1stopstation: January 2005

Monday, January 31, 2005

Empyrean Benefit Solutions Signs New Health and Welfare Administration Client

Continued growth for Empyrean Benefit Solutions.

Houston, TX (PRWEB) July 3, 2008

Empyrean Benefit Solutions (Empyrean) is proud to announce a multi-year agreement to perform Health and Welfare administration services for a large utility in the northwest US.

Although the entity had outsourced their benefit administration long ago, they were interested in improving quality and obtaining greater breadth of service. Empyrean's in-depth knowledge and experience with health and welfare administrative process, combined with a state-of-the-art technology platform enabled Empyrean to offer an extremely broad service delivery model at a fraction of the cost charged by traditional suppliers of top-tier services.

"Empyrean provides services in-house that other outsourcers obtain from third parties," said the utilities, Director of Compensation and Benefits. "Not only are we able to consolidate vendor relationships, but we are also obtaining much more flexibility and customization specific to our business requirements; all for less than we were spending before."

"This client is one of the largest utilities in the northwest and very committed to providing high levels of service to both customers and employees" said Dave Carlson, CEO of Empyrean. "We are extremely excited to help them not only meet their commitment to employee service, but to exceed expectations."

About Empyrean
Empyrean Benefit Solutions (www. empyreanbenefits. com), an emerging leader in providing health and welfare solutions, is lead by Dave Carlson, former founder of SynHRgy HR Technologies, Inc. To date, Empyrean has 22 clients across the U. S. leveraging their unique and powerful technologies to achieve process transformation and business goals. Empyrean's service delivery model represents the next generation in benefits delivery capability, combining traditional health and welfare administration services with powerful healthcare data to enable reductions in costs associated with plan sponsorship.

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Sunday, January 30, 2005

Man Discovers All-Natural Cure for Excessive Sweating

In his new book "Stop Sweating and Start Living," Mike Ramsey details an all-natural process for ending excessive sweating in less than two weeks.

Humble, TX (PRWEB) March 9, 2007

For the millions of Americans who suffer from excessive sweating the news couldn't be any better - not only is there now a cure for this embarrassing condition, but the cure works in just two weeks or less.

"It's true," said Mike Ramsey, author of "Stop Sweating and Start Living: A Practical Guide to Ending Your Underarm Sweat Problem." "At last, there's an effective way for anyone to cure their excessive sweating (http://www. sweatcure. com) problem - in just two weeks - without prescription drugs or risky surgery."

In "Stop Sweating and Start Living," Ramsey details his three-step, all-natural technique for preventing underarm sweat problems that he developed after attending a seminar on natural health.

Here's what Ramsey's two-week process is not: it's not another so-called "high-power" antiperspirant; it is not a lotion, cream or injection; it does not involve painful surgery or medical treatment in any way; it is not a prescription or non-prescription drug; it is not a supplement or "natural" pill; it is not a painful electrical current treatment; and it is not a vitamin or diet recommendation.

Here's what Ramsey's two-week process is: The "Stop Sweating and Start Living" cure is a practical and unique treatment for the underarm region that permanently gets rid of a man or woman's underarm sweat problem - naturally and without side effects. It is a simple process that takes about 30 seconds a day, using readily available and inexpensive products and it's easy to incorporate into a morning or evening routine.

"Here's the bottom line," Ramsey said. "I suffered from embarrassing underarm sweat for years, ever since I was in high school. But using this method I cured it naturally in just two weeks, and started living worry-free again."

Now Ramsey wants to share his good fortune with others and let them in on the secret technique he used to get rid of his excessive underarm sweat problem - permanently.

"I discovered the REAL reason for my underarm sweat problem … and after two weeks of self-treatment I cured it," Ramsey said. "In fact, in the 10 years since, I have never been self-conscious about raising my arms in public. I have never worn an undershirt to soak-up my sweat, and I have never had a sweaty armpit (except during intense physical exercise)."

Now in "Stop Sweating and Start Living," readers have the opportunity to learn exactly how Ramsey, and hundreds of others who have read his ebook, have stopped underarm sweat in just two weeks or less.

To learn more about "Stop Sweating and Start Living," please visit http://www. sweatcure. com (http://www. sweatcure. com), where the ebook is also available for purchase.

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Saturday, January 29, 2005

New Soybean Facility to Meet Growing Demand for DuPont Innovation

DuPont and State of Missouri Announce New $55 Million Facility To Help Meet Rising Need for Pioneer® Brand Soybeans

Des Moines, IA and Jefferson City, MO (Vocus) March 5, 2010

DuPont and the state of Missouri announced DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred plans to construct a commercial and parent soybean seed production facility in New Madrid County, Mo. The $55 million project is one of many expansions Pioneer is making to ensure it meets rising demand for its products and helps farmers meet the strong global demand for grain.

Pioneer, which recently acquired 129 acres of land in Missouri’s New Madrid County, expects initial operation to begin fall 2011 after construction is completed. The new plant is expected to employ about 50 people once it is fully operational.

“This location strengthens our ability to bring new products to the market faster and to help farmers increase their productivity and profit,” said Paul E. Schickler, president – Pioneer Hi-Bred. “Our high-yielding Y Series soybeans have created even more demand for Pioneer soybeans, and this new facility will help ensure that growing demand is met.”

“As our economy continues to recover, it is critically important that high-tech, high-paying companies such as Pioneer invest in Missouri and create new jobs for our workers,” said David Kerr, director – Missouri Department of Economic Development. “Pioneer’s plan to build a new production facility in New Madrid County further demonstrates how a strong package of state tax incentive programs can serve as a powerful tool to help draw quality companies to Missouri, creating new jobs and moving our economy forward.”

“The Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) is pleased to partner with the Department of Economic Development to bring this exciting project and new jobs to southeast Missouri,” said Jason Hall, executive director – MTC. “This project is a direct result of the work of the state and MTC, along with others, to strategically market Missouri’s strength in agricultural-biotechnology and to bring these next-generation jobs to all corners of the state.”

As the first Pioneer production facility in Missouri, the new plant primarily will serve soybean growers in more southern geographies in the United States. Pioneer also has a research facility in Miami, Mo., as well as selling corn, soybean, sorghum and wheat seed in the state.

The launch of the Y Series is the result of a proprietary matrix of traits and technologies Pioneer researchers have been developing and deploying to accelerate product development. Pioneer is employing its exclusive Accelerated Yield Technology (AYTTM) system and marker-assisted selection to boost the yield potential and improve the agronomic performance of these varieties. This harnesses the power of the Pioneer germplasm collection, strong bioassays, computing power and molecular breeding tools to drive genetic gain at unprecedented rates.

Soybean varieties from Pioneer show a 1.3 bushel per acre yield advantage against all competitive varieties, according to data collected on 11,692 direct, on-farm field comparisons in 2009. Among these comparisons, Pioneer® brand soybeans, with the original Roundup Ready® gene, have on average a 2.7 bushel per acre yield advantage against varieties from competitors with the new Roundup Ready® 2 Yield® technology.

Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) is a private, not-for-profit corporation, established by the Missouri General Assembly. It is charged with leading Missouri’s technology-based economic development strategy, including strengthening of the economy of the state through the development of science and technology; to promote the modernization of Missouri businesses by supporting the transfer of science, technology and quality improvement methods to the workplace; and to enhance the productivity and modernization of Missouri businesses by providing leadership in the establishment of methods of technology application, technology commercialization and technology development.

Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world’s leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics in nearly 70 countries.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements based on management’s current expectations, estimates and projections. The company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements as a result of future developments or new information. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including statements about the company’s strategy for growth, product development, market position, expected expenditures and financial results are forward-looking statements. Some of the forward-looking statements may be identified by words like “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects,” “indicates,” and similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors, including those discussed more fully elsewhere in this release and in DuPont’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, particularly its latest annual report on Form 10-K, as well as others, could cause results to differ materially from those stated. These factors include, but are not limited to changes in the laws, regulations, policies and economic conditions of countries in which the company does business; competitive pressures; successful integration of structural changes, including acquisitions, divestitures and alliances; research and development of new products, including regulatory approval and market acceptance, and seasonality of sales of agricultural products.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont, The miracles of science, Pioneer® and Accelerated Yield Technology (AYTTM) are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.

Roundup Ready® and Roundup Ready 2 Yield® are trademarks of Monsanto Company.

Contacts:
Doyle Karr
DuPont
515-270-3428

John Fougere
Missouri Depart. of Economic Development
573-522-5058

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Friday, January 28, 2005

TreatmentReport Grows to Over 2000 Personal Treatment Reviews

Sorting through message board posts or blog comments trying to figure out which treatments work best for a certain condition is not an easy task. TreatmentReport. com makes finding health information simple and fast by organizing treatment reviews that people provide. Recently the site reached 2000 review mark and is growing.

Dublin, CA (PRWEB) July 30, 2010

Sorting through message board posts or blog comments trying to figure out which treatments work best for a certain condition is not an easy task. TreatmentReport makes finding health information simple and fast by organizing treatment reviews that people provide. Recently the site reached 2000 review mark and is growing.

Site users can select a condition and find statistics about various treatments that others have tried. For example, lower back pain treatment results, grouped by category, give an idea of how others did. For some common conditions, the list of treatments is large but it is easy to find the ones that worked and the ones caused harm (www. treatmentreport. com/conditions/back-lower-lumbar-pain/8/ (http://www. treatmentreport. com/conditions/back-lower-lumbar-pain/8/)).

To go beyond statistics, site users can read cases Usually, a case will provide detailed information about the condition, treatments used, dates, and some data about the person who shared the case. If someone wants to share their own case, it just takes a few minutes. It is surprising how much health information and experience ordinary people have.

Visit the site or contact us for more information.

# # #

Smallpox Vaccine Development Agreement

SANTA CLARA, CA (PRWEB) August 11, 2005

MDM Group, Inc. (OTC. PK: MDDM) advises that its Biodefense Division has entered into agreement with AvaxisBio for the development of a smallpox vaccine designed for safe and effective public immunization to counter bioterrorism. AvaxisBio is developing a vaccine by rational design, made from small peptide molecules based on selected portions of the Variola virus genome selected for optimal effects on the human immune system.

Smallpox is a top priority on the bioterrorism threat list. Since routine vaccinations stopped in 1980 and vaccination offers immunity for only seven to ten years, the world is in effect a virgin population, highly susceptible to reintroduction of the virus. Although the official repositories of the virus are maintained under high security in the United States and Russia, there is concern that terrorists may have access to certain smallpox virus and could use it as a weapon. If this happened, a large percentage of the population could become seriously ill as smallpox is highly contagious and virulent. As many as 30% of those infected could die as there is no known cure -- and if the hemorrhagic or flat smallpox variants were to be used the death rates would be much higher, 95-99%.

Currently available smallpox vaccines use modified live Vaccinia virus that are costly and time intensive in their application. As an indication, to vaccinate just a million people per day, using current methods and immunization process, would require about 35,000 medical teams as well as the infrastructure to support the initiative. Further, current vaccines are also not considered safe for use in certain segments of the population, especially those with skin diseases, immune disorders, HIV, and pregnant or lactating mothers. In addition, the FDA requires a "Black Box" (serious danger) warning on a large proportion of the currently available doses of smallpox vaccine due to concerns about occurrence of heart toxicity called acute myopericarditis in healthy individuals.

In early 2003, the U. S. government decided to vaccinate 500,000 civilian healthcare workers who would be responsible for the vaccination of the general population if necessary. By April 13, 2003, the Centers for Disease Control reported 86 potentially with serious side effects, including several deaths and several dozen cases of myocarditis -- consequently only just 32,644 healthcare workers volunteered to be vaccinated. Vaccine safety is of primary concern.

For smallpox vaccine to be available to the entire population in the event of an outbreak, MDM Group and AvaxisBio are targeting a greatly improved product and vaccination process. Both are clearly needed should such a threat materialize.

AvaxisBio Corporation was incorporated in the state of Delaware on November 8, 2004. Based on the Business Plan developed by Dr. Amir Maksyutov, senior technical director and inventor in cooperation with the US Department of State BII program (BioIndustry Initiative), AvaxisBio has attracted significant potential investment interest in the company. AvaxisBio is focused on commercializing the Maksyutov Antigenic Peptide technology platform, a method for designing vaccines that takes into account the genetic variability of pathogens that cause AIDS, Hepatitis C, and Influenza. BII enabled the commercialization of this platform through a strategic PCT (Patent Convention Treaty) filing after the early-stage discovery work was funded by BTEP (Biotechnology Engagement Program).

AvaxisBio has developed a computerized method that allows for selection of the specific regions within viral proteins that will cause a desirable immune effect against smallpox, while ruling out those regions which might cause autoimmune or other side effects. This method, based on original antigenic similarity matrix, takes into account small changes in the amino acid building block sequence of the protein regions and whether they do or do not affect the safety or efficacy of the vaccine component.

MDM Vice President, Ed Stephen, has indicated that the new vaccine is expected to be safe in all population segments as well as be effective against all strains of pox viruses by the nature of the component selection process that is proprietary to AvaxisBio.

Under the terms of the AvaxisBio agreement, MDM Group will fund certain ongoing expenses during a due diligence period, after which MDM will acquire a 50% interest in a joint company that will be newly-formed for the purpose of developing and testing smallpox vaccines, in exchange for $0.5 million of initial seed capital and other non-monetary contributions to support on-going research activities.

MDM Group's Biodefense Division is focused on discovery of and rapid development of vaccines and other countermeasures to support the Homeland Defense requirements of the United States government and its citizens as well as those in other countries.

MDM Group's business interests are focused on the Security, Biodefense and Homeland Security industries.

Safe Harbor Statement

The information in this release, other than historical information, may be considered forward-looking statements within the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Projection and other forward-looking statements and management expectations regarding future events and/or financial performance of the Company -- although given in good faith -- are inherently uncertain and actual events and/or results may differ materially.

Source: MDM Group, Inc

For further information see: http://www. mdmgroupinc. com (http://www. mdmgroupinc. com)

MDM Group is featured on www. HomelandDefenseStocks. com a global investment research portal for defense and security.

Contact:

MDM Group, Inc.

Trevor Ruehs

866-894-3910

Contact via http://www. marketwire. com/mw/emailprcntct? id=AA4DC40F2B9D7223 (http://www. marketwire. com/mw/emailprcntct? id=AA4DC40F2B9D7223)

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Thursday, January 27, 2005

Software Pioneer, Serial Entrepreneur Pat Sullivan to Lead Power-Packed Conference Agenda: Nov. 8 Entrepreneurship Conference Reveals Lineup of Success Stories

Businesses and entrepreneurs looking for funding, talent, real estate plays for the future, green initiatives or innovative ideas will find them all at The Second Annual Arizona Entrepreneurship conference November 8.The day-long event will network participants with an ever-growing proliferation of Arizona entrepreneurial successes and angels. Pat Sullivan, the founder of ACT! and SalesLogix, currently Chairman of Jigsaw Health, will deliver the keynote about his new Scottsdale-based venture. "Our conference tracks will focus on Being Green, Real Estate, Funding Your Company, Exit Strategies, Innovation, women entrepreneurs, and a host of other relevant topics specific to entrepreneurs in Arizona," revealed Francine Hardaway, CEO of Stealthmode Partners and primary conference organizer.

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) August 15, 2007

Pat Sullivan, the founder of ACT! and SalesLogix, currently Chairman of Jigsaw Health, will deliver the keynote about his new Scottsdale-based venture.

"Our conference tracks will focus on Being Green, Real Estate, Funding Your Company, Exit Strategies, Innovation, women entrepreneurs, and a host of other relevant topics specific to entrepreneurs in Arizona," revealed Francine Hardaway, CEO of Stealthmode Partners and primary conference organizer. "We are creating a more efficient ecosystem for Arizona entrepreneurs, and we will make sure the people who attend this event will receive the value they deserve for giving us their time."

Two Arizona tech companies who recently achieved liquidity events will be presenting: Limelight Networks completed its Initial Public Offering in June 2007 and in the same month Zenter, an online presentation software tool, was acquired by Google. The conference will feature these two companies as well as Pat Sullivan's new venture, Jigsaw Health, a social venture devoted to helping people figure out how to handle their chronic health problems.

Like the inaugural Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference held in late 2006, the goals of the November 8th conference are to provide connections and resources to the entrepreneurial community in Arizona designed to help further create and build the critical mass. All proceeds benefit the Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation which trains underserved and at-risk populations in entrepreneurship skills for self-sufficiency.

The conference will be held at the Phoenix Airport Marriott Hotel from 7:30am to 4:30pm and will be limited to 500 attendees, including panelists, media and speakers. The conference concludes with a networking reception from 4:30 to 6:30pm.

Registrations are being taken at http://www. azentrepreneurship. com (http://www. azentrepreneurship. com). The cost of the conference is $125, which includes lunch and a continental breakfast. Early-bird registration is $99.
The agenda is available online at

The First Annual Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference [audio | photos | video | site] was held November 8th, 2006 and filled the Phoenix Ritz-Carlton to capacity.

For Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference sponsorship information, please contact Greg Gotcher, 602-432-6160.

Sponsors
Arizona Corporate Broadcast Center
Arizona Small Business Association
Business Journal of Phoenix
City of Tempe Economic Development Department
Deru Internet Services
Ephibian
Gitenstein & Assadi Public Relations
Grid7
Sacks Public Relations
Stealthmode Partners

Community Partners
Arizona Department of Education
Arizona Internet Professionals Association
Arizona Small Business Association
Arizona Technology Council
Club Entrepreneur
The Institute for Entrepreneurship
Social Media Club Phoenix

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Wonderfulbuys Adds Vibra-Motion - the All-in-One Slimming and Massage Belt

Now everyone can enjoy a targeted slimming working while experiencing and enjoying a soothing and comforting workout with the Vibra-Motion Massage Belt, now available on Wonderfulbuys. com.

Mississauga, Ontario (PRWEB) October 19, 2006

Most people want to lose a few extra pounds. But most people don’t have time to get to the gym. Most people also want to enjoy a relaxing massage. But most people also don’t have the time to visit a massage therapist.

Now everyone can enjoy a targeted slimming working while experiencing and enjoying a soothing and comforting workout with the Vibra-Motion Massage Belt, now available on Wonderfulbuys. com!

The Vibra-Motion Massage Belt is the all-in-one slimming and massaging belt that can be used anywhere on the body where a deep massage is needed or where a few extra pounds or inches need to be shed.

“Let’s face it, people today are too time stressed to be able to take care of themselves the way they should, in terms of working out regularly to keep the pounds off or to pamper and recharge themselves with a comforting massage. The Vibra-Motion Massage Belt eases the tension caused by everyday life, and as it does that, it also works the muscles so that people can keep those extra pounds away. It’s a perfect combination of health and relaxation benefits,” says Vedant Rajput, President & CEO of Wonderfulbuys. com.

The Vibra-Motion Massage Belt has a variety of features and settings which make it user friendly. Designed to give a gentle, relaxing massage, the special bi-directional massaging action contracts the muscles, resulting in a light workout which helps in keeping weight down while boosting self-esteem.

Each Vibra-Motion Massage Belt can be used all over the body, including:

Back Shoulders Hips Thighs Waist Belly & Abs

And the Vibra-Motion Massage Belt also comes with the following features, which truly makes it a must-have item:

Hand-held control unit Automatic or manual controls DC adapter

“People today are looking for items that are time saving, beneficial and helpful. Wonderfulbuys has over 700 items that fit those criteria, and we believe that the Vibra-Motion Massage Belt is a terrific addition,” adds Rajput.

With the Vibra-Motion Massage Belt, people can experience a soothing massage and slim away those unwanted pounds – all at the same time.

ABOUT WONDERFULBUYS. COM

Wonderfulbuys. com is the world’s largest, single-source distributor and electronic retailer of unique and As-Seen-On-TV products. Wonderfulbuys. com has warehouses and facilities in the US, Canada and the UK specifically designed to stock and ship unique and As-Seen-On-TV products across the globe. The wonderfulbuys. com website makes these products available to consumers online, anytime, anywhere in the world. With over 1,000 products available online (and many more available to go online each day), Wonderfulbuys. com is a powerhouse in the online, As-Seen-On-TV category.

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Tuesday, January 25, 2005

Yogi-Philosopher’s Guide to Balance & Harmony

Author Gudjon Bergmann shows readers how to live a balanced and fulfilling life in his ground-breaking new book "The Seven Human Needs."

Hafnafjordur, Iceland (PRWEB) September 28, 2006

There are seven basic areas necessary for human happiness and harmony, says Gudjon Bergmann in his groundbreaking self-development book, "The Seven Human Needs." Being aware of how to balance them can lead to contentment, peace and a new purpose in life.

Inspired by ancient Indian philosophers as well as Plato, Aristotle and modern thinkers like Howard Gardner, Ken Wilber and Abraham Maslow, author and yogi Gudjon Bergmann has uncovered a practical, simple way to create a balanced and integrated life. Bergmann divides human needs into seven areas, including security, spirituality, excitement, wisdom, love and two others. Excesses or deficiencies in any one area can lead to unhappiness in that area and/or others, according to Bergmann. Using powerful metaphors and clear examples, he showcases his easy-to-implement advice that addresses both positive aspects and inequalities, which can lead to a new equilibrium.

The key to having a harmonious life is self-knowledge, author Bergmann proposes. Understanding the seven human needs can help anyone assume control over their life and destiny, making The Seven Human Needs the eighth need essential for creating a richer, more balanced, and contented life.

For more information please visit his website at www. sevenhumanneeds. com. "The Seven Human Needs" is available for sale online at Amazon. com, Borders. com and through additional wholesale and retail channels worldwide.

About the Author

Devoted yogi and practical philosopher Gudjon Bergmann has written dozens of health-related articles, hosted two yoga-based TV series and currently works as a writer, yoga teacher and speaker both abroad and at home. His seventh book, "The Seven Human Needs," is also his first book in English and was born out of his observations of the difficulty highly spiritual individuals experience with finances, sex and relationships. Gudjon Bergmann lives in Hafnafjordur, Iceland with his wife, son and stepdaughter.

About BookSurge

BookSurge LLC, an Amazon. com company, is a pioneer in self-publishing and print-on-demand services. Offering unique publishing opportunities and access for authors, BookSurge boasts an unprecedented number of authors whose work has resulted in book deals with traditional publishers as well as successful authorpreneurs who enhance or build a business from their professional expertise.

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Volunteer Center Joins Forces With Spina Bifida Association of Alabama to Spread Word on Prevention

The Volunteer Center of Madison County, in observation of Spina Bifida Awareness Month, is searching for volunteers to help spread the word about Spina Bifida prevention.

Huntsville, AL (PRWEB) October 8, 2007

The Volunteer Center of Madison County, in observation of Spina Bifida Awareness Month, is searching for volunteers to help spread the word about Spina Bifida prevention.

Trish Switzer, president of the Spina Bifida Association of Alabama and the parent of a daughter with Spina Bifida, is always on the lookout for assistance with education programs. "Parents of children with Spina Bifida are the best advocates and educators, but they're so busy that sometimes they just can't do much more."

Switzer's main message? Women of childbearing age should take folic acid supplements BEFORE they get pregnant. According to the Spina Bifida Association of America, the exact cause of Spina Bifida is not known, but genetics and environmental factors are involved. Daily consumption of the B-vitamin, folic acid, prior to pregnancy reduces the occurrence of Spina Bifida by up to 70 percent.

Switzer said the perfect candidates for volunteers to educate people about Spina Bifida prevention include health-care workers and "just about anybody who's willing to learn about the problem and help others learn about it."

Spina Bifida is a lifelong birth defect in which the spine has not closed completely. One out of every 1,000 newborns in the United States has it, according to the SBA of America. While most babies born with Spina Bifida 30 years ago died, 80 to 90 percent of infants born with the birth defect today live. Many go on to lead successful and productive lives. The effects of Spina Bifida vary widely from individual to individual; it is a medically complex birth defect affecting the orthopedic, urologic and central nervous system.

If you would like to volunteer with the SBA of Alabama, please contact The Volunteer Center at (256) 539-7797.

The Volunteer Center of Madison County is the premier connection between volunteers and community needs. We partner with the community to mobilize volunteers and provide solutions to local challenges. We build the capacity of partner agencies - United Way and Combined Federal Campaign - to involve and manage volunteers and to address local needs through volunteering. Created in 1969 as a clearing-house to link new volunteers with non-profit organizations, the Volunteer Center believes that only people can solve community problems.

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Monday, January 24, 2005

AML Announces Key Product Enhancements for the M7100 Wireless Handheld Scanner

Same stable performance – plus significant enhancements to boost product durability and further improve wireless network security.

EULESS, TX (PRWEB) April 5, 2006 -–

AML, a leading developer and manufacturer of wired and wireless automated data capture products, today announced key product enhancements to the popular M7100 wireless handheld barcode scanner. These enhancements combine to boost the durability, wireless security, and overall performance of the AML M7100 wireless handheld scanner – while delivering the same “no lock-up” system stability and rapid return on investment customers have come to expect from AML products.

The AML M7100 wireless handheld scanner now features a new protective top rubber boot, standard 32MB/16MB expanded memory, new native TN5250 client (along with VT100/VT220 clients), and improved wireless security capabilities (WEP/WPA/WPA2).

Staying true to their motto, “Never Complicated,” AML is offering the newly enhanced M7100 wireless handheld barcode scanner without increasing the cost. AML customers can continue to enjoy the M7100’s stable performance, plus the new durability and security enhancements, at the same great price.

“AML continues to invest in its M7100 family of wireless products based on close ties to customer needs,” said Mike Kearby, AML President. “The enhanced M7100 wireless handheld scanner incorporates critical features and operational benefits necessary for today’s demanding wireless data capture applications. The recent enhancements to the M7100 handheld scanner confirm our commitment to provide durable, secure, and feature-rich products to the marketplace. No other device in its class offers so much, for so little.”

The M7100 wireless handheld barcode scanner is available for immediate shipment and is ideally suited for everyday use in warehouse, distribution, retail, and other real-time inventory management applications. For more information, visit AML’s website at www. amltd. com or call 800-648-4452.

About AML

Never Complicated

AML is a trusted developer and manufacturer of reliable, high performance barcode and data collection products. Since 1983, AML and its business partners have helped companies worldwide to optimized efficiencies, enhance productivity, and improve supply chain performance – in manufacturing, logistics, distribution, retail and healthcare applications.

AML products include handheld data capture terminals (mobile, wireless, and batch), programmable stationary terminals (fixed station, wired and wireless), vehicle mount terminals, wireless application design software, inventory control software, and an assortment of barcode scanning systems. AML data capture products deliver proven technology that is easy to implement, cost-effective, and backed by the direct involvement from real people, before and after the sale.

To learn more visit amltd. com or call (800) 648-4452. Discover how AML’s personal approach to business, sets us apart in the data capture industry.

AML

2190 Regal Parkway

Euless, TX 76040

Telephone 817-571-9015

Toll-Free: 800-648-4452

Fax 817-685-6232

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Sunday, January 23, 2005

Lorman Education Services Presents an AIA Contracts seminar on November 3

This "AIA Contracts" seminar is designed to provide a working knowledge of the AIA family of documents.

(PRWEB) September 16, 2005

This seminar will provide you with a working knowledge of the AIA family of documents.

These documents are commonly used to administer a construction project from inception through completion. By being familiar with the entire family of documents, you will understand how the terms and conditions of the other project participantsÂ’ contracts impact you. Depending upon your role in the project, the seminar will make you aware of what your obligations, rights and risks are when you sign an AIA document, and what you need to do to satisfy your obligations, protect your rights and manage your risks. The speakers will also discuss what modifications you should make to these documents to better reflect your interests and needs, and how to tailor the documents to the type of project you are working on.

Ralph L. Arnsdorf is a principal of the law firm of Franklin & Prokopik, where his practice emphasizes civil trial work, including intentional torts, premises liability, property and casualty, accident cases involving health and disability, automobile and admiralty, insurance coverage disputes (including declaratory judgments to existence of coverage), bad faith claims and fidelity claims. In the construction field, he has represented architects, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, owners and suppliers in the full range of cases from construction site accidents to delay and disruption of schedule claims. Mr. Arnsdorf received his B. S. degree from Cornell University and his J. D. degree from the University of California at Davis. Mr. Arnsdorf is admitted to the Maryland State Bar, the Maryland Federal Bar, the California State Bar, the California Federal Bar, the District of Columbia Bar, the Court of Appeals for D. C., the U. S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit and the U. S. Court of Appeals for the D. C. Federal Court. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the California State Bar Association, the Maryland State Bar Association, the District of Columbia Bar Association, the Baltimore City Bar Association, the Baltimore County Bar Association and the Defense Research Institute, Inc. He is also an American Arbitration Association panel arbitrator for construction claims. Mr. Arnsdorf has lectured and published extensively on issues of law and procedure involving litigation practice, insurance defense, and coverage and construction law issues.

Kenneth K. Sorteberg, Esq., is a partner with the construction law firm of Huddles & Jones, P. C. He is both a civil engineer and an attorney. He received a B. S. degree in civil engineering from the University of Maryland, a Master of Engineering Administration degree in construction management from The George

Washington University and his J. D. degree, with honors, from the University Of Maryland School Of Law. He formerly managed construction projects for The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company from 1985 to 1991, and he served with the Maryland Stadium Authority in 1991 and 1992 during the construction of Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mr. Sorteberg remains involved in the construction community, particularly with the Associated Builders and Contractors, the Building Congress and Exchange, and the American Society of Civil Engineers. He is an active writer and speaker. His articles are published from time to time in construction industry journals, and he conducts construction law seminars and lobbies for legislative change on behalf of the contracting community. Mr. Sorteberg has entirely devoted his law practice to construction and government contract law, as well as mediation and arbitration. He has represented contractors, subcontractors, owners, architects, sureties and insurance companies in every conceivable type of construction dispute.

Paul S. Sugar is a principal with Ober, Kaler, Grimes & Shriver. Mr. SugarÂ’s practice focuses on construction dispute resolution (government and private), and the representation of owners, contractors, subcontractors and design professionals in all matters related to the construction process. His dispute resolution experience includes jury, non-jury, arbitration and administrative trials and mediations. Mr. Sugar has substantial experience in handling construction claims (commercial and industrial), mechanicsÂ’ liens, design negligence and surety disputes. He has served as both a neutral and party arbitrator in domestic and international construction disputes, and has acted as a mediator. His extensive general counsel work includes drafting and negotiation of design and construction contracts, including design-build and construction management, furnishing project advice and negotiating project disputes. He is a past member of the Construction Panel of Neutral Arbitrators of the American Arbitration Association. Mr. Sugar received his J. D. degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law and his B. A. degree from Washington & Lee University.

This seminar is designed for attorneys, presidents, vice presidents, owners, project managers, architects, engineers, controllers, accountants, contract managers, property and facilities managers, principals and real estate developers.

To register for this event please click http://www. lorman. com/info/357794 (http://www. lorman. com/info/357794) or please call 866-352-9539 to speak with a Lorman Education customer service representative. Reference number for this event is 18189.

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Saturday, January 22, 2005

Bioness Announces NESS H200 and L300 Systems to Be Available at 88 HealthSouth Hospitals Nationwide

Bioness Inc., an innovative provider of advanced neuromodulation products designed to accelerate recovery from central nervous system disorders, announced today that HealthSouth Corporation, the nation’s largest provider of inpatient rehabilitative healthcare services, will expand the availability of the NESS H200® Hand Rehabilitation System and the NESS L300™ Foot Drop System to 88 rehabilitation hospitals nationwide.

VALENCIA, Calif. (PRWEB) July 30, 2008

"HealthSouth is committed to using technology effectively for our patients, so we've developed a rigorous process for evaluating and selecting new therapeutic devices," said Dr. Dexanne Clohan, HealthSouth Chief Medical Officer. "We look for innovations that would be well accepted by patients and therapists and offer opportunities for improved clinical outcomes."

HealthSouth's Bioness pilot program initially involved 27 hospitals. It will expand its NESS H200 program to 37 hospitals and its NESS L300 program to 54 hospitals. The roll-out into these additional facilities is scheduled for completion by September 2008.

"We are excited about HealthSouth's decision to expand their Bioness programs and allow many more individuals access to our advanced technologies nationwide," said Yitzhak Zilberman, President & CEO of Bioness Inc. "We are proud of this technology and are gratified by HealthSouth's favorable assessment."

Bioness' devices are designed to help patients living with limitations caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and other central nervous system disorders. The NESS H200 Hand Rehabilitation System is designed for patients who have difficulties using their weak or paralyzed arm and hand to perform common tasks that require grasp and release, especially two-handed activities such as pushing a cart, fastening a belt, buttoning or sweeping. The H200 helps to restore lost arm and hand function through repetitive training with patients and may re-educate their muscles and reduce complications including muscle spasms. The NESS L300 Foot Drop System is designed to help patients suffering from foot drop walk more safely and easily. The award-winning L300 is a light-weight, wireless device that fits just below the knee, and may eliminate the need for patients to wear a rigid, heavy orthosis.

About HealthSouth

HealthSouth is the nation's largest provider of inpatient rehabilitation services. Operating in 26 states across the country and in Puerto Rico, HealthSouth serves more than 250,000 patients annually through its network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, long-term acute care hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation satellites, and home health agencies. HealthSouth strives to be the health care company of choice for its patients, employees, physicians and shareholders and can be found on the Web at www. healthsouth. com.

About Bioness Inc.

Bioness develops, manufactures and markets innovative neuromodulation products that aid individuals in the recovery from central nervous system disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and other central nervous system disorders.

The NESS L300™ Foot Drop System and the NESS H200® Hand Rehabilitation System, cleared for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and granted the CE Mark in the European Union are designed to enable patients to achieve new levels of physical independence and productivity.

Additional information about Bioness can be found at www. bioness. com.

NESS L300™, NESS H200® and BIONESS® are trademarks of Bioness Inc., Valencia, California | Manufacturer: Bioness Inc. | European Authorized Manufacturing Site: Bioness Neuromodulation Ltd., Ra'anana, Israel | Rx Only

Friday, January 21, 2005

UK Franchisers are Finding It Increasingly Difficult to Recruit New Franchisees

Dublin (PRWEB) December 21, 2005

Research and Markets (http://www. researchandmarkets. com/reports/c29799 (http://www. researchandmarkets. com/reports/c29799)) has announced the addition of Franchising Market Report 2005 to their offering

This report examines the UK franchising market, although it excludes two kinds of business relationships that are similar to, but not the same as, franchising. These are motor vehicle dealerships and tenancy agreements in the public house industry.

UK franchising forms a significant component of the economy, with the turnover of the franchising industry in 2004 standing at an estimated £9.82bn. It has historically formed an innovative part of the economy, often introducing new products and services to the public. Franchising is particularly strong in retailing, food and business-to-business services.

Franchising is still an attractive proposition for individuals who want to run their own business. They are able to invest in a known brand where the business concept has already been tried and tested in the marketplace. Franchising is increasingly appealing to people who are aged 45 and over. These are individuals who have taken early retirement or who desire a change of direction in their career. More women are entering the franchising sector, which has traditionally been a masculine arena.

Two major trends are emerging in the industry. The first is that the market is maturing. At the same time, the length of time that most individuals have spent as a franchisee is also increasing, which has led to increased stability in the industry. However, the more negative market trend is that franchisers are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit new franchisees.

The franchising sector is attracting some new entrants, especially in the areas of food, health, leisure and personal services. Foreign entrants into the market are also proving important.

For more information visit http://www. researchandmarkets. com/reports/c29799 (http://www. researchandmarkets. com/reports/c29799)

Laura Wood

Senior Manager

Research and Markets

Fax: +353 1 4100 980

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Thursday, January 20, 2005

Vertical Wine Tasting Takes Flight

Nationally syndicated radio show does a first ever vertical wine tasting on-air with a live audience.

Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) February 7, 2006

Les Kincaid’s live radio broadcast, will be held at the famed Lutèce restaurant on February 16, 2006 from 7:00pm - 8:30pm, will be showcasing seven years of the award winning Cabernet Sauvignon s of B R COHN Wines from Sonoma California. Featured years are 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 Olive Hill Cabernet Sauvignon. We will taste BR COHN award winning Cabernet Sauvignon Olive Hill Vineyards with both Dan Cohn and a live audience of 35 invited guests at the famous Lutèce restaurant in the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.

LES' WINES & VINES is a nationally syndicated radio program on the CRN Radio Network, a weekly premier broadcast to over 28+ million households in 50 states across America. It is America's first and only wine show to have a live audience who actually taste three wines on-air during the broadcast. This special event coming from the famous Las Vegas favorite restaurant Lutèce. This nationally syndicated and locally played program has been on air every Thursday evening since September 4, 2001. Les’ Wines & Vines is heard live on radio in 50 states & around the world on three individual Internets.

LES’ WINES & VINES is committed to ethical behavior and social responsibility in every aspect of the food & wine business. Most people enjoy a glass or two of wine with their main meal daily. In fact, there is a conscientious scientific view that moderate wine drinking is beneficial to your health. Les believes that the vast majority of his listener’s drink sensibly and with moderation at a level that gives enjoyment and, according to some leading authorities, health and social benefits as well.

A vertical tasting involves wines from different vintages but all the wines will come from the same winery. If the winery produces more than one type of wine, you would select a single wine from that winery and taste multiple vintages of that wine, which is what Bruce Cohn has done. “We are very excited to have seven of the Cohn cabernet sauvignons here for this memorable radio broadcast” said Kincaid. “Wines & Vines has come a long way in our four and a half years but this is an absolute first. Lutèce is the perfect venue as well. Food pairing and wine tasting is, of course, is French and we are proud to share this occasion with them” said Kincaid.

Lutèce restaurant has a geometric design, black and white décor accented with light woodwork, glass, silver and indirect lighting. From the moment you enter, to the moment you depart, your awareness of the modern architecture and becomes more noticeable as you focus on the lighting, unique floor sculptures, and spectacular wine cooler. Add to this mix the exceptional modern French fusion cuisine and you have a winner.

An unusual location away from the popular “restaurant row” in the Venetian Resort has provided magnetic attractions for those seeking a unique dining experience. Dine al fresco on the romantic outdoor patio at Lutèce situated on the brinks of the “canal” with views of the fabulous Las Vegas “Strip”. This combination is unequaled anywhere in Las Vegas.

CRN's syndicated radio networks can be heard from coast-to-coast on Cable Television Systems, Satellite Dish, and worldwide. Check your local cable listings for availability or go online at www. crni. net. CRN is also available in Southern California on PAX TV KPXN Channel 30's SAP (Second Audio Program) channel and selected radio stations across the country. Check your local radio listings for availability.

For complete information for Les’ Wines & Vines or other syndicated radio programs view www. leskinaid. com or contact the shows producer Donna Lee @ 702-496-8859 or Les Kincaid @ 702- 871-5145.

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Monday, January 17, 2005

Most all of us Have a Desire to Have Plenty of Money, to Manifest Dreams

Healing Things Money Energizer is a gift to help anyone do just that. By Regina Killebrew.

Tempe, AZ (PRWEB) January 5, 2007

It's amazing what a bit of inspiration will accomplish... more importantly, it's absolutely awesome when something a person does turns out to really make life pleasant for a multitude of folks.

That's how Diana Wesley, designer of Healing Silks from HealingThings. com, feels today. Her creativity combined with the intuition and ability of her partners has managed to bring about a wonderful little product called The Money Energizer... that actually works.

Healing Things started in August of '06 with six items called Healing Scarves and Wraps and a prayer. The prayer was a modest one, simply "... let us succeed in this love of what we do and make a little money in the bargain."

This "love," however, is pretty significant in the scheme of things. You see, they want to help people discover the source of their own inner energy, learn to live in gratitude and to manifest the kind of life, health and happiness that may have been elusive up until now.

Ms Wesley started working with fractal images about seven years ago. As an energy psychotherapist, she worked to understand why some of the fractals she created had such a positive and profound effect on the brain.

She worked on projects using fractals combined with other modalities to release stress, combat learning disabilities and other issues. The results encouraged Ms. Wesley to find other avenues for fractals she designed using sacred geometry and master number combinations.

The research work of Physicist Masaru Emoto has played a huge roll in the Healing Silk products created by the designers at HealingThings.

Using her original high frequency fractal images, color therapy, the image of a $10,000 US Federal Reserve Note, along with an infusion of gratitude, Ms. Wesley designed The Money Energizer. It is a kindred Monopoly money bill glazed over with a high frequency fractal image surrounded by a heartfelt prayer.

Use The Money Energizer in a wallet or checkbook and the belief is a person's current wealth will expand. They tested it among close friends and on themselves. Well... the orders grew, sales increased and it hasn't stopped there.

Everyone who has one says they always have money in their wallet now, where as before, it was often a struggle to keep any in there. Bank balances have increased. Business dealings have increased or smoothed out and there is a general feeling of abundance steadily moving into their lives.

Yes of course there is a price (of sorts) on this little tool.

Here's the deal. Go to www. HealingThings. com, download the graphic of three Wealth Energizers. Keep one in a wallet or checkbook and pass the other two "forward with a prayer" to help them also have the flow of wealth and abundance in their lives. Pass it forward... and everyone wins.

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Sunday, January 16, 2005

Ando Corporation to Unveil Industry&#194;’s First High-Performance OC-48c MPLS Probe for Carrier IP Core Networks at Networld + Interop in Las Vegas on May 7-9

Ando Corporation to Unveil IndustryÂ’s First High-Performance OC-48c MPLS Probe for Carrier IP Core Networks at Networld + Interop in Las Vegas on May 7-9

Ando Will Exhibit the ProbeÂ’s Unparalleled MPLS and IP Reporting Capabilities with an OC-48c Traffic Generator and Standard Network Management Solutions in Booth #1809

(PRWEB) May 4, 2002

San Jose, CA, May 1st, 2002 Â– Ando CorporationÂ’s IP Products Division today announced plans to exhibit a demo of its Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) upgrade for the first-to-market AU1500 IP Core Network Probe for OC-48c Packet-over-SONET (POS) networks at Networld + Interop in the Las Vegas Convention Center on May 7-9.

AndoÂ’s AU1500 already provides IP carriers and ISPs with unsurpassed layer 2-7 detailed traffic monitoring for high-speed IP core networks with its unique hardware accelerated design and industry standard RMON2 and SNMP reporting. With the addition of the MPLS upgrade, the AU1500 now also offers IP carriers unrivaled reporting capabilities to effectively monitor and manage their MPLS networks as well as implement exciting new MPLS based services. The AU1500 is the industryÂ’s first OC-48c MPLS probe that monitors MPLS label-switched path (LSP) and MPLS VPN traffic. The detailed MPLS statistics provided by the AU1500 include volume (packets and bytes), protocol distribution, class of service (CoS), and TopN by MPLS forwarding label, by MPLS VPN label and by a combination of the two.

Â“Ando is very excited to be the first solution provider to offer a robust monitoring and management tool for MPLS network management,Â” says Hiroyuki Sato, general manager of Ando CorporationÂ’s IP Products Division. Â“MPLS is currently a carrier core technology of choice for not only enhancing the performance of their networks, but also enabling advanced services such as VPNs and SLAs based on classes of service (CoS). Ando offers the only tool that will allow them to effectively monitor, manage and, most importantly, optimize their MPLS networks at up to OC-48c.Â”

AndoÂ’s demo at Networld + Interop will employ Â“liveÂ” traffic provided by an OC-48c traffic generator operating in both IP and MPLS modes. Industry standard reporting and management tools, including Concord CommunicationÂ’s eHealth Â™ Suite, will be used to showcase the AU1500Â’s MPLS, IP, and RMON2 statistical output in real-time. Ando will also have sales engineering staff on hand to discuss compelling real world applications for the AU1500, such as advanced SLA management; traffic engineering, LSP sizing, route optimization, and capacity planning based on real time statistics; network health and management; usage based billing between peering providers; SLA verification; and advanced MPLS management.

AndoÂ’s hardware-accelerated AU1500 IP Core Network Probe is centered around a sophisticated statistical engine that offers true wire speed performance and reliability. Additionally, the AU1500 is a passive device deployed independently of existing network equipment that offers detailed, layer-2 and above information without impacting router performance. Moreover, since the AU1500 does not require proprietary management or reporting software, the AU1500 can be readily integrated into IP carriers existing network management toolset for ease of deployment.

Â“The AU1500 with the MPLS upgrade is arriving in the marketplace just in time to help IP carriers who are looking to reduce capital expenditures and overhead while at the same time increasing their bottom line through new revenue opportunities,Â” says Sato. Â“Carriers need to understand their networks from the edge to the core. They need the right amount of bandwidth in the right spots. And they need to generate revenue by offering new and exciting services like enhanced SLAs and VPNs that can be supported and managed with robust network monitoring. The AU1500 is a critical piece of the carrier toolset to make these unmet needs a reality.Â”

The AU1500 IP Core Network Probe and AU1500 MPLS upgrade are currently in the final stage of customer network trials. The MPLS enhancement for the AU1500 can be obtained as a software license upgrade to the AU1500 AOS version 1.4.0.0 and higher. Both will be available in June 2002.

About Ando Corporation

Ando Corporation is a U. S. subsidiary of Ando Electric Ltd., a pioneering test and measurement company based in Japan. AndoÂ’s IP Products Division, headquartered in San Jose, Calif., is focused on meeting the core monitoring and management needs of next generation IP providers and carriers, and works closely with key customers and partners on the development, strategic marketing, sales and support of next generation network core monitoring products. For additional information on Ando, please visit www. ando. com.

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All referenced product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

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Media Contact:

Steve Wolpern

Ando Corporation

IP Products Division

(408) 941-0100

Wolpern@ando. com

Thursday, January 13, 2005

Learn more about Anaphylaxis - The Most Serious Allergic Reaction

(PRWEB) October 12, 2004

Anaphylaxis refers to a rapidly developing and serious allergic reaction that affects a number of different areas of the body at one time. Severe anaphylactic reactions can be fatal. Most people experience allergy symptoms only as a minor annoyance. However, a small number of allergic people are susceptible to a reaction that can lead to shock or even death. Fortunately, anaphylaxis is rare. The death rate from anaphylaxis is about 1 out of every 2.5 million people per year.

Anaphylaxis is often triggered by substances that are injected or ingested and thereby gain access into the blood stream. An explosive reaction involving the skin, lungs, nose, throat, and gastrointestinal tract can then result.

Although severe cases of anaphylaxis can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure and be fatal if untreated, many reactions are milder and can be ended with prompt medical therapy.

What Does Anaphylaxis Mean?

To fully understand this term, we need to go back almost 100 years. The story begins on a cruise aboard Prince Albert I of Monaco's yacht. The Prince had invited two Parisian scientists to perform studies on the toxin produced by the tentacles of a local jellyfish, the Portuguese Man of War. Charles Richet and Paul Portier were able to isolate the toxin and tried to vaccinate dogs in the hope of obtaining protection, or "prophylaxis," against the toxin. They were horrified to find that subsequent very small doses of the toxin unexpectedly resulted in a new dramatic illness that involved the rapid onset of breathing difficulty and resulted in death within 30 minutes. Richet and Portier termed this "anaphylaxis" or "against protection." They rightly concluded that the immune system first becomes sensitized to the allergen over several weeks and upon re-exposure to the same allergen may result in a severe reaction. You will recall that an allergen is a substance that is foreign to the body and can cause an allergic reaction in certain people.

Allergy Facts

The first documented case of presumed anaphylaxis occurred in 2641 B. C. when Menes, an Egyptian pharaoh, died mysteriously following a wasp or hornet sting. Later, in Babylonian times, there are two distinct references to deaths due to wasp stings. Charles Richet was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1913 for his work on anaphylaxis.

Richet went on to suggest that the allergen must result in the production of a substance, which then sensitized the dogs to react in such a way upon re-exposure. This substance turned out to be IgE. He was right on target.

In the first part of the 20th century, anaphylactic reactions were most commonly caused by tetanus diphtheria vaccinations made from horse serum. Today, human serum is used for tetanus prevention and the most common causes of anaphylaxis are now penicillin and other antibiotics, insect stings, and certain foods.

Allergy Fact

In 1956, Mary Hewitt Loveless showed that the injection of wasp venoms could cause anaphylaxis in individuals allergic to wasps. She subsequently used wasp extracts to successfully immunize such individuals.

How Common is Anaphylaxis?

The exact prevalence of anaphylaxis is unknown. The available statistics probably underestimate the true frequency because reactions are not always reported. Milder reactions may be attributed to an asthma attack or a sudden episode of hives. More serious, fatal episodes might be reported as a heart attack since the indicative signs of hives, swollen throat, and asthma can fade quickly. Thus, it is quite possible that even the true incidence of fatalities due to anaphylaxis is both under - recognized and under-reported. Regardless of precise statistics, we need to do a better job of preventing and treating anaphylaxis. The importance of awareness, early recognition, and prompt treatment of this disorder must be stressed.

Source: http://www. dental. am/more. php? id=3536_0_1_0_C (http://www. dental. am/more. php? id=3536_0_1_0_C)
Www. dental. am

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Sunday, January 9, 2005

OrganicPetBoutique. com Launches a Revolutionary Website that Provides a One Stop Shop for Organic Pet Products

Devout pet lovers Shana and Len Bentivegna created the Organic Pet Boutique. com website for animal lovers everywhere. "After the China pet food scare we became driven to create a website that offers only healthy organic pet products. Now pet lovers everywhere have a trusted source for all their pet needs."

New York, NY (PRWEB) February 6, 2010

Organic Pet Boutique. com (http://www. organicpetboutique. com) was created during the summer of 2007 in an apartment in Jersey City, NJ. During their walks in Central Park with Cesar and Milo (their two Shih Tzus), founders Len and Shana Bentivegna noticed that the other dogs were getting very ill. A few weeks later television broadcasts exposed that pet food additives coming from China were contaminated and cherished pets were dying. Worried for their two dogs (Cesar and Milo, pictured to the right) they began a mission to find safe pet food.

After exhaustive research, they found that organic pet food was not subject to the toxins prevalent in products from China due to the strict rules and regulations governing the organic pet food industry. Having trouble finding a comprehensive pet food site they sought out to create one.

On December 7th 2009 Organic Pet Boutique. com shifted from a dream into a reality! The website kicked off with a bang and the business sold through all of their inventory in the first month!

Currently Organic Pet Boutique. com has over 400 unique products ranging from Organic Pet Food to Organic Pet Supplements. Simply Fido Pet Toys (http://www. organicpetboutique. com/SearchResults. asp? Search=simply+fido) are one of their best sellers. Simply Fido Pet Toys are created from Organic cotton and plant based dyes and they are one of the safest pet toys on the market!

Organic Pet Boutique. com was designed to cater to not only the advanced internet shopper but also to the novice internet shopper. "We spent months with Volusion (an e-commerce web hosting company) developing a layout that was user friendly and very informative. We added a secure socket layer, PayPal and a one page checkout to simplify and secure the buying process."

The founders plan to open multiple storefronts and offer franchising opportunities in the years to come.

One of the most important jobs at OrganicPetBoutique. com is product testing. Co-Founders Cesar (named after Cesar Millan the Dog Whisperer) and Milo (the family pets) have been an integral part of the company. They test out almost every product that Organic Pet Boutique. com carries. "Ed our UPS driver knows each of them by name as they happily greet him at the door everyday."

The Founders dogs love the Castor and Pollux Dog Food. "They will turn their noses up at any other food that we feed them. The Castor and Pollux cat food and dog food has been a big hit among our customers. We received reports that the animals will bat around their bowls until they receive more Castor and Pollux food. " (http://www. organicpetboutique. com/SearchResults. asp? Search=castor+and+pollux)

Co-Founder Shana says "Creating the Organic Pet Boutique. com was the best thing we ever did! Waking up every day knowing that we are helping animals by providing safe organic products is very rewarding. This is going to be a dream that we one day share with our children and their children"

Now their goal is to get the word out to every pet lover! We recently began using Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and BlogSpot. Organic Pet Boutique. com has also begun creating product videos on their YouTube channel Organic Pet Boutique1.

Their mission is to educate pet lover's everywhere about healthy pet products and provide a comprehensive pet product site that caters to all of their pets needs for many year to come.

Top ten must have organic pet products.

Visit Organic Pet Boutique. com (http://www. organicpetboutique. com) to purchase any of the products listed below!

1.Castor and Pollux Organic Cat and Dog Food
2.Flying Basset (http://www. organicpetboutique. com/SearchResults. asp? Search=flying+basset) Organic Pet Supplements
3.From the Field Shelby the Hemp Mouse for Cats
4.Jax and Bones Organic Pet Beds
5.Pal Dog Organic Shampoo and Conditioner
6.Pal Kitty Organic Kitty Shampoo
7.Paw Naturaw Raw Pet Food
8.Simpy Fido Organic Toys (http://www. organicpetboutique. com/SearchResults. asp? Search=simply+fido)
9.Simply Fido Organic Cotton Blankets for Cats and Dogs
10.West Paw (http://www. organicpetboutique. com/SearchResults. asp? Search=west+paw+beds) Organic Bumper Beds

For Media Requests please contact Shana at 917-902-7100 or sales@organicpetboutique. com

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National Non-Profit Organization Provides a Community of Emotional Support to Non-Custodial Moms

The National Association of Non-Custodial Moms, the first organization of its kind, offers support to the small minority of women who completely understand what non-custodial fathers go through.

Clermont, FL (PRWEB) February 21, 2006

The National Association of Non-Custodial Moms, Inc. (NANCM), an organization dedicated to providing a community of emotional support to non-custodial mothers through the provision of educational and supportive resources, believes children have a right to have both fit and loving parents included in their lives as equally as possible. Being a fit and loving parent doesn't necessarily mean being the parent who has the most money or who fights hardest in court. Sometimes the most loving parent is the one that doesn't want to put the children through an emotionally draining court battle and more often times than not, the parent that chooses this route is the mother.

Having received their non-profit 501(c)(3) status from the Internal Revenue Service, NANCM views this next phase as an opening of many doors such as affiliating with other like-minded organizations; namely the Children’s Rights Council (CRC). NANCM founder and president, Beverly Morris is a strong advocate for children’s rights, co-parenting, and educating parents on the importance of not placing their children in the middle of adult matters, despite what society norms dictate. NANCM and the CRC, sharing a common goal, hope that education on the problems most face after divorce or separation will help parents focus more on their children and not on personal vendettas against their former spouse.

With over 200 members, NANCM continues to grow by an average of 5 new members a week. The main characteristic of a new member is jubilance over finding such an organization. "For many of us, NANCM has become as much an integral part of our life as breathing”, says NANCM Member, Tanya Bollin of Tennessee. “Being dedicated to bringing children and parents together is one of the most commendable acts that anyone can undertake. NANCM gives us the strength we need to continue towards our goal of not only having our children in our life, but having meaningful relationships with them as well."

While NANCM is for women, the first organization of its kind, Beverly points out that “Yes, we are the National Association of Non-Custodial Moms, but we are the small minority of women who completely understand what non custodial fathers go through”. In her research Beverly found an abundance of organizations dedicated to the perspective of non-custodial fathers and soon realized the need for a similar outreach for women in which they would not feel like the minority. NANCM also consists of sisters, brothers, aunts, mothers and grandparents of non-custodial parents who are also, at times, affected as deeply as the non-custodial parents themselves.

NANCM is welcoming of all non-custodial parents, not just the mothers, believing that there is no place for gender bias in custodial or non-custodial situations. In keeping with that vision NANCM is instituting plans to open up safe drop off sites for parents to utilize during visitation exchanges, co-parenting classes, and is seeking out charitable affiliations with organizations that can help lessen the burden of maintaining a healthy relationship between both parents and their children.

For more information and/or to arrange an interview with a NANCM representative, please contact Beverly Morris. Non-custodial parents are encouraged to learn more about NANCM, Inc. including their first annual National Convention scheduled for June of 2006, by visiting http://www. nancm. org (http://www. nancm. org).

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Friday, January 7, 2005

Maid Brigade More Than Doubles Space - Green Cleaning Company to Establish Healthy Living Training Center

Maid Brigade, a company committed to providing environmentally-friendly home cleaning services throughout Westchester, Putnam, Rockland and Fairfield counties, has purchased a 7,000 square foot building at 8-14 Legion Drive, Valhalla, and will move into the space early next month. Maid Brigade will occupy 5,000 square feet.

Pleasantville, NY (PRWEB) April 27, 2009

Maid Brigade currently leases 2,400 square feet from Diamond Properties at 175 Tompkins Avenue, Pleasantville.

"Despite the state of the economy, we are moving forward to not only introduce new green programs to our clients but to also establish a Training Center to be utilized by our staff as well as the public. We will be sharing a variety of strategies for people to make positive changes in their health and the environment," said Robin Murphy, president of Maid Brigade.

Murphy added that an economic crisis creates myriad health problems for people concerned about such issues as job loss. Those problems include insomnia, headaches, depression, violence, substance abuse and even heart attacks and strokes.

"Our health is paramount to everything. That is why we firmly believe that if we can educate our community about the benefits of green cleaning, they will embrace new ways to care for themselves," she said. "Every bit helps."

For additional information, call Maid Brigade at 914.741.0552 or visit http://westchestercounty. maidbrigade. com/ (http://westchestercounty. maidbrigade. com/).

About Maid Brigade: Maid Brigade, which serves residential properties throughout Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, and Fairfield counties, is a Green Clean Certified™ maid service. Their trained teams utilize green processes and solutions with such advanced cleaning tools as microfiber mops and vacuums with HEPA filters to deliver a better, greener clean with every visit. Maid Brigade screens, insures, bonds, and trains every residential cleaning maid. Customers enjoy the best clean available from maids they can trust with the keys to their homes - and with their health. For more information, visit www. maidbrigade. com or call 888-525-6243.

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Author Tackles Grief From A to Z

Author Pens Griefabet: Everyday Letters to Wrap Around Your Heart. A Comfort Book for Anyone Living With Loss, Griefabet Guides Readers From A to Z Along Their Personal Grief Journey. The Book’s Website, www. Griefabet. com, Includes a Forum Where Visitors Can Share Their Grief Story for Increased Healing and Support.

Salt Lake City, UT (PRWEB) September 22, 2010

Karen O. Johnson, MEd, author and grief counselor, today announced the release of her book, Griefabet: Everyday Letters to Wrap Around Your Heart (Griefabet). Written with the individual griever in mind, Griefabet uses the letters of the alphabet to offer comfort and encouragement to anyone living with loss. Griefabet is ideal for personal use, utilization as a counseling tool for professionals, or as a gift for family and friends.

“Grief manifests in many shapes and forms and can be triggered by any number of life events, including the death of a loved one, divorce, military deployment, loss of a job, the disintegration of a relationship or failing health,” commented Johnson. “Griefabet lends thoughtful coping strategies for readers on their unique grief path, whatever that may be.”

Sympathetic to the many layers and complexities of grief, Griefabet lets the reader take charge, offering comfort on every page, in any order, on any day. Readers can look at one page each day for 26 days of support, or read at their own pace to help endure their unique sadness. The Griefabet website, www. Griefabet. com, offers increased healing and support through an online forum where visitors can share their grief story, either anonymously or by name.

Johnson has been a grief counselor since 1981, providing individual and group counseling to a large population of youth, families, and adults coping with loss issues. She has four decades of experience as an educator and is currently the Area Chair, Lead Faculty in the Social Sciences Human Services Program at the University of Phoenix, Utah main campus. She is also the founder of EveryDayGrief, LLC, a company offering seminars for helping professionals.

“May this book encourage your sadness, your missing, your remembering, and your awakening of a newfound hope,” says Johnson. “Now is the time to embrace the past, live for today, and discover a different voice of gladness for the future.”

Griefabet, the first book of its kind for the everyday griever, will be unveiled at the Depression Recovery Conference at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, UT on September 24, 2010, where Johnson will be offering a presentation on grief and loss. A simultaneous unveiling of Griefabet will take place at the What a Woman Wants Show at the Southtowne Expo Center in Sandy, UT on September 24-25, 2010, where Johnson will be offering Laughter Yoga classes.

Griefabet can be purchased in-person at the What a Woman Wants Show and the Depression Recovery Conference on September 24-25, 2010 for $20 including tax. The book can also be purchased online through the Griefabet website, www. Griefabet. com or through Amazon. com for $24.95. For more information on Griefabet, and to share your grief story, visit www. Griefabet. com.

About the Author
Karen O. Johnson, MEd has been a grief counselor since 1981, providing individual and group counseling to a large population of youth, families, and adults coping with loss issues. She has four decades of experience as an educator and is currently the Area Chair, Lead Faculty in the Social Sciences Human Services Program at the University of Phoenix, Utah main campus. She is also the founder of EveryDayGrief, LLC, a company offering seminars for helping professionals. Karen holds a BA in English/Speech from the University of Utah, a Masters of Education in School Counseling from Brigham Young University, an Administration Endorsement from Utah State University, and English as a Second Language Certification from the Utah State Office of Education. Karen is also a certified laughing yoga instructor and a Human Services-Board certified practitioner.

For more information on the What a Woman Wants Show visit:
Http://www. whatawomanwantsshow. com/ (http://www. whatawomanwantsshow. com/)

For more information on the Depression Recovery Conference visit:
Http://www. iie-edu. org/ (http://www. iie-edu. org/)

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Tuesday, January 4, 2005

"Chicken Soup For The Soul's" Marci Shimoff Is Happy For No Reason In Free Series

Free teleseminar series features Marci Shimoff, author of "Happy for No Reason," "Chicken Soup for The Woman's Soul." Marci is the opening speaker on Tuesday, Sept. 15th in the return of the acclaimed free teleseminar series "Profound Paths to Health, Healing and Happiness." Hosted by holistic healthcare practitioner Dr. Carol Robin, this 12-week series features weekly, in-depth interviews with some of today's most innovative and visionary teachers and practitioners in health and wellness. Anyone can attend via webcast, and can register for no cost at: http://www. GuidedCDs. com/a/pr

West Shokan, NY (PRWEB) September 4, 2009

Dr. Carol Robin hosts a free weekly teleseminar series, "Profound Paths to Health, Healing and Happiness", beginning Tuesday, Sept. 15th, 2009 at 7pm EST and featuring Marci Shimoff, world renowned author and featured teacher in "The Secret" as opening speaker.

Dr. Robin has been a practitioner in the natural health and healing field for 30 years. In this series she facilitates in-depth conversations with 12 of today's most innovative and pioneering health, wellness and mind-body healing experts to share their philosophies and techniques for enhanced energy, health, well-being and happiness.

Anyone can listen to these one hour conversation/interviews via webcast, and can register for no cost at http://www. GuidedCDs. com/seminar/a/pr (http://www. GuidedCDs. com/seminar/a/pr).

"This series is specifically designed to explore empowering, life-changing information from some of the greatest teachers and pioneers in natural health, wellness and mind-body healing. These techniques and philosophies help integrate and balance body, heart, mind and spirit and guide people to greater health, happiness, healing and freedom," says Dr. Robin.

Speakers include:

Marci Shimoff - opens the series with her revolutionary approach to experiencing deep and lasting happiness based on her new book, Happy for No Reason: 7 Steps to Being Happy from the Inside Out.

Dr. Joe Rubino - an internationally acclaimed expert on the topic of self-esteem, and best selling author of The Self-Esteem Book, on healing self esteem
Donna Eden - author of Energy Medicine, on energy medicine for personal and global transformation
Eldon Taylor - author of Choices and Illusions and Mind Programming, on empowering our choices, protecting and re-training our minds
EFT Master Carol Look - Attracting Abundance with EFT and the Law of Attraction, exploring true abundance and clearing limiting beliefs
Dr. Frank Lipman - author of Spent? End Exhaustion and Feel Great Again, on restoring energy and creating optimal health
Suzanne Scurlock-Durana - CranioSacral Therapy for healing and balancing body, heart, mind and spirit
Dr. Dean Shrock - guided imagery expert and author of Why Love Heals, on the healing power of love
Dr. Ronald Frederick - author of Living Like You Mean It, on emotional mindfulness and healthy relationships
EFT Master Gwyneth Moss - innovative approaches to energy psychology and a new understanding of The Brain, Trauma and EFT
Emilie Conrad - Continuum Movement and connecting with our essential fluid nature and our inner wisdom
Dr. Carol Robin - Creating Your Unique Path to Health, Healing and Happiness

"Invest one hour a week in yourself, listening to today's most brilliant and innovative health and wellness experts as they freely share their wisdom, insights and profound and practical paths to balance body, heart, mind and spirit," says Dr. Robin.

For more information about the free "Profound Paths to Health, Healing and Happiness" Teleseminar series that begins Tuesday Sept. 15th, 2009, or to register at any time during the series, go to http://www. GuidedCDs. com/a/pr (http://www. GuidedCDs. com/a/pr)

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Sunday, January 2, 2005

Sip to the Season with one Hotel in Destin, Florida

Celebrate Autumn with the Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival and Courtyard Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

Destin, FL (PRWEB) October 5, 2008

Autumn is upon us, and along with the cooler weather and changing leaves, there's no better way to sip to the season than with Sandestin's Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival. Brewmeisters and beer lovers alike will find perfectly comfortable accommodations at the Courtyard Sandestin Hotel at Grand Boulevard.

As the premier craft beer tasting event in the southeast, the Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival has something for everyone. Taking place from Friday, October 24 to Sunday, October 26, 2008 the festival features American specialty beers from around the country.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin is redefining Oktoberfest. Known for the highly-anticipated yearly Sandestin Wine Festival, the Village is applying the same concept to a different type of adult beverage - beer - with the area's first and only Baytowne Wharf Beerfest. American specialty beers from around the nation will be available for participants to sample and savor.

Come together to learn about more than 70 beer styles, and the different balances between taste, aroma and appearances. While guests stroll along, visiting over 40 brewers' stations, the events plaza will host a variety of live music, while the streets of the Village will come alive with strolling musicians, variety acts, and interactive activities.

After fun-filled days enjoying your favorite brews, make your way back to the Courtyard Sandestin and relax surrounded in quiet luxury. Other Sandestin, Florida hotels simply cannot compare to the 174 spacious Destin hotel rooms, each designed to blend comfort and modern conveniences, such as complimentary wireless Internet access and a large ergonomic workspace. After a refreshing night's sleep, indulge in a healthy breakfast before heading back to the festival.

Make it a Destin, Florida vacation to remember and enjoy the Courtyard Sandestin at Grand Boulevard while sipping to the season in Sandestin.

About Courtyard Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
Discover a charming Destin, Florida family hotel nestled among the Beaches of South Walton welcoming you to paradise at the Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Hotel in Destin. As a part of the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, the unique setting embodying this Santa Rosa beach hotel allows guests to experience deluxe resort amenities with the convenience of a complimentary shuttle. Explore the resort's 2,400 picturesque acres, including white sand beaches, 4 championship golf courses, luxurious day spa, 15 tennis courts, delightful restaurants, world-class shopping, and an abundance of entertainment options. Escape to affordable luxury at the Courtyard Sandestin Hotel in Destin, Florida. For more information or to make a reservation, call 850-650-7411 or visit http://marriott. com/hotels/travel/vpscy (http://marriott. com/hotels/travel/vpscy).

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Reprints Desk Designated as a Reprints Channel Distributor for Elsevier Healthcare Content

Healthcare Marketers and Medical Affairs Professionals to Benefit from Additional Source for Elsevier Reprint Orders

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) December 17, 2008

Reprints Desk, Inc., the content workflow company (http://www. reprintsdesk. com), today announced that Elsevier is expanding its existing relationship with Reprints Desk to include the ability to sell and deliver Elsevier reprints. The agreement further enhances the service speed and ordering options for Reprints Desk clients in healthcare who procure scientific articles in bulk for use in sales and marketing, and supports Elsevier's ongoing commitment to ensure continued growth in key sales channels.

The agreement between Reprints Desk and Elsevier is effective immediately and enables Reprints Desk to manage orders received from its growing base of clients in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, and healthcare communications. Reprints Desk will leverage the agreement to deliver Elsevier content more quickly and efficiently, and integrate its new capabilities with previously acquired scientific, technical, and medical (STM) printer Pools Press (http://www. poolspress. com).

Elsevier, the world's leading publisher of STM information products and services, will be expanding its market penetration through its relationship with Reprints Desk. "We want to work with inventive, customer-oriented reprint channel partners who extend Elsevier's ability to serve the healthcare market," said Luis Portero, Elsevier's Vice President of Commercial Sales, U. S. Journals.

"This agreement between Elsevier and Reprints Desk demonstrates our shared emphasis on partnering in ways that will be most beneficial to customers," said Jan Peterson, Head of Publisher Relations at Reprints Desk. "It also builds upon our previous agreement in which Reprints Desk became the first commercial document delivery provider to secure rights for delivering Elsevier Science Direct articles (http://www. reprintsdesk. com/main/docdel_overview. aspx), opening the door wider for future collaborations."

About Reprints Desk®:
Reprints Desk, Inc. (www. reprintsdesk. com), is a content technology and services company that simplifies how healthcare companies and other enterprises procure, manage and share scientific journal articles and other copyright-protected content. The company's workflow solutions and end user tools help customers to use peer-reviewed literature for product promotions, support research and regulatory submissions with document delivery, and improve content spend management. A partner to more than 100 scientific, technical, and medical (STM) publishers, Reprints Desk currently serves more than half of the world's Top-50 pharmaceutical companies and earned the #1 ranking in the 2008 Document Delivery Vendor Scorecard by Outsell, Inc. Reprints Desk is a Derycz Scientific, Inc., (OTC: DYSC. PK) company. For more information about Reprints Desk, contact Ian Palmer at (707) 658-1931.

About Elsevier:
Elsevier is a world-leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information products and services. Working in partnership with the global science and health communities, Elsevier's 7,000 employees in over 70 offices worldwide publish more than 2,000 journals and 1,900 new books per year, in addition to offering a suite of innovative electronic products, such as ScienceDirect, MD Consult, Scopus, bibliographic databases, and online reference works.

Elsevier is a global business headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and has offices worldwide. Elsevier is part of Reed Elsevier Group plc, a world-leading publisher and information provider. Operating in the science and medical, legal, education and business-to-business sectors, Reed Elsevier provides high-quality and flexible information solutions to users, with increasing emphasis on the Internet as a means of delivery. Reed Elsevier's ticker symbols are REN (Euronext Amsterdam), REL (London Stock Exchange), RUK and ENL (New York Stock Exchange).

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Saturday, January 1, 2005

As OSHA Cracks Down, Health and Safety Training Moves Up Priority List for Employers

The Obama Administration is considering requiring OSHA 10 certification for all construction workers, with OSHA 30 requirements for supervisors and safety personnel. The Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust, which develops and promotes health and safety resources for more than 123,000 members of the sheet metal industry, is strongly encouraging its members, which include sheet metal journeymen and apprentices as well as contractors, to be proactive and obtain their OSHA certifications now.

Alexandria, Va. (PRWEB) May 4, 2010

Employers can consider themselves warned. OSHA is coming.

In its March 2010 letter (http://www. osha. gov/as/opa/foia/letter10.html (http://www. osha. gov/as/opa/foia/letter10.html)) to 15,000 U. S. employers identified by an OSHA survey as having high Days Away from work, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) rates, OSHA warned that inspections are on their way and could be done at as many as 4,500 general industry workplaces.

The Obama Administration is considering requiring OSHA 10 certification for all construction workers, with OSHA 30 requirements for supervisors and safety personnel. OSHA 10 certifications require 10 hours of training on OSHA standards and OSHA 30 certifications require 30 hours.

While that kind of news could instill panic in the hearts of some, it’s good news to those at the Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT).

Since 1986, SMOHIT (www. smohit. org) has been developing and promoting health and safety resources for more than 123,000 members of the sheet metal industry, thereby creating a safer, injury-free workforce. The organization is strongly encouraging its members, which include sheet metal journeymen and apprentices as well as contractors, to be proactive and obtain their OSHA certifications now.

Why? In addition to creating a safer work environment, which should always be top priority, it also helps workers avoid losing time and wages, says SMOHIT administrative director Gary Batykefer.

To name a few of its nearly 40 health and safety training and certification programs, SMOHIT offers OSHA 30, job site safety, scaffolding safety, lead exposure training and confined space safety. In addition to ensuring its members receive top health and safety training, SMOHIT provides health screenings, including asbestos screenings, cholesterol screenings and prostate cancer screenings, to its members nationwide.

While industries across the board have suffered from the economic downturn, the construction industry, which has faced unemployment numbers upward of 20 percent, has arguably been one of the hardest hit. However, tough times or not, Batykefer says, health and safety procedures should not, under any circumstances, be cut to save costs.

“The Obama Administration’s ‘New OSHA’ is something we’ve been waiting a long time for,” Batykefer said. “Hilda Solis is going to take OSHA in a completely new direction regarding enforcement, and our industry welcomes it. We’ve been offering OSHA certification for years because it includes information anyone in the construction industry should be well-versed in.”

Solis, Secretary of Labor, has made it clear that the Obama Administration will be cracking down on those who aren’t OSHA compliant. In a June 2009 speech at the American Society of Safety Engineers’ annual conference, she said: “There is a new Sheriff in town. … Make no mistake about it; the Department of Labor is back in the enforcement business. We are serious, very serious.”

To do this, OSHA is placing a high emphasis on prevention, which David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, outlined in his March 10 American Bar Association Occupational Safety and Health Law Committee 2010 Midwinter Meeting.

OSHA's proposed FY 2011 budget calls for $573 million – an increase of $14 million over the current operating budget – to help OSHA protect 109 million workers nationwide. The budget request also calls for OSHA to hire an additional 25 inspectors in 2011 and to move 35 personnel from compliance assistance activities to enforcement.

Originally established to address issues of asbestos exposure through screenings and education, SMOHIT has since expanded its mission to include health and safety training products, curriculum and services.

For more information on SMOHIT visit www. smohit. org or call 703-739-7130.

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