Americas Watchdog Wants to Know if Consumers, HMO's or Health Insurance Company's were Overcharged with Drugs like Vioxx or Trasylol by Big Drug Companies

Americas Watchdog Wants to Know if Consumers, HMO's or Health Insurance Company's were Overcharged with Drugs like Vioxx or Trasylol by Big Drug Companies

Americas Watchdog has launched a national investigation into seeing if a consumers, HMO's, health insurance company, or health cooperatives were over charged with the drug called Vioxx, Trasylol or any other drugs, when much cheaper alternatives were available. According to the group, "We are out to protect consumers, HMO's, health insurance companies & health care cooperatives from being gouged by big pharmaceutical companies. We think Vioxx & Trasylol will turn out to be a perfect examples." Consumers, HMO executives, health care insurance executives or individuals with specific information should feel welcome to call Americas Watchdog anytime at 866-714-6466.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) May 19, 2008

The nationally renown consumer group Americas Watchdog and its US Drug Watchdog are warning big pharmaceutical companies about soaking consumers, HMO's, health insurance companies and heath cooperatives with excessive fees on drugs like Vioxx, Trasylol or any other drug. According to Americas Watchdog, "We are out to protect consumers, HMO's, health insurance companies & health care cooperatives from being gouged by big pharmaceutical companies. We think Vioxx & Trasylol will turn out to be a perfect examples."

As follow:
As documented in the New York Times and numerous other publications, the drug called Vioxx, caused heart attacks, strokes and even deaths. Were patients, HMO's, Health Insurance Companies, labor unions, health plans over charged when patients were given this drug? According to Americas Watchdog, "Yes and we want to hear from them." In the case of Trasylol, the drug has been linked to up to 22,000 US deaths, and kidney failure in patients undergoing open heart surgery's and hip replacement surgery, according to the news program 60 Minutes. Trasylol cost over $1000 per dose, even though generics, with no side affects were available for $7.00. Americas Watchdog wants to talk to victims, family members of victims, HMO executives, health insurance executives, private health insurance groups or anyone who has experience with this drug. Note: With respect to Trasylol, Americas Watchdog has an ongoing national investigation and the group wants to hear from any victim or potential victim of this drug. According to Americas Watchdog, "We think there are thousands of US citizens who were given Trasylol for a open heart surgery or hip replacement surgery and now they are either dead, or they have suffered kidney failure, and the victim or their family never knew that this drug could be lethal. Physicians may have received a kick back for prescribing this drug, and the hospital had to kook the other way in order to maintain the doctors business." Anyone exposed to the drug called Trasylol should call the group immediately at 866-714-6466. The US Drug Watchdog's web site is located at http://USDrugWatchdog. com (http://USDrugWatchdog. com).

In the case of Trasylol, Americas Watchdog is convinced the patients, HMO's, health insurance companies, health insurance cooperatives and organized labor drug prescription drug programs got stuck with a bill for an ineffective drug, that actually increased the chances of a heart attack or stroke, kidney failure, and the group would like to help the various insurance companies, organizations or consumers get their money back.

If a HMO, health care insurance company, a health care cooperative, a labor union or a consumer think they might have been over billed or gouged with excessive costs associated with the drug Vioxx, Trasylol or any other drug, they should call Americas at 866-714-6466 or visit the web site at http://USDrugWatchdog. com (http://USDrugWatchdog. com).

Americas Watchdog & its US Drug Watchdog are all about consumer protection, protection of third party payers, and corporate responsibility on the part of drug manufacturers.

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FDA Plans to Sack OTC Skin-Bleaching Creams: Cosmeceuticals Could Be Next

FDA Plans to Sack OTC Skin-Bleaching Creams: Cosmeceuticals Could Be Next

Based on overwhelming evidence of its consumer health risks, the FDA is considering reversing the monograph for the popular over-the-counter skin lightening ingredient hydroquinone. Could this latest ingredient re-evaluation just be the beginning of an industry war between pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical manufactures?

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) September 10, 2006

Browse through the skin care aisle of any drug store and you are certain to find a quaint collection of fade creams. For decades, such creams have served men and women seeking an affordable, though lengthy, way to remove age spots and skin discolorations. But now, the active ingredient of most skin lightening agents, hydroquinone, is under the critical eye of the FDA.

For years hydroquinone has been banned from cosmetics in countries like Japan due to the ingredient’s potential carcinogenic effects. Here in the US, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) was charged determining if hydroquinone is indeed safe for human consumption.

However the CHPA has not produced any protocols to allow the FDA to effectively assess the safeness of hydroquinone. Due to this absence of information, the FDA acted on data from hydroquinone studies conducted by agencies like the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Using such data, FDA now reports that hydroquinone is carcinogenic, possibly teratogenic, and can cause ochronosis, a skin condition where the skin becomes darker, thicker, and exhibits dome-shaped tiny bumps and grayish-brown spots.

According to an August 29 report in the Federal Register, the FDA is now considering withdrawing its initial monograph for hydroquinone after finding that this skin lightening agent is no longer safe or effective for consumer use.

Naweko San-Joyz, who serves as chief product formulator for San Diego based image consulting company Noixia, views this latest monograph re-evaluation by the FDA as an industry-war induced trend.

San-Joyz remarked, “This is just the beginning of a watchdog trend that cosmetic companies should expect more of. This is not only because of consumer health issues, but because cosmetics are rampantly entering the territory of pharmaceutical companies with cosmeceuticals”.

Cosmeceuticals are skin enhancing cosmetics with drug-like effects.

While the FDA does not acknowledge the term “cosmeceuticals”, it does make a clear distinction between a drug and a cosmetic. Drugs affect the structure of the human body and treat disease and are approved by the FDA. Cosmetics are not FDA approved and cannot evince drug-like effects.

In the future makers of skin lightening products may need to apply for a New Drug Application (NDA) with the FDA and certainly remove hydroquinone from their ingredients list. San-Joyz adds that cosmetics companies can save themselves a lot of FDA grievances by, “instituting their own product safety standards”.

Regardless of their precautions, perhaps more cosmetic companies may need to familiarize themselves with the NDA process if their products continue to smear the line between drugs and cosmetics.

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J&B Software Helps Idaho State Tax Commission Recover More Than $750,000 in Deficient Taxes

J&B Software Helps Idaho State Tax Commission Recover More Than $750,000 in Deficient Taxes

Intelligent Document Recognition Technology Improves Efficiency and Increases Revenue with Rapid Return on Investment

Blue Bell, PA (PRWEB) August 2, 2010

J&B Software (http://www. jbsoftware. com/), a premier provider of enterprise-wide transaction and payment solutions, has helped the Idaho State Tax Commission (ISTC) recover more than $750,000 in deficient taxes over the past two years. The underpayments were discovered by comparing and analyzing tax filing data, filed electronically and through paper returns. J&B's Intelligent Document Recognition (http://www. jbsoftware. com/primary-solutions/intelligent-document-recognition. php) (IDR) solution was used to capture the data from individual tax returns and the employer wage and withholding information.

Generally, these tax deficiencies fall into one of three categories. The most familiar is when individuals, perhaps as part of a larger, organized effort, submit falsified W-2s that claim withholdings higher than what employers actually take from their paychecks. Or sometimes companies will under-report to the government the withholdings shown on their employees' W-2s in an attempt to pocket the difference. In other cases, "phantom" employers withhold taxes from paychecks, but never register their business or pay any withholdings to the government. In all of these cases, the perpetrators are taking advantage of the difficulty governments have in effectively reconciling the employee and employer W-2s submitted on paper.

J&B's public sector solutions (http://www. jbsoftware. com/industry-packages/public-sector. php) leverage IDR technology to quickly and automatically capture, classify and recognize documents such as tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, schedules and correspondence. Once J&B's solution captures and recognizes a document, it extracts data elements, associates the remittance with its related line-item detail and balances the transaction. As a result, the ISTC is experiencing improved availability of funds, lower operational and deposit costs, reduced errors and minimized fraud risk.

"As states continue to battle a challenging economic climate, efficient tax and revenue processing is critical," said Doreen Warren, division administrator, Idaho State Tax Commission. "Better matching of W-2s and tax filings is an efficient way to generate more revenue without raising taxes or otherwise burdening citizens. This project's return on investment has exceeded our expectations."

The ability to match withholding information from an employee income tax return to the employer wage and withholding information submitted by employers is long overdue. The Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration do not have an approved plan for consolidated electronic reporting of wage and withholding information at the state level. Traditionally, this forced states to choose between doing nothing or to conduct arduous, costly, time-consuming manual sorting and data entry activities.

"Governments around the world are looking for ways to increase efficiency, lower costs and realize untapped revenues," said Jim McShea, the chief revenue officer for J&B Software and its parent company, 3i Infotech, North America. "We're helping them meet those objectives with a full suite of products and services that streamline and automate processes that have traditionally been inefficient and labor-intensive."

In a related development, J&B was named the most commonly identified application software in the recently completed 2010 Government Payments and Document Automation Benchmarking Study (http://www. tawpi. org/research/government-processing-study. aspx), a collaborative effort between TAWPI (The Association for Work Process Improvement), IAPP (International Accounts Payable Professionals), FTA (Federation of Tax Administrators) and corporate sponsors.

Additionally, J&B is exhibiting at the 2010 FTA Technology Conference and Exhibition, which is being held through Wednesday at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead in Atlanta. The event focuses on technologies that enable improvements in tax administration. Laurie Hunter-Manning, a J&B account executive, will join representatives of ibml and Fairfax Imaging for an interactive roundtable discussion on payments and document automation technology trends in the government space. The August 3 panel will also focus on the results of the aforementioned 2010 Government Payments and Document Automation Benchmarking Study.

About J&B Software

J&B Software provides payment processing, imaging, electronic content management and capture solutions to businesses worldwide. The company works with over 160 industry leading organizations including regional and money center banks, insurance companies, mutual funds, credit card processors, brokerage, telecom, utilities, government, non-profit and commercial organizations. J&B Software's library of core applications and product modules utilize open architecture software and hardware platforms. The company's extensive application suite includes solutions for retail/wholesale lockbox, remote image capture, ARC/Check 21 electronic clearing, intelligent document recognition, healthcare EOB processing, full-page document management, transaction archive and online customer query. J&B Software is a winner of the TAWPI Hall of Fame Award for technology innovation and excellence and its 400+ employees are fully committed to improving the operational effectiveness and profitability of its clients.

J&B Software is a subsidiary of 3i Infotech. For more information, visit www. JBSoftware. com or call 215-641-1500.

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Explore the Underwater World at Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Explore the Underwater World at Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Summer of Discovery Dive & Snorkel Scooter Adventure packages offer travelers soaking summer Florida fun starting at $229 per night.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) August 15, 2006

Since Fort Lauderdale is the number two diving destination in the U. S., the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa offers travelers the opportunity to explore the underwater world this summer. Located on one of the best shore dive locations in Fort Lauderdale, the hotel’s scuba and snorkel packages are guaranteed to provide soaking summer fun.

Scuba diving is a perfect way to explore the sea while cooling off from the sizzling summer heat, and the Summer of Discovery Dive Package gives guests the chance to dive into the sport of scuba. Guests who book this two-night offer will receive two scuba classes for the price of one. Available now through September 30, rates start at $229 per night. Travelers will learn scuba basics, and complete the one-hour class with a dive in the resort’s 8,000 square foot tropical lagoon pool.

Harbor Beach Marriott Resort and Spa encompasses two reefs and four dive sites directly offshore, providing guests with endless underwater discoveries. The Snorkel Scooter Adventure Package offers guests the opportunity to experience the wonders of Fort Lauderdale's beautiful coral reef, as they travel through the water on the SEA-DOO underwater propulsion vehicle, while being guided by a diving professional. The package, available now through October 1, includes deluxe ocean view accommodations and Snorkel Adventure for Two with rates starting at $379 per night.

For further information or to make reservations, please contact the Personal Vacation Planning Department at (800) 628-4462 or visit http://marriott. com/property/propertypage/FLLSB (http://marriott. com/property/propertypage/FLLSB). Please reference VBPB booking code for the Summer of Discovery Dive Package and EWSQ booking code for the Snorkel Scooter Adventure Package.

Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, a four-diamond rated resort tucked away on 16 sun-drenched oceanfront acres, is Fort Lauderdale's preeminent resort. Each of the 637 guest hotel rooms, including 35 luxurious suites, feature two-lined telephones with message service, data ports, high-speed Internet access, 25-inch cable TV with PlayStation capability, deluxe bedding, in-room safes, individual climate control, mini-bar and more. Most accommodations offer private balconies. Listed in “100 Best Spas of the World,” the Spa at Harbor Beach is a 20,000 square foot, $8 million seaside oasis boasting 18 private treatment rooms, a private spa pool, sauna, whirlpool, eucalyptus steam rooms, private lockers, health-oriented Spa Café, fitness center, yoga and Pilates classes and motion studio overlooking the ocean. 3030 Ocean is the hotel’s fine dining waterfront restaurant, offering modern American seafood under the helm of famed executive chef Dean James Max. Guests looking for a more casual dining experience can visit Riva and Cascades restaurant. The resort also offers 30,000 square feet of flexible indoor meeting space, 22,500 square feet of outdoor oceanfront terraces and 200,000 square feet of sparkling beach for signature events.

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BioCosmetic Center Cites Study Indicating that Higher Percentages of Young Adults Approve of Cosmetic Procedures

BioCosmetic Center Cites Study Indicating that Higher Percentages of Young Adults Approve of Cosmetic Procedures

BioCosmetic Center cites study indicating that higher percentages of young adults approve of cosmetic procedures. Increased general approval of cosmetic procedures could be due to increased availability of services, decreased liposuction costs and increased effectiveness through the use of advanced laser technologies.

Phoenix, AZ (Vocus) June 5, 2010

BioCosmetic Center (http://www. biocosmeticcenter. com) cites study indicating that higher percentages of young adults approve of cosmetic procedures (http://www. biocosmeticcenter. com/health-news/cosmetic-procedures/). The study was commissioned by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and was conducted by the independent research firm Synovate. According to the study, men and women aged 18-24 had the highest approval rating for cosmetic procedures.

Eric Jantze of BioCosmetic Center said, “We have patients of all ages coming in looking for a wide variety of cosmetic procedures. Some begin the conversation asking about liposuction (http://www. biocosmeticcenter. com/liposuction. php) costs. Others begin the conversation asking about average weight loss using the BioCosmetic Center program. Others start off the conversation saying they want to feel better about themselves and they want a professional opinion on cosmetic procedures that would enhance their physical appearance.”

Other findings offered by the study included:

1. Men and women are less “embarrassed” by cosmetic enhancement than in years past. 78% of women said they would not be embarrassed if others knew they had cosmetic procedures done and 79% of men said they wouldn’t be embarrassed.
2. 32% of all women said they would consider cosmetic procedures while 20% of men said the same thing.
3. Men and women with children living in their household were more likely to consider cosmetic procedures than those who did not have children living in their household.
4. 56% of women said they “approve” of cosmetic procedures compared to 57% of men.

Increased approval from the general public could be due to a variety of reasons. The most obvious in today’s cosmetic industry are: increased availability, decreased invasiveness of cosmetic procedure, lower liposuction costs, recent laser technology advancements, increased effectiveness of procedures, etc.

BioCosmetic Center offers all inclusive, personalized programs to aid individuals in obtaining their physical goals. Programs can include any of the following: acne scar removal, liposuction, Botox, weight loss, scar removal, bio-identical hormones, dermal fillers, and more.

To get further information on BioCosmetic Center or current standards in the industry get in touch with Eric Jantze:

Contact: Eric Jantze
Company: BioCosmetic Center
Www. biocosmeticcenter. com
Phone: 480-515-3900

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The Sagamore Spa and Fitness Center Offers Relaxation and Rejuvenation in the Heart of the Adirondacks

The Sagamore Spa and Fitness Center Offers Relaxation and Rejuvenation in the Heart of the Adirondacks

For travelers with wellness, relaxation and rejuvenation on their agenda, The Sagamore Spa and Fitness Center delivers an incomparable experience. Spectacularly located on Lake George in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, this amazing spa retreat draws on the area's natural beauty and rich natural resources to create an unparalleled experience marked by thoughtful details and signature services, such as the Mountain Maple Escape, a body treatment tapping Adirondack maple sugar and local honey to exfoliate and heal.

Bolton Landing, NY (PRWEB) March 15, 2007

For travelers with wellness, relaxation and rejuvenation on their agenda, The Sagamore Spa and Fitness Center delivers an incomparable experience. Spectacularly located on Lake George in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, this amazing spa retreat (http://www. thesagamore. com/spa/) draws on the area's natural beauty and rich natural resources to create an unparalleled experience marked by thoughtful details and signature services, such as the Mountain Maple Escape, a body treatment tapping Adirondack maple sugar and local honey to exfoliate and heal.

The spa retreat (http://www. thesagamore. com/spa/) reflects a contemporary view of tranquility, wellness and rejuvenation. A roaring fireplace and cascading waterfall create an immediately soothing atmosphere, where guests can instantly fall into a natural rhythm as they consider a range of restorative services and challenging work-out options. From private hikes up an Adirondack peak that reward with panoramic mountain views to deeply relaxing Reiki rituals, the Spa and Fitness Center retreat takes its commitment to wellness seriously.

In addition to its range of spa retreat (http://www. thesagamore. com/spa/) amenities and treatments, the facility features state-of-the-art exercise equipment and comprehensive exercise classes. A staff of 50 - all professionally trained with years of hands-on experience - ensures that guests will make the most of every feature of the spa retreat (http://www. thesagamore. com/spa/).

"Spas are no longer about weight loss," says Spa Director Sue Butterfield. "Today's spa goers are men and women who are here to relieve the stress of their daily lives, to reconnect with one another and to combat the aging process aggressively and intelligently. Their goal, quite simply, is to live a healthier life."

A Fitness Center with a View

Guests can work out in the glass-enclosed 3,800 square-foot fitness center and enjoy a panoramic view of Lake George and the Adirondacks. The state-of-the-art center offers advanced cardiovascular and fitness equipment, including a 12-station Cybex® Strength Circuit, Stairmasters®, Lifecycles®, Concept II Rowers and True Treadmills. Guests can choose from several exercise classes a week, including walking, stretching, aerobics, step aerobics, water aerobics and yoga. Personal training (including yoga and Tai Chi), fitness evaluations and personalized home exercise programs are available, as well.

For those who prefer to exercise outdoors, the Sagamore offers countless inspiring settings at its spa retreat (http://www. thesagamore. com/spa/). Guests can try an invigorating fitness walk around town or more vigorous hike to one of the Adirondack's scenic peaks. Private hikes can also be arranged.

A Sagamore Spa Retreat Nurtures Every Aspect of Body and Spirit

The Sagamore Spa offers an invigorating experience which leaves guests feeling rejuvenated, relaxed and rested.

Guests can choose from a wide selection of treatments performed by specially-trained and licensed therapists. This spa retreat (http://www. thesagamore. com/spa/) has signature treatments include the Sacred Earth Healing Ritual, an invigorating exfoliation followed by an aromatic body steam and full body lymph massage, and the Energetic Healing Facial, a Reiki facial incorporating the universal life force energy of Reiki with the healing massage of a facial.

The Sagamore also offers personalized meditation, designed to release stress thorough visualization and guided imagery, as well as a wide range of massage therapies, including reflexology, shiatsu, acupuncture and Jin Shin Jyutsu.

The Sagamore's spa retreat (http://www. thesagamore. com/spa/) also features salon services, including manicures, pedicures, hair cuts, styling, coloring, permanents, body waves and other beauty treatments.

Located 60 miles north of Albany via Interstate 87, The Sagamore is a short drive from most Mid-Atlantic, New England, Quebec and Ontario Province metropolitan areas, and is just a four-hour drive from New York City and Boston. Other travel options are available, including air transportation and Amtrak train service to Albany. Sagamore guests can request ground transportation from Albany for a nominal fee.

The Sagamore is an official landmark listed in the National Register of Historic Places and a member of the Historic Hotels of America, a recipient of the AAA Four-Diamond Award and a member of American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts. For information and reservations, call The Sagamore at (800) 358-3585 or visit www. thesagamore. com.

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Code Red Ignite Takes Fat Burning to Another Degree

Code Red Ignite Takes Fat Burning to Another Degree

NFI Consumer Products (www. nfiproducts. com) makers of Blue-Emu Pain Relief Cream and other health, nutrition, and fitness products has announced the launch of Code Red Ignite (www. CodeRedIgnite. com), a new weight loss/weight control food supplement to help people manage their weight.

Fayetteville, NC (PRWEB) February 2, 2006

NFI Consumer Products (www. nfiproducts. com) makers of Blue-Emu Pain Relief Cream and other health, nutrition, and fitness products has announced the launch of Code Red Ignite (www. CodeRedIgnite. com), a new weight loss/weight control food supplement to help people manage their weight. NFI Consumer Products provides a variety of dietary supplements to consumers that offer flexible weight loss and weight control solutions to obese and overweight individuals.

“Adding Code Red Ignite to our weight loss and weight control arsenal provides us with the ability to offer real time solutions to obesity for people who may be desperate to lose weight or need additional help to lose unwanted pounds,” said Larry Chriscoe, CEO of NFI Consumer Products “We continue to focus on providing quality products that deliver specific results. Consumers benefit directly by purchasing NFI’s products that work as intended from national retail locations they know and trust.”

“Code Red Ignite is available online with a special introductory offer and a Thermogenics Challenge to seek new customers who may submit testimonials,” said Richard Guy, Chairman of NFI Consumer Products. “We encourage anyone who is trying or who has tried to lose weight to join our weight loss contest.”

The key ingredient of Code Red Ignite is evodiamine. Evodiamine has been used in China for centuries as a weight loss or weight control agent. Evodiamine, a mild but remarkable stimulant has shown to have positive energy and diuretic properties. Evodiamine has the unique potential ability through its mechanism of action to significantly raise the production of body heat and increase resting core temperature via stimulation of the vanilloid receptors. This potentiation gives evodiamine the distinctive thermogenic mechanism to speed up heat production and heat loss simultaneously, ultimately leading to the use of fat for fuel.

NFI Consumer Products (www. nfiproducts. com), established in 1988, is a rapidly growing consumer products company headquartered in Fayetteville, NC. NFI Consumer Products is recognized by leading retailers as one of the most innovative and visionary companies in the consumer products industry. NFI Consumer Products is committed to providing consumers with exceptional products in three core areas of Pain Relief, Diet and Energy.

For information contact:

Mark Holman

NFI Consumer Products

Public Relations 

(910) 860-9740

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