Simply Retail Welcomes Maria Lemcke as Chief Operating Officer

Simply Retail Welcomes Maria Lemcke as Chief Operating Officer

For the last seven years, Simply Retail has been the nation's leader in healthcare retailing. They are pleased to announce a new member of their team, Maria Lemcke, as chief operating officer. Simply Retail has helped numerous hospitals and clinics boost their revenues and expand patient care through industry-proven retail strategies.

Minneapolis (PRWEB) May 19, 2005

Simply Retail, the nationÂ’s leader in healthcare retailing, recently hired Maria Lemcke as chief operating officer. Lemcke has an extensive background in both finance and healthcare.

“I am thrilled to have such a well-rounded professional on my team,” Mindy Thompson, founder and president, said. “She’ll be a strong asset in reaching our goals within the industry.”

Before joining Simply Retail, Lemcke developed, built and managed multiple regional and national healthcare communities, including senior living facilities. She has worked closely with all members of the healthcare community, from clinical professionals to patients and administration.

Lemcke also has an MBA in finance, with years of hands-on experience in the financial services and banking industries.

“Joining Simply Retail is a perfect fit,” Lemcke said. “Healthcare retailing is full of opportunity, and I’m excited to be involved. The best part about this company is that hospitals and patients are benefiting directly from our services.”

Founded in 1994, Simply Retail is a Minneapolis-based retail consultancy firm specializing in healthcare retailing. Simply Retail is the voice and pioneer of healthcare retailing. For the last seven years, Simply Retail has focused its retail expertise solely on healthcare, creating the processes and details necessary to make healthcare retailing a success. Simply Retail has helped numerous hospitals and clinics boost revenues and expand patient care through industry-proven retail strategies. For more information about Simply Retail, please call 612.659.8200 or visit http://www. simplyretailinc. com.

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Sun Savvy: A New Generation of Sun Protection Hits the U. S

Sun Savvy: A New Generation of Sun Protection Hits the U. S.

The Skin Center Medical Spa to offer Anthelios SX, by LaRoche-Posay, this Fall.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) August 2, 2006

Proper sun protection is vital to keeping skin healthy and youthful looking. No other external factor causes more damage to the skin than sun exposure. Now, a new type of sun protection product call Anthelios SX will be making its way to the U. S. market and The Skin Center Medical Spa early this fall. Anthelios SX effectively blocks the harmful short UVA waves of the sun and provides long-term broad-spectrum sun protection.

According to the manufacturer, LaRoche-Posay, Mexoryl™ SX, the active ingredient in Anthelios SX, is the first and only sun protection ingredient that effectively protects the skin from the harmful short UVA waves of the sun, which accounts for up to 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface. What makes this product superior to other sun protection products is that the Mexoryl™ SX does not degrade when exposed to the sun for long periods of time, giving consumers added protection under the sun.

“Sun exposure is the leading cause of premature aging,” said Dominic Brandy, M. D., founding medical director of The Skin Center Medical Spas in Pennsylvania and Ohio. “Wrinkles, sun spots and pigmentation problems are the direct result of too much time in the sun. Any product that can limit the amount of exposure to both UVA and UVB rays should be used daily to prevent further sun damage. Once this product is available in the U. S., we will certainly encourage all but our most sensitive patients to try it.”

The first product containing Mexoryl™ SX to be sold in the U. S. market will be Anthelios SX, a daily moisturizing cream with sunscreen that is distributed by LaRoche-Posay. Consumers can purchase Anthelios SX this Fall at The Skin Center Medical Spa.

The Skin Center Medical Spa specializes in non-invasive and minimally invasive aesthetic procedures designed to improve a person’s appearance with little or no downtime. Offering the most sought-after facial rejuvenation treatments on the market including Botox® Cosmetic (http://www. theskincentermd. com/treatment/botox_wrinkle. htm), wrinkle fillers, gentle laser treatments, chemical peels (http://www. theskincentermd. com/treatment/chemical_peels. htm), microdermabrasion and laser hair removal (http://www. theskincentermd. com/treatment/laser_hair_removal_women. htm), The Skin Center Medical Spa is the foremost authority in advanced age-defying skin treatments.

For more information about Anthelios SX, contact The Skin Center Medical Spa at 1-800-429-1151 or visit www. theskincentermd. com.

The Skin Center Medical Spa, located in Pennsylvania and Ohio, is the region’s premier, full-service medical spa offering the latest advancements in surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Our medical staff provides prescription-grade skincare, physician-directed laser treatments and cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. The Skin Center Medical Spa was founded in 1981 in Pittsburgh, PA, by Dominic Brandy, MD, board - certified cosmetic surgeon. For more information about The Skin Center Medical Spa, contact 1 (800) 429-1151 or visit www. theskincentermd. com.

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Healthcare Workplace Safety Training Reaps Big Savings

Healthcare Workplace Safety Training Reaps Big Savings

Ergonomics and Back Injury Safety Program makes the healthcare workplace safer—lowers claims costs.

Santa Barbara, CA (PRWEB) September 15, 2004

Healthcare workers lead the nation in work-related back injuries, with nearly 40 percent more injuries than truckers, according to U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Whether from repetitive patient lifting and handling tasks or the result of a single traumatic incident, such as a fall or breaking a patientÂ’s fall, a compensable back injury in the healthcare workplace can cost $100,000 or more, especially in California.

Preventing these kinds of injuries with workplace safety training is critical at a time when the nationÂ’s obesity epidemic means more than half of the U. S. population is overweight. Lifting 200- to 300-pound patients can be a daily occurrence for healthcare workers.

After watching significant chunks of revenue go to insurance premiums, reserves for injury cases, and payments for medical care on existing claims, CFO of the Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital, in Willits, California, Carlton Jacobson, started to look for ways to reduce the costs of claims, and the eventual reduction of insurance premiums.

Liberty Mutual suggested a worker safety program, BackSafe, delivered by Future Industrial Technologies (FIT) where skilled medical practitioners and ergonomists provide workplace safety training. Implementation of this program reduced loss rates from $377,000 to $12,800 in just three years.

Although FRH Memorial had an active safety committee with a flexible budget for immediately providing abatements and repairing or removing any safety hazards, their main problem was controlling how healthcare workers physically interacted with their workplace environment on a day-to-day basis.

Performing a heavy patient lift single-handed could easily happen if a worker was in a rush and no help was immediately available. Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI) tended to crop up among office workers if correct posture and safe equipment use were not re-enforced.

Despite their in-house safety initiatives, Jacobson felt it would be beneficial to bring in an outside safety training team. “An outside company provides an authoritative sense of expertise, so employees are more likely to listen,” he said.

FIT provided an extensive walk-through in all areas to identify ergonomic risk factors and work tasks that presented a high injury potential. Patient lifting was targeted as a high-risk area, and the hospital was advised to purchase mechanical lifts to assist the staff with heavy patient transfers.

“The mechanical lifts cost around $1,500 to $3,000 per machine, but that is nothing compared to one $100K claim for a back injury,” Jacobson said. Total equipment costs were around $50,000, still well under the cost of one injured worker in California. The workplace safety program trained the nurses in the proper use of the lifts and each worker attended “back safe” training to learn, practice and re-enforce safe lifting techniques.

Future Industrial Technologies also provided a separate Sitting Safe and office ergonomics training program for the office staff. Employees were encouraged to “team up” and evaluate each other’s workstations on a regular basis, and to keep a sharp eye out for risky behaviors or postures.

“We started the FIT program in 2001, which was the year we had at least three expensive claims open,” said Jacobson. “Costs went down every year after that.”

As costs decreased and injury rates went down, the hospital experienced growth in many areas. The number of employees increased from 180 to 240 and staff turnover decreased. Employees expressed satisfaction with their jobs and workplace.

Did this all help to lead to their above-average evaluation among consumers? With injury rates going down, employee job satisfaction on the rise and the hospital growing in home health and other areas, Jacobson likes to think so.

In 2003, FRH Memorial decided to join a small group of hospitals and become self-insured. This move in conjunction with the ergonomics program continues to keep costs down and ensure a profit. Now that his hospital is part of a larger group, everyoneÂ’s injury rates become even more important. Losses can be pooled with the other hospitals and the reserves can be pooled as well, but each hospital must be responsible for its own claims.

“Many hospitals run on a slim bottom line and the decision to put money out for training and equipment is a big one,” said Jacobson. “Nobody can promise you that you will absolutely get results from this training program. But in our situation, with premiums skyrocketing, we felt the risk was worth the benefit and it paid off.”

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Secure Enterprise Solutions Acquires MSI Inc

Secure Enterprise Solutions Acquires MSI Inc.

Acquisition supports strategic growth, leadership in $7.1 billion information security market

(PRWEB) July 19, 2002

Hardyston, New Jersey, July 1, 2002 – Secure Enterprise Solutions Inc. (“SES”), a leading provider of secure information management solutions, today announced the acquisition of MSI (“MSI”) to further strengthen SES’ position in the US $7.1 billion information security market.

MSI is a privately held full-service physical security provider with expertise in four key areas: risk management, physical security safeguards, executive protection and guard services. The terms of the purchase agreement call for SES to issue approximately? common shares to shareholders of MSI as consideration for the purchase. Total consideration is subject to MSI achieving performance targets of US$4 million in revenue for the division over the next 12 months.

“The MSI acquisition is part of the aggressive growth strategy SES is pursuing to strengthen our position as a worldwide leader in end-to-end information and network security solutions,” said Randall Williams, President and CEO of SES. “These acquisitions deliver key security specialists, new security products and services, new markets with built-in clients and an increased capacity to serve new and existing clients around the globe. This will give SES a strong competitive advantage in a market expected to grow from US $7.1 billion to $17 billion by 2003 according to Bear Sterns and Aberdeen Group.” 

Robert Johnson, President and CEO of MSI noted, “the relationship with SES will allow us to dramatically expand our service horizons and offer clients a complete range of security solutions. We’re excited by the prospects of being part of a company with the critical mass of talented people, services and products necessary for true information and security solutions industry leadership. Our ability to offer our Fortune 1000 client base a broader suite of end to end information security solutions has been exponentially enhanced.”

Williams added, “During our discussions with MSI, it became evident that there were considerable synergies between the two organizations. We saw that as one company, under the SES banner, we could further enhance our respective partnerships with companies like Verizon.”

About Secure Enterprise Solutions: “Information is Power. Protect It.”

Secure Enterprise Solutions is a leader in secure information management solutions including information security consulting and education services, risk management and assessment services, security software products, cyber crime investigations and computer forensics. They offer these services to government agencies, healthcare providers, financial services firms, etc. SESÂ’ International headquarters is located in Hardyston, NJ and they have regional offices in New York, Toronto, and Atlanta. SES has approximately 100 employees, 10 strategic partners and over 150 corporate clients.

Electronic Payments Expected to Account for 43% of U. S. Consumer Payments By 2007, According to New Report

Electronic Payments Expected to Account for 43% of U. S. Consumer Payments By 2007, According to New Report

Electronic payments are expected to grow from 33% of the consumer payments mix in 2002 to 43% by 2007 according to a new report from market research publisher Packaged Facts titled "Third-Party Processing in North America." Growth is being fueled primarily by increased Internet commerce, international expansion, and an increased number of debit transactions. Expansion in the use of credit, debit, and other electronic payment cards around the globe also presents the card processing industry with significant opportunities.

New York (PRWEB) October 6, 2004

Electronic payments are expected to grow from 33% of the consumer payments mix in 2002 to 43% by 2007 according to a new report from market research publisher Packaged Facts titled "Third-Party Processing in North America." Growth is being fueled primarily by increased Internet commerce, international expansion, and an increased number of debit transactions. Expansion in the use of credit, debit, and other electronic payment cards around the globe also presents the card processing industry with significant opportunities.

The report goes on to say that, according to Federal Reserve figures on U. S. consumers and electronic banking, the number of households banking by computer grew threefold between 1999 and 2003. Those using debit and smart cards more than doubled.

"The growing popularity of electronic payment options has certainly been a boon to the payment processing industry," said Don Montuori, Acquisitions Editor for Packaged Facts. "But other segments of the third party processing market – payroll and, especially, healthcare – have greatly benefited from the move among businesses to outsource processing functions."

"Third-Party Processing in North America" is essentially three reports in one, quantifying markets for payroll, payment, and healthcare processing, thereby clarifying ambiguity among third-party services. It identifies market participants via detailed profiles and market revenue contribution in each processing category. It is essential reading for professionals in the hospital and healthcare, banking and credit card, and payroll industries.

Priced at $3000, this report can be purchased directly from Packaged Facts by clicking http://www. packagedfacts. com/pub/974426.html (http://www. packagedfacts. com/pub/974426.html). It is also available through MarketResearch. com.

About Packaged Facts

Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch. com, publishes research reports on a wide range of consumer industries, including consumer goods and retailing, foods and beverages, and demographics. For more information visit www. PackagedFacts. com, or contact Matthew Seward at 301-468-3650 x205, or mseward@marketresearch. com.

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Smoke relief is here for people stuck indoors

Smoke relief is here for people stuck indoors.

Smoke Relief from forest fires and all allergens is now avaible for people stuck indoors. AllerGy Strategy, a leading specialist firm makes units available to public.

(PRWEB) July 14, 2002

CHAMPLAIN, NY.—July 14. The widespread invasion of smoke from forest fires in the Canadian province of Quebec is causing an increased risk of severe respiratory difficulties to people all over the East Coast as far south as Georgia, according to Health Officials. People who already experience difficulty in breathing have been advised to stay indoors during this period. Senior citizens, children, pregnant women and those with respiratory distress from allergies and asthma are most at risk.

Richard Brazeau, Vice-President of Marketing for Allergy Strategy (877-878-6676) states his company is making portable units available for immediate shipping. “These units, while portable, filter all impurities including smoke from the air and are state of the art with activated carbon filters”, adds Brazeau.

Allergy Strategy (http://www. inter-net-e-commerce. com/allergystrategy (http://www. inter-net-e-commerce. com/allergystrategy)), a leading allergy prevention and respiratory relief company, distributes air purifiers used in hospitals, laboratories and by the military. The units, suitable for use in homes, offices and industry, incorporate HEPA micro-particulate filtration plus activated carbon filters to effectively adsorb gases, vapors and odors from forest fire smoke. (END) .

COUNTRY MUSIC STAR TEDDY GENTRY JOINS U. S. GRASS FED SOCIETY TO PROMOTE GOOD HEALTH, SMART FARMING, AND GREAT FOOD AT GRAZEFESTsm ALABAMA 2004

COUNTRY MUSIC STAR TEDDY GENTRY JOINS U. S. GRASS FED SOCIETY TO PROMOTE GOOD HEALTH, SMART FARMING, AND GREAT FOOD AT GRAZEFESTsm ALABAMA 2004

Under the watchful eye of a much-adored country musician and respected pasture-based farmer, a newly formed nonprofit organization aims to educate farmers and reach food lovers at its first annual conference and festival celebrating pasture-raised foods.

Ft. Payne, AL (PRWEB) August 5, 2004

Talk to Teddy Gentry about beef and the country music star is likely to deliver the kind of well-reasoned lecture about fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acids, omega-3s, and beta carotene that one would expected from a seasoned researcher. Few realize, however, that Gentry does more than sing the praises of pasture-raised and grass-fed meat and dairy products; he runs a well-respected pasture-based farm and beef company that has a growing legion of meat lovers singing their own praises. This September 11–12, Gentry aims to raise awareness through shared data as to the healthier, higher –quality and more profitable aspects of grass fed products in general at the first national conference and festival on pasture-raised foods—Grazefest Alabama 2004.

The two-day event will bring together leading experts in all fields related to the production of raising high-quality beef, poultry and pork on grass and is expected to draw possibly thousands of regional residents interested in sampling grass-fed foods. Day one of Grazefest Alabama 2004 will consist of educational seminars and presentations aimed at pasture-based farmers, educators, agriculture students, chefs, and culinary students, as well as the general public.

On day two, the US Grass Fed Society teams with the Southern Foodways Alliance and Eating Fresh Publications for a food festival and series of exhibits aimed at raising awareness among consumers of the health, flavor, and culinary benefits of pasture-based foods. Day two will feature “From the Pasture to the Pit: Southern BBQ with Pasture-Raised Meats,” bringing together the south’s most acclaimed pitmasters, who will be cooking up grass-fed meats and talking about the influence of pasture-raised foods on barbecued foods. In addition, author, pasture-based farmer, and epicurean Shannon Hayes will be signing copies of the Grassfed Gourmet Cookbook: Healthy Cooking and Good Living with Pasture-Raised Foods, the firstever cookbook on finding, handling, and preparing grass-fed foods.

Grazefest Alabama 2004 is being organized by the U. S. Grass Fed Society—a new nonprofit formed by Gentry and other leaders in pasture-based farming, including Allan Nation, owner and editor of the Stockman Grass Farmer, the nation’s foremost “grass” publication—and promoted by Eating Fresh Publications.

According to a growing number of experts, not only are grass-fed and pasture-raised foods packed with more health benefits than their conventionally grown and raised counterparts, they are praised by environmentalists, preferred by animal welfare groups, and embraced by chefs. Called “the one bright spot in American agriculture today” by Terry Gombert of the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, grass-based farming is gaining momentum among experts and consumers alike. Pasture-raised animals spend their lives eating grasses and natural forage products. Grazefest Advisory team member Jo Robinson, noted journalist and the author of Pasture Perfect, and Grazefest Alabama 2004 presenter, has found that pasturebased animals have higher levels of omega-3s, one of the “good fats” that have been linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, ADHD, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, obesity, asthma, and autoimmune diseases.

Grazefest Alabama 2004 is scheduled for September 11–12, 2004, at the Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery, Alabama. It will conclude on Sunday evening with a concert by the Charlie Daniels Band. For more information about Grazefest Alabama 2004, visit www. eatingfresh. com and www. usgrassfed. com, call Kathy Lacy at 256-845-3009, or send e-mail to klacy@benttreefarms. com.

Members of the media interested in press information or interviews should contact Karen Cathey at 703-237-3780 or Karen. Cathey@BonVivantFoodMarketing. com.

Grazefest is a service mark of Eating Fresh Publications.

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Carnahan Insurance Announces the Launch of New Digital Marketing Campaign

Carnahan Insurance Announces the Launch of New Digital Marketing Campaign

Carnahan Insurance, an independent insurance agency located in San Antonio, Texas, is launching a new digital marketing campaign to make the process of buying and selling insurance easier. Carnahan Insurance offers personal and business insurance products to San Antonio and all of Texas.

San Antonio, Texas (PRWEB) November 20, 2009

Carnahan Insurance, an independent insurance agency located in San Antonio, Texas, is proud to announce the launch of their new website and digital marketing campaign.

Carnahan Insurance has partnered with Astonish Results, LP, a digital marketing and training company for the insurance industry, to create a new online marketing campaign. The Astonish Results marketing strategy has been implemented by Carnahan Insurance to help the agency find and keep new customers. Featuring a "Virtual Insurance Office" and "Virtual Insurance Agent," Carnahan Insurance is confident that its new system will better meet the needs of its clients.

CarnahanInsurance. com was created to make the experience of online insurance shopping easier. CarnahanInsurance. com is divided into clear categories, making it simple for insurance consumers to visit the site, find the type of insurance they are looking for, and gain a better understanding of their policy options. If you have questions about health, life, or group products, http://www. carnahaninsurance. com has a "Frequently Asked Questions" page you can visit for answers. Carnahan Insurance also provides current and prospective customers with ways to contact the agency at any time by filling out a quote form or calling 888.677.6485.

About Carnahan Insurance:

Carnahan Insurance's mission is to provide lifelong financial well-being for all clients, especially educators and their families, through personalized service, advice, and a full range of insurance and financial products. Carnahan Insurance is partnering with individuals and businesses to build and protect assets through insurance and financial services.

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Pennsylvania Mom Introduces Solution for Fussy, Sleepless Babies

Pennsylvania Mom Introduces Solution for Fussy, Sleepless Babies

A new take on an old idea, the Stowers Swaddler helps weary parents soothe their crying newborns to sleep.

Sewickley, PA (PRWEB) October 15, 2007

The creamy-soft skin. The distinctive scent. The warmth and closeness of a tiny life cuddled in your arms. Who wouldn't instantly fall in love with a newborn baby? But after parents get home with their brand-new bundles of joy, they often find their elation withers. Newborn sweetness gives way to other realities: fussiness that refuses every attempt at calming, pitiful crying that brings adults to tears as well, and long, sleepless nights for baby and parent alike.

Generations of mothers worldwide have known one sure-fire solution: swaddling, or tightly bundling an infant so that her own movement will not cause distress by triggering the "startle reflex." Unfortunately, this time-tested technique has not been widely encouraged in the U. S., and countless parents who do try swaddling find it tricky to master. Luckily, parents everywhere now have a simple solution: the Stowers Swaddler.

The device's inventor, Phylana Stowers, acknowledges that learning to properly wrap an infant isn't always easy. As a maternity unit nurse, she learned to swaddle all the babies in her care almost without a thought. A mother of five, Stowers used the technique on her own children as well. But when Stowers' sister called one night desperate for help doing "that wrappy thing," Stowers decided it was time for an different solution. She whipped out her sewing machine and created the Stowers Swaddler, a foolproof wrapping system that "fixes the swaddling mistakes people make."

Measuring roughly 40 inches at the top, Stowers' creation is wider than a regular blanket. The extra space means a parent doesn't have to struggle to completely secure a squirming infant. The swaddler's length is a careful design as well: at 21 inches long, there's plenty of space to comfortably contain even the longest babies -- and room to grow.

The idea was such a hit for Stowers' sister that Stowers decided to try to market it. One of her first supporters was Kim Lavine, author of Mommy Millionaire. "Swaddling is a lost art that nobody knows about anymore," says Lavine, herself a mother. "My first son was six weeks premature and didn't sleep more than an hour and a half at a time the first three months till someone showed me how to truly swaddle him tightly."

Lavine attests to the value in Stowers' simpler solution: "There a million new moms every year who need a swaddler!" Indeed, since Stowers introduced her product for sale, moms from all over the country have found relief from sleepless nights. Even an inexperienced parent can master swaddling with this blanket, as demonstrated when the Stowers Swaddler was used in a simulated fussy baby challenge on an episode of Dr. Phil.

There are no gimmicks. Stowers explains that her blanket is simply a twist on the familiar wrapping technique seen in any parenting or maternity magazine or class. To swaddle, the baby is placed at the top edge of the blanket. The left corner is wrapped around the baby, then the right corner is wrapped across the opposite way. The difference with the Stowers Swaddler is the lack of "that meddlesome middle corner that gives people such a hard time." In its place is a simple pocket that requires no folding or tucking. And the left and right side flaps close securely across the infant with hook-and-loop tape, making any further adjusting unnecessary.

Concerns that swaddling causes discomfort for a baby are common but incorrect. In her years of neonatal nursing, Stowers encountered many parents who believed that after nine months' confinement in the tight space of mother's womb, "babies need to be free. But they don't want to be free. It's very scary for them. Snug is more familiar. They need time to transition to the big open world. That's what swaddling is good for."

Though a solid night's sleep is boon enough for weary parents, there is evidence that swaddling has health benefits for infants as well. In the past two decades, multiple studies have suggested that when put to bed on their backs, infants are far less likely to die of SIDS. When back-sleeping is combined with swaddling, the danger decreases even more since swaddled infants are less able to roll into the risky tummy-down position. Furthermore, in a Washington University study published in Journal of Pediatrics in 2002, 7 out of 9 babies who ordinarily refused to sleep when placed on their backs became calm enough to do so when first swaddled.

Stowers' swaddling blanket is available on her newly revamped online store, Stowers Swaddlers & Stationery. In addition to the swaddler, the store offers a selection of handmade note cards, photo albums, and other unique baby gifts.

Visit Stowers Swaddlers & Stationery at www. stowersswaddler. com.

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SaskTel Selects Symmetricom's Next Generation Time and Frequency Solutions for Network-Wide Upgrade: Deployment to Support Advanced Services and Maximize Network Performance for Major Service Provider in Saskatchewan, Canada

SaskTel Selects Symmetricom's Next Generation Time and Frequency Solutions for Network-Wide Upgrade: Deployment to Support Advanced Services and Maximize Network Performance for Major Service Provider in Saskatchewan, Canada

Symmetricom, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYMM), a worldwide leader in precise time and frequency technologies that accelerate the deployment and enable the management of next generation networks, today announced that SaskTel has selected Symmetricom's next generation time and frequency solutions for a network-wide synchronization upgrade. SaskTel, one of Canada's most progressive full service communications companies, will equip its offices throughout Saskatchewan to support next generation services including IPTV, VoIP and 3G wireless. SaskTel will source Symmetricom's products, engineering services and ongoing support from Empowered Networks, a leading solutions integrator and Symmetricom's key partner in Canada.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (PRWEB) June 8, 2007

 "SaskTel recognizes the importance of timing in the network and we are taking critical steps to support delivery of the next generation of world-class products and services to our customers," said Kym Wittal, SaskTel's chief technology officer. "Symmetricom's next-generation synchronization and timing products will play a key role in supporting our Next Generation Access Infrastructure, and helping us converge business and consumer services onto a single next generation IP infrastructure."

High quality time and frequency alignment is an essential network infrastructure component that facilitates the reliable transmission of voice, video and data.

"This network-wide upgrade will help SaskTel to continue to deliver the highest quality of service for its full slate of converged service offerings - everything from high definition TV to VPN to VOIP," commented Nancy Shemwell, executive vice president, global sales and service at Symmetricom. "Additionally, SaskTel will have access to powerful management capabilities, maximizing network performance and quality of service via Symmetricom's SSU-2000, an intelligent, fully manageable Synchronization Supply Unit used for telecom network operators to generate and distribute superior synchronization signals for advanced network services."

"SaskTel awarded this network-wide upgrade project based on ease of integration and flexibility of Symmetricom's SSU-2000 product family, and Empowered's engineering and ongoing support services," commented Glen Emo, chief executive officer of Empowered Networks. "Empowered will play an active and ongoing role in ensuring successful implementation and cutover to the SSU-2000 platform as part of its Next Generation Access Initiative."

The partnership between Symmetricom and Empowered Networks simplifies and optimizes the management of next generation networks, combining market-leading time and frequency solutions with the management of development, testing, deployment, operations and ongoing optimization throughout the lifecycle of IT projects, reducing costs, improving service and generating revenue for customers.

About SaskTel

Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corporation (SaskTel) is the leading full service communications provider in Saskatchewan, offering competitive voice, data, dial-up and high speed internet, entertainment and multimedia services, security, web hosting, text and messaging services, and cellular and wireless data services over its digital networks. The Corporation also provides security monitoring services through SecurTek, directory services through DirectWest, in-room communications services to the healthcare sector through Hospitality Network, telecommunications consulting service through SaskTel International and an out-of-province sales and service channel in Alberta and British Columbia. SaskTel and its wholly-owned subsidiaries have a workforce of approximately 5,100 full-time, part-time and temporary employees. Visit SaskTel at www. sasktel. com.

About Empowered Networks(R)

Empowered Networks(R) is a leading independent solutions integrator. Empowered simplifies and optimizes the test and management of next-generation IT, networks and applications by combining market-leading solutions from trusted partners with a comprehensive family of EmpoweredServices(TM). Empowered has earned the trust of many leading organizations in Canada by implementing modular, high value solutions for over 300 customers, including Canada's leading IT-dependent enterprises, communication service providers and network equipment manufacturers. Empowered is a privately-held Canadian company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with offices in Moncton, Montreal, Ottawa, Waterloo, Calgary, and Vancouver. For more information, visit www. empowerednetworks. com.

About Symmetricom, Inc.

As a worldwide leader in precise time and frequency products and services, Symmetricom provides "Perfect Timing" to customers around the world. Since 1985, the company's solutions have helped define the world's time and frequency standards, delivering precision, reliability and efficiency to wireline and wireless networks, instrumentation and testing applications and network time management. Deployed in more than 90 countries, the company's synchronization solutions include primary reference sources, building integrated timing supplies (BITS), GPS timing receivers, time and frequency distribution systems, network time servers and ruggedized oscillators. Symmetricom also incorporates technologies including Universal Timing Interface (UTI), Network Time Protocol (NTP), Precision Time Protocol (IEEE 1588), and others supporting the world's migration to Next Generation Networks (NGN). Symmetricom is based in San Jose, Calif., with offices worldwide. For more information, visit www. symmetricom. com.

Plexis Healthcare Systems Announces Agreement with Pinal/Gila Long Term Care

Plexis Healthcare Systems Announces Agreement with Pinal/Gila Long Term Care

Plexis Healthcare Systems, Inc. announced that it has been selected by Pinal/Gila Long Term Care of Pinal County, Arizona to provide its claims processing and benefits administration software.

(PRWEB) June 19, 2004

Plexis Healthcare Systems, Inc. announced that it has been selected by Pinal/Gila Long Term Care of Pinal County, Arizona to provide its claims processing and benefits administration software.

Pinal/Gila Long Term Care (PGLTC) is a division of The Pinal County Health and Human Services Department and is based in Florence, Arizona. PGLTC provides innovative, culturally sensitive, community focused programs specializing in consumer driven health care and support services for the frail elderly, individuals with physical disabilities and/or chronic health conditions. PGLTC strives to enhance the quality of life for its members by promoting individual choice, accessible services, dignity, and independence while reducing the costly effects of illness on its members and the communities it serves.

According to officials at PGTLC, they were looking for a vendor/partner with a proven track record in the administration of ArizonaÂ’s Medicaid program, called the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System.

“We are very pleased that a government agency that is dedicated to community healthcare has selected our company,” said Jorge Yant, President and CEO of Plexis Healthcare Systems. “We offer one of the most flexible claims processing systems in the marketplace and we’re pleased that PGTLC agrees with us.”

Plexis Healthcare Systems is a leading healthcare benefits and claims administration technology company based in Ashland, Oregon. Plexis is one of the fastest growing software companies in the healthcare marketplace and has been developing high-end solutions since 1996. Plexis solutions enable healthcare organizations to reduce costs, streamline their claims payment and medical case management, while helping them meet governmental regulations. For more information, please visit http://www. plexisweb. com.

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University Healthsystem Consortium Announces Mitretek Systems As Preferred Technology Provider For Product Recall Management

University Healthsystem Consortium Announces Mitretek Systems As Preferred Technology Provider For Product Recall Management

Mitretek Systems has entered into an agreement with the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) to improve patient safety through the Risk and Safety Management Alert System (RASMAS) for its member hospitals. RASMAS is a web-based subscription service that provides comprehensive notification, distribution, and management of product alerts and recalls for healthcare organizations

FALLS CHURCH, VA (PRWEB) February 18, 2005

Mitretek Systems has entered into an agreement with the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) to improve patient safety through the Risk and Safety Management Alert System (RASMAS) for its member hospitals. RASMAS is a web-based subscription service that provides comprehensive notification, distribution, and management of product alerts and recalls for healthcare organizations

RASMAS was developed by Mitretek Systems in collaboration with UHC member Johns Hopkins Health System (JHHS). JHHS experienced first-hand one of the many points of failure in manual recall management process in use in most hospitals today. Two patient fatalities occurred from a misrouted product recall notification for a device that could not be properly sterilized due to a design flaw. Over 400 additional patients were unknowingly exposed through continued use of the defective device.

Product alert management is conducted manually in most U. S. hospitals and involves many more products than medical supplies and medications. All RASMAS subscribers, like JHHS, have experienced a significant decrease in the number of days to respond to an alert, reducing the time in which patients could be harmed by a defective product. By providing health care organizations with an electronic, profile driven alert system, RASMAS helps ensure that alerts are processed quickly and properly, promoting patient safety.

“UHC is very pleased to offer its members the opportunity to utilize this important service,” said Dana Veal, UHC’s Assistant Director of Contract Services. “We share the same vision as Mitretek: to help hospitals increase patient safety, improve clinical effectiveness and heighten operational efficiency.”

In its first year of production, RASMAS has been adopted by more than 90 subscribing healthcare organizations across the nation. In addition, RASMAS has been endorsed by the American Hospital Association and in November 2004, was awarded he Best New Advancement in Patient Safety and Disclosures Award from the Health Care Research and Innovations Congress (HCRIC) for its innovative work in the advancement of patient safety.

For more information please visit the RASMAS web site at http://info. rasmas. mitretek. org (http://info. rasmas. mitretek. org) or call (877) 727-6276.

About Mitretek Systems

Mitretek Systems is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), scientific research and engineering corporation that operates in the public interest. Our expertise in conjunction with our objectivity and independence allows us to effectively address challenges of national significance. Within the healthcare arena, Mitretek performs information technology and operations consulting, evaluation and design as well as strategic, clinical services and facilities planning. For more information about Mitretek, contact Corporation Communications, (703) 610-1953 or corpcomm@mitretek. org.

About University HealthSystem Consortium

University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) is a national alliance of academic health centers and their affiliate hospitals. UHC helps member hospitals pool resources and share knowledge to solve problems, improve performance and succeed in their local markets. Specific programs and services include supply chain optimization; comparative clinical, operational, and faculty practice information; patient safety resources; benchmarking collaboratives; strategic research; publications; and education. For more information about UHC, visit www. uhc. edu or call (630) 954.1700.

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Money isn't everything - until you don't have it when you need it. CorePurpose announces July 20th session of the acclaimed Ready Set Grow Series - Foucus on Finance: Money Matters

Money isn't everything - until you don't have it when you need it. CorePurpose announces July 20th session of the acclaimed Ready Set Grow Series - Foucus on Finance: Money Matters.

Greater Phoenix business owners and executives will gather for session 7 in the Ready Set Grow Series to gain insights on the financial side of business growth with David Mork, Practice Leader for the CBIZ Restructure Group.

Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) June 22, 2004

CorePurpose, Inc., a management consulting, software and outsourced solutions provider, today announced the seventh installment in the Ready Set Grow Lecture Series : “Focus on Finance: Money Matters”.

“Money isn’t everything— until you don’t have it when you need it” shared Joan Koerber-Walker, executive director of CorePurpose, Inc. “Every business—large and small—goes through cycles of investment growth and reinvestment. Too often, we underestimate what we need or when we’ll need it—the results can be catastrophic—missed opportunities—stalled growth or even worse.”

On July 20, 2004, industry executives from around the valley will join Koerber-Walker and corporate finance and turn around expert David Mork to explore—

O The Business Growth and Financing Cycle

O How to predict future needs

O And where and when to pursue them

According to finance and restructure expert David Mork, “you can have the greatest product or service in the world—but if the money runs out—you can’t deliver!” Mork will share some of the secrets he has used to help companies around the world Focus on Finance.

David Mork is a Director of CBIZ Miller Wagner, Inc., and Practice Leader/Director of the CBIZ Restructuring Group, which serves as an advisor to troubled entities, assists companies in turnaround situations, and is based in Phoenix. He brings over 24 years of experience in the restructuring industry where as a practitioner in the field he has managed hundredÂ’s of turnaround and bankruptcy cases since the enactment of the Code in 1979.

Mork has been retained as a financial advisor by entities with multiple operations throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe. He has managed the turnaround of large multi-location entities engaged in real estate, manufacturing, distribution, health care, financial institutions, construction, and transportation.

Ready Set Grow, is a 12 month program bringing 12 nationally known business growth experts to the valley. The series continues throughout 2004 and is held the third Tuesday morning of the month. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to these executive experts share insights and then participate in workshops designed to apply the same concepts to their own companies. Subscriptions are offered as a series and on a single session basis.

Each program looks at a different facet of business growth strategy ranging from strategic execution to product design, customer focus and service, operations, sales, and globalization.

The program has gained support from a number of business and community sponsors including The Business Journal, the Arizona Technology Council, AZ SNAP, ASBA, The Downtown Phoenix Partnership – Copper Square, and The Business and Industry Institute at Mesa Community College.

“Workforce development is key to Arizona’s economic recovery”, said Koerber-Walker. “Ready Set Grow is designed to support workforce development at multiple levels in an organization from senior leadership to the organizations key managers and next generation leaders. It is an opportunity for employees to step up and become part of the solution and an opportunity for employers to energize and endorse key team members through investing in their professional development.”

Program details and information:

When, Where and How Much?

Dates: July 20, 2004 – December 21th, 2004

Forums: 3rd Tuesday of every month

“Focus on Finance: Money Matters”. July 20 , 2004

Time:

7:30 – 8:00 AM – Continental Breakfast

8:00—12:00PM – Forum Session

Location:

Business and Industry Institute

Mesa Community College

145 North Centennial Way

Mesa, Arizona 85201

Costs

Single Sessions Pricing

Individual participant: $129 per session

Groups of 3 or more: $117 per person per session

For the Ready/Set/Grow series

Individual participant:

$600.00 for the balance of 2004

Groups of 3 or more: $540.00 per person

For more details and registration – visit www. CorePurpose. com

About CorePurpose, Inc.

Headquartered in Arizona, CorePurpose, Inc., is a consulting and solutions company specializing in focusing companies for greater success through high impact activities that link directly to results. Together with members of the CoreAllianceSM, CorePurpose, Inc. works with companies and organizations to align internal resources to their areas focus while offering resources for mentoring, implementation and outsourcing in non-core areas or areas where additional support is required including: HR, Sales and Marketing, Operations, IT, and Finance. For more information about CorePurpose, Inc., and to view the listing and experience of CoreAlliance Members visit: www. CorePurpose. com.

CONTACT: CorePurpose, Inc.

Joan Koerber-Walker, 480/921-3933 jkw@corepurpose. net

CorePurpose® is a registered service mark of CorePurpose, Inc.

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Camp Shane Opens New Youth Weight Loss Camp for Children & Teens in Arizona

Camp Shane Opens New Youth Weight Loss Camp for Children & Teens in Arizona

Camp Shane, the longest running youth fitness and weight loss camp for kids, recently announced it has opened a new facility in Arizona to better serve the western US market from Texas to California. The recent expansion is a result of feedback from parents out west who wanted their children to experience the healthy benefits of Camp Shane, but wanted an option closer to home.

Mayer, AZ (PRWEB) May 6, 2009

Camp Shane's newest summer camp, which encompasses more than 300 acres surrounded by an additional 25,000 acres of picturesque landscape, offers weight loss camps in two, four or six week increments.

Through an overriding commitment to care, parents have entrusted Camp Shane to fight childhood obesity since 1968. By providing fun and educational activities about healthy living choices, Camp Shane empowers children with the knowledge they need to completely re-shape their lives.

Through an easy yet effective nutrition program, focusing on every day foods and portion control, as well as exciting outdoor activities, the children at Camp Shane can expect to not only lose weight and learn how to keep it off, but also have fun, learn new skills and gain the confidence they deserve. In addition to children's weight loss camps, Camp Shane offers a variety of programs targeting young adults ages 18 to 25 and a weight loss spa program for adults: http://www. shanedietresorts. com (http://www. shanedietresorts. com).

"At Camp Shane, we're not a 'fat camp, diet or boot camp.' Instead of focusing solely on dieting, Camp Shane is an exciting and educational program that helps teach children realistic and achievable ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Every child at Camp Shane is treated as part of our family, and our dedication has helped us become one of the most recognizable youth weight loss camp facilities in the country." says David Ettenberg, Owner/Director of Camp Shane. (http://www. campshanearizona. com (http://www. campshanearizona. com)).

Diverse activities available at Camp Shane include sports, fitness, arts and crafts and exciting pool recreational activities. Camp Shane also offers an array of cooking and nutritional classes to help children learn the importance of portion control, as well as how to make healthy selections when dining out.

Additionally, Camp Shane Arizona offers an optional, extensive and exciting horsemanship program. The program, which is run by experienced wranglers, includes more than 80 horses. Children experience the joys of caring for a horse and the physical benefits of riding, while building their self-confidence and balance skills.

Although it is a premier youth weight loss facility, Camp Shane maintains competitive mid-range pricing to ensure its services are available to all children who need to lose weight. Additional information about Camp Shane Arizona, including an enrollment form and request for a complimentary brochure can be found at http://www. campshanearizona. com/request_info. htm (http://www. campshanearizona. com/request_info. htm)

"Camp Shane is a camp that everyone is proud to be a part of - staff, parents and kids. It gives us such joy to see the difference that Camp Shane can make in a child's life," says Ettenberg.

About Camp Shane:
Since 1968, Camp Shane, (http://campshane. com (http://campshane. com)) a premier youth fitness and weight loss camp facility, has been dedicated to fighting obesity in children and teens. Camp Shane offers two weight loss camps, including its new Arizona facility featuring healthy menus, nutrition education, self-esteem building and traditional fun activities, as well as a unique horsemanship program. By empowering children with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy living choices, Camp Shane has helped countless children re-shape their lives and gain the self-confidence they deserve.

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Bargain Supplements Announces New Intense Training Products for 2010

Bargain Supplements Announces New Intense Training Products for 2010

Bargain Supplements http://www. bargain-supplements. co. uk/store/ has a brand new range of health and fitness products for 2010. The company continues to offer customers the latest products in the supplement industry and has added a new range of intense training products to the ever growing product line.

(PRWEB) February 3, 2010

Bargain Supplements specialises in health and nutrition products and is a leading supplier of sports supplements and accessories. The online business offers customers a way to enhance their existing training routines with ease. Products include Creatine tablets, joint health commodities and instant whey powders.

Bargain Supplements offer a simple online shopping experience giving shoppers the chance to benefit from huge discounts 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

The products supplied by Bargain Supplements allow customers to increase energy levels and muscle development helping those in training to perform to the max. There are a huge range of supplements designed to be taken pre and post work out.

Customers can choose from products to enhance their work out and help reduce their recovery time significantly allowing them to train harder for a longer period of time.

The online resource stocks leading brands such as Deep Heat, Red Bull and Gatorade. The latest addition to the online store includes the energy enhancer No Explode, the perfect compliment to a professional’s training regime.

Customers can shop online for leading health and nutrition brands and take advantage of regular online special offers. Shoppers can take advantage of all the latest health and fitness products in one place. The website offers high quality products delivered direct free of charge.

Contact the team at Bargain Supplements for more information on their sports supplements and nutrition products on 0800 043 0321. Alternatively visit our site at http://www. bargain-supplements. co. uk/store/ (http://www. bargain-supplements. co. uk/store/).

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Baxa Corporation Gets Social With Facebook and LinkedIn

Baxa Corporation Gets Social With Facebook and LinkedIn

Colorado Medical Device Company, Baxa Corporation, invites customers to just "have fun" and use social media tools to connect and share experience on Facebook and LinkedIn. More and more healthcare facilities, medical device companies and hospitals are using social media as a powerful tool to interact with their customers on a more personal level - complementing their more formal Web site content.

Englewood, CO (PRWEB) April 6, 2009

Baxa Corporation, a leading developer of technology for the safe handling, packaging and administration of fluid medications, has joined the social media craze by hosting both a corporate Facebook page and a LinkedIn Business Group. More and more healthcare facilities, medical device companies and hospitals are using social media as a powerful tool to interact with their customers on a more personal level -- complementing their more formal Web site content.

"Baxa Corporation is a company on the leading edge of health-system technology and innovation. Utilizing tools like Facebook and LinkedIn as marketing media for the company furthers our brand position to social media users who are technologically savvy and forward-thinking," states Marian Robinson, VP, Marketing.

Social media is one of the world's fastest growing marketing tools. Reports show that more than two-thirds of online adult Americans are engaging in blogs, communities or social networks. Baxa selected Facebook because research indicates that visitors to social networking sites and communities have increased brand loyalty and purchase five times as often as average users. Facebook and LinkedIn also provide the business with strong detailed data and valuable metrics. This data includes demographics, performance, activity and trends to find out who is engaging with the business and how.

Social Media has radically changed the way people communicate. Users of social media are free to create and share all types of content with customers, partners, vendors and fellow bloggers. For the corporate world, this freedom can mean loss of control for messaging and brand reputation but this can be extremely positive. Baxa Corporation has built its business on listening to customers and responding to their needs. Adding social media tools to the Company's marketing tools provides a new channel for finding out how customers feel about Baxa and its products. Further, connecting and interacting online with customers builds trust and understanding.

Baxa Corporation provides systems and products that streamline pharmacy operations for oral liquid delivery, sterile IV preparation and mixing multi-source parenteral solutions. The company's products provide solutions for enhancing patient safety, improving drug preparation procedures and reducing the opportunity for medication errors.

About Baxa Corporation:
Baxa, a customer-focused medical device company, provides innovative, solution-based technologies for medication handling and delivery. Its systems and devices promote the safe and efficient preparation, handling, packaging, and administration of medications. Key products include the PadLock® Set Saver, Rapid-Fill™ Automated Syringe Fillers, Exacta-Med® Oral Dispensers, MicroFuse® Syringe Infusers, Repeater™ Pharmacy Pumps, and Exacta-Mix™ and MicroMacro™ Multi-Source Automated Compounders; used worldwide in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Privately held, Baxa Corporation has subsidiaries and sales offices in Canada and the United Kingdom; direct representation in Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and Switzerland; and distribution partners worldwide. Further information is available at http://www. baxa. com (http://www. baxa. com)

About Facebook:
Founded in February 2004, Facebook is a social utility that helps people communicate more efficiently with their friends, family and coworkers. The company develops technologies that facilitate the sharing of information through the social graph, the digital mapping of people's real-world social connections. Anyone can sign up for Facebook and interact with the people they know in a trusted environment. Facebook is a part of millions of people's lives all around the world. Facebook is a privately-held company and is headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif. Baxa Corporation's Facebook fan page is found at: http://www. facebook. com/home. php#/pages/Englewood-CO/Baxa-Corporation/38102266038?ref=ts  (http://www. facebook. com/home. php#/pages/Englewood-CO/Baxa-Corporation/38102266038?ref=ts)

About LinkedIn:
LinkedIn takes your personal business network online, giving you access to people, jobs and opportunities like never before. Built upon trusted connections and relationships, LinkedIn has established the world's largest and most powerful business network. Currently, over 27 million professionals are on LinkedIn, representing all five hundred of the Fortune 500 companies, as well as a wide range of household names in technology, financial services, media, consumer packaged goods, entertainment, fashion, and numerous other industries. Baxa Corporation's LinkedIn group page is found at: http://www. linkedin. com/groups? about=&gid=1828559&trk=anet_ug_grppro (http://www. linkedin. com/groups? about=&gid=1828559&trk=anet_ug_grppro)

Contacts:
Marian Robinson, Vice President, Marketing
Baxa Corporation - http://www. baxa. com (http://www. baxa. com) - 800.567.2292 ext. 2157 or 303.617.2157

Maggie Chamberlin Holben, APR
Absolutely Public Relations - http://www. absolutelypr. com (http://www. absolutelypr. com) - 303.984.9801 or 303.669.3558

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Global Teen Travels Highlighted by Travel Writing Scholarships

Global Teen Travels Highlighted by Travel Writing Scholarships

An analysis of more than 5,000 trip reviews submitted to Family Travel Forum's Teen Travel Writing Scholarship competition reveals that teens are traveling farther afield than ever before. More than 43% of applicants traveled internationally within the past three years, often without family.

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 19, 2007

Family Travel Forum, the award-winning publisher of family vacation information, has found that at least 43% of the teens applying for FTF's Teen Travel Writing Scholarship competition (2007 Teen Travel Writing Scholarship Winners (http://www. familytravelforum. com/share/scholarship/12710-Congratulations-Winners-2007-Teen-Travel-Writing-Scholarship. html)) have traveled outside the United States. An analysis of 5,000 entries confirms that four out of 10 applicants, all students attending American public, private or home schools; U. S. Department of Defense schools; or International-American programs, traveled internationally within the past three years.

The essay topics and destinations covered were remarkably diverse. Surprisingly, only 54% of scholarship applicants wrote about "traditional" family travel: vacations with parents. Nearly a third (29%) reported on trips taken with their school or peer group for sports, music and competitions; or cultural, arts and language enrichment. The essay judges were delighted to find that 8.5% of teens spent their school vacations on service projects sponsored by churches or community groups. Among the most poignant journals were the 6% written by American teens who traveled to Asia, Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere to connect with their roots.

Confirming an upsurge in international travel tracked by FTF's consulting division, 17.4% of the essays were set in Europe and 11% in the Caribbean or Mexico. Interestingly, while 26% of young Americans' maiden voyages to Europe were vacations taken with family, 64% joined organized trips: 28% teen tours, 21% school groups, 15% cultural immersion programs.

After the team of judges selected finalists, the winners of the 2007 Teen Travel Writing Scholarship were chosen by Writers Guild of America Lifetime Achievement Award-winner Marshall Brickman (Emmy, Academy and Tony awards for "Sleeper," "Annie Hall," "Manhattan" and "Jersey Boys" among many others), the proud father two young writers.

About FTF

The Family Travel Forum community lives by the mantra Have Kids, Still Travel!, sharing the rewards and challenges of world travel online. The company's family vacation websites --familytravelforum. com, familytravelboards. com, kidtravels. com, and tinytravelers. net -- contain vast libraries of destination research, including first-hand reviews of tropical and ski resorts, cruises, reunion ideas, vacation packages, health, safety tips and more. FTF also offers families custom trip-planning and exclusive vacation discounts, licenses best-of-breed content to other websites, and consults to the trade on marketing to families.

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Turn Debt into Dollars at the Online Asset Auction

Turn Debt into Dollars at the Online Asset Auction

Debt2Dollars is a financial services company operating in the debt investment arena, offering on-line Debt Brokerage Training, Asset Sales via an on-line Auction and Collection Services.

DAVIE, FLORIDA (PRWEB) March 17, 2006

D2D, (Debt2Dollars, inc.) is a web-based financial services company operating in the debt industry, which offers Training, Sales and Servicing. On January 26, 2006 D2D entered into an agreement with DebtOutlet (www. debtoutlet. com) to exclusively operate the Asset Auction website, where creditors can convert debt into dollars. Whether you are trying to liquidate a second mortgage, turn retail receivables into cash, or simply want to convert those lottery winnings or structured settlements into today’s dollars, D2D’s Asset Auction is the place to visit. This website is dedicated to selling financial instruments at auction. Entrepreneurs can learn debt brokerage skills, by taking the on-line training courses, while loan vendors can use the auction platform to buy and sell portfolios at a competitive market price. Municipalities can reduce their overhead and maximize their profits by conducting their tax lien certificate and deed sales on-line. D2D also offers collection, skip-trace and due diligence services.

On February 13, 2006, D2D entered into a strategic partnership with BCI (Breakthrough Concepts, inc. www. bcisystems. com) to host the D2D online courses using the “Tutor” component of BCI’s “The ManagerTM” suite. BCI, a proven leader in financial services applications, has a client list which includes Wells Fargo, Wachovia, JPMorgan Chase, Mellon, Fleet, Merrill Lynch, Citigroup, FreddieMac and U. S. Department of the Treasury. D2D co-founder and author of the courses, Lance Long, PhD. was a pioneer in working out Resolution Trust Corporation portfolios in the early 1990’s. The ten D2D courses are also offered on-site and in a home-study package.

In an industry which is rapidly becoming dominated by a few well-funded public companies, D2D has brought the debt investment opportunity from Wall Street to Main Street. The assets offered for sale are as varied as real estate liens, judgments, credit card charge-offs, health club contracts, student loans and medical receivables. D2D has even created a secondary market for tax lien certificate and tax deed holders. D2D also offers wholesale portfolios to loan vendors and retail portfolios in $2,500 increments for the small investor. On February 15, 2006 D2D entered into a strategic partnership with Go-More Financial, inc. (www. gmfcollect. com) a Minnesota-based collection agency, which was recently awarded "Best Strategic Partner of the Year" by Bank1One and "Best Primary Agency" by Chase Auto Finance. Investors purchasing D2D portfolios, retail, wholesale or directly from the D2D asset auction, have the option of the immediately placing the accounts in contingency-based collections with a recognized leader in national collections.

As consumer debt has grown to more than $1.7 trillion, the non-performing debt industry has grown into a $300 billion annual business. Although the industry is dominated by a handful of major players, D2D has now expanded the opportunities to small and medium-sized investors by offering training, collection services and an on-line Asset Auction site where bidders worldwide can buy or sell financial assets. Debt2Dollars is a Florida based corporation.

Contact Info:

Lance Long

Www. debt2dollars. com

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CoSign Digital Signatures are Signing Checks and Expanding Banking Processes

CoSign Digital Signatures are Signing Checks and Expanding Banking Processes

ARX (Algorithmic Research), a leading provider of digital signatures (standard electronic signatures) and information assurance solutions, has been chosen by an Israeli banking committee to implement their CoSign® digital signature solution as part of a nationally mandated security procedure for the clearing process of all digital check imagery.

San Francisco, California (PRWEB) July 2, 2008

ARX (Algorithmic Research), a leading provider of digital signatures (standard electronic signatures) and information assurance solutions, has been chosen by an Israeli banking committee to implement their CoSign® digital signature solution as part of a nationally mandated security procedure for the clearing process of all digital check imagery.

Israeli bank regulation 357, which defines a best practice for banking IT processes equivalent to the US Check 21 Act, requires financial institutions to utilize a secure channel for distribution of checks. A key component of satisfying this regulation was the implementation of an industry-wide digital signature solution that ensured the integrity of the clearing process. The decision of which digital signature solution to implement was made by a committee consisting of industry leaders including Citibank, Bank Hapoalim, and Bank Leumi.

"The Israeli banking committee's decision to utilize CoSign digital signatures to satisfy industry-wide security standards is a key example of the growing adoption of digital signatures in the marketplace," said Raanan Dahari, Director of Sales-EMEA, ARX.

After extensive review of the digital signature products available, CoSign's track record of successful deployments, its ability to integrate into an existing system using its SAPI (Signature API) tool, and its design allowing extensive future digital signature use, led to it being chosen as the industry-wide solution. The implementation of CoSign throughout the Israeli banking industry plays an important role in expediting check-clearing processes from days to hours, as banks can now digitally route thousands of checks a day, utilizing a digital signature to seal deliveries. In addition to expediting financial processes, CoSign has alleviated both the need to physically route processed check documentation, and the costs involved with securing the process.

About CoSign®:
The CoSign approach means digital signature standards and efficiencies across your operations. Signing and sealing documents with CoSign immediately expedites business processes, reduces costs, increases security and enables organizations to comply with diverse regional and industry regulations. CoSign works with all major applications and document formats including: Microsoft® Word, Excel®, Outlook®, Adobe® PDF, TIFF, AutoCAD®, InfoPath®, Lotus Forms, and many more (http://www. arx. com/products/cosign_faq. php#ApplicationSupport)). CoSign signatures are being used by hundreds of thousands of users in Enterprise, B2B and B2C processes, to learn why please see our white papers and product details at arx. com/products/cosign-digital-signatures. php (http://www. arx. com/products/cosign-digital-signatures. php).

About ARX (Algorithmic Research):
ARX has over 20 years of experience assisting banking, financial services, life sciences, healthcare, governmental organizations and commercial sectors to secure and streamline their business processes and transactions.

For more information, please visit arx. com (http://www. arx. com).

CoSign® is a registered trademark of Algorithmic Research, Ltd. All other trade names and trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

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AllStaff Selects Clearview TSS to Help Manage its Medical Staffing Business

AllStaff Selects Clearview TSS to Help Manage its Medical Staffing Business

AllStaff selected Clearview Staffing Software's flagship product, Clearview TSS, to help manage its medical staffing business. AllStaff places a variety of medical professionals in per diem assignments through the Boston area.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) June 27, 2008

AllStaff Selects Clearview TSS to Help Manage its Medical Staffing Business.

AllStaff selected Clearview Staffing Software's flagship product, Clearview TSS, to help manage its medical staffing business. AllStaff places a variety of medical professionals in per diem assignments through the Boston area.

Bridget Porter, AllStaff Manager, found Clearview after researching staffing software solutions a couple of years ago. "I love the system," she said of Clearview TSS.

Clearview TSS is an enterprise level, web-based software solution that helps healthcare staffing organizations automate the process of identifying, matching, paying, billing for, and managing temporary medical professionals. All of Clearview's products are designed exclusively for the medical staffing industry.

Although Porter is very pleased with the many features of Clearview TSS, she feels the query features will be most beneficial to her company. "I really like how TSS can query to find professionals that match very specific requirements of our shifts," Porter said. She added that this will help her staffing representatives fill orders more quickly and accurately.

Porter also mentioned that Clearview TSS is a thorough system that will help her manage all aspects of her business, including payroll, billing and profitability reporting.

"The Profitability Report is really great," Porter said. "It will help us control overtime costs." She mentioned that the Payroll Reporting feature will also keep her employees from entering payroll information multiple times, and that TSS also simplifies her billing process.

Moving forward, AllStaff will also implement Clearview: RSS (Recruit Source System). The Clearview RSS module helps staffing organizations recruit, qualify, and on-board medical professionals quickly and efficiently, and includes nationally validated competency tests and skills checklists.

About AllStaff, LLC
In today's fast paced economy finding the right staff at the right time can be a challenging task. That is why All Staff, LLC. takes great pride in the ability to offer highly qualified staff exactly when and where you need them. All Staff, LLC. maintains the highest standards when it comes to staff selection and training. Customer satisfaction and competitive pricing have placed us at the forefront of temporary help, staff placement and temp-to-hire services. To learn more about AllStaff, visit www. allstaff. us].

About Clearview Staffing Software
Clearview Staffing Software is a market-leading developer of business solutions designed exclusively for the healthcare staffing industry. Our broad set of Web-based, on-demand technology enables us to deliver custom solutions that are unmatched in both usability and functionality. Our flagship product, Clearview TSS, allows staffing organizations to manage their entire business from start to finish, including everything from the fundamentals of recruiting and contact management to competency testing, credential compliance, shift and assignment scheduling, and highly sophisticated payroll and billing management. For more information visit: www. clearviewtss. com or call David Gorman at 972.381.9777 xt. 423.

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WHEN CUPIDÂ’S ARROW STRIKES IN THE WORKPLACE&#194

WHEN CUPIDÂ’S ARROW STRIKES IN THE WORKPLACEÂ

While many have struggled to balance their personal life and career, an increasing percentage of the nationÂ’s workforce continues their efforts to combine the two.

(PRWEB) September 7, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: STEVE DUBIN, PR WORKS, (781) 878-9533, sdubin@prworkzone. com

WHEN CUPIDÂ’S ARROW STRIKES IN THE WORKPLACEÂ

Author Paul Falzone, CEO Of The Right One® And Together®, Takes Aim At Inter-Office Dating In Free Book

DATELINE: USA, SEPTEMBER 5, 2002Â…While many have struggled to balance their personal life and career, an increasing percentage of the nationÂ’s workforce continues their efforts to combine the two.

Recent studies indicate that more than one-third of all relationships are started in the workplace, with as much as 80 percent of the workforce having been involved in an inter-office romance at least once.

The upside and downside of these “romantic corporate mergers” are among the topics explored by author Paul A. Falzone in his book, “A Single’s Guide To Finding The Right One.”

In the book, Falzone, CEO of The Right One and Together, the worldÂ’s largest personal introduction service, draws upon his experiences to offer insight into both the cause and consequence of such relationships.

“It shouldn’t come as a surprise that more and more people view dating a co-worker as a safe alternative to bars, health clubs and other such venues for singles to mingle,” Falzone explains. “With a fellow employee there is already an established relationship that allows the opportunity to know each other and find attraction and compatibility.”

LOVE AMONG THE CUBICLES

With more women entering the workforce each decade, the percentage split between men and women has evened, creating the opportunity for increased male-female socializing. Rising divorce rates and the decision by many to delay marriage until later in life means there are more singles in the workplace. Longer workdays are also a major factor in seeking romance among the cubicles. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average workweek now exceeds 50 hours a week and, in many fields, has reached 60 hours a week. For many singles, there isnÂ’t much time left in their week to look for love anywhere else.

For some, the challenges of a workplace romance are worth the risk. According to studies and surveys, as many as 50 percent of these “punch the clock” relationships result in marriage.

But what happens to that other 50 percent?

“In an informal survey of our membership, close to 75 percent have been involved in a failed workplace romance and the negative repercussions were a factor in choosing us to help with their search for a partner,” Falzone said. “Some of the stories we have heard—stalking, retribution, lawsuits and violence—are truly disturbing.”

Not only can a failed romance be traumatic for former couples forced to continue working in close proximity, but, from a business perspective, even a successful relationship can lead to counter-productivity, gossip and claims of preferential treatment. No matter how happy a couple may be, there will inevitably be both small disagreements and heated fights that can create an office-wide distraction. Couples need to also contend with the likely managerial view of employee romances as both unprofessional and a legal liability.

RUNAROUNDÂ…SUE

A recent survey by the Society of Human Resources Managers (SHRM), in conjunction with CareerJournal. com, on the topic of employee dating found that 24 percent of respondents reported having to deal with sexual harassment complaints stemming from a failed office relationship. The poll further revealed that 76 percent of executives (and an even higher 81 percent of Human Resource professionals) consider inter-office romances “dangerous” with 38 percent concurring they will likely “end in disaster.” Fifty-eight percent of executives said workplace romances should be banned because of retaliation and an equal number viewed such liaisons as “unprofessional.”

From a liability perspective, in cases where one employee in a relationship may have supervisory capacity over another, sexual harassment lawsuits loom large. With the average judgment in such lawsuits well over $250,00 (not including legal expenses), companies can no longer afford to look the other way when CupidÂ’s arrow strikes.

Yet, despite these concerns, the 2002 SHRM study also revealed that 75 percent of Human Resource managers and 59 percent of executives who responded said that their company has no written or verbal policy on the matter.

“Many companies have their hands tied when it comes to setting such employee guidelines because even a carefully-worded policy can run afoul of privacy rights and labor law,” Falzone said. “While businesses wrangle with the issue, a better solution, perhaps, is for individuals to take both personal responsibility for their actions and control of their lives. The best advice is, first and foremost, to avoid office romances even though, admittedly, with affairs of the heart such counsel might not sit well. Singles in any workplace or field, no matter how high the stress or heavy the workload, also need to make sure that their job is not all-consuming and, with whatever free time they have, make sure they take time to participate in social activities—anything from a book club or church group to a continuing education class—to help break the ice with potential suitors.”

Falzone’s book, “Finding The Right One,” a $14.95 value, is available free of charge for a limited time from any The Right One or Together location in the United States. To find the location nearest you, or to order the book by phone (for a $3 shipping charge), please call (800) 818-DATE. For additional information, visit the company’s informative Web sites at www. togetherdating. com and www. therightone. com.

FINDING LOVE FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA

The merger of The Right One® with national franchises of Together® created the world's largest introduction service. The alliance is a marriage of convenience for customers -- offering a more consistent product, a greater number of potentially compatible mates and more flexibility in transferring memberships to another geographic region.

Today, with an ambitious plan to open between 12-24 new offices a year, Together® and The Right One have more than 500,000 members – many of whom have their memberships on hold while they take the time to explore a successful relationship. With more than 500 employees, Together® and The Right One® gross more than $40-million a year in revenue.

ROMANTIC LOCATIONS

The Right One has offices and affiliates located throughout the United States, including: California (San Diego); Colorado (Colorado Springs, Denver); Florida (Tampa); Georgia (Atlanta); Hawaii (Honolulu); Illinois (Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, Rockford; Downers Grove and Bloomington); Iowa (Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Bettendorf); Nebraska (Omaha and Lincoln); New Hampshire (Bedford); New Jersey (Cherry Hill, Hackensack); Massachusetts (Hingham, Chestnut Hill, Shrewsbury and Woburn); Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Monroeville); Rhode Island (Warwick); Wisconsin (Madison, Appleton and Milwaukee); Texas (Dallas, Austin).

North American locations and affiliates of Together are: California (Encino, Irvine and Los Angeles); Florida (Palm Beach); Indiana (Ft. Wayne, Indianapolis, South Bend); Kansas (Wichita and Kansas City); Louisiana (New Orleans); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Minnesota (Minneapolis); Nevada (Reno); New Hampshire (Hooksett, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem); New Jersey (Bridgewater, Clark, Colts Neck and Lawrenceville); Ohio (Cincinnati); Pennsylvania (Mechanicsburg and Doylestown); South Carolina (Greenville); South Dakota (Sioux Falls); Texas (Dallas, San Antonio, Beaumont and Houston) and Virginia (Falls Church).

For more information about The Right One® and Together®, please call (800)

818-DATE or visit www. therightone. com and www. togetherdating. com.

EDITORS—

Consider a phone briefing with dating guru Paul A. Falzone, the colorful and

Media savvy CEO of The Right One and Together Dating, the largest dating

Service in the world with over 80 offices nationally. He recently authored

A book on dating.

Paul can be reached directly at (office) 781-749-2360 at paul@therightone. com. Or allow me to make arrangements, contact Steve Dubin, PR Works, at (781) 878-9533 sdubin@prworkzone. com.

Please visit their websites (therightone. com and togetherdating. com) for additional information.

Medicare Agency Announces Decreased Payments to Medicare Advantage Insurers in 2010, Says MedicareSupplementPlans. com

Medicare Agency Announces Decreased Payments to Medicare Advantage Insurers in 2010, Says MedicareSupplementPlans. com

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced cuts in payments to Medicare Advantage insurers of as much as 4.5 percent by the year 2010. The additional costs could be passed along to seniors, says MedicareSupplementPlans. com.

Los Angeles, CA (Vocus) July 22, 2009

In a move that will likely increase costs to seniors for their Medicare Advantage health insurance plans, in April the federal government announced a decrease in the rates it will use to figure Medicare Advantage reimbursements to insurers. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that administers Medicare and Medicaid, expects those payments to fall by 4 to 4.5 percent next year.

This raises concerns for seniors regarding how the lower rate will affect their private health insurance plans, since lower reimbursements could impact earnings for private insurers and cause them to pass along costs to those they insure. The overall impact could be higher premiums with fewer benefits for those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Alan Weinstock, an insurance broker at www. MedicareSupplementPlans. com, recognizes the need for seniors to find the best health care coverage available: "Understanding the differences between Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplement plans, also known as Medigap insurance, is important. It's important to help seniors evaluate their needs by comparing the rates and plans of several well-known insurance companies."

That's exactly what Ira Polak, 70, of Chatsworth, Calif., discovered when he contacted Weinstock. "I especially appreciated his showing my wife and me the plan he felt was best, and not the most expensive."

With Medicare supplement insurance seniors choose their own doctors and hospitals with no referrals for specialists. While there is a monthly premium for Medigap policies, Medicare covers as much as 80 percent of a senior's health care costs and the Medigap plan covers (or supplements) the rest.

With a Medicare Advantage plan seniors typically pay no (or a very low) premium, but the plan becomes the primary insurance. These plans have traditionally required members to see only doctors within a specific network.

Weinstock believes it's important that those 65 and older educate themselves about the various plans available before making a decision and that contacting the brokers at www. MedicareSupplementPlans. com will provide seniors with the insurance information they need.

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Aspen Dental Opens New Office in Bowling Green

Aspen Dental Opens New Office in Bowling Green

New location to provide affordable, full-service denture and dental care.

Syracuse, NY (PRWEB) February 24, 2010

Aspen Dental (www. aspendent. com), a leading provider of denture and dental services, will celebrate the grand opening of its Bowling Green, Kentucky office on Thursday, March 11. The office, located at 1785 Campbell Lane, will provide patients with high-quality denture and dental care and offer a wide range of affordable payment plan options. The opening marks Aspen Dental’s second practice in Kentucky.

“Poor oral health has been linked to overall health issues including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Yet patients very often assume that their oral health is in good standing as long as they’re pain-free, so they don’t see twice-yearly dental exams as a priority,” said Dr. Barry Stahl, lead dentist. “At Aspen Dental, we focus on providing comprehensive care, which means not only addressing any immediate problems that may be causing you pain, but also recommending treatment for long-lasting good health.”

Dr. Stahl earned his DMD degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and has nearly 20 years of clinical experience. Patients can learn more about what to expect during their first visit to Aspen Dental at www. aspendent. com/appointment. first. visit. html (http://www. aspendent. com/appointment. first. visit. html).

Overview of Services Provided at Aspen Dental
Aspen Dental will provide patients with a full range of denture and dental services, including hygiene, oral surgery, fillings, whitening and crown and bridge work. Aspen Dental is the only authorized provider of eight styles of full and partial hand-crafted ComfiDents® brand dentures. As an added convenience to denture patients, the Bowling Green office will have its own on-site denture laboratory, which ensures same-day turnaround for select new dentures, denture repairs, relines or adjustments.

The office, which will employ about eight to 10 staff members, will feature state-of-the-art Kodak Dental Systems digital radiography products to better diagnose, serve and treat patients. The new office will also provide patients with Vizilite Plus®, the most advanced technology in oral cancer screening. Vizilite Plus® uses a blue-light, “glowstick” technology that detects oral cancer at its earliest stage.

Aspen Dental offers free new-patient exams, special pricing on x-rays for new patients without insurance, special pricing on dental and denture services for all patients, and senior discounts.

The office will be open extended hours, including select Saturdays, and will work with all insurance providers. Walk-in patients and emergencies are welcome.

To make an appointment, call 270-842-6700. As an added convenience, patients can visit www. aspendent. com and click "Make an Appointment" to schedule online.

About Aspen Dental
Aspen Dental, one of the largest and fastest-growing providers of denture and dental care services in the U. S., is committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care.

Aspen Dental has grown from 13 offices and three states in 1998 to more than 225 locations in 19 states. More than 350 licensed dentists and 200 dental hygienists work with Aspen Dental throughout Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.

In 2009, Aspen Dental recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental meets the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The company works with all insurance plans.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www. aspendent. com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www. aspendentaljobs. com.

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Medicare Reform Debate in Congress: Long Term Care Expert Valerie VanBooven Simplifies The Issues

Medicare Reform Debate in Congress: Long Term Care Expert Valerie VanBooven Simplifies The Issues

As Republicans and Democrats debate and revise the proposed changes to Medicare, many consumers are asking questions, and wanting clarification. Valerie VanBooven - The Long Term Care Expert addresses the issues, and adds value and understanding to one of the hottest topics of our time.

(PRWEB) November 16, 2003

November 17th, 2003/St. Louis, Missouri/www. aginganswer. com

House and Senate negotiators have been working on a bill to revamp Medicare for months. There will be a meeting of the full Conference Committee at 4:30pm on Tuesday, November 18 to "vote out a bill". Chances are that there will be a 3-day review period after the bill is voted out of the Conference Committee. The debate will then begin late this week. (November 17th, 2003)

Many consumers are wondering exactly what changes are being discussed, and how they will be effected by the new bill.

Valerie VanBooven RN, BSN, CMC addresses the issues and adds value and understanding to a topic that could change the way our healthcare is paid for in this country, especially for seniors and the disabled.

“Before rushing to a conclusion on this Medicare legislation, let’s be sure to design a plan that ALL Americans can LIVE WITH for years to come.” –Valerie VanBooven

Summary

The future direction of Medicare, the nation's guaranteed health insurance program covering 40 million older and disabled Americans, is currently being negotiated in a conference committee formed to address differences in House and Senate bills that were passed in June 2003 (HR 1, S 1). At the center of Medicare reform are contentious questions concerning overall program costs and provisions of a prescription drug plan that could negatively affect millions of elderly Americans and the huge number of baby-boomers expected to retire in the coming years. Some concerns of advocates include:

Medicare will be privatized

The "premium support" or "comparative cost adjustment" competition requirements proposed by the House bill essentially privatize Medicare and increase complexity in health care by forcing the program to compete with private insurance companies in geographically defined areas throughout the country. This will drive up premiums, causing many seniors to switch to less costly private insurance plans administered by HMOs. Physician choice, a central component of fee-for-service Medicare since its inception in the 1960s, will be impaired, especially in rural areas. Additionally, the universality of the program will be severely undermined, triggering a diminishing of public support.

Prescription drug benefits won't reach everyone who needs them

Limiting the prescription drug benefit to those under 150% of the federal poverty level cuts off the 6 to 7 million people earning under $18,000 per year, one of the populations least likely to have drug coverage today. Also, the strict cost control mechanism associated with the 10 year, $400 billion appropriation called for by many in Congress will undercut the protection Medicare provides to its recipients, a protection central to the program's mission.

House Bill – H. R.1

· The House plan will pay for 80 percent of drug bills after a $250 deductible up to a maximum of $2,000. The beneficiary will then be responsible for 100 percent of their drug bills from $2,000 to $4,900 while still paying premiums every month. Above $4,900, the House plan will cover 100 percent.

· The bill prohibits the Medicare program from using the bargaining power of its

40 million beneficiaries to negotiate lower drug prices.

· It discriminates against retirees who get coverage through employer-provided health plans since employer contributions would not count toward meeting the deductibles.

· By 2010, all of Medicare (hospitals, doctors, and drug programs) would be turned into a privatized system. (it is suggested that this has been revised to a “test” market)

· The House added $174 billion in tax giveaways for Medical Savings Accounts, which threaten health plans of active workers. Those funds could be better used for a better Medicare drug benefit.

Senate Bill – S.1

· The Senate plan will pay for only 50 percent of drug costs after a $275 deductible up to a maximum of $4,500. The beneficiary will then be responsible for 100 percent of their drug expenses from $4,500 to $5,813 while still paying premiums every month. Above $5,813, the Senate plan will cover 90 percent.

· It provides disincentives for employers to continue retiree prescription drug coverage because of a low subsidy rate and the method of calculating out-of - pocket expenses for beneficiaries. What the employer pays would not count toward meeting the deductibles. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 4.4 million retirees who currently received drug coverage would lose that coverage under the Senate bill. (this has been revised to protect retirees)

· Like the House bill, seniors would be forced into privately run plans, without guaranteed benefits or premiums.

· There are no incentives to use the bargaining power of 40 million Medicare beneficiaries to bring drug prices down.

"There are 3 big sticking points right now", states VanBooven, "The first one revolves around an issue that negotiators call "premium support"-which essentially injects more free market competition into traditional Medicare. The second sticking point is a proposal to limit the growth of Medicare spending, and finally the last obstacle seems to be a proposal to authorize new tax savings accounts for medical expenses."

"As Congress continues to debate, it is important that consumers in America understand the issues, because this will effect us for generations to come", Valerie says.

Valerie VanBooven is the author of: "Aging Answers: Secrets to Successful Long-Term Care Planning, Caregiving, and Crisis Management"

She is considered a national long-term care expert, and has been recently interviewed on CNNFN's Your Money with Ali Veshi, in Time Magazine, Senior Market Advisor, Best Practices in Compensation and Benefits Magazine, on Behind the Headlines with Jane Silk (Radio America), and by Associated Press, all for her expertise in senior issues.

For more information, and to contact Valerie, please visit her at www. theltcexpert. com, or at www. aginganswer. com.

She can be contacted by phone at 877-529-0550.

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Cooking for one? Let The Single Gourmet show you how easy it can be

Cooking for one? Let The Single Gourmet show you how easy it can be.

New website is a resource of simple, delicious recipes for single cooks as well as ideas and inspiration for achieving a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle.

Boston, MA (PRWEB) June 24, 2010

Cooking for one can often feel like an overwhelming, uninspired or time-consuming task, but The Single Gourmet can show you just how easy and enjoyable it can be to cook for yourself. Recipes are designed to show that with only a few, good-quality ingredients and a well-stocked pantry you can make an inspired and delicious meal in no time.

Taking the mystery out of cooking for yourself is at the heart of The Single Gourmet. Recipes are simply prepared and ingredients are scaled for single servings so that you don’t have to eat the same meal all week, as many single people tend to do.

“Many of the featured recipes are vegetarian and use seasonal ingredients, which offers readers a wide variety of healthy options,” explains site founder Karen Covey. “I’ve highlighted seasonal recipes throughout the site because using produce that’s in season is a great way to take advantage of the freshest ingredients, which will inspire you as you do your shopping.”

The Single Gourmet is filled with more than just great recipes. It also provides helpful tips and techniques from professional chefs. Learn the secrets of how they cook, key ingredients and insider tips from some of the country’s finest culinary chefs.

The Single Gourmet also offers great ideas for quick and easy entertaining. With the right ingredients on hand, basic pantry items can quickly be turned into simple dishes for entertaining. Learn how to build your pantry with recommended featured ingredients and recipes to discover new ways in which they can be easily incorporated into everyday cooking and entertaining. The main ingredients in each recipe are searchable, which provides an easy way to find a variety of ways for getting the most out of what you have on hand.

Readers will be inspired with features highlighting sophisticated style ideas for the kitchen, home and their lifestyle. Great gourmet products are featured, in addition to profiles of interesting books -- from classics to hot, new releases. To complete the site’s well-rounded approach to living well, destinations perfect for solo travelers are also highlighted. The Single Gourmet is the perfect resource for achieving a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle.

For more information, please visit http://www. thesinglegourmetonline. com (http://www. thesinglegourmetonline. com) or follow The Single Gourmet on Facebook or Twitter.

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