Saturday, September 22, 2007

NextCare Urgent Care Names President

NextCare Urgent Care Names President

Laurel Stoimenoff promoted to President as company positions itself for growth

(PRWEB) May 18, 2005

NextCare Urgent Care CEO John Shufeldt, MD announced that Laurel Stoimenoff will be promoted to company President. As president Ms. Stoimenoff will be charged with promoting NextCare's values, commitment to customer service, medical excellence and the execution of NextCare's expansion plan.

"Laurel was instrumental in finalizing the joint venture with Centura and in the acquisition of the DUCC centers in North Carolina. She has demonstrated her intellectual and organizational ability as well as her commitment to NextCare's culture and values. I am thrilled with her leadership and contributions to date; I have complete confidence in her,” said founder and CEO John Shufeldt, MD.

When asked about her recent appointment Stoimenoff replied,” I am so pleased to be a part of an organization that is passionately committed to quality and service. NextCare provides such a valuable service to the community by offering same day service and an alternative to the Emergency Room. I am proud to be part of its future.”

About Laurel Stoimenoff, President

Stoimenoff has had a successful career of over 20 years in healthcare management. Stoimenoff previously served as V. P. of Operations, responsible for operationalizing and streamlining NextCareÂ’s growth by directing clinic operations, marketing and customer service. Prior to this position she provided consulting services to NextCare as principal and owner of Apex Management and Development, LLC. During her consulting tenure, she also managed the operations of CMIÂ’s Eastern U. S. Region.

Prior to consulting, Ms. Stoimenoff served as Senior V. P. Development for Comprehensive Medical Imaging (CMI), a national $160M imaging company, nationwide. She was responsible for all acquisitions, de novos, hospital partnerships, and management and expansion of the imaging provider network.

Prior to CMI, Ms. Stoimenoff was the President of MATRIX Rehabilitation, responsible for operations and management of 185-outpatient rehabilitation and 10 urgent care centers. While at MATRIX, she established the organizational processes and infrastructure for this organization.

Ms. Stoimenoff held numerous leadership positions within NovaCare prior to Matrix, including Western Region President of Operations for the Outpatient Division. She was also appointed by its President to chair the committee responsible for developing the operating model following 5 years of aggressive acquisition and de novo growth.

Additionally, Ms. Stoimenoff served the public in two consecutive five-year terms in a Governor appointed position as a member of the Arizona Physical Therapy Board of Examiners. She served in a leadership position as Board President for half of her tenure on that Board. She is also an Executive Board Member for the Arizona Foundation for Women. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a BachelorÂ’s Degree in Allied Health Professions and a major in Physical Therapy.

About NextCare Urgent Care

NextCare Urgent Care is the worldÂ’s largest privately owned provider of urgent care and occupational medical services, known for bringing together service driven health care and innovative medical technology to the delivery of medicine. NextCare operates 21 urgent care facilities between Arizona and North Carolina, with 3 additional locations scheduled to open in Colorado summer 2005.

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North Carolina Plastic Surgeon is New President of American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

North Carolina Plastic Surgeon is New President of American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Aesthetic Society Elects Top Officers at 2010 Annual Meeting in Washington, DC

New York, NY (Vocus) April 26, 2010

North Carolina plastic surgeon Felmont F. Eaves III, MD, is the new President of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). The Aesthetic Society, with nearly 2,500 members, is the leading national organization of board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in cosmetic surgery of the face and body. The election of new officers was held on April 25, during the ASAPS 2010 Annual Meeting in Washington, DC which was attended by plastic surgeons from around the world.

Dr. Eaves serves as an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of North Carolina. An Aesthetic Society Member since 1999, Dr. Eaves is a partner at Charlotte Plastic Surgery and an attending surgeon at Carolinas Medical Center and Mercy Hospital. Dr. Eaves is the Former Chair of the Finance & Investment Committee, Patient Safety Committee, and Public Education Committee, as well as the past Administration Commissioner and Traveling Professor. Dr. Eaves has twice been the recipient of the Aesthetic Society’s Simon Fredrick’s Award for Best Panelist; additionally he is the past recipient of the Sherrell J. Aston Award for Best Presentation by a Candidate or Resident, and the Ted Lockwood Award for Excellence in Body Contouring.

After receiving his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center in Memphis, Dr. Eaves completed his general surgery residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas in 1992. He relocated to Atlanta, GA where he completed his plastic surgery training and joined the faculty of Emory University School of Medicine. He was certified by the American Board of Surgery in 1993 and by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) in 1996.

“With the proliferation of plastic surgery stories in the media, public education in plastic surgery is now more important than ever,” said Dr. Eaves. “Over the next year, and through the foreseeable future, the Aesthetic Society will continue its ongoing effort to inform the public about the benefits and serious nature of plastic surgery, as well as the overwhelming advantages in seeking a board-certified plastic surgeon.”

Other new Aesthetic Society officers on the Executive Committee are:

President-Elect: Jeffrey M. Kenkel, MD of Dallas, TX. An Aesthetic Society Member since 2001, Dr. Kenkel is a professor and Vice Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. He is Associate Editor of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal and editor of Selected Readings in Plastic Surgery. Dr. Kenkel is the Chair of the Aesthetic Training Task Force and an active member of multiple Society Committees. He currently serves as a board member of the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF), and is the immediate past Chair of both the ASAPS Education Commission and Program Committee. Dr. Kenkel is the recipient of the Aesthetic Society’s Ted Lockwood Award for Excellence in Body Contouring.

Vice President: James A. Matas, MD of Orlando, FL. An Aesthetic Society Member since 1997, Dr. Matas is in private practice and is the former Chief-of-Staff of Dr. P. Phillips Hospital in Orlando. He is the immediate past President of the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Matas has served as the Society Treasurer and is currently the Chair of the Publications Committee, and serves on multiple Society committees. He is also Book Review Editor for the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.

Treasurer: Jack Fisher, MD of Nashville, TN. An Aesthetic Society Member since 1990, Dr. Fisher is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Plastic Surgery at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Fisher served as the Chair of the Symposium Committee for three years and currently serves as the Chair of both the Education Commission and Program Committee. He also is the recipient of the Aesthetic Society’s Award for Best Panel Moderator in 2004 and 2006.

Secretary: Leo R. McCafferty, MD of Pittsburgh PA. An Aesthetic Society Member since 1993, Dr. McCafferty is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine. Dr. McCafferty currently serves as Chair of the Industry Policy Committee and the Peri-Operative Task Force, and serves on multiple Society committees. He also is the recipient of the Aesthetic Society’s Tiffany Award for Best Scientific Presentation. He is in private practice and is a plastic surgery consultant to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

About ASAPS
The over 2,500-member American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is the only plastic surgery organization devoted entirely to the advancement of cosmetic surgery. ASAPS is recognized throughout the world as the authoritative source for cosmetic surgery education. U. S. members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Canadian members are certified in plastic surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Toll-free referral line: 888.ASAPS.11 (272.7711). Website: http://www. surgery. org

Follow ASAPSmedia on Twitter: http://www. twitter. com/ASAPSmedia
Become a Fan of ASAPS on Facebook: http://www. facebook. com/AestheticSociety

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Friday, September 21, 2007

New Atlanta Study Skills Workshop for 5th and 6th graders aims to take the conflict out of homework

New Atlanta Study Skills Workshop for 5th and 6th graders aims to take the conflict out of homework

Five-session program covers homework tips, test-taking strategies, note-taking and organization; launches in January in four Atlanta-area locations

(PRWEB) January 5, 2003

Roswell, GA, January 5, 2002: In-Home Tutors of Atlanta today announces the debut of Study Smarter!, a new study skills workshop for fifth and sixth grade children, in January, 2003. The five-week, five-session program will cover key study skills, including good homework habits, test-taking strategies, note-taking, organization and research skills. Parents may register now for workshops in Roswell, Dunwoody, Marietta and Smyrna.

“We frequently receive calls from parents who are looking for a math or reading tutor for their child but then comment that the real problem is that their child lacks study skills and cannot stay organized,” explains Dennis Freeman, director of In-Home Tutors of Atlanta. “We have therefore developed a program that will provide practical skills to help the child manage homework assignments more effectively and achieve higher grades by improving classroom and test-taking skills. Children who have internalized healthy homework habits will typically complete their homework more quickly with less prodding from their parent.”

The workshop is appropriate for all middle-schoolers but is especially suited for children making the transition from the nurturing environment of elementary school to middle school, where students move between several teachers over the course of the school day and are expected to take more responsibility for tracking school work.

Study Smarter! has been developed for In-Home Tutors of Atlanta by a Fulton County middle school teacher, Ms. Amanda Crain, who has drawn from several respected study skills resources, including Helping Kids Get Organized, by Robyn Freedman Spizman and Marianne Daniels Garber, Ph. D. A copy of this book will be provided to each student as part of the course fee.

Pricing

The fee for the Study Smarter! Study Skills Workshop is $159 per student. Each of the five sessions will last 90 minutes. The fee includes a book and binder containing additional exercises and materials for parents and teachers.

Locations and Dates

Dunwoody: Imagine That!, 5054 Nandina Lane, Dunwoody, GA 30038 Starts Monday, Jan 13, 6:00-7:30pm

Marietta:The Knowledge Shop, 180 Cobb Parkway C24, Marietta, GA 30062 Starts Wednesday, January 15, 5:00-6:30pm

Smyrna: Play with Words, 1314 Church St., Suite B, Smyrna, GA 30080 Starts Tuesday, January 14, 6:00-7:30pm

Roswell: North Atlanta Community Church Youth House, 9140 Fouts Road, Roswell, GA 30076

Starts Tuesday, January 14, 5:00-6:30pm

About In-Home Tutors of Atlanta

In-Home Tutors of Atlanta is a tutoring agency providing tutors in all subjects for students of all ages throughout metro Atlanta. The company is a venture of Deo Gloria, LLC. For further information and to register for In-Home Tutors of AtlantaÂ’s Study Smarter! study skills workshop, please go to http://inhometutors. biz (http://inhometutors. biz) or email info@inhometutors. biz. In-Home Tutors of Atlanta is located at 4629 Clary Lakes Drive, Roswell, GA, 30075, Telephone 770-645-8750.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Aloft BWI Airport - Linthicum Hotel Names General Manager

Aloft BWI Airport - Linthicum Hotel Names General Manager

Aloft, the new select-service Starwood brand of modern, loft-inspired design hotels targeting business and leisure travelers, today announced that Michael Hess has been appointed as General Manager of the new Aloft BWI Airport.

Linthicum, MD (Vocus) May 27, 2009

Aloft, the new select-service Starwood brand of modern, loft-inspired design hotels targeting business and leisure travelers, today announced that Michael Hess has been appointed as General Manager of the new Aloft BWI Airport (http://www. aloftbwi. com). The new 155-room hotel, which is located less than one mile from the Baltimore Washington International Airport at 1741 West Nursery Road, Linthicum, MD, is currently under construction and scheduled to open in July 2009.

As General Manager, Hess will direct all areas of the hotel’s operations, including guest services, sales and marketing efforts, and hotel administration.

“Michael brings to the organization an outstanding record in hotel management and we are confident that he will be instrumental in ensuring the success of this new Aloft hotel,” said Greg Miller, President & CEO of PM Hospitality Strategies, Inc. (http://www. pmhs. com), the Aloft’s management company.

Having over ten years of experience in the hospitality industry, Hess brings extensive lodging knowledge to the Aloft BWI Airport (http://www. aloftbwi. com). Prior to joining the hotel, Hess has served in positions as General Manager, Director of Operations, Director of Revenue Management and Director of Guest Services at various hotels under the Starwood and Hilton family brands. Hess has also spent time as a Quality Assurance consultant for LRA Worldwide. Hess is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Restaurant Tourism Administration. Hess has also served 3 years as an Air Traffic Controller for the United States Air Force.

Infused with the DNA of W Hotels, Aloft is a new destination sensation featuring loft-inspired design, accessible technology and a stylish urban attitude. Guestrooms include spacious 9-foot high ceilings, plush platform beds, walk-in showers with amenities from Bliss Spa, free Wi-Fi and connectivity devices that enable guest to connect their laptops, DVD players and playstations on to the 42” LCD TV. Designed in conjunction with world-renowned David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group, Aloft offers atmospheric public spaces where guests can mix and mingle, read the paper, work on laptops, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends at the "re:mix" communal lobby area and "W xyz" bar. The "re:charge" fitness center and "splash" pool give travelers options to de-stress and re-energize, while "re:fuel" by aloft, offers sweet, savory, and healthy food, snacks, and beverages to grab & go, 24-hours a day. For meetings and events, Aloft accommodates guests with its state of the art A/V equipment in its 540 square feet "tactic" boardroom and outdoor patio area. Aloft hotels are also part of the see "green" program, which promotes ecologically friendly practices, products and services both inside and outside the hotel, and also creators of the "Arf" Program, which allows guests to travel with their pets.

Aloft opened its first hotel in 2008 and expects to open 500 hotels worldwide in the next five years. For more information on Aloft, please visit www. explorealofthotels. com or www. alofthotels. com.
To make reservations at the Aloft BWI Airport, travelers can visit the Aloft website at www. aloftbwi. com or call 1-877-go-aloft. All Aloft guests have the option to participate in and earn points in Starwood’s award-winning, industry leading Starwood Preferred Guest program. Members at the Preferred level earn two points for every eligible US dollar spent at over 860 participating hotels and resorts worldwide.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 900 properties in more than 100 countries and 155,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft and Element. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www. starwoodhotels. com.

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Saturday, September 15, 2007

L. A. Comedy Club of Las Vegas Opens Second Location at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Wasted Space Tonight

L. A. Comedy Club of Las Vegas Opens Second Location at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Wasted Space Tonight

Comedian Jimmy Schubert of HBO’s “Entourage” and KVON from MTV’s “Disaster Date” to perform at Vegas Club’s inaugural show

Las Vegas (PRWEB) June 20, 2010

The L. A. Comedy Club of Las Vegas (http://www. lacomedyclub. com/ (http://www. lacomedyclub. com/)) will open its second location at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino tonight. The comedy club will operate one show nightly every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Wasted Space, an intimate rock club known for bringing authentic high-end rock ‘n’ roll culture to Vegas. Opening performances will include comedian Jimmy Schubert (http://jimmyshubert. com/ (http://jimmyshubert. com/)), who has appeared on HBO’s “Entourage” and on Comedy Central, and KVON (http://www. myspace. com/kvoncomedy (http://www. myspace. com/kvoncomedy)), who has appeared on MTV’s “Disaster Date.”

“We wanted to bring in a resident comedy act for guests to enjoy every night and the L. A. Comedy Club was the perfect partner,” said Paul Davis, Vice President of Entertainment, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas (http://www. hardrockhotel. com/ (http://www. hardrockhotel. com/)). “They are known for playing host to edgy and fresh comedians, which is the same characteristics we look for in music performers to book at Wasted Space. Rock ‘n’ roll and comedy have always gone hand and hand with similar audiences; we hope this will give Vegas the perfect blend of the two.”

Opening at Hard Rock marks a milestone and the realization of a dream for club owner and founder, Joaquin Trujillo.

“Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was a natural choice for our new location. They have always been a trendsetter in Las Vegas, and we’ve believed that the L. A. Comedy Club and Hard Rock were meant for each other. I, personally, am committed to bringing the best comedy talent to fit the brand integrity of both Wasted Space and Hard Rock Hotel. Other properties and clubs are looking for ’old Vegas’ or ‘vintage,’ we are always looking forward to what is next and relevant in comedy. One example is over a year ago Aziz Ansari (http://azizisbored. tumblr. com/ (http://azizisbored. tumblr. com/)) played our club, and he hadn’t played any other in Las Vegas at the time. Just a few weeks ago, he hosted the MTV awards. Now he would sell out The Joint.”

“Comedians are often rock stars who just happen to be better at telling jokes than singing,” said Matt Chavez, co-founder and head of talent booking for the L. A. Comedy Club of Las Vegas. “Several of our comedians have already told us how excited they are for the opportunity to perform at this Las Vegas landmark.”

“What comedian doesn’t want to tell his friends that he just played at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Vegas,” said Schubert. “The Hard Rock is not just a hotel and casino, it’s iconic and the epicenter of cool. Not to mention that just one walk by the pool gives you whip lash like one of Rosie O’Donnell’s refrigerator magnets.”

Tickets for the first show are available for $25 for general admission or $40 for VIP line and are available at Ticketmaster locations or online at Ticketmaster. com. Doors open at 7 p. m. and the show begins at 8 p. m.

About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, owned and operated by Morgans Hotel Group Co. (NASDAQ: MHGC) and equity partner DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, is a premier destination entertainment resort situated on 26 acres in Las Vegas. Built in 1995, the property recently completed its $750 million expansion in early 2010. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers an energetic entertainment and gaming experience with the services and amenities associated with a boutique luxury resort hotel. The property is known for its innovative nightlife and music scene where such acts as The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Paul McCartney, Incubus, Nine Inch Nails and The Killers have all performed. Features of the property include an 11-story Hard Rock Hotel tower with 640 guest rooms, 17-story Paradise Tower with 490 rooms and suites and the all-suite HRH Tower with 359 suites, eight spa villas and seven penthouse suites; 72,000 square feet of casino space; 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting and convention space; the luxurious Vanity nightclub; Reliquary Water Sanctuary & Spa; BrannonHair salon; 4.8 acres of tropical pool paradise; Rehab, the trendsetting Sunday afternoon pool party; The Joint by Rogue concert venue, home to Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits; rock club Wasted Space; a 7,000 square feet Poker Lounge; restaurants including Rare 120 steakhouse, the Tuscan-style Italian eatery AGO, world-renowned Nobu, Johnny Smalls, Pink Taco and Mr. Lucky’s 24/7 diner; numerous cocktail lounges; several retail stores; and the Rock Spa/Health Club, a state-of-the-art fitness center. For room availability and additional information call 800.HRD. ROCK (800.473.7625) or visit www. hardrockhotel. com.

About The L. A. Comedy Club of Las Vegas:
The L. A. Comedy Club was founded by Joaquin Trujillo and Matt Chavez in 2008. The original LA Comedy Club of Las Vegas was located in the upstairs showroom at Trader Vic’s in the Miracle Mile Shops opposite Planet Hollywood. The location was closed in 2009 when Trader Vics was renovated to re-open as Cabo Wabo. At their former location, The L. A. Comedy Club was named the “Best Comedy Club in Las Vegas” by Las Vegas Review Journal “Best of Reader’s Poll.” In 2009, The Club opened at Four Queens Hotel in downtown Las Vegas in July of 2009 and now will operate a location at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

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Friday, September 14, 2007

Free Home Gym Consumer Protection Guide Released by Beverly Hills Trainer To Help Avoid 8 Costly Home Gym Mistakes

Free Home Gym Consumer Protection Guide Released by Beverly Hills Trainer To Help Avoid 8 Costly Home Gym Mistakes

Home gym enthusiasts are finally protected by using Beverly Hills, Celebrity Trainer Jim O'Connor's free consumer guide of the 8 Most Costly Home Gym Mistakes You Must Avoid.

Beverly Hills, California (PRWEB) December 22, 2005

The home fitness consumers days of being mislead, taken advantage of, and having home gym equipment collect dust in the corner, are finally over as Beverly Hills Trainer, Jim O'Connor, rebels against the angry home gym sales industry by revealing the seldom told truth.

The truth he shares in his free, special report 16 page PDF ebook titled "The 8 Most Costly Home Gym Mistakes You Must Avoid." Since Mr. O'Connor is fed up with home gym equipment salespeople for just selling hunks of metal instead of health and fitness solutions, he decided to spread the word to as many people as possible by offering his special report at no cost to consumers. Mr. O'Connor said, "I want this consumer protection guide into the hands of every home gym equipment shopper, and further encourage them to pass it onto friends and family."

By listing the 8 most costly home gym mistakes, and special tips to avoid them, the pendulum has swung from the salesperson's advantage to the consumers favor.

Mr. O'Connor, after seeing so many people make such costly home gym buying and usage mistakes, decided to release his home gym consumer protection guide at the end of December to help save millions of New Years Resolution, home fitness enthusiasts, costly headaches.

In order to receive the 8 Most Costly Home Gym Mistakes You Must Avoid, all that is needed is a first name and an email address to receive special, instant download access. Consumers should log onto www. HomeGymMistakes. com and listen to the audio for specific instructions.

Mr. O'Connor states, "It's all about home fitness results. The keys to reaching fitness goals are investing in the proper tools, powered by the correct home fitness program, and being consistent."

However, the first step is to avoid these 8 most costly home gym mistakes you probably have never been told. Home fitness results will quickly follow.

For additional information regarding this topic, feel free to contact www. HomeGymMistakes. com, or call toll free 1-866-935-5967.

Wellness Word, LLC

Jim O'Connor

9461 Charleville Blvd. #312

Beverly Hills, Ca 90212

1-866-935-5967

Www. HomeGymMistakes. com

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Nashville Author Will Discuss Personal Spiritual Freedom on Independence Day

Nashville Author Will Discuss Personal Spiritual Freedom on Independence Day

Developing inner awareness and personal guidance are on the agenda when Anne Richardson Williams guests on the Fourth of July segment of the "Health At Every Size" show on Radio Free Nashville.

Nashville, TN (PRWEB) June 29, 2005

If Anne Richardson Williams were to offer a prayer on Independence Day, she might focus on personal spiritual freedom. Specifically, that everyone feel “the true freedom to love ourselves as we would want to be loved, accept ourselves as we would want to be accepted, forgive ourselves as we would want to be forgiven.”

The Nashville artist and author (“Unconventional Means,” June 2005, Pearlsong Press) will discuss such freedom on Monday’s “Health At Every Size” show on Radio Free Nashville. The half-hour show will air at 10:30 a. m. on the low-power fm community radio station WRFN 98.9 in Pasquo, Tenn. (a suburb of Nashville). The show is also streamed live over the Internet at www. radiofreenashville. org.

“Sounds so trite, but it’s so hard to do,” Williams says of the process of freeing oneself from shame, fear, and self-criticism that can cripple well-being and interfere with personal connections to the divine. “Imagine what it would be like to temper ourselves in a loving spiritual flame that pure.”

The “Health At Every Size” show, hosted by clinical and consulting psychologist Peggy Elam, Ph. D., presents a holistic, non-weight-loss approach to health and well-being that celebrates natural diversity in body size. During the Fourth of July show, Dr. Elam will discuss with Williams ways listeners can increase awareness and appreciation of what Dr. Elam calls “your really big self -- the you that’s bigger than the physical.”

Williams has walked her talk, as her recently published memoir attests. As a teenager shattered by family tragedy, she eventually found solace in Nevil Shute’s novel, “A Town Like Alice.” His heroine’s passage through the tribulations of war to find love and a new home modeled after the town of Alice Springs, Australia, gave teenage Anne hope that “there is something on the other side of the terrible things” for her, too.

While reading a book about AustraliaÂ’s Aboriginal people decades later, a photograph of Aboriginal elder Lorraine Mafi-Williams mesmerized middle-aged Anne. She felt an immediate kinship, even though others found it ridiculous that an upper-middle-class Southern white woman and an Aboriginal elder could share more than a common last name.

When Williams finally set out for Australia, she added to her desire to see Alice Springs the dream of also meeting Lorraine. But with no address, no phone number, no conventional way to get in touch with an Aboriginal woman, Williams had to rely on unconventional means –- dreams, visions, meditation and intuition –- to guide her halfway across the world to find the woman whose ancient stories would help heal her.

Information on the show and on the “Health At Every Size” approach to well-being can be found at www. healthateverysize. info. “Unconventional Means” is available through online and offline bookstores and the Pearlsong Press Web site (www. pearlsong. com).

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