Working to Save Lives and Limbs - New Hope Emerges For Canadians with Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Working to Save Lives and Limbs - New Hope Emerges For Canadians with Diabetic Foot Ulcers

In an article in this month's issue of Expert Opinion in Drug Delivery, a group of US experts in the management of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) has identified Collatamp G (Theramed Corp, Mississauga) as a promising and superior system for delivering high concentrations of broad-spectrum antibiotic directly to the ulcer for patients with Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcers. Canadian expert Dr. P. Mayer, Medical Director of The Mayer Institute in Hamilton Ontario which specializes in advanced diabetic foot and wound care, concurs and reports that "We used Collatamp G on several chronic deep wounds associated with osteomyelitis with excellent result. By providing a direct assault on the infected bone, Collatamp G dramatically improved healing in chronic, non-healing wounds and in at least 3 instances Collatamp G was key in helping us prevent amputations". He reports that "adoption of Collatamp G into the treatment protocol for advanced diabetic foot ulcers, could dramatically reduce the length of disability for these patients, and also reduce healthcare costs by reducing the need for daily home-care visits to once or twice weekly."

Toronto, Ont. (PRWEB) June 26, 2009

In an article in this month's issue of Expert Opinion in Drug Delivery, (Informa UK Ltd) a group of US experts in the management of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) has identified Collatamp G (Theramed Corp, Mississauga) as a promising and superior system for delivering high concentrations of broad-spectrum antibiotic directly to the ulcer for patients with Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcers. While Collatamp G is not yet available for use in the USA, it was approved by Health Canada in 2007, and since 2008 has been used increasingly in Canada for the treatment of serious Diabetic Ulcers.

Dr. P. Mayer, Medical Director of The Mayer Institute (www. themayerinstitute. ca) in Hamilton, Ontario which specializes in advanced diabetic foot and wound care, performed a trial of Collatamp G on 15 of his most serious cases. "We used Collatamp G on several chronic deep wounds associated with osteomyelitis with excellent result. By providing a direct assault on the infected bone, Collatamp G dramatically improved healing in chronic, non-healing wounds and in at least 3 instances Collatamp G was key in helping us prevent amputations".

From his research and experience, Dr. Mayer concurs with the study's conclusion and further states that "adoption of Collatamp G into the treatment protocol for advanced diabetic foot ulcers, could dramatically reduce the length of disability for these patients, and also reduce healthcare costs by reducing the need for daily home-care visits to once or twice weekly."

The Collatamp G product concept and technology is featured in an article co-authored by David G Armstrong and Andrew Boulton et al in this month's Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery (full reference: The use of gentamicin-impregnated foam in the management of diabetic foot infections: a promising delivery system?; Catherine D Griffis, Stuart Metcalfe, Frank L Bowling, Andrew JM Boulton, David G Armstrong, Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, June 2009, Vol. 6, No. 6, Pages 639-642).

Improved and shortened time to healing in Diabetic Foot Ulcers can have significant implications to patients at risk of limb amputation, as well as to the healthcare system as a whole. Chronic Diabetic Foot Ulcers are a major cause of Home Care visits and Disability claims to health insurance providers. Accelerating the healing process can reduce the overall burden on the healthcare system by getting the patient back to work sooner. One of the major goals in management of Diabetic Foot Ulcer is 'Limb salvage', that is, the prevention of limb amputation, which is both costly and devastating to patients and their families.

Because diabetic foot ulcers are often complicated by infection, antibiotic therapy is an important component in the management of the wound. Unfortunately traditional systemic antibiotics do not result in sufficient concentrations at the target tissue due to a number of factors, including the poor micro and macro circulation present in people with diabetes, and the risk of toxicity associated with adequate doses. Because of these and other limitations of systemic antibiotics, the authors of the paper note that "topical [or local] antimicrobial therapy in the management of infected foot ulcers has been supported by several authors" , whom they then cite. The authors also note that compared with other local delivery systems, Collatamp G has been shown in European studies to be the clinically and economically "superior delivery mechanism"

About Collatamp G:

Collatamp G (www. collatampg. ca) is a biodegradable and fully resorbable Gentamicin-Collagen Sponge. Upon application to a wound, the product releases gentamicin, a broad-spectrum, aminoglycoside antibiotic (having a concentration-dependent mechanism of action), for local action. This achieves a high concentration of drug at the target tissue, while maintaining low systemic levels well below the toxicity threshold. Collatamp G was approved by Health Canada in 2007, and has since been used in hundreds of Canadian surgical procedures and Diabetic Foot treatments in over 40 Canadian Hospitals and Clinics.

About Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcers:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the estimated incidence of diabetes in the US exceeds 1.5 million new cases annually, with an overall prevalence of 20.8 million people, or 7% of the US population. By 2030, the International Diabetes Federation predicts that the Global prevalence of diabetes will almost double from 193 million people (estimated in 2003) to 366 million.

An estimated 15% of patients with diabetes will develop a lower extremity ulcer during the course of their disease. According to a large prospective study, approximately 7% of diabetic patients with foot ulcers will require an amputation. Diabetes is responsible for 75% of the non-traumatic lower limb amputations performed yearly in Canada. After a diabetic lower-limb ampuitation, 50% of patients will have their other limb amputated within 2 years. The mortality rate after limb amputation approaches 80% - a death rate second only to lung cancer (86%). The estimated cost of foot ulcer care in the US ranges from $4,595 per ulcer episode to more than $28,000, for the 2 years post diagnosis. The total annual cost of foot ulcer care in the US has been estimated to be as high as $5 billion.

Chronic ulcerations are often colonized or contaminated with bacterial pathogens that can prevent ulcers from healing. Many such wounds become clinically infected and require treatment with antibiotics. However, early diagnosis of diabetic foot infections is a clinical challenge as typical signs and symptoms of infection, such as pain, redness, or elevated circulating inflammatory markers, can be absent in individuals with neuropathic or neuroischaemic ulcers. Failure to diagnose and treat such infections can lead rapidly to the infection spreading, with the possibility of tissue necrosis, gangrene, osteomyelitis, and ultimately the prospect of a lower leg amputation.

Currently there are no antibiotics on the market specifically indicated for the prevention of diabetic foot infections. There is also reluctance by practitioners to use existing, systemically-acting antibiotics prophylactically because of concerns with systemic side effects and fear of propagating bacterial resistance with widespread use. Furthermore, diabetic ulcers are often associated with vascular disease and restricted peripheral blood flow, which may render systemically acting antibiotics less effective. By achieving very high localized concentrations of antibiotic, Collatamp G is designed to overcome these concerns.

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SeniorCareMarketer. com Research to Reveal Best Practices in Marketing and Selling in the Senior Care Industry

SeniorCareMarketer. com Research to Reveal Best Practices in Marketing and Selling in the Senior Care Industry

How prevalent are the use of blogs, podcasts and other Web 2.0 tools by suppliers in the senior care marketplace? Are print advertising budgets being reduced in 2008? Will senior care vendors attend fewer tradeshows? These questions and more will be answered in an upcoming research report titled, "Trends in Senior Care Marketing: Where Suppliers Spent Marketing and PR Dollars in 2007, and What's Ahead in 2008."

Capitola, CA (PRWEB) December 11, 2007

How prevalent are the use of blogs, podcasts and other Web 2.0 tools by suppliers in the senior care marketplace? Are print advertising budgets being reduced in 2008? Will senior care vendors attend fewer tradeshows? These questions and more will be answered in an upcoming research report titled, Trends in Senior Care Marketing: Where Suppliers Spent Marketing and PR Dollars in 2007, and What's Ahead in 2008 (http://survey. constantcontact. com/survey/a07e26wwgxvf8p5629f/start).

Senior care suppliers who would like to participate in the research may visit: http://survey. constantcontact. com/survey/a07e26wwgxvf8p5629f/start (http://survey. constantcontact. com/survey/a07e26wwgxvf8p5629f/start)

Scheduled to launch in early 2008, SeniorCareMarketer. com is an on-demand marketing and PR service for companies selling products and services relating to the aging of America. SeniorCareMarketer. com will offer the senior care industry the same marketing benefits and services that its sister product, HRmarketer. com, offers the human resource industry: the ability to generate publicity, website traffic, sales leads and improved search engine rankings. It is owned by Fisher Vista, LLC, the marketing and information services firm that also owns HRmarketer. com. Launched in 2002, HRmarketer. com is the largest marketing and public relations firm in the human resource marketplace.

The upcoming Trends in Senior Care Marketing report will outline key trends such as: the patterns of adoption and use of various marketing and public relations tactics by senior care suppliers; the growth of "Web 2.0" tactics including social networking; what marketing activities have the greatest impact in lead generation; the importance of SEO and search-optimized press releases; the amount suppliers will invest in Pay-Per-Click advertising.

According to Mark Willaman, president of Fisher Vista, LLC and founder of both HRmarketer and SeniorCareMarketer, reaching buyers of senior care products and services (http://www. seniorcaremarketer. com/) can be quite challenging, considering the vast array of purchasing influencers in this marketplace. These include family caregivers, doctors, nurses, social service agencies, hospitals, geriatric care managers, pharmacists, physical therapists, rehabilitation centers, home health care, housing and residential facilities, and more.

"The Internet is dramatically changing how brands are established and purchases are made. For suppliers attempting to reach buyers of senior care products and services (http://www. seniorcaremarketer. com/seniorcare_marketplace. htm), new approaches are needed," said Willaman. "This report will help senior care suppliers understand their marketing and PR options, what their peers are doing and how to better allocate their marketing and PR dollars in 2008."

To complete the Trends in Senior Care Marketing survey and receive a complimentary copy of the finished report, please visit: http://survey. constantcontact. com/survey/a07e26wwgxvf8p5629f/start (http://survey. constantcontact. com/survey/a07e26wwgxvf8p5629f/start)

About Fisher Vista, LLC
Fisher Vista, LLC (http://www. fishervista. com (http://www. fishervista. com)) is a marketing and information services firm focusing on the human capital and senior care industries. The company’s flagship product, HRmarketer. com, is the No. 1 online marketing and PR service in the human resources industry. Since 2001, over 500 human resource suppliers have used HRmarketer. com and the HRmarketer Services Group to generate publicity, website traffic, sales leads and improved SEO. SeniorCareMarketer. com is scheduled for launch in early 2008 and will achieve similar results for companies selling products and services relating to the aging of America.

This press release was distributed through eMediawire by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www. HRmarketer. com) on behalf of the company listed above.

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Major Explosions to Restore Wetlands in Oregon's Klamath Basin

Major Explosions to Restore Wetlands in Oregon's Klamath Basin

Nature Conservancy and Partners Use Carefully Placed Explosives to Breach Levees, Restore Wetlands for Fish and Wildlife

Klamath Falls, OR (Vocus) October 30, 2007

Today, The Nature Conservancy (http://www. nature. org/) and partners will detonate approximately two miles of levees to restore wetlands at the Conservancy’s 7,400 acre Williamson River Delta Preserve (http://www. nature. org/wherewework/northamerica/states/oregon/preserves/art6811.html) in southern Oregon (http://www. nature. org/wherewework/northamerica/states/oregon). This will require 100 tons of explosives at four locations along the levee, causing Upper Klamath Lake to flood 2,500 acres within one hour. The use of explosives to restore wetlands follows months of intense study, engineering, and construction.

“The use of this wetlands restoration technique at such a large scale is unprecedented,” said Stephanie Meeks (http://www. nature. org/pressroom/leadership/), acting president and CEO of The Nature Conservancy. “Maintaining healthy freshwater systems (http://www. nature. org/initiatives/freshwater/) is one of the greatest conservation challenges we face today. We lose 60,000 acres of wetlands every year in the U. S. alone, but the Klamath Basin project will help ease this trend by revitalizing the area’s natural wetlands, restoring habitat for endangered species, and helping local communities.”

“This project has the support of leading scientists and Klamath Basin stakeholders,” said Mark Stern, Klamath Basin conservation director for The Nature Conservancy. “Today’s event will advance the recovery of two endangered fish species, benefit other fish and wildlife, improve water quality, and increase water storage in the Klamath Basin. Restoration of these wetlands is an important and necessary step toward resolving habitat and water quality issues in the region.”

For thousands of years, the Williamson River deposited sediments across a vast delta where the river enters Upper Klamath Lake. But in the 1950s, 22 miles of dikes were constructed around the delta and along the river to convert rich bottomland wetland soils into farmland. These barriers channeled the lower Williamson River directly into the lake, allowing farmers to use the land for decades.

But the draining of these wetlands for agriculture had a serious downside: it eliminated extensive critical habitat for fish and wildlife and contributed to a decline in water quality in Upper Klamath Lake and the Klamath River (http://www. nature. org/wherewework/northamerica/states/oregon/preserves/art5042.html) downstream.

When two species of fish, the shortnose sucker and the Lost River sucker, were declared endangered in 1988, scientists in the Upper Klamath Lake determined that a primary cause of their decline was the loss of marshlands in the lower reaches and mouth of the Williamson River.

Shortly afterward, local stakeholders identified restoration of these wetlands as critically important to the efforts to recover the species and improve water quality and storage in Upper Klamath Lake.

Stern added, “Wetlands are critically important resources for wildlife and people alike. They filter pollutants, store water to prevent flooding, and provide nursery and nesting habitat and feeding areas for fish, birds, and other aquatic life. We’ve seen the grave consequences of eliminating those wetlands in Klamath Basin, and today, we’re bringing some of them back.”

Working with these stakeholders, which include the Upper Klamath Basin Working Group, local farmers, industries, tribes, and state and federal agencies, the Conservancy has been coordinating wetlands restoration at the site and working to reconnect the lower 3.5 miles of the Williamson River to its former delta since 1996. The benefits of today’s wetlands restoration will be significant for nature and for people, and the Conservancy will continue to farm 750 acres of adjoining uplands, working with a local grower to produce organic alfalfa.

Today’s event represents the largest restoration effort to date and the first time explosives have been used to revitalize the Klamath’s wetlands. Because the levee soils are unstable, the use of carefully calibrated explosives is the safest way to achieve the goal of deconstructing the dikes in four strategic locations.

“We’ve taken every measure to ensure the safety of the contractors and engineers involved in today’s events,” said Jerry Wallace, chief explosives engineer for the event. “Guards will monitor the preserve’s entrance to ensure no unauthorized personnel enter the property, security personnel will be at each breach site right up until just before detonation to ensure that no one is in danger, and contractors will patrol the lake in the vicinity of the breaches.”

Precautionary measures will also minimize impacts to fish and wildlife. Small blasts will be set off just prior to the explosions to ward off any nearby fish and birds, and dirt from the explosions will be directed inward toward the land, not outward into the lake. Breaching the levees will reduce the level of Upper Klamath Lake overall by about two inches.

Key funders and partners in the Williamson River Delta acquisition and restoration are: The Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, PacifiCorp, North American Wetlands Conservation Act, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Klamath Basin Working Group, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, The Klamath Tribes, Willard L Eccles Charitable Foundation, Cell Tech and other community groups.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. To date, the Conservancy and its more than one million members have been responsible for the protection of more than 15 million acres in the United States and have helped preserve more than 102 million acres in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www. nature. org.

Contact:
Stephen Anderson, 503-802-8100
Steve Ertel, 703-841-2652

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Artisan Creative Selects Jobmagic for Recruiting on Facebook

Artisan Creative Selects Jobmagic for Recruiting on Facebook

Creatives staffing firm reaches more candidates quickly with Facebook-powered recruiting platform

Waltham, MA (PRWEB) October 13, 2010

Artisan Creative, a staffing firm for creative talent, has chosen Jobmagic as its social media recruiting platform to attract qualified candidates on Facebook, Twitter and other social networks.

Based in California, Artisan provides clients with the top talent to complete creative projects. The firm also provides creative talent with opportunities to work for a variety of clients, in a number of roles, at locations around the country. The firm has developed a network of designers, developers, account managers and production talent to provide companies with temporary staffing, full-time recruitment and project management solutions.

Jobmagic, the comprehensive social media recruitment marketing platform, includes advanced technologies for social media sourcing, social media optimization, automatic job publishing to social media, referral hiring, talent network management and semantic profile-based matching. Jobmagic enables companies to reach a large number of candidates on social media and efficiently leverage their growing referral networks.

"We really liked Jobmagic from Day One because of its ease of publishing to Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets," said Katty Douraghy, Artisan's Managing Director. "Before, we did things manually and found it too time-consuming. Jobmagic's automation saves us a lot of time."

Jobmagic powers Artisan's Facebook page and corporate Twitter account. All job postings are native to Facebook, which dramatically increases the number of applications. Publishing to Facebook and Twitter is fully automated, and publishing times are optimized for the highest exposure. The social media optimization module ensures that jobs are reaching deep into multiple social networks through viral distribution.

"Creative talent staffing is highly competitive and demanding with respect to quality of candidates," said Jindrich Liska, founder and chief executive officer of Jobmagic. "We are committed to provide Artisan Creative with the most comprehensive solution on the market to quickly and easily reach talented professionals where they are represented in the highest numbers: social media."

"Because of the way the social media optimized postings are virally distributed", Douraghy said, "Jobmagic has enabled us to expand our reach across social networks to attract more candidates." The firm has already conducted numerous interviews with candidates found through Jobmagic.

A free trial of the Jobmagic platform is available at http://www. jobmagic. com/.

About Artisan Creative
For 20 years, Artisan Creative has matched its extensive network of creative talent with companies across America, both in temporary and full-time positions. The firm's founders understand how to quickly and efficiently provide companies with the right talent to help create intelligent, targeted and provocative marketing communications.

About Jobmagic
Jobmagic, the leader in social media recruiting, helps companies and recruiters to reach the best talent on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and 300 other social networks. Jobmagic's comprehensive platform includes advanced technologies for social media sourcing, social media optimization, automatic job publishing to social media, referral hiring, talent network management and semantic profile-based matching. Jobmagic is used by companies of all sizes, from Fortune 500 to startups, across all industries from retail to healthcare, and by direct employers as well as staffing and recruiting firms.

Facebook® is a registered trademark of Facebook Inc. LinkedIn® is a registered trademark of LinkedIn Corporation. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

Media contact:
Heath Davis Havlick
Fisher Vista/HRmarketer
831-685-9700

This press release was distributed through PR Web by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: http://www. HRmarketer. com) on behalf of the company listed above.

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CME Outfitters Announces New neuroscienceCME Webcast: "Early Assessment and Multimodal Therapy for MS-Associated Cognitive Dysfunction&quot

CME Outfitters Announces New neuroscienceCME Webcast: "Early Assessment and Multimodal Therapy for MS-Associated Cognitive Dysfunction"

Offered as a simultaneous webcast and telephone audioconference premiering Tuesday, November 9, 2010, from 12:00 p. m.-1:00 p. m. ET, the continuing education activity seeks to implement strategies to improve assessment and management of cognitive dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Rockville, MD (PRWEB) October 19, 2010

CME Outfitters, LLC, (CMEO) an award-winning accredited provider of multidisciplinary continuing education (CE), is pleased to announce an upcoming neuroscienceCME Webcast titled "Early Assessment and Multimodal Therapy for MS-Associated Cognitive Dysfunction."

Offered as a simultaneous webcast and telephone audioconference premiering Tuesday, November 9, 2010, from 12:00 p. m.-1:00 p. m. ET, the continuing education activity seeks to implement strategies to improve assessment and management of cognitive dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis. This CE activity will also be available as an archived webcast, podcast, and teleconference shortly after the live webcast.

There is no fee to participate or receive CE credit for this activity; however, registration is required. Three forms of registration are accepted:
Online: Visit the activity details page at http://www. neuroscienceCME. com/PR504 and click the Register for Live Webcast icon.
Phone: Call 877.CME. PROS (877.263.7767).
Fax: Visit the activity details page at http://www. neuroscienceCME. com/PR504, print and complete the activity details form, and fax to 614.929.3600.

Statement of Need:
Cognitive impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), occurs at all stages of the disease, and can be a major source of disability, social impairment, and impoverished quality of life. Even when physical disability is minimal, patients with MS are still at high risk for developing cognitive impairment. Neuropsychological assessment—including recognizing common comorbidities such as fatigue and depression—is essential when diagnosing cognitive dysfunction.

As cognition is increasingly recognized as a major feature of MS, physicians need education that will increase confidence in their ability to provide patients with accurate assessment, rehabilitation, and management. An integration of both pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments may play an increasing role in the optimal management and targeting of cognitive deficits.

This neuroscienceCME Webcast will provide clinicians with an opportunity to evaluate the latest evidence surrounding assessment and potential management of cognitive dysfunction in patients with MS with a goal of improving patients’ health-related quality of life.

Faculty:
Michael Racke, MD (Moderator)
Professor and Chairman in Neurology
The Helen C. Kurtz Chair in Neurology
Department of Neurology
Ohio State University Medical Center
Columbus, OH

Ralph H. B. Benedict, PhD
Professor of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Psychology
Jacobs Neurological Institute
State University of New York Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Buffalo General Hospital
Buffalo, NY

Learning Objectives:
At the end of this CE activity, participants should be able to:
Define the quality of life (QOL) effects of cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS). Apply techniques for neuropsychological assessment of cognitive impairment to facilitate early and accurate diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS). Compare and contrast pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction in MS, then translate that knowledge into improved, individualized therapy for patients.

Target Audience:
The activity is designed for physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals with an interest in multiple sclerosis.

Financial Support:
CME Outfitters, LLC, gratefully acknowledges an educational grant from Biogen Idec in support of this CE activity.

Credit Information:
The activity offers CE credit for:
Physicians (ACCME/AMA PRA Category 1™) Nurses (CNE) Pharmacists (ACPE) All other clinicians will either receive a CME Attendance Certificate or may choose any of the types of CE credit being offered.
Credit Expiration Date: Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Post-tests, credit request forms, and activity evaluations must be completed online at neuroscienceCME. com (click on the Testing/Certification link under the Activities tab--requires free account activation), and participants can print their certificate or statement of credit immediately (70% pass rate required).

About CME Outfitters:
CME Outfitters develops and distributes live, recorded, print, and web-based educational activities to thousands of clinicians each year and offers expert accreditation services for non-accredited organizations. For a complete catalog of certified activities, please visit http://www. cmeoutfitters. com, http://www. neuroscienceCME. com, or call 877.CME. PROS (877.263.7767).

About neuroscienceCME:
NeuroscienceCME. com is the award-winning web portal serving clinicians, educators, and researchers in the neurosciences. Launched in October 2006, neuroscienceCME. com was custom designed to fill an identified gap in online resources for professionals around the world who are practicing in areas related to psychiatry, sleep disorders, addiction and substance abuse, ADHD, and other areas related to brain function. The site's primary mission is to be the professional's central forum for accessing, debating, synthesizing, and implementing the latest findings and best practices in the neurosciences. Clinical Compass™, a bi-weekly e-newsletter published by CME Outfitters, is a convenient way to stay informed of all neuroscienceCME news and information. To subscribe, visit http://www. neuroscienceCME. com and click on "Subscribe to Clinical Compass™."

Contact: Rachel Ellis
CME Outfitters, LLC
614.328.4506 direct
614.929.3600 fax

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Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) Elects Former Assembly Speaker Robert Hertzberg as 2004 Chairman of the Board of Directors

Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) Elects Former Assembly Speaker Robert Hertzberg as 2004 Chairman of the Board of Directors

Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation selects Speaker Emeritus Robert M. Hertzberg as thier new chairman of the of the board effective April 1, 2004.

(PRWEB) January 29, 2004

“Bob Hertzberg’s unique ability to connect the importance of business and jobs to solve California’s current challenges makes him the right leader at the right time for the LAEDC,” said LAEDC CEO Lee Harrington.

Los Angeles, CA — The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) board of directors announced today (Monday, January 26, 2004) that California Speaker Emeritus Robert M. Hertzberg will serve as the new LAEDC Chairman effective April 1st, succeeding Los Angeles Business Journal Publisher Matt Toledo, whose one-year term ends March 31st.

Hertzberg is a partner in the government relation's practice of the Los Angeles office of international law firm Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw and has also worked as a consultant to LAEDC.

“Bob understands the big picture and has the insight and energy to make things happen,” said Chairman Matt Toledo, LAEDC. “We are excited to have this highly respected public policy thought leader volunteer to serving the business community in Los Angeles and Southern California.”

Throughout his tenure in the State Assembly, Robert Hertzberg’s “roll up your sleeves” problem-solving style has achieved major successes on a wide range of complex social issues. When he returned to the private sector he left behind a legacy that will continue to build and protect California for years to come.

As Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Public Safety from 1997 to 1998, Chairman of the AssemblyÂ’s powerful Rules Committee from 1998 to 2000, and eventually as Speaker of the Assembly from 2000 to 2002, his legislative efforts have had an impact on a wide range of issues critical to the well being of all Californians, including public education, distribution of water resources, law enforcement, health and social welfare, energy policy, and improving the effectiveness of our public institutions.

His efforts led to being honored by the California Journal in the magazine’s annual “Minnie Awards,” which recognize legislators who represent “a pattern of conduct, an outlook and demeanor that exemplifies the best kind of public service.” During his tenure Hertzberg won multiple awards for his “problem-solving,” “influence,” and “hardworking” style. The Los Angeles Daily Journal has twice listed Hertzberg as one of the 100 most influential lawyers in the state. Hertzberg is now a close advisor to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"Hertzberg is the right leader at the right time for the LAEDC,” Harrington concluded.

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Win a new Weatherbeeta Landa Mid-Weight Turnout Blanket with Freestyle System

Win a new Weatherbeeta Landa Mid-Weight Turnout Blanket with Freestyle System

Visit www. horsetackreview. com to enter today!

(PRWEB) September 5, 2004

If you're like me you've realized there aren't a lot of true review websites out there to turn to when making a decision on your next tack purchase. Our site is different than other equestrian sites for one very important reason. Our reviews are written by our readers, not by the manufacturer who will always tell you their product is the best out there, and not by the website owner in hopes you'll buy tack from their site.

It is my belief the only way to get an unbiased review is to get them from you, our readers. I want to invite you to visit our site and hope you will ask your friends to stop by as well. Each day we are receiving more and more reviews, along with adding content and new product releases to keep you informed what's out there.

Visit www. horsetackreview. com to submit a review. ItÂ’s that easy! By submitting your review of horse tack and related items, you will automatically be entered to win a new Weatherbeeta Landa Mid-Weight Turnout Blanket with Freestyle System!

You can enter as often as you want. Each review submitted gives you that many more chances at winning! Hurry because this contest ends September 30th!

About Horse Tack Review

Horse Tack Review is an online publication or "e-zine" with the focus of providing our readers with new product news, in-depth and reader submitted reviews, feature articles, contests, giveaways and shopping opportunities. We cover English and Western tack and apparel, health and grooming needs, horseware and more. Horse Tack Review debuted on the World Wide Web on January 1, 2004.

Traffic / Circulation

Horse Tack Review is a rapidly growing site. Our traffic is increasing every week. Visitors are driven to Horse Tack Review from various sources which include but are not limited to: search engines, banner advertising and strategic links from other popular horse related sites.

Submit Products for Review

If you're interested in submitting tack or other products for hands on review please contact us. We ask that 60 days be given before the product is returned, but usually are able to complete the reviews in a few weeks. In some cases, for example, grooming supplies, products will not be returned. If you've got a product or line that you want to see featured on our site, please contact us immediately!

Submit Feature Articles

Horse Tack Review also accepts feature article submissions. Feature articles must be horse related, entertaining and informative. What a great way to promote a particular product, line or gain valuable exposure for your site or business. Please contact us for more information, requirements, examples and

Availability.

Submit Contest / Giveaway Tack

Horse Tack Review drives our reader submitted content by giving away items on a monthly basis. Please consider submitting products for our contests and giveaways. Items submitted for giveaway receives a brief editorial as well as the exposure created by the contest itself. Giveaways are shipped to the contest winner at Horse Tack Review's cost.

Submit New Product Releases

Horse Tack Review accepts your new product press releases and attempts to publish every one we receive that is within the scope of our publication. Simply e-mail your release, product images and other information to kristi@horsetackreview. com Horse Tack Review makes every effort to post all new product releases on our main page. Sales through Horse Tack Review affiliate programs provide several avenues for increased brand awareness. In addition to exposure generated by reviews and advertising, we also drive sales of tack and other equipment at our affiliate partners. This additional path is the knockout punch that you've been looking for! Tack Reviews, advertising and sales. Where else can you get this type of impact?

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Acara’s Top Ten Aesthetic Practice & MedSpa Business Tips for 2010

Acara’s Top Ten Aesthetic Practice & MedSpa Business Tips for 2010

Acara, a leading US Aesthetic Medical Practice & Medspa consulting firm announced today its Top Ten Aesthetic Practice & MedSpa Business Tips for 2010. These business tips are representative of the most successful business tactics implemented by Acara in 2009.

Branford, CT (Vocus) January 14, 2010

To jumpstart 2010 the Acara team of Aesthetic Practice and Medspa business experts (http://www. acaramedspas. com/team. html) analyzed the collection of business tactics they recommended to their clients in 2009. The goal of the exercise was to identify which tactics achieved the greatest impact on client revenue and profits.

“It was a very successful year for the Acara team.” states Francis X. Acunzo, Acara CEO & Founder. “Many of our clients including dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and medical spas experienced strong increases in their sales and profits.” he goes on to say, “This top ten list of business tips represents the tactics that had the most impact in the shortest amount of time.”

Top Ten Aesthetic Practice & Medspa Business Tips for 2010

1. Follow-up – Follow-up – Follow-up
Your team needs to consistently follow-up with leads, unclosed consults & existing clients. Top aesthetic practices are very good at managing their sales pipeline.

2. Stick to the Plan!
Develop and implement a bi-monthly marketing plan with a budget. Be disciplined with this business practice, without a plan you will not achieve your sales goals.

3. Capture All Leads
Your reception team needs to document the name, phone number and e-mail address of each individual that calls interested in your services (a lead). In addition, every lead needs to be asked, “How did you hear about us?” and the information diligently documented.

4. Set Goals
Establish yearly and monthly sales & operating goals and track them through your monthly financial statements with budget comparisons.

5. Hold Monthly Events
Hold a monthly educational seminar open to the public (this is not a party it is a selling activity) either at your location or, if you expect a crowd, off-site.

6. Maximize Your Website
Search Engine Optimize (SEO) your Website and insure it has a lead capture form, phone number on every page, customer testimonials and before & after images

7. Staff to Market Demand
Staff your business according to customer demand specifically on the best days of the week and times of day.

8. Distribute Online SEO Optimized Press Releases
Once per month write, search engine optimize and distribute an Online Press Release that includes logo image, before & after photos and video tied back to your YouTube account.

9. Market with R&R
Implement a repeat & referral program, eventually it will help reduce your monthly marketing spend.

10. Prioritize Your Business Decisions
Ask yourself the following question prior to spending time or money on any new business initiative, tactic, medical procedure, technology, program, etc. “Will this make money for the practice and increase customer satisfaction?” If you answer yes to both parts of this question, then make it a high priority. If you answer yes to only one part of this question, then make it a lower priority. If you answer no to this question, then stop and do not allocate any company resources.

Acara Client Testimonials:

“Acara does outstanding work in all areas of their field. They are true professionals, very creative and deliver top quality results. We have worked with them for over 10 years and will continue to do so in the future. I recommend them very highly.
--Bruce E. Katz, M. D., Medical Director Juva Skin & Laser Center

"When we initially brought Acara on board to get us into the medical spa mainstream, we had a hard time justifying the investment at that time due to our limited startup capital. While I did see the immediate value back then of what Acara built for us, I see the value of our investment even more now that the industry is in financial uncertainty. Because we built a solid relationship with an industry mentor like Acara, and a workable business and marketing platform to begin with, it has allowed us to survive and flourish when others in our area have not.“
-- Paula Young RN, Co-owner, Young Medical Spa

"Acara was instrumental in helping us shape the foundation of our Medical Spa business. Their expertise in employee relations, sales, and MedSpa financial forecasting, has helped Amari see rapid growth."
-- S. J. Shah, Medspa Director of Operations, Amari MedSpa

"Have I told you lately how wonderful you are to work with? I’m well aware of all you have done for us, how patient you have been, and how professional you have remained. It speaks volumes of your integrity and own personal values, and we are all enriched by the privilege of working with you. From a personal standpoint, you and your team are my heroes. Thank you so very much!"
-- Rita DelVecchio, Administrator, Amomi MedSpa

“We are thrilled with the success of our event. Once again, Acara has proven that a Medical Spa can succeed even in our challenging economy.”
-- Robert T., MD, Owner & Medical Director, West Coast MedSpa

“It has been essential for us to change the way we do business with greater competition and the change in the economy. We couldn’t have accomplished this type of increase in business without Acara’s recommendation to incorporate laser lipolysis events into our marketing.”
-- Mrs. Sona H., Owner, East Coast Medical Spa

Join us online January 26th at 1:00 p. m. EST as Francis X. Acunzo presents Acara’s Top Ten Aesthetic Practice & MedSpa Business Tips for 2010 (http://spabusinessmd. com/events/) during a live Webinar. He will share his team’s insight into how these business tactics generated success for Acara’s clients.

About Acara Partners:
Acara, led by industry expert, noted speaker and blogger Francis X. Acunzo, is the leading business team in the world of Aesthetic Medicine, Spas, Medical Spas and Wellness Centers. Acara partners with spa owners, physicians, hospitals, hotels, health clubs, and investors to develop successful businesses. Acara's approach integrates their team’s expertise in business development, marketing, sales and operations to increase their client's revenue and profits. It's through Acara's experience working with over 100 companies nationwide and internationally that they are able to create business and market strategies that drive success for our clients. To learn more visit our website (http://www. acarapartners. com) or visit our business blog (http://www. spabusinessmd. com) for industry professionals.

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Beaumont Hospitals Expands Relationship with Broadlane

Beaumont Hospitals Expands Relationship with Broadlane

Broadlane announced today the signing of an exclusive agreement with Beaumont Hospitals, a tri-county health system based in Royal Oak, Michigan. The agreement is to provide comprehensive and advanced supply chain services customized specifically for Beaumont Hospitals in order to maximize savings and efficiency for the system’s $300 million annual spend. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Dallas (Vocus) March 18, 2008

Broadlane announced today the signing of an exclusive agreement with Beaumont Hospitals, a tri-county health system based in Royal Oak, Michigan. The agreement is to provide comprehensive and advanced supply chain services customized specifically for Beaumont Hospitals in order to maximize savings and efficiency for the system’s $300 million annual spend. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

After realizing cost-savings opportunities as a Broadlane GPO client, senior management at Beaumont determined that Broadlane’s operational expertise and advanced technology could help improve other areas of the health system’s supply chain.

A Broadlane client since 2003, Beaumont will continue to have full access to Broadlane’s national contract portfolio, and beginning April 1, Broadlane will assume day-to-day responsibility for hospital procurement operations and management of its Value Analysis Teams (VAT).

Broadlane will leverage its scalable Procurement Services infrastructure to centralize Beaumont purchasing functions, transaction management and Item Master maintenance. Broadlane’s proprietary technology, including OnRamp (Broadlane’s client portal) and BroadLink™ (Broadlane’s e-commerce exchange), will be utilized to streamline the purchasing processes.

Beyond national GPO participation, Beaumont will also utilize Broadlane for sourcing of supplies and purchased services, which are typically contracted locally. In addition, Broadlane will provide comprehensive Capital Equipment Services, including Live Group Buys and Quote Reviews.

“Since we began working with Broadlane, they have demonstrated a sustained ability to provide significant savings and supply chain improvements,” said Ken Matzick, president and chief executive officer, Beaumont Hospitals. “After careful examination of other Broadlane Procurement Services clients, we realized we could increase clinician engagement in supply chain decisions, accelerate savings and improve internal procurement controls by partnering fully with Broadlane for management of our procurement, data management and VAT activities.”

"We are excited about the opportunity to expand our relationship with Beaumont Hospitals,” said David Ricker, president and chief operating officer, Broadlane. “They are – and will continue to be – a valuable Broadlane client, and we look forward to providing them even greater supply chain improvements and savings. Broadlane has developed the industry’s leading technology platform and associated infrastructure to centrally manage procurement for multi-location health systems, and Beaumont Hospitals will have real-time visibility into system-wide spending and the ability to manage it.”

About Beaumont Hospitals
Beaumont Hospitals is a three-hospital regional health care provider in southeast Michigan with a total of 1,696 licensed beds, 18,000 employees and 3,000 physicians in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties. In addition to its hospitals, Beaumont operates numerous community-based medical centers in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties, five nursing centers, a research institute, home care services and hospice. Visit Beaumont on the Web at www. beaumonthospitals. com.

About Broadlane
Broadlane is a leading supply chain services company serving thousands of acute care hospitals,
Ambulatory care facilities, physician practices and other healthcare providers throughout the United States.

Broadlane provides comprehensive supply chain services including:
High-powered national & custom contracting Innovative Procurement Services & technology Informatics – benchmarking, analytics and reporting Deep clinical & operational expertise Supply Chain Management Services Broadlane is the nation’s leader in providing comprehensive supply chain management solutions to health care systems.

Broadlane's clients include leading providers such as Advocate Health Care, Ascension Health, CHRISTUS Health, Continuum Health Partners, Kaiser Permanente, Kindred Healthcare, MedCath Corporation, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System, St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System, Tenet Healthcare, The Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati, US Oncology, UMass Memorial Health Care and Beaumont Hospitals.

The company is headquartered in Dallas with offices in Cincinnati, Detroit, Houston, New York City and Oakland. For more information, visit www. broadlane. com.

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McLellan Creative Offers Best Practices for Creating Winning Marketing Collateral

McLellan Creative Offers Best Practices for Creating Winning Marketing Collateral

McLellan Creative, a team of technology marketing writers serving many of the world's most innovative technology companies, announced the availability of a new, complimentary Best Practices Series mini-paper, "Creating Winning Marketing Collateral." The paper provides clear, easy-to-follow guidelines for creating marketing collateral that gains the attention of decision makers and leaves a meaningful impression.

Ashland, OR (PRWEB) May 26, 2009

McLellan Creative, a team of technology marketing writers serving many of the world's most innovative technology companies, announced the availability of a new, complimentary Best Practices Series mini-paper, "Creating Winning Marketing Collateral." The paper provides clear, easy-to-follow guidelines for creating marketing collateral that gains the attention of decision makers and leaves a meaningful impression.

"Decision makers are inundated daily with marketing messages," said Robert McLellan, founder and president of McLellan Creative. "If you arm your sales team with well-crafted marketing collateral--white papers, brochures, data sheets--that work in unison with each other you'll reinforce your message, engage your prospects and keep them moving through the sales cycle.

McLellan Creative's team of 20 technology marketing writers helps technology leaders such as Cisco, Hitachi Data Systems, McAfee and others develop unique marketing collateral. To help companies refresh their marketing collateral programs, McLellan Creative has created a "Best Practices Series: Creating Winning Marketing Collateral." See the paper at http://www. mclellancreative. com/pdf/BestPracticesSeriesCreatingWinningMarketingCollateral. pdf (http://www. mclellancreative. com/pdf/BestPracticesSeriesCreatingWinningMarketingCollateral. pdf).

For more marketing resources, see the entire best practices library at http://www. mclellancreative. com/bestpractices. html (http://www. mclellancreative. com/bestpractices. html)

About McLellan Creative
Founded in 1994 and based in Ashland, Oregon, McLellan Creative is a team of award-winning, technology-focused writers and creative experts who help companies elevate their corporate messaging and communicate more effectively with customers. Our experience covers the entire spectrum of established and emerging technologies. From traditional data control systems and healthcare technologies to social networking, financial forecasting and nanotech, there is no technology too deep or too new for McLellan Creative.

McLellan Creative offers a full menu of marketing communications services, including collateral, white papers, case studies, corporate and consumer newsletters, web content, e-marketing, public relations support and executive speech writing. More importantly, the firm offers fully integrated marketing capabilities that help technology companies to develop synergistic, cost-effective campaigns that make the most of both traditional and digital media. For more information, visit www. mclellancreative. com.

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Learning. net Partners with Learn. net

Learning. net Partners with Learn. net

Learn. net will provide Skills Courses and an Insurance Learning Center

Atlanta, GA and Laguna Beach, CA (PRWEB) November 17, 2004

Learning. net, Inc, with over 50,000 e-learning customers and users, has contracted with Learn. net, Inc. to provide improved knowledge and learning management capabilities for the U. S. Insurance industry, and for employees and managers of other industries who want to improve personal and professional skills. Learn. net will provide Learning. net with over 10,000 credit hours of Insurance CE (Continuing Education) solutions for both Property and Casualty and Health and Life insurance programs. Additionally, over 2000 on-line skills and business courses will be added.

“Learn. net and Learning. net share the view that employees and managers in all industries need to continually grow and improve capabilities and that the Insurance industry must look for multiple ways to improve results and performance,” said Larry Duckworth, CEO of Learn. net. "By adding the Insurance Learning Center and the additional Personal and Professional Skills Learning Center, whole new capabilities will be provided to Learning. net clients. In addition, full e-commerce purchasing support will be provided for all courses.”

“The partnership with Learn. net represents a major leap forward for the mission of Learning. net: to enable the next generation learning system for knowledge workers,” said Dr. Terry Heiney, General Manager. “The new Skills courses are quite an exciting addition for all of our Learning Center customers. Courses on Word, Excel, sales skills, presentation skills, sexual harassment training and hundreds of other on-line courses will now be available.”

“Our success has been based on being ‘Best-in-Class’ for Insurance companies as a specific expertise and results-providing focus, plus providing benchmarking skills courses usable by personnel in all industries,” continued Duckworth. “Our ‘KX5 Solutions Family’ includes industry specific expertise, many integrated CE and Skills classes, a commitment to helping improve insurance business processes, the ‘MAPLE’ knowledge life cycle system, and many support services including content development and video-streaming solutions. The Learning. net strategic partnership will allow insurance and other customers to improve their top and bottom line results. We are impressed with Learning. net’s proactive focus on helping its present and new customers to receive more benefits.”

About Learning. net

Based in Laguna Beach, CA, the goal of Learning. net is to become a leading online provider of learning on the World Wide Web. Learning. net provides each and every customer with an engaging, effective, and pleasurable learning experience that increases knowledge and enhances performance and professional value in the workplace. Learning. net makes every contact with our Learning Centers an enjoyable and satisfying interaction, and wants to make every customer a repeat customer by delivering superior quality, excellent service, and helpful technical support.

Currently Learning. net offers license renewal courses for California Realtors®, ethics courses for Realtors® nationally, and continuing education for Certified Public Accountants nationally.

Learning. net can be contacted at 866-798-5897, or info@learning. net. The web site is www. learning. net.

About Learn. net

Based in Atlanta, GA, Learn. net provides the unique, proven “MAPLE” (Multi-Adaptive Performance Leveraging Environment) solution. The Java-based Web platform is based on workflow rules, and a meta-data architecture. This allows re-usability for all learning elements of the “Knowledge Life-cycle. It is the knowledge platform in multiple major corporations, including several major insurance carriers. Its benefits also apply to independent brokers and agencies that want to improve premiums and commissions, lower learning costs, and significantly improve management’s control of results certainty. Numerous types of knowledge content are integrated and supplied, including Insurance CE content, over 2000 other on-line courses (e. g., Word, Excel, Diversity, Sexual Harassment and much more), and custom content.

Learn. net can be contacted at 678-589-0100, or at info@learn. net. The Web site is www. learn. net.

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Richard Maize Inspires Wealthy to Aid Homeless During Hanukkah, Christmas

Richard Maize Inspires Wealthy to Aid Homeless During Hanukkah, Christmas

Leaving the comfort of their multi million dollar Beverly Hills home, Rochelle Maize, Ally Maize and Richard Maize ventured out on a cool evening in the spirit of Hanukkah and Christmas to downtown Los Angeles where food was being provided to the homeless and the hungry. It was a night that was going to change their lives.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) December 25, 2009

Richard Maize and his family have been respected for their philanthropy, the giving of thousands of dollars to dozens of charities over the years.

These charities have included organizations and causes including the American Cancer Society, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Hurricane Katrina, Los Angeles Police Foundation, Big Brothers / Big Sisters (BBBS) of Greater Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, 18th Maccabiah Games in Israel, green environmental organizations and Cedars Sinai Board of Governors.

Rochelle Maize was among those recently honored at the Los Angeles Business Journal's seventeenth annual Women Making a Difference Awards.

Together with her husband, Richard, the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation (http://www. richardmaizefoundation. com) has been reaching out to help those in need from LA to Jerusalem.

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports and contributes volunteer and financial resources to community and global causes by supporting programs focusing on art, culture, family services, and health care. But until this week, most of their good efforts were limited to writing out checks from the comfort of their Beverly Hills home. This physical distance from those that Richard and Rochelle Maize were actually helping was broken down this week.

Leaving the luxury of their multi million dollar home, Rochelle Maize, Ally Maize and Richard Maize ventured out on a cool evening in honor of the spirit of Hanukkah and Christmas to downtown Los Angeles where food is provided to the homeless and the hungry.

The food is donated by a wide variety of companies and organizations and is given to those less fortunate every evening.

" I was very surprised and shocked by what I saw," said Richard Maize. "I never knew that there were so many homeless and hungry people living just a few miles from my home. That they were being fed every night through the generous efforts of some very good people. I learned quite a bit from the experience."

Richard Maize, who operated the largest the mortgage banking company in the US, continues: "Rochelle and I arranged for a donation of approximately 300 individual polyester blankets. Before I left home, I quickly went through my closet and drawers and found many shirts, sweaters, shoes, a jacket, tee-shirts and socks to fill up a large trash bag in hopes these pieces of clothing would find a good home. There were various other donations we brought from other families that filled another trash bag mostly of woman's clothing."

Richard Maize continues: "When we arrived, about 6 pm, there was a very orderly and long line of the underprivileged people waiting to be served their daily dinner. It was great to see the how nice these people were to each other and the how great the volunteers were to the homeless. I have never interacted with the underprivileged before this evening. Other than giving handouts in way of cash when asked, is about all I have done. Perhaps I was a bit frightened by them or concerned of their sometime uncleanliness."

As a young and ambitious graduate from California State University, Northridge, Richard Maize began his business career investing in Southern California real estate. In 1988, he co-founded a mortgage banking company that has grown into one of the largest and most well respected mortgage brokerage firms in the US. With an entrepreneurial spirit and tireless effort, Richard Maize expanded his business and became known as an industry expert, regularly appearing as a commentator for KCAL-TV news sharing his insights about real estate trends, marketing and finance.

Richard Maize was also a frequent guest on KWHY-TV's Mortgage Update segments, articulately discussing the volatilities of the real estate industry. An innovator always intent on finding solutions, Richard developed the "Power Pak" loan processing software which today is rated as one of the best technologies in the industry.

Since his early years, Richard Maize, a financial genius with a heart of gold, has only known success. And as such he has associated primarily with the rich and famous.

But this cold, dark night in LA walking among and talking to homeless men and women was about to change his life.

"Most of these poor and homeless people had a preference on the color of the blanket that they were about to receive. They had a choice of blue or tan and took only one as requested. There were a few that were quite desperate and tried to take more than one blanket. The type of clothes that they wanted was also interesting. They were by and large very particular in the color and size. They would walk away, in some instances, without any of these luxurious pieces of clothing if the size or color wasn't perfect. I found it totally amazing."

Richard Maize states: "I was speaking to one man who was, in his words, in charge of different events for a few companies. He was well paid getting around 80,000 dollars annually and two years ago, he was let off and no family to turn to or in his case not wanting to. He was well spoken and obviously educated. He was sitting among the homeless. He was a pretty interesting guy. I offered him money 20 dollars that he refused because he didn't want personal handouts. You never know where life will lead. Much of it is skill, but a lot of it is luck. This man had lost all of his luck."

"The next person I met really stood out. Picture this, there was an African American about 6'3" and about 225 pounds. Our eyes met as he was picking up a blanket. He was well groomed and dressed in clean clothing," said Richard Maize.

"As we spoke, he told me that it was important to keep hygienically clean. He spends about 2 dollars a day to take a shower daily at some type of YMCA - Young Men's Christian Association or other similar club and he washes his clothing regularly. He wore what appeared to be a diamond earring stud in one of his ears. He looked great and was prideful in his appearance. He told me he lost his family and job due to drugs but have has now been clean for almost 3 years. He speaks to many homeless to try to make them or keep them clean."

Richard Maize continues: "I went deep in my bag of clothing and pulled out a Swede yellow jacket that was mine yet very big on me. I hadn't worn it for 3 years. I needed to find the right person to hand it to. I think I found him. I asked him if he wanted it. He replied: 'lets see it' and then with a smile said: 'sure. thanks so much'.

"Before he went his own way, I said to him that this jacket was very special. It once cost close to 500 dollars. I didn't say that so I would get a better 'thank you'. I mentioned it to him so that he might take pride in his new article of clothing. He was elated. He walked across the street to show it to his buddies. Then, he folded it up neatly and placed it under his arm to carry for safekeeping. Finally, as it was getting cooler, he put the jacket over his body. It fit perfectly. He then walked down the street with his head high with pride. It was unbelievable."

Maize reflects: "I am far from perfect. I have made my share of mistakes. The important thing is to learn from these mistakes and not repeat them. To learn from others, from those whose lives who either through economic conditions or emotional problems have hit rock bottom."

Richard Maize, now looking down with tears swelling in his eyes, then said: "I realized how important having socks and tee-shirts were to these people. I am now going to buy 20 dozen socks and t-shirts at Costco and bring them back there tomorrow evening. Not just for Hanukkah, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but for a few evenings every month. I was taken in by these people and want to help more. To bring just one smile, just one evening of warmth and comfort to someone who has fallen through the cracks, this is what we should all strive for throughout the year."

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Tryten Technologies Introduces Mobility to Mac Mini Security Mount

Tryten Technologies Introduces Mobility to Mac Mini Security Mount

Seattle, Washington - Tryten Technologies, a leading physical computer security provider, is introducing a Mac Mini Security Mount with the adaptability of a security cable. Tryten's innovative Mac Mini Mount can now be fastened with a variety of security cable options as an alternative to permanently mounting the Mac Mini to a workspace or monitor.

Seattle, Washington (PRWEB) January 19, 2011

Tryten Technologies, a leading physical computer security provider, is introducing a Mac Mini Security Mount with the adaptability of a security cable. Tryten's innovative Mac Mini Mount can now be fastened with a variety of security cable options as an alternative to permanently mounting the Mac Mini to a workspace or monitor.

Tryten’s innovative Mac Mini Mount design boasts a LockBar with a high security, seven pin pick-resistant lock. The LockBar can now be secured with a Kensington style security slot cable or with one of Tryten’s other versatile cable kits, instead of being permanently attached to a workspace or monitor. These cable mounting options enable the customer to use products within the same master-key group they may already be employing. The cable mounting option saves the workstation from being altered if this is a concern, and also allows the end user to maneuver the Mac Mini as needed. The open design of the Tryten Mac Mini Mount provides easy access to all peripheral connections and the disk slot, and maintains optimal WiFi and Bluetooth communications. Whether fastened permanently to any workplace location or secured with a Tryten Security Cable, the refined yet rugged Mac Mini Mount offers convenient adaptability to your workplace configuration.

About Tryten

For nearly twenty years Tryten Technologies Inc. has worked closely with organizations from around the world to develop physical computer security solutions that best adapt to each unique environment. Our innovative and timely product offerings are developed through relationships with an impressive range of technology and Fortune 500 companies, as well as through dealings with the government, healthcare and educational sectors. At Tryten, we recognize the unique challenges that organizations face when securing highly sensitive information and equipment. The Tryten Solutions Team is trained to assimilate cutting-edge technologies in order to fully secure your valuable equipment in any location. For more information, please visit: http://www. tryten. com

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Halloween and Pets: More Trick Than Treat?

Halloween and Pets: More Trick Than Treat?

An award-winning animal care author provides tips for Halloween pet safety.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) October 17, 2006

Halloween is fraught with unexpected dangers for dogs and cats. Jan Rasmusen, author of “Scared Poopless: The Straight Scoop on Dog Care,“ offers seven tips on how to protect your pets from ghosts and goblins and things that go bump in the night:

1) Check Out Costumes

Some dogs (and a few cats) enjoy playing dress-up, but many others are devout nudists. Remember: fun for you can be misery for your pet. If you do play dress-up, ensure that fabrics are fire-retardant, non-toxic and free of anything the pet can chew off and swallow. Even a pompom can prove deadly when lodged in the throat or intestines. Make certain, too, that costumes are comfortable, don’t chafe, and won’t obstruct vision or cause your animal to panic and run.

2) No Candy for Fido and Fluffy!

Secure Trick-or-Treat bowls of candy out of the reach of pets, and don’t allow pets near kids picking through Halloween bounty spread out on the floor. Chocolate, treats sweetened with Xylitol and even grapes, raisins and apple seeds can be toxic—even deadly. And too much sugar is as harmful to pets as it is for kids. If an accidental poisoning occurs, contact your vet or the Animal Poison Control Center at www. ASPCA. org or (888) 426-4435.

3) Prevent Runaways

While you’re handing out goodies, your cat or dog can dart out the door and become injured or lost. Secure all pets carefully before festivities begin. Since clever animals may escape despite your best efforts, get them a microchip or tattoo and current tags. For added safety, engrave tags with a cell phone number and the word “Reward” instead of the pet’s name.

4) Watch Out for Pranksters

Leave nervous and aggressive pets at home, and bring “outside pets” indoors to prevent mayhem and theft. Carousing demons may enjoy painting your cat black or mummy-wrapping your dog, and your tormented or injured pet may bite back (hello lawsuit!) or dash into the street and under the wheels of a passing car.

5) Outshine the Dark

If Fido tags along for Trick-or-Treat fun, make him easily visible with a dog-safe light or strobe or reflective tape attached to his collar. Better yet, try a reflective vest. Find a good selection at www. sitstay. com.

6) Beware Deadly Decorations

Candles, even inside a pumpkin, can attract a curious pet and cause burns or painful wax spills. Be especially wary if your dog or cat plays lookout at the window near a lit Jack O’Lantern. Also beware decorations that may prove toxic or scary. Those fake spider webs can be especially dangerous if swallowed.

7) Outsmart Stress

Scary sights and sounds, and strangers at your door, can stress out any pet. Take the edge off with a few drops of a calming flower essence (like Bach’s Rescue Remedy) from your health food store. Better yet, check out Stress Stopper, a product developed for animals by a renowned holistic veterinarian. Find it at www. spiritessence. com.

Make Halloween safe and fun for your dog or cat by anticipating and outwitting danger. Whether the festivities are a trick or a treat for your pets, and by extension for your whole family, is largely up to you and the steps you take before and after the fun begins.

Jan Rasmusen is the author of "Scared Poopless: The Straight Scoop on Dog Care," 2006 Winner of the Ben Franklin Award for the Best Health Book of any kind in the country and 2006 Winner of the USABookNews Best Animal/Pet Health Book. For additional information, other articles on canine health and safety and a fun FREE tips newsletter, visit www. Dogs4Dogs. com. Note: Signed books and quantity discounts are available for gift giving.

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Spunlogic Creates Spanish Microsite for Simmons Bedding CompanyÂ’s New HealthSmart Bed

Spunlogic Creates Spanish Microsite for Simmons Bedding CompanyÂ’s New HealthSmart Bed

Spunlogic, one of Atlanta's top interactive marketing & technology firms, recently launched a Spanish microsite for the new HealthSmartTM Bed by Simmons®.

(PRWEB) February 3, 2005

Spunlogic (http://www. spunlogic. com (http://www. spunlogic. com)), one of Atlanta's top interactive marketing & technology firms, recently launched a Spanish microsite for the new HealthSmartTM Bed by Simmons®. The HealthSmart Bed features a zip-off mattress top that can be laundered or dry-cleaned to remove stains and contaminants such as dust mites, germs, bacteria, fungal spores and other allergens just like when you clean your sheets.

“We’ve been delighted to see our Hispanic customer base growing and are committed to providing a superior level of service for those making an important decision like purchasing a mattress,” says Simmons VP of Marketing, Scott Whitaker. “In addition to having Spanish-speaking dealers, we feel the launch of our new HealthSmart Bed is the perfect opportunity to offer online access to detailed information about the health benefits associated with a mattress that can be cleaned.”

“The number of Hispanic users is growing at around eight percent per year, greater than any other ethnic group. In fact, Jupiter Research reports that two-thirds of Hispanics will be online by 2009, compared with fifty percent today,” says Jeff Hilimire, President of Spunlogic.

The microsite is functional and interactive enabling visitors to download a video that demonstrates the proper care and laundering of the HealthSmart Bed, as well as the ability to find a local dealer by zip code search. Visitors can also access general interest content such as expert tips for a clean and healthy home contributed by Dr. Philip Tierno, author of The Secret Life of Germs.

The HealthSmart Bed Spanish microsite can be found at http://www. simmons. com/healthsmart/spanish/ (http://www. simmons. com/healthsmart/spanish/).

About Spunlogic

Spunlogic, formed in 1998, is an award-winning interactive marketing and technology company that uses an in-depth understanding of online behavior (http://www. spunlogic. com/whoisSpunlogic/userBehavior. cfm (http://www. spunlogic. com/whoisSpunlogic/userBehavior. cfm)) to help companies attract, convert and retain customers. The company, which provides a full range of solutions including online behavior strategy, interactive design, web development, email marketing, online advertising and e-commerce applications, boasts a roster of both local and national clients including the Atlanta Convention & VisitorsÂ’ Bureau, Dirt Devil, Georgia Pacific, The Honey Baked Ham Company, Simmons Company, Penske Truck Rental and The Weather Channel. To learn more about SpunlogicÂ’s capabilities, contact Spunlogic at sales@spunlogic. com or call 404.806.6970.

About Simmons

Atlanta-based Simmons Bedding Company is one of the world's largest mattress manufacturers, manufacturing and marketing a broad range of products including Beautyrest®, BackCare®, BackCare Kids®, Olympic® Queen, Deep Sleep® and HealthSmart. The Company operates 17 conventional bedding manufacturing facilities and three juvenile bedding manufacturing facilities across the United States and Puerto Rico. Simmons is committed to developing superior mattresses and promoting a higher quality sleep for consumers around the world. For more information, visit the Company's website at www. simmons. com. Media inquiries should be directed to Christine Foster, 404.266.0899, ext 101 or cfoster@trone. com.

Brands, products and services referenced herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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Reducing Costs, Not Care: Medical Travel to New Zealand Can Help Alleviate Rising U. S. Healthcare Expenses for Insurers and Self-funded Employers

Reducing Costs, Not Care: Medical Travel to New Zealand Can Help Alleviate Rising U. S. Healthcare Expenses for Insurers and Self-funded Employers

Medtral New Zealand offers complete medical travel packages for North American patients seeking a viable, safe alternative to expensive healthcare treatment.

Long Beach, Calif. (PRWEB) April 8, 2009

With U. S. health costs expected to rise 5.5 percent reaching a staggering 2.5 trillion this year, health insurers, self-insured employers, groups and individuals are more than ever seeking to reduce expenses without sacrificing viable care or access to services.

Part of the solution to controlling escalating health costs in the U. S. could lie with the growing trend of medical travel. By the end of last year, more than 750,000 Americans had traveled for medical treatment, and the global recession is expected to generate even more interest in the practice this year.

Medtral New Zealand provides a complete medical travel package (http://www. medtral. com/) for North American patients - including airfare, hospital stay, treatment, staff, accommodations aftercare and a contingency insurance policy to cover the small risk of an adverse event - all at a fraction of what it would cost in the U. S. for the equivalent procedure.

Medtral New Zealand offers top-notch medical care and world-class non-acute surgical treatment in an English speaking, first world country. The hospitals employed by Medtral are all internationally accredited and adhere to stringent quality standards equivalent to those in the U. S.

"We are able to offer equivalent services at substantially lower costs than the U. S. because our overheads are much lower and the cost structures in our medical system are very different to those in the U. S.," said Edward Watson, MD, Medtral's executive chairman and founder.

Watson said they have been in discussions with large insurance companies that are seeking to reduce costs. In the past year, Medtral has signed partnership deals with Pinnacle Health, a Boston-area preferred provider organization providing healthcare services to self-funded employers, and California-based Global Medical Conexions, a leader in the self-funded group health field.

The potential financial savings medical travel offers large health insurers and self-insured health funds is enormous when considering the striking cost differences in health procedure costs between the U. S. and New Zealand. For example, a mitral heart valve replacement that can cost up to $140,000 if done in the U. S., costs $24,500 in New Zealand. Other costs for common procedures Medtral provides include: hip replacement for $11,500 inclusive of high quality implants (U. S. price: $75,000-$100,000), robotic prostatectomy for $20,000 (U. S. cost: more than $100,000), a radical hysterectomy for $8,500 ($60,000 in U. S.) and coronary artery bypass for $22,500 compared with a U. S. price of $125,000. Even after adding airfares and accommodation costs to these procedure costs the total travel and treatment package costs provided by Medtral New Zealand often come out at around 30-40% of the equivalent procedure cost alone in the US

Additionally, with the recent currency exchange rate for New Zealand, medical procedures cost 15-20 percent less that they did several months ago.

"Our price includes everything not just the procedure," said Watson. "Other medical travel organizations operating in a first-world environment would be hard pressed to match our overall package."

New Zealand is certain to be a leader in medical travel destinations for Americans. This is hardly surprising with health costs expected to top $8,000 per person this year according to a recent report by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The New York-based Commonwealth Fund has identified New Zealand as having one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Furthermore, Watson stresses that the environment New Zealand offers medical travelers is underscored by some intriguing facts in the areas of crime and safety. These include:
 In the recent Global Peace Index, New Zealand finished among the most peaceful countries at No. 4. The U. S. is ranked 97.  According to the Seventh United Nations Survey of Crime Trends, New Zealand has a murder rate among the lowest in the world, ranking the 10th lowest out of 62 countries. The U. S. ranks 24th.  New Zealand also has low rates for the superbugs - MRSA and VRE as well as HIV. Its blood supply is considered among the safest in the world.

"New Zealand is sophisticated, diverse and multicultural, but it is the friendliness, honesty and openness of our people that will stay with you," added Watson. "We offer a clean, attractive, green, safe and peaceful and a political stable environment that promotes healing and offers excellent tourism opportunities."

Medtral New Zealand's services include joint replacement, hip resurfacing, cardiac surgery, robotic prostatectomy and more. Medtral was the first medical travel company to offer contingency insurance to cover the risk of major surgical complications.

About Medtral: Medtral New Zealand is the leading provider of medical travel in New Zealand for North American patients, providing world-class, non-acute care and treatment in some of the country's finest private hospitals. Headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, Medtral New Zealand (www. medtral. com) can be reached at 1866-206-3582.

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BodyLinx Bracelets “Irresistibly Magnetic” to Shoplifters Suffering from Arthritis

BodyLinx Bracelets “Irresistibly Magnetic” to Shoplifters Suffering from Arthritis

"Irresistibly Magnetic" is the tagline used to describe BodyLinx, a line of budget-friendly magnetic jewelry. The bracelets are turning out to be irresistible to shoplifters who are looking for relief from the pain of arthritis.

Beaverton, OR (PRWEB) February 5, 2005

According to Tom Frost, who lists himself as the company’s “magnetic conductor,” the bracelets are being stolen from some urban stores among the over 350 retailers featuring the line. “Ever since that British Medical Journal report came out about the benefits of magnetic bracelets, we’ve been swamped with orders,” says Frost. “But retailers are telling us stories about the bracelets being stolen by those who don’t have access to medication for their arthritis.”

According to the BMJ report, magnetic bracelets can significantly reduce the pain of arthritis. One in three American adults suffers from some form of the disease, and Vioxx, a widely-prescribed pain medication, was recently removed from the market after reports indicated it may lead to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Arthritis sufferers are left looking for alternative ways to deal with their discomfort.

Some retailers have taken measures to protect the bracelets from those who might be tempted to try them without paying. “Managers are setting them up behind the counter or inside a glass case, but that’s not how we envisioned the bracelets being sold,” says Frost, who describes his product as “just a fun jewelry item” without emphasizing the possibility of health benefits. He’d prefer to have the bracelets out so customers can try them on and play with them.

Because BodyLinx jewelry is made up of individual magnets that can be rearranged to form new styles, Frost opted to sell his bracelets in blister packs to keep the magnets together and prevent the bracelets from sticking to other metal items nearby.

“We thought we’d anticipated the challenges of selling magnets,” says Frost. “Honestly, we expected the biggest issue to be kids playing with them at school. We never thought people suffering from arthritis pain would be stealing them.”

Frost is now considering new packaging and display options for his jewelry. “I’m glad that so many people are finding the bracelets therapeutic, but frankly, this is giving me a headache.”

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University of North Carolina Health Administration Researchers Design Easy-to-Use Health Literacy Test for Latino Population

University of North Carolina Health Administration Researchers Design Easy-to-Use Health Literacy Test for Latino Population

Researchers in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Department of Health Policy and Administration have designed an easy-to-use health literacy test to help healthcare workers in the U. S. communicate with and care for Spanish-speaking populations.

Chapel Hill, NC (PRWEB) May 6, 2006

Researchers in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Department of Health Policy and Administration have designed an easy-to-use health literacy test to help healthcare workers in the U. S. communicate with and care for Spanish-speaking populations.

Poor health literacy (meaning the inability to understand commonly used health terms) often causes communication problems for Latinos and healthcare staff, resulting in higher healthcare costs, lower quality of care and possible medical errors. The new test, called SAHLSA (Short Assessment of Health Literacy for Spanish-speaking Adults), helps healthcare workers identify patients with low health literacy, thus alerting them to the need to provide alternative communication methods, such as audio, video or pictures.

Shoou-Yih D. Lee, professor of health policy and administration and principal investigator, said the new test is particularly valuable for Spanish-speaking populations because they often face high health threats, such as job-related accidents, and may be reluctant to enter a hospital in the first place because of the language barrier and limited access to insurance.

“It’s not uncommon for bilingual Latino children to act as interpreters for their parents in a hospital setting,” said Lee. “That’s a lot of pressure on a young person to get the information right.”

According to Lee, health professionals working with Latinos have expressed a need for an easy-to-use health literacy test, especially as the Spanish-speaking populations have risen dramatically in some areas of the country. For example, North Carolina has seen its Latino population grow 400 percent from 1990 to 2000.

The test, which is currently available to health organizations, takes a few minutes, and is administered by asking the person being examined to read aloud in Spanish a list of common medical terms, such as embarazo (pregnancy), microbios (germs) and infección (infection). The individual must associate each term to another word similar in meaning to demonstrate comprehension. According to researchers, if the person is having trouble pronouncing words, they are more likely to have difficulty with comprehension.

To research whether or not SAHLSA was a better alternative to evaluating health literacy compared to the current test (called REALM), which took 20 minutes, 201 Spanish-speaking and 202 English-speaking participants from the Ambulatory Care Center at UNC’s Medical Hospital System were recruited for the study. Results showed that SAHLSA not only significantly reduced the time it took to administer the test, but it was also able to be conducted entirely in Spanish, which REALM was not.

The study has been published online in Health Services Research journal and was financially supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRS), an agency of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Also participating in the study were co-investigator Deborah E. Bender, PhD, Rafael E. Ruiz, ScM, and Young Ik Cho, PhD.

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Paychex Introduces FSA Debit Card

Paychex Introduces FSA Debit Card

Paychex, Inc., a leading provider of payroll and human resource services, has launched a new debit card that offers clients’ employees an easy, convenient way to access their flexible spending account (FSA) funds.

Rochester, NY (PRWEB) January 8, 2008

Paychex, Inc., a leading provider of payroll and human resource services, has launched a new debit card that offers clients’ employees an easy, convenient way to access their flexible spending account (FSA) funds. The Paychex FSA Debit Card is designed to be a cost-saving tool for employers and employees. Employees enrolled in a Paychex FSA plan can use the debit card to pay for things such as prescriptions, co-pays, dependent care, and other FSA-eligible expenses. The expenses are automatically deducted from a participant’s FSA, in most cases doing away with the need for an employee to pay the expenses up front, submit a claim, and then wait for reimbursement.

Paychex is offering its new debit card at no charge to clients or enrolled participants. Additionally, the Paychex FSA Debit Card complies with the latest IRS regulations, which now stipulate that cards can be used at grocery and discount stores, wholesale clubs, and mail - and web-based vendors with an "inventory information approval system," or IIAS, installed. The technology means the system knows immediately if the expense is eligible. An IIAS means lower risk for employers because an employee can't accidentally use the card for something that is not FSA-eligible, and it offers greater convenience for employees who make their purchases at one of these locations because it means they never have to submit a receipt.

"FSAs have reduced the expense of health and dependent care for millions of Americans," said Tony Tortorella, vice president of Human Resource Services for Paychex. "Now, with just the swipe of a card at locations with an IIAS, the participant knows if the item or service is a reimbursable expense, and if it is, they pay for it instantly out of their debit card account."

The Paychex FSA Debit Card can be used for most FSA-eligible items and services at any location that accepts MasterCard and provides a medical or dependent-care service, or sells FSA-eligible items.

About Paychex
Paychex, Inc. (NASDAQ:PAYX) is a leading national provider of payroll, human resource, and benefits outsourcing solutions for small - to medium-sized businesses. The company offers comprehensive payroll services, including payroll processing, payroll tax administration, and employee pay services, including direct deposit, check signing, and Readychex®. Human resource and benefits outsourcing services include 401(k) plan recordkeeping, health insurance, workers’ compensation administration, section 125 plans, a professional employer organization, time and attendance solutions, and other administrative services for business. Paychex was founded in 1971. With headquarters in Rochester, New York, the company has more than 100 offices and serves approximately 561,000 payroll clients nationwide. For more information about Paychex and our products, visit www. paychex. com.

This press release was distributed through eMediawire by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www. HRmarketer. com) on behalf of the company listed above.

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Why People Low-Carb - The Mood Behind the Food

Why People Low-Carb - The Mood Behind the Food

A low-carb revolution is underway, and as many as two-thirds of American adults -- about 163 million -- are now counting carbs. In the most comprehensive review of its kind, LowCarb Energy magazine recently asked 1541 people their main reasons for low-carbing.

KIMBERLY, WI (PRWEB) April 28, 2004

A low-carb revolution is underway, and as many as two-thirds of American adults -- about 163 million -- are now counting carbs. But what motivates consumers to embark on a low-carb lifestyle, which means virtually eliminating traditional foods such as bread, pasta, potatoes and sweets?

In the most comprehensive review of its kind, LowCarb Energy magazine recently asked 1541 adults their main reasons for low-carbing. While weight loss was the most frequently cited goal (79 percent of respondents), nearly 75 percent said there was more than one incentive to watch their carbohydrate intake. Better health was the driving force for 26 percent, while just over 23 percent sought to improve overall eating habits. Twenty percent wanted to maintain their weight, and 16 percent said they're low-carbing to gain energy.

"Even though many people lose weight by low-carbing, it's much more than a 'diet,'" says LowCarb Energy Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Sands. "As far as experienced, successful low-carbers are concerned, the word 'diet' implies something temporary. Instead, they refer to low-carbing as a lifestyle or 'way of eating'" -- and, Sands says, therein lies its success.

"Our readers constantly tell me how low-carbing helps them with everything from weight loss to managing certain medical conditions. What's so significant, though, is that they love living this way. They can eat delicious food, never have to feel hungry, and say they feel great." At a time when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting that 64 percent of Americans are overweight, Sands says, "Those three factors make a huge difference in helping people stick with whichever plan they choose."

Diabetes, insulin resistance and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) were among health conditions that respondents said low-carbing helped them control. The number one write-in response was that the low-carb lifestyle helps people "feel better," as declared by nearly four percent of those who responded.

And although survey participants' waistlines are getting smaller -- making low-rise pants, cropped shirts or even bikinis once again fashion options for many -- only one-third of one percent said they were watching carbs primarily to improve their appearance.

"Low - and controlled-carb approaches are changing the way people think about food, because they get results and don't feel deprived," says Sands. "Especially when it comes to losing weight, what more can you ask?"

ABOUT LOWCARB ENERGY

More than 220,000 copies of LowCarb Energy magazine's debut issue will be available nationwide in bookstores, mass market retailers, drugstores and health food stores beginning May 4. The first issue of this 128-page print publication from Coincide Publishing, LLC, offers more than 50 recipes for breakfasts, barbeques, summer picnics, cocktails and even desserts. Drawing on advice from health professionals, fitness gurus, researchers, nutritionists, chefs and other experts, readers will find articles on everything from low-carbing while traveling to smart exercise routines to a tropically themed low-carb menu to enjoy while watching "Pirates of the Caribbean." Find out more online at www. LowCarbEnergy. com.

ABOUT THE SURVEY

Results were derived from 1541 responses on LowCarb Energy magazine subscription signups and an online survey during the first four months of 2004. Totals equal more than 100 percent due to rounding and the option to choose more than one response.

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CONTACT: Nancy Price, Vice President of Marketing

Coincide Publishing, LLC

Email: feedback@coincide. com

Phone: (920) 687-8614

Http://CoincidePublishing. com (http://CoincidePublishing. com)
Http://LowCarbEnergy. com (http://LowCarbEnergy. com)

Freshness in a Basket

Freshness in a Basket

Fruit baskets, other than being healthy options for gift giving are also easily made with the right materials and creativity.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 30, 2006

Remember how glad you were when you were given fruit baskets as complementary gifts hotels? I'm sure you almost didn't want to touch it, or even eat its contents. "It's just too beautiful to be eaten" is your excuse why you don't want to eat it. Don't be so awestruck. Fruit baskets are easily styled with the right attitude and a healthy dose of creativity. Why not impress everyone and give them fruit baskets as gifts at the next gift-giving season?

A large factor in designing your own fruit basket is organization. Prepare all materials prior to decorating such as baskets, ribbons, craft materials, and of course, your fruits. In creating your own fruit baskets, remember to choose a basket with a relatively wide brim, sturdy structure and without handles. Nice weave patterns won't hurt. It must be sturdy because fruits aren't lightweight. Wide brim will allow your fruits breathing space. It will also make arranging them easier. Baskets should have no handles because you will need to stretch and taper plastic wrap around your fruits to prevent them from disassembling and moving. Use fruits that aren't mushy or fleshy like apples, pears pineapples, kiwis, grapefruits, melons, and oranges. Keep in mind to avoid using fruits that ripen quickly like bananas if the basket needs to be shipped; otherwise, they are okay. Stickers from the fruits must be removed, it is common sense not to show the recipient where you bought your gift right? Wipe the fruits with a clean cloth because washing them might draw out unwanted juices. Be careful when polishing fruits, you don't want to bruise them.

In decorating fruit baskets, position taller fruits like pineapples or watermelons at the back. This will give the other fruits the support to lean on to. Medium size fruits goes in the middle while the smaller ones will look pretty piled at the front. Contrasting colors is key to an attractive and catchy basket. Stack reds, oranges, yellow fruits alternately with the green, purple, and other dark color fruits. Clumps of berries are good for accents. Fill the gaps with blooms and leaves. Adding wedges of cheese is also an option. Don't make your fruity tower too high because you might have trouble wrapping it.

Shrink wrap your fruits baskets and seal at the bottom. Poke tiny holes with a needle around the baskets to let air in. in doing this avoid damaging the fruits. A poked fruit can release enough juice to ruin your work. Finish off your basket with a bow at the top and a note card. Remind recipients that the fruits are perishable and must be consumed, not looked at. Signing your name is not a bad idea, after all with baskets like these, you'll want to help your recipients direct the compliments to you.

For more valuable information on fruit baskets, please visit http://www. basketfruit. com (http://www. basketfruit. com)

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Mother-Daughter Natural Beauty Business Featured in Natural Health Magazine

Mother-Daughter Natural Beauty Business Featured in Natural Health Magazine

Bath Petals, a Los Angeles manufacturer of 100% natural bath & body products is profiled in Natural Health Magazine’s “Girl Power” feature, which profiles Mothers and Daughters working together.

(PRWEB) April 15, 2005

Bath Petals, a Los Angeles-based manufacturer of 100% natural bath & body products, is one of several mother-daughter enterprises profiled in the “Girl Power” feature in the May 2005 issue of Natural Health Magazine. In the article, Bath Petals’ mother-daughter founders discuss how they became business partners, developed a 100% natural beauty line from scratch and have become “Organic Beauty Queens”.

In the article, Bath PetalsÂ’ mother-daughter duo discuss how their background in the specialty food industry led to their reliance on only 100% natural raw materials that make up Bath PetalsÂ’ unique natural formulations; specifically how the pair shun typical cosmetic ingredients such as methyl and propyl paraben, synthetic fragrances and FD&C colors in favor of natural alternatives such as rosemary extract, essential oils and natural colors like carotene.

About Bath Petals

Inspired by aromatherapy traditions from around the world, Bath Petals' line of 100% natural bath and body products are manufactured by hand in small batches and sold in exclusive spas and beauty boutiques. A women-owned, family-operated manufacturing business, inspired to promote beautiful skin, health and wellness by producing 100% natural spa quality skin care products from nature's bounty. As a family, and as a business team, we pride ourselves on promoting personal and environmental health with products that say, "Nature." Our mission is to create all-natural, cruelty-free beauty products manufactured from raw agricultural materials topreservatives. Bath Petals' 100% natural produc the highest possible standards of quality, purity and integrity, free of synthetic chemicals and t line includes: Natural Bath Salts, Body Oil, Salt Scrub, Body Butter, Bar Soap, Bath & Shower Gel, Soy Candles, Travel Kits and Spa Gifts in eight signature essential oil scents.

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