Operation Super Hero Draws From Best of Online Marketers

Operation Super Hero Draws From Best of Online Marketers

People wishing to donate but wary of online charity scams can visit Operation Super Hero. Brainchild of Joe Vitale, the site gives donors access to carefully screened charities and to a treasure-trove of bonus items.

Austin, TX (PRWEB) September 21, 2005

Joe Vitale and his staff canvassed colleagues in the online marketing community and created Operation Super Hero, a site dedicated to raising money for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. A range of marketers, specialized in topics running the gamut from health advice to lead generation, have donated bonuses, amounting to a formidable and valuable knowledge base. The gifts are available to anyone making a donation in any amount to one of three carefully chosen charities accessible from the Operation Super Hero website (http://www. operationsuperhero. com (http://www. operationsuperhero. com)).

"Too many people are setting up ways to raise money that are questionable," said Joe Vitale, online marketer and author of "The Attractor Factor" and one of the key people behind Operation Super Hero.

Vitale struggled with a way to help hurricane victims. While some sites collect money to give to charity and some sites collect e-mail addresses, Vitale and other members of the net community feel both practices are suspicious.

"We have created a simple and honest way for contributors to help the victims by donating directly to one of three causes we have researched," Vitale said. He credits Suzanne Burns, one of his assistants, for spending three days researching and choosing charities to participate in Operation Super Hero.

Burns narrowed a considerable field of charities into three: World Vision Foundation, Save the Children and the Humane Society. All three organizations meet the Better Business Bureau's twenty standards for charity accountability. Forward a donation receipt to katrinarelief@aweber. com to receive access to bonuses.

Charles Lewis, webmaster for such sites as www. mrfire. com and www. hypnoticmarketinginc. com donated his skills to create www. operationsuperhero. com.

Numerous online marketers contributed to the campaign. Donors will receive advice on a variety of practical topics, from writing a sales letter and understanding viral marketing to finding balance as a mom or finding a perfect mate.

Who's the real super hero in this operation?

"Anyone making a donation to help the victims," Vitale said.

Contact:

Suzanne Burns

Hypnotic Marketing

Phone: (512) 278-1610

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Sleep Lab Adds Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

Sleep Lab Adds Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

Many patients with insomnia do not find relief from prescription of over the counter medications. Some even suffer "rebound" insomnia when medication is stopped. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been found to be very effective in helping insomnia patients both in the short and long-term. The Sleep Wellness Institute has added cognitive behavioral therapy to its arsenal of treatment techniques.

West Allis, Wis., (PRWEB) September 20, 2009

The Sleep Wellness Institute, Inc., Wisconsin's largest independent sleep disorders diagnosis and treatment center, has expanded its insomnia treatment services to include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and has hired licensed clinical psychologist Lisa Cottrell, Ph. D., to provide the new service.

"Insomnia is more than not sleeping well," explained Mark Stoiber, President of the Sleep Wellness Institute. "It's characterized by consistently having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep." A serious health issue if left untreated, chronic insomnia can disrupt daily life and damage health. Numerous studies have shown a link between consistently poor sleep and depression, anxiety disorders, diabetes and even heart disease.

Dr. Cottrell explained that "Without treatment, insomnia usually will not just go away. For some, medication may be helpful. But for most, this option leaves unwanted side effects and sometimes can cause 'rebound insomnia' when medication is stopped. That's because medication can't address the factors that contribute to insomnia. That's where Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help."

CBT has been used for years to successfully treat everything from anxiety to chronic pain. Studies now show that 70% to 80% of people with chronic insomnia see improvement with CBT treatment. Studies also show that the sleep improvement lasts for years after treatment is finished. That's because CBT puts power in patients' hands and teaches them how to gain control over their sleep. With this treatment, good sleep becomes a way of life.

The Sleep Wellness Institute is accredited to diagnose and treat both adults and children with sleep disorders by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. It is also one of only a handful of sleep disorders centers certified by the Academy to train sleep technologists.

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Herbalist and Author Susun Weed Delves Deep into the heart of Herbalism at the American Herbalists GuildÂ’s Symposium this Year

Herbalist and Author Susun Weed Delves Deep into the heart of Herbalism at the American Herbalists GuildÂ’s Symposium this Year

The American Herbalists Guild will be holding its 15th Annual Symposium this year at the Waterville Valley Conference Center in New Hampshire. Among the many renowned herbalists holding intensives and classes will be best-selling author Susun Weed.

(PRWEB) September 26, 2004

The American Herbalists Guild will be holding its 15th Annual Symposium this year at the Waterville Valley Conference Center in New Hampshire. Among the many renowned herbalists holding intensives and classes will be best-selling author Susun Weed.

The main conference runs October 8-10 with a pre-conference on the 7th. This is where Susun will make her debut. This Thursday afternoon she will lean an intensive from 2-5:30 called “The Shamanic Herbalist.” She asks, “What is the place of psychoactive herbs in today’s herbal practice? What psychoactive herbs are legal, safe, and fun?” and invites participants to bring their experiences and opinions to share in this lively discussion with a member of the “500 Club.”

Friday afternoon, 1:30-3:00 on October 8th, her teachings continue with “Seven Medicines.” Herbal medicine is but one piece in the big picture of health care. It is one of the Seven Medicines: story medicine, energy medicine, lifestyle medicine, herbal medicine, pharmaceutical medicine, and high-tech medicine. Teasing out the differences between these medicines, and being clear about the differences between nourishing, tonifying, and stimulating herbs, can make our practices safer, easier, more successful, and more fun.

Her final class at the symposium will be “The Spirit of Simples.” Simples have many ways of being more effective than combinations, not the least of which is the power they put into the hands of the patient. Join Susun as she shares her experiences and beliefs about the primacy of simples in herbal medicine. This runs from 4 – 5:30 on Saturday, October 9th.

The cost for the symposium is $335 for non-members ($305 for members). This includes all lectures by all presenters, panel discussions, herb walks, & entertainment. SusunÂ’s pre-conference intensive costs $45. For further information and registration, please call the AHG office at (770)751-6021 or email: ahgoffice@earthlink. net. You can also register online or print up registration form to mail in: http://www. americanherbalist. com (http://www. americanherbalist. com).

This yearÂ’s Symposium will be held at the Waterville Valley Resort and Conference Center, located in New HampshireÂ’s White Mountains National Forest. There are available a variety of rooms at Waterville Valley, ranging from the (Best Western) Silver Fox Inn to the Black Bear Inn (rooms sleep 4-8; most units have a fully-equipped kitchens). To learn about lodging options or to make a reservation at Waterville Valley, contact the Conference Center toll-free at (888) 984-7687 or at www. conferences. waterville. com. This is also how you can learn about and purchase a meal plan appropriate for you. CE credits may be available.

The American Herbalists Guild is the largest botanical medicine organization in North

America. Join with us as we celebrate our 15th annual conference with some of the most unique and clinically relevant courses offered at any herbal conference. This year's teachers offer an incredible range of classes bringing together a rich understanding of the spirit, clinical application, and science of medicinal plants. Topics range from biodynamic herb gardening, the psychoactive use of plants, environmental impact on health, botanical research, safety, traditional plant use, numerous clinical conditions, and much more.

Vibrant, passionate, and involved, Susun Weed has garnered an international reputation for her groundbreaking lectures, teachings, and writings on health and nutrition. She challenges conventional medical approaches with humor, insight, and her vast encyclopedic knowledge of herbal medicine. Unabashedly pro-woman, her animated and enthusiastic lectures are engaging and often profoundly provocative. Susun is one of America's best-known authorities on herbal medicine and natural approaches to women's health. Her four best-selling books are recommended by expert herbalists and well-known physicians and are used and cherished by millions of women around the world. Learn more at www. susunweed. com or contact the Wise Woman Center at PO Box 64, Woodstock, NY 12498.

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Mystery Guests Will Tell Fortunes

Mystery Guests Will Tell Fortunes

Surprise, mystery guests: luminaries such as Mayor Gavin Newsom, former Mayor Willie Brown, city supervisors, and other officials have been invited to speak, tell fortunes and receive a free acupuncture treatment at the Grand Opening of The Bay Area Center for Chinese Medicine

(PRWEB) February 22, 2004

Surprise, mystery guests: luminaries such as Mayor Gavin Newsom, former Mayor Willie Brown, city supervisors, and other officials have been invited to speak, tell fortunes and receive a free acupuncture treatment at the Grand Opening

Of The Bay Area Center for Chinese Medicine on Friday, March 12, 2004 at 7 p. m.

Dr. Suzanne Friedman, L. Ac., DMQ (China) will also be speaking on the topic of Feel Better in Five Minutes, as she demonstrates simple and easy breathing exercises anyone can do.

Dr. Friedman is a licensed acupuncturist and National Board Certified herbalist with a Master's Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and a Doctorate in Medical Qigong Therapy.

Free food, acupuncture demonstrations, herbal tea brews, a self healing qigong video and unique fortune cookies will be offered. A raffle will be held with several valuable prizes.

The Bay Area Center for Chinese Medicine also offers weekly classes in meditation and qigong.

Patients are offered a variety of services including acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutritional counseling, and/or medical qigong therapy, and are encouraged to participate in self-healing classes such as meditation or qigong.

"We offer a holistic health clinic that views each patient as a unique individual capable of taking an active role in their own healing process," says Dr. Friedman, who was recently quoted in an article by Reuters about the now banned herb ephedra. "No two patients are treated alike. Instead, we survey the patient's physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs to determine the proper treatment plan for that individual. "

Visit the CenterÂ’s new website at: http://www. bayareachinesemedicine. com (http://www. bayareachinesemedicine. com) or call 888-260-4673 or 415.505.8855 to set up interview.

Restoring health by balancing mind, body & spirit with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Contacts: Dr. Suzanne Friedman, 415.505.8855 Email:

Suzannefriedman@earthlink. net... Sue Hecht at 888-260-4673 email suemagic@copper. net

Life Science Veteran Samir Abed Joins Model N to Lead Center of Excellence

Life Science Veteran Samir Abed Joins Model N to Lead Center of Excellence

Hire Demonstrates Company's Commitment to Investing in Top Life Sciences Expertise to Better Serve its Customers

REDWOOD SHORES, CA (PRWEB) March 30, 2010

Model N, Inc. (http://www. modeln. com), the leader in Revenue Management solutions, announced that Samir Abed has joined the company in the role of Vice President of Model N's well established and widely respected Center of Excellence (COE), with responsibility for delivering the company's diverse resources and expertise across people, processes, and technology to maximize the value of customers' Model N investments. A 30-year industry veteran, Abed is an expert in maturing IT governance, system development life cycle (SDLC) management and portfolio, program, and project management on a global basis, with extensive experience in the Life Science industry.

Abed has a proven track record of providing leadership to enterprise-wide IT strategic planning and execution, architecture, and technology, and delivering large-scale initiatives with tangible business results:
 At Amgen, he built the company's first IS Enterprise Architecture (EA) team, and over the next several years his responsibilities grew to include Information Security, Software Development, Testing, Data Warehousing, and Business Intelligence, providing leadership to a staff of more than 100 while reducing expenses by 17% and helping the CIO create a seven-year strategy for rebuilding the information systems infrastructure during a period of rapid growth

 At Bloodhound, Inc., a start-up focused on medical claims errors and abuse analysis, he helped develop product, service, and business relationships resulting in more than two-dozen successful customer implementations

 At Quintiles Transnational Corp., he was responsible for defining and developing a comprehensive healthcare Internet and Informatics strategy, eventually resulting in a joint venture between McKesson and Quintiles called Verispan (now SDI).

 At Glaxo, Inc. (now GlaxoSmithKline), he led an international team reporting to the CIO that defined and delivered an innovative information access strategy, architecture, and solution based on Internet tools.

Abed holds an MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business and a BS in Electrical Engineering from Bucknell University. He shares a patent for RxCaliber, a system that enables pharmacists to provide cognitive consulting services and document patient therapy outcomes.

About the Model N COE

As a key solutions delivery organization within Model N, the COE has a mandate to:

 Utilize Model N's diverse resources, deep industry partnerships, and superior domain expertise to drive customer value

 Set the highest standards in the industry for Revenue Management implementations that are grounded in deep industry knowledge and product expertise

 Develop, maintain, and ensure consistent best practices and standardized processes

 Provide solutions architecture/design, business analysis, technical consulting, and QA services to all Model N customers

 Design and deliver value-added strategic consulting offerings

 Optimize communication and ensure effective knowledge transfer between both Model N and customer functional teams

Supporting Quotes

"With more and more global top-ten Life Science leaders deploying Model N Revenue Management, we continue to invest in domain experts who can help our customers maximize the value of our purpose-built Revenue Management platform," said Sujay Jadhav, General Manager, Life Sciences at Model N. "Over the years, our Center of Excellence has won numerous accolades from our demanding customers for having the industry's largest and deepest team specifically tasked with addressing Revenue Management challenges across strategy, process, data, and analytics. Samir's extensive experience in managing and delivering complex projects for leading Life Science companies makes him the ideal leader for our COE team."

"My experience in the industry has taught me that Life Science IT organizations need to invest in systems that enable business agility. Often millions are spent deploying customized ERP systems that do not have the functionality or flexibility required to effectively manage the revenue life cycle in a complex and rapidly changing industry. Model N's strong track record and recent spate of top ten pharmaceutical selections validate the strategic need for flexible, scalable Revenue Management solutions and Model N's position as the preferred provider," said Abed. "After witnessing first-hand how Model N collaborates with its customers, this is an exciting time to join the COE team and help our customers drive shareholder value by keeping Revenue Management at the forefront of innovation and competitive advantage in the Life Science industry."

Supporting Resources

AMR Research: Model N Thinks Globally with 5.4 Release (https://tw2l. market2lead. com/go/modeln/amr_5_4)

Model N Life Science Revenue Management Suite (http://www. modeln. com/lifeScience/solutions/)

AMR Research: How to Grow Revenue and Margins in a Downturn (https://tw2l. market2lead. com/go/modeln/AMR/0309)

About Model N
Model N is the leader in Revenue Management solutions, offering an integrated suite of applications for analytics, price management, contracts, compliance, rebates, fees, and chargebacks optimized for the industry practices of Life Science and High Tech companies. Enabling the creation of a seamless, end-to-end process from price setting through settlements payment, Model N's uniquely integrated approach eliminates revenue leakage and delivers the visibility and controls needed to avoid the risks of non-compliance to government reporting regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley and government pricing requirements. Customers include: Atmel Corp.; Boston Scientific Corp.; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; Medtronic, Inc.; Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, a Johnson & Johnson company; Pfizer, Inc.; and STMicroelectronics. Model N is located in Redwood Shores, California. For additional information, visit www. modeln. com.

Model N is a mark of Model N, Inc. All other company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners and are mentioned for identification purposes only.

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Health and Wellness Expert Releases New Book on Beating Stress

Health and Wellness Expert Releases New Book on Beating Stress

What is stress? Stress is an external force that causes internal problems, loss of appetite, overeating, sleepless nights, and depression. Have you ever wondered why some people are always full of life, even when things all around them are falling apart? Author, Renee Wiggins of "Stress Down and Lift UP" offers practical tools that will help you stay on the right track.

Silver Spring, MD (PRWEB) September 13, 2007

Author Renee Wiggins has just penned her latest book release, Stress Down and Lift UP!. An illustrated manual on achieving a healthier lifestyle and tranquil frame of mind, Stress Down and Lift UP! shows readers how to remain calm when all else fails and falls apart.

As a health and wellness expert, Wiggins tapped into the pulse of society by writing a book for those who are serious about attaining serenity in today's turbulent world. She explains, "The ugly bear of stress can manifest in many different ways; irritability, sleeplessness, loss of appetite and overeating. Stress Down and Lift UP! is intended to be an enlightening guide on how to beat these and other triggers, and react to them with full control of our emotions." Inside the book, readers will find helpful coping tips and techniques that train the mind and prevent nervous breakdowns and depression.

Complete with a thirty-day plan that successfully reduces the effects of lifestyle pressures, Stress Down and Lift UP! proves to be an extraordinary self-help manual. As a standard, this guide to greater living has inspiration in its pages, and is stocked with positive affirmations that improve self-esteem; however, what sets it apart from your average self-help manual, is the presence of helpful illustrations and graphics that drive home the message of a healthier, happier existence.

About the Author:
Renee Wiggins is a Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer. She owns Results by Renee, a wellness company based in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she designs lifestyle programs to help people achieve and develop a healthier standard of living. To contact Renee Wiggins, at 301-434-5461 or e-mail: at renee @ resultsbyrenee. com

Stress Down and Lift UP! by Xlibris: Publication date: August 15, 2007, 122 pages
978-4257-5230-9

Contact: Renee Wiggins, RD. LD/CPFT/CMT
Registered Dietitian, Certified Personal Trainer
Certified Massage Therapist
Www. resultsbyrenee. com
Phone: 301-434-5461
Fax: 301-434-0217
E-mail: renee @ resultsbyrenee. com

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Cobb & LaMarche, Green Party Presidential Ticket, Calls for Living Wage and Health Care to Honor American Workers

Cobb & LaMarche, Green Party Presidential Ticket, Calls for Living Wage and Health Care to Honor American Workers

David Cobb and Pat LaMarche, the Green Party's presidential and vice presidential candidates, said the best way to celebrate Labor Day is to provide a Living Wage and single-payer, universal health care.

(PRWEB) September 7, 2004

The Green PartyÂ’s presidential and vice presidential candidates today called for a Living Wage and single-payer, universal health care for all American workers.

“The way to honor the American worker on Labor Day—and everyday—is with a Living Wage and affordable and accessible health care,” said Pat LaMarche, the Green Party’s vice presidential candidate.

The most recent U. S. Census reports that approximately 46 million Americans do not have health insurance.

“The United States is one of the only industrialized countries in the world which does not provide health care for its citizens. While the establishment party candidates propose tinkering with a broken system, we call for its complete overhaul. The Green Party supports single-payer, universal health care which will cover everyone and cost less than our current inadequate and profit-driven system,” said Green Party presidential candidate David Cobb.

The recent Census also reported that the poverty rate rose in 2003 and the income gap between rich and poor widened.

“We are the only national political party representing the working people of this country. Working people should be able to provide for their families with full-time work and not have to resort to public assistance or second or third jobs just to feed their families and pay their bills. American workers need and deserve a Living Wage—a wage which will provide for their basic needs,” said Cobb.

The Cobb-LaMarche platform calls for a federal Living Wage of at least $10 an hour to be adjusted for inflation; the right of workers to organize; abolishing federal subsidies and tax breaks which favor huge corporations over small businesses; and creating millions of good-paying jobs by developing renewable energy.

Both Cobb and LaMarche have their roots in poverty. Cobb was raised in a home in Texas without a flush toilet; LaMarcheÂ’s family was living in public housing when she was born.

“I don’t think that either of the Yale-educated millionaires representing the two old parties have a clue what the average American faces on a daily basis,” said LaMarche.

Cobb will join the Humboldt County Central Labor Committee for a Labor Day celebration in Eureka, California. LaMarche will spend the holiday campaigning with Jeff Spencer, a Green Party candidate for the state legislature, in Portland, Maine.

For more information about the Cobb-LaMarche campaign, see http://www. votecobb. org (http://www. votecobb. org). Information about the Green Party of the United States can be found at http://www. gp. org (http://www. gp. org).

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Prepare for the New School Year with All for Facts

Prepare for the New School Year with All for Facts

Parents and teachers welcome addition of AllforFacts. com to the World Wide Web. The website will provide reference materials and homework help for students.

(PRWEB) July 22, 2005

Even though it's the middle of summer vacation for most children, AllforFacts. com is set to debut online. The goal for AllforFacts. com is to become a reference site kids can use to study or do their homework.

AllforFacts. com, located at http://www. allforfacts. com (http://www. allforfacts. com), provides facts on four key areas: business, science, health, and technology. Each section has been tailored to help kids discover fun facts and knowledge to deepen their understanding. Once school is back in session, the editors will be adding on to AllforFacts. com.

“The Internet has become a wonderful tool for students to conduct research or simply find answers to their homework questions. While there are plenty of sources out there that cover this area, AllforFacts. com strives to present clear understanding and knowledge about educational topics,” said Alicia Tompkins, teacher and editor of AllforFacts. com.

In addition, AllforFacts. com provides This Day in History. On the front page, you can get a quick glance at the events that shaped our world on this day in years past.

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

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ProAct Safety 6th Annual Behavior-Based Safety Leadership Conference

ProAct Safety 6th Annual Behavior-Based Safety Leadership Conference

Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) is a systematic method of identifying the behaviors most critical to accident reduction and reinforcing and refocusing workers on these behaviors through workplace coaching. Since 1984, BBS has proven to be an effective tool for the reduction of workplace accidents. However successful, it is common for traditional Behavior-Based Safety processes to plateau in their results after the first three years of operation. This is the perfect time to take the process to the next level.

Spring, TX (PRWEB) April 2, 2006

Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) is a systematic method of identifying the behaviors most critical to accident reduction and reinforcing and refocusing workers on these behaviors through workplace coaching. Since 1984, BBS has proven to be an effective tool for the reduction of workplace accidents. However successful, it is common for traditional Behavior-Based Safety processes to plateau in their results after the first three years of operation.

At this point the process can become routine and the process leaders may go into a holding pattern that loses the original result-based orientation. The newness and successes that motivated the process early on disappear into the past and the whole process tends to simply go through the motions and slowly lose momentum. BBS processes do not typically fade away if they have ever been successful, but they become much less than they are capable of being. This is the perfect time to take the process to the next level.

The 2006 ProAct Safety Annual Leadership Conference will be our best event ever! This year's conference is completely redesigned to offer better opportunities for BBS investigators, sites new to BBS and sites with extensive BBS experience.

A number of format changes have been made to increase the conference's value to your organization. First, the normal pre-conference sessions including Advanced Observer Training and Data Analysis and Problem Solving will be offered during the normal course of the conference as 2-hour workshop at no additional cost. The conference schedule has also been expanded to encompass two full days with an optional third half-day. The third half-day is set aside for private company meetings and open networking/round table discussions.

Location:

Humble Civic Center

8233 Will Clayton Parkway

Humble, TX 77338

Attending Organizations:

Forest Products

Manufacturing

Mining & Aggregate

Specialty Metals 

Government

Utilities

Oil/Gas/Chemical

Nuclear Contractors

Healthcare

Logistics 

Service

For further information, please contact:

Traci Long

Office Manager

ProAct Safety

P. O. Box 8487

The Woodlands, TX 77387-8487

1.800.395.1347

Http://proactsafety. com/annualconference. htm (http://proactsafety. com/annualconference. htm)

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GL Foods Opens New HPP Plant in Strategic Distribution Hub

GL Foods Opens New HPP Plant in Strategic Distribution Hub

Contract Processing Facility Helps Processors Address Food Safety, Top Consumer Concern

Kent, WA (PRWEB) September 15, 2010

Responding to consumer concerns about food safety and wholesomeness, Global Leading Foods, HPP (GL Foods) has opened a new high-pressure processing (HPP) facility in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex to offer the advantages of the proven technology to food processors on a contract service basis.

HPP, a proven post-packaging lethality treatment that inactivates food-borne pathogens and spoilage organisms, has great benefits for processors, retailers, and consumers alike, explains Rick DeHerder, GLF partner.

“This established technology has tremendous value for every step of the supply chain. It is a highly effective food safety measure, a means of extending product shelf-life, and a way to reduce or eliminate food additives, something we know is top-of-mind for consumers. By expanding the opportunity for the use of HPP by providing contract processing services, we are bringing all these benefits to a much larger segment of the marketplace,” DeHerder notes. “Our facility offers processors the opportunity test market new products or to produce large production volumes.”

The company’s home in the Dallas Metroplex, a strategic hub for U. S. food distribution, brings a new level of economy and convenience to processors. Co-located with one of the premier food logistics providers in the industry, Castle & Cooke, the GL Foods plant can provide customers with a comprehensive suite of value-added services such as labeling, kitting, packaging, and shipping—while maximizing distribution efficiencies, even for complex products.

The dedicated HPP contract processing facility is using the high-capacity model QFP 350L-600 HPP system from Avure Technologies, Kent, WA (www. avure. com/food (http://www. avure. com/food)). With a working capacity of 350 liters per cycle and the world's fastest cycle times, the 350L achieves rapid food-borne pathogen destruction in products ranging from ready-to-eat meats to wet salads and sauces.

“As we set about to build our operations from the ground up, Avure was clearly the market leader and the best possible choice for HPP equipment,” remarks Kelley Battles, GLF partner. “Together we can offer joint product development assistance services to processors to create new food applications, especially those targeted to mounting consumer preferences for more healthful products with less sodium and fewer chemical ingredients.”

“We are delighted to welcome GL Foods into the HPP contract processing industry,” states Pat Adams, Avure’s President and CEO. “Food recalls, unfortunately, continue to grab the headlines, and the need for processors to adopt reliable and economical safety measures has become an imperative. Our HPP systems have a compelling role to play, and this new facility, with its strategic location, makes an additional layer of protection accessible to processors of all sizes.”

To introduce its new capabilities to processors, GL Foods is holding a day-long workshop and plant tour on October 6, 2010. Discussion will focus on food trends and consumer priorities, the science and economics of HPP, and the full range of services offered at the HPP contract services facility. “We are very enthusiastic about helping processors resolve challenges ranging from food safety and shelf-life to sodium levels and the use of preservatives in their products,” says Tim Battles, GLF partner. For more information or to register for the workshop, visit http://www. responsetrack. net/GL (http://www. responsetrack. net/GL) or call Leo Porras at (253) 981 - 6224.

About Global Leading Foods, HPP
Established to extend the many benefits of high pressure processing throughout the food chain, Global Leading Foods, HPP is the premier HPP toll processor located in the heart of America’s food distribution network in Dallas, Texas.

About HPP
A non-thermal process, High Pressure Processing uses water under very high hydrostatic pressure (up to 6,000 bar) to disable pathogens and bacteria such as Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella in packaged products as diverse as RTE meats, soups, wet salads, sauces, juices, fruit smoothies, and seafood. It is recognized by governmental agencies around the world as a highly effective listericidal process. Unlike heat applications, HPP has no negative impact on the nutrient value of foods. Avure HPP equipment currently enhances the safety of over $3 billion of food products sold annually around the globe.

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A Spectacular Winter Solstice at Newgrange Ireland

A Spectacular Winter Solstice at Newgrange Ireland

A report from Newgrange, Ireland watching the sun rise on the 21st Dec'04 at the winter solstice

(PRWEB) December 22, 2004

The Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange was built about 3200 BC. The mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly decorated with megalithic art. The 19 metre long inner passage leads to a cruciform chamber with a corbelled roof. It is estimated that the construction of the Passage Tomb at Newgrange would have taken a work force of 300 at least 20 years(ref:http://www. knowth. com (http://www. knowth. com))

The great feat of building the monument is surpassed by it's design to align itself with the sunrise of the winter solstice. This happens every year on the 21st December. On a clear morning like today we watched as the sun rose over the horizon and sent a shaft of sunlight through the 'Box' to light up the center of the burial chamber.

This morning was perfect. What a wonderful feeling as we gathered in the morning frost watching and hoping that the sky would be clear. We were rewarded with one of the best in years. As the sun rose the small crowd waiting outside cheered and clapped. Earlier someone had been beating a bodhran, an ancient gaelic drum. This helped create an ancient atmosphere. As a mark of respect to the sun he stopped playing as the sun rose over the horizon.

Outside the grounds of Newgrange there were about 20 protesters holding plackards. They were protesting about the new Incinerator plant which has been given the go ahead to be built in the Boyne Valley. In the distance one can see the chimneys of Platin the huge cement factory and it is not a pretty sight on such a morning. Recently planning permission has been granted to Indaver to build an Incinerator plant to dispose of waste from the North East Region. There is a lot of concern about the health risks posed by such a site and also the decision to allow it to be built in so close to Newgrange which is a designated UNESCO world heritage site. for more info see http://www. lookaroundireland. com/newgrange. htm (http://www. lookaroundireland. com/newgrange. htm)

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FLAVORx Announces Nationwide Campaign to Address Dangers of Food & Drug Interaction

FLAVORx Announces Nationwide Campaign to Address Dangers of Food & Drug Interaction

Whether it be deliberate or accidental, almost all people mix medicine and food at some time. The danger, however, exists that a medication's effects can be altered by the components of certain food and drinks. Food & drug interaction can interfere with the body's response to a medication, oftentimes critically increasing or decreasing drug levels in the body. Therefore, FLAVORx Inc, the pharmaceutical flavoring company dedicated to promoting medicinal compliance has decided to launch a nationwide educational campaign on complications that addresses the topic of mixing food and medicine.

Bethesda, MD (PRWEB) September 13, 2006

Today, FLAVORx announced a nationwide food and drug interaction campaign in its effort to promote the message of medicinal compliance. Materials related to the campaign will highlight the complications that food and drink can have on certain medications and be distributed to healthcare practitioners, pharmacists and patients nationwide. With over 35,000 independent and chain pharmacies employing the FLAVORx system, the company’s outreach to the health community will provide resources that provide pertinent information on taking medications properly.

Extensive research and information on the interaction of medicine with certain food, beverages, alcohol and caffeine exist and its impact has recently been the topic of a segment on the TODAY Show. The company has made plans to develop a reader-friendly, useful and easy-to-reference guide that will act as a pertinent information resource on these interactions. The guide will be distributed to pediatricians, nurses, pharmacists and their patients to increase awareness on the complications that can occur when medications are mixed with even the most seemingly ‘innocent’ of food and drink. This work is also the culmination of a project the company is working on with a leading pharmacy journal. The piece, written by pharmacists and for pharmacists, shall be used as an educational tool on medicinal compliance for an upcoming fall 2006 issue.

Almost all people mix medications and food, whether they intend to or not. “Many patients, especially young children, find medications easier to swallow when mixed with food or drink because it masks the existing taste and/or smell,” said Kenny Kramm, President and CEO of FLAVORx. “Unfortunately, many common items like juices, dairy products and even fiber, can influence the body’s digestion or absorption of a medication.” Additionally, many patients will take a medication and inadvertently consume food or drink afterward, without even realizing that it could affect the medication. As an alternative, medicinal flavoring agents that can mask a medicines taste are available in over 35,000 pharmacies across the nation. “FLAVORx provides a safe, effective and scientifically-tested flavoring system for over-the-counter and prescription medications to improve taste and compliance without affecting the drug’s efficacy,” says Kramm.

Kramm went on to note that there are 3 ways that food and drink can affect a drug’s activity on the body. It can interfere with absorption and result in inadequate dosage, increase absorption and interfere with the body’s breakdown of the medication, or mimic the effect of medication, the latter two increasing dosage levels in the body, sometimes as much as 2-3 times. Some common items, with less well-known interactions, include grapefruit, tomato and orange juices, dark-green leafy vegetables, dairy products, fiber, caffeine and alcohol.

Grapefruit juice should be avoided with some cholesterol-lowering medications, heart medications, sleep medications, and immune system drugs. By interfering with drug breakdown, grapefruit juice can double and even triple the activity level of the medication circulating in the body. Similarly, acidic citrus juices, like orange and tomato juices, can make acid-labile drugs (which include many antibiotics) ineffective. Dairy products block iron absorption and decrease drug concentration, and should not be taken with iron supplements (for disorders like anemia) or antibiotics. For patients taking blood thinners, avoid vegetables like broccoli and spinach that can increase the level of Vitamin K in the body and thus increase blood clotting. Surprisingly, even common foods like whole grain breads, pasta and cereals that are high in fiber affect absorption by altering the rate the stomach empties, and should not be taken with penicillin. With many medications, alcohol affects the liver and breakdown of medications, leading to interference with disposal from the body and also increaseing the effects of the alcohol. And finally, another substance to be leery of is caffeine. The stimulant effects of caffeine in products like coffee, tea, soft drinks and even chocolate mimic the activity of many asthma medications and also do not mix well with muscle relaxers and analgesics.

Unfortunately, most people disregard the fact that getting too much or too little of a medication can be extremely dangerous. Low dosages do not ensure that a patient is getting enough medication, whereas too much medication can result in negative side effects and less than full benefit from a drug. It is for this reason the International Association of Medicinal Compliance states that thousands of people die each year from noncompliance or taking medication incorrectly. The IAMC states that it is always important to check drug labels, and confirm the specifics of food/drug interactions with a pharmacist or healthcare practitioner.

FLAVORx is available in chain and independent pharmacies nationwide including Walgreens, Wal-Mart, CVS and Rite-Aid. To date, over 40 million prescriptions have been flavored without any incidence of allergy, adverse reaction or changes in efficacy in flavors such as Bubblegum, Grape, Watermelon, Chocolate Silk Pie and Cherry. FLAVORx’s 42 flavors are FDA-approved, alcohol-free, sugar-free, dye-free, phosphate-free, sodium-free and do not contain gluten or casein. In addition to its ‘human’ line of products, FLAVORx also provides a flavoring system for veterinary patients that include flavors such as Crispy Bacon, Red Angus Beef and Salmon Steak.

For more information visit www. flavorx. com or contact Teresa Chen at 800.884.5771, extension 234.

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ClaimsFusion MasterCard Transaction Settlement System Provides a Financial and Benefit Solution to Facilitate Insurance Claim Settlement Transactions

ClaimsFusion MasterCard Transaction Settlement System Provides a Financial and Benefit Solution to Facilitate Insurance Claim Settlement Transactions

The ClaimsFusion MasterCard Transaction Settlement System is a "cardless" or "Virtual" MasterCard Payment System. The Transaction Settlement System's real-time ability to access accurate plan design informaiton, personal profile informaiton and claims re-pricing information applies a simplified mature transaction technology to the healthcare transaction.

Sarasota, FL (PRWEB) March 9, 2005

ClaimsFusion, in conjunction with MasterCard International, expands the ClaimsFusion (Cardless) Transaction Settlement System (TSS) to over one thousand members for the new year contributing to the transformation of the healthcare industry.

The ClaimsFusion MasterCard Transaction Settlement System is a “cardless” or “virtual” MasterCard Payment System that combines the ClaimsFusion Proprietary TSS web-based technology and the MasterCard Global Payment System providing a financial and benefit solution to facilitate insurance claim settlement transactions. The TSS System’s real-time ability to access accurate plan design information, personal profile information and claims re-pricing information, applies a simplified mature transaction technology to the healthcare transaction.

ClaimsFusion is also making strides with its Residual Billing Finance Program for hospital and large provider based facilities. This program applies the high collection capability and simplified billing of the MasterCard Global Payment System. ClaimsFusion is a leader in transforming how healthcare is accessed.

For additional information:

Dr. Craig Barcomb (941) 362-4592

ClaimsFusion, LLC

1217 East Avenue S., Suite 304

Sarasota FL 34239

Craig_barcomb@claimsfusion. com

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Pink Hygiene Issue Toilet Sneeze Warning for Workplaces

Pink Hygiene Issue Toilet Sneeze Warning for Workplaces

Pink Hygiene Solutions has issued a simple warning to minimise the risk of surface contamination in washrooms caused by the 'sneeze effect' of flushing toilets.

Sydney, NSW (PRWEB) May 14, 2009

Did you know that flushing toilets 'sneeze' dirty water and virtually invisible faecal matter over toilets seats and washroom surfaces, potentially spreading bacteria such as E coli and risking the health and safety of your workforce?

Pink Hygiene Solutions has issued a simple warning to minimise the risk of surface contamination in washrooms - put the lid down when you flush and consider a professional cubicle hygiene treatment program (http://www. pinkhygiene. com. au/en/washroom-hygiene-services/toilet-cubicle-hygiene/cubical-hygiene-treatment-programme/index. html).

"Every time a toilet is flushed, a fine mist is created called the 'Sneeze Effect', which sees germs propelled into the atmosphere where they can be inhaled and deposited around the cubicle," said Vivian Oppl, Marketing Manager for Pink.

"While putting the lid down can help to reduce the sneeze effect, which can spread bacteria several metres from the toilet and be present for up to half an hour after flushing, germs can sometimes still be detected at head height," Ms Oppl said.

Independent research recently conducted for Pink shows that 77 per cent of people will go to great lengths to avoid touching a toilet seat and 47 per cent avoid directly touching the flush button.

"Most people are instinctively concerned about the cleanliness of public toilets but with good hygiene practice, coupled with the useful products and services on the market now for public washrooms, Australian workers should enjoy cleaner and more hygienic workplaces," Ms Oppl said.

"Pink's sanitiser system is designed to provide on-going protection against the build up of scale and prevent bacterial infection by releasing a specially formulated solution into the flush."

"Our toilet seat sanitising spray (http://www. pinkhygiene. com. au/en/washroom-hygiene-services/toilet-cubicle-hygiene/sanitisers/index. html) is also popular as it dispenses an alcohol-based solution for the user to wipe the seat and comes in a ready-to-wipe tissue as well. This ensures bacteria aren't merely moved around when wiping the toilet seat with toilet paper."

"Great workplaces have great washroom facilities and research shows staff are appreciative of any measures to improve cleanliness."

"With professional washroom services and the adoption of simple habits such as putting the lid down when flushing, and proper hand washing and drying, the health and wellbeing of staff can be guarded," Ms Oppl said.

Pink also recommends people put their tooth brushes in the cupboard and away from their toilet at home, to minimise the impact of the 'sneeze effect'.

For more information: Pink Hygiene Solutions (http://www. pinkhygiene. com. au/en/) 1300 73 1234

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Fat and Weight Loss News, from Lipodissolve to Diet and Exercise Trends

Fat and Weight Loss News, from Lipodissolve to Diet and Exercise Trends

EHealthInfoLine. com, free health care and medical news and information directory, has published new consumer health pages on fat loss and plastic surgery. Included is news on the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts' decision that banned physicians and medical clinics from administering lipodissolve fat melting drug injections effective September 15, 2007.

Wenatchee, WA (PRWEB) September 6, 2007

The Internet has become a primary source of health information, with more and more people going online to self-diagnose themselves and research medical conditions. eHealthInfoLine. com (http://www. ehealthinfoline. com) has launched two new informational directories on the topics of fat loss and plastic surgery (http://www. ehealthinfoline. com/plastic_surgery. html).

"Who hasn't used the Internet to research medical conditions?" asks Kevin Lu, the associate publisher of eHealthInfoLine. com. "I have two kids, and every time they get sick or a rash I go online trying to self-diagnose their illness. What does strep throat look like? How do I treat a fever? We launched eHealthInfoLine. com to help people get answers to these types of questions."

Fat loss and plastic surgery have been hot topics in the news for years, but the spotlight has grown even brighter now thanks to television shows such as Dr. 90210 on E! and Big Medicine on Discovery Health.

"It was important for eHealthInfoLine. com to include information pertaining to diet, exercise, and popular plastic surgery procedures people see on television or read about in the news," says Lu. "Because many TV shows are only 30-minutes long, they don't adequately educate viewers about the procedures shown." Similarly, popular glamour and health magazines don't have editorial space to report both the good and the bad in diet news, plastic surgery, and weight loss fads.

Each topical health section of eHealthInfoline. com includes space for breaking health care and medical news that may not have received adequate airtime on TV or headlines in enough newspapers. For instance, a weight loss procedure known as lipodissolve (http://www. lipotreatmentfacts. org/) or mesotherapy has grown in popularity in recent years worldwide despite the lack of approval from the Food and Drug Administration. The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts has made it illegal, effective September 15, 2007, for physicians and other medical professionals in Kansas to perform the lipodissolve procedure unless it is being used as part of an approved investigational drug trial.

The safety of lipodissolve has been under scrutiny from consumers, physicians, and government agencies worldwide. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons have both issued statements against the use and practice of lipodissolve until there is an FDA approved product with data to support its safety and efficacy. Each organization discourages doctors from giving the injections and patients from pursuing the treatment.

The move by the state of Kansas to ban the lipodissolve procedure was the first of its kind, as it is the first state in the U. S. to put such a restriction on the lipodissolve procedure, also known as advanced lipodissolve, lipo-dissolve, or mesotherapy. The ban affects the most common form of Lipodissolve, which is phosphatidylcholine (http://www. lipotreatmentfacts. org/phosphatidylcholine. php) and sodium deoxycholate (PC/DC), and is consistent with the FDA's statement that PC/DC is a new drug requiring new drug approval. The ban in Kansas, follows the lead of Brazil, Canada and the UK, three countries that banned lipodissolve treatments (http://www. lipotreatmentfacts. org/majormedicalcautions. php) for cosmetic use.

The banning of this procedure in Kansas has led some who have received lipodissolve injections (http://www. lipotreatmentfacts. org/keyquestions. php), and who claim to have benefited from them, to question whether or not the ban was unnecessary. Critics of the ban argue that complaints from individuals who received the procedure from unlicensed or unskilled professionals are behind the ban of lipodissolve (http://www. ehealthinfoline. com/lipo_dissolve. html), and that it is safe when performed by licensed individuals in an appropriate setting.

"Our writers and editors are always researching the latest health news and information, and our collective focus is on the most common health and medical issues," says Lu. "We attempt to present a balanced view on controversial topics such as diets, weight loss, and the latest cosmetic surgery procedures. Lipodissolve is a good example. Although the FDA has not approved the lipodissolve drugs, many who have had the procedure claim that it works."

The latest health care and medical news, plus information about common health conditions, is available on eHealthInfoLine. com.

About eHealthInfoLine. com:
EHealthInfoLine. com is a free health care and medical conditions news and information directory where ordinary people can research common health conditions and find answers to commonly asked medical questions. The company is based in Wenatchee, Washington.

Contact:
Mark Lewis
Wenatchee, WA
Ph. (800) 731-5756
Www. ehealthinfoline. com

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A&E's Recovery Rally Brings Together Thousands in Recovery for Brooklyn Bridge Walk Highlighting the Effectiveness of Treatment and Plight of Millions

A&E's Recovery Rally Brings Together Thousands in Recovery for Brooklyn Bridge Walk Highlighting the Effectiveness of Treatment and Plight of Millions

White House Drug Czar R. Gil Kerlikowske to Honor Americans in Recovery with Keynote Address and as Walk Co-Leader Highlights Award-Winning, Multi-Year Recovery Project Awareness Campaign Led by A&E Network and Recovery Advocacy Organizations Special Musical Performance by the Legendary Smokey Robinson

New York, NY (PRWEB) September 9, 2009

More than ten thousand individuals and families in recovery (http://www. therecoveryproject. com), treatment (http://www. therecoveryproject. com) partner and advocates from all fifty states will join together for a rally at Foley Square in Lower Manhattan, followed by a symbolic walk across the historic Brooklyn Bridge and a special musical performance by legendary singer/songwriter Smokey Robinson (http://www. therecoveryproject. com) on Saturday, September 12. The A&E Recovery Rally (http://www. therecoveryproject. com) -- organized in partnership with Faces and Voices of Recovery, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD), Partnership for a Drug-Free America and the 2009 Recovery Month Planning Partners - highlights the second year of the award-winning The Recovery Project, a multi-faceted, multi-year initiative led by A&E Network (http://www. aetv. com) to raise awareness that addiction (http://www. therecoveryproject. com) is a treatable disease and recovery is possible.

A&E Recovery Rally participants from across the region, together with 51 Recovery Delegates representing all fifty states and the District of Columbia, will gather beginning at 8:30a. m. in Foley Square. HLN Anchor Jane Velez-Mitchell (http://www. therecoveryproject. com) (Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell) will serve as the master of ceremonies for the Rally and sign copies of her new book, "iWant," which chronicles her own struggles with addiction. R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, will give welcoming remarks and congratulate Rally participants on their recovery journey. Additional speakers will include: Karen Carpenter-Palumbo, commissioner of the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS); and Bob DeBitetto, President and General Manager of A&E Network and BIO Channel.

"The Recovery Project continues to be an extremely important and rewarding initiative for A&E, which reinforces our commitment to positively impacting individuals and communities beyond our programming," said DeBitetto. "Addiction in America is a significant public health challenge that has yet to receive the mainstream attention and resources it merits. We will continue to do our part to elevate awareness about the pervasiveness of addiction, as well as the real hope for recovery when addicts can get the help they need and deserve."

At 9:30am, the Recovery Delegates -- role models who are working to help others in their communities address their addiction - will lead the walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. The walk participants will then gather at Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn for a performance by Mr. Robinson at 11:15am. Smokey Robinson's live concert performance for The Recovery Project, as well as an in-depth interview with host Lynn Hoffman, will appear exclusively on A&E's hit weekly music series Private Sessions on Sunday, September 27th at 9am ET/PT. WABC-TV Sports Anchor and Sports Director Scott Clark, who is also in recovery, will serve as the emcee for the Brooklyn portion of the event.

Rally participants from across the region will travel to downtown Manhattan via train, special ferry service and more than 80 buses. They will include individuals in recovery and advocates from a variety of respected treatment programs and organizations: 1,200 people from Phoenix House; 80 veterans, in uniform, from Samaritan Village's Veterans Program, which addresses the unique needs of veterans suffering from the disease of addiction; students from Rutgers Recovery House, the country's first residential dorm specifically for students in recovery; more than 200 nurses from the OASAS Nurse Advisory Panel; and a performance by the ARC Gospel Choir, a 30-person choir from the Addicts Rehabilitation Center in Harlem, which provides treatment, therapy and housing to people in recovery.

Last year's Recovery Rally drew more than 5,000 people, who shared remarkable stories of determination and hope. A&E is building on the success of the 2008 The Recovery Project by partnering with Faces and Voices of Recovery and expanding the initiative's national footprint to support more than ninety additional rallies across the country during September, which is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. 

More than 22 million Americans* struggle with addiction to alcohol and other drugs, yet fewer than ten percent receive the treatment they need because of stigma, lack of awareness or cost. The Recovery Project - inspired by the incredible response from viewers, individuals and families in recovery to the Emmy nominated documentary series Intervention -- strives to shed light on the scope of the addiction crisis and its impact on society.

During the 20th anniversary of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in September, AETN networks - including A&E Network, History, BIO Channel, and the Crime & Investigation Network - will air public service advertisements highlighting the importance of treatment and the hope for recovery. Benjamin Bratt, Whoopi Goldberg and MC Hammer are among the celebrities featured in the campaign.

The Recovery Project was nominated for a 2009 PRISM Award™ in the Public Service Project category. The PRISM Awards honor productions that realistically depict substance abuse and addiction, as well as mental health issues. The Recovery Project was also recognized with a 2009 PR News Corporate Social Responsibility Award in the Cause Branding Campaign category. In addition, ASAP New York, the largest association of addiction treatment providers in New York State, recognized A&E with a Community Service Award and the NCADD has presented The Recovery Project with its Corporate Partnership Award

A dedicated web site, The Recovery Project, provides information about the initiative and includes ways for individuals to get involved.

On the grassroots level, The Recovery Project will continue to work with local organizations to help them create their own awareness events. A&E will continue to co-host, along with the Partnership, and leading MSOs such as Time Warner Cable, Cox and Comcast, "Intervention" Town Hall meetings in cities across the country. The Town Hall meetings offer opportunities for parents, teens, addicts, government officials, health professionals, substance abuse prevention experts and educators to develop a better understanding about the root causes and consequences of addiction. Other educational outreach initiatives include co-sponsorship of a Time To Talk™ parent guide, developed by the Partnership, focuses on preventing addiction by fostering better communication between teens and their parents about drugs.

*Source: Overview of Findings from the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health

About A&E Network
A&E is "Real Life. Drama." Now reaching more than 98 million homes, A&E is television that you can't turn away from; where unscripted shows are dramatic and scripted dramas are authentic. A&E offers a diverse mix of high quality entertainment; ranging from the network's original scripted series including "The Cleaner" starring Benjamin Bratt, to signature nonfiction franchises, including "Dog The Bounty Hunter," the Emmy-nominated "Intervention," "Paranormal State" and "Criss Angel Mindfreak," and the most successful justice shows on cable, including "The First 48" and "Crime 360." The A&E website is located at http://www. aetv. com (http://www. aetv. com). For more press information and photography please visit us on the web at http://www. aetvpress. com (http://www. aetvpress. com).

PRESS CONTACTS:
Rubenstein Communications
Iva Benson
212 843-8271 

Rubenstein Communications
Adam Pockriss
212 843-8286

A&E Network
Gina Nocero
212 210-9163

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Strategies to Serve the Needs of Psychiatric Patients in Emergency Rooms

Strategies to Serve the Needs of Psychiatric Patients in Emergency Rooms

Recent events in a New York emergency room underscore the need for reforms to meet the healthcare needs of psychiatric patients. A new healthcare webinar will present success stories in diverting ED visitors with behavioral health issues to appropriate venues of care to reduce the number of unnecessary emergency room visits and the strain on emergency department resources.

Manasquan, N. J. (PRWEB) July 9, 2008

The recent tragedy that occurred in a New York emergency room when a 49-year-old female psychiatric patient died after waiting nearly 24 hours for care, brings to light the growing concern over the increasing number of ER visitors with behavioral health needs, the resulting strain on emergency department resources and the need for a behavioral health triage system in the ER. More than 6 percent of all ER visits are for mental health-related issues -- substance-related disorders, mood disorders and anxiety disorders -- and wait times for these patients can range from eight to 24 hours.

Two organizations that have successfully implemented strategies to divert behavioral health cases to appropriate venues of care will describe their programs during Emergency Department Diversion Through Behavioral Health Linkages, a July 30, 2008 webinar. For more information, please visit http://www. hin. com/cgi-local/link/news/pl. cgi? behavioralerpr (http://www. hin. com/cgi-local/link/news/pl. cgi? behavioralerpr)

NEWS FACTS:
Scheduled Speakers: Joe Eppling, assistant vice president of post acute and behavioral health services at East Jefferson General Hospital and Julie Szempruch, associate vice president for the Midtown Mental Health Center, Wishard Health Services.

Conference Highlights: Complying with EMTALA requirements; creating linkages with behavioral health providers to provide care in appropriate settings; triaging for behavioral health needs in the emergency department; and developing patient education programs on appropriate emergency department use.

Target Audience: CEOs, medical directors, disease management directors, managers and coordinators, health plan executives, care management nurses, health promotion and wellness professionals and business development and strategic planning directors.

Webinar Formats: 90-minute live webinar on July 30, 2008 includes a 30-minute Q&A; "On-Demand" rebroadcast available August 1, 2008; 90-minute recording on CD-ROM with printed transcript or video recording of webinar on DVD available August 25, 2008. For conference details, please visit http://www. hin. com/cgi-local/link/news/pl. cgi? behavioralerpr (http://www. hin. com/cgi-local/link/news/pl. cgi? behavioralerpr)

QUOTE ATTRIBUTABLE TO MELANIE MATTHEWS, HIN EXECUTIVE VP AND COO:

"Understaffed hospital EDs are struggling to cope with the more than 50 million behavioral health - related ED visits each year, according to the latest data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. To cope with these numbers, Illinois, Rhode Island and other recipients who shared CMS' $50 million in ER redirection grants earlier this year have included psychiatric diversion tactics in their proposals. As this webinar will demonstrate, partnerships with behavioral health providers will permit those clients to be seen in a non-emergent behavioral healthcare or primary care setting. These early adopters can serve as a blueprint for other ERs hoping to improve quality and efficiency of care."

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RIPPLE EFFECTS INTERACTIVE WINS THREE 2003 AMERICAN GRAPHIC DESIGN AWARDS

RIPPLE EFFECTS INTERACTIVE WINS THREE 2003 AMERICAN GRAPHIC DESIGN AWARDS

Ripple Effects Interactive, PittsburghÂ’s largest and most prominent interactive marketing agency, was recently honored by Graphic Design:USA magazine with three 2003 American Graphic Design Awards for its creative work in the multimedia and interactive design and newsletter categories. The winning entries, which were completed on behalf of American Eagle Outfitters, the Canned Food Alliance and the agency itself, reflect Ripple Effects InteractiveÂ’s promise and commitment to deliver dynamic, innovative and award-winning creative concepts to its clients.

PITTSBURGH, PA (PRWEB) August 18, 2003 -

– Ripple Effects Interactive, Pittsburgh’s largest and most prominent interactive marketing agency, was recently honored by Graphic Design:USA magazine with three 2003 American Graphic Design Awards for its creative work in the multimedia and interactive design and newsletter categories. The winning entries, which were completed on behalf of American Eagle Outfitters, the Canned Food Alliance and the agency itself, reflect Ripple Effects Interactive’s promise and commitment to deliver dynamic, innovative and award-winning creative concepts to its clients.

In the newsletter category, Ripple Effects Interactive won for its design of clothing apparel American Eagle Outfitters’ internal newsletter for employees. The “American Eagle Employee Newsletter,” which is distributed internally every quarter, displayed vibrant imagery that reinforced the brand’s image.

In the multimedia and interactive design category, Ripple Effects Interactive won two awards. One was for the distinguished website design produced for the Canned Food Alliance (www. Mealtime. org) which garnered significant praise from the judges. The website offers consumers recipes, health tips and information about the nutritional benefits of canned food.

The second award was in recognition of the agency’s creative demo piece, “Feel the Groove,” which targeted marketing professionals in the retail industry. The demo, part of the agency’s monthly email campaign, can be accessed at www. r-effects. com/re_email/0503 (http://www. r-effects. com/re_email/0503).

“We were told that, of the hundreds of entries submitted, our work was among the very small percentage that were worthy of distinction,” said Louis Malafarina, chief executive officer at Ripple Effects Interactive.

“The awards we received over the years are nice because they validate our promise to clients; that they can expect to receive the most cutting edge creative design possible, which directly relates to their brand messaging and fits well with their overall communications plan.”

Ripple Effects Interactive is a premier interactive agency that partners with clients to create innovative online programs. In recent years, the agency has received more than 70 creative awards, including the prestigious ID Magazine Gold Award for web design.

The American Graphic Design Awards competition, in its 24th year, is widely considered to be one of the design community’s most esteemed. A panel of prominent graphic art and design professionals judged entries and chose winners based on whether they though the entries qualified as “new, outstanding graphic design, advertising art and marketing communications.”

Graphic Design:USA, published by Kaye Publishing Corporation for 40 years, is the monthly business-to-business magazine for professional graphic designers and related creative and production professionals. It reaches the design field's freshest, most targeted business-to-business circulation at design firms, corporations, ad agencies and publishers.

The magazine covers the latest in news, trends, people, events, projects, products, services and ideas. The editorial mission is to inform and help build a sense of community with an open and welcoming policy toward coverage of this exciting and influential marketplace.

As a full-service agency, Ripple Effects Interactive offers a complete range of services - from strategic planning to application development to universal accessibility consulting. Located in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia with representation in Washington, D. C., Ripple Effects Interactive features a team of 40 interactive specialists and was recently ranked by Ad Age magazine as one of the nationÂ’s Top 50 interactive agencies.

Since 1998 the company has worked with government, education and large corporate clients, including the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, Johnson & Johnson and Coca-Cola. For more background, visit www. RippleEffectsInteractive. com.

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MEDai Analyzes the Utilization of Evidence-Based Data for Managed Care Decision Making

MEDai Analyzes the Utilization of Evidence-Based Data for Managed Care Decision Making

MEDai, Inc., a leading provider of advanced solutions for healthcare that utilize award-winning predictive modeling technology, headquartered in Orlando, FL, announced earlier this week that Diane Lee, Executive Vice President, will be discussing how utilization of evidenced-based data can be used for managed care decision making at the upcoming Evidenced-Based Medicine for Pharmaceutical Marketing conference on January 23 in Philadelphia, PA.

Orlando, FL (PRWEB) January 26, 2006

MEDai, Inc., a leading provider of advanced solutions for healthcare that utilize award-winning predictive modeling technology, headquartered in Orlando, FL, announced earlier this week that Diane Lee, Executive Vice President, will be discussing how utilization of evidenced-based data can be used for managed care decision making at the upcoming Evidenced-Based Medicine for Pharmaceutical Marketing conference on January 23 in Philadelphia, PA.

Managed care organizations are controlling rising pharmaceutical costs by adding only those therapeutics to formularies that can deliver improved patient outcomes while favorably impacting overall treatment costs relative to the standard of care. Manufacturers must find ways to prove to payors that their products offer compelling pharmacoeconomic value or face coverage rejection. Ms. Lee will introduce ways of utilizing evidence-based data and technology to help manufacturers address this concern and be more aggressive in their development targets.

For more than a decade, Risk Navigator Clinical has accurately forecasted prospective high-risk patients to improve patients' health and quality of care while controlling cost. The advantage of MEDai's prediction engine is its use of the right combination of linear and non-linear models to correctly "fit" the characteristics of the client's population. In addition to forecasting those that are high-risk/high-cost, Risk Navigator Clinical allows care managers to quickly identify members with the greatest impact potential from both financial and quality of life perspectives, improve underwriting accuracy, increase renewal rates and identify clinically effective therapies.

About MEDai

MEDai, Inc. is a leading health information company offering award-winning solutions for the improvement of healthcare delivery. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, payors and care management organizations are able to predict patients at risk, identify cost drivers for their high-risk population, forecast future health plan costs, evaluate patient patterns over time and improve outcomes. For more information on MEDai, visit www. medai. com.

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Homeless Teen Shelter Receives a $135,000 Gift Photocharity awards fourth annual check to The Storefront Emergency Shelter

Homeless Teen Shelter Receives a $135,000 Gift Photocharity awards fourth annual check to The Storefront Emergency Shelter

For the fourth straight year since its founding in 2000, Photocharity has raised much needed funds for The Storefront, San Diego's only emergency teen shelter, located in Hillcrest and operated by San Diego Youth and Community Services.

(PRWEB) July 20, 2005

For the fourth straight year since its founding in 2000, Photocharity has raised much needed funds for The Storefront, San Diego's only emergency teen shelter, located in Hillcrest and operated by San Diego Youth and Community Services. Photocharity awarded the results of its 2004-2005 fundraising efforts to The Storefront in a ceremony held at the facility on July 5, with founder and president Jeffrey Sitcov presenting a giant check for $135,000 to Fern Steiner, Vice President, Board of Directors, San Diego Youth & Community Services. The funds will be used to pay for operational expenses and programs that help troubled teens regain control of their lives and feel good about themselves. To date, Photocharity has raised over half-a-million dollars in its efforts to support The Storefront, its sole beneficiary.

"We are absolutely thrilled to present our largest check yet to The Storefront," said Sitcov. "Our community has really rallied behind this cause. They've said loud and clear that we've got to do something about the nearly 2,000 teens that are homeless on our streets every day. Thanks to all the angels in San Diego that are donating time and money, we were able raise over $135,000 for The Storefront this year."

Those funds will be used by The Storefront to fund the following for the coming year: breakfasts for the teens, a music program director and two assistants, music program supplies, an African drumming anger management program, an after school arts program, recreational activities including snowboarding, surfing, snorkeling and rock climbing; a full-time independent living skills coordinator and assistant, a half-time outreach worker, health education, a clinical psychologist for weekly supervision and testing as needed, water utility bills, property maintenance, and gasoline for the outreach van.

"We are so fortunate to have a partner like Photocharity," said Steiner on behalf of The Storefront. "We couldn't do everything we do without their vital support. Photocharity has helped us provide several innovative programs that really help the teens regain their self-esteem and build skills they'll need for living."

About Photocharity

Photocharity is a San Diego-based, non-profit (501-c3) organization founded by Jeffrey Sitcov in July of 2000. Photocharity's mission is to save homeless youth globally, one community at a time. The organization started its efforts in San Diego, raising money for the Storefront homeless teen shelter, the only such shelter in the community. In 2005, the organization is expanding its efforts to San Francisco, and will also start to build the Photocharity House, a long-term residence for homeless youth in San Diego. Photocharity raises money through corporate sponsorships, planned giving, benefit concerts, and the sale of memorabilia. More information about Photocharity and the Storefront can be found at www. photocharity. org.

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Improving Patient Care is Number One Concern of Therapists According to a Recent TherapyJobs. com Survey

Improving Patient Care is Number One Concern of Therapists According to a Recent TherapyJobs. com Survey

Improving patient care was the number one concern of therapists in a recent survey conducted by TherapyJobs. com. The healthcare reform survey, which was emailed to over 10,000 practicing therapists, asked for therapists to provide their opinions on the current healthcare system as well as the "Universal Healthcare" System being proposed by several presidential candidates.

Alpharetta, GA (PRWEB) May 13, 2008

May 13, 2008 Improving patient care was the number one concern of therapists in a recent survey conducted by TherapyJobs. com. The healthcare reform survey (http://www. therapyjobs. com/healthcarereform/), which was emailed to over 10,000 practicing therapists, asked for therapists to provide their opinions on the current healthcare system as well as the "Universal Healthcare" System being proposed by several presidential candidates.

Regardless of the number of years practicing, all therapists seemed to be concerned with how a revamped healthcare system would affect patients. In response to the question "If healthcare reform is adopted, what factors might have a bearing on your career plans?," one therapist responded "If patient care diminished even more, it would be time for a new career." Another therapist commented, "I am going back to school for a second degree because I am fed up with the healthcare system and cannot wait for a new one to be implemented."

When asked specifically about how a Universal Healthcare System would impact patient care, 60% agreed that patient wait time for medical procedures would increase dramatically. They also felt by a small margin (37% to 31%) that patient care would be worse under such a system as opposed to better.

On the positive side, therapists agreed that if a Universal Healthcare System was implemented, patients would have greater access to affordable prescription drugs and more efficient processing of their electronic medical records.

Therapists overwhelmingly agreed regardless of what type of healthcare system is in place, citizens who live a "healthy lifestyle" should be granted special breaks. Tax credits and reduced healthcare costs were the most frequently mentioned rewards. One therapist respondent suggested we offer tax deductions for healthcare memberships.

There was a strong consensus among survey respondents that healthcare reform is critically important in this election. Their overall goal was to vote for the candidate that would help them achieve better total healthcare for their patients. Therapists were evenly divided as to which current presidential candidate they felt would best deliver on the promise of an improved healthcare plan.

A sampling of comments related to key survey questions illustrates the diversity of opinions expressed by therapist respondents:
•I would want to provide the best care to the most patients.
•I don't see healthcare reform as a personal issue - it's about the patients.
•I am tired of fighting ridiculous battles over every charge I submit.
•I want what is great for our country. I do not vote for political leaders based on how it benefits me. "Ask what you can do for your country"
•I would like for insurance companies to be eliminated and healthcare for all, but I do not want the supposed pitfalls that come with Universal Healthcare.

Given the shortage across all therapy specialties including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, the therapist viewpoint is critical to the healthcare system. The American Physical Therapy Association released a report in early April stating that 28% of employers quote 2-5 years as the average amount of time it takes to fill a physical therapy opening in a skilled nursing facility. Sixteen percent cite one to two years and 17% cite up to one full year to fill their positions. In an acute care hospital, 42% of employers state it can take up to 180 days to fill their open physical therapy positions with 24% taking up to a year.

The survey results in their entirety can be found online at http://www. therapyjobs. com/healthcarereform/ (http://www. therapyjobs. com/healthcarereform/).

About TherapyJobs. com
With over 9,000 registered therapists and 15,000 available therapy jobs, TherapyJobs. com is dedicated to providing therapists with the choices and resources to best manage their career in therapy. Providing therapists with a customizable experience, TherapyJobs. com ensures that they will maximize all of the therapy career resources (http://www. therapyjobs. com/therapy-careers/) the site has to offer. Exclusively targeting therapy professionals in the fields of speech pathology (including audiology), physical therapy and occupational therapy, TherapyJobs. com offers therapy employers thousands of qualified candidates from one central location. The website provides employers with a made to order therapy recruitment experience, so they are sure to find the perfect candidate for their therapy position. TherapyJobs. com is part of a network of healthcare niche sites powered by Healthcare Job Boards.

About Healthcare Job Boards
The leading provider of career concierge sites in the healthcare market, Healthcare Job Boards is dedicated to providing premier career concierge sites for the healthcare disciplines its network searches. Healthcare Job Boards (http://www. healthcarejobboards. com/) currently manages online career concierge sites for the therapy, nursing and physician market. The corporate website listing all of its specialty job boards can be found at HealthcareJobBoards. com

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Martial Arts Training Legend GrandMaster Dr. Ted Gambordella Releases a New Membership Site on Effective Self Defense Moves and Techniques

Martial Arts Training Legend GrandMaster Dr. Ted Gambordella Releases a New Membership Site on Effective Self Defense Moves and Techniques

GrandMaster Dr. Ted Gambordella, author of "The 100 Deadliest Karate Moves" is launching a membership site where he will be providing his more than 30 years of experience to anyone interested in martial arts and self defense training.

Lafayette, OR (PRWEB) September 10, 2007

Living Legend Dr. Ted Gambordella, author of more than 40 books and DVDs on different areas of martial arts training and self defense techniques, is releasing a new membership site that is suitable for beginners and advanced.

Dr. Ted, is aware of the growing demand in America for martial arts training (http://www. secretsofmartialartsmasters. com), karate, mixed martial arts or any other kind of self defense methods. "18.1 million Americans participated in karate or some form of martial arts at least once in the past year" and every day more people are using the internet to find advice and training that they can practice at their own time.

There has been a huge growth of demand and flow of information on the internet on many martial arts disciplines, karate, mixed martial arts training, kung-fu, Aikido, Teakwood, kick boxing, etc. However, this also brings a lot of misinformation, if you don't have the proper guidance. Dr Ted wants to create a helpful community of like minded people that are passionate and want to help each other.

On the other side there is a growing demand for self defense training from people that want more personal security. "In America, there is one murder every 22 minutes, one rape every 5 minutes, one robbery every 49 seconds and one burglary every 10 seconds," they want street fight self defense advice and Dr Ted has the experience to teach the effective ways to do it.

Dr. Ted's books and programs have been used and endorsed by top universities and professional teams for over 30 years. He now wants to step forward and bring the community a way to learn his techniques, tactics, fitness programs, weapon training and more in one single place.

There are two kinds of people that want martial arts training, people who want to feel more secure on the Streets and have the confidence to confront any hard situation and people who want to practice martial arts as a sport, discipline that will give them a healthy life.

You can have access to Dr. Ted site for more information: visit:http://www. secretsofmartialartsmasters. com (http://www. secretsofmartialartsmasters. com)

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UNIS LUMIN Receives Commercial Success of the Year Award from Cisco Systems

UNIS LUMIN Receives Commercial Success of the Year Award from Cisco Systems

UNIS LUMIN announced it has received the 2004 Regional Award for Commercial Success of the Year in Central Canada from Cisco Systems Canada.

Oakville, Ontario (PRWEB) April 18, 2005

UNIS LUMIN announced it has received the 2004 Regional Award for Commercial Success of the Year in Central Canada from Cisco Systems Canada.

The award recognizes outstanding contribution in the development of a new solution which delivers unique value to our commercial customers in 2004. The award was presented at the recent Cisco Partner Summit 2005, held in Vancouver, British Columbia.

“We are very pleased to be recognized for this award. Cisco's internetworking and voice (VoIP) solutions are great value products for our customers. When you combine Cisco’s solutions with UNIS LUMIN's expertise in integrating customer business applications, our customers are able to maximize their investment value, helping us to meet our goal of making our customers more competitive and profitable”, said John Breakey, President, CEO and founder of UNIS LUMIN.

“We are proud to present UNIS LUMIN with the Commercial Success of the Year Award in Central Canada. UNIS LUMIN has continued to differentiate the value they deliver to their customers and we look forward to new solution development and our mutual partnership success,” said Steve Simmons, vice-president, Canadian Channel and Commercial Operations at Cisco Systems Canada.

Cisco Systems Canada recognizes the top national and regional channel partners annually at its Partner Summit. All awards are reviewed, evaluated and selected by the Canadian executive team.

For more features, news, videos, and photos relating to the Cisco 2005 Partner Summit visit http://newsroom. cisco. com/partnersummit/ (http://newsroom. cisco. com/partnersummit/)

About UNIS LUMIN:

UNIS LUMIN is a leading provider of technology based business solutions. Since 1990, UNIS LUMIN has provided solutions to a wide range of organizations including major corporations, provincial ministries, healthcare and educational institutions helping them to increase efficiencies, reduce operating expenses, and use technology as a competitive edge. The scope of the company's experience and expertise includes the full range of technological services from technology planning and enterprise management to resolving complex integration issues and developing e-business applications. News and information on UNIS LUMIN is available at www. unislumin. com

About Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco Systems Canada Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco Systems, Inc, has offices across Canada dedicated to customer support, sales, and service. News and information on Cisco Systems Canada is available at http://www. cisco. com/ca (http://www. cisco. com/ca).

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Learn How Muscles Work Before Working Your Muscles; "Anatomy for Strength and Fitness Training" Just Released

Learn How Muscles Work Before Working Your Muscles; "Anatomy for Strength and Fitness Training" Just Released

Essential exercise reference uses detailed, full-color anatomical illustrations of muscles and tendons to provide visual insight into what happens to the body during exercise.

New York, NY (PRWEB) August 17, 2006

More than just a “how to” of exercise and fitness training, "Anatomy for Strength and Fitness Training" (McGraw-Hill) is an essential exercise reference that uses detailed, full-color anatomical illustrations of muscles and tendons to provide visual insight into what happens to the body during exercise. Focused on workouts that increase flexibility and strength, this book offers not just proper technique, but helps readers understand how the exercise works to shape the body.

Each section of the book starts with a basic introduction that focuses on the body part or type of training covered. Part One provides a basic introduction to anatomical definitions and terminology. Part Two presents over 90 exercises featuring illustrations, together with instructions on execution and technique.

The exercises have been selected from a wide spectrum of activities, including strength training and gym fitness, stretching and flexibility training, yoga, Pilates, and bodybuilding, and are grouped by region. For reading and referencing ease, each exercise is classified by type, joint movement, action and skill level, and features an introductory paragraph with fascinating facts and trivia relating to the exercise. Supporting sidebars and graphics demonstrate the proper start and finish positions, stabilizing muscles, detailed analyses of the joints and muscles worked, along with other useful facts and training tips.

"Anatomy for Strength and Fitness Training" is also complete with a glossary of terms, index, and resources and Websites for further reading and information.

Mark Vella, who has been involved in the field of health and fitness for more than 15 years, and Dr. Nick Walters, an exercise physiologist with more than 20 years of experience, have designed this easy-to-navigate manual to be helpful for anyone who is participating in a fitness program, from the power-lifter who hits the gym daily, to the person who does Pilates or yoga at home in his or her spare time. This is an invaluable resource for understanding and maintaining your body.

Turn to "Anatomy for Strength and Fitness Training" for:

200+ muscle-by-muscle illustrations for an inside look at how exercise affects 70 different muscles

90+ exercises – ranging from free weights to machines to yoga and Pilates – that will sculpt your entire body

Tips for good form to maximize safety and effectiveness

Expert commentary on each exercise covering everything from history to cautions and benefits

Specific exercise programs for muscle tone and strength

A difficulty rating for every exercise ranging from beginner to advanced

A brief overview of anatomy, from anatomical definitions and terms to how to analyze an exercise

Mark Vella has been involved in the field of health and fitness for more than 15 years as a personal trainer, lifestyle counselor, and massage therapist. He lectures to fitness professionals on a variety of health science topics.

Dr. Nick Walters, an exercise physiologist with more than 20 years of experience, is the vice principal and head of research at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine in London.

Bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts learn how their muscles work before they work their muscles, and so should you!

"Anatomy for Strength and Fitness Training"

An Illustrated Guide to Your Muscles in Action

By Mark Vella, with Dr. Nick Walters

144 pages, 215 color illustrations

Paper, $19.95. ISBN: 0-07-147533-8

Publication Date: September 2006

For review copies and excerpts, contact:

Kenya M. Henderson

Publicist, McGraw-Hill Companies

2 Penn Plaza, 12th Floor

New York, NY 10121

P: 212.904.3346 F: 212.904.4091

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Larger Format LCDs for Commercial Use and Digital Signage Up 67% Y/Y; Commercial Plasma Products Lagging Behind LCDs Despite Size Advantages

Larger Format LCDs for Commercial Use and Digital Signage Up 67% Y/Y; Commercial Plasma Products Lagging Behind LCDs Despite Size Advantages

Commercial Plasma Products Lagging Behind LCDs Despite Size Advantages

Austin, Texas (Vocus) June 13, 2009

While "flat is the new up" for many technologies as the global recession continues, current results show that the flat-panel digital signage market continues to grow with larger-size commercial LCD products outpacing shipments of commercial plasma products 2-to-1 in Q1'09. Results from the recent DisplaySearch Quarterly FPD Public Display Shipment and Forecast Report (http://www. displaysearch. com/cps/rde/xchg/displaysearch/hs. xsl/quarterly_fpd_public_display_shipment_and_forecast_report. asp) revealed that Q1'09 worldwide shipments of larger size (26"+) flat panel displays used in commercial applications for out-of-home environments grew 2% Y/Y, but dropped 10% Q/Q showing that this market may not be completely impervious to the effects of the global recession. Further analysis revealed that this market segment is still healthy, however.

Sequential declines seen in the period came more as a result of fewer plasma shipments in the quarter due to some production transitions in that sector rather than falling demand. Conversely, LCD-based commercial displays saw a 3% sequential growth for the period and an astounding 67% growth when compared to the same period as last year. (Figure 1)

"While LCDs continued to gain momentum as an acceptable Out-of-Home (OoH) flat panel display technology with phenomenal Y/Y growth of 67%, plasma-based technologies were unable to take advantage of their price/size advantage in 50"+ sizes, thus shipments fell 37% in the same period," noted Chris Connery (http://www. displaysearch. com/cps/rde/xchg/displaysearch/hs. xsl/analysts_cconnery. asp), Vice President of PC and Large Format Commercial Displays. "Looking ahead, plasma looks to re-gain its strong foothold on the commercial FPD space as more production capacity--allowing for larger size displays to be produced even more efficiently start to come on board potentially even butting-up against other OoH technologies such as direct view LEDs and Rear and Front Projection systems in indoor venues."

Some major brands stopped promoting plasma as a technology for commercial applications in 2008 and such movements no doubt hurt public perception of the technology. Major players such as Panasonic are still quite focused on the technology and are preparing for an annual refresh of their professional line of products as well as expanded capacity, which indicates that this technology is far from being out of contention as a strong competitor in this space. DisplaySearch's results indicate that in spite of the drop off in Q1'09 WW total shipments for FPD technologies for commercial environments, Panasonic was the #2 brand for the quarter for large format commercial displays, behind #1 Samsung in total FPD commercial market share. (Table 1)

Looking forward, the display market will help drive market momentum around digital signage. Fabrication plants for larger LCDs and plasma products are will come on-line in 2009 and 2010 with sizes and technologies geared more towards Out-of-Home environments than traditional in-home TV display sizes. Other technologies such as various forms of front and rear projection are still prepared to combat the continued onslaught of FPD technologies as well (especially tiled LCD and PDP solutions) with new innovations on the horizon.

DisplaySearch Quarterly FPD Public Display Shipment and Forecast Report (http://www. displaysearch. com/cps/rde/xchg/displaysearch/hs. xsl/quarterly_fpd_public_display_shipment_and_forecast_report. asp) includes worldwide shipment and forecast data for both LCD - and PDP-based FPD public displays by quarter through 2015 with historical shipments by brand, by size, by region for LCD public displays and historical PDP total worldwide shipments by size from Q1'06 through the present. This report also provides cost forecasts of LCD and PDP modules used in public display environments as well as projected average street prices by size and by technology through 2015. This report is delivered in PowerPoint and includes enhanced Excel data tables. For more information, contact Charles Camaroto at 1.888.436.7673 or 1.516.625.2452, email contact (at) displaysearch (dot) com, or contact your regional DisplaySearch office in China, Japan, Korea or Taiwan.

About DisplaySearch
DisplaySearch, an NPD Group Company, has a core team of 57 employees, located in Europe, North America and Asia, who produce a valued suite of FPD-related market forecasts, technology assessments, surveys, studies and analyses. Visit the DisplaySearch blog (http://www. displaysearchblog. com/) to read about how our top analysts are interpreting up-to-the-minute issues that impact the display industry, and join us in this discussion about technology and the flat panel industry. The company also organizes influential events worldwide. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, DisplaySearch has regional operations in Chicago, Houston, Kyoto, London, San Diego, San Jose, Seoul, Shenzhen, Taipei and Tokyo, and the company is on the web at http://www. displaysearch. com/ (http://www. displaysearch. com/).

About The NPD Group, Inc.
The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 1,700 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels. NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, commercial technology, consumer technology, entertainment, fashion, food and beverage, foodservice, home, office supplies, software, sports, toys, and wireless. For more information, contact us (http://npd. com/corpServlet? nextpage=contact-us_s. html) or visit http://www. npd. com/ (http://www. npd. com/) and http://www. npdgroupblog. com/ (http://www. npdgroupblog. com/).

Media Contact:
Stacey Voorhees-Harmon
Public Relations
Phone: 925-336-9592
E-mail: stacey (at) savvypublicrelations (dot) net

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