New RedBat Version 4.0 Surveillance System Aids Hospitals in Containing Possible Disease Outbreaks

New RedBat Version 4.0 Surveillance System Aids Hospitals in Containing Possible Disease Outbreaks

ICPA announced today the release of RedBat Version 4.0 which contains several enhancements to its multi-purpose syndromic surveillance software for hospitals and public health agencies.

Austin, TX (PRWEB) June 11, 2005

ICPA announced today the release of RedBat Version 4.0 which contains several enhancements to its multi-purpose syndromic surveillance software for hospitals and public health agencies. Version 4.0 includes a robust database platform which can store and analyze millions of records. Also, the transfer of data is totally automatic– no manual steps are required.

The new RedBat enhancements allow hospitals and health agencies to automatically import emergency department symptom data, translate it into meaningful codes and syndromes and upload the data to the appropriate health agency, where it can be quickly analyzed for early evidence of a community, regional or state-wide outbreak.

With RedBat, hospitals and public health officers continually review existing data from emergency rooms and/or nurse call centers, and search for patterns of unusual health events. This type of surveillance may enable public health epidemiologists to detect terrorist incidents and naturally occurring disease outbreaks sooner than the traditional methods of passive surveillance, which include reports from doctors, laboratory staff or other healthcare workers.

“Early detection of disease outbreaks, whether caused by terrorists or occurring naturally, is very important because it gives public health officials time to implement prevention and control measures that will slow the spread of the disease or decrease its severity,” explains Kathryn Miller, RedBat Product Manager. “RedBat Version 4.0 analyzes data using sophisticated statistical techniques to flag unusual trends and clusters. It sends an immediate message to the appropriate person when a red alert occurs.”

RedBat Version 4.0 provides hospitals and health agencies with additional benefits including improved communication between public health, hospitals and private medical professionals, which improves the entire communityÂ’s health. Prevention and control measures include distributing vaccinations and prophylactic medications, educating healthcare workers and the public about the symptoms and treatments available, and, in extreme situations, quarantining people during their contagious period.

“It’s reassuring for citizens to know that the hospitals and health departments where they live are using state-of-the-art software for detecting outbreaks and can provide up-to-date information on the extent of the outbreak if necessary,” says Miller. “Not only is RedBat 4.0 extremely affordable and inexpensive to maintain, hospitals and health departments do not have to invest in additional personnel to implement the system.”

About ICPA

ICPA, Inc. is dedicated to the development of quality patient safety software that collects and analyzes data with the goal of reducing/preventing hospital-acquired infections, improving employee health and monitoring the health of the community. They are a far-sighted company, eager to assist and provide healthcare professionals with software tools that use the latest epidemiologic methods to improve patient care and employee health. For more information visit www. icpa. net.

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The 12 Best No-Cost Very-Last-Minute Holiday Gifts

The 12 Best No-Cost Very-Last-Minute Holiday Gifts

Whether people want to give a "gift from the heart," or they're low on money, or they simply waited till the last minute but still want to give a gift that will be appreciated, these twelve fantastic gift ideas won't cost them a dime. Plus it iIncludes instant access to a no-cost "Top-Rated 55 Healthy Recipes" cookbook and other eBooks that even the gift givers will love.

Lake Forest, IL (PRWEB) December 21, 2006

Whether people are fed up with the over-materialism of the holidays and want to give a gift from the heart, or they're broke or waited till the last minute to start searching for a gift and would like to use that excuse, here are twelve no-cost gift ideas that the recipient is sure to appreciate and enjoy:

1. Give a Family Heirloom. The holidays are an ideal time to pass down grandpa's toy train to a son, great grandma's engagement ring to a daughter, or a favorite baseball card to a close friend.

2. Baked Goods are Always Welcome. Most people really appreciate the effort that goes in to giving homemade cookies, fudge or cakes. If they're not into sweets, a frozen container of homemade chili or minestrone soup will likely be just as well received. (Note: For dozens of easy, healthy and fun recipes, consumers can instantly grab the free 55 Top-Rated Healthy Party & Get-Together Recipes eCookbook (http://www. happybirthdaygiftideas. com/newsletter. html)] now at http://www. happybirthdaygiftideas. com/newsletter. html (http://www. happybirthdaygiftideas. com/newsletter. html). This no-cost cookbook also makes a great gift, of course!)

3. Create a Personal Masterpiece for Them. People can use their talents -- or at least try to -- to create meaningful and lasting gifts for others. Write a poem for them, or write a song and sing it for them. Or paint them a picture. While this type of gift is not advisable for all types of recipients -- for instance, bosses may not appreciate a pretty picture their employee made -- other types of recipients such as mothers and grandmothers may love it more than anything that can be bought.

4. Give a "Freebie Certificate." Give a neighbor a "get out of snow shoveling" free certificate. Give a spouse a free day to play golf with no worries about the kids, or a back massage. (For an excellent website where consumers can fill in the blanks on multiple different types of fun certificates and print them out at no-cost, click here (http://www. sixwise. com/newsletters/06/12/10/11_no-cost_gifts_you_can_give_them_right_now_that_theyll_love_even_more_than_gifts_you_pay_for. htm)])

5. Share Plants with an Avid Gardener. Those who have a garden, whether outdoors or an indoor selection of house plants or herbs, can make up a basket of clippings that their gardening-enthusiast friend will adore.

6. Give the Gift of Your Work Skills. Computer geniuses can give the gift of getting the spyware off the computers of friends and family. Landscapers can give the gift of tree-trimming or the like to friends and family. Accountants can give advice -- or a certificate for complimentary tax services come tax time.

7. Plan a Special Outing. The gift of someone's time can be the most cherished gift of all. A day spent hiking with a nature-loving spouse, or going to the zoo with the kids, or sleeping in a tent outside with the grandkids, will be remembered for life. When people "give" this gift, they can draw a picture of it, or create it out of construction paper, cut-out magazine photos, etc., wrap it up, and present it.

8. Make a Scrapbook. New parents will adore a scrapbook of their new baby, but others also like to receive scrapbooks. Grandma may appreciate a scrapbook that chronicles her youth, a co-worker may appreciate one showing all of her top work achievements, etc.

9. Send a Video. This can be an especially touching gift for someone who won't be able to spend the holidays with the family, such as a solider overseas. The gift-giver can make a video showing other loved ones, showing what's new in their life, or what's special in the recipients life.

10. Homemade Dog Treats for a Pet-Lover. People with pets may appreciate a gift given to their pet more than receiving a gift themself. For a quick (http://www. sixwise. com/newsletters/06/12/10/11_no-cost_gifts_you_can_give_them_right_now_that_theyll_love_even_more_than_gifts_you_pay_for. htm)], easy and delicious (according to dogs at least) homemade dog biscuit recipe, click here (http://www. sixwise. com/newsletters/06/12/10/11_no-cost_gifts_you_can_give_them_right_now_that_theyll_love_even_more_than_gifts_you_pay_for. htm)].

11. Make Them a Salt Dough Ornament. This one is perfect for kids to make and give, since it is easy, costs almost nothing, and is fun. For an easy salt dough ornament recipe (http://www. happybirthdaygiftideas. com/holiday-dough-ornament-recipe. html)] click here (http://www. happybirthdaygiftideas. com/holiday-dough-ornament-recipe. html)].

12. Give Them High-Quality eBooks like this NO-Cost 55 Healthy Recipe Cookbook. You can find great books, including virtually every literary classic, as an attractive and no-cost eBook these days by a simple Google search (type in "Moby Dick. pdf" at Google, for example.) People can print out the books and create their own personalized covers for a fun and meaningful gift. The 55 Top-Rated Healthy Party and Get-Together Recipes (http://www. happybirthdaygiftideas. com/newsletter. html)] at www. happybirthdaygiftideas. com/newsletter. html (http://www. happybirthdaygiftideas. com/newsletter. html) is free, very nicely presented, and perfect for printing out as an instant gift.

Note: Republication of this and all SixWise. com articles is allowed as long as proper author credits and, if published online, live links are in place.

Click here (http://www. sixwise. com/newsletters/06/12/10/11_no-cost_gifts_you_can_give_them_right_now_that_theyll_love_even_more_than_gifts_you_pay_for. htm)] to see the Entire "12 Best No-Cost Last-Minute Holiday Gifts" Now at SixWise. com.

SixWise. com is the home of the no-cost Be Safe, Live Longer and Prosper newsletter (http://www. sixwise. com/html/about. htm)], now the #1 most subscribed to consumer health, wealth, relationships, and much more newsletter on the Web.

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Your Online Destination for all Things MonaVie

Your Online Destination for all Things MonaVie

Announcing the new online portal for MonaVie. The amazing acai juice drink that's sweeping the globe.

Savannah, GA (PRWEB) December 25, 2007

Announcing the new online portal for MonaVie: http://www. mymonavie. com/mattowens (http://www. mymonavie. com/mattowens)

MonaVie is a delicious and energizing blend of 19 body-beneficial fruits - including the Brazilian açai berry, one of nature's top super foods. Developed with the philosophy "Balance-Variety-Moderation" this nourishing beverage delivers the essential phytonuturients and antioxidants your body needs to stay healthy. MonaVie Active combines the delicious blend of MonaVie with plant-derived glucosamine for healthy joint support and powerful antioxidant protection. Learn more... http://www. mymonavie. com/mattowens/timing_discovering. asp (http://www. mymonavie. com/mattowens/timing_discovering. asp)

MonaVie blends unequaled nutritional power with an unparalleled business opportunity that can allow you to capitalize on the surging health and wellness industry.

MonaVie offers the most innovative and dynamic compensation plan in the industry. With 8 Ways to Earn Income and 50 percent of the sales volume paid out in distributor commissions, MonaVie is a powerfully rewarding opportunity. Learn more... http://www. mymonavie. com/mattowens/opportunity_powerofyou. asp (http://www. mymonavie. com/mattowens/opportunity_powerofyou. asp)

Begin achieving renewed health and financial well-being by enjoying and sharing MonaVie with others.

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Scribe Growth Surpasses 15,000 Users

Scribe Growth Surpasses 15,000 Users

Scribe customers enjoy the flexibility and reliability of a documentation platform that allows dictation, traditional transcription, voice recognition and direct user entry to create patient records.

Lake Forest, IL (PRWEB) October 17, 2007

Scribe Healthcare Technologies, Inc. (http://www. scribe. com (http://www. scribe. com)), a leading healthcare technology company, today announced its user based has surpassed 15,000 users. In the past year Scribe's user based has more than doubled.

According to John Weiss, Scribe's Vice President, "One size does not fit all. Our user base is growing nicely due to our unique platform technology that allows the user to select the best method for document creation - dictation, traditional transcription, voice recognition, and direct user entry. We loose very few customers due to the platform's flexibility and ease of integration with systems such as EMR/EHR."

Customers of Scribe are able to adapt the Scribe platform to meet their changing needs. Basic changes such as customizable phone prompts or advanced modifications such as automatic data transfer and auto-population of the EMR allow the customer to use Scribe as a transitional tool. The net result is quicker adoption of new technologies without inflicting significant change to physicians.

With growth come growing pains. Earlier in the year Scribe moved to the Qwest data center in Chicago. The move was necessitated to remove growth constraints at the previous data center. "No technology company is 100% perfect but we consistently exceed 99.9% uptime while delivering faster performance than our competition." says Mark Boyce, Scribe's President & CEO. "We continue to invest heavily in our platform to ensure the best user experience possible. As a result we have very little attrition while receiving a steady stream of referrals from our customer base."

Scribe technologies are modular and Web-based, leveraging the Internet and standard Microsoft applications. Scribe offers a variety of technologies that help hospitals, medical practices, and MTSO manage documentation workflow.

About Scribe Healthcare Technologies, Inc.
Scribe Healthcare Technologies is a privately-held healthcare technology company based in the Chicago area. The company has developed a proprietary web-native platform that complements and extends the value for patient registration, Practice/Hospital Management and EMR Solutions. Scribe's platform includes complete solutions for dictation, transcription, document management, EMR-Lite, Web portal, and reporting with data analytics.

Scribe serves more than 15,000 users. Business partners and resellers include consulting firms, transcription companies, and business process outsourcers. Additional information is available at www. scribe. com.

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Jessica Lunsford Incident Causes Parent Concern: How Can We Protect Our Kids?

Jessica Lunsford Incident Causes Parent Concern: How Can We Protect Our Kids?

Kids Become Safer When Parents Go Beyond Stranger Danger: New Book And Program Give Parents Tools To Train Children Correctly

Dayton, OH (PRWEB) March 3, 2005

Child Safety Expert and police veteran, Glen Evans, has launched an exciting new parent resource book designed to help parents worry less about their kids. Evans developed the children's safety ASSERT Kids program, which stands for Active and Simple Safety Education Response Training.

Recent surveys indicate parents number one concern is child safety and health. Most parents admit to being frustrated because they believe they are not preparing their kids well enough.

Stranger Danger information is readily available, but there is a growing movment away from this information because it has been deemed incomplete.

Glen Evans states, "Business and industry has invested millions of dollars in training their employees because they want they best results... they train them because they want them to know what to do... Parents should be no different. Parents should go beyond Stranger Danger and begin the personal safety training process with their kids, the cost of not training them is too high."

In the new book, "How To Create Incredibly Safe Kids!" parents learn the secrets to helping their kids recognize dangerous people and techniques to train an automatic response into them, essentially programming them to know exactly what to do if confronted by a "stranger" or bully.

Then new release of the printed manual includes a Mom's safety manual digital download, and an Amber Alert 12 Year Child ID Card or parents, teachers or police officers can download a copy of the book.

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Wittig's accolade, America's Top Doctor - Cancer, exemplified by his father, Paterson Police Chief Wittig's law enforcement career

Wittig's accolade, America's Top Doctor - Cancer, exemplified by his father, Paterson Police Chief Wittig's law enforcement career

A successful tie that binds: James Wittig and his son, Dr. James C. Wittig credit their Paterson roots with providing them with the passion, dedication and commitment needed to succeed in their chosen field of work. Their community based professions range from protecting to healing, preparing to educating and focusing on what is best for the situation at hand - whether on-call, case by case, or for one moment at any given time.

Paterson, NJ (PRWEB) December 5, 2010

Holding 41 years on the Paterson Police force thus far, Chief James Wittig understands daily the challenges and triumphs of a growing community. (Paterson is just 8.4 square miles and is one of the most densely populated cities in New Jersey (pop. 150,000) Like many people living, working, educating and rearing their children in Paterson, Chief Wittig was also born, raised and started his own family in Paterson.  Upon graduating from Paterson Central High School in 1965, he worked at the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) for three years, first in the Shipping Department then elected as Shop Steward before deciding to go into the police academy. This decision was based partially on an uncle who was an attorney and encouraged him to go into law enforcement. Although his new wife was a bit skeptical at first on his decision because of the dangers, it became apparent that it was both flexible at times and obviously offered excellent opportunities for advancement. 

Dr. James C. Wittig on the other hand, an orthopaedic surgeon, is also 'on-call, ready to handle the case of the day' but in the field of medicine. As Chief of Orthopaedic Oncology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, he attributes much of his dedication and passion for research and service to what he experienced growing up in Paterson. The close ties with St. Joseph's Medical Center - as a part time orthopedic oncologist and volunteering with a multitude of charity organizations - and his rearing to 'give back where needed' has motivated his quest for better research and solutions to offering care to those less fortunate. Over the last nine years in practice, Dr. Wittig has volunteered his surgical skills and knowledge to help cure many children in Paterson who have been afflicted with rare sarcomas as well as saved their limbs. Today, many of those children have grown up to be healthy adults. "I am just so privileged to have been able to treat so many children in need and give back to the town where I was born and grew up!" notes Dr. Wittig, "It was my father who always taught me to give back to the community of Paterson. I am forever grateful for the values that my father has instilled within me and for the opportunities I have had to use my skills to help so many children in need. I owe it all to my father and mother."

Through the years, Police Chief Wittig embodied the makings of a leader by enrolling in both mandatory and voluntary training classes ranging from the United States Secret Service Dignitary Protection program; Hostage Negotiations; Qualified Gambling Expert (recognize and testify gambling discrepancies); Drug Unit Commander; and enrolling in other job specific management courses. Wittig moved up the ranks from police officer to Sergeant then Lieutenant onto Captain of the Narcotics Bureau, Deputy Chief, and Acting Chief in 2005 and then appointed Chief of Police on January 12, 2006. His experiences and various courses not only prepared him for years of service but obviously prove his unfailing dedication to a city that has given him the strength and an opportunity to make strides in the way police work is done today. Currently, Chief Wittig is a member of the Catholic Charities; Trustee, Straight and Narrow; Passaic County Motion Picture Association, International Association of Police Chiefs, NJ Police Chiefs Association, Police Benevolent Association (PBA); Superior Office Association (SOA) and ASIS International. He is also Board Certified in Security Management.

Over the past few years, the advent of newer technologies has made for a stronger work force as well as foster stronger bonds with agencies such as the FBI, DEA, U. S. Marshal Service, NJ State Police, the Passaic County Prosecutors Office and Sheriff's Office. These connections also enable specially trained personnel within the department to join task forces to fight various crimes. In addition, Chief Wittig has initiated and partnered with the "Urban Enterprise Zone" to add various computer technology to patrol cars and a wireless camera system throughout the city; added a computer-aided dispatch system; 9 11 Phone System; Red Light Camera System, License Plate Reading System and has helped to facilitate the "Emergency Response Team" and K-9 units. Another new advancement that Chief Wittig touts is the "Gunshot Detection System" - Highly sensitive cameras installed on the streets that can single out a gunshot and turn the cameras in the direction of the sound to capture on video and report the location of the gun activity. Not only is the response time increased but the scenario recreated for crime solving. The crime rate in Paterson has significantly dropped due to the various resources that are now available.

On the home front, Chief Wittig spent his free time as a Boy Scout Leader, and was also a Softball and Baseball coach. Although his profession took him away from many family activities, his work ethic, passion and commitment to Paterson was understood and instilled in his children from the very beginning. "I owe much of my successes to my wife who carried the weight of home life often alone. While I was holding down the 'fort' at work, she was doing the same at home and the fruits of her labor are evident in our children's successes," notes Chief Wittig.

Although at times these two worlds - law enforcement and medicine - can seem "miles apart," the bottom line is that a "pulse" of a city is as strong as the people that are brought together by it, serve within it and reach out with their roots to provide a better future for those around them.

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Animal Rescue: How to Save a Dog When A Disaster Strikes

Animal Rescue: How to Save a Dog When A Disaster Strikes

Hundreds of animals are lost during natural disasters and many are never found again. Simple animal rescue basics can save a pet.

(PRWEB) May 22, 2005

Disasters happen all over the United States - earthquakes, floods, landslides, hurricanes, tornados and severe winter storms. Animals can be saved but it takes some careful planning says Amanda St. John, Founder of MuttShack Animal Foster and Animal Rescue Foundation.

Hundreds of pets get lost every year when disasters strike. During the confusion dogs, cats can travel great distances from home. They either run away trying to escape the chaos, or may be rescued by a Good Samaritan and taken to another safer location far away. Even animals who stay in the home during the day may get trapped when a fire breaks out.

Ms. St. John says that careful planning now, can save your pets life later. HereÂ’s animal rescue ideas everyone should do:

If your animals are kept indoors or at home during the day:

1. Make sure that the pets’ information is displayed on a small laminated sign near your front door for the Fire Department. e. g. “Animals live here. One cat, two dogs, fish, birds.”

Pet leashes should be on a hook right at the front door so your dogs can quickly be secured. Dogs will submit to their own leashes and a stranger much faster than to a rescue rope. Your fireman already knows the magic words "WALK” and "LEASH".

2. Set up a buddy system with your neighbor. This works great for vacation pet-sitting too. In an emergency they (or you) will pick up all the pets and meet at a pre-arranged location. Leave a note for the fire department. "All animals evacuated!"

When you have been exchanging pet sitting favors, you will already know each other's pets and have house keys. Your buddy will be familiar with your home, know where your animals are likely to be and where you keep their pet carriers.

Tag your pets and micro-chip.

"An ID tag is the only life-line between you and your dog." says Ms. St. John. "Make sure the tag is still legible. Is it updated? Is there enough information to find you - even if your phone service is off? Does it give your home address, so someone can drop him off at home?", asks Ms. St. John.

The chances are that someone who can read your pet's tag will return him home, rather than to a shelter. Owners whose dogs end up in a sheler and cannot prove that the dog is theirs, (either through medical records or by photographs), end up paying full adoption fees and their animals may not be released unless they are spayed or neutered. Compare spending $101 on shelter fees to $6 for a pet ID tag.

One of the greatest innovations today is that of microchipping. There is an army of shelters, vets, and rescue organizations who will return pets from just about anywhere in the United States, if it has a microchip. This life saving chip is the size of a grain of rice and is injected just under your dog's skin.

When a scanner is run over the dog it displays a unique chip number. This number is indexed on a national database with your name, address and phone number. The downside is that information has to be current. If you can choose, opt for a chip that allows you to update your information on the internet.

A little advance planning will make sure that a pet is re-united with his guardian, keeping them out of overcrowded kill shelters where they may be given only a very short time to live.

About Muttshack:

Muttshack Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit, a project of the National Heritage Foundation, established in 1968. MuttShack Foster and Animal Rescue promotes the creation of foster homes for abandoned and abused animals. Muttshackers rescue animals from shelters, rehabilitate and nurture them to health in homes (Muttshacks) and find them quality, permanent new families.

By intervening and rescuing shelter animals about to be put to sleep, MuttShack fostering stop the senseless killing of healthy animals in overcrowded shelters. Donations equal rescues. See photos of animals in danger at http://www. muttshack. org (http://www. muttshack. org).

You can donate directly to the Muttshack Animal Foster and Rescue Foundation, at http://www. muttshack. org/NHF_Muttshack. htm (http://www. muttshack. org/NHF_Muttshack. htm) by electronic check or credit card.

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