National Health Program Realigns To Extend Nurse Home Visitation Services On Nationwide Level

National Health Program Realigns To Extend Nurse Home Visitation Services On Nationwide Level

Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) is a national nonprofit organization committed to producing enduring improvements in the health and well being of low-income, first-time parents and their children. The NFP National Office located in Denver, Colorado, helps communities replicate and sustain an evidence-based program of home visiting by registered nurses.

Denver, CO (PRWEB) December 4, 2004

Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP), the nationÂ’s only nurse home visitation program that has been proven effective at helping low-income, first-time mothers prepare for successful parenthood and raise healthy children, has moved forward with plans to replicate the program nationally. The program, which has for several years been affiliated with and partially supported by the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, has realigned into an independent non-profit organization.

Nurse-Family Partnership will continue its collaboration with the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences CenterÂ’s Prevention Research Center (PRC), whose director, Dr. David Olds, founded the program in 1978. Dr. OldsÂ’ ongoing research, evaluation and development of existing and newly-implemented sites is critical in steadily improving the nurse home visitation program.

Nurse-Family Partnership is a voluntary prevention program that provides home visitation services by highly educated nurses, beginning early in pregnancy through the childÂ’s second year. Nurses provide support, education and counseling on health, behavioral and self-sufficiency issues. In collaboration with in-state partners; Invest in Kids (IIK) and Public/Private Ventures (PPV), Nurse-Family Partnership currently supports a network of over 170 sites in 20 states, reaching over 258 counties and 13,500 families. The goal of NFP is to make the program available to all low-income, first-time mothers across the U. S.

Nurse-Family Partnership is the most rigorously tested program of its kind. Randomized controlled trials conducted over the past 30 years have shown that, supported by regular visits from professional registered nurses, NFP mothers fare far better than their peers not receiving similar services. NFP mothers are less likely to abuse or neglect their children, have subsequent unintended pregnancies, or misuse alcohol or drugs; and they are more likely to move off welfare and successfully maintain stable employment. In light of these proven outcomes, Nurse-Family Partnership has been praised by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Justice, the Office of the Surgeon General, and the PresidentÂ’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health.

To oversee its expansion, Nurse-Family Partnership has formed a national board of directors, comprising dedicated, executive-level professionals in the fields of health and child development, social policy, marketing and communications, law and financial management.

The New York-based Edna McConnell Clark Foundation is providing NFP a significant portion of the funding needed to replicate nationally. The FoundationÂ’s investment is part of its ongoing effort to help high-performing youth serving organizations increase their capacity to serve more young people from low-income backgrounds with high-quality, effective programs. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which has consistently supported research of the program model since 1979, contributed funding for research and development of the replication process. Generous support has also come from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the Mabel Hughes Charitable Trust, the Picower Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control.

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Paquin Healthcare Announces Healthcare Retail ’08 Conference in Las Vegas

Paquin Healthcare Announces Healthcare Retail ’08 Conference in Las Vegas

Orlando, FL (PRWEB) February 27, 2008 –-

Paquin Healthcare Companies, Inc. today announced the Healthcare Retail ’08 Conference, to take place at The Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event will be held June 9 and 10, 2008.

The two-day conference will feature speakers and presentations covering all aspects of healthcare retail, including business strategy, case studies, ecommerce, direct marketing, hospital-owned stores and gift shops, non-profit tax issues, loyalty programs and merchandising solutions.

"Healthcare retail is gaining momentum as a new strategy for hospitals and healthcare systems to generate sustainable, non-reimbursed revenue sources,” states Tony Paquin, CEO, Paquin Healthcare Companies. “Many hospitals are generating millions in high-margin retail revenue, yet there is a real shortage of information and education available. This conference will be a major step in filling that gap.”

The company has arranged for several industry-leading speakers from both the healthcare and retail industries. Case studies and presentations by hospital executives are also planned, and there will be exhibits by vendors providing retail services and products to hospitals and health systems.

This year’s keynote presentation features Alicia Ledlie, Senior Director of Health Business Development of Wal-Mart Stores, who will speak to Wal-Mart’s growing role in the world of healthcare retail. Attendees will gain unique insight into the company’s plans for products, services and potential relationships with hospitals and other healthcare providers.

"Attendance will be limited and we fully expect the event to sell out,” says Paquin. “We are already receiving requests to reserve space, and every indication is that we will run out of availability in the next few months,” states Paquin.

For more information contact Houston Winn at (407) 566-1005 or Houston. winn@paquinhealthcare. com.

About Paquin Healthcare Companies, Inc.
Paquin Healthcare Companies, Inc., through its subsidiary operations, is pioneering the development of distribution channels for healthcare-based retail products and services. Working in conjunction with major hospitals and other professional healthcare organizations nationwide, Paquin Healthcare is the nation’s leading provider of integrated and customized solutions for the implementation of healthcare retail strategies. As Medicare reimbursement rates continue to be pressured downward and expenses rise, new sources for non-reimbursed revenues are becoming essential to the financial viability of hospitals. For more information, visit www. PaquinHealthcare. com.

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Sustainability Solution Sales, Global Expansion Strategy Propel Industry Leader ESS to Its Ninth Consecutive Year of Record Growth

Sustainability Solution Sales, Global Expansion Strategy Propel Industry Leader ESS to Its Ninth Consecutive Year of Record Growth

ESS, the leading provider of Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) and Crisis Management sustainability software solutions that support Governance, Risk and Compliance, today announced that the company has achieved its ninth consecutive year of record-breaking growth in 2007, propelled by industry-best software license billings that are nearly three times that of its closest competitor.

TEMPE, Ariz. (PRWEB) March 13, 2008

 "The company's strong 2007 performance validates ESS' industry-leading solution as the platform of choice for sustainability," said Robert Johnson, ESS President and CEO. "It also indicates that ESS continues its reputation for delivering on its product roadmap with solutions that ensure companies can execute on corporate governance initiatives and simultaneously maintain growth and consistent performance."

ESS is meeting global market demand with products that address hot-button EH&S concerns such as compliance reporting, greenhouse gas management, stakeholder reporting, worker health and safety and emergency response.

As the leading independent provider of EH&S software, ESS makes significant investments in research and development to ensure that its solutions and services meet customers' current and future technology needs. ESS has consistently focused on delivering software, built by a team that brings more than 800 combined years of experience, that help clients address their urgent business challenges. In addition, ESS' ecosystem of global technology partners offers clients the widest range of software implementation and support services.

"ESS provides its solutions in an integrated technology platform that enables centralized monitoring and management of EH&S and Crisis issues, while some of our competitors offer systems that operate on different platforms. It is well known that moving data between disparate systems is difficult, and achieving interoperability between different platforms can be costly," Johnson said.

ESS' growth has extended its client base across all industries, including oil and gas, chemicals, financial, metals and mining, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, retail, utilities, and government agencies. Representative companies include Alcoa, Allied Energy Corp., Allied Waste, AMPAC Fine Chemicals, Boart Longyear, Caterpillar, Duke Energy, Hawaiian Electric Company, HD Supply, Invensys, Iron Mountain, Kuwaiti Oil Company, Mark-West Hydrocarbon, Major Drilling, New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization, Oiltanking Houston, PPG, Syncrude Canada, Total Petrochemicals, USDA Forest Service and W. L. Gore. ESS' momentum has continued into 2008, as its software platform has been chosen by organizations such as China National Petroleum Company, Hunt Refining Company, Midwest Airlines and Win-River Casino.

"ESS' scalable software platform enables organizations to align their people with key corporate goals while improving management decision making," Johnson said. "Its integrated design reduces complexity, risks and costs by leveraging critical data, information and best practices from a common database for a facility, business unit or across the enterprise."

About ESS

ESS is the leading provider of Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) and Crisis Management sustainability software that supports Governance, Risk and Compliance and operational excellence. The company has provided global and local software solutions for thousands of businesses, government agencies and other organizations worldwide. ESS is headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., with U. S. offices in Denver, Houston and Washington and international offices in Beijing and Calgary, Alberta.

'Tony Roma’s Cares' Program Serving Up an Appetizing Special Promotion to Raise Money for Lifesaving Childhood Cancer Research

'Tony Roma’s Cares' Program Serving Up an Appetizing Special Promotion to Raise Money for Lifesaving Childhood Cancer Research

“Tony Roma’s Cares” Program Serving Up an Appetizing Special Promotion to Raise Money for Lifesaving Childhood Cancer Research On every Monday and Tuesday, starting December 12, 2005, Guests at Participating Tony Roma’s Restaurants Can Support CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation

Arcadia, Ca. (PRWEB) December 12, 2005

The Arcadia Tony Roma’s Restaurant will host a special “Tony Roma’s Cares” holiday promotion to help raise funds for research to conquer childhood cancer, the #1 disease killer of children.

On Monday and Tuesday’s, starting December 12, 2005, each guest who purchases a Starter item, including Tony Roma’s signature Onion Loaf, Tony Roma’s will donate 20% to CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation, which represents every pediatric cancer program in North America, treating 90% of children with cancer.

“The Tony Roma’s Restaurant family has a strong history of involvement with organizations that serve the needs of families across the country,” said Joe Cabral, General Manager of the Arcadia restaurant. “Our hope is that through this promotion we will be able to expand the resources available for childhood cancer research to help improve the level of healthcare for children suffering from cancer.”

“On behalf of all families impacted by childhood cancer, we are grateful to the Tony Roma’s team for its dedication to our cause,” said Paul T. Burke, President and CEO, CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation. “This special appetizer promotion will go a long way to help raise awareness of the disease and provide much needed funds to help pioneer new treatments and cures for children with cancer and their families.”

About Tony Roma’s

For more than 30 years Tony Roma's has been Famous for Ribs (www. tonyromas. com). Considered the pioneer of Baby Back Ribs, Tony Roma's can now be found all over the world with more than 260 restaurants in 27 countries. We have won countless awards over the years for our ribs and signature sauces. We are committed to providing you the best ribs anywhere. Using new rib styles and sauce flavors, our chefs are working hard to make Tony Roma's your only choice for ribs.

About CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation:

CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation proudly supports the work of CureSearch Children's Oncology Group (COG), a network of more than 5,000 physicians, nurses and scientists who conduct clinical trials and perform cutting-edge research to cure childhood cancer at more than 200 member institutions. CureSearch COG represents every pediatric cancer program, treating more than 90 percent of children with cancer in North America. CureSearch (www. curesearch. org) is dedicated to reaching the day when every child with cancer can be guaranteed a cure.

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Pickles Market to Reach US$3.08 Billion by 2010, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts

Pickles Market to Reach US$3.08 Billion by 2010, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts

Global market for pickles is projected to grow moderately over the 2001-2010 period reaching US$3.08 billion by 2010. Amid competition from other food varieties, consumption of pickled foods is sustained by introduction of specialty pickles with new flavors and use as supplements with other foods.

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) March 3, 2008

Pickling has been a constituent of various cultures across the world, a tradition driven by the need to preserve food. A wide range of pickles are currently available in the worldwide market, which incorporate flavors and texture that are unique to every geographical location. Globally, consumers are increasingly using salted and crispy pickles as toppings and supplements for common foods such as hamburgers, hot dogs and sandwiches. As people get more health conscious, demand for pickles with lesser salt content is forecast to rise.

The United States represents the largest market accounting for a share of about 32% of global pickles market (http://www. strategyr. com/Pickles_Market_Report. asp) in 2007, as stated by Global Industry Analysts, Inc. Latin America and Canada are forecast to emerge as the fastest growing markets. Finished cucumber pickles (http://www. strategyr. com/Pickles_Market_Report. asp) constitutes the largest product segment, accounting for an estimated 25% share in 2007. However rising demand for fresh cucumbers has contributed to the slow down in consumption of pickling cucumbers, especially in the United States. Global sales from the segment are projected to reach US$764 million by 2009. Europe represents another major market for pickles. Regional sales are projected to increase at a compounded annual rate of 2.6% over the 2001-2010 period. Germany represents the single largest market in Europe with sales estimated at US$113 million for 2007. Finished relishes market (http://www. strategyr. com/Pickles_Market_Report. asp) in Europe is projected to reach US$142 million by 2010. While in Asia-Pacific, where pickles are of enormous significance, the pickles market is projected to cross US$503 million by 2010.

Although the demand for fermented pickles is on decline, refrigerated pickles are finding favor among consumers. Refrigerated pickles retain their freshness due to the minimal processing associated with these products, as a result of which the pickle remains fresh and crispy. To capitalize on the health-aspect of pickled foods, manufacturers are offering innovative varieties of pickles that are beneficial for human health.

Key players profiled in the report include ADF Foods Ltd, Beit Hashita Assis, H. J. Heinz Company, Kraft Foods, Mt. Olive Pickle Company, Patak Foods, Pinnacle Foods Corporation, Premier Brands Foods Plc, The Global Green Company Ltd., and TreeHouse Foods, Inc.

The report titled "Pickles: A Global Strategic Business Report" published by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., covers major market dynamics, trends, issues, and competition pertaining to the market on a global as well as regional level. The report enumerates recent developments, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic industry activities. Product segments analyzed in the study include Finished Cucumber Pickles, Finished Horseradish Pickles, Finished Sauerkraut Pickles, Finished Relishes, Other Finished Pickles and Unfinished Pickles. Analysis is presented for established and emerging markets including United States, Japan, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Russia, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.

For more details of this research report please visit http://www. strategyr. com/Pickles_Market_Report. asp (http://www. strategyr. com/Pickles_Market_Report. asp)

About Global Industry Analysts, Inc.
Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (GIA) (http://www. strategyr. com) 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 700 people worldwide and publishes more than 880 full-scale research reports each year. Additionally, the company also offers a range of over 60,000 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
Web Site www. StrategyR. com

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Pet Obesity Continues to Grow in U. S

Pet Obesity Continues to Grow in U. S.

Nationwide study finds number of overweight dogs and cats increasing; owners of larger dogs and cats less aware of problem.

Calabash, NC (PRWEB) March 10, 2010

In the U. S., over 45% of dogs and 58% of cats are now estimated to be overweight or obese according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). The third annual National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Study, conducted in October 2009, found that from 2007 to 2009, the number of overweight dogs and cats increased by 2% and 5%, respectively.

“Obesity is now the biggest health threat to pets in the US,” states lead researcher Dr. Ernie Ward. “The costs of obesity in illness and injury make it the number one medical issue seen in today’s veterinary hospitals.”

Obesity rates in cats were highest at 21.4%; dogs were slightly better with 8.6% classified as obese by veterinary clinics. Obesity in dogs and cats is typically defined as 30% above normal weight. According to the study, 6.7 million dogs are estimated to be obese and 34.9 million overweight. The numbers in cats is higher, with 20 million estimated to be obese and 54.3 million overweight.

“These numbers, 34 million dogs and 54 million cats that are overweight, continue to slowly creep upwards. The frightening fact is that now pet owners are increasingly classifying their overweight pets as ‘normal,’ making the problem more difficult to address,” notes Dr. Ward. “If this ‘fat gap’ continues to grow, that is, when a pet owner looks at their chubby companion and views it as a normal, healthy weight, our nation’s pets will continue to suffer the consequences of obesity. I believe owners have this misperception because they are surrounded by fatter and fatter pets. Twenty years ago, these dogs were viewed as overweight. Today, pet owners view them as normal.”

When asked, 33% of dog owners and 46% of cat owners with overweight pets incorrectly identified their pet as a normal weight; 25% of dog owners with obese dogs reported their dog was normal while 40% of obese cat owners thought their cat was a normal weight. Interestingly, 33% of small dog (less than 23 pounds) owners thought their overweight dog was a normal weight compared to 41% of large dog (over 50 pounds) owners.

Owners of Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers were more likely to claim their dog was a normal weight when it was in reality, overweight. And 43% incorrectly identified their overweight Retriever as normal while only 33% of small breed dog owners underestimated their dog’s weight. In total, 46% of all Labrador and Golden Retrievers were determined to be overweight or obese. The study found that in general, owners of small breed dogs were more likely to correctly identify their dog as overweight than owners of large breed dogs.

“It’s important that pet owners understand the significance of even a few extra pounds on a dog or cat,” explains Dr. Ward. “For example, a typical 90-pound female Labrador Retriever is equivalent to a 186-pound 5 foot, 4 inch female while a 12-pound Yorkshire Terrier is similar to 223 pounds on the same woman. A 15-pound cat is equivalent to a 225-pound 5 foot, 9 inch male and a 20-pound feline equals 300 pounds on that man. Each pound on a cat is equal to about 13 pounds on the average female and 15 pounds on a male.”

“One encouraging finding was that 82% of pet owners agreed that pet obesity was a problem in the US. The challenge for veterinarians is to educate owners of dogs and cats on what a healthy weight actually is for their pet and offer weight loss strategies,” says Dr. Ward.

Treats continue to be the main culprit for excess weight. According to Ward, 90% of dog owners and 54% of cat owners responded that they gave their pets treats. “Even tiny treats pack a punch,” notes Ward. “Making matters worse, today’s treats are so loaded with sugar and fat I call them ‘kibble crack.’ Modern treats are literally rewiring our pets’ behavioral responses and creating cravings that go far beyond what is normal in many pets.”

Ward stresses that pet owners need to understand the impact treats have on their pets’ weight. For example, he equates a premium pig ear given to a 40-pound dog to drinking six, 12-ounce colas. “No one would sit down and drink six sodas at one time, yet that’s exactly what we’re doing when we give our pets these snacks,” states Dr. Ward. “Even a single, small dog bone treat given to a 10-pound dog is no different than a person eating two chocolate doughnuts. The truth is, we rarely stop at one dog treat. Give a few each day and you’ve fed the equivalent of a dozen doughnuts. No wonder we’re seeing such high obesity rates.”

The third annual National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Study was conducted using data collected by 41 US veterinary clinics in October 2009. In all, about 600 adult dogs and cats were evaluated. Approximately 8.6% of dogs were classified as obese and 36.7% as overweight. Approximately 21.4% of all cats were rated as obese and 36.5% as overweight.

For additional information on the study, please contact Dr. Ernie Ward or visit http://www. PetObesityPrevention. com (http://www. PetObesityPrevention. com).

About the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP)
APOP was founded in 2005 by Dr. Ernie Ward to promote awareness of the dangers of pet obesity to veterinary healthcare providers and pet owners. APOP is not affiliated with any pet or veterinary company or corporation.

Contact
Dr. Ernie Ward, President Association for Pet Obesity Prevention 910-579-5550 / 910-620-1295 http://www. PetObesityPrevention. com (http://www. PetObesityPrevention. com)

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Positive Promotions Aims to Boost Its Contribution to Breast Cancer Research

Positive Promotions Aims to Boost Its Contribution to Breast Cancer Research

Breast cancer awareness company renews its commitment and will try to best its $23,500 2005 donation to the American Cancer Society.

(PRWEB) August 10, 2006

Positive Promotions (www. positivepromotions. com]), a leading creator and distributor of breast cancer awareness products, has renewed its commitment to support the American Cancer Society (ACS). Each year, the company donates a portion of the proceeds from its National Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign. In 2005, Positive Promotions President and CEO Nelson Taxel presented a check for $23,500 to ACS representatives. The company hopes to be able to increase the amount this year and further fund ACS research, educational efforts and services for breast cancer patients.

With this in mind, Positive Promotions created a new web site, www. positivebca. com. It focuses on breast cancer awareness products and event ideas, with a section of web exclusive items. The site also lists other women’s health events.

One project aided by the Positive Promotions donation is the ACS Reach to Recovery program. The program unites trained volunteers with women and men who are in the various stages of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment or recovery. The volunteers, breast cancer survivors themselves, provide comfort, understanding and hope. To locate a Reach to Recovery program in your area, to volunteer or to make a donation, call 1-800-ACS-2345.

Positive Promotions’ collection of economical and attractive breast cancer awareness and education products includes a wide range of items. For example, the women’s monthly planner with breast self-exam reminder stickers offers wellness tips for a year of healthier living. The embroidered pink ribbons allow community members to show their support. The tote bags are stylish and useful while displaying the instantly-recognized pink ribbon symbol. Nearly 150 more gifts, decorations and promotional tools for making a difference in the fight against breast cancer can be found at www. positivebca. com. Call 1-800-635-2666 to request a printed catalog.

About Positive Promotions

Positive Promotions, a 59-year-old company, specializes in items for education, recognition and awareness. Its award-winning design staff creates products which help make customers’ programs successful. The company is located on the Web at www. positivepromotions. com and www. positivebca. com.

Press Contact:

Joe DiLeo

Positive Promotions

15 Gilpin Avenue

Hauppauge, NY 11788-8821

800-635-2666 X 2256

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