Packaging Study Shows Need for More Vigilance to Ensure Compliance, Vinyl Institute Says

Packaging Study Shows Need for More Vigilance to Ensure Compliance, Vinyl Institute Says

Vinyl Institute said today that a recent study finding some packaging and inks on packaging of imported products out of compliance with several states' lead and cadmium limits suggested a need for more vigilance by the import/distribution/retail chain in ensuring product and packaging compliance.

Arlington, VA (PRWEB) July 18, 2007

The Vinyl Institute said today that a recent study finding some packaging and inks on packaging of imported products out of compliance with several states' lead and cadmium limits suggested a need for more vigilance by the import/distribution/retail chain in ensuring product and packaging compliance.

The study, conducted by the Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse under a U. S. Environmental Protection Agency grant, reportedly found levels of lead and cadmium in some packaging and inks that exceeded regulatory levels set under so-called CONEG toxics in packaging laws (originally developed by the Coalition of Northeast Governors to address waste issues). Some 19 states have adopted such laws, which prohibit deliberate use of metals such as lead and cadmium and limit incidental levels to 100 parts per million.

Among the samples found to be out of compliance were a substantial percentage of flexible PVC packages containing imported products.

On the other hand, all of the clear, rigid PVC "blister" packaging, used for products such as medicines, that was tested passed, according to the Clearinghouse. Overall PVC packaging compliance was on a par with that of the other packaging materials tested in the study, based on data reviewed by VI.

Lead and cadmium have been used as stabilizers in the production of PVC products, as coloring agents in inks, and for other applications. However, today in the United States, the vast majority of PVC stabilizers are based on compounds of tin, calcium or zinc, which are widely accepted by regulatory agencies and the public, rather than lead or cadmium.

Tim Burns, president of the Vinyl Institute, said, "There is no reason for PVC packaging to be out of compliance with state packaging laws. Wherever these problems are originating, the manufacturer/supply chain must do a better job to ensure compliance."

The report did not look at health risks, nor did it suggest that the contaminant levels found in the packaging posed health risks.

The study also inadvertently raised concerns about test methods. It showed that depending on which method or testing apparatus was used, results could differ by as much as a factor of 100. This variance suggested a need for more analysis of the accuracy of various analytical methods, according to VI.

For more information visit: http://www. vinylinfo. org (http://www. vinylinfo. org), http://www. vinylnewsservice. com (http://www. vinylnewsservice. com)

Contact:
Allen Blakey
703-741-5666
Cell: 703-622-3886

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JAMA Commentary Looks at Data-Sharing in Clinical Trials for Heart Disease: Discussion of When and How to Share Data, and When to Suspend a Study

JAMA Commentary Looks at Data-Sharing in Clinical Trials for Heart Disease: Discussion of When and How to Share Data, and When to Suspend a Study

How and when to share clinical trial data for heart studies -- including when to suspend a study -- is vitally important to physician-scientists and regulators as an increasing number clinical trials evaluate new treatments. This issue is explored in the April 9 Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in a commentary article authored by Dr. Jeffrey S. Borer of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Drs. David J. Gordon and Nancy L. Geller -- both of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

New York, NY (PRWEB) April 9, 2008

How and when to share clinical trial (http://www. gilmanheartvalve. org/) data for heart (http://www. gilmanheartvalve. org/) studies -- including when to suspend a study -- is vitally important to physician-scientists and regulators as an increasing number clinical trials evaluate new treatments. This issue is explored in the April 9 Journal of the American Medical Association (http://www. gilmanheartvalve. org/) (JAMA) in a commentary article authored by Dr. Jeffrey S. Borer of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Drs. David J. Gordon and Nancy L. Geller -- both of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

Treatment decisions are based on findings from scientific studies called clinical trials that can sometimes involve many thousands of patients. Several of these studies -- such as those involving the drugs Avandia, Vytorin and, earlier, Vioxx -- have been the subject of recent controversies in the media.

Increasingly clinical trials are monitored by independent, external groups called Data and Safety Monitoring Committees (DSMCs), charged with protecting the safety of trial participants and preserving trial integrity and credibility. These committees are the only groups that can know results of blinded trials (trials in which participants and investigators are not aware of treatment assignments) while the trials are ongoing. The proper function of DSMCs is subject to discussion and debate. The JAMA article addresses one aspect of this debate.

"Several situations exist in which it is reasonable and appropriate for the DSMC to share interim data from a blinded trial with operational study personnel and sponsors. These situations might include the need for 'mid-course corrections,' when the number of outcome events -- like deaths and heart attacks -- is substantially lower in the untreated group than was expected in a trial to reduce such problems," says Dr. Jeffrey S. Borer, article co-author and director of Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and co-director of The Howard Gilman Institute for Valvular Heart Diseases at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and the Gladys and Roland Harriman Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College.

"If this happens," Dr. Borer continues, "the total number of patients slated to participate in the trial may be inadequate to test the therapy's effectiveness. In this case, the DSMC might notify the sponsor and suggest an increase in the number of subjects to be recruited into the study. However, the DSMC would not tell the sponsor the number of events that had occurred in each treatment group."

While sharing some data would be reasonable and appropriate in several other situations, Dr. Borer stresses that "the DSMC should share patient (http://www. gilmanheartvalve. org/) treatment assignments related to interim outcome/event data with the sponsor in only one situation -- when recommending premature termination of the study."

Reasons the DSMCs recommend termination include:
The committee perceives a rising toll of adverse events that appears to outweigh any possible benefit from the treatment. No evidence of benefit is apparent and statistical analysis suggests that continuation is highly unlikely to produce such benefit (called "futility analysis"). Evidence of benefit is so overwhelming and important (example: reduction in death rate) and risks sufficiently low, that the benefit/risk relation is highly likely to be maintained if the trial continued to its planned conclusion. It would be unethical to withhold the good treatment, not only from all trial participants, but also from other members of society who might benefit. According to the authors, this decision must be undertaken with great caution because of the well-known variability of results over time, even in large trials.

The article notes that while there are differences in data-sharing procedures between industry-sponsored and government-sponsored trials, all sponsors "own" their data, and can demand unblinded information even if this is considered unwise by the DSMC.

The authors recommend that before doing so, the sponsor should consider the long-term consequences of such action, which can affect regulatory acceptability, future analyses and publication of the data.

"In such settings, if the DSMC is concerned that trial credibility or validity will be compromised by the release of interim data, there are few avenues open to the committee except formal protest or resignation," says Dr. Borer, since no legally constituted regulatory body has provided relevant guidance or regulation to deal with the issue of interim data release.

The authors note that discussion and debate will continue regarding the appropriate sharing of interim data as society increasingly depends on clinical trials for advancing medical (http://www. gilmanheartvalve. org/) treatments.

The article is based on presentations by the authors and subsequent discussion held during the Ninth Cardiovascular Clinical Trialists (CVCT) Workshop in Paris, France, in 2006.

The Howard Gilman Institute for Valvular Heart Diseases at Weill Cornell Medical College helps cardiologists (http://www. gilmanheartvalve. org/), cardiothoracic surgeons (http://www. gilmanheartvalve. org/) and other physicians take advantage of the most current concepts in the evaluation and treatment of heart valve diseases, and provides state-of-the-art patient care. The Institute's co-directors, Dr. Jeffrey S. Borer and Dr. O. Wayne Isom, are leaders in their fields and direct a team of clinical cardiologists, surgeons and research scientists who are at the cutting-edge of this emerging public health concern. For more information, visit www. gilmanheartvalve. org.

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, located in New York City, is one of the leading academic medical centers in the world, comprising the teaching hospital NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medical College, the medical school of Cornell University. NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell provides state-of-the-art inpatient, ambulatory and preventive care in all areas of medicine, and is committed to excellence in patient care, education, research and community service. Weill Cornell physician-scientists have been responsible for many medical advances -- from the development of the Pap test for cervical cancer to the synthesis of penicillin, the first successful embryo-biopsy pregnancy and birth in the U. S., the first clinical trial for gene therapy for Parkinson's disease, the first indication of bone marrow's critical role in tumor growth, and, most recently, the world's first successful use of deep brain stimulation to treat a minimally-conscious brain-injured patient. NewYork-Presbyterian, which is ranked sixth on the U. S.News & World Report list of top hospitals, also comprises NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Westchester Division and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/The Allen Pavilion. Weill Cornell Medical College is the first U. S. medical college to offer a medical degree overseas and maintains a strong global presence in Austria, Brazil, Haiti, Tanzania, Turkey and Qatar. For more information, visit www. nyp. org and www. med. cornell. edu.

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New One-Of-A-Kind Esoteric / Metaphysical Convention Takes You to the "Other Side"

New One-Of-A-Kind Esoteric / Metaphysical Convention Takes You to the "Other Side"

The Esoteric/Metaphysical Convention, coordinated by the Higher Consciousness Society is being held on November 19th and 20th at the Venetian Hotel, Casanova meeting rooms 601 – 603. This event serves as the alternative to the “Unconventional Convention”, originally scheduled for November 18th through the 22nd at the Sands Expo, but later cancelled.

Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) November 18, 2004

The Esoteric/Metaphysical Convention, coordinated by the Higher Consciousness Society is being held on November 19th and 20th at the Venetian Hotel, Casanova meeting rooms 601 – 603. This event serves as the alternative to the “Unconventional Convention”, originally scheduled for November 18th through the 22nd at the Sands Expo, but later cancelled. “We were all very disappointed that the EWN convention failed to happen, but we decided to forge ahead anyway and create a similar event that would still have some of the same important elements found in the original.” said Darrell Johnson, HCS coordinator for the new convention. The new Esoteric/Metaphysical Convention will be a scaled-down version of the original, but will feature many of the same unusual and mystical topics that cover spirituality and paranormal activity such as the psychic phenomena, the laws of manifestation, meditation, deep trance communications, spirit interaction, clairvoyance, alternative health, ghosts, UFOs, Reiki, hypnosis, spiritual rites of passage, quantum healing, and Nostradamus and prophecy.

Headlining this event is acclaimed international speaker and author of the best selling book Confessions of a God Seeker: A Journey to Higher Consciousness, Ford Johnson. A Harvard Law School graduate, businessman, spiritual teacher and student, Johnson has appeared before audiences of thousands in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Africa speaking on a wide range of spiritual topic. Founder and President of the Higher Consciousness Society, he will speak on the topic: The New Spiritual Paradigm that has revolutionized religious and spiritual thought by demonstrating that each person is a spark of God and needs no intercessor to reach, experience and communicate with ALL THAT IS (GOD).

Also headlining this event are:

Steven Sadleir - Director of the Self Awareness Institute who will speak to all who are called to complete their awakening and to help awaken the consciousness of the planet. He will be conducting a free advanced meditation. Mr. Sadleir has trained thousands all over the world and is author of several books including: Looking for God, A SeekerÂ’s Guide to Religious and Spiritual Groups of the world and is co-author with Deepak Chopra and Dr. Wayne Dyer of Wake Up and Live the Light You Want to Live (Dec Â’04)

Mick and Sylvie Avery will conduct a Deep Trance Seminar on Spirit Interaction entitled 'Conversation with Spirit.' If you have questions you want to ask the spirit world, then this is the time. Spirit entity Gregory Haye, will speak through the body of international deep trance medium Mick Avery in this one-hour interactive seminar. He will answer questions about life, the universe, and what awaits us and our loved ones in the spirit world beyond physical death. This will be a unique experience to remember for the rest of your life.

Rebecca Jernigan - Radio Talk Show Host/Clairvoyant and author will discuss topics on: the Metaphysical, Alternative Health, the Paranormal, UFOs, Intuitive Investigations & Discoveries. Discovering her psychic ability when she was 4, Rebecca focused on her natural abilities to become a professional reader in 1988 and is certified as a Professional Psychic. She is also a Reiki Master Teacher in 5 disciplines of Reiki. She will conduct a unique workshop on Spirit Guides and demonstrate how to contact and communicate with them.

Charles Teague - The Missouri Mystery Mound Search for an Ancient Hall of Records. What first piqued his interest was the interview with an Indian shaman and mystic who was on a life quest to find and explore ancient sites in North America. His goal was to map these ancient sites and use this knowledge to protect them and also to achieve a higher level of spiritual awareness. Fascinated by this information, Teague began his search that has covered many years. Hear him as he describes the many fascinating findings that he uncovered.

Gary Hawkins - Ph. D., Doctor of Divinity, and professional ghost hunter – Have you ever wondered how a paranormal investigation is conducted? Have you wanted to conduct your own paranormal investigation? Have you ever had a paranormal experience? Have you ever wondered what you can do about the experience? Gary will explain how to find out just who or what is causing your haunting.

Robert Bartlett - Practical Alchemist: Alchemy is an ancient Art and Science, commonly known for turning lead into gold. The true allegorical meaning of this term is the perfection of the seeker in turning the lead of his unperfected self into the gold of the enlightened being. This is accomplished on many levels, including the physical.

Kewpie Sprott – Hear the fascinating discussion and depiction of Hypnosis behind bars. Learn about sessions conducted with murderers and other inmates in a woman’s prison. Amazing and wonderful things have happened in conjunction with their chosen spiritual connection from "the other side". It is almost magic. One of the objectives of her talk will be to tell how eager the light beings/helpers are to help.

Hermann Müller– Born in India, Mueller conducts seminar on Rites of Passage in which he teaches participants to listen to the message of soul that waits patiently for you to take notice. Participate in Quantum Healing of the past, present and future. Our parents gave us the Right of Passage into this life. Send them Love and Light healing.

Homey3 - Nostradamus: What is Prophecy all About? Did Nostradamus write about the World Trade Center attack on 9/11/01?…or the J. F.K. Jr. plane crash? Our Lady of Fatima…Why hasn’t the church revealed all information of the THIRD SECRET? Hopi Indian Prophecy…“Cobwebs and Teepee in the sky”? Bible Code…Is it real? Those and many other prophecies will be discuss in this most fascinating presentation by author “Homey 3” (Prophecy With a Divine Answer!!! A Message From God to the World of Mankind) and associate and well-known prophecy expert, Victor Baines.

Victor Baines – Victor Baines, is the author of three books, most notably, Remember The Future (The Prophecies of Nostradamus), published by Holographic Books. He also the Director of The Nostradamus Society of America, a web based historical society (founded in 1996) dedicated to preserving the works and memory of Michel Nostradamus. As a “media savvy” Nostradamus expert, Victor has appeared on radio, television news, cable documentaries, and in many newspaper and magazine articles including: The History Channel (International and domestic), The Discovery Channel, The Today Show (Sydney, Australia), Fox 40, Sacramento, Fox 13, LA, WGN Radio, Chicago, BBC World Service Radio, London, BBC Radio 4, London, KFBJ, Christchurch, NZ, USA TODAY, CBS Market Place, Gendi Weekly Magazine, Tokyo

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Bees Swarm over America in Hopes of Pollinating a Healthier Kids Lifestylea in New Program Called 'Kidz Bee-ing

Bees Swarm over America in Hopes of Pollinating a Healthier Kids Lifestylea in New Program Called 'Kidz Bee-ing

The USA Bee Kidz pageant, created by a mom, nutrition specialist, inventor and former Mrs. California-America, is the only children's pageant in the world that prides itself on volunteer work and actually penalizes kids that compete in make up and glitzy dresses, proudly presents their new program 'Kidz Bee-ing Healthy!' 'Kidz Bee-ing Healthy' program will provide kids with healthy snack recipe ideas, products and message on the importance of living a healthier lifestyle, to kids by kids. With approximately 30.3 percent of children (ages 6 to 11) are overweight and 15.3 percent are obese in America the Bee Kidz have decided to take action. The USA Bee Kidz Pageant is an all natural kids pageant that encourages boys and girls to act, look and bee themselves! This one of kind pageant tries to send the message to the youth that "life is more than the crown but what you do with it after was that matters." USA Bee Kids at the age of 2, for example, have done far more community service events than most adults have done in their lifetime.

Chino Hills, CA (PRWEB) July 7, 2007

Founded by a former Mrs. California-America, the USA Bee Kidz pageant is a children's pageant unlike any other. This innovative pageant, with its no make up tolerance rule, is introducing a new program called 'Kidz Bee-ing Healthy' where proceeds of their healthy snack cookbook and Bee-Z Snack Shop product, invented by the USA bee Kidz pageant founder, Jenny Lee, will be used to buy healthy snacks for low income neighborhoods. With approximately 30.3 percent of children (ages 6 to 11) are overweight and 15.3 percent are obese in America, the Bee Kidz have decided to take action.

The USA Bee Kids compete without any make up or fancy attire. In fact, this is the only pageant of its kind where a teen won, not in her fancy dress, but in her motorcross outfit! The USA Bee Kidz partake anywhere from 2-4 volunteer events a month! In fact, 2 year olds in this program have done far more in volunteer work than most adults have done in their lifetime. Jenny Lee when asked why she donates most of her proceeds from pageant fees and sale of her product said "To me ones success is not measured on how much money I make but instead it is measured in how many lives I have helped today!"

The USA Bee Kidz pageant is currently also selling a stranger danger video they made in telling strangers to BUZZ OFF. Proceeds from the sale of the video goes to buying stuffed animals for abused kids. The USA Bee Kidz have also been involved in the following:
1. Raised over 453 toys for needy families
2. Held a fashion show for the USO
3. Will hold a Mad hatters tea party for kids with cancer
4. Create cookbooks to help raise money for homeless kids
5. USA Bee Kidz will create their own art masterpiece to be auctioned off where proceeds will go to buying art supplies for underprivileged kids
6. and so much more.... Too many to list here.

While most kids are away on vacation this summer, the USA Bee kids have dedicated their summer into being Busy Bees! Children pageants have always received a negative image but the USA Bee Kidz beelieves in changing the stereotype and presented a new concept to children's pageant everywhere that kids do not need to wear make up or fancy outfits to be beautiful but what they need is what is in their hearts and the encouragement that this pageant represents and that is to share yourself with others who are in need, specially when it comes to spreading the message to kids by kids about living a healthier lifestyle.

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Oldham County School Board Selects Amvic ICF Products as Dixie ICF Announces Completion of Another School Project

Oldham County School Board Selects Amvic ICF Products as Dixie ICF Announces Completion of Another School Project

Dixie ICF, well-known throughout Kentucky and the surrounding region for their years of experience in building structures using Amvic Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), is pleased to announce the completion of Crestwood Elementary School.

Crestwood, Kentucky (PRWEB) March 14, 2009

Dixie ICF, well-known throughout Kentucky and the surrounding region for their years of experience in building structures using Amvic Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), is pleased to announce the completion of Crestwood Elementary School.

The 26,500 square foot structure integrates insulated concrete forms with conventional concrete masonry units (CMU). All exterior walls are constructed using ICF, while the interior walls use CMU and the floors are poured concrete. This fusion of materials posed its own challenges meaning that wall spaces had to be measured precisely to accommodate for the outcropping of concrete block to match up with the drywall on the ICF. The end result is a smooth, professionally finished surface.

"The strength of Amvic ICF (www. amvicsystem. com) has enabled us to achieve quicker build times resulting in a fast turnaround for the Oldham County School Board. The product strength was proven when we were able to pour over 5,000 forms with no pillowing, no blowouts and no additional work for other trades" says Tim Hamilton of Dixie ICF.

The speed of construction with ICF became evident when the crew of 7 ICF installers managed to stay ahead of a crew of 30 masons! Not only was the speed of construction a deciding factor for the Oldham County School Board, but they also chose Amvic ICF because it creates a stronger wall that is monolithic with no mortar joints. In an area where tornados are a concern, this element of safety was very important.

Amvic has continuously demonstrated excellence in the three key areas of ICF development: a strong interlock mechanism, unequalled foam density, and web design and spacing. All of these factors made Amvic (www. amvicsystem. com) the logical choice for constructing an educational building.

Some of the benefits of ICF use lend themselves particularly well in the Education Sector. Health and safety are always top of mind during any construction project, but particularly so when building a structure for children. With the mold and mildew resistance of insulated concrete forms as well as the fire resistance and structure integrity, Crestwood Elementary is a safe building that will be in use for decades. Keeping the bottom line in mind, choosing ICF means speed and ease of construction, long term energy efficiency and significantly lower maintenance costs. Finally, the impressive sound deadening properties of insulated concrete forms create a quiet and efficient learning environment. When all of these attributes are combined an Amvic ICF school truly produces a unique and special educational setting.

The decision to use insulated concrete forms was fully supported by the architect as experience showed that even during the uncertain temperature and weather of the winter months, ICF construction would carry on and maintain their schedule. This isn't always the case when working with concrete block which can often be affected by weather.

If you have any questions about this ICF construction project, please contact Tim Hamilton at Dixie ICF at (502) 493-0711 or visit Amvic's website at www. amvicsystem. com.

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Bioportfolio US and Intl Biotechnology Email List Available on Emailinvestorlists. com

Bioportfolio US and Intl Biotechnology Email List Available on Emailinvestorlists. com

Bioportfolio US and Intl Biotechnology Email List Available on Emailinvestorlists. com

Vancouver, BC, Canada (PRWEB) November 2, 2008

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Children of Elderly Should Collaborate - Not Litigate

Children of Elderly Should Collaborate - Not Litigate

Many Baby Boomers resort to litigation in an attempt to settle issues with siblings over elderly parents' care or control of their assets. Winning in court can have far reaching consequences including permanent estrangement from siblings and parents. Attorneys who advocate an alternative to litigation called Collaborative Practice offer insights into this evolving family dispute resolution tool.

San Rafael, CA (PRWEB) February 2, 2007

With over fifty percent of US marriages ending in divorce, most Baby Boomers are aware that when the curtain drops on acrimonious court disputes, the play may not be over. Property is divided, assets parsed and financial terms set but, when children are involved, there is a second act - the warring parties still must coexist. Many Boomers are now on the threshold of an encore performance with elderly parents at center stage in these emotion charged disputes. Siblings in increasing numbers are resorting to filing lawsuits to resolve family clashes.

There is much evidence to indicate that, without a near term course correction, courts will soon be clogged with such cases. However two proponents of an approach called Collaborative Practice offer a non-litigation alternative to handle elder-related cases. Northern California attorneys William Andrews and Barbara Stagg suggest that "'Winning' by proving in open court that a parent is failing mentally, or that a sibling has taken money or improper control of family assets is traumatic, expensive and can wreck families."

In an article featured during February on the Parent Care (http://www. parents-care. com) website, the two Collaborative Practice advocates offer insights into this emerging elder-related family dispute resolution tool. They trace its roots to the mid-70's when a Minnesota attorney sought and developed a means to have divorce disputes settled out of court. Lately, the technique has been increasingly and successfully used in elder probate, property and guardianship matters. To be used successfully, "Attorneys must learn the vocabulary and methods of peace making, and discard the language and strategies of courtroom battle," the authors offer. Both Stagg and Andrews are active in California's Collaborative Practice movement which includes financial, mental health, estate planning and related experts. Andrews is working with several bar associations across the country as they ramp up their own practices.

"One doesn't have to read tea leaves to know that we're on a collision course," states Parent Care CEO William Gillis, "a cursory glance at burgeoning court dockets is sufficient." He added that understanding the advantages of Collaborative Practice over litigation and mediation could be invaluable to the millions of Boomers who act as caregivers to aging parents.

In addition to expert articles, subscription-based Parent Care (http://www. parents-care. com) provides reports on senior services in each of the country's 3,300 counties to help caregivers locate and evaluate local service providers. Daily tips, senior-related news, book reviews, safety checklists and videos complement an array of other features. Recent articles include topics from preventing slips and falls to reverse mortgages, maximizing doctor visits and relocating elderly parents. All are archived for future reference.

About Parent Care, Inc.

Parent Care is the leading information source for the country's seven million long distance eldercare providers and their employers. Parent Care, The Parent Care Report and The Parent Care Channel are registered trademarks of the firm.

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