simulators in the post recession period. In conclusion, prolonged cutbacks in computer assisted surgical systems are deemed as highly unlikely since the medical community has and will continue to explore and adopt new technologies like robotics encouraged by superior clinical outcomes. Technology innovations that help improve workflow, ergonomics and user-interface will also play its role in supporting the market’s growth.

Computer Assisted Surgical (CAS) Systems will continue to be dominated by developed nations, with the US and Europe together accounting for a lion’s share of the global market, as stated by the new market research report. Market for Surgical Navigation Systems in United States is expected to surge at a CAGR of 6.85% during the analysis period.

Major players in the marketplace include Intuitive Surgical Inc., Ascension Technology Corporation, Boston Dynamics Inc., CAE Inc, Polhemus Inc., ROBODOC, SensAble Technologies Inc., Simbionix USA Corp, Viking Systems Inc, among others.

The research report titled “Computer Assisted Surgical (CAS) Systems: A Global Strategic Business Report” announced by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., provides a comprehensive review of market trends, issues, drivers, company profiles, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic industry activities. The report provides market estimates and projections (in US$ Million) for major geographic markets including the United States, Canada, Japan, Europe (France, Germany, Italy, UK, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World. Product segments analyzed include Surgical Planners and Simulators, Surgical Navigation Systems, and Surgical Robots.

For more details about this comprehensive market research report, please visit –
Http://www. strategyr. com/Computer_Assisted_Surgical_Systems_Market_Report. asp

About Global Industry Analysts, Inc.
Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (GIA) is a reputed publisher of off-the-shelf market research. Founded in 1987, the company is globally recognized as one of the world’s largest market research publishers. The company employs over 800 people worldwide and publishes more than 1200 full-scale research reports each year. Additionally, the company also offers thousands of smaller research products including company reports, market trend reports, and industry reports encompassing all major industries worldwide.

Global Industry Analysts, Inc.
Telephone: 408-528-9966
Fax: 408-528-9977
Email: press(at)StrategyR(dot)com
Web Site: http://www. StrategyR. com/

# # #

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Piribo: Drug Development Outsourcing is Set for a 17% Growth Over the Next 4 years

Piribo: Drug Development Outsourcing is Set for a 17% Growth Over the Next 4 years

Piribo, (www. piribo. com) the online destination for business intelligence for the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, has now added a new report entitled “Outsourcing in Drug Development: The Contract Research Market from Preclinical to Phase IV”.

(PRWEB) May 22, 2006

With pharmaceutical companies outsourcing an increasing number of functions, from discovery research and clinical trials to manufacturing and distribution, a new report has found that contract drug development expenditures reached $19 billion in 2005 and are expected to increase at an annual rate of 17% to exceed $42 billion by 2010.

According to the report, Outsourcing in Drug Development: The Contract Research Market from Preclinical to Phase IV, the continual push to reduce drug development costs, bring drugs to market more quickly, and increase the number of new drugs in the pipeline has forced the rapid growth of the contract drug development industry, which increased 15% from 2000 to 2005. The research expects the overall global market for drug development to exceed $105 billion by 2010, with outsourcing making up a healthy 40% of the market.

A major bottleneck for developers continues to be delays in patient recruitment for clinical trials which can result in millions of dollars of lost sales. Outsourcing has become a widely-used solution for shortening recruitment time and increasing patient retention.

Additionally, specialty service providers offering a diverse array of development capabilities, such as electronic technology solutions and internet patient recruiting, are making it possible for developers speed up the development process, which can take up to eight-and-a-half years.

An in-depth analysis of the market with profiles of both major and niche competitors, this 2nd Edition of Outsourcing in Drug Development also includes a comprehensive overview of the drug development process, including regulatory issues. It is available in both hard copy and PDF format from Piribo. For more information go to: http://www. piribo. com/search/results. html? k=kal001&x=0&y=0 (http://www. piribo. com/search/results. html? k=kal001&x=0&y=0)

About Piribo.

Piribo is a UK-based independent online store supplying business information on the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The website now carries over 3,500 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.

# # #

Jewels and Pinstripes Creates Extraordinary Thank You Gift Bags Valued at over $17,000 for Carousel of Hope Benefit

Jewels and Pinstripes Creates Extraordinary Thank You Gift Bags Valued at over $17,000 for Carousel of Hope Benefit

Carousel of Hope gives celebrity gifts to Oprah, Halle Berry, Beyonce, Jay Leno, Faith Hill and others for their support.

Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) November 5, 2004

The Carousel of Hope sent their celebrity VIPs home with an extraordinary gift bag (http://www. jewelsandpinstripes. com) as a thank you to their participating superstars at this year’s event. The Carousel of Hope is a biennial star-studded gala benefiting the Barbara Davis Center. The popular California-based gift bag company “Jewels and Pinstripes” selected the assortment of high-end luxury items, valued in excess of $17,000. Said Jewels and Pinstripes founder and President Julie Kenney, “The contributing companies were honored to be part of this incredible event. I know that the Carousel of Hope was delighted to give something back to these generous celebrities who have given so much of themselves. This was one of those wonderful win/win situations that makes everyone smile.” Kenney added that a percentage of placement fees were donated by Jewels and Pinstripes to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation.

So what’s in Oprah’s, Jay Leno’s, and Faith Hill’s thank you gift bag? Must haves for every world-renowned icon: LadyBeach by MEYERS Swiss Watch, T-mobile Sidekick II with service for six months, year’s supply of Shari’s Berries, a Dyson vacuum, four-night stay at Marquis Los Cabos presented by Spa-Quest. com, Tempur-pedic mattress, two-night at Calistoga Ranch, a Corley Family Winery/Monticello Vineyards private tasting session, three-night stay at Ho'oilo House in Maui, Frederick's of Hollywood lingerie, Ike Behar custom made men's dress shirt, Jackie Christie leather handbag, Kookoon silk throw, TeNo watch, London Sole ballet flats, Altec Lansing inMotion™ portable audio system, Gerard Yosca for Jennifer Kaufman vintage brooch, Nautilus SelectTech dumbbells, Procyte cellulite kit, RedEnvelope cashmere travel set, Red Haute Couture by Beverly Z handbag, Rexford Holly stationary, The Sims 2 PC game, a All-Clad 12" chef 's pan and a Starbucks gift package. Housing all of the beautiful gifts is the Hartmann Large Satchel from the Luxe Collection and Mulholland hippo duffel.

Mrs. Barbara Davis, the high-profile philanthropist who has co-hosted Hollywood’s premiere charity gala since founding it 27 years ago, is personally thankful for the celebrity efforts that have helped raise over $65 million for childhood diabetes. “The Carousel of Hope is my child and my life,” says Mrs. Davis, who came up with the ball idea after her daughter, Dana, was diagnosed with children’s diabetes. The Carousel of Hope funds allow the Barbara Davis Center to assist more than 5,000 kids a year from all over the world.

At the star-studded event, held Saturday night at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Oprah Winfrey presented Halle Berry with the evening’s “Brass Ring” award. Beyoncé, Faith Hill, and Josh Groban headlined the event entertaining the 1,500 other VIPS in attendance.

Jewels & Pinstripes and Kompolt Online Auction Agency, along with the Carousel of Hope, will list today a celebrity thank You Gift bag on eBay, The World’s Online Marketplace®. Just go to www. ebay. com/carouselofhope (http://www. ebay. com/carouselofhope) to place a bid from October 25, 2004-November 4 on this amazing item. Proceeds from the winning bid on eBay will be donated to the foundation.

About Carousel of Hope

The Carousel of Hope is an invitation-only event benefiting the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. The proceeds help fund health care and research for over 5,000 children and young adults who come from all over the world to receive specialized care at the Center. A portion of the proceeds also benefit the Los Angeles chapters of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International and the American Diabetes Association. www. childrensdiabetesfdn. com

About Kompolt

Kompolt is the highly regarded “go-to” online auction agency for creating successful, high value, and high profile promotional and charity auctions for top brand companies and nonprofits. For more information, go to www. kompolt. com.

About Jewels and Pinstripes

At the heart of every special event are those few people who bring everything to life. For these extraordinary individuals, “thank you” just isn’t enough. Jewels and Pinstripes gift bags (http://www. jewelsandpinstripes. com) are a perfect compilation of sumptuous, unique items as distinctive as their recipients and an exceptional expression of gratitude. Jewels and Pinstripes specializes in charity VIP thank you gifts and donates a portion of placement fees to the charity. Visit www. jewelsandpinstripes. com for more information.

NOTE TO MEDIA: For gift bags “demos” please contact 925.462.7776 or contact Julie at julie@jewelsandpinstripes. com

Media contacts: 

Julie Kenney

925.462.7776

# # #

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Portrait of Grief – Coping With Loss of a Child

Portrait of Grief – Coping With Loss of a Child

Christy Lowry shares her personal experience after the accidental death of her young daughter.

Austin, TX (PRWEB) February 27, 2006

Government statistics estimate that each year 228,000 children and young adults die in the United States. These statistics do not include miscarriages or still births. In an NFO Research, Inc. survey 19% of the adult population has suffered the death of a child, and 22% the death of a sibling. Death by accident claims 13% of these children.

Grief comes in many personas for families whose lives are challenged by a death of a child – the loss of hopes and dreams. Grief is a process not easily acknowledged in our society, however, grief is an integral part of accepting the death. Families who can acknowledge their grief and learn alternative ways to express their pain can free their emotional energies to focus on life ahead. Grief that is not allowed a healthy release frequently finds expression in anger, abuse and/or neglect of a loved one, substance abuse, and illness.

Christy Lowry’s daughter Pam died in an auto-pedestrian accident the first day of school. The family was poised on the brink of despair and loss. New fields of experience rippled out to include the most mundane everyday details of their lives and those of their extended families. “Those first hours, days, and weeks—even up to five months—I panicked that I could never stop crying, except to come up for air. That’s how I felt,” claims Christy. “I vividly remember, just days after losing Pam, making a conscious choice as I looked down the flight of stairs to the front door. How steep they looked! And how easily I could fall down them—both literally and figuratively. Would I just give up and go with the flow of gravity? Or consciously choose to flow through my grief?”

It’s comforting to know that, as affirmed by many experienced grievers, this intense phase of early grief does pass. And we heal. Grief is one's own personal experience of loss, however, importance is also placed that outward sharing and expression of the pain is part of the process.

“My grief process was anything but linear, was instead characterized by sharp jagged lines zigzagging up and down, with no rhyme nor reason—at first,” laments Christy. “It took weeks and months for me to discern small but gradually growing breaks in our cloud cover of grief.” As she gradually began living out the precedent of life without Pam, Christy found that new and surprising insights came to her, such as the difference between shock and disbelief; the pitfalls of unresolved anger; the real causes of fear, blame, regret, and guilt.

In Christy’s family a miracle unfolded as healing and restoration powerfully emerged to transform hopeless grief into inspired conviction. “After God miraculously intervened in our tragic loss to heal and restore us, I new it was selfish to withhold our journey of comfort and hope from other hurting grievers,” Christy explains. “I felt both inspired and impelled to share our story, and its resulting growth.” She recounts the loss of her daughter and the families’ grieving process in “PAM: Life Beyond Death, Joy Beyond Grief (ISBN 188812573). PAM unites comforters and grievers as together they face one of life’s most inexplicable losses: the death of a child.

Christy Lowry lives in Anchorage, Alaska with her husband Paul. She received her BA in history, with English minor, from California State University at Long Beach.

###

Monday, December 24, 2007

1 Out Of 4 Incarcerated Latino Youth Is Held In Adult Facilities

1 Out Of 4 Incarcerated Latino Youth Is Held In Adult Facilities

Each year, an estimated 200,000 youth under age 18 are tried as adults in courts nationwide. As a result, thousands of Latino youth are prosecuted in the adult criminal justice system every year, depriving them of rehabilitative opportunities, including education, mental health services, and other age-appropriate services that make it more likely that youth will become law-abiding, productive citizens.

Washington, D. C. (Vocus) December 12, 2009

Latino youth are treated more harshly by the justice system than white youth, for similar offenses, at all stages in the justice system, according to a report released by The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and the Campaign for Youth Justice (CFYJ). America’s Invisible Children: Latino Youth and the Failure of Justice examines the most recent information available about Latino youth in the justice system, with a particular focus on youth tried as adults.

“This country’s justice system is in crisis. At the heart of the crisis is our failure to recognize that this system is for the care and treatment of children, not simply the punishment and correction of criminals,” said Janet Murguía, NCLR President and CEO. “We need a new approach that allows Latino children to dream, and dream big, while providing them with the tools they need to accomplish those dreams.”

Each year, an estimated 200,000 youth under age 18 are tried as adults in courts nationwide. As a result, thousands of Latino youth are prosecuted in the adult criminal justice system every year, depriving them of rehabilitative opportunities, including education, mental health services, and other age-appropriate services that make it more likely that youth will become law-abiding, productive citizens. In addition, Latino youth prosecuted in the adult system can be held in adult jails and prisons where they are at great risk of suicide and sexual assault.

“The justice system has failed Latino youth and communities as these kids are treated more punitively by the justice system than white youth for similar offenses,” said Liz Ryan, CFYJ President and CEO. “The Administration, Congress, and state and local officials must take immediate steps to redress these glaring disparities.”

According to recent reports from the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U. S. Department of Justice, youth who are tried as adults are more likely to reoffend than youth retained in the juvenile justice system.

Key Findings from America’s Invisible Children: Latino Youth and the Failure of Justice:
  On any given day, close to 18,000 Latino youth are incarcerated in America. The majority of these youth are incarcerated for nonviolent offenses. Most Latino youth are held in juvenile detention facilities (41%) and juvenile long-term secure facilities (34%). However, one out of every four (24%) incarcerated Latino children is held in an adult prison or jail even though youth in adult facilities are in significant danger of suicide and rape. Latino youth are overrepresented in the U. S. justice system and receive harsher treatment than white youth. In order of rising disparities, Latino youth are: 4% more likely than white youth to be petitioned; 16% more likely than white youth to be adjudicated delinquent; 28% more likely than white youth to be detained; 41% more likely than white youth to receive an out-of-home placement; 43% more likely than white youth to be waived to the adult system; and 40% more likely to be admitted to adult prison. States with the highest levels of disparity of Latino youth in adult prison (rates over 5 times that for white youth) were California, Minnesota, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Nine out of ten (90%) Latino youth ages 10 to 17 live in states that permit the pre-trial detention in adult jails for youth prosecuted in the adult system. According to a study of 40 large urban jurisdictions, Latino youth prosecuted in the adult system are routinely incarcerated in adult jails. Overall, a higher proportion of white youth are released pretrial (60%) than any other racial or ethnic categories. Most (54%) of Latino youth prosecuted in the adult system were detained pretrial; of the Latino youth detained pretrial, 72% were held in adult jails.

Recommendations for Congress and the Administration:

Reauthorize the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) this year with strengthening provisions such as updating the “Disproportionate Minority Contact” (DMC) core requirement to give states specific guidance on action steps to reduce both racial and ethnic disparities and by closing the loophole that allows youth to be placed in adult jails. Substantially increase federal investments to improve culturally and linguistically appropriate, community-based programs and alternatives to incarceration for Latino youth. Oppose legislation that increases the transfer of youth to the adult criminal system or expands mandatory minimum sentences such as gang enhancements.

State and Local Policymakers should:

Immediately stop housing young people in adult jails and prisons. Redirect resources from incarceration to culturally and linguistically competent in-home and community-based services for at-risk youth and youth already in the juvenile or adult justice systems, such as the programs profiled in this brief. Reduce the transfer of youth to adult court by repealing statutory exclusion and prosecutorial discretion laws.

The National Council of La Raza is the largest national Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the U. S., working to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans.

The Campaign for Youth Justice is a national organization dedicated to ending the practice of trying, sentencing and incarcerating youth under the age of 18 in the adult criminal justice system.

To view the entire report, visit http://campaignforyouthjustice. org/documents/Latino_Brief. pdf (http://campaignforyouthjustice. org/documents/Latino_Brief. pdf)

###

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Medifast Plus For Diabetics JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY STUDY. Mention code #FACM5204 &amp; receive a Free Catalog &amp; $25 Off Coupon or call 1-800-558-5009, web site &lt;a href="http://www. medifast-sarasota. com" onclick="linkClick(this. href)"&gt;Now May be covered by Medicare&lt;/a&gt;, Ask your Physician

Medifast Plus For Diabetics JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY STUDY. Mention code #FACM5204 & receive a Free Catalog & $25 Off Coupon or call 1-800-558-5009, web site Now May be covered by Medicare, Ask your Physician.

Johns Hopkins Study of Medifast Plus for Diabetics.

(PRWEB) February 20, 2004

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY STUDY SHOWS TYPE II DIABETICS LOST TWICE AS MUCH WEIGHT USING MEDIFAST AS THOSE ON AN ADA DIET

Medifast, Inc. recently announced the preliminary 34-week results from its one year and 34-week diabetes study conducted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Health.

Preliminary results of the study show that those study volunteers on the Medifast Diet for Diabetics lost twice as much weight as compared to those following basic nutrition recommendations from the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Study results show that those on the Medifast Diet for Diabetics program lost an average of 16 pounds versus the ADA diet group that lost an average of 8 pounds. Additionally, two-thirds of those on the Medifast program lost at least 5% of their weight, which is a standard measure of the Federal Drug AdministrationÂ’s (FDA) threshold to indicate clinically significant weight loss, versus one-quarter of those on the ADA diet.

Compliance data indicates that almost twice as many people on the Medifast program were able to complete the weight loss portion of the study.

“These results suggest that the Medifast diet was easier to adhere to than the comparison diet,” says Dr. Larry Cheskin, the principal investigator and Hopkins study examiner. “These results may be important for people who are overweight and have Type II Diabetes. We’re telling people they need to lose weight and manage their diet or risk serious health consequences, so it is useful to study what weight loss method is most effective.”

Medifast asked Dr. Cheskin to conduct a study after receiving numerous reports from patients that Medifast products helped control their diabetes symptoms.

“I have been a diabetic for about five or six years. As of today I am completely off all my sugar and cholesterol medications and my blood pressure is normal. My total weight loss on this program has been 50 pounds. I’ll tell you, this has made the difference to me in life and death. I truly believe Medifast has been a miracle in my life,” says Josephine Shaw, a diabetic patient who worked closely with Medifast’s Medical Director, Dr. Wayne Andersen.

“In my twenty years as a critical care physician using surgery and medicines, I have never experienced the amazing improvements in disease that I have in the two years we have been focused on nutritional intervention as the first line defense against disease,” says Dr. Anderson. “Within 4 to 16 weeks our patients are coming off their cholesterol and diabetic medication and showing dramatic improvements in the symptomentology of several other conditions.”

The researchers randomized two groups of Type II diabetic volunteers. One group was given the Medifast Plus for Diabetics defined-formula meal replacement diet of soups, oatmeal, bars and a variety of shakes. The other group was asked to follow a diet based on ADA nutrition guidelines, shop for their own food and manage their own portions, but had the same guidance from the doctors, counselors and dietitians in the study as the Medifast group.

The study found those randomized to the Medifast program had an average 7.5% decrease in body fat, a clinically significant amount.

In addition to weight loss, the initial results are that Medifast participants sustained an average 9% decrease in blood fasting glucose and an average 19% decrease in insulin levels. Medifast participants also achieved an average 12% decrease in fasting triglycerides, and an average 9% increase in HDL (good) cholesterol. Their levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly.

WhatÂ’s more, a number of patients in the Medifast group were able to significantly reduce the number and dose of their medicines. Participants on the Medifast diet saw an average of 27% improvement in their Health Related Quality of Life, which measures such things as physical functioning, energy levels and general health.

“Until now, drug therapy has been the gold standard for diabetics. These results suggest that nutritional therapy could be more effective early on, reduce cost and provide better health for diabetics,” said Brad MacDonald, Medifast’s CEO.

‘If diabetics are being told to lose weight, initial results show that they may be better off on a portion controlled, defined-formula diet,” said Dr. Cheskin. “This is important information for Type II diabetics seeking weight loss.”

MEDIFAST IS ALSO KOSHER CERTIFIED

MEDIFAST ®JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY STUDY CONCLUDED - PRELIMINARY

DR. LAWRENCE CHESKIN, MD

TYPE II Diabetics

1. Patients on the Medifast program of portion – controlled foods (that are specially formulated for diabetics) lost weight more quickly than those on the American Diabetics Association diet.

2. Patients on the Medifast program were able to significantly reduce or eliminate their medicines, including insulin.

3. Patients following the American Diabetes Association (ADA) dietary guidelines didnÂ’t lose as much weight, were slower to lose weight and didnÂ’t reduce or eliminate as much medication during the study.

Medifast Plus Diabetic Products are LOW GLYCEMIC, Certified By The Glycemic Research Institute-Washington, D. C. Visit: www. medifastdiet. com Medifast04@msn. com Yours in good health

&lt;a href="http://www. DrWeil. com" onclick="linkClick(this. href)"&gt;www. DrWeil. com&lt;/a&gt; Launches NEW Forum on One of the World's Fastest Growing Exercises in Latin America and the World

Www. DrWeil. com Launches NEW Forum on One of the World's Fastest Growing Exercises in Latin America and the World.

Dr. Weil, the world renowned natural health author and advisor has just launched a new "TAI CHI & QIGONG" Forum. Best selling Tai Chi author & Founder of World T'ai Chi & Qigong Day, Bill Douglas is the new "Tai Chi Expert." World T'ai Chi is celebrated annually in Mexico, Argentina, Brasil, Ecuador and 60 nations worldwide.

(PRWEB) July 28, 2003

The new Tai Chi Expert at DrWeil. com is author and radio personality, Bill Douglas, who has been a Tai Chi & Qigong resource for The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The South China Morning Post, Readers Digest, and media worldwide.

Bill founded World T'ai Chi & Qigong Day, which has been recognized by the United Nations World Health Organization and governors of many states including official proclamations from the governors of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Utah, Kansas, California, and many others. It is celebrated in all 50 U. S. states and in 60 countries on 6 continents.

Time Magazine called Tai Chi the "perfect exercise." The Wall Street Journal referred to Qigong as "The New Yoga - a Sweat Free Workout."

Bill Douglas is now fielding questions on Tai Chi & Qigong at www. DrWeil. com

Bill can also be reached at www. worldtaichiday. org where readers can find Tai Chi or Qigong teachers in the U. S., Argentina, Brasil, Spain, Ecuador, and 60 nations worldwide.

Sirvisetti Launches Website for Fax Automation Solutions

Sirvisetti Launches Website for Fax Automation Solutions

Sirvisetti Systems, leader in business automation solutions has launched new innovative solutions for Fax Automation and Integration. This solution is targetted at enterprises across all verticals.

Edison, NJ (PRWEB) March 13, 2004

Sirvisetti Systems, a leader in providing business automation solutions, today launched a website http://autofax. sirvisetti. com (http://autofax. sirvisetti. com) to market its Fax Automation solutions. Sirvisetti has provided Fax Automation Solutions to several customers in the HealthCare, Financials, Manufacturing, Whole & Retail and Telecomm industries. Sirvisetti with new partnerships and market exposures is committed to build innovative solutions that are customized to each Industry verticals.

Sirvisetti AutoFax Hosted service offering provides Fax Automation Solution for enterprises with Zero Upfront costs – no fax machines and fax supplies. Sirvisetti AutoFax Box Solution provides, for a small monthly fee, a fax solution with sense of security for Healthcare groups, Law Firms etc. where sharing documents with a service provider may be an issue. Sirvisetti innovative solutions are designed for its customer base and to meet their growing needs.

Sirvisetti Fax Automation Solution cuts enterpriseÂ’s faxing costs up to 70%, Increase Sales Revenue by 30%, Boost Efficiency and Productivity by 50% and Enhance Customer Service by 50%. Sirvisetti AutoFax built using XML & Web Services technologies and requires no or minimum changes to your applications. The solution is Rapid, Flexible and Easy to deploy and operate.

Sirvisetti Business Automation Solutions (AutoFax, AutoWireless, AutoPrint, AutoEmail and AutoWeb) are designed to deliver business documents by Fax, Email, Print, Web, or Wireless. Sirvisetti Automation Solutions enable you with several features, including Send & Receive faxes, Fax to Email, automatic delivery of Prescriptions to pharmacies, Referrals to providers, purchase orders to vendors & suppliers, invoices to customers, and check printing, etc. For Healthcare companies provides full HIPAA compliance. Sirvisetti Automation Solutions delivers various levels of encryptions to meet your needs on confidentiality and security requirements.

Sirvisetti Fax Automation Solution is designed to serve enterprises of all sizes; AutoFax rapidly embeds and integrates with enterprise applications such as Oracle ERP, SAP, Siebel CRM, Legacy Applications, Healthcare Practice Management systems, etc.

For more information email rajesh. domudala@sirvisetti. com or visit http://autofax. sirvisetti. com (http://autofax. sirvisetti. com)

About Sirvisetti Systems

Sirvisetti Systems was founded in April 2000 by technical and business executives from Oracle, MIT, and Harvard. Sirvisetti (http://www. sirvisetti. com/ (http://www. sirvisetti. com/)) is a leading provider of technology that enables deep dynamic real time Business Automation across functional, application, platform and business boundaries. SirvisettiÂ’s comprehensive solutions and products are designed and built based on web services technology and use emerging global eBusiness standards, such as UDDI and ebXML. SirvisettiÂ’s innovative, flexible, and cost-effective solutions enable you to hide complexity and achieve improved productivity with your Enterprise applications

Friday, December 21, 2007

Rosen Divorce Collaborates with Mental Health Professionals

Rosen Divorce Collaborates with Mental Health Professionals

Rosen Divorce, the stateÂ’s largest divorce firm and rising multidisciplinary practice, recently began collaborating with mental health professionals who assist clients in divorce related situations.

Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) May 8, 2005

Rosen Divorce, the stateÂ’s largest divorce firm and rising multidisciplinary practice, recently began collaborating with mental health professionals who assist clients in divorce related situations.

Earlier this week in both Raleigh and Charlotte locations, Rosen Divorce sponsored Clinicians in Court, a half-day seminar where more than 50 statewide mental health professionals attended. Among the guest speakers was Jonathan Gould, a practicing forensic and clinical psychologist in North Carolina who has done extensive writing in the area of child custody evaluations.

"We also now have a section of our website especially dedicated to mental health professionals, " said Lee Rosen, attorney and president of Rosen Divorce. "We felt that teaming up with these professionals will better strengthen the role both attorneys and therapists play in family law." Along with their external collaboration, Rosen Divorce recently hired a mental health professional to work alongside staff attorneys in assisting clients through the divorce process.

Rosen DivorceÂ’s on-line section for mental health professionalÂ’s features FAQÂ’s about matters such as receiving a subpoena, and testifying in a trial; sample court cases relating to mental health professionals; and relevant statutes that concern mental health professionals in the court system. "This is just the beginning of our to-be comprehensive on-line section for mention health professionals," said Lisa Angel, Rosen Divorce attorney. "Mental health professionals need a resource to go to when faced with situations involving the courts and we want to provide them with the guidance and information they need."

With offices in Raleigh and Charlotte, Rosen Divorce is the largest divorce firm in North Carolina. Founded in 1990, the firm is dedicated to providing individual growth and support to couples seeking divorce by helping them move forward with their lives. Our staff of attorneys, accountants, and specially trained divorce coaches expertly address the complex issues of ending a marriage. Our innovative approach acknowledges that divorce is so much more than just a legal matter. Specialties include child custody, alimony, property distribution, separation agreements, and domestic violence relief.

To visit Rosen DivorceÂ’s on-line section for mental health professionals, visit: www. rosendivorce. com/mhp (http://www. rosendivorce. com/mhp )

For more information on Rosen Divorce, or for an interview, please contact: Alison Kramer, Director of Public Relations, Office: 919-256-1542, Cell: 919-523-7104, akramer@rosen. com, http://www. rosendivorce. com (http://www. rosendivorce. com)

Rosen Divorce

4101 Lake Boone Trail Suite 500

Raleigh, NC 27607

Www. rosen. com

“Divorce is Different Here”

###

Thursday, December 20, 2007

The Ultimate &amp;#194;“Virtual&amp;#194;” Reality, by James Rick

The Ultimate “Virtual” Reality, by James Rick

Our world is slowly being dwarfed by a virtual environment for every imaginable desire. More than $10 billion dollars will be spent this year on video games alone. Americans spend nine times more time watching TV than physical activity. What motivates this trend? And if this is the reality itÂ’s obvious people donÂ’t need motivation - they already have plenty of it. People need guided motivation.

(PRWEB) August 9, 2005

Our world is slowly being dwarfed by a virtual environment for every imaginable desire. More than $10 billion dollars will be spent this year on video games alone. Americans spend nine times more time watching TV than physical activity. What motivates this trend? And if this is the reality itÂ’s obvious people donÂ’t need motivation - they already have plenty of it. People need guided motivation.

I would laugh on the few occasions I heard video games compared to an addiction like crack. But I discovered it's a more widespread problem than you might think. LetÂ’s make some comparisons.

• Crack consumes time that could have been invested more wisely – video games consume time that could have been invested more wisely.

• Crack costs money – video games cost money.

• Crack can ruin lives – video games can ruin lives.

• Crack can ruin your health – video games can ruin your health.

• Crack is addicting, meaning the more you do it the more you want it – video games are addicting.

• Crack is a hardcore substance that infiltrates the bodyÂ’s chemical processes and becomes an external chemical addiction. Video games get the adrenaline pumping, which leads to a self-induced physical and mental addiction.

Many will laugh as they read this – I want to laugh too! But video games and other forms of electronic entertainment are like giant vacuums sucking the time out of the ultimate reality – life. Life in the “real world” is and will continue to be the pinnacle of existence. Yet as more and more virtual environments spring up and becomes more “real” – more people will get hooked and escape from true world.

In my research I found a few sites that talked about their life running game addictions and some of the steps they took to solve the problem. In one dramatic example a gentleman took a Glock 17 9mm to his Civilization CD! http://www. logsdon. net/games/civ2.html (http://www. logsdon. net/games/civ2.html)

In another classic example a young Jeffrey Stark writes a passionate essay on how an online reality game has ruined 7 years of his life. He urges “Please watch your son closely. And if you really want to do him a favor, take the computer away, or delete his characters, delete the game, and take his EQ disc and break it. He WILL BE PISSED at you for like a month, but eventually, he will become a *normal* person. Its harsh, it’s cruel, but I tell u what: when he looks back upon his life, he will thank you for doing so, as would I if my parents did this along time ago for me.” The full essay: http://www. selfpsychology. org/_forum/0000014b. htm (http://www. selfpsychology. org/_forum/0000014b. htm)

What is so fun about video games?

My hypothesis is that in a virtual environment like video games we have more control over our virtual environments and shorter timelines to get feedback on our performance. We can also do things in the virtual world, without the consequences we’d normally face in public. This allows us to free our inhibitions and experience the excitement of dating without boundaries, running people over or shooting them on the streets – like what you find in some of the most popular games on the market today.

It seems that human beings are hard wired with a carnal desire to be and do whatever we want – without limits or without consequences. The real world spoils all that fun. The virtual world becomes an outlet for our wildest fantasies. Whether it be commanding an army for the glory of Rome or playing the role of a mob hit man. The excitement also becomes compounded with online gaming. The challenge of matching wits with other players makes the gaming experience even more intense. The brain loves a challenge – and one where a strategy can be applied with almost instantaneous feedback (a few hours or so) is almost too good to pass up. It becomes a problem when these hours are stacked on top of each other for days on end and other more important time investments suffer.

The Time Vacuum

The time vacuum exists when thereÂ’s nothing to fill it. Video games are a motivating filler of the time vacuum. T. V. and other forms of idle entertainment also play a role. All forms of entertainment are not bad. And engaging your time in leisure is not negative. But a real question of value comes up when a consistent time investment yields only a short-term reward.

Have you asked yourself the value of your time investments?

Ask yourself if the time you invest in your game, television show, or movie is going to affect your life tomorrow in a positive way? Are you investing in the future or are you simply killing time. Most time investments are like candy for the mind - sweet at the time but stupid in the long run.

What can you do thatÂ’s enjoyable today and also has a more positive impact in the long run?

• Invest your time in your passions. Your passions should fuel the actions that lead you to the vision of your future. If you donÂ’t have a clear vision – thatÂ’s where your time investment should start. (See Rules for Goal Setting)

• Read books today that are applicable tomorrow.

• Make a list of activities you would consider entertainment and evaluate them in terms of current enjoyment and long term value. Even put many new things in this list you have never even done before. Experiencing new things can be fun! Life is an experience – soak it up. This step alone will significantly improve your life in the long run.

These alternate activities should be motivating enough to give you a twinge of excitement when you think about spending time on them. They are the things you’ll immediately bring into your mind when you find that you have free time. You don’t want to get distracted and just do what sounds fun. You want to evaluate the activities you’ll have fun doing ahead of time. Now this might seem to contradict spontaneity but in truth – going out on the weekends to watch a band play or a comedian can still be valuable activities for your social growth. You should just know in advance where you will permit your time to be invested and where you will not. This requires logical evaluation reinforced by a commitment and decisive action. Knowing what you want out of life and what you’re absolutely willing to do to get there is perhaps the best remedy for all forms of time waste. Darwin once said, “Anyone who dares waste one hour of life has not discovered the true value of life.”

This article is part of the James Rick Daily Vitamin by James Rick, a daily blog that merges our understanding of spirit with the physical world. James Rick is author of Full Potential, a revolutionary guide to mastering your life in stages. James Rick is also a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and CEO of two international ventures. More can be learned at jamesrick. com.

Contact:

James Rick

702-354-4671

James@jamesrick. com

###

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

In Today's Tough Times, Sumits Yoga Offers Stress Relief - and During the Month of July, It's Free to New Students

In Today's Tough Times, Sumits Yoga Offers Stress Relief - and During the Month of July, It's Free to New Students

In today's tough times, more people are feeling more stress for longer periods, and that has lasting negative health consequences. Sometimes it's not possible to eliminate the source of stress, but we can find stress relief by learning how to better cope - that's one benefit offered by Sumits Yoga at its three Valley locations. To reach those who wouldn't otherwise be able to reap the benefits of yoga practice, Sumits Yoga will offer free yoga classes to all new students during the month of July.

Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) June 30, 2009

Mounting bills. Looming job losses. Stock portfolios down 40%. Housing values down 50%. It's a recipe for stress. And we all feel it - our temples pound, our shoulders and necks are tight and sore, we have a hard time sleeping. Over short periods of time, stress doesn't have lasting negative effects - the headaches abate, the shoulders and necks relax, the peaceful slumber returns.

But today - in what's labeled as the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression - more people are feeling more stress for longer periods of time, and that has lasting negative health consequences. Constant stress can make a person more likely to get sick more often; it's linked to high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat, blood clots, and hardening of the arteries. It's also linked to coronary artery disease, heart attack, and heart failure. And we all know that stress affects a person's mood: we feel unable to deal with even small problems; we lose our tempers easily; we find it hard to focus on even simple tasks.

Sumits Yoga helps students cope with stress through mind and body wellness

Sometimes it's not possible to eliminate the source of stress - financial difficulties in today's tough economy, for example - but we can find stress relief by learning how to better cope, to reduce the negative effects stress has on our health. That's why Allison North turned to Sumits Yoga. "We're all dealing with financial and other problems. My daily dose of yoga gives me the strength I need to cope better - physically, mentally and emotionally," said the jewelry designer and owner of Allison North Designs.

Sumits Yoga focuses on both the body and the mind. "Nurturing the body, mind and spirit as you do in the practice of yoga will help you to cope with any kind of stress that comes your way," said director Sumit Banerjee. As both a physical and a mental practice, yoga is designed to translate into how students live their lives. "Yoga practice doesn't end when you leave the mat. It applies outside in the real world, too - it helps our students to be less reactive to stress, to be more calm and centered," Banerjee added.

"Sumits Yoga has taught me to be more in tune with my mind and my body. I've been going to Sumits six days a week for three years - and it's helped me bring balance into my life," said student LaVerne Romberger, a clinical nurse specialist at Scottsdale Healthcare.

That's especially important today when so many people are working more hours for less money. As a nurse, Romberger sees the effect that has on her patients. "Stress particularly affects our immune systems, and that starts a vicious cycle - we don't feel well, so we don't eat right, we don't exercise, and then we feel even worse. Sumits Yoga teaches us to break that cycle," Romberger said.

Sumits Yoga will offer free classes to new students in July

"We recognize that during this recession, many people have had to significantly cut their spending. So we're reaching out to people who wouldn't otherwise be able to reap the benefits of yoga practice by offering free classes to all new students in July," said Banerjee. "At Sumits Yoga, we want to be a sanctuary, to offer a sense of relief."

Anyone can practice yoga, said teacher Patty Callahan. Sumits Yoga students comes from all walks of life - all ages, all shapes and sizes, both men and women, those who are flexible and those who aren't, those who have practiced yoga before and those who haven't. Callahan said, "It's not about competition. It's not about perfection. It's about something as simple as breath - and finding contentment in the present moment." In today's world, we could all use a bit of that.

About Sumits Yoga

Sumits Yoga offers hot yoga - classes are held in a unique heated environment, designed to warm students' muscles and allow deeper, safer practice - at three Valley locations: in North Scottsdale; in central Scottsdale; and in Glendale.

# # #

PROVEN NEW APPROACH HELPS PEOPLE IMMOBILIZED BY DEPRESSION ENJOY THEIR LIVES AGAIN

PROVEN NEW APPROACH HELPS PEOPLE IMMOBILIZED BY DEPRESSION ENJOY THEIR LIVES AGAIN

This news release announces the publication of book that offers readers a new approach to recovering from depression. The author of Phoenix Rising, Anthony J. Schwarz, suffered from bi-polar disorder. He developed a 12-step holistic recovery model that is detailed in his book and which helped him recover from depression.

(PRWEB) July 14, 2001

PROVEN NEW APPROACH HELPS PEOPLE IMMOBILIZED BY DEPRESSION ENJOY THEIR LIVES AGAIN

PHOENIX RISING: 12 GOLDEN KEYS TO UNLOCK YOUR DEPRESSION provides an innovative 12-step recovery program that's said to be "The Best Book Ever Written on Depression!"

About 10% of the US population is depressed at any given moment. Depression affects the way an individual thinks, feels, and interacts with others and robs the sufferer from normal everyday pleasures.

Many people suffering from depression will not seek help. They feel helpless and hopeless. Friends and family members often cannot even begin to understand what a depressed individual is actually going through.

Anthony J. Schwarz, the author of Phoenix Rising:12 Golden Keys to Unlock Your Depression (ISBN 0-9708747-0-7) was one of those individuals suffering from depression. It was a form of depression known as Bi-polar, a form of depression that is followed by episodes of mania, or "drug-less" highs. Tony spent years studying, tracking and recording his own mental roller coaster ride so he could better describe to other sufferers and their families what it would take to rise out of severe depression. After years of research, experimenting with various medications and involvement with many self-help groups, Tony took control of his own life by developing and applying the "12 Golden Keys". His legacy is a gift to those in need of help

Written in easy-to-understand terms, Phoenix Rising provides valuable insights that not only helps the sufferer, but also helps friends and family learn more by hearing first hand the conflict, guilt, and helplessness one with depression experiences. But by combining spiritual principles with the 12-step model for chemical dependency (first founded by Alcoholics Anonymous) and merging these practices with holistic health habits, the book introduces the reader to a unique and fresh new approach to dealing with depression.

The reader also learns about what to change (eating, exercise, and attitude) and what not to change (religious beliefs, significant relationships, and jobs). The book is written in simple, non-technical terms from a depressive s viewpoint and promises to be a first of its kind.

After reading Phoenix Rising, reader Bill Butler's response was "it is wonderful to have someone who has been there to talk to me as opposed to examining my depression like I m a rat in a cage. Very refreshing."

Media Questions Call for review copies, media kits, interview and additional information. Call us at 877-594-9076

Ordering information: You may obtain this new 184-page book from bookstores as well as directly from the publisher for $15.95 plus $4.50 for shipping and handling. Just call our ordering department at 888-934-7755. Or visit our website: http://www. tpgpub. com (http://www. tpgpub. com). Satisfaction is guaranteed.

Phoenix Rising: 12 Golden Keys to Unlock Your Depression by Anthony J. Schwarz. New release, softcover, 6 x 9, 184 pages, four-color cover. ISBN 0-9708747-0-7, $15.95.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Natural Herbal Skin &amp; Beauty Care and Gifts from India at &lt;a href="http://www. tofah. com" onclick="linkClick(this. href)"&gt;www. tofah. com&lt;/a&gt

Natural Herbal Skin & Beauty Care and Gifts from India at www. tofah. com

All natural skin care products/Shahnaz Herbals: Anti-Aging, Acne, Undereye dark circles & more.... Gifts: Elephants, Silk Scarves, Brass Vases, Cushions, Wood Carved Goddess & Elephant, Pearls.

(PRWEB) May 15, 2002

Herbal Skin & Beauty Care: All natural skin care products: Shahnaz Herbals. Anti-Aging, Natural acne treatment that clears acne and blemishes, Undereye dark circles and puffy eyes cream, Undereye bags treatment, Uneven skin tone cream--Precious Pearl Cream, Blotchy skin treatment,

All Natural Shampoo, Natural hair loss treatment for women. Try the Honey Health Collection, the 24 carat Gold Collection, the Neem Collection.

Gifts from India: elephants, wood carved goddess, silk paintings, paintings on marble, silk scarves, silk stoles, woolen shawl, 24 carat gold jewelry, cultured freshwater pearls, brass vase, silk cushions, cotton table mats, all of Exclusive Premium Quality gifts you can send to the Special Person in your life.

Depression/Anxiety-Art Healing Therapy Book &amp;#194;“The Color of Grace&amp;#194;”-a highly potential bestseller looking for US/Canada publisher

Depression/Anxiety-Art Healing Therapy Book “The Color of Grace”-a highly potential bestseller looking for US/Canada publisher

The mission of Art Against Depression and Anxiety (Art-A-DAY) offers a rare and helpful book needing of a good quality publisher in the USA and Canada.

(PRWEB) February 8, 2003

The mission of Art Against Depression and Anxiety (Art-A-DAY), a non-profit, non-government organization from Belgrade, Yugoslavia is to provide spiritual, educational, and marketing support to art creation of people who suffer from developmental and adjustment-related problems, such as major and/or moderate depression, anxiety and panic disorders and other forms of mood disorders (the artworks produced by this type of artists who lack formal artistic training are generally recognized and labeled by art historians and critics as a “raw art/outsider art” or “art brut"

In addition, Art-A-DAY will strive to provide the latest and the most relevant information related to both the mainstream (pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and art therapy) and the alternative modes of healing (acupuncture, herbal therapy, aromatherapy, light therapy. etc) of depression-anxiety disorders.

Majority of Art-A-DAY's activities are supported by the sale of our book – “The Color of Grace”. Filled with hope and love, the book represents an unique encouragement for all those who 'still search for a meaning', and will, with no doubt, soon became a classic and bestselling text in the emerging field of alternative and complementary therapies in mental health. An original self-massage method is included in the book's Appendix. Highly recommended for mental health experts, as well.

“CLEARLY WRITTENÂ…FASCINATINGÂ…TRUTHFULÂ…SPIRITUALÂ…BRILLIANTÂ… A MUST-HAVE FOR EVERY HOME AS A PREVENTIONÂ…THE BOOK OF HOPE AND LOVEÂ…INTERACTIVE…” Dusica Babovic-Vuksanovic, M. D.

Consultant, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

“Beautifully-written, fascinating…a delight to read. Mr. Djurovic has made a profound contribution to our knowledge of depressive disorders and alternative modes of healing.”

Milena Janjic

Psychologist, London, UK

“This book is one of the kind; it is extremely valuable, accurate…useful…understandable…spiritual…truthful. This is the book of truth about depression and the ways the disease can be conquered. One of the best books I have ever read about depression and applied psychology, in general. I warmly recommend this book to everyone, especially at this global time of “sinking souls”. ”

Vladimir Pavicevic, Ph. D. Ambassador

Geneva, Switzerland

“This is one of the most easily readable and well thought-out guides and compendiums on the potentials of self-conducted art therapy for alleviating distresses of people who suffer from mood disorders. A must-have for every home as a prevention.”

Dejan Miljkovic, M. D.

Belgrade, Serbia

“This extraordinary book offers a great deal of suggestions and examples aimed at people with depressive disorders to acquire new skills necessary for their recovery. The book illuminates an aspect of art-therapy and personal struggle for dignity and hope. It deserves everyone's attention.”

Ksenija Sredanovic, M. D.

Montreal, Canada

“As a professional therapist dealing with peoples mental and emotional problems on a daily basis, I find this book both enlightening and refreshing.

Mr. Nebojsa Djurovic has captured the very essence of feeling encountered by depressives, but has gone further by giving a clear and honest insight into how a person can find the light at the end of the tunnel. This book

Should be compulsory reading for everyone therapist and patient alike. Truly brilliant.”

Keith Jones, C. HYP. M. P.H. M. I.H. T

HEAD TUTOR, THE LA ROCHE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE

Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England

“…And finally, allow me to give you my personal impression about the book; the book is read with a feeling “Yes this is it”, it overwhelms and colors your feelings and has almost a mesmerizing effect on a reader so that it makes difficult for the reader to makes a distance from the presented material; however, at the same time, the book provide the assurance and hope which can be summarized in the words: “nothing is lost, I can do something by myself in order to feel better”. The book that I’ve just read speaks about a great personal strength and the authentic altruism.”

Snezana Milutinovic, Psychologist and Therapist

Belgrade, Serbia

“Through his art and writing Mr. Djurovic shows us that the medical and

Spiritual both have a place in healing the mind and body. Utilizing

Artwork in his book makes the reader more able to grasp the despair,

Pain, courage and hope that physical and mental illnesses evoke.”

Anna Claxton, Interior Designer

St. Pauli, MN, USA

The book is currently at the stage of “in print” preparation in Russia and Ukraine. We are in need of a good quality publisher in the USA and Canada. Please contact Mr. Djurovic for information regarding publishing this rare and helpful book in either Canada or the United States.

Email: artworks@art-a-day. org

Attn: Mr. Djurovic

Art-A-DAY

Treci bulevar 172

11 070 Novi Beograd

SERBIA

Please visit our site to find out more about making donations and sponsoring Art-A-Day “The Color of Grace” book. http://www. art-a-day. org/english/donations_sponsor. htm (http://www. art-a-day. org/english/donations_sponsor. htm)

Art - A - Day. com

Website http://www. art-a-day. org/ (http://www. art-a-day. org/)
Email : ndjurovc@EUnet. yu

Sunday, December 16, 2007

The Launch of FitResolution. com Brings Together Health, Fitness and Web 2.0

The Launch of FitResolution. com Brings Together Health, Fitness and Web 2.0

The new website FitResolution. com harnesses the power of community-created content to fight the epidemic of inactivity in America head on. Making it easy to create, share and track workout plans, FitResolution combines innovative tools with the power of teamwork to transform a desire to exercise into a resolution to maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) July 11, 2007

Harnessing the power of user-created content, the new website FitResolution. com (http://www. fitresolution. com) fights the epidemic of inactivity in America head on. If you think you have seen every online tool to help you get into shape, think again. FitResolution offers innovative tools which make it easy to create, share and track workout plans within a fun and supportive community environment.

"We are the first website to fully embrace an online approach to physical fitness," says founder and president Zach Silverzweig. "Some sites are just trying to link social networking and exercise. FitResolution is different. We put the power to get healthy in the hands of our users who create and share workout plans. They track progress over time and can compare and compete with teammates and other site members. Exercise and progress pictures are submitted by members. Nearly all of our content relies on the community. And the use of our website is completely free."

Member-created content is the driving force behind today's most successful websites, like Wikipedia, MySpace, YouTube and Digg. Until now, Web 2.0 features have not been fully applied to the health and fitness space. FitResolution brings the best of these sites together, combining tried and true community features with a platform to create, share and search through workout plans based on keywords and fitness goals.

Creating these plans are members like Stirling Spencer, a personal trainer with over fifteen years of experience. Stirling has been working closely with Zach to fine tune FitResolution. "It's all about teamwork and structure. The website gives me a way to create something very concrete for my clients and helps me track their progress. For a personal trainer, this is an amazing program." Stirling is currently working on several fitness plans he is going to publish through FitResolution as a way to promote his company, Bar W Fitness.

Consulting on the project was Dallas-based Life Blue Media, which specializes in complex web application development and has a special interest in a Web 2.0 approach. "It is always a challenge to work with a client who is doing something new. In this case we actually want the user to turn off the computer and go to the gym or go out for a run, then return to post an update. Goals and conversions take on a new meaning with a project like this," says Life Blue spokesman Phillip Blackmon.

FitResolution understands that success is critical. The health impact caused by lack of activity is more than $29 billion in California alone. State governors have taken notice and several have created online programs to encourage physical activity, including Governor Schwarzenegger and Governor Daniels of Indiana.

"We are thrilled to be a part of the movement towards a healthier America," Zach explains. "My vision for this site began during my battle with cancer. I was very sick, and I wanted to regain control of my body. I created a workout plan which started very slowly with a single lap around the hospital floor. And it worked. I got better. My goal now is to help others do the same thing I did, to create a plan and live better, much better."

FitResolution has made it easy. In less than five minutes you can sign up, create a simple workout plan, email friends and join the FitCommunity. "Then comes the hard part," says Zach "you have to actually go work out."

FitResolution. com is a community-oriented fitness website offered to the public at no charge. Founded in 2007, FitResolution provides online personal training tools which make it incredibly easy to create and follow a personalized workout program. The team and community features provide fun ways to stay motivated, and the logbook makes it simple to track and record progress. For more information, visit FitResolution. com (http://www. fitresolution. com).

Contact:
Zachary Silverzweig, President and Founder, FitResolution. com
Zach@FitResolution. com
+1.415.531.4555

###

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Rugman. com Says "Thank You Connecticut" by Donating 10% of Proceeds to the Local "March of Dimes"

Rugman. com Says "Thank You Connecticut" by Donating 10% of Proceeds to the Local "March of Dimes"

The holidays are a time of celebration and enjoying our time together as a family. In the spirit of giving, Rugman. com will donate 10% of the proceeds to the Connecticut March of Dimes until December 30th, an organization helping to ensure babies everywhere are born healthy.

Buffalo, NY (PRWEB) December 14, 2007

The holidays are a time of celebration and enjoying our time together as a family. In the spirit of giving, Rugman. com will donate 10% of the proceeds to the Connecticut March of Dimes until December 30th, an organization helping to ensure babies everywhere are born healthy.

Rugman. com has been fortunate to have many customers of luxury, hand knot rugs in the Connecticut area and would like to "give back" to the community. An exclusive selection of Persian rugs will be displayed during the month of December with a portion of proceeds going to the Connecticut chapter of the March of Dimes.

"The numbers are outstanding" said Farida Mirkalami, Executive Vice President at Rugman. com. "It's like an ongoing, silent battle you don't realize until it happens to you or someone you know" says Farida. Farida is referring to the staggering statistic that one in eight babies in America will be born prematurely. The difficulties that can arise as a result are truly a testament to the strength and courage of those who have experienced it first-hand. The March of Dimes is not only providing community service and education to these families but has also set a goal to fight premature births and not stop until every baby can be born healthy.

Rugman. com feels proud to contribute to this March of Dimes effort and would like to see everyone's family healthy and happy this year as well as the years to come.

About Rugman. com
Rugman. com is a marketplace leader in online Persian and Oriental rugs and has operations in both the United States and Canada. Born of a third generation Persian Rugs import/export business, the rugman. com mission is to provide authentic, high quality, handcrafted area rugs and to provide unsurpassed service and experience. Rugman. com Persian rugs are unique, authentic imported treasures that withstand the test of time. Visit www. Rugman. com

###

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Pillowcase Fighting the Appearance of Blemishes Latest Breakthrough from Cupron Inc

Pillowcase Fighting the Appearance of Blemishes Latest Breakthrough from Cupron Inc.

Dermatologist recommended, pain-free anti-blemish and healthy-looking skin treatment that works: Cupron pillowcase reduces the appearance of blemishes.

Greensboro, NC (PRWEB) May 8, 2006

Cupron’s new blemish-fighting pillowcase (http://www. cupronsales. com/servlet/Categories? category=Pillowcases) now offers one of the safest and quickest ways to alleviate the appearance of unsightly blemishes. The company's patented technology harnesses the unique power of copper to enhance skin tone and appearance. Users wake up to the appearance of clearer, blemish-free complexions after Cupron's pillowcase technology works during sleep.

Jeffrey Gabbay, Cupron CEO: "Cupron's innovative technology encourages the appearance of healthier skin by harnessing the dermal-enhancing power of copper, an essential element in human nutrition and growth.

Teenagers, and even adults well into their 40s, can suffer emotional distress as a result of unsightly blemishes. Cupron's innovative pillowcase is a low-cost, gentle option for alleviating this problem in contrast to the expensive and ineffective lotions currently on the market.

About Cupron, Inc.

Cupron, Inc. integrates patented copper compound technology into products that span the healthcare, medical and apparel industries. Cupron’s broad-spectrum antimicrobial technologies are sold and marketed in the United States by official permission of the EPA and protect against microbes that come into contact with fibers and fabrics, promoting enhanced quality of life in the workplace and in the home. As a green company, Cupron (http://www. cupron. com) recycles 100% of waste resulting from the manufacturing process.

###

Warm Weather Causes Boost in Outdoor Activities

Warm Weather Causes Boost in Outdoor Activities

With the warm weather bringing more and more people outside, a rising number of consumers are using Voucher Codes for discounts on outdoor activities according to WowVoucherCodes. co. uk. Due to the economic climate, consumers are not holidaying abroad and instead are choosing to make the most out of the sunny British weather by spending more time outside.

London, UK (PRWEB) July 24, 2009

With the warm weather bringing more and more people outside, a rising number of consumers are using Voucher Codes (http://www. wowvouchercodes. co. uk/) for discounts on outdoor activities according to WowVoucherCodes. co. uk. Due to the economic climate, consumers are not holidaying abroad and instead are choosing to make the most out of the sunny British weather by spending more time outside.

As a result of the recession forcing consumers to be more economical, there has been a significant boom in shoppers using voucher codes to receive discounts on consumer and leisure goods. WowVoucherCodes. co. uk has noted an overwhelming number of vouchers being used to save on activities which are outdoor, due to the warm weather.

The site offers discount codes (http://www. wowvouchercodes. co. uk/) on a number of popular British attractions and provides money saving deals on thousands of products. Activities range from Car Racing Experience days to Alton Towers excursions for the family and customers can expect to receive up to 70% discount.

Whether consumers are looking for a relaxing outdoors trip with the National Trust or a daring day out taking part in the London Bungee Jump, WowVoucherCodes. co. uk provides the perfect choice of discounted activities for any individual looking to enjoy the warm weather. The site which also offers discount vouchers (http://www. wowvouchercodes. co. uk/) for a range of sport and fitness equipment means families can still enjoy the outdoors even in the comfort of their garden.

Matt Lovett, Managing Director of WowVoucherCodes. co. uk commented: "The reduced number of holiday-makers who have gone abroad, and the surprisingly warm weather has had a significant effect on the number of people in the UK who are looking for outdoor activities. This in turn has bolstered consumers using voucher code sites to gain access to discounts for a number of activities that are affordable but that involve being out in the warm weather.

WowVoucherCodes. co. uk provides the very latest bargains 24 hours a day 7 days a week, across a range of categories including health, beauty and clothing including high street brands such as Dixons, Marks and Spencer and Boots.

For more information call 0121 683 6934 or visit www. wowvouchercodes. co. uk.

###

Monday, December 10, 2007

RadarFind Gives Hospitals New Tools to Contain Infectious Disease

RadarFind Gives Hospitals New Tools to Contain Infectious Disease

The hospital-focused design of the RadarFind Real Time Location System (RTLS) empowers hospitals to deploy the indoor tracking system as part of their overall infection control efforts.

MORRISVILLE, N. C. (PRWEB) January 29, 2008

 While other companies offer Real Time Location Systems designed to help hospital staff more quickly locate critical patient care equipment, only RadarFind provides valuable, accurate information about a device's status and location history, which can assist a hospital's infection control and surveillance.

RadarFind's unique asset tag provides status information in two ways. First, when a staff member moves a simple slider switch to indicate that a medical device (such as an infusion pump) is available, in-use or needs cleaning, the tag communicates this information to the RadarFind server, which displays that piece of equipment as green (available), yellow (in use with a patient) or red (needs cleaning) on RadarFind's locator maps and reports. Second, because the tags themselves include a color-coded bar, staff have a visual cue on each tagged device to quickly determine that equipment is disinfected and available for patient use.

"The ability of our system to provide real-time status information about medical equipment sets it apart from other systems and allows RadarFind to play an instrumental role in hospital infection control efforts," said Terry Kane, M. D., chief executive officer for RadarFind.

RadarFind was developed after two years of intensive, physician-guided research and development focused specifically on the needs of hospitals. RadarFind offers clear advantages over other systems in the marketplace in terms of superior technology, accuracy, ease of installation and affordability.

Designed to seamlessly integrate with existing hospital infrastructure and operations, the system requires no new wiring and operates independently of a hospital's critical IT network. RadarFind's readers (locators) plug into existing hospital-grade electrical outlets, with the outlets still available for other electrical devices. These readers communicate with advanced ID tags affixed to equipment and the intuitive tracking software simply displays information on hospital staff's screens.

Establishing a Pattern for Infection Prevention

Part of the challenge busy hospitals face is locating and cleaning critical equipment, and documenting that it has been properly disinfected prior to being used by another patient. The RadarFind system quickly conveys equipment location and status via any employee-accessed computer.

However, the system can also track and report a particular device's time-stamped location history and correlate that with specific patients, especially those who have contracted antibiotic-resistant infections. Causal relationships between contaminated medical devices and infected patients can be easily determined and additional preventative measures can be introduced to reduce device contamination.

"Put simply, a real-time location system that fails to alert patient care providers when a piece of equipment needs to be sanitized overlooks a potentially significant culprit in the spread of disease within hospitals," said Vincent Carrasco, M. D., chief medical officer for RadarFind.

At Halifax Regional Medical Center (HRMC), a 206-bed facility located in Northeastern North Carolina, nursing staff look forward to using RadarFind to improve their efforts to protect patients from the spread of infection.

"Just knowing where equipment is and its status will help in so many ways, not the least of which is infection control," explained Vice President of Nursing Karen Daniels, RN, at HRMC. "By being able to identify equipment we can insure that only clean, processed equipment is ever brought into a patient room. Equipment used in an isolation room also can be clearly identified and properly decontaminated before being moved from isolation."

Current Events Highlight the Need

Current news stories about the spread of drug-resistant "superbugs" have highlighted the seriousness of controlling the spread of infections that strike patients while in a hospital (referred to by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as hospital-acquired infections). According to the CDC, there are an estimated 1.7 million hospital-acquired infections each year which result in approximately 90,000 deaths. A recent study in Emerging Infectious Diseases found that hospital-acquired infections are the sixth leading cause of death nationally, costing the health care industry $6 billion annually. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a widely publicized type of antibiotic-resistant hospital-acquired infection, can cost hospitals roughly $30,000 per case. Brad Sokol, CEO of Fast Track Technologies, a health care consulting firm, has estimated that our nation suffers 13,000 to 26,000 thousand deaths annually from infection caused by contaminated medical devices and instruments.

About RadarFind

RadarFind Corporation, an information technology company focused on the health care industry, offers a unique, patent-pending Real Time Location System that uses a platform technology for tracking medical equipment and patients. Headquartered in North Carolina, RadarFind will be exhibiting during the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) annual conference at Booth #7653, February 24 -28 in Orlando, Florida. For more information please call (919) 228-2100 or visit www. radarfind. com.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Pay-for-Performance Remains Strong; Salary Increases to Rise in 2010, According to Buck Consultants Survey

Pay-for-Performance Remains Strong; Salary Increases to Rise in 2010, According to Buck Consultants Survey

Bonus participation is holding steady compared to 2008 and is consistent with the pay-for-performance philosophy most companies have adopted, although there is more variability in the size of bonuses.

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 20, 2009

Bonus (http://buckconsultants. com/buckconsultants/) participation is holding steady compared to 2008 and is consistent with the pay-for-performance philosophy most companies have adopted, although there is more variability in the size of bonuses, according to a Buck Consultants survey of U. S. companies released today.

Buck's survey, "Compensation Planning for 2010," found short-term incentives, typically annual and based on company-wide performance, are the most prevalent program design (61 percent), surpassing programs based on business unit, team, or individual performance. For employers with short-term incentive programs, employee participation averages more than 90 percent at all employee levels.

"As the economy begins to show signs of recovery, compensation practices should gradually begin to adjust to pre-recession levels," said Tom Burke, principal at Buck Consultants. "Although reducing bonuses can present challenges, it is appropriate to do so when performance necessitates such action. We advise our clients to remain true to their pay-for-performance philosophies in good times and bad."

Eighty-three percent of organizations participating in the 2009 survey subscribe to pay-for-performance compensation (http://buckconsultants. com/buckconsultants/) philosophies. A similar percentage of organizations have short-term or annual incentive programs with the most prevalent type of program being a company-wide incentive plan or profit sharing plan.

Buck Consultants (http://buckconsultants. com/buckconsultants/), an ACS company and a leading human resources consulting firm, completed its survey in September. The survey includes responses from more than 250 employers, representing virtually every sector of the U. S. economy. It examines salary increase budgets, short-term incentives, and pay-for-performance practices.

Buck's survey also found the average salary increases for fiscal year 2009 range from 1.2 percent to 2.0 percent, depending on employee level. Increases planned for 2010 will be higher, ranging from 2.5 percent to 2.8 percent.

"It is likely that any upward adjustment in salaries will occur at a much slower rate than the drop that took place, and there is a good chance that future pay increases will remain lower than past levels for a while," said Burke. "Companies will tend to be very conservative about increasing fixed payroll costs until the economy is quite healthy. Until we begin to see clear and consistent increases in employment and capital expenditures we don't expect any significant upward movement in pay increases."

Other key findings include:

· Seventy-two percent of employers have a pay communication philosophy. The types of pay information shared with managers and employees vary, but 70 percent of organizations communicate their compensation strategy and bonus opportunities with both managers and employees.
· Organizations that use a four-level or five-level performance rating scale tend to display more distinct differences in average salary increases based on performance than organizations that use fewer or more levels to measure performance.
· Fifty-four percent of employers overlook a hidden funding source for rewarding top performers – money that was budgeted but not spent on salary increases due to terminations or poor performance.

Buck Consultants, an ACS company, is a leader in human resource and benefits consulting with more than 1,500 professionals worldwide. Founded in 1916 to advise clients in establishing and funding some of the nation's first public and private retirement programs, Buck is an innovator in the areas of retirement benefits, health and welfare programs, human capital management, compensation, and employee communication. News and other information about Buck Consultants are available at www. buckconsultants. com. Buck is an independent subsidiary of Affiliated Computer Services, Inc (http://www. acs-inc. com/).

ACS, a global FORTUNE 500 company with approximately 76,000 people supporting client operations reaching more than 100 countries, provides business process outsourcing and information technology solutions to world-class commercial and government clients. The company's Class A common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ACS." Learn more about ACS at www. acs-inc. com.

Buck's survey report, "Compensation Planning for 2010," is available at no cost to the media by contacting Ed Gadowski at 201-902-2825. It is available to other interested parties for $200 from Buck's Global Survey Resources, 500 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ, 07096-1533. Telephone 1-800-887-0509. It can also be ordered online at www. bucksurveys. com.

Media Contact:
Ed Gadowski
Media Relations
Buck Consultants, LLC
201-902-2825
Edward. gadowski (at) buckconsultants. com

This press release was distributed through PR Web by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www. HRmarketer. com) on behalf of the company listed above.

###

Friday, December 7, 2007

Cleveland Firefighter Exposes the Truths to Gaining Muscular Weight Without the Use of Any Supplements, Eating Whatever Foods You Want, When You Want, and No Special Equipment

Cleveland Firefighter Exposes the Truths to Gaining Muscular Weight Without the Use of Any Supplements, Eating Whatever Foods You Want, When You Want, and No Special Equipment

Cleveland Firefighter Jonathan Perez has just released on the internet a tell-all book, titled "Muscle Gain Truth Exposed: Secrets Revealed!", uncovering the scams and hype from the mainstream health /fitness industry, revealing what is trully important to gaining muscular weight without utilizing any supplements.

(PRWEB) August 28, 2003

Mr. Perez explains what the proper training techniques are to building size without gaining fat, without having to spend all day at the gym, and without wasting time, money, and energy on worthless products or misinformation.

In his book, Perez clarifies all of the questions that the average individual faces when trying to gain muscular weight, such as why you should never perform any cardio, why supplements don't work, and why the popular training techniques found in the magazines and on the internet are ineffective in real life.

Perez has used this information to build his own physique, gaining over fourty pounds of muscle, resulting in him being ranked twelfth among three thousand Cleveland Firefighter applicants.

For additional information, please visit www. muscle-weight-gain. com or send an email to pr@muscle-weight-gain. com.

Contact information:

Jonathan Perez

Cleveland Firefighter / EMT / Haz-Mat Technician

Jperez@muscle-weight-gain. com

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Spa Chakra at the Conrad Miami--the Premier Spa and Well-being Experience

Spa Chakra at the Conrad Miami--the Premier Spa and Well-being Experience.

Spa Chakra, Inc., a worldwide luxury spa network, is proud to announce its latest development in the Conrad Miami, the leading luxury hotel located in the financial district of downtown Miami.

Miami, Florida (PRWEB) November 3, 2007

Spa Chakra, Inc., a worldwide luxury spa network, is proud to announce its latest development in the Conrad Miami, the leading luxury hotel located in the financial district of downtown Miami.

As part of the new venture, Conrad Miami has expanded its spa facility on the 24th floor to encompass additional treatment rooms and services exclusive to Spa Chakra, a product of the hotel's $700,000 renovation.

"We are delighted to welcome such a luxury product to Miami. The partnership between Conrad Hotels and Spa Chakra, two global brands, is the perfect match and one that will provide a new experience for our guests." --Robert Thrailkill, General Manager of Conrad Miami

Renowned on the international spa circuit, Spa Chakra launched in 1998 as one of the pioneers of fully integrative medi-spas in Australia. By combining preventative health management with luxury spa therapies, Spa Chakra has quickly established global recognition as a premium urban and destination spa retreat. With allied locations at the Conrad Indianapolis; the Great Barrier Reef; Gstaad, Switzerland; and Chicago, Illinois in early 2008, Conrad Miami is poised to usher in a comprehensive wellness experience to the Florida coast.

Spa Chakra is situated one floor below the hotel's dramatic Level 25, where a symphony of International flavors and style elevate the senses, as spectacular views of city and Biscayne Bay unfold below. The luxuriously appointed spa features 10 individual treatment rooms with the finest therapeutic equipment for facial, massage, and body therapies, as well as hydrotherapy and Vichy shower facilities, and Spa Chakra's state-of-the-art footbath and relaxation lounges.

While enjoying the tranquility of the spa's facilities, clients undergo a systematic analysis to customize their therapies. Each treatment is individually tailored according to the results of a pre-therapy questionnaire. The results reveal core conditions currently impacting the client's skin, body, and well-being so that targeted therapeutic solutions can be refined to achieve optimum results.

Spa Chakra offers the complete line of world-renowned Guerlain skincare, fragrance, beauty, and well-being treatments. Guerlain's unique and in-depth understanding of the skin is based on long-acknowledged expertise, groundbreaking technology, and the absolute mastery of skin aesthetics. Spa Chakra also features the exclusive Guerlain Méthode--a patented facial and body massage technique used in Guerlain's Champs-Elysées Institute since 1939 and proven to provide exceptional results through enhanced product infusion and lymphatic drainage.

The ideal wellness continuum, Spa Chakra Fitness offers a uniquely intimate and peacefully invigorating environment to hotel guests and members alike. The club features conditioning and strength-training equipment, Life Fitness® multisensorial cardiovascular machines, Personal Training, the Kinetic Analysis, Nutrition Consultations, and a distinctive warm-up area for stretching and toning. Spa Chakra Fitness also hosts complimentary wellness classes, including yoga and Pilates, for guests and members beneath the skies from the rooftop of the Conrad Miami.

With an emphasis on customization and integration, Spa Chakra Fitness extends a comprehensive array of Membership Programs to suit every unique requirement. Members can personalize their program amenities with a selection of Personal Training, spa therapies, and Chakra Health and nutrition services to create an advanced plan that is individual, dynamic, and distinctive. Corporate memberships are also available.

Additionally, spa and fitness guests and members enjoy complimentary valet parking and access to the hotel's magnificent rooftop swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and two beautifully manicured tennis courts.

The premier luxury hotel in South Florida, the Conrad Miami combines the ultimate in hotel service and the latest technological advancements. Together Spa Chakra and the Conrad Miami create a haven of beauty, intimacy, and exclusivity.

For further information:
Kate Westover t: +1 305 503 6533
Regional Sales Manager  e: kate. westover@spachakra. com
Spa Chakra, Inc.  w: www. spachakra. com

About Spa Chakra®
Spa Chakra is a medi-spa that provides comprehensive health and wellness care in an environment that integrates conventional and holistic methods with a definitive sensorial experience. With more than 60 health and beauty therapies that nurture the skin, body, and well-being, Spa Chakra provides the ultimate experience in day and destination spas. While enjoying the tranquility of the spa's facilities, clients undergo a systematic analysis to customize their therapies. Each treatment is individually tailored according to the results of a pre-therapy questionnaire. The results reveal core conditions currently impacting the client's skin, body, and well-being so that targeted therapeutic solutions can be refined to achieve optimum results. Spa Chakra also provides fully integrative Chakra Health programs including the Executive Lifestyle Assessment and Weight Loss programs; 3, 5, 7, and 14-day Health Retreats; Nutritional Assessments; and Naturopathy.

For more information about Spa Chakra, please visit www. spachakra. com.

About Conrad Miami
Decidedly modern, boldly conceived, and beautifully designed, this urban luxury hotel creates a unique sensory experience for its guests. The 203 guest rooms and 103 residence suites were stylishly created with a sophisticated traveler in mind, combining some of the finest services and high-tech facilities. As the premier luxury hotel in South Florida, Conrad Miami is located in the financial district of downtown Miami, where stunning vistas of Biscayne Bay and the city of Miami unfold below. Together Spa Chakra and Conrad Miami are the perfect symbiosis of luxury and exclusivity.

For more information about Conrad Miami, please visit www. conradmiami. com.

###