Monday, December 31, 2007

Canadian Company Invents Machine That Tackles Deadly MRSA Bacteria

Canadian Company Invents Machine That Tackles Deadly MRSA Bacteria

Windsor, Ontario company provides valuable weapon in the battle to curb the deadly MRSA outbreak threatening communities across North America. Machine uses powerful ozone gas to naturally kill the bacteria without chemicals or harm to the environment.

Windsor, ON (PRWEB) October 22, 2007

Ozone Nation Inc. (www. FreshGear. ca), headquarted in Windsor, Ontario, has developed a machine that disinfects and deodorizes bacteria infested sports gear worn in hockey, football and lacrosse. The Fresh Gear C40 forces ozone, with high volume and velocity, straight into the gear, penetrating deep into the dense padding and hard to reach places like gloves and skates. Thus enabling ozone to kill up to 99.99% of the bacteria lurking there.

The patent-pending process takes 20 minutes to sanitize, deodorize and then deplete remaining ozone so that it is safe to open the machine. Thus, protecting the safety of operators, players and the public, while eliminating nasty odors and leaving the gear smelling fresh. Ozonation is a widely used method of eradicating bacteria in drinking water, food preparation, hospitals and health care facilities.

It seems like good timing as North America is faced with a looming epidemic of infections caused by a deadly bacteria known as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Recent studies published by JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), have found that infections caused by MRSA appears to be more prevalent than previously believed and is being found more often outside of health care settings, such as in schools, locker rooms and in high contact sports. "We estimate that 94,360 invasive MRSA infections occurred in the United States in 2005; these infections were associated with death in 18,650 cases," says the JAMA article.

"Hockey, football and lacrosse equipment is notorious for being foul smelling. Those odors are a result of bacteria and germs growing inside the equipment. Protective sports gear is meant to keep the athlete safe, not cause them harm. It needs to be sanitized regularly," says Michael Antinozzi, president of Ozone Nation. "Moms everywhere know that 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' The best way to fight MRSA infection is to prevent it."

Mr. Antinozzi foresees demand for the Fresh Gear C40 to continue increasing steadily, as high schools, universities and municipal leagues employ this process as part of a hygiene regimen that includes: washing hands, showering, not sharing personal items such as towels or razors and regularly cleaning their athletic gear.

Fresh Gear is patent pending technology and equipment cleaning services are currently available in over 40 locations across North America. For additional information on where Fresh Gear services are offered and what you can do to prevent MRSA infections, visit www. FreshGear. ca

About Ozone Nation Inc.
Incorporated in May of 2005, Ozone Nation Inc. has been developing technology that utilizes natural ozone to destroy bacteria. Years of dedication to research and development has lead to innovations, such as the Fresh Gear line of products, that help to contribute to a safer environment for all of us.

Contact:
Michael Antinozzi, President
Ozone Nation Inc.
866-518-2031
Http://www. FreshGear. ca (http://www. FreshGear. ca)
Reference: JAMA. 2007;298(15):1763-1771

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Baby Safety & the Family Dog

Baby Safety & the Family Dog

Preparation with the family dog before a baby arrives can increase safety and harmony when a new baby joins the family. Jennifer Shryock is a certified dog behavior consultant that specializes in helping families prepare their dog for life with infants, tots and KIDS through her program Dogs & Storks. http://www. familypaws. com/dogsandstorks/

(PRWEB) March 3, 2005

One of the most basic ways parents can help prepare their family dog is to expose them to the baby equipment prior to its use with an actual baby. I advise that Grandparents, Guardians and childcare providers that have dogs also take these simple steps to evaluate their own dog and circumstances.

I recall how wonderful the baby swing in particular, was for moments of peace and quiet as well as much needed arm rest. A recent article (http://www. cnn. com/2005/HEALTH/parenting/02/23/baby. swings. dogs. ap/index. html (http://www. cnn. com/2005/HEALTH/parenting/02/23/baby. swings. dogs. ap/index. html)) addresses valid concerns about dogs and mechanical swings. It is important to keep in mind that all dogs react differently and supervision is a must all the time!

I have seen first hand a variety of reactions to baby equipment by different dogs. Some dogs become desperate to chase and catch the moving swing while others seem to find it soothing. A human moving in the air is not normal to dogs and can be quite confusing even though the swing is grounded. It is important to know your dog's reaction to different situations and stimuli. Here are some things to take into consideration:

1. Does your dog love to chase ANYTHING and everything?

2. Is your dog reactive to sudden motion?

3. Does he startle easily?

4. Is your dog sensitive to noise? If so, loud, soft or sudden? High or low pitch?

Adults in charge of supervising a baby must never allow the dog to remain in the room alone with a baby for even a second! This is a consistent key factor in most reports of attacks with newborns and dogs. This point must not be taken lightly. If the adult is not there for the dog to defer to and the baby makes noises the dog may be the first to respond and possibly tend to the baby. This is very dangerous as dogs communicate and relate very differently then we do as humans. What can caretakers and parents do to prevent such incidents?

It is best to introduce baby swings and all baby equipment to the family dog prior to the arrival of the baby. Baby swings have all sorts of gadgets these days! They vibrate, make music and even rotate. It is important to know your dog's individual sensitivities and prepare him well ahead of time. Some points to consider with baby swings:

1. Once in motion some dogs find the natural desire to chase hard to control around baby swings.

2. The noise of a vibration device in the swing can have an irritating humming noise for some dogs.

3. Spinning objects that are meant to be visually stimulating to an infant may be enticing to a dog to catch.

4. Noises of the music may be irritating to some dogs' sensitive ears.

It is important that family dogs learn how to behave calmly around all baby equipment prior to its use with an infant. Practice before your baby is home with a doll in the swing. Some dolls make noises and blink eyes etc. It sounds silly but it does help you role play and visualize the real situation. This allows a time for your dog to safely explore as you teach him how you want him to behave. Reward positive and appropriate behavior. Make this a positive experience. Ignore unwanted behavior and teach desired behavior. You do not want the first time your dog sees this new equipment to be when you REALLY are hoping the baby will go to sleep! Many dogs learn that the swing is just part of the new furniture and ignore it. This is ideal but still does not mean that it is safe to leave the room when a real infant is resting in the swing. Refreshing and practicing obedience now goes a long way towards a smoother transition once baby arrives.

Have a plan for the situations such as the phone ringing. Here are some ideas.

1. Close the door to where the baby is.

2. Take dog with you.

3. Put a leash on your dog in the house to keep him near by or to use as a tether to furniture to safely secure him.

4. Use a baby gate that you must physically lock in place to gate off area when the baby is. (Not for those that like the high jump!)

5. Offer your dog some great outdoor activity in a secured area.

As always it is never safe to leave a baby and dog unsupervised for any reason at any time.

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Friday, December 28, 2007

“Life…supplemented” Announces America’s Wellness Challenge

“Life…supplemented” Announces America’s Wellness Challenge

Enter for a chance to win $15,000 and get healthy doing it!

Washington, DC (Vocus) December 30, 2009

The “Life…supplemented” consumer wellness initiative today announced America’s Wellness Challenge—three promotions spanning the next five months—created to incentivize Americans to get serious about their health goals in 2010.

“The goal of America’s Wellness Challenge is to motivate people to change their wellness habits, which can be difficult,” says William Cooper, M. D., medical director of cardiovascular surgery at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and advisor to the “Life…supplemented” campaign. “What makes our Challenge different is how engaging it is and the number of ways people can get involved. It’s always important to focus on improving your health—but now you have the chance to win money doing it.”

The America’s Wellness Challenge Sweepstakes (http://www. lifesupplemented. org/sweepstakes. htm) runs through Feb. 28 and gives people a chance to win a $15,000 sweepstakes prize. People can enter the Sweepstakes* on-line at http://www. lifesupplemented. org (http://www. lifesupplemented. org)] through a two-part registration process that includes taking My Wellness Scorecard (http://www. lifesupplemented. org/scorecard. htm), a fast, fun and free on-line quiz that assesses your wellness in the three pillars of health—healthy diet + supplements + exercise. Once you’ve taken the Scorecard, you’ll be categorized on a wellness scale from OhWELL to AlphaWELL and receive personalized tips on how to improve your wellness score. Two additional contests are planned later in the year to further encourage Americans in their quest for wellness.

Additionally, an important component of America’s Wellness Challenge and within the entire “Life…supplemented” campaign is urging consumers to participate in on-line social networks that focus on wellness. Consumers can get updates on “Life…supplemented” and America’s Wellness Challenge via Twitter (@wannaBwell (http://twitter. com/wannabwell)) and Facebook (http://www. facebook. com/pages/Lifesupplemented/63694729984). For more information on the three pillars of health and to enter the sweepstakes, visit http://www. lifesupplemented. org (http://www. lifesupplemented. org).

*No purchase necessary. See official rules (http://www. lifesupplemented. org/sweepstakes. htm) for more information.

About "Life…supplemented": "Life… supplemented" is a consumer wellness campaign dedicated to driving awareness about the mainstream use of dietary supplements as an integral part of a proactive personal wellness regimen that combines healthy diet, supplements and exercise. The campaign is managed by the Council for Responsible Nutrition, the leading trade association for the dietary supplement industry, under its affiliated 501(c) (3), the CRN Foundation. The dietary supplement category includes products such as vitamins, minerals, botanicals, sports nutrition, weight management and specialty supplements. More than 150 million Americans use these products each year to promote and maintain good health. Find out more about AlphaWELLS, WELLS, WannabeWELLS and OhWELLS by clicking on My Wellness Scorecard (http://www. lifesupplemented. org/scorecard. htm) at lifesupplemented. org.

CRN
Erin Hlasney
202.204.7684
Ehlasney(at)crnusa(dot)org

CRT/tanaka
Kelly Bucher Sakalas 
757.640.1982 x28
Ksakalas(at)crt-tanaka(dot)com

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QPS is Latest mPay Gateway Reseller and Merchant Processor

QPS is Latest mPay Gateway Reseller and Merchant Processor

MPay Gateway, a Minneapolis, MN, company specializing in point of care patient payments, announced today that Qualified Processing Services (QPS) of Boca Raton, FL, is mPay Gateway's newest reseller and merchant processor. The reseller agreement allows QPS to market mPay Gateway's web-based software for facilitating point of care electronic patient payments to health care providers. Additionally mPay Gateway will leverage QPS's premium merchant service model for payment processing.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) April 18, 2008

mPay Gateway, a Minneapolis, MN, company specializing in point of care patient payments, announced today that Qualified Processing Services (QPS) of Boca Raton, FL, is mPay Gateway's newest reseller and merchant processor.

The reseller agreement allows QPS to market mPay Gateway's web-based software for facilitating point of care electronic patient payments to health care providers. Additionally mPay Gateway will leverage QPS's premium merchant service model for payment processing.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with QPS," said John Wallace, Senior Vice President for mPay Gateway. "QPS is well-known in the industry for providing high quality customer service. They are eager to expand their presence in healthcare and we look forward to leveraging their industry experience in providing solid solutions and excellent customer service."

"We see the relationship with mPay Gateway to be a good fit for both companies," said Mitch Breslow, principal for QPS. "We believe the demand for the service mPay Gateway provides is at a tipping point, especially as patients become responsible for an ever-increasing portion of the medical bill. We look forward to providing medical professionals with a solution that addresses these growing bad debt issues. In addition, our combined services will allow for better management and control of their funds."

MPay Gateway delivers web-based software that facilitates point of care electronic patient payments to health care providers. The company's unique approach enables providers to obtain patient payments while the patient is still at their facility, thus reducing bad debt exposure and the need for post-service billing and collection.

The average physician practice in the US today writes off fifty cents of every dollar billed to patients after the patient leaves the office due to inefficient collection processes and confusing insurance plans. The mPay Gateway product simplifies the patient-provider encounter and enables the provider to collect from the patient when the services are rendered, thus reducing bad debt exposure and the need for post-service billing and collection.

About mPay Gateway
MPay Gateway provides health care facilities a virtual POS terminal for accepting credit and debit cards for patient co-payments and other known charges. Providers are able to quickly process an authorization amount based on a system-estimated patient liability estimate. Much like the process in the rental car and hotel environment where the customer's card is not charged until after the customer leaves, the mPay Gateway system allows the provider to hold the authorization until the third-party payer has submitted a final remittance advice to the provider.

MPay Gateway was formed in January 2004 by former executives of eBenX (a pioneer in technology to support transactions between health plan sponsors and payers) to develop financial technology solutions addressing the complex payment requirements unique to the health care environment. mPay Gateway's integrated and comprehensive management software is distributed to physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers through financial services companies and healthcare information software and support providers.

For more information please visit www. mpaygateway. com.

About QPS
Qualified Processing Services, LLC (QPS) was established in early 2006 as a premium service and direct marketing arm for a large nationwide processor, Superior Financial Systems (SFS). On behalf of major financial institutions, SFS underwrites, establishes, and supports all of its merchant accounts in-house. The principals of QPS/SFS have over thirty years of bankcard experience and have managed billions of dollars in processing volume.

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Thursday, December 27, 2007

Replicon Recognized as one of the World's top Software Companies

Replicon Recognized as one of the World's top Software Companies

Global leader in web-based timesheet software ranked on the Software 500 list for sixth straight year; climbed 30 spots in one year

San Mateo, CA (PRWEB) November 17, 2010

Replicon Inc. is pleased to announce it has been recognized again on the Software 500 – an annual ranking of the world's largest software and service providers by Software Magazine.

This is the 6th consecutive year that Replicon has been placed on the list, representing the continued success of its market-leading suite of timesheet and expense management software. Over 1.5 million users in 70 countries currently use Replicon's Web TimeSheet – a web-based solution that enables organizations to track time and expenses for managing projects, billing clients, and automating time and attendance policies.

Two editions of Web TimeSheet, Time & Attendance and Project & Billing, work separately or together as a seamlessly integrated solution. The software-as-a-service products can also be integrated with Replicon's other business solutions, Web Expense, Web Schedule and Web Resource.

“The continued success of Replicon's Web TimeSheet reflects the increasing demand for innovative enterprise software that streamlines business operations and supports the bottom line," says Raj Narayanaswamy, co-CEO of Replicon. "It is an honor to be ranked once again on the Software 500 – an achievement that would not be possible without the visionary approach of our team and the support of our customers worldwide.”

The Software 500 is a revenue-based ranking of the world’s largest software and services suppliers targeting medium to large enterprises, their IT professionals, software developers and business managers involved in software and services purchasing.

Replicon ranked 344 – up 30 spots from last year's ranking – with worldwide software revenue of $16.5 million.

“The 2010 Software 500 results show that the software and services industry was healthy, with total Software 500 revenue of $491.7 billion worldwide for 2009,” says John P. Desmond, editor of Software Magazine and Softwaremag. com.

The Software 500 ranking is based on total worldwide software and services revenue for 2009. This includes revenues from software licenses, maintenance and support, training and software-related services and consulting.

About Digital Software Magazine, the Software Decision Journal, and Softwaremag. com
Digital Software Magazine, the Software Decision Journal, has been a brand name in the high-tech industry for 30 years. Softwaremag. com, its Web counterpart, is the online catalog to enterprise software and the home of the Software 500 ranking of the world’s largest software and services companies. Software Magazine and Softwaremag. com are owned and operated by King Content Co. For more information on the Software 500, contact: Tracy Kunichika, Software 500 Project Leader, at Tracyk(at)softwaremag(dot)com.

About Web TimeSheet
Web TimeSheet - Replicon's market leading timesheet software - is an easy-to-use, quick to implement solution delivered as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) to customers worldwide. Web TimeSheet Project & Billing, Web TimeSheet Time & Attendance, Web Expense, and Web Resource offer a myriad of front and back office solutions including time tracking toward projects, expense tracking, client billing, and time and attendance management. All of Replicon’s products can be used as standalone products or as a seamlessly integrated suite of products. Visit Replicon’s Time Tracking Software suite for more information.

About Replicon
With more than 1.5 million users in 70 countries, Replicon, Inc. is the market leader in Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) based time and expense software. For more than 10 years, Replicon has enabled companies of all sizes in over 68 countries to maximize profitability and productivity. Replicon's portfolio of SaaS applications includes Web TimeSheet Project & Billing, Web TimeSheet Time & Attendance, Web Expense, Web Schedule and Web Resource. For more information about Replicon's products and services, contact Replicon at 1-877-662-2519 (US / Canada only), send an email to info(at)replicon(dot)com, or visit http://www. replicon. com.

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Saturday, December 22, 2007

TExES Master EC-4 Generalist

TExES Master EC-4 Generalist

The best product by far for the Elementary Comprehensive ExCET examination is the TExES Master EC-4 Generalist. ExCET Master 2003 has information for the Elementary Comprehensive exam and there is a money-back-guarantee for that exam - but the product is about 75% for the ExCET Professional Development exam and only 25% for the Elementary Comprehensive exam.

(PRWEB) March 9, 2003

When the new TExES exams came out, we decided rather than have one product to cover 3 exams, we would produce separate products for each exam. The new TExES EC-4 Generalist exam is essentially the same as the Elementary Comprehesive ExCET exam. It covers a broad range of curriculum: math, reading, social studies, language, music, art, physical education, etc. The only difference is the the TExES EC-4 Generalist exam also covers Early Childhood. The ExCET tested for Early Childhood separately. So, all 184 flash cards are devoted to these subjects. ExCET Master only has about 30 flash cards for the Elementary Comprehensive exam.

In addition, there is a full practice exam - with answers and full explanations as to why the correct answer is the best choice. Additionally, Dr. Sandra McCune, who authored the product, does some teaching in the discussion after giving the answer. You have a great opportunity to make your practice exam a great learning experience. I suggest you have a stack of blank flash cards as you practice. After making your choice, go the the back of the exam and determine if you made the right choice. Then, read the discussion. You can probably learn something new on each question. Every time you come across something that seems important, make yourself a flash card so that you can put that information to permanent memory before you take your exam.

Both the TExES Master EC-4 Generalist flash cards and practice exam are broken down numerically just like the ExCET and TExES exams are:

Domain I......40% English Language Arts and Reading

Domain II.....15% Mathematics

Domain III....15% Social Studies

Domain IV....15% Science

Domain V.....15% Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education

The flash cards are also color coded.

Another great feature of the TExES Master EC-4 Generalist manual is that it has an On-Line Review with web sites featuring information on every Domain listed above. Each person knows which areas he or she needs to improve. For example, if you need help in math, go the those web sites. Make flash cards, copy and paste, or simply study. There about 250 web sites with useful information. The best plan is to set up a schedule: divide the number days you have to study into the total number of web sites and visit that many web sites per day. If you miss a day, you will know that you have to make up for it.

Over the 7 years I have had ExCET Master, I have wanted to have a product devoted to this exam. I was never able to find someone who had the broad range of knowledge necessary to create such a product - until I met Dr. Sandra McCune! She is the only person I have ever known capable of creating TExES Master EC-4 Generalist!

Art Williams

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Publishing Builds Professional Credibility in Every Corner of the Marketplace

Publishing Builds Professional Credibility in Every Corner of the Marketplace

Professional businesspeople are turning to publishing as a respected medium to share their ideas with a large audience, increase their standing in the business community, and to increase revenue for their services. Author Dianna Booher offers her perspective on the current publishing climate.

Grapevine, Texas (PRWEB) September 24, 2006

Now that the majority of white-collar professionals have college degrees, what can you do to distinguish yourself from your well-educated peers? To gain the next promotion? To promote your product, service, or professional practice? To make money for yourself and your business?

Publish your ideas in a book or a trade journal article. Could the answer be that simple? Grapevine author and professional speaker Dianna Booher says she has proven the theory true. “Thought leaders today want to know that they have made a significant impact in the world before they leave the marketplace,” Ms. Booher reports. “I’m seeing interest in publishing growing, especially among the baby boomers who are beginning to retire over the next few years. They want to make a long-standing contribution beyond just earning a paycheck.” Ms. Booher is certainly qualified to make these observations: Her writings have been published over 40 times (printed in 20 foreign editions) with the likes of Simon and Schuster, McGraw-Hill, and Warner.

But let’s be real. Can I truly impact my career by being published? Yes, indeed, according to Booher. “The trend has spread worldwide,” she says. She sees great publishing potential in several groups.

The Rich and Famous. Booher says, “To see a money-making trend, watch what the successful people are doing. The likes of Donald Trump, Bill Gates, Michael Eisner, Lee Iacocca, Jack Welch, Queen Noor, and Harvey Mackay have turned publishing into power. Publishing has certainly added pizzazz to their already prestigious careers.”

Thought Leaders. Those who want to shape world thinking, improve people’s lives, change how organizations are run—these people feel compelled to put their ideas in book form to establish significance beyond their lifetime.

The Average Working Joe or Josephine. There is a healthy amount of interest from the corporate arena to write the next Who Moved My Cheese. Each month five to ten callers approach Ms. Booher with a publishing idea, and the conversation follows one of these lines:

“I'm a lawyer, and our firm is working on a really interesting case. We're thinking of doing a book on it. Can you tell me how to go about it?”

“I've got a manuscript about real estate equities that I've just finished. As a stockbroker, I don't know much about publishing. Do I just take it to a publisher or a printer, or what?”

“My boss is really after me to get a book published on this new anticorrosion process our company will be marketing next year to get some PR. It was originally a technical paper, but I guess I'll have to change the approach a little bit for the general reader, don't you think?”

Of course, there is always the weekend writer with a “human interest” story that could morph into the Great American Novel:

“I've had an interesting life and I think other people would enjoy reading my story. Can you help me turn my journals into a book?”

As a publishing coach and workshop instructor, Ms. Booher knows that any of these scenarios could be a best-seller,…if the content, proposal, and marketing strategies fit a publisher’s needs.

The Competitive Corporation. According to Booher, the mere mention of a company's name and product/service in a published work is worth measurable dollars—dollars these companies are willing to pass on to their executives, managers, and PR people for their writing efforts.

Whichever category you fall into—the rich and famous, the thought leader, the average Joe or Josephine, or the competitive corporation—the timing for getting your ideas into book form couldn't be better. “That third-party endorsement from a major publisher says to the world that somebody out there, some objective editor, thinks what you have to say is worthwhile and that people would pay money to read about it,” says Booher. “Corporations underscore that credibility factor when they pay their employees bonuses and give them high visibility for their publishing efforts–-whether books or journal articles.” Interested authors can join Ms. Booher when she unveils her publishing secrets in an upcoming "Get Your Book Published" workshop November 30-December 2 at the Booher Training Center in Dallas (http://www. getyourbookpublished2006.com (http://www. getyourbookpublished2006.com)).

Nothing enhances your credibility or brings recognition—from colleagues, from your own management, from customers and clients—like publishing a work on your subject of expertise. In fact, this principle has even worked its way into our language. What do we say to firmly establish someone's credibility? You’ll often hear this terminology: “Oh, Charlie’s teaching the phone class? That’s great! He wrote the book on telecommunications.”

Somehow it’s comforting that—despite the digital age of the Internet, the advertising age of the $4 million thirty-second TV spot, and the “now” generation of fast food—the old tried-and-true method of ink on paper still commands attention, respect, and credibility.

Johannes Gutenberg would be proud.

About Dianna Booher and Booher Consultants:

Dianna Booher has authored 42 books in 20 languages, including Communicate with Confidence®, E-Writing, and Speak with Confidence™. In addition to instructor-led training programs and books, her award-winning content is produced and distributed internationally in video, audio, CD-ROM, intranet, and web-based delivery formats. She is the CEO of Booher Consultants, Inc., a leading provider of communication and productivity training in all its facets: strategic writing, oral presentations, interpersonal skills, customer service, listening, meetings, conflict resolution, gender communications. The corporation lists 228 of the Fortune 500 as clients for its instructor-led workshops and keynotes.

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Sarah Palin Joins Speaker Line-up for Atlanta Seize the Day Seminar

Sarah Palin Joins Speaker Line-up for Atlanta Seize the Day Seminar

Sarah Palin joins the Atlanta Seize the Day speaker line-up, sharing her experiences on how to face adversity and overcome obstacles. Seize the Day will be held November 9th at Philips Arena in downtown Atlanta. Reserve seats early for this exciting event.

Atlanta, GA (Vocus) September 28, 2010

Seize the Day, Inc., announced today that Sarah Palin, former Governor of Alaska and 2008 Republican Vice Presidential candidate, will be a featured speaker at the Seize the Day (http://www. seizetheday. com/info/seizetheday. aspx? Source=f9cf9ee8-5aa7-4fe4-9f60-42f075918035) event to be held Tuesday, November 9, 2010, in Atlanta.

Seize the Day, Inc., spokesman Doug Williamson said, "We are very pleased to announce that Sarah Palin has joined our speaker line-up for the Atlanta Seize the Day event. To say that Sarah is an important figure in today's political environment and a sought-after speaker would be an understatement. We look forward to Sara's upcoming presentation in Atlanta, which will give her a prime opportunity to share her extraordinary experiences and vision for confronting today’s issues."

Sarah Palin first made history on December 4, 2006, when she was sworn in as the first female governor of Alaska. In August 2008, Senator John McCain selected Palin to serve as his vice presidential running mate in his presidential campaign, making her the first woman to run on the Republican Party's presidential ticket.

A powerful, no-nonsense voice for principles and reform, Governor Palin currently serves as a contributor for FOX News and was named to TIME magazine's 2010 '100 Most Influential People' list. Palin encourages audiences to look to the future and challenges leaders to increase efforts to support U. S. troops, responsibly develop domestic resources, rein in spending and shrink government while calling for a fiscally responsible health care model that benefits all Americans. Her memoir, Going Rogue: An American Life, was published in November, 2009, and was an immediate best seller. Palin's new book, America By Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith and Flag, hits shelves November 23, 2010.

Governor Palin will join an extraordinary lineup of celebrity speakers, including: former First Lady Laura Bush, NFL legend and sportscaster Terry Bradshaw, cable news icon Bill O'Reilly, actor, writer and commentator Ben Stein, top sales trainer Tom Hopkins, leadership development expert John Maxwell, investing author and guru Phil Town, and motivational master Les Brown.

All speakers will appear live on stage and in person during the Atlanta event. Participants will experience a high-energy arena-style event with pyrotechnics, music, networking opportunities, organized team spirit, prizes and live entertainment throughout the day. Doors to Philips Arena open at 6:45 a. m. The event runs from 8:00 a. m. to 6 p. m.

About Seize the Day Seminars

Seize the Day seminars are business and motivational seminars staged at venues throughout major cities in the United States. These one-day events are designed to educate, inspire and motivate people from all walks of life and all types of business backgrounds. Seize the Day seminars feature famous achievers from a wide variety of backgrounds, including sales and negotiation, marketing, team building, goal achievement, leadership development, productivity enhancement, personal empowerment, wealth building, business innovation, customer service, time management and more. Speakers share their personal stories and success strategies live from the stage on the day of the event. Also available is an event workbook that includes speaker outlines, how-to articles, upcoming events and a monthly calendar.

To attend this event, participants can purchase tickets online at SeizetheDay. com (http://www. seizetheday. com/info/seizetheday. aspx? Source=f9cf9ee8-5aa7-4fe4-9f60-42f075918035) or by calling 1-800-796-8180. Use promo code PR78. Tickets cost $4.95 per person or $19.95 for an entire office.

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Abacus Solutions Increases Engineering Talent Investment to Deliver Unparalleled Infrastructure Computing Services

Abacus Solutions Increases Engineering Talent Investment to Deliver Unparalleled Infrastructure Computing Services

Abacus Solutions, a leading provider of enterprise-level IT products and infrastructure computing services, hires David Harmer as Senior Solutions Engineer. With a total of 20 engineers now on-staff, Abacus further strengthens its market position of being a total solution provider dedicated to simplifying the IT infrastructures of businesses worldwide.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) October 12, 2008

Abacus Solutions, a leading multi-platform provider of enterprise-level IT products and infrastructure computing services, today announced the appointment of David Harmer, Senior Solutions Engineer. Harmer brings more than 15 years of computer engineering experience to Abacus. For the last 12 years, Mr. Harmer has worked as Manager of Central Systems for Imerys, Inc., a French, multinational mining company with revenues in excess of $4.3 billion dollars. The addition of Mr. Harmer augments this superior team to a total of 20 engineers.

Abacus Solutions' business strategy includes hiring talented and experienced engineers who are superior in assessing, designing, installing, integrating, and implementing complex enterprise computing solutions around servers, storage, and networking. Abacus offers a comprehensive portfolio of infrastructure computing services (http://www. abacusllc. com/services/infrastructure/?campaign=Oct1208) including assessments and health checks, server and storage virtualization and consolidation, back up and recovery services, e-mail archiving, and data center services.

Abacus Solutions was conceived in the year 2000 as a company with a focus on refurbished enterprise hardware. Today, Abacus dominates the refurbished market, and expects continued sales growth as the recession worsens. By continually enhancing its talented team of engineers, Abacus has taken this successful business model to the next level adding partners like EMC, VMWare, NetApp, Dell, Symantec, FalconStor, and other top players considered "the best" in the industry. Now, Abacus is adding a new "state of the art" Data Center. This Data Center will ensure that Abacus Solutions will continue to be a trusted and "true" partner with our customers. Abacus customers are medium to Dow 30 sized and we typically have relationships with CIOs, CTOs, Directors of IT, Storage/Server/Networking managers, system administrators and purchasing.

About Abacus Solutions
Abacus Solutions architects multi-platform enterprise-level, server, storage and networking solutions by offering technologies from leading vendors. Products include new and used servers, software, networking and storage solutions. Whether new or expertly refurbished and warrantied equipment is needed, Abacus works directly with, and across, the purchasing and IT departments at both strategic and deep-dive technical levels to match the right equipment, budgets and processes to a company's direct needs -- delivering technology much faster than working directly with OEM vendors, at a fraction of the cost. Abacus also offers comprehensive infrastructure computing services including business continuity and disaster recovery solutions. For additional information, call 770-738-1101, 1-800-605-5446 or visit abacusllc. com.

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Global Audiological Devices Market to Reach US$22 Billion by 2015, According to a New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc

Global Audiological Devices Market to Reach US$22 Billion by 2015, According to a New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

GIA announces the release of a comprehensive global report on Audiological Devices markets. The global market for audiological devices market is forecast to reach US$22 billion by the year 2015. Aging population, and the related diseases translates into favorable growth for hearing instruments and audiological services worldwide. Market growth is expected to stem from growing demand for hearing instruments that are less visible, and which incorporate superior hearing technologies, such as digital and programmable hearing instruments. Another factor impacting market growth is the miniaturization trend that led to the development of hybrid analog/digital devices, which are more advanced than their contemporaries.

San Jose, CA (Vocus/PRWEB) January 17, 2011

According to the World Health Organization, about 300 million people worldwide currently suffer from moderate to severe hearing loss, and this number is expected to inflate to 700 million by the year 2015. With less than 20% of hearing-impaired people presently using hearing instruments, there exists huge potential for hearing aids in the coming years. Long life expectancy and affluence are important factors that favor the market. Regions that offer favorable environment, particularly the above two factors, represent areas of fastest growth. Small size is of vital importance since it enables more number of patients to be fitted and makes the aids less conspicuous. In addition, digital hearing aids continue to gain market share at the expense of conventional analog hearing aids. The trend is driven by the narrowing price difference between digital and analog aids.

Europe represents the largest region for Audiological Devices, as stated by the new market research report on Audiological Devices. The US is the second largest market. However, growth is expected to mainly emanate from Asia-Pacific, which is expected to register a compounded annual growth of more than 9.0% during the analysis period.

Hearing aids, the largest segment, is emerging strong after a brief slowdown during 2008-2009 owing to the global crisis. The market is driven by aging population, expanding patient base, rapid advancements in hearing-aid technology, growing demand for quality healthcare, and rebounding consumer income level. North America and Europe represents the largest markets for hearing aids globally. In Europe, one out of seven individuals are estimated to be facing the problem of reduced hearing, and one out of ten require a hearing aid due to poor hearing. However, Asia housing more than half of the hearing impaired population worldwide, represents the fastest growing market for hearing aids. Relatively low penetration rate in emerging countries such as Russia, Brazil, India, Taiwan, and China presents huge untapped market potential for hearing aid manufacturers. Behind-the-Ear hearing aid represents the largest and fastest growing sub segment.

Cochlear implants represent fastest growing segment in the audiological devices market, and is forecast to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of more than 15% during the analysis period. Growth in the segment is fuelled by technological advancements, digital technology, and new products with truly open fittings and new wireless connectivity features.

Hearing aids market is witnessing rapid technological advancements, with the development of novel, and enhanced hearing systems. Innovation in Hearing Assistive Technologies (HATS) is enabling the adoption of cosmetically attractive and open mini-instruments. Few of the noteworthy advancements in hearing aid products include enhanced design capabilities, advanced digital signal processing, and battery life. In addition, the market is also witnessing the launch of combination devices, i. e., hearing aids combined with consumer electronics, including FMs and ipods, etc. There is also niche demand for disposable hearing aids. Another trend attracting concern is the growing demand for hearing aids from totally new segment of population belonging to the younger generation - teenagers and the thirty plus age group.

Major players operating in the audiological devices market profiled in the report include Advanced Bionics Corp., Cochlear Limited, GN ReSound A/S, Med-EL Medical Electronics, Neurelec SA, Phonak AG, Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH, Starkey Laboratories Inc., Sonic Innovations Inc., Widex A/S, William Demant Holding, among others.

The research report titled “Audiological Devices: A Global Strategic Business Report” announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., provides a comprehensive review of the Audiological Devices markets, impact of the recession on the market, current market trends, key growth drivers, product introductions, recent industry activity, and profiles of major/niche global as well as regional market participants. The report provides annual sales estimates and projections for Audiological Devices for the years 2007 through 2015 for the following geographic markets – United States, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Rest of World. Key product segments analyzed includes Hearing Aids (Behind-the-Ear, In - the-Ear, In-the-Canal and Completely-in-the Canal), Measurement / Testing Devices (Otoscopes, Audiometers, Impedance Analyzers, Hearing Aid Analyzers and Others), and Cochlear Implants. Also, a seven-year (2000-2006) historic analysis is provided for additional perspective.

For more details about this comprehensive market research report, please visit – http://www. strategyr. com/Audiological_Devices_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/

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Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Surveys Show it's Time to Take Charge of Asthma - Asthma Relief is Attainable

Surveys Show it's Time to Take Charge of Asthma - Asthma Relief is Attainable

Recent surveys have shown that asthma is causing unnecessary suffering. The correct information needs to be communicated to sufferers if deaths and emergency room visits are to be avoided. A new resource containing 101 Top Tips for Asthma Relief and Asthma Treatment has been compiled containing the best practical advice. Visit http://www. asthma-relieftips. com for more information.

(PRWEB) June 2, 2005

One person dies every hour from an asthma attack. A survey released on World Asthma Day (May 3rd, 2005) reveals that people see asthma as frightening, debilitating and uncontrollable.

No matter what their asthma treatment, medication or symptoms many of the 300 million asthma sufferers in the world are desperate for relief from asthma.

The survey found that one in three patients felt their asthma stopped them socializing; one in five believed it damaged their career or studies; and seven in ten felt it stopped them enjoying physical activities like sports and dancing. Most believed asthma relief was not within their control.

The survey also found that many sufferers are not using their asthma medication correctly. Many are not aware of what they can do to achieve asthma relief.

Doctors say almost 90% of asthma related deaths could be prevented. Although there is no cure, there are ways to take charge of asthma. Doctors agree that the right information can reduce emergency room visits, lead to prevention of asthma symptoms, help reduce dependency on asthma medication and dramatically improve asthma relief.

There are ways to stop allergies triggering asthma. There are steps that can prevent exercise induced asthma. Occupational asthma can be avoided too. The problem is getting the correct information to those who suffer.

Education and communication are crucial to asthma control. Yet in a recent study by the Asthma Society of Canada only 17% of sufferers reported that their health care professional had discussed the benefits of an asthma action plan with them.

The poor communication works both ways. Two thirds of those surveyed suffer asthma symptoms weekly. One third suffer daily. Yet over 80% do not consult their doctor.

David Kane is an asthma sufferer who decided to research his condition and communicate his findings. He found the best way to control asthma is through carefully choosing the most appropriate asthma treatment and medication, daily monitoring, following a personal asthma action plan and taking steps to reduce triggers.

To benefit other asthma sufferers he has compiled the best practical advice in a downloadable ebook and produced resources to help a sufferer monitor their condition and organise an asthma action plan.

For more information please visit http://www. asthma-relieftips. com (http://www. asthma-relieftips. com) for Top Tips on Asthma Relief and Asthma Treatment.

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Ellis College of NYIT Streamlines MBA Program

Ellis College of NYIT Streamlines MBA Program

Ellis College of NYIT has streamlined its online MBA program to enable students to specialize in a particular field of study without having to take additional classes. Under the new guidelines, students will be able to earn an MBA with Specialization with 36 credits, or an MBA with a Double Specialization with 45 credits.

Stamford, CT (PRWEB) September 18, 2006

Stamford, CT. September 18, 2006 – Ellis College of NYIT has streamlined its online MBA program to enable students to specialize in a particular field of study without having to take additional classes. Under the new guidelines, students will be able to earn an MBA with Specialization with 36 credits, or an MBA with a Double Specialization with 45 credits.

With an MBA with Specialization or Double Specialization, students complete the core MBA curriculum and then apply their elective credits to courses dedicated to a particular profession. The school currently offers 14 different specializations in fields that include Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Health Care Administration and Human Resources Management.

The Ellis College online MBA program offers courses developed in partnership with some of the world’s leading business schools, including Columbia University, Stanford University and the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. Courses in each program are six-weeks long, with new terms beginning every three weeks, making it easy for professionals to balance the time needed to pursue a degree with the needs of everyday life.

“By streamlining our MBA program, we are making it easier for students to customize their graduate business studies towards the fields that interest them most,” said Ted Alex, Dean of Business and Information Technology at Ellis College. “It gives our graduates a distinct advantage by enabling them to walk into a potential employer’s office and showcase some essential, field-specific skills that a general MBA student may be lacking.”

Ellis College, the online division of the New York Institute of Technology, is a regionally accredited online university that offers over 50 different graduate and undergraduate degrees, certificates and specializations. Utilizing “real-world” scenarios, Ellis provides instruction that enables working professionals to “learn-by-doing,” enabling them to apply the strategies and skills that they acquire almost immediately. Ellis utilizes a unique, interactive learning platform that provides an animated, lively classroom experience and fosters an extensive online community among students, alumni and faculty. See the Ellis College website at http://www. ellis. nyit. edu (http://www. ellis. nyit. edu).

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Sickness Absence Management is Crucial for Employers

Sickness Absence Management is Crucial for Employers

A recent report showed that sickness absence is costing the British economy over £100bn a year, and managers would be wise to ensure their sickness absence management policies are properly documented and up to date.

London, UK (PRWEB) March 28, 2008

Work-related ill-health is costing Britain more than £100bn a year, according to a recent report - more than the entire NHS budget or the annual GDP of Portugal - so employers need to make sure they have a good quality sickness policy in place for cases of sick leave and long term sickness.

In the UK, we collectively take 175m days of sick leave a year, averaging out at seven days per person per year. In light of these figures, says Simply-docs Managing Director Iain Mackintosh, 'companies would be wise to ensure they have adequate sickness absence management policies and the correct documents in place to deal with any potential cases of sick leave which might lead to long term sickness.

'Completing the correct documents is good practise for employers,' says Mackintosh. 'It proves to any outsiders that the company has abided by legislation and acted fairly and reasonably if there is any difficulty or discrepancy later on, concerning an employee's sick leave.'

There are several types of forms available to help employers improve their sickness absence management, says Mackintosh. He recommends employers make use of any of these six documents, all of which are provided by his company, should the relevant situation arise:

1) Sickness Policy and Absence Policy

Having a Sickness and Absence Policy document is useful as it makes clear to employees their rights and responsibilities concerning any sick leave they might take. The Simply-docs version covers these four essential issues:

1. Sickness and Absence Reporting Procedures
2. Sick Pay
3. Prolonged or Persistent Absence
4. Other Absences

2) Sickness Self Certificate form

The Sickness Self-Certificate Form is used during periods of Sickness Absence. The Company may conduct a return to work interview to discuss Absence and Illness.

The Sickness Self-Certificate form should be completed for Sickness Absence of up to 7 calendar days. Sickness Absence of more than 7 calendar days should require a Medical Certificate.

3) Absence and Illness Return to Work form

The Return to Work Form is applied post absence and illness from employment. The Employer is required to conduct a return to work interview to discuss absence and illness. The form contains the following parts:

1. Interview and sickness absence details
2. Further details about nature of illness/injury/absence
3. Optional questions
4. Manager's recommendation regarding this absence

4) Request for Medical Examination re. Persistent and Prolonged Sickness

The Request for Medical Examination Letter is sent by the employer to the employee in cases of prolonged or persistent sickness absence.

The Sickness and Absence Policy provides for the Company to be sympathetic to cases of genuine illness or incapacity, and states that prolonged or persistent sickness absence may be investigated.

It further states that where there is concern for an employee's health and ability to carry out their work, the Company reserves the right to seek medical opinion by asking the employee to agree to undergo an independent medical examination and/or obtain a report from the employee's own doctor. Refusal to do this may lead to the commencement of the Company's Disciplinary Procedures and Policy.

5) Prolonged Sickness Absence Extension Letter

The Absence Extension Letter confirms that employment may be at risk if the employee is unable to return to work on or prior to the end of this extension period, and that the employer will continue to visit to ascertain the employee's condition and ability to return to work.

6) Prolonged and Persistent Sickness Dismissal Notice

The Dismissal Notice Form is applied in the case of prolonged and persistent sickness absence.

The Dismissal Form is used only after the Employer has sympathetically considered and investigated the prolonged and persistent sickness absence of the employee; offered positive assistance and consulted with the employee at various stages of the sickness absence and once medical opinion has been sought.

The employee should be informed of the right to appeal and the number of days within which the appeal must be made.

About Simply-docs:
Simply-docs (http://www. simply-docs. co. uk (http://www. simply-docs. co. uk)) is the latest fulfilment of Simply-4-Business Limited's mission to enable small and medium enterprises and owner managers to put in place correct documentation and procedures, and then to keep pace and comply with regulatory change at an affordable cost.

The company provide over 950 business and legal documents and templates, covering all aspects of business from sickness absence to health and safety regulations. By providing these legal documents (with content provided by leading commercial lawyers, HR and health & safety consultants) at an affordable price, the company intends to help small businesses avoid costly breaches of regulation and legal action.

Contact:
Iain Mackintosh, Managing Director
Simply-docs
Tel: 020 8878 7236
Http://www. simply-docs. co. uk (http://www. simply-docs. co. uk)

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Friday, December 14, 2007

Philips International Announces New Lease with L. A. Fitness at Palm Springs Mile in Hialeah, Fla

Philips International Announces New Lease with L. A. Fitness at Palm Springs Mile in Hialeah, Fla.

Long-term Lease Signed for Brand New Health Club Facility

Hialeah, FL (PRWEB) August 27, 2010

Michael Pilevsky, managing director of Philips International, one of the country's leading developers of retail shopping centers, has announced that L. A. Fitness has signed a long-term lease for a brand new 52,780 square foot state-of-the-art health club facility at the Palm Springs Mile shopping center, located at 630 West 49th St. in Hialeah, Fla.

L. A. Fitness is a privately owned health club chain with more than 300 locations and 1.5 million members across 21 states and Canada. Their fitness clubs offer a variety of exercise equipment and classes, swimming pools, spas, personal training and basketball and racquetball courts. The Irvine, Calif.-based company was founded in 1984.

Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina stated, "Thanks to the excellent working relationship with Palm Springs Mile, we were able to attract L. A. Fitness, a business that will create hundreds of employment opportunities to Hialeah residents as well as bringing much needed amenities to our community."

Hialeah, the fifth largest city in Florida, has a tremendous density and Palm Springs Mile is located on the busiest street and shopping area in the city.

"The opening of L. A. Fitness in Hialeah will mark the first entrance of a nationally recognized full service health club chain to the Hialeah market. We are very proud of this accomplishment," said Michael Pilevsky, managing director of Philips International. "The addition of L. A. Fitness underscores why the Miami-Dade community considers Palm Springs Mile as their one-stop-shop. Everything they need is there."

Palm Springs Mile, the largest strip shopping center in Florida, is located approximately 10 miles from Miami, in the bustling Miami-Dade County of southern Florida. Located between Route 826 and State Route 821 in Hialeah, Palm Springs Mile is convenient to all the main roads in the area, as well as the Doral Country Club, Carlos Albizu University and Costa Del Sol Golf Course, which ensure a steady flow of traffic into the center.

Due to its close proximity to one of Hialeah's major transportation highways, L. A. Fitness is positioned in a central location along the Palm Springs Mile property along with other major retailers including T. J. Maxx, Ross Stores, Toys "R" Us, Kohl's Department Stores, Office Depot, Old Navy, Muvico Entertainment, Winn Dixie, and Starbucks. The existing structure will be razed in order for the brand new state-of-the-art fitness club to be built.

For more information on leasing opportunities at Palm Springs Mile and throughout Philips International's portfolio of office, retail and other properties in the southeast region, contact Benjamin M. Brody, vice president of leasing in the southeast at (305) 755-3949 or at bbrody@pihc. com.

About Philips International

Founded over 30 years ago by Philip Pilevsky, Philips International is one of the most active investors and developers in the real estate industry. Philips International specializes in the acquisition, development and management of property in the retail, office, residential and hotel sectors. The company's holdings span more than 200 properties and include such notable assets as the Bryant Park Hotel in Manhattan; The Corner, a new luxury rental building on the Upper West Side of Manhattan; and Grand Park Office Condominiums, a new office condominium development in midtown Manhattan at 40th Street and Park Avenue.

Philips International has offices in New York, Delaware, Florida and Texas. For more information, visit their website at www. pihc. com.

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Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Semichem Expand To Offer Discount Health And Beauty Supplies Across Europe

Semichem Expand To Offer Discount Health And Beauty Supplies Across Europe

"We are excited that we are finally able to offer our wide range of discount products to customers throughout Europe"

Edinburgh, Scotland (PRWEB) September 2, 2009 -

Semichem (http://www. semichem. co. uk (http://www. semichem. co. uk)), Scotland's leading health and beauty retailer, today announced that they have expanded their delivery range allowing even more customers to take advantage of the unbeatable prices that they offer online. After recently expanding their product range to well over two thousand items Semichem are now poised to become not only one of the UK's leading online health and beauty suppliers, but one of Europe's.

Semichem was established in Scotland in 1977 and has steadily expanded to over 125 stores across Scotland and Northern Ireland. Renowned in these countries for offering fantastic value health and beauty products, most notably their unrivalled selection of discount perfume and aftershave, Semichem are now looking to offer these products to an even wider range of customers. Today Semichem make this a reality by expanding their delivery range to encompass the majority of Europe. With the new international delivery options customers from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland will all be able to take advantage of the unrivalled offers that are available on the Semichem website.

Paula Butler of Semichem has said: "We are excited that we are finally able to offer our wide range of discount products to customers throughout Europe. Having spent years gaining a reputation as an industry leader for our stores across Northern Ireland and Scotland we are glad that we now have the opportunity to expand and provide our services to not only UK customers, but customers from all over Europe."

With a recently expanded range of products and new international delivery options Semichem (http://www. semichem. co. uk (http://www. semichem. co. uk)) are in a fantastic position to have the same dramatic effect on the online health and beauty industry as they have been having in Scottish and Irish stores for the last 30 years.

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Tuesday, December 11, 2007

New at the CeBIT: CHILI DICOM Images in the ICW Hospital Networking Solution

New at the CeBIT: CHILI DICOM Images in the ICW Hospital Networking Solution

InterComponentWare AG (ICW) presents the integration of the CHILI webserver into its hospital networking solution at the CeBIT 2006. Now digital image data in DICOM format is available at a mouse click in an inter-hospital virtual patient record together with other medical documents.

(PRWEB) March 11, 2006

InterComponentWare (ICW) presents the integration of the CHILI webserver into its hospital networking solution at the CeBIT 2006. Now digital image data in DICOM format is available at a mouse click in an inter-hospital virtual patient record together with other medical documents.

The ICW hospital networking solution, introduced for the first time at the MEDICA 2005, connects existing but so far isolated hospital information systems without having to exchange the present software. In a virtual patient record, the system provides authorized physicians with all information and documents available for their patients in the clinic group. With the integration of the CHILI webserver, the physicians can now also access the DICOM image data in a uniform viewer. This includes digital images and videos recorded during an endoscopy or with a microscope for example, besides computer tomographies, magnetic resonance tomographies, x-ray images and ultrasound images.

The images available in the widespread DICOM standard can be viewed and edited as usual: e. g. the physician can zoom in the image, set the contrast and perform measurements. CHILI's remote radiology functions can now also be used comfortably via ICW's virtual patient record. For a teleconference about a patient, the involved physicians simply select the corresponding virtual patient record and call up the desired image and connection with a mouse click.

Dr. Uwe Engelmann, one of the three founders of CHILI GmbH, is convinced: "The future belongs to integrating systems that cover all aspects of sector-spanning communication. And because there is hardly a manufacturer who is able to cover such a broad spectrum alone, we looked for a partner with a powerful, open platform for integration in the health care system. We have found this cooperation partner in ICW."

The CHILI images in ICW's hospital networking solution are displayed at the CeBIT 2006 at the ICW stand D 22 in hall 9.

For further information please contact:

InterComponentWare Inc.

Tina Madej

1840 Gateway Drive, Suite 228

San Mateo, CA 94404

Tel: +1 650 378 14 93

Fax: +1 650 378 14 90

E-mail: Tina. Madej@icw-global. com

Www. icw-global. com

Www. LifeSensor. com

About InterComponentWare

InterComponentWare AG (ICW) is a leading international eHealth provider with locations in Germany, the USA, Austria, Switzerland, and Bulgaria. It develops and markets components for networking the different players in the health care industry, among them the hardware connector Medical NTBA and the patient-focused personal health record LifeSensor, the technology leader in this field. As part of the German government-consulting consortium bIT4health, ICW has rendered important consulting services for the introduction of the electronic health card in Germany and is additionally involved in the Austrian eCard project. With its cooperation in national and international steering and work groups for the establishment of an e-health infrastructure, ICW promotes the standardization aims in the health care industry.

About CHILI

CHILI GmbH develops and distributes a family of software components by the same name for radiology and other image processing disciplines like cardiology or pathology. So far, around 200 CHILI systems were installed in Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and the USA. The software is based on components, which can be easily and flexibly adapted to the demands of specific projects and integrated in individual workflows. The CHILI products are IHE-conform and comply with the Medical Products Law. In addition, the company is actively involved in the standardization committees of the German Radiology Society and the DIN.

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Sunday, December 9, 2007

Bamma USA Joins Forces with the Orange County Auto Show to Bring the Worlds of MMA and Poker to Automotive Aficionados

Bamma USA Joins Forces with the Orange County Auto Show to Bring the Worlds of MMA and Poker to Automotive Aficionados

-MMA Star James Wilks and Absolute Poker Pro Matt Vengrin to bring a Whole New Element Of Entertainment to the World Class Auto Show-

Hollywood, CA (PRWEB) October 7, 2009

Guests attending the 13th Annual Orange County Auto Show--taking place Thursday, October,15th through Sunday, October 18th at the Anaheim Convention Center--will not only have the opportunity to preview hundreds of new cars, trucks, sport utility and crossover vehicles, they will also have a chance to get up-close and personal with some of the most talented Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Fighters in the region and receive expert advice from one of the world's top Poker Professionals.

BAMMA USA, a Special Events and Mixed Martial Arts production company has tapped the hottest rising stars from the MMA community to provide entertainment for guests attending the auto show. Show-goers will witness MMA cage match demonstrations on Saturday, October 17, at 8 p. m. which will include; grappling, kick boxing, mixed martial arts and jujitsu demonstrations. Fighters taking part in all the action includes; UFC TUF Season Nine winner James Wilks, five-time World Champion Kick Boxer Kathy Long, Strikeforce and King of the Cage veteran Brain Warren plus many more, will greet fans and sign autographs at the OC Auto Show.

BAMMA USA has secured Absolute Poker Pro Matt Vengrin--who has won over $1.7 million dollars in on and offline tournaments over the last 2 years--to take part in the auto show on Saturday October 17th as well. Matt Vengrin will offer poker fans tips and advice on improving their game, and introduce guests to the world of Absolute Poker. Some lucky event goers will have the chance to play against each other and the Poker Pro for a chance to win exclusive prizes from Absolute Poker (www. absolutepoker. net).

BAMMA USA will conclude its ring girl competition at the OC Auto Show, finalist of the BAMMA USA and Velvet Industries' Velvet Ring Girl Contest will be announced on Friday, October 16, at 8:40 p. m. The top five girls from the online contest will compete live in front of judges for the coveted Velvet Ring Girl title. The winner will receive $500.00 in cash, a professional photos shoot with Velvet Industries, Tapout Magazine and MMA Worldwide Magazine. Prizes also include a watch from Polanti Watches and other gifts provided by participating sponsors, for additional information on the contest, visit www. bammausa. com.

"We are very excited to take part in this crossover event. Mixed Martial Arts is the fastest growing sport ever and to be able to bring this to the OC Auto Show is an honor. We are excited to show families and car enthusiasts what Mixed Martial Arts is all about," says Brett Roberts CEO of BAMMA USA. "One of our goals is to represent MMA's true heritage that is the art behind these athletes. Our hope is that more people young or old will look at this as great way to stay healthy and fit. MMA helps nurture team building skills, build self confidence, and gives people of all ages an opportunity compete in sport at all levels, all over the world. We are thrilled to be one of the first sports represented at the OC Auto Show and we look forward to bringing MMA closer and closer to families from all around the world."

About The OC Auto Show:
The OC Auto Show is owned and presented by the Orange County Automobile Dealers Association and the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association and produced by Motor Trend Auto Shows, LLC. The auto show will be open to the public Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 18, at the Anaheim Convention Center, located at 800 W. Katella Ave. in Anaheim. Show hours are Thursday, from 4 p. m. to 10 p. m., Friday, from noon to 10 p. m., Saturday, from 9 a. m. to 10 p. m. and Sunday, from 9 a. m. to 7 p. m. For more information regarding the OC Auto Show please visit: www. OrangeCountyAutoShow. com.

About BAMMA USA:
BAMMA USA is a Special Events and Mixed Martial Arts company dedicated to building strong fighters and providing an environment in which fighters are truly valued. The company aims to support the talents of each fighter, honor the foundations of the sport, to respect the warrior and to create a system that recognizes the sacrifices of these superior athletes. For more information regarding BAMMA USA please vist: www. bammausa. com.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Independant Game Developer, Rusty Axe Games, Releases 50 Castles

Independant Game Developer, Rusty Axe Games, Releases 50 Castles

Bucking the trend towards industry consolidation, Rusty Axe Games makes high quality games outside of the traditional publishing model. 50 Castles is a blend of arcade and puzzle game that appeals to all ages.

(PRWEB) December 20, 2004

Rusty Axe Games, Inc. is proud to announce the release of its' latest game, 50 Castles. The game is described as a shot of brain twister, a healthy dollop of pure arcade adrenaline rush, shaken not stirred. Multiple narrators will have you laughing while the pulsing sound track adds to the excitement. Three well balanced difficulty settings with 50 game maps mean you won't run out of challenge any time soon. Marauders, snakes and chickens will keep you hopping as you try, "just one more game", to put the last tile in place before running out of time.

Build your castle, beat the clock, defend your chickens..."

Rusty Axe Games, Inc. is an independant game developer and publisher. Incorporated in Delaware in 2003, Rusty Axe focuses on the handheld and casual PC markets. 50 Castles is their third release, following Colony and The Green Myste which was a Tapwave Zodiac launch title. Questions can be directed to info@RustyAxe. com.

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Nonprofit Career Guide Helps Young Professionals Find Meaningful Work

Nonprofit Career Guide Helps Young Professionals Find Meaningful Work

Nonprofit organizations need talented, creative people to lead and serve in nearly all areas of social, political and economic life. The Nonprofit Career Guide: How to Land a Job That Makes a Difference, offers practical strategies for gaining employment -- and recruiting new leaders -- in this vast, diverse sector.

St. Paul, MN (PRWEB) May 28, 2008

Young professionals hoping to make a difference in their careers now have an unprecedented, definitive resource for navigating the expansive nonprofit sector. The Nonprofit Career Guide: How to Land a Job That Makes a Difference, (http://www. NonprofitCareerGuide. org) by Shelly Cryer, is the most comprehensive, up to date resource for anyone interested in employment in the nonprofit world.

The nonprofit sector currently employs nearly 14 million Americans -- 11 percent of the U. S. workforce -- and may need as many as 600,000 new leaders over the coming decade as today's leaders retire. With the increase in opportunities, and the need for talent, employee recruitment efforts and compensation packages have risen to levels previously reserved for the public or private sector.

"Charities, foundations, businesses, and governments all need to realize how our communities will suffer if nonprofit groups are not able to continue to attract dedicated workers. Many local economies depend on nonprofit organizations to provide job opportunities and attract businesses," says American Humanics (http://www. humanics. org) President Kala Stroup. "This guide couldn't have come at a more critical time as nonprofits consider the future health of the sector's workforce and their ability to cultivate diverse, prepared, and passionate leaders."

"The Nonprofit Career Guide" provides information and specific strategies suitable for anyone, at any point in his or her career, with specific material for those entering the workforce for the first time. Its clear picture of the nonprofit landscape will also benefit educators who teach and lecture about the sector and those who provide career counseling.

Cryer offers a thorough analysis of the nonprofit sector, its growth in prominence and scope, and highlights future trends. "It would be difficult to exaggerate the impact that the nonprofit sector plays in the United States," says Cryer, adding, "Nonprofit organizations support and strengthen nearly all arenas of social, political and economic life, and operate on international, national and local levels."

As a sound, step-by-step road map for the job seeker's journey, the book includes how-to advice about job research, networking, search strategies, writing cover letters and crafting resumes, as well as keys to successful interviewing and compensation negotiation. "The Nonprofit Career Guide" gives honest information about positions in senior management, program and service delivery, administration and finance, development and fundraising, marketing, communications and consulting -- including sample job descriptions.

In addition to the road map, "The Nonprofit Career Guide" offers a sense of the size, scope, number and range of work opportunities in the nine main categories of nonprofits. Through profiles of nineteen nonprofit professionals, in positions at many different levels from organizations around the country, readers learn what their jobs are really like, what they look for when recruiting staff, and their perspectives on who excels in their type of work.

"'The Nonprofit Career Guide' details all the decisions and steps to finding the right job with the right organization," according to Bill Bentley, President and CEO, Voices for America's Children. "It provides practical advice and offers a pathway for making a career of making a difference."

About the Book
The Nonprofit Career Guide: How to Land a Job That Makes a Difference, (http://www. NonprofitCareerGuide. org) by Shelly Cryer
Publication date: 5/26/08
ISBN 978-0-940069-59-6
Order No. 069596
Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5
300 pages
$16.95 (Discounts are available on bulk orders.)
Published by Fieldstone Alliance in collaboration with American Humanics
To order, visit www. FieldstoneAlliance. org or call 1-800-274-6024.

About the Author
Shelly Cryer is the founder of the Initiative for Nonprofit Sector Careers, a research and advocacy project begun in 2002 and now housed at American Humanics. The project launched the national Nonprofit Sector Workforce Coalition and through this and other programs works to cultivate a skilled, prepared, and diverse next generation of nonprofit sector leadership. Shelly's initial research was funded by The Forbes Funds and conducted in partnership with New York University's Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

Shelly received a Master of International Affairs, with a concentration in public health, from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) in 1997. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Duke University in 1989.

About the Publisher
Fieldstone Alliance publishes practical books--with a focus on nonprofit effectiveness, funder effectiveness, and community building. They also provide in-depth consulting expertise to help organizations, collaboratives, networks, and intermediaries with organizational assessment, management planning, stakeholder analysis, and implementation of capacity-building efforts to increase results and impact. Web visitors will find many free reports on a variety of nonprofit and community development issues. Visitors will also find back issues of "Tools You Can Use" a monthly e-newsletter which contains free management tools and ideas from their books. Visit: www. FieldstoneAlliance. org.

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Thursday, December 6, 2007

New Study Confirms ARESTIN® + SRP More Effective Than SRP Alone in Eliminating Periodontal Pathogens

New Study Confirms ARESTIN® + SRP More Effective Than SRP Alone in Eliminating Periodontal Pathogens

ARESTIN® shown to significantly reduce bacteria responsible for Periodontal Disease.

Warminster, PA (PRWEB) March 11, 2006

A new study highlighting the antimicrobial effectiveness of ARESTIN® (minocycline hydrochloride) 1 mg Microspheres in the treatment of periodontal disease will be presented at the first joint annual session of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and the American Association for Dental Research (AADR), March 8 -11, 2006 in Orlando, Florida.

The study reveals a significant reduction in Red Complex Bacteria among patients with periodontal disease who were treated with ARESTIN® plus scaling and root planing (SRP) compared with patients who were treated with SRP alone. In addition, the study shows that ARESTIN® + SRP is more effective than SRP alone in:

 Reducing periodontal pocket depth  Reducing bleeding on probing  Increasing clinical attachment level  Reducing periodontal pocket depth and bleeding on probing in smokers

Red Complex Bacteria (RCB) includes three pathogens associated with microbial infection in people with periodontal disease: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythensis and Treponema denticola. More than 50 million adults across many demographic categories are affected by periodontal disease.1 Advanced periodontal disease is marked by tender, swollen and painful gums that bleed easily. After initial development of the disease, the gums may ulcerate and then become necrotic, leading to tooth loss.2

Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) is the removal of hard and soft deposits from the root surfaces of the teeth using mechanical or ultrasonic devices, thereby permitting healing and potential reduction in depth of the periodontal pocket, which is the space that forms at the gum line around teeth. The study, to be presented at the joint ADEA and AADR annual session, shows that, in comparison to SRP alone, a statistically significant reduction in the numbers of infection-causing Red Complex Bacteria is achieved when ARESTIN® is administered as an adjunct to SRP. The ARESTIN® Microspheres are placed into the periodontal pockets, to which they adhere and deliver therapeutic drug concentrations for up to 14 days after administration.3

“We know that scaling and root planing is effective for gross removal of bacterial plaque and calculus in patients with periodontal disease,” states Dr. J. Max Goodson, Senior Member of the Staff and Director of Clinical Research at The Forsyth Institute. “These studies, however, are important because they demonstrate that when SRP was followed by administration of ARESTIN®, there was a significant added reduction in bacteria that are thought to cause periodontal disease. Hence, the inclusion of ARESTIN® with mechanical treatment more effectively controlled these bacteria and created a measurably better clinical outcome.”

About the Study:

The study, titled “Effect of Adjunctive Treatment with ARESTIN® on the Subgingival Microflora in Patients with Moderate to Advanced Periodontitis,” is a phase IV, multicenter, single-blind, randomized, parallel-group study of 127 patients. The study will be presented by its authors as follows:

 Lead Investigator Dr. J. Max Goodson, Senior Member of the Department of Periodontology at The Forsyth Institute, will discuss the “Antimicrobial Efficacy of ARESTIN® in Periodontitis Therapy.” This discussion will cover data from this study on the use of ARESTIN® plus SRP and its ability to reduce numbers and proportions of Red Complex Bacteria to a significantly greater degree than SRP alone. This data indicates that the antimicrobial effect of ARESTIN® plus SRP exceeded that of SRP alone.

 Principal Investigator Dr. John C. Gunsolley, Assistant Professor, Department of Periodontics at the University of Maryland Dental School, will discuss, “Association between the Antimicrobial and Clinical Finding with ARESTIN®” when used as an adjunct to SRP.

 Dr. Paul S. Bland, Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, also a Principal Investigator for this study, will discuss “Clinical Efficacy and Safety with ARESTIN® in Patients with Periodontitis.” The objective of his presentation is to discuss ARESTIN® plus SRP’s efficacy vs. SRP alone in reducing periodontal pocket depths, decreasing the number of periodontal pockets ≥5mm, decreasing Bleeding on Probing (a key clinical indicator of disease presence) and increasing the clinical attachment level, or CAL. He will also confirm the therapeutic safety of ARESTIN®.

 Dr. Sara G. Grossi, Senior Research Scientist at East Carolina University, and Principal Investigator for this study, is presenting a “Subset Analysis by Smoking Status with ARESTIN® in Periodontitis Therapy.” The objective of this presentation is to analyze the antimicrobial and clinical effects of ARESTIN® as an adjunct to SRP in relation to smoking status. ARESTIN® plus SRP significantly reduced RCB numbers in current smokers. In addition, ARESTIN plus SRP resulted in greater periodontal pocket depth reduction and decreased bleeding on probing compared with SRP alone regardless of smoking status.

The important findings and results of each of these clinical studies will be presented in their entirety at the first joint annual session of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and the American Association for Dental Research (AADR), March 8 -11, 2006 in Orlando, Florida. For presentation times and room/booth locations, contact John Lenart, Senior Product Manager, OraPharma at Jlenart@cpcus. jnj. com.

About OraPharma, Inc.

OraPharma, Inc., is a specialty pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes therapeutics for oral health. OraPharma is dedicated to the dental community, specifically the periodontal space, with its lead product, ARESTIN ® (minocycline hydrochloride) 1 mg Microspheres.

ARESTIN® is indicated as an adjunct to scaling and root planing procedures for reduction of pocket depth in patients with adult periodontitis. ARESTIN® may be used as part of a periodontal maintenance program which includes good oral hygiene, scaling and root planing.

The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were headache (9.0%), infection (7.6%), flu syndrome (5.0%), and pain (4.3%). These occurred at a similar rate to SRP and SRP + placebo. For additional product information, visit www. arestin. com.

In addition to ARESTIN®, OraPharma also distributes Oraqix® (lidocaine and prilocaine periodontal gel) 2.5% / 2.5%, a new sub-gingival local anesthetic periodontal gel indicated for adults who require localized anesthesia in periodontal pockets during scaling and/or root planing, and is manufactured by Dentsply Pharmaceuticals. For more information, visit www. orapharma. com.

References:

1. Albander JM, Brunelle JA, Kingman A. Destructive Periodontal Disease in Adults 30 Years of Age and Older in the United States, 1984-1994. J Periodontal 1999; 70:13-29. Accessed on February 27, 2006 at: http://www. perio. org/consumer/disease_facts. htm (http://www. perio. org/consumer/disease_facts. htm).

2. American Academy of Periodontology. Periodontal (Gum) Diseases. Accessed on February 27, 2006 at: http://www. perio. org/consumer/2a. html (http://www. perio. org/consumer/2a. html).

3. ARESTIN® Prescribing Information. OraPharma, Inc. Warminster, PA, 2005.

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One Health Commission Formed to Promote Collaboration Across Human, Animal, and Environmental Health Sciences

One Health Commission Formed to Promote Collaboration Across Human, Animal, and Environmental Health Sciences

One Health Commission Formed to Promote Collaboration Across Human, Animal, and Environmental Health Sciences

Washington, DC (PRWEB) August 27, 2009

A new national commission, the One Health Commission, has been established to spotlight the connections between human, animal, and environmental health, as well as the benefits of proactive and collaborative approaches toward better health for all.

The formation of the Commission comes at a time of heightened concern by policy makers and public health officials about the potential spread of newly emerging infectious diseases such as H1N1 Influenza, as well increasing threats posed by other emerging zoonotic diseases, food - and water-borne diseases, and environmental change.

The Commission represents a call for greater cooperation across multiple disciplines at the local, national, and global level to achieve optimal health for people, domestic animals, wildlife, and the environment. To that end, the Commission's goals include developing an integrated public health strategy; raising awareness of the value of "one health" nationally and internationally; developing an interdisciplinary research agenda for the "one health" movement; and implementing "one health" principles into demonstration research and educational projects.

According to Dr. Ronald Atlas, who was elected chair of the Board of Directors and who represents the American Society for Microbiology, "The One Health Commission brings together eight of the major professional organizations involved in health research, education, and practice.

Given that 75% of newly emerging human infectious diseases originate within wildlife and domesticated animals, and that global warming and other environmental changes are likely to have significant health impacts, it is essential that the medical, veterinary, and public health sectors join forces."

Other members of the Board of Directors are Dr. Albert Osbahr III, vice-chair, representing the American Medical Association; Dr. Michael Cates, secretary-treasurer, representing the American Veterinary Medical Association; Elizabeth Bishop, representing the Association of Academic Health Centers; Dr. John Fischer, representing the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies; Dr. James Fox, representing the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges; Dr. Susan Polan, representing the American Public Health Association; and Dr. Wile "Chip" Souba, representing the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Dr. Roger Mahr, past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association and a longtime advocate for the "one health" concept, will serve as chief executive officer of the new Commission. "The convergence of human, animal, and environmental health dictates that we embrace the 'one health' concept now," Dr. Mahr said. "We live in a changing environment populated by humans and animals living increasingly interconnected lives. This creates unique health challenges which require integrated solutions and more collaboration across health science professions, academia, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and industry."

That interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health is playing out in back yards, farms, and health facilities around the world. In addition to the many infectious diseases shared by animals and people, some of the most serious health issues affecting society and driving up healthcare costs -- including obesity, diabetes, and cancer -- are common to pets and people. And, a number of health conditions -- including respiratory ailments -- have a direct link to the quality of our environment.

The Commission's initial action plan calls for hosting a national One Health Summit this fall and conducting a National Academies study on "one health" in 2010. The study will examine the interactions of humans, animals, and the environment in broad terms, which can lead to improvements in human health, animal health, and environmental quality.

The One Health Commission incorporated as a nonprofit organization on June 29, 2009, and held its first Board of Directors meeting on August 14, 2009. Initial funding for the creation of the One Health Commission includes a grant provided by The Rockefeller Foundation.

For more information, visit www. onehealthcommission. org.

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Wednesday, December 5, 2007

National Youth Leadership Council Supports Senator ColemanÂ’s Federal Youth Coordination Act: Legislation Works to Coordinate and Improve Federal Youth Programs

National Youth Leadership Council Supports Senator ColemanÂ’s Federal Youth Coordination Act: Legislation Works to Coordinate and Improve Federal Youth Programs

(St. Paul) The National Youth Leadership Council™ praises Senator Norm Coleman’s (R-Minn.) introduction of bipartisan legislation to improve coordination of federal programs that assist the nation’s youths. The legislation, the Federal Youth Coordination Act of 2005, was outlined February 16, 2005, at a Capitol Hill news conference. The Act would improve communication among federal agencies serving at-risk youths, assess the needs of this group of young people, set goals for helping them and establish best practices for improving services.

St. Paul, MN (PRWEB) February 20, 2005

The National Youth Leadership Council™ praises Senator Norm Coleman’s (R-Minn.) introduction of bipartisan legislation to improve coordination of federal programs that assist the nation’s youths. The legislation, the Federal Youth Coordination Act of 2005, was outlined February 16, 2005, at a Capitol Hill news conference.

The Act would improve communication among federal agencies serving at-risk youths, assess the needs of this group of young people, set goals for helping them and establish best practices for improving services.

The Act grows out of recommendations from the White House Task Force for Disadvantaged Youth, which found that about 10 million teens in this country are at serious risk of not becoming productive adults. The Task Force also found that programs addressing the problems of these young people are spread across 12 federal departments, with little communication or coordination among them.

“The only thing more complex than the challenges facing young people is the federal government’s effort to support them,” said Dr. James C. Kielsmeier, NYLC’s President and CEO. “This bill will bring efficiency and accountability to federal youth policy. I thank Senator Coleman for his leadership on this legislation.”

In Minnesota, more than 20 percent of high school students will not graduate. Some 43,000 young people, 18-24, are neither in the workforce nor in school. Strategies should be in place to identify youths who are disconnected from their communities, and coordinate educational, vocational and other opportunities so they can reach their potential.

Many of the nationÂ’s youths, especially those already in public systems, have multifaceted needs. In Minnesota, more than 3,100 youths, 15-19, are in the foster care system. National research shows that 55 percent of them will leave the system without a high school diploma, 44 percent will have trouble obtaining health care, and a quarter will be homeless. Supports are in place to meet these needs, but there is little coordination to guide youths through the maze of these systems. The Federal Youth Coordination Act will help to unravel this tangled web.

The legislation would create the Federal Youth Development Council to evaluate, coordinate and improve federal programs serving youths, and hold federal departments accountable for achieving results.

The Council would be charged with additional duties, including:

· Setting quantifiable goals and objectives for federal youth programs, and developing a plan to reach these goals.

· Developing demonstration projects to focus on special populations of youths.

· Conducting research and identifying model programs that can be replicated.

· Supporting state councils which coordinate services for youths.

For more information about the Federal Youth Coordination Act, visit www. youthcoordinationact. org.

About NYLC: NYLC has been at the center of service-leaning program and policy development since 1983. It convenes the annual National Service-Learning Conference, offers adult and youth trainings, and develops service-learning resources. For more information, please visit www. nylc. org.

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Monday, December 3, 2007

Narconon Rehab Doctor Fights Back Against Drug Pushers

Narconon Rehab Doctor Fights Back Against Drug Pushers

A Hyderabad, Pakistan drug rehabilitation doctor is trying to free his poor neighborhood from a damaging, addictive local drug, which he helped get declared illegal. Local drug manufacturers and pushers are threatening the doctor if he doesn't stop this work.

Hyderabad, Pakistan (PRWEB) May 12, 2008

Dr. Muhammad Sharif won't quit. He won't run away. As director of a Narconon drug rehabilitation program operating in a small hospital in the city of Hyderabad, Pakistan, helping the poor and destitute, he expected total public support. And was getting it. But this did not take into account the local drug pushers, whose income his saving of lives from addiction was cutting across. He's been repeatedly and personally threatened recently and is afraid he may have to close his clinic. But that is the last thing he wants to do.

International reports indicate there may be 6 million drug addicts in Pakistan. Being the immediate neighbor of Afghanistan, leading producer of the world's opium, it is no wonder that 50% of Pakistan's drug abusers are addicted to heroin. But this story is not about heroin. The other 50% of illicit drug takers compulsively use cannabis and a regional drug, popular in Pakistan and India, called "main puri." A combination of tobacco mixed with other drugs, main puri is chewed. It is known to cause mouth and throat cancer, oral cavities, and other effects such as a rigidity of the jaw.

Apparently, a manufacturer of main puri works the streets around Dr. Sharif's Narconon program. Until Sharif, the pushers had an open field because main puri, although recognized as addictive and dangerous, had not been officially declared illegal. But Sharif, who has had to deal with its damaging effects, began aggressively giving interviews to the media and issuing press releases. "I strongly protested to the Hyderabad Chief of Police and other community officials," Sharif says. "Partly as a result of this, I am proud to say that 'main puri' has now been banned." Sharif continues. "The main puri manufacturer is threatening me even worse, but I will not surrender in front of them."

Dr. Sharif is an MD, but also recently spent a year studying for his Masters in Public Health degree in Malmo in southern Sweden. The reason he went to study in Malmo was that it was in Sweden that Sharif had earlier completed Narconon drug rehabilitation professional training and internships. While studying for his MPH, he supported himself by working at the Narconon Eslov center near Malmo.

So Sharif knows addicts, in withdrawal, in recovery, and also out on the street. He has been using the Narconon "First Step" program to help street addicts and others come off drugs using vitamins and minerals and hands-on pain relief techniques. The Narconon drug-free, nutrition-assisted approach to drug rehabilitation is based on the research of humanitarian and author L. Ron Hubbard. The Narconon network now comprises over 145 rehabilitation and prevention centers in 45 countries.

It was because of Narconon First Step work that Sharif was invited to bring these methods into a Hyderabad hospital. "We are justly proud of the pioneering work Dr. Sharif has done in Pakistan," says Clark Carr, President Narconon International, who himself has done two lecture tours through the country. "Pakistan is fighting wars on many fronts, and the last thing they can tolerate is rampant drug addiction. Dr. Sharif could help and train other professionals in Pakistan who expressed a wish to open Narconon programs. We hope that the Hyderabad civic community will stand up for the good Dr. Sharif and against the thugs trying to shut down his life-saving work."

Sharif has for some years also been a leading force in Hyderabad for community drug prevention and education. He has lead parades through his and other cities promoting drug prevention and has personally delivered drug education talks to thousands of youth.

He deserves all the support he can get.

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Saturday, December 1, 2007

Vivacare Delivers Medication Information to Patients through Doctor Websites

Vivacare Delivers Medication Information to Patients through Doctor Websites

Vivacare provides pharmaceutical and patient support group partners with cost-effective distribution channel for medication information and rebate coupons through its physician network. Vivacare has recently enhanced the educational content to include medication handouts and rebate coupons.

Berkeley, CA (PRWEB) October 13, 2009

Vivacare (http://vivacare. com/) has made it easier for doctors to educate their patients about the medications they prescribe.

Vivacare Inc. provides physicians with the "From Your Doctor (http://fromyourdoctor. com/)" patient education service. Enrolled physicians receive a variety of Web-based patient education tools at no cost, including a Patient Education Library pre-loaded with hundreds of patient handouts written by Vivacare's medical advisors and links to reputable Websites, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Vivacare has recently enhanced the educational content to include medication handouts and rebate coupons (http://dermatology. fromyourdoctor. com/oregon/portland/portlandderm/health/refills. do). This delivers pharmaceutical information to patients from the source they trust most, their own doctor, leading to improved patient satisfaction and medication adherence.

Vivacare provides healthcare organizations with the opportunity to distribute information about their products or services through it's physician network. Pharmaceutical firms may make their branded, FDA approved content for patients available on the Websites of physicians that prescribe their products. Similarly, patient support groups may make disease state information available in the Patient Education Library of selected medical specialists. This provides Vivacare's partners with a cost-effective alternative to paper-based handouts that often fail to reach their intended audience.

For instance, Gerald Goldberg, M. D. provides his patients with information about the dermatology medications that he prescribes, including Aldara, Differin, Latisse® and Stelara™ (http://dermatology. fromyourdoctor. com/california/berkeley/vivaderm/health/topic. do? title=Stelara+ustekinumab+for+Psoriasis&t=11298). He also provides in-depth information about eczema and rosacea provided by the National Eczema Association and National Rosacea Society in partnership with Vivacare.

"80% of physicians admit to doing a poor job of providing educational content following office visits. Vivacare seeks to help them to deliver the right information to the right patient at the right time", said Mark Becker, M. D., pediatrician and President of Vivacare. "Working with pharmaceutical partners, we help our physicians to educate their patients about the medications that they prescribe. Although many physicians are opposed to direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising, they appreciate content and programs that help to support their clinical judgment."

The Vivacare service does not allow product advertising on the doctor's Websites and provides physicians the opportunity to control the content to reflect their specialty and personal approach to clinical care.

"Vivacare is an excellent patient education resource tool," says Kate Othus, MHA Administrator of Portland Dermatology Clinic, LLP. "Our Internet savvy patients are directed to our website and if they want more information about their disease - it's all right there. The service saves us hundreds of dollars per month in handout copying and brochure costs while also supporting our efforts to 'go green". Patients have the option to then print any of our handouts themselves, or simply review online."

About Vivacare

Vivacare, based in Berkeley, CA, is a patient education company that helps physicians to educate their patients with the goal of improved clinical care, medication adherence and patient satisfaction. Vivacare has developed services to meet the practice needs of 12 medical specialties, including allergists, cardiologists, dermatologists (http://findadermatologist. com), neurologists, and primary care physicians.

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