LittleStar Baby Accessories Speak to Unvoiced Hardships of Parenthood

LittleStar Baby Accessories Speak to Unvoiced Hardships of Parenthood

Designed to tackle the difficult lifestyle changes faced by new parents, LittleStar is pleased to announce ReBirth, a new line of Canadian made baby acccessories blending innovative functionality with an eco-friendly twist.

(PRWEB) November 2, 2010

LittleStar made its name in the parenting world by asking mothers to 'Wear Your Baby' in a LittleStar Baby Sling. Now, the brand aims to address parenting obstacles more subtle than heavy carriers and bulky strollers. ReBirth, LittleStar's new line of Canadian made baby accessories, is designed to help frazzled parents get back in touch with their comfortable, confident selves.

LittleStar owner and mom of two Monica Danielski commented, "There are some immensely challenging aspects of parenthood that aren't often talked about - like the feeling many parents, especially first-time mothers, experience of having their identities totally taken over by the parenting role. At LittleStar, we're committed to providing parents with the tools they need to maintain their independence and sense of self, while raising happy, healthy kids."

With ReBirth, moms and dads who find their homes turning into a 24/7 kid zone can find relief in items like the Door Husher, while parents overwhelmed by the challenges of being out and about with a toddler in tow can turn to sanity-savers like the Sippy/Toy Leash.

Some of LittleStar's other intriguing baby products include a reversible dress and hat, and a natural wood and organic cotton teething ring. All products are designed with both kids and parents in mind, using high-quality fabrics that will blend in with a tastefully decorated home.

Most LittleStar baby accessories are also available in organic fabrics, but just buying organic isn't the end of the line for today's 'green' consumer. LittleStar products are uniquely eco-conscious, Danielski explains:

"We've always believed in manufacturing locally. LittleStar products are made entirely in Canada, so we don't waste resources and generate pollution by shipping them overseas. With ReBirth, we have provided plenty of organic options, but we've also gone a step further by sourcing organic cotton that has been color-grown and processed entirely in North America. We use this fabric in our "Only Natural" Organic Teething Rings, and we're pleased to say that particular item has been very well-received."

LittleStar baby accessories are more than "this season's must-haves"; they are restorers of confidence and providers of independence. Whatever happens in the world of baby accessory fashion, new parents will continue to face the same struggles to safeguard their adventurous spirits and provide for their children in an environmentally conscious way. Wherever these challenges arise, LittleStar plans to be around to help.

The ReBirth collection is available in baby and gift boutiques throughout North America, and online at LittleStar's freshly renovated website, http://www. littlestarboutique. com.

About LittleStar
LittleStar Baby Slings have been helping parents to keep their babies close and their hands free since 2001. The New Brunswick based company has kept pace with the rapidly changing demands of today's parents by blending style with substance and appearance with functionality.

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Heroine of Fight Against Homelessness to be Honored Oct. 25

Heroine of Fight Against Homelessness to be Honored Oct. 25

On Sunday, October 25, Sister Marie Sullivan, O. P, will be honored in a special tribute event to commemorate her tireless commitment over the last 50 years to helping save countless families on the brink of homelessness.

Atlanta (Vocus) October 13, 2009

On Sunday, October 25, Sister Marie Sullivan, O. P. -- one of the nation’s quiet heroines in the fight to help people on the margins of the economy -- will be honored in a special tribute event at the Georgia State University Arena.

For the past quarter-century in Atlanta – and for a quarter-century before that in Kansas City – Sister Marie has led small, but potent, non-profit organizations that have earned the recognition and gratitude of thousands.

Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, among other dignitaries and community leaders, will be on hand to laud Sister Marie in person. The 4 – 6 pm tribute ceremony and reception will follow the Atlanta commemoration of National Project Homeless Connect Day, also to be held in the GSU Arena. Also scheduled to speak is Bill Bolling, the founder and executive director of the Atlanta Community Food Bank

“We try to give individuals the tools and the resources they need to become self-reliant,” says Sister Marie, 75, a quiet but powerfully determined person for whom selfless service to others is not just a spiritual mantra, but a daily practice.

Admission to the public recognition ceremony is free. Individual tickets for a private reception following will be $20. All proceeds will go towards The Sullivan Center (http://www. thesullivancenter. org) to aid in continuing its work in homelessness prevention.

In 1984, Sister Marie’s work with a coalition of churches that provided emergency assistance and education to low-income and homeless people helped give birth to the Christian Emergency Help Centers. Ten years later, in 1994, the board of the CEHC voted unanimously to honor Sister Marie by changing its name to The Sullivan Center.

In the last fifteen years, Sister Marie’s namesake—a true gem in the Atlanta community—has evolved into a source of assistance, knowledge and inspiration for many of its clients. If a father is in need of money to pay his mortgage, he will only receive a check after completing a series of financial literacy classes; similarly, if a mother in the midst of job hunting asks for job leads, she will work privately with a career coach to learn the skills necessary for today’s employment market and collaborate on a tailored action plan for moving forward in her job search. Additionally, if a family is in need of food, they are required to attend a nutrition class in order to learn the importance of providing healthy food to all family members.

In addition to her work with the homeless and near-homeless population, Sister Marie is regarded as a true visionary, possessing that rare ability to address issues before they even appear as problems. In 1986, Sister Marie recognized that there was a need to use emerging technology as a means of tracking both the assistance programs as well as aid received by clients in the Atlanta area. To this end, she worked to establish Metropolitan Atlanta Clearing House, the first centralized computer database for Atlanta area assistance agencies.

Now called Pathways, this independently run organization links together the assistance programs in Atlanta and is also used in several other cities across the United States. The success of this program has allowed for ease of sharing necessary information between agencies as well as ensuring that clients are using their assistance wisely.

Marie Sullivan has received awards and recognition over the years for her ongoing efforts and success in helping those who most need “a hand up, not a hand out.”
A few highlights include:
Received the 11 Alive Community Service Award (WXIA-TV, Atlanta). June 1995. Appreciated for "Outstanding Leadership" by Technology/Career Education, A Division of the Atlanta Public School System. August, 1999. W. O.M. E.N. (Women of Multi-Ethnicity and Nationality) recognize Sister Marie as one of the diverse, outstanding women in Atlanta. March 2007.

For more information, please contact The Sullivan Center’s executive director, Terry Tucker, at (404) 753-0531 ext. 11. To register for the Sister Marie tribute event, submit your own personal story about Sister Marie or make a donation to the center, click on The Sullivan Center (http://www. thesullivancenter. org) .

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Bobby Berk Home and Leslie Sanchez Announce 1st Annual Toy Drive for DC’s Neediest Families

Bobby Berk Home and Leslie Sanchez Announce 1st Annual Toy Drive for DC’s Neediest Families

Bobby Berk Home & Author and Political Analyst Leslie Sanchez proudly announce their 1st annual Toy Drive benefiting Providence Hospital’s “Adopt-a-Family for Christmas” program. The goal is to raise $5000 in cash and toy donations for the charity and If that goal is achieved, Bobby Berk Home will match the donation. Toys will be distributed to families Saturday, December 19th at Providence Hospital.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) December 4, 2009

Bobby Berk Home (http://www. bobbyberkhome. com) & Leslie Sanchez, Author, Political Analyst and member of Providence Health Foundation board of directors proudly announce their 1st annual Toy Drive benefiting Providence Hospital’s “Adopt-a-Family for Christmas” program.

Bobby Berk Home is asking customers to donate a toy valued at $50 or more (or a $50 cash donation) and purchases of Bobby Berk Home and Gus Modern Furniture will be discounted 15%-30% December 3rd through December 18th. Bobby Berk Home will be offering the promotion to both in-store shoppers and online customers. The "Toy Donation" item can be added to the shopping cart online at Bobby Berk Home. The goal is to raise $5000 in cash and toy donations for Providence Hospital. If that goal is achieved, Bobby Berk Home will match the donation.

The “Adopt a Family” program is a long-standing tradition of Providence Hospital. It was established by the founders, the Daughters of Charity; and is funded by the employees and physicians of Providence. The program provides poor and vulnerable families with gifts and other necessities during the Christmas season. Visit the Providence website (http://www. provhosp. org) for more details.

Providence Health Foundation President/CEO, Bob Hutson states, “Each year, Providence gives Christmas gifts to more than 110 poor and needy children and has received more requests this year than ever before. This contribution will help reach more families affected by today’s economic challenges.”

Visit Bobby Berk Home website or lesliesanchez. com (http://www. lesliesanchez. com) for details. We have created a special hashtag on Twitter for this drive #DCToyDonation to follow this drive.

Chartered by President Lincoln in 1861 and founded by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent DePaul, Providence is DC’s longest continually operating hospital and a health ministry of Ascension Health – a Catholic, mission-focused organization, and the nation’s largest non-profit health system. Providence Hospital is committed to providing spiritually centered, holistic care, serving all persons with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. Providence will be embarking on a year-long celebration of 150 years of service beginning 2010.

Bobby Berk Home's mission has been to offer its customers a different shopping experience. The stores feature hand selected items from around the world showcased through faultless design vignettes. Bobby Berk Home's clean aesthetic represents modern luxury and comfort for furniture, home furnishings and accessories. They offer customers creative ideas, customized selections and quality service. The Bobby Berk style is minimalist, epitomizing urban design sophistication paired with quality and value at the forefront.

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Air Purifiers Can Help Curb Aggravating Winter Allergies

Air Purifiers Can Help Curb Aggravating Winter Allergies

Winter is often the season when our indoor air quality suffers the most. Seasonal activities such as burning logs in a fireplace, weatherizing doors to seal out cold air, and cranking up dust-ridden heating systems can all contribute to a higher concentration of indoor allergens and heightened symptoms. A good-quality air purifier can help address this problem. These appliances work to eliminate allergens and create cleaner, purified air. At the same time, they can greatly reduce - or even eliminate - aggravated allergy symptoms.

Roswell, GA (PRWEB) February 6, 2009

On Monday, Punxsutawney Phil, the country's most famous groundhog, saw his shadow and successfully predicted another six weeks of winter. For many Americans, this event was a simple indication of chillier temperatures to come. But for the millions of Americans dealing with winter allergies, it served as confirmation that they may have to endure six more weeks of aggravating symptoms. Luckily for this group of sufferers, relief from winter allergens is possible when using a high-quality air cleaner (http://www. sylvane. com/air-purifiers. html) from Sylvane. com.

Air purifiers have long been considered effective solutions for removing common seasonal allergens, such as spring pollen and fall ragweed, from indoor environments. Yet, often times for allergy-sufferers, when these seasons draw to a close, so does their use of an air cleaner.

"This is a common mistake," said Steven Hong, president of Sylvane. com (http://www. sylvane. com), an online supplier of solutions for a healthy and allergen-free environment. "Many people believe because of winter's low humidity, colder temperatures, and hibernating flowers that an air purifier is not necessary during the colder months. The surprising thing is that winter is the season when air purifiers can provide the most benefit to your indoor environment."

Winter allergies are frequently the result of higher exposure to indoor allergens, such as dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander, which stems from spending more time inside and out of the cold. Symptoms can also be triggered by particles and fumes expelled from heating sources such as furnaces, gas heaters, wood-burning stoves, and log-filled fireplaces.

"During the winter months, we also take steps to seal up our windows and doors to prevent cold drafts from coming inside," Hong said. "This can be good and bad. While weatherizing keeps our homes warm and energy efficient, it has a negative effect on our air quality because it blocks fresh air circulation and reduces ventilation. Both are key processes that help clear out indoor irritants."

Hong recommends using a good-quality air cleaner, rated for either general particle filtration or specifically for allergen particle removal, to reduce high indoor allergen concentrations in the wintertime. "These appliances can help circulate the air and simulate ventilation while using special filters to collect irritating particles - often to near 100% effectiveness," he said.

According to Douglas Zailskas, Sylvane. com's director of sales, an Austin Air purifier (http://www. sylvane. com/austin-air. html), such as the HealthMate model, can remove a variety of indoor allergens including dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, cigarette smoke, chemical vapors, and gas fumes.

"The HealthMate unit uses a combination of HEPA and activated carbon filters to trap 99.97% of allergens that are 0.3 microns and larger and 95% of allergens that are 0.1 micron and smaller," Zailskas said. "As an added benefit, it helps to remove airborne germs, bacteria, and viruses from your environment, which means that cold - and flu-causing pathogens will be less likely to spread throughout your indoors."

Another top pick from Zailskas is the Blueair (http://www. sylvane. com/blueair-650E. html) 650E air purifier. The Energy Star-rated unit is efficient in removing 99.97% of allergens with the help of an electronic particle sensor and an electronic gas sensor. "These features automatically detect and report indoor particle and pollution levels, so you'll know when to adjust the air purifier's filtration speed and air-changing rate," he said.

Other models such as those in the Alen air purifier (http://www. sylvane. com/alen-air-purifiers. html) collection and the IQAir (http://www. sylvane. com/iqair. html) line are known for their superior filtration, their energy efficiency, and their easy-to-use controls.

"Winter is the time when you should be doubly concerned about your home's indoor air quality, and it's the perfect time to learn how to manage it effectively," Hong added. "Air purifiers are your first step in this process."

About Sylvane. com
Sylvane. com is a leading online supplier of innovative solutions for healthy and comfortable living. The company provides detailed product information, product comparisons, and personalized consultation on indoor environment and indoor health issues to both the residential and commercial markets. Sylvane. com's broad range of solutions includes air quality, heating, cooling, water purification, water damage restoration, natural lighting, and safe cleaning products.

Note to Editors:
*Steven Hong is available for interview upon request.

Press Contact:
Ashley Roe
Phone: (800) 834-9194, Ext. 870

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Free Environmental Recertification For The Recently Unemployed

Free Environmental Recertification For The Recently Unemployed

Environmental Resource Center, the leading provider of environmental and safety training, is doing its part to help unemployed environmental workers maintain their certifications. Environmental Resource Center will provide a scholarship for any one of its courses to qualified applicants. To qualify, applicants must send the company evidence of unemployment together with proof of prior certification in either RCRA, DOT, or Hazwoper.

Cary, North Carolina (PRWEB) April 19, 2009

Environmental Resource Center, the leading provider of environmental and safety training, is doing its part to help unemployed environmental workers maintain their certifications.

Environmental Resource Center will provide a scholarship for any one of its courses to qualified applicants. To qualify, applicants must send the company evidence of unemployment together with proof of prior certification in either RCRA, DOT, or Hazwoper.

Environmental Resource Center is making available one scholarship in each of the RCRA (Hazardous Waste), DOT (Hazardous Materials Transportation), or Hazwoper (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) sessions it offers. For a list of courses and dates, see http://www. ercweb. com/classes/ (http://www. ercweb. com/classes/). Applicants can call 1-800-537-2372 to see if there is a scholarship available in their area.

Established in 1981, Environmental Resource Center is a full-service environmental, health, safety, and transportation consulting firm. In addition to training thousands of students each year, the company provides a full range of expert consulting services, including audits, EHS outsourcing, permit applications, SARA Title III compliance, hazardous materials classification, MSDS development, and hazmat security plan development.

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AP9 SimplyYou Dishes on How to Keep Your Feet Firmly Planted in the Latest Sneaker Fashions

AP9 SimplyYou Dishes on How to Keep Your Feet Firmly Planted in the Latest Sneaker Fashions

AP9 SimplyYou, by Adaptive Marketing LLC, Provides Members with Valuable Resources to Live a Well-Balanced Life, in Style and for Less Money

Stamford, CT (PRWEB) June 10, 2005

Ellen Degeneres wears a specific brand for her talk show every day. Actress Mischa Barton is the face of another popular brand. Rappers, hip-hop artists, NBA players and professional skaters, among others, have put their names and signatures on models from different companies. So whatÂ’s the buzz about? ItÂ’s all about sneakers, reports AP9 SimplyYou (http://www. simplyyou-program. com/), a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC (http://www. adaptivemarketing. com/).

LetÂ’s face it, sneakers have come a long way over the years. They have evolved from practical attire at playgrounds and PE classes to a wardrobe staple and fashion statement for people of all ages around the world. As sneakers have evolved, so has the price tag. That is, unless youÂ’re a member of AP9 SimplyYou.

AP9SimplyYou (http://www. simplyyou-program. com/) members can more easily afford even the priciest sneakers, thanks to the savings that are available to members online at DealPass (http://www. dealpass. com/). Members can log on to Dealpass (http://www. dealpass. com/) and save 20 percent off the purchase of gift cards for major sports apparel retailers in the country -- allowing them to splurge on sneakers for every occasion, sport and season.

With thousands of possibilities, knowing what to wear, and when, is no walk in the park. To simplify matters, AP9 SimplyYou offers you the 411 on sneaker-fashion etiquette:

Running sneakers are a traditional classic, although the color choices have exploded, along with the technology. As the name suggests, they ought to be used specifically for exercising. If your goal is not to jog or run but to walk, there are other sneakers to suit that purpose as well.

Plain white sneakers are very popular among young people, but anybody can wear them with light pants, jeans or khakis. A good pair of white sneakers can take you seamlessly from the gym to the street without making a bad-fashion statement.

Sport-inspired styles are the big trend now. These can be worn to school or even to work if the dress code is casual. The varying styles and color combinations allow you greater creativity when choosing your outfit for the day.

Slip-on sneakers have made an astounding comeback. From the classic canvas design to the latest styles combining leather with funky soles and Velcro straps, slip-ons can be worn in a casual setting, either a day out in the sun or perhaps an evening out with friends.

Well-known fashion designers have entered the sneaker industry, creating unique styles designed to be worn anywhere but the gym or the playground. These styles blend with the trend of shoe-look-alike sneakers and are very popular because they provide the comfort of a tennis shoe while still looking dressy enough to be worn out at night.

The AP9 SimplyYou program is specially-designed to help its members benefits live a healthy, balanced life through a diverse offering of money-saving benefits and services, including spa treatments, athletic activities and gear, books and entertainment, and much more.

About AP9 SimplyYou

AP9 SimplyYou (http://www. simplyyou-program. com/) is a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC (http://www. adaptivemarketing. com/). Headquartered in Stamford, Conn., Adaptive Marketing is a category leader in both membership and loyalty programs, bringing value direct to consumers through an array of benefits in healthcare, discounts, security, personal property and personals. Members may access their benefits at DealPass. com, an online portal for Adaptive Marketing membership programs. With broad online and offline distribution capabilities, Adaptive Marketing offers its corporate client partners effective tools to enhance market presence, strengthen customer affinity and generate additional value through programs, such as AP9 SimplyYou.

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Saucony Elite West Coast Invitational Returns To Lexus Santa Monica 5000 Offering Over $10,000 In Prize Money

Saucony Elite West Coast Invitational Returns To Lexus Santa Monica 5000 Offering Over $10,000 In Prize Money

Sports Brand, Saucony, joins the prestigious sponsor list with Lexus and Ed Hardy Sport for the Lexus Santa Monica 5000 on October 11, 2009 with proceeds benefiting Saint John's Health Center. Saucony brings the running world to Southern California with the Elite West Coast Invitational featuring top athletes from around the globe. The addition of this elite division expands the race to include a 5k, 10k and 2.5k dash. Competitor magazine and Los Angeles Sports & Fitness Magazine both named the event as a must do for all avid runners. New financial incentives have been established for 2009 with the purse progressing from $150 to the maximum of $1000 plus time bonuses.

Santa Monica, CA (PRWEB) September 28, 2009

Generic Events is pleased to announce today the addition of sports brand Saucony to the prestigious sponsor list for the Lexus Santa Monica 5000. Joining sponsors Ed Hardy Sport and Lexus, Saucony brings the running world to Southern California with the Elite West Coast Invitational featuring top athletes from around the globe. The addition of this elite division expands the race to include a 5k, 10k and 2.5k dash. The events all take place on October 11, 2009 with proceeds benefiting Saint John's Health Center.

"We at Saucony are loyal to the sport of running. Part of our mission is to support local running communities, by joining forces with the Lexus Santa Monica 5000 we hold true to our company's mission," states Kirk Antonson, West Coast Tech Representative, Saucony.

"We are very pleased with the field for the 2009 Saucony Elite West Coast Invitational," shares event director, Brennan Lindner, Generic Events. "Our goal has always been to showcase the beauty and excitement of elite racing to Santa Monica and Los Angeles. Saucony brings their commitment to running which attracts a high caliber of runners from around the US and the World."

This year's highlights will feature 2008 Female 5k Champion and course record holder (15:47), Belainesh Gebre (ETH). She will be returning to defend her title. 2007 and 2008 10k Female champion and course record holder (35:53) Christine Bolf of Los Angeles, will be returning as well. Haron Lagat (KEN), was1st in 2006 and 2nd in 2007, but now is looking to reclaim first place in 2009. He will have to hold off Christian Hesch from Morro Bay, however, who finished second in 2008.

Kicking off at the infamous Santa Monica Pier the races feature 3 structured runs; a 5k, 10k and 2.5k dash for kids. Competitor magazine and Los Angeles Sports & Fitness Magazine both named the event as a must do for all avid runners. New financial incentives have been established for 2009 with the purse progressing from $150 to the maximum of $1000 plus time bonuses:

Prize Money & Time Bonus Structure

Santa Monica 5000 (Men and Women)
1st $1000
2nd $700
3rd $500

Santa Monica 5000 Time Bonuses (Men and Women)
(Non-cumulative, only the highest time bonus is awarded)

Men Women
Sub 14:20 $300 sub 16:00 $300
Sub 14:35 $150 sub 16:30 $150

Santa Monica 10,000 (Men and Women)
1st Overall $500
2nd Overall $300
3rd Overall $200

1st Santa Monica Resident (male or female) in the 10k Run* $200
*Winners must be able to present a driver's license with a valid Santa Monica address.

Saint John's is proud to be the beneficiary of the Lexus Santa Monica 5000. As a fundraising event, the Lexus Santa Monica 5000 provides vital support for essential services and community programs offered by Saint John's Health Center. This is especially important in the current economic climate that has brought unprecedented financial challenges to many hospitals throughout Southern California.

To learn more about the runs and to sign up as a participant, please visit www. santamonica5000.com.

About Saucony, Inc.
Saucony Inc., a subsidiary of Collective Brands and a division of the Stride Rite Corporation is a leading global supplier of performance athletic footwear and apparel with its widely recognized brands Saucony and Saucony Originals. For more information, go to www. saucony. com.

About Generic Events
The Lexus Santa Monica 5000 is managed and promoted by Generic Events, whose mission is to build the community by providing athletic challenges for all ranges of physical ability. Generic Events also produces the popular TYR Playa del Run Beach Festival as well as the XTERRA California Trail Run Series, the Whole Foods Pasadena Triathlon, and the MRA Bali International Triathlon. Please visit www. genericevents. com for further details.

About Saint John's Health Center
Saint John's Health Center provides exceptional care to families from over 41 zip codes in Santa Monica and throughout greater Los Angeles. It is the hospital of choice for physicians with national reputations in cancer, orthopedics, cardiac care emergency care and women's health services. Saint John's nurses are renowned for their skill and compassion at the bedside, and Flora L. Thornton Community Health Education Program at Saint John's provides seminars and workshops on health and wellness. For more information visit the web site at www. stjohns. org.

For Race Day Details: 
Brennan Lindner 
Generic Events 
310-821-7898 
Brennan(at)genericevents(dot)com

For Saint John's Details: 
Ryan Kirby 
Saint John's Health Center 
310-829-8854 
Ryan(dot)kirby(at)stjohns(dot)org

For Talent participation, press & media consideration, please contact Monica Busby at Quantum Leap Entertainment, LLC // Monica(at)quantumleapent(dot)com

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Tiger Takes Another Shot: PRP Injections Put On the Spot

Tiger Takes Another Shot: PRP Injections Put On the Spot

Tiger Woods recently held a press conference discussing a specialized orthopedic procedure called a PRP Injection, this is a procedure Dr. Manish Gupta offers at Specialty Orthopedic Center of Boca Raton, FL.

Boca Raton, FL (PRWEB) June 21, 2010

Tiger Woods stepped up to the podium for his U. S. Open press conference and the focus was not on his golf game or his recent lack of. The central topic of conversation was a specialized orthopedic procedure called Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, better known as a PRP Injection.

During a PRP injection, a patient’s own blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge, concentrating the platelets, which are injected back in to the wound. These specially formed proteins accelerate tissue recovery and wound healing and provide powerful potential for healing tendon injuries and stemming the onset of osteoarthritis. The future of medicine, especially the field of orthopedics is increasingly looking towards cutting edge gene therapy and other biologic solutions to solve problems involving tendons, bones, ligaments and cartilage.

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Manish Gupta (http://www. SpecialtyOC. com) offers complete consultations and PRP injections at the Sports Orthopedic Center of Boca Raton, FL. He is a strong proponent of utilizing modern therapy procedures and acknowledges that the biology of the human body plays an intricate part in its potential healing process. Dr. Gupta has been involved with advanced modality therapies such as PRP since his fellowship at Union Memorial Hospital and since he was staff physician for the Baltimore Ravens. He continues to lead the field with his expertise and dedication.

PRP is an emerging treatment in the new health sector known as Orthobiologics, something that a player of Tiger’s caliber would surely be well versed. Woods didn’t want to keep blaming his shoddy play on his bum knee, so he went to whatever lengths legally necessary to get back up to top shape. The greatest golfer to ever live isn’t the only professional athlete to procure a physician specializing in the procedure, with the Philadelphia Phillies ace pitcher Cliff Lee using it to help him to a World Series win in 2008.

Although it is perfectly legal and ethical, and the FDA has approved its use within the field of orthopedic surgery, PRP injections still draw some strange glares from the public and press. For more on Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy or PRP Injections please go to SportsOrthoCenter. com (http://www. SportsOrthoCenter. com).

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Resolute Digital & Parents Announce Carve-A-Pumpkin Mobile Application

Resolute Digital & Parents Announce Carve-A-Pumpkin Mobile Application

Leading mobile development agency Resolute Digital released an interactive holiday mobile application in partnership with Parents

New York, NY (PRWEB) October 14, 2010

Parents, part of the Meredith Women's Network, released the Carve-A-Pumpkin Application for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad use. Resolute Digital, a full-service New York City-based digital marketing agency, worked with the staff at Parents to design and develop the app. Resolute has also built websites, web-based applications, social media-based widgets, mobile apps and content management systems for other partners in the Meredith Women's Network. Resolute Digital's partnership with the magazine has filled the growing need for mobile apps that appeal to parents who want child friendly applications to share with their families.  

Carve-A-Pumpkin costs just $0.99 and allows users to carve a pumpkin using either freehand "carving" or drag-and-drop facial features and faces. Resolute Digital took special care in designing different sized navigation screens in order for for the Carve-A-Pumpkin app to both look beautiful and function perfectly on the iPhone and the iPad. Once satisfied with their pumpkin creations, users are encouraged to share their creations via Facebook, Twitter or email. The viral element of the app is what makes it unique, as social media and mobile app are fused in one simple, skillfully designed Halloween platform.

Managing Partner Jarod Caporino explains that "We noticed that a lot of apps weren't involved with Halloween. We wanted to make something really special and knew that integrating social media into the app would allow users to share -- and celebrate -- in a new, fun way." Carve-A-Pumpkin was featured in both the "What's Hot" and "New and Noteworthy" lists in the App Store upon its release.

About Resolute Digital

Resolute Digital delivers integrated creative, technical, media and website analytics solutions for large and small business. Vertical markets for which Resolute has deep practical understanding are publishing, consumer electronics, social networks, pharmaceutical goods and health services, consumer products, financial services, and telecommunications.

Resolute Digital is based in the Greater New York area. For more information please visit http://resoluted. com.

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Nutri-Mastic Probiotics Supplements and Heartburn Remedies Founders Gear-Up for Presentation at the 2010 NAVEL Expo on November 7

Nutri-Mastic Probiotics Supplements and Heartburn Remedies Founders Gear-Up for Presentation at the 2010 NAVEL Expo on November 7

Providing the platform for more than 50 lecturers and 80-100 vendors, the 2010 NAVEL Expo, held on November 7, is one of the largest meetings of Health & Wellness industry leaders in the country

Melville, NY (PRWEB) October 9, 2010

The 2010 NAVEL Expo, located in the Grand Ballroom at the heart of elegance in Long Island, promises to bring some of the industry’s best and brightest from around the country together for a single day of thought provoking discourse, seminars, and collaboration.

Providing the platform for more than 50 lecturers and 80-100 vendors, the 2010 NAVEL Expo, held on November 7, is one of the largest meetings of Health & Wellness industry leaders in the country. Amongst the plethora of speakers and vendors, attendees can expect to meet industry leaders in holistic medicine, natural remedies, and probiotics supplements. Visitors to the event will include not only the affluent Long Island locals who have come to grips with the necessity of a healthy lifestyle and natural health market, but also hundreds of industry professionals from around the country, who have come to hear about, discuss, and explore the future of these new, natural treatments and holistic approaches in the global Health & Wellness and dietary health supplements market.

Two of the most highly-anticipated speakers of the entire event, Jim Guerci and Bear Walker, will be introducing a new line of Total Health dietary supplements and explaining the unique natural health benefits of mastic gum.

With this new line of Nutri-Mastic Total Health dietary supplements, Guerci and Walker will introduce the various benefits of mastic gum, including its support of heartburn remedies, bloating, blood pressure, liver health, and lactose intolerance. Developed over the past few years, but taking its inspiration from the natural health remedies that have long been in use in China, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East for what scholars speculate is a minimum of 2,400 years, the proprietary formula used in Nutri-Mastic has been shown to be extraordinarily effective in supporting a huge array of ailments, discomforts, and deficiencies. Guerci and Walker will go into some of the history as well as a detailed explanation of some of the natural health benefits of Nutri-Mastic and how it came to be.

About:
Intact Nutrition was founded with a commitment to three fundamental principles that have made them America’s most trusted source of supplemental nutrition: quality, value and customer service. Take a look at these principles and you may notice something: quality comes first. That’s no coincidence. While all three principles are integral to their success, quality is the cornerstone upon which everything rests. Put simply, without quality, nothing else matters. Stringent quality control procedures are the daily commitment to you and your well-being. When you purchase an Intact Nutrition, Nutri-Mastic brand supplement, you’re getting the very best there is. Guaranteed or your money back. http://www. intactnutrition. com/

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Expo West Invites Hilton to Present Two Education Sessions

Expo West Invites Hilton to Present Two Education Sessions

IMG President to Speak on Natural Products Branding and Marketing Issues

Salt Lake City, UT (PRWEB) February 24, 2005

Jeff Hilton, president and partner of Integrated Marketing Group (IMG), a marketing and branding agency servicing a national and international clientele, will speak twice at Natural Products Expo West tradeshow and conference, March 17-20, 2005, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif. Hilton will co-present "Creating Brand Value for an Ingredient" on Thursday, March 17 from 4:30 to 5:45 p. m. in room 207A, as well as "From Inception to Marketplace: A Practical Guide for Taking Your Product to Market" on Friday, March 18 from 10:30 a. m. to 12 p. m. in room 207A.

"Ingredient branding is important in cultivating and maintaining manufacturer participation and loyalty, and is a unique process as compared to finished product branding," Hilton states. Hilton will be co-presenting "Creating Brand Value for an Ingredient" with Loretta Zapp, Ph. D., president and CEO of Oncology Sciences Corp, and developer of functional food ingredient company, Applied Food Sciences LLC.

Hilton's second presentation, "From Inception to Marketplace: A Practical Guide for Taking Your Product to Market", is a panel discussion on the detailed and strategic process of taking a product to market. "The marketing aspects of launching a product are becoming more complex as FDA and FTC regulation intensifies, new marketing strategies evolve, and the consumer landscape continues to shift," says Hilton. Hilton's co-presenters include: Anthony Almada, BSc, MSc, Ivan Wasserman and Farah Ahmed.

Hilton has more than 25 years of broad-based business experience and has spent over14 years within the natural products industry. He has also been recognized by Advertising Age as one of America's Top 100 Marketers and has guided the national brand-building efforts of numerous recognized consumer products.

Through Hilton's leadership, IMG was the first agency in the United States to certify in the FTC Advertising Compliance Course. The course is designed to help professionals in the natural products industry achieve greater success in creating law-compliant advertising for dietary supplements.

Natural Products Expo West, www. expowest. com, is the largest natural products tradeshow in North America, spanning 250,000 square feet of exhibit space and attracting buyers from around the globe. This year's 25th annual tradeshow and conference will host more than 1,500 exhibitors and welcome over 36,000 attendees.

Integrated Marketing Group, www. imgbranding. com, is a marketing and brand consultancy created to optimize all aspects of marketing communications including: corporate identity, advertising, public relations, internet marketing, research, packaging, merchandising, sales promotion, educational programs, trade show presence and direct marketing. Its principals have created a marketing firm with a diverse background of creative development and strategic planning skills to serve the healthy lifestyles industry.

For more information on Hilton's presentations, please contact Amanda Holty at 801.538.0777, ext. 106.

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IMedica Appoints Dr. Ray Fabius, Global Physician Executive, to Board of Directors

IMedica Appoints Dr. Ray Fabius, Global Physician Executive, to Board of Directors

IMedica Corporation, a leading developer of healthcare software solutions for physician practices, announced today the appointment of Dr. Raymond J. Fabius to its board of directors. Dr. Fabius is a global physician executive who has served as a medical leader in academics, private practice, managed care, the health insurance industry, e-Health and the corporation-purchaser space.

Dallas (Vocus) May 8, 2009 -

iMedica Corporation, a leading developer of healthcare software solutions for physician practices, announced today the appointment of Dr. Raymond J. Fabius to its board of directors. Dr. Fabius is a global physician executive who has served as a medical leader in academics, private practice, managed care, the health insurance industry, e-Health and the corporation-purchaser space.

"We are pleased to have Dr. Ray Fabius on the iMedica board. He brings a wealth of experience on both the clinical and business side of medical practices," said Michael Nissenbaum, CEO of iMedica. "Dr. Fabius' perspectives will help shape our go-to-market strategies and ensure that our electronic health record (EHR) and medical practice management software become the solutions of choice for physicians."

"EHR software is typically based on templates. iMedica's template-free design shortens the learning curve and disruption that physicians experience," noted Dr. Fabius. "That leads to greater adoption across a medical practice and ultimately drives better clinical outcomes, lowers practice costs and improves financial results. The seasoned leadership team here is clearly committed to the needs of the Main Street physician and to building effective communities of health care providers for patient constituencies."

Presently, Dr. Fabius is the Strategic Advisor to the President of Walgreens Health & Wellness Division where he is responsible for crafting their population health enterprise solution. Previously he served as President and Chief Medical Officer of I-trax/CHD Meridian (AMEX: DMX), where he directed research, quality management, clinical services, health informatics and new business development. I-trax was the leading provider of integrated on-site medical services and served over 100 blue chip clients with a network of over 300 domestic clinics at the time of its sale to Walgreens. During his three years there, the company market cap quadrupled.

Prior to I-trax, Dr. Fabius oversaw a network of over 230 on-site medical clinics as GE Global Medical Leader. Earlier in his career, he served as a regional or corporate clinical leader for Cigna, US Healthcare and Aetna.

Dr. Fabius has written and lectured extensively in quality management, disease management, utilization management, credentialing and network development, the purchaser-payer-provider-patient/employee axis and eHealth. He has also served as a board and faculty member with the American College of Physician Executives (ACPE) and was selected to be an ACPE Distinguished Fellow in 2005, a recognition reflecting his significant contribution to medical management. ACPE published both of his books including, "Total Care Management - A Physician Executive's Guide to Medical Management for the 21st Century," which ACPE recognized as the best text in the field in 2001.

Additionally, Ray has participated in a wide variety of national efforts to improve health care delivery including Bridges to Excellence, the National Committee for Quality Assurance, Health Internet Ethics, the MedUnite Project, URAC, Health Enhancement Research Organization, Institute of Health & Productivity Management, National Business Group on Health, National Business Coalition on Health and most recently, the Carter Center.

Dr. Fabius is boarded in pediatrics and medical management and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He graduated from Hahnemann Medical College (now part of Drexel University) and completed his pediatric residency at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. In 2006 Dr. Fabius was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni of Drexel University Medical School and serves on the Advisory Council to the Dean of the Medical School.

About iMedica Corporation
Founded in 1998, iMedica Corporation is an innovator in the development of electronic health records (EHRs) and practice management (PM) solutions for physician practices. Based on its comprehensive study of physician practice workflow and extensive consultations with practicing physicians, iMedica has developed Patient Relationship Manager™ (PRM), a single-application EMR and PM solution that utilizes Microsoft's latest. NET technology. PRM's unique, template-free design adapts to a physician's workflow and sets the benchmark for ease of use and deployment, speed and portability. iMedica's replication technology enables backup, recovery and accessibility, as well as customization and solution management with minimal IT staff intervention. iMedica PRM 2008,version 8.1 is a CCHIT Certified ® product for CCHIT Ambulatory EHR 2007. For more information, call 866-960-6890 or visit http://www. iMedica. com

Company Contact: 
Randy Schiff
214-466-8093

Media Contact:
Christopher Capot, KNB Communications
212-505-2441 (o), 203-379-8019 (c)

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Orion Health Jumps Seven Positions on Healthcare Informatics 100 List

Orion Health Jumps Seven Positions on Healthcare Informatics 100 List

Healthcare Informatics ranks Orion Health in the top 100 for the third year running. The company moved up seven positions since 2007 to 70th place. Increasing need for data integration and the need for the medical community as organizations move to a more patient-centric view of healthcare helped fuel the organizations ranking. Work to address the increase of chronic disease, now the leading cause of death worldwide, according to a recent announcement by the World Health Organization, also adds to an urgency for data integration.

Santa Monica, Calif. (PRWEB) June 10, 2008

Orion Health (http://www. orionhealth. com), a leading provider of clinical workflow and integration technology for the healthcare sector, today announced its position among the top 100 Healthcare IT companies, as ranked by Healthcare Informatics (http://www. healthcare-informatics. com/ME2/dirmod. asp? sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=AEEECC40F3D44EC2AAB483DD100F2BB0). Listed in the top 100 for the third year running, the company moved up seven positions since 2007 to 70th place.

Much of Orion Health's success can be attributed to an increasing need for data integration as the medical community moves to a more patient-centric view of healthcare. Effective management of chronic disease, now the leading cause of death worldwide, according to a recent announcement by the World Health Organization (http://who. org), requires access to a broad range of health information across the care continuum.,

"The Healthcare Informatics 100 list includes the health technology elite of the US market," said Orion Health CEO Ian McCrae.

"This ranking is recognition that Orion Health is making significant progress in solving complex health data integration issues in North America."

Orion Health has experienced continued growth and success in 2008. May 23rd, 2008 the company announced its position as New Zealand's leading software exporter, reporting $53 million NZD in consolidated gross revenue for 2007-2008. Along with record profit, Orion Health continues to expand its efforts in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Orion Health, founded by Ian McCrae in 1993, is the largest New Zealand owned software exporter and regarded internationally as a leading provider of health data management systems.

About Orion Health
Orion Health's easy-to-use solutions and applications improve patient care and clinical decision making by providing integrated health data in a single, unified view. By enhancing existing healthcare information systems, Orion Health's Rhapsody integration engine, Concerto physician portal, and workflow solutions provide healthcare workers with easy access to patient data and trends, and reduce errors and omissions by streamlining information transfer.

Worldwide, Orion Health is implementing health information communities involving over 35 million patients with tens of thousands of active users including Maine's HealthInfoNet and the Vermont Health Information Exchange. Orion Health's partners include leading health system integrators and IT vendors such as Accenture, IBM, Oracle Corporation, Sierra Systems and others. Orion Health has more than 1,000 clients around the world, including Lahey Clinic, New York State Department of Health, UCLA Medical Center, and U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More information can be found at http://www. orionhealth. com (http://www. orionhealth. com)

For More information:
Tamarie Johnson
Tamariej(at)tntcommunication. com
503-345-9257

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Day Spa Synergism Enhances Spagoda Spa Clients' Wellness

Day Spa Synergism Enhances Spagoda Spa Clients' Wellness

Day spa synergism by Spagoda, the nation's leading day spa provider, is enhancing the wellness of Spagoda's clients across the nation.

Smyrna, GA (PRWEB) April 17, 2006

Day spa synergism by Spagoda, the nation's leading day spa provider, is enhancing the wellness of Spagoda's clients across the nation.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary defines "synergism" as "the combined power of a group of things when they are working together which is greater than the total power achieved by each working separately."

Spagoda's day spas, conveniently located across the nation, consistently focus on the total well being of each client's body, mind, and soul. Spagoda improves their clients' wellness by including in its replenishing spa repertoire, a rich mix of superlative spa treatments.

Each Spagoda therapy produces one or more desired effects. These results, when considered individually, provide the client with one or more benefits. In addition, the spectrum of results, when viewed collectively, significantly magnifies the client's total well being.

For instance, Spagoda's result-oriented treatments include a rich variety of selections in each of the following treatment areas:

massage facials aromatherapy body wraps manicures pedicures diet counseling

The above treatment areas produce multiple desired results. Some of these results include enhancing the client's:

diet energy level hydration relaxation beauty internal body systems stress level (de-stresses) toxicity (detoxifies)

And, when taken in total, the above desired results work together to synergistically amplify the client's overall wellness by improving his or her:

self-confidence outlook on life health serenity

Spa is a way of life. It is neither pure science nor pure art. But it is art and science working together to enrich the client's life.

Spagoda, ever focused on improving its clients' quality of life, consistently refines, mixes, and modifies its treatment offerings in order to maximize each client's total wellness.

For more information about Spagoda's synergistic wellness enhancing therapies, or to schedule a therapeutic Spagoda Spa visit, please call 1-800-409-0140 or visit www. Spagoda. com today.

About Spagoda

Spagoda is the nation’s leading provider of Spa experiences. With an extensive network of over 2,000 convenient locations, Spagoda's spas blanket North America. Spagoda is committed to coupling superb spa experiences with award winning customer service. For more information about Spagoda, please call 1-800-409-0140 or visit www. Spagoda. com today.

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New Eduventures Study Examines Mental Health Issues at Colleges and Universities Through the Lens of Students and Campus Stakeholders

New Eduventures Study Examines Mental Health Issues at Colleges and Universities Through the Lens of Students and Campus Stakeholders

Eduventures, Inc., the leader in shared-cost, data-driven research and consulting for higher education, has announced the launch of a three-part study - titled Mental Health Report -- that will focus on mental health issues at colleges and universities and how these institutions can better understand and best meet the mental health needs of both undergraduate and graduate students.

Boston, MA (PRWEB) August 4, 2008

Eduventures, Inc., the leader in shared-cost, data-driven research and consulting for higher education, has announced the launch of a three-part study -- titled Mental Health Report -- that will focus on mental health issues at colleges and universities and how these institutions can better understand and best meet the mental health needs of both undergraduate and graduate students.

According to Tim Mann, Program Director and Senior Research Analyst at Eduventures and former Dean of Student Affairs at Babson College, the data and insight to be published in the Mental Health Report will help universities, in particular, their student affairs divisions, to effectively plan and deliver a supportive campus environment that meets the diverse and growing mental health needs of their student communities.

Employing data from six stakeholder groups -- undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, staff, resident assistants, and senior mental health services/counseling services officials -- the study will analyze institutional investments and program outreach models; awareness and usage of mental health resources and referral policies; and student preferences for and barriers to existing mental health services on campus.

"This research project is unique in terms of its comprehensiveness and the way it will look at campus mental health issues," said Mann. "It assumes there is considerable value and insight to be gained by including and striving to understand the voices of a wide range of campus stakeholders and not just those responsible for delivering mental health services."

The first of the three reports, Benchmarking Investments in University Mental Health Services, will be available to members of the Eduventures Student Affairs Learning Collaborative in November of 2008. The other reports in this large-scale research investigation, Mental Health - A Stakeholder Perspective and Identifying Unmet Student Needs, will be published in December 2008 and June 2009, respectively. Members who commissioned the report will gain actionable insight in terms of future organizational, resource, policy, and programming components of their mental health support strategy on campus.

About Eduventures, Inc.:
Eduventures is the industry leader in shared-cost, data-driven research and consulting for higher education. Eduventures is dedicated to helping colleges and universities become more efficient and successful institutions. More than 300 higher education institutions participate in one or more of Eduventures' eight Learning Collaboratives: Academic Leadership, Continuing and Professional Education, Development, Enrollment Management, Online Higher Education, Schools of Education, Student Affairs, and Summer Sessions. Membership benefits include Collaborative Research Reports on current trends and issues, Custom Analysis, and Implementation Support, including opportunities to network with fellow professionals. Additionally, Eduventures provides consulting and management services to colleges and universities, drawing upon market research, data analysis, and best practices developed through the company's Learning Collaboratives. More about Eduventures can be found at www. eduventures. com.

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Breast Cancer Information Highlighted on Health Site Guide Search Engine

Breast Cancer Information Highlighted on Health Site Guide Search Engine

Concerned visitors to Health Site Guide http://www. healthsiteguide. com, can access direct links to information, organizations, video/animation, doctor Q&A on breast cancer and much more.

Great Neck, N. Y. (PRWEB) August 1, 2006

Recognizing that people who visit the web in search of information on breast cancer often do so with a degree of anxiety and concern, Health Site Guide, the “pre-searched” search engine for health, has created a mini-site that provides direct links to a wide range of breast cancer information all from one page. These direct links include information available on recognized health websites, breast cancer organizations, and support groups. The mini-sites can be accessed from the home page of http://www. healthsiteguide. com (http://www. healthsiteguide. com) under Health Spotlights. Other spotlights include Autism, Colon Cancer Screening, Diabetes, Heart Disease and Prostate Cancer.

“People who search the Internet for information on breast cancer usually do so for themselves or a loved one. That’s personal, and the concern level is typically high,” states Bob Lipp, co-creator of Health Site Guide. “Typing ‘breast cancer’ on a major search engine yields results that first have to be searched for relevance. Visiting http://www. healthsiteguide. com (http://www. healthsiteguide. com) and clicking breast cancer from our home page Health Spotlights yields pre-searched links to information and organizations that matter.”

The concept of a “pre-searched” search engine is something unique. At Health Site Guide, medical and science writers reviewed over two dozen recognized health sites, while a team of researchers created direct links to hundreds of Health Concerns, dozens of Special Features including video and animation, and more. The mini-site concept compiles these links by specific concern and adds organizations, support groups, and more, including a link to current medical news by topic.

Since its launch about two months ago, Health Site Guide has attracted a growing number of visitors who want information that is easy-to-access and thorough. The free search engine also provides Today’s Health News by topic and free eBooks to members who sign up by providing only a nickname and a password…no personal information is ever required to use http://www. healthsiteguide. com (http://www. healthsiteguide. com).

“Health Site Guide is designed to be very user-friendly, and provide a wide range of relevant information, adds Lipp. “For example, people who search for information on breast cancer want to be able to access a broad range of information from many reliable sources, fast and easy. They want quality information and they want it now.”

Health Site Guide selected their initial six Health Spotlight mini-sites based on current health concerns. Autism, for example is growing at an alarming rate, and concerned parents want to know why. Heart Disease remains the number one killer, while Breast, Colon and Prostate Cancer are among the leading concerns of people in a cancer-conscious world. Concerns over Diabetes are evident, since it is believed the disease affects over 20 million Americans.

“We believe that people who search for breast cancer information, for example, want one place where they can go to get as much information as possible, including videos, support groups, organizations, and more,” states Alan Lewis, a staff researcher. “Health Site Guide has pre-searched these links in order to make them available on one page, so those who have concerns about breast cancer don’t have to spend their time searching for answers.”

Health Site Guide encourages businesses, universities and health-related organizations to link to our search engine (“Link To Us” information appears on the home page of Health Site Guide), so their viewers can take full advantage of the enormous amount of information available. Links are provided as pop-ups, so viewers can access Health Site Guide without leaving their current site.

About Health Site Guide

Http://www. healthsiteguide. com (http://www. healthsiteguide. com) is owned by Health Site Guide Inc. The site is a portal that makes it fast and easy to access a broad range of healthcare information and special features, which are available on today’s healthcare websites. The company is not affiliated with any third party.

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7th Annual Howl! Festival (September 10 -12, 2010) Pays Tribute to 9/11 in New York City's Tompkins Square Park

7th Annual Howl! Festival (September 10 -12, 2010) Pays Tribute to 9/11 in New York City's Tompkins Square Park

Performance Art, Dance, Music, Poetry, Yoga and Other Programming Will Honor September 11th at this Free Event, Open to the Public

New York, NY (PRWEB) August 31, 2010

Performance artists, poets, musicians and dance companies honor 9/11 at the 7th Annual HOWL! Festival in Tompkins Square Park, (7th-10th Streets, between Avenues A & B), on the weekend of Sept. 10, 11 and 12.

7th Annual Howl! Festival
Pays Tribute to 9/11
In Tompkins Square Park

Chanters, a free meditation zone, meditation walk, yoga classes for both children and adults, a calling of names station and performance art will grace the green at Tompkins Square Park on Saturday Sept 11, heralding the start of an uplifting program at Howl! Festival’s 7th Annual weekend in Tompkins Square Park – September 10, 11, 12.

Featured September 11th events include:
Finding Sukha Yoga – The East Village’s newest Yoga Center will hold 30-minute classes for adults and children at 11AM, 1PM, 3PM and 6PM. You can “find” Finding Sukha in front of the brick Park Office, located at approximately 9th Street between Avenues A and B. Finding Sukha will provide a limited number of yoga mats. Be prepared and bring your own.

Art Installation and Performance Piece by Artist Ujin Lee – Unloading a truck load of 733 unique and individually wrapped 7x7x7 boxes, artist Ujin Lee will begin her 3 ½ hour performance art piece at 11AM in the center of Tompkins Square Park. All boxes will be individually gift-wrapped in traditional Korean fabric. The number 733 represents good luck and fortune. Once all boxes have been strategically placed, and the performance piece is ended, members of the public will be welcome to select a box and take one home.

Ujin Lee will also place 7 large sculptures around the park. Each 10- foot tall and 6 ½ foot-wide piece will be a “pouch” created with the natural fiber ramie. Each pouch will be filled with approximately 20-30 balloon-shaped balls, created in white paper and visible through the fabric.

Art Around the Park – A 1500 foot-long canvas wrapped around 50% of the perimeter of Tompkins Square Park, beginning on Avenue A and 10th Street, continuing 3 blocks south to 7th Street and going east on 7th Street to the midway point between Avenues A and B. Over 140 adult artists and untold numbers of children are confirmed to participate.

Meditation Free Zone and Walk - Enjoy our oasis in Tompkins Square Park. Relax and rejuvenate. Walk led by local artist / Buddhist practitioner Riki Colon.

Memorial Center – Contemplative time is offered at this special station where names can be called and a gong can be sounded.

Poetry – Poetry performances on the South Stage include poets Bill Kushner (1:40PM-1:50PM), Kristin Prevallet (1:50PM-2PM), Eileen Myles (2:45PM-3PM) and Emmanuel Xavier (3:45PM-3:55PM), Dottie Lasky (3:55PM-4:04PM).

Theater/Dance – Vangeline Theater performs MOSAIC, a resonant butoh dance piece to commemorate 9/11. On the South Stage, two performances: 2:10PM-2:40PM and 5:45PM-6:15PM.

Music:
Open Music Ensemble – This pioneering cooperative of acoustic improv musicians will guide the heart and spirit in meditation, relaxing and healing with sounds both pure and contemplative. The performance will take place on the South Stage at Tompkins Square Park, Avenue A at 7th Street from 1PM-1:30PM.

Tyler Burba – An acoustic performance of songs written by Allen Ginsberg, on the South Stage 3:10PM-3:40PM.

Timbila – Sassy, celestial vocals are highlighted in this performance of African rock with an East Village Edge. On the South Stage from 4:25 PM-4:55PM.

Chris Rael – A sitar aficionado, this dynamic composer turns Indian and Western music into a mix of highly refined pop. On the South Stage – 5:05PM-5:35PM.

Arthur’s Landing – A Tribute to the Musical Genius of Arthur Russell – Musicians associated with the east village’s late Arthur Russell will perform a fusion of Western and Eastern musical traditions, driven by Russell’s engagement with Buddhist thought and practice. On the South Stage 6:30PM-7PM.

Family Entertainment:
On the North Stage, Avenue A at 10th Street, from 12:30PM until 7PM, The Lower East Side Girls Club presents a variety of children’s and family entertainment, including dance, poetry, music and a featured performance by Rosie O’Donnell’s Rosie’s Broadway Kids. Also in the north park: A solar-powered merry-go-round, a children's yoga tent, a fortune telling monkey, robot pony, art and science programs, face painting, a photo booth and more.

In addition to the Howl! Festival events in Tompkins Square Park on September 10, 11 and 12, there will be 30 days of poetry, theater, performance art, film, comedy and dance, September 1-30 at Theatre 80 on St. Mark’s Place, and events throughout the neighborhood at many other venues, including The Bowery Poetry Club, Ella Lounge, Bowery Electric, The Poetry Project at St. Mark’s Church and more.

The events in Tompkins Square Park are all free to the public. All additional Howl! events will benefit Howl! H. E.L. P. (Howl Emergency Life Project), an emergency services and health fund administered by The Actors Fund.

For further information on the Howl! Festival and Howl H. E.L. P., please visit http://www. howlfestival. com (http://www. howlfestival. com).

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Out of state contractors may not be a good neighbor in Benicia and Solano County by the end of 2004 at the Valero Refinery

Out of state contractors may not be a good neighbor in Benicia and Solano County by the end of 2004 at the Valero Refinery.

Oakland, CA October 19, 2004– Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 3, representing the northern 46 counties in California, have been investigating business practices by Diamond Refractory Services at the Valero refinery in an effort to express their concerns that Diamond Refractory Services does not meet area wage and benefit standards, and indirectly use local taxpayers to subsidize operations. The Valero refinery in Benicia is located in an area between East 2nd street and Bayshore road near the Interstate 780 and 680 interchange.

(PRWEB) October 19, 2004

On September 23, 2004 the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Local 3 of Northern California sent a letter to Altair Strickland requesting answers as to why they chose to utilize Diamond Refractory services to perform work at the Valero Benicia Refinery instead of utilizing local contractors that support the community and pay area standard wages and benefits.

On October 1, 2004 BAC Local 3 sent a certified return receipt (7002 2030 0006 9569 3039) letter to Diamond Refractory Services responsible managing officers that stated picketing would commence to protest the failure to pay area standard wages and benefits. To date the BAC Local 3 has not received any response from either Diamond or Altair Strickland to deny the failure to pay area wages and benefit standards - except attempts by Valero management to keep quiet on this matter. After receiving no response, the BAC Local 3 commenced picketing of Diamond Refractory Services at the Valero refinery on October 8, 2004 at 6:00 am to protest the disregard for local wage and benefit standards.

On October 8, 2004 Chris Howe of Valero stated to KTVU news reporters that Valero would coordinate a meeting between BAC Local 3 and the subcontractor [Diamond Refractory Services]. To date, no meeting has been coordinated.

According to reports in the October 9, 2004 Times-Herald for Benicia, Vallejo and American Canyon, an estimated “600 bricklayers, engineers and other trade workers didn’t show up for work…” Further, it seems that Valero does not care about community standards as they were quoted as saying,” contractor Altair Strickland and its subcontractor Diamond Refractory Services use non-union workers. But what kind of workers the firms hire is their business…This is between Diamond and the union, not over Valero," Howe said. "Valero is a neutral party in this.” This statement seems to be in contradiction to the “Good Neighbor Policy” between Valero and the city of Benicia. (A copy of the policy is available through city sources.) Valero is the owner of the project and should be more active in protecting the community, instead of allowing the disregard of the wage and benefit standards.

On October 13, 2004, the BAC Local 3 sent a letter via fax (210-345-2646), email (corporatecommunications at valero. com) and USPS to Bill Greehey, CEO of Valero, concerning the lack of involvement and requested input in solving this problem in a timely manner at a local level.

When out of state contractors fail to provide area wages and benefits to their employees, it creates a burden on local taxpayers. When an uninsured person is injured, they are sent to the County Hospital for treatment. Additionally, some of these people fail to register their out of state vehicles; do not have adequate auto insurance for the state of California; do not have required emission controls (smog); and do not obtain a California driver license as required by law. This means that local taxpayers end up subsidizing out of state contractors and receive no additional benefits from the increased profits of the contractors. Failure to meet local emission standards seems to be in violation of the Air Quality section of the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) for ensuring the effective implementation of the mitigation measures required for City of Benicia approval of a Use Permit for Valero Benicia RefineryÂ’s Valero Improvement Project (VIP). This may have significant air quality implications over the proposed six (6) year project.

As published from the Associated Press on September 7, 2004:

“Oil refiner Valero Energy Corp. said Tuesday it expects to post record earnings for the third quarter in the range of $2.50 per share despite a recent decline in gasoline margins.

While the estimate is 67 percent above last year's third-quarter earnings of $1.50 per share, it was well below analyst estimates for earnings of $2.81 per share, according to Thomson First Call.

"Though somewhat lower than we had originally anticipated for the third quarter, this level of earnings would be outstanding and continues to demonstrate Valero's strong earnings power," said Valero chairman and chief executive Bill Greehey in a statement. "Even with the recent decline in gasoline margins, this is still expected to be a record quarter for us."

The company said that low distillate inventories, above-normal turnaround activity and discounts on sour crude oil, should contribute to a strong fourth quarter.”

Diamond Refractory Services is a Texas based refractory contractor operating under the license of Altair Strickland. Diamond Refractory does not possess a valid C-29 license as required by the State of California to perform this work. Diamond is, instead, working as a subcontractor under and "A" engineering license held by Altair Strickland. Altair Strickland is also based in Texas. There are highly qualified, properly licensed, local based contractors capable of performing this work.

Additionally, hundreds (800 estimated) of workers from other states have recently taken classes from the Bay Area Training Corporation (BATC), which is a requirement to work in the refineries in the San Francisco Bay Area. It seems Diamond Refractory Services and Altair Strickland have visions of obtaining more work in this area by utilizing out of state contractors that will displace the local citizens and businesses that support our communities. Money paid to out of state contractors will most undoubtedly be sent out of state. It is estimated the amount of work to be performed on the catalytic cracker turnaround will require approximately 20,000 hours of labor or $1.2 million in compensation to Diamond Refractory workers. According to the Valero Improvement Project EIR of 2002 (Table 3-1), initial installation of optimizing and supporting components will start around the end of 2004 following the major turnaround. The Valero Improvement Project is an estimated 6-year project to improve and expand the Valero Refinery.

Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers represent Bricklayers/Stonemasons, Tile Layers and Finishers, Pointer Cleaner Caulkers, Marble Setters and Finishers, Terrazzo Mechanics and Finishers, and Refractory Bricklayers who work various aspects of the industry in the Northern 46 counties of California. Refractory Bricklayers line the boilers, benzene tanks, acid tanks, and catalytic crackers. This is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world and poses the greatest health risk to Refractory Bricklayers. They work in one of the most carcinogenic environments in the world. They were recently tested for silicosis and asbestos, and many of the members have tested positive for early stages. They are proud of the work they do and have no complaints. They are hard working and diligent in their craft.

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Health Care Costs Increase at Slower Rate in 2008

Health Care Costs Increase at Slower Rate in 2008

While health insurance premiums are rising, they have been increasing at a lower rate for the last five years. The preliminary Compensation Data results showed the average premium increase was 7.2 percent for all plan types this year. Please cite any information to Compdata Surveys.

Kansas City, Kan. (PRWEB) June 11, 2008

Although most U. S. organizations saw an increase in their health insurance premium, the average premium increase is decreasing, according to the preliminary results for the Compensation Data (https://www. compdatasurveys. com/Products/?id=1) 2008 annual survey. The results showed the average premium increase was 7.2 percent for all plan types this year.

While health insurance premiums are rising, they have been increasing at a lower rate for the last five years. In 2007, the average premium increase was 11.1 percent and then, 11.6 percent the previous year. When comparing plans in 2008, 68.2 percent of organizations offering PPO plans saw an average increase of 7.3 percent. Those offering HMO and POS plans had average premium increases of 7.5 and 7.4 percent respectively. HDHP plans had increases of 5 percent.

“Less than 50 percent of the organizations offering HDHP plans had a health insurance premium increase in 2008,” said Amy Kaminski, manager of marketing programs for Compdata Surveys. “Comparatively, over 68 percent of employers had increases with PPO and HMO plans.”

To contain rising costs, U. S. organizations utilized a variety of methods. The most highly used was coordination of benefits at 70.5 percent in 2008, while wellness programs were employed by 69.8 percent. Use of a network of health care professionals was prevalent, as 65.1 percent of organizations used it to contain costs.

The preliminary national results showed 37.5 percent of companies increased the employee portion of the premium in their efforts to reduce costs. This is less than the percentage seen in 2006. Currently, 28.4 and 15.9 percent of organizations increased deductible levels and employee co-insurance levels, respectively. On average, employers contribute 10 percent of payroll toward the cost of health benefits, which is nearly the same cost to provide all of the following benefits: dental, pension, life, disability and other non-mandated benefits.

About the Survey
Compensation Data 2008 contains data on 637 job titles ranging from entry-level to top executives. Information was collected from millions of employees across the country. The results provide a comprehensive summary of pay data, benefits information and pay practices with an effective date of March 1, 2008.

Compdata Surveys (https://www. compdatasurveys. com/) is the nation’s leading compensation and benefits survey data provider. Data is collected annually from thousands of organizations across the country. Compdata Surveys has been providing accurate, reliable data at affordable prices to organizations from coast to coast since 1988. For further information about the compensation and benefits surveys, contact Lane Odle at (800) 300-9570.

For more information, contact:
Lane Odle
Product Marketing Manager
(800) 300-9570
Lodle(at)compdatasurveys. 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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Nature’s Path Foods Chooses Podcast. Biz Consulting for Podcasting to Customers Worldwide

Nature’s Path Foods Chooses Podcast. Biz Consulting for Podcasting to Customers Worldwide

Nature’s Path Foods Inc., North America’s largest organic cereal manufacturer, recently launched Optimum LifeStreams™, an entertaining and informative podcast for consumers and customers.

(PRWEB) April 26, 2006

Nature’s Path Foods Inc., North America’s largest organic cereal manufacturer, recently launched Optimum LifeStreams™, an entertaining and informative podcast for consumers and customers.

Whether it is how to fuel your body for sports, or expounding the benefits of whole grains, Nature’s Path is on a mission to enhance consumer knowledge about organic food. Podcast. Biz Consulting, the exclusive creator and producer of this series, is helping Nature’s Path take advantage of its innovative technology.

“Nature’s Path was started by a couple with a passion for organic foods and believed in leaving the earth better than they found it” said Maria Emmer-Aanes, Director of Marketing for the company. “Podcasting is a great way to keep people informed about healthy choices, and to maintain our great relationship with our customers.”

Allan Hunkin, president of Podcast. Biz Consulting said, “podcasting is fast becoming one of the most cost-effective ways to promote and expand a brand. It is an effective means to get the word out to customers, entertaining them in an informative and interesting way.”

Hunkin, a life enhancement expert, has been interviewing thought leaders on the internet for nine years. He has interviewed 525 celebrities, authors and visionaries from both the private and public sector.

“I really value what Nature’s Path Foods stands for and I’m looking forward to helping listeners to make good food and health choices through Optimum LifeStreams™,” Hunkin said.

Currently there are three podcasts available on the Nature’s Path website (www. naturespath. com). A new one will be added each month. So far over 30,000 people have listened to the first podcast—a number that will increase as the podcast is continually available.

About Nature's Path Foods Inc.

Nature’s Path Foods Inc. is one of the largest organic food companies in the world. The company exports to 34 different countries and their products are available in large retailers such as Costco, Target, Wal-mart as well as specialty and organic food stores everywhere.

About Podcast. Biz Consulting:

Podcast. Biz Consulting (www. podcast. biz) is a consulting, design and production boutique that provides services to companies, organizations and thought leaders worldwide to create unique brand and marketing initiatives using podcasting. The company owns Podcasts. Com and has produced an estimated 500 podcasts to date.

For More Information Contact:

Danielle Vlemmiks

Assistant Producer

Podcast. Biz Consulting

604.639.7467

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Ten Tips for Boosting Your Credit Score in 2009

Ten Tips for Boosting Your Credit Score in 2009

The worsening economic crisis has put more pressure on consumers and their credit than ever before. Credit scores should be a top priority for consumers because it is the most important factor in determining creditworthiness. Credit expert Kenneth Lin offers ten new tips for improving your score in 2009.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) December 15, 2008

As 2008 draws to a close, consumers remain concerned about how larger economic issues are affecting them. Many are turning to their credit score as a barometer of their financial health because they understand that a higher score can save them thousands of dollars in credit card and loan interest.

Free credit score resource Credit Karma has seen daily visitors to its site double to more than 170,000 consumers over the past few months. These consumers are overwhelmingly seeking free scores so they can begin improving them to save even more money.

"Our goal is to help Americans understand the value in building a better score and then to provide them with the information and score simulators that do it most effectively," explained Ken Lin, founder and CEO of Credit Karma. "Even those who are not currently considering a large purchase should work to raise their score because it can save them thousands of dollars on credit cards or home equity loans."

Mr. Lin offered ten tips for consumers interested in raising their credit score for 2009.

1. Review your credit report for accuracy: This is the easiest and most basic step in trying to improve your score. Request a free credit report from www. annualcreditreport. com, and then review it to make sure your bank accounts, any late payments, and all other information is listed correctly. If not, report it immediately to the proper bureau. They are required to respond within a month.

2. Pay your bills on time: Just one late payment can reduce your credit score and affect the interest rates you pay on current and future accounts. Keep accurate records and pay your bills on time. These are reported in 30-day cycles so you should check your score at least once a month.

3. Keep credit card balances low or pay down high credit card debt: The amount of credit card debt you carry in relation to your total credit limit is called your utilization rate. The lower your rate, the better for your credit score.

4. Avoid derogatory records: Late payments, collections, and charge-offs will lower your overall credit score and can remain on your credit file for up to 10 years. If you are concerned, consider alternatives such as a debt consolidation loan before you miss that first payment. Once the negative marks are part of your file, only time can remove them.

5. Utilize the 100-word credit bureau statement: This is a little known way to help improve your credit image. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumers can add 100 words to their credit bureau file. A well crafted statement about your unique circumstances or credit worthiness could positively influence a lender. But keep in mind that lenders could still bypass this statement and only consider your score.

6. Avoid excessive shopping for credit cards: A number of inquiries for additional credit often reflect poorly on a credit report. Those inquiries that result in a hard credit pull will also lower your actual credit score. Be sure to research credit cards or loans first and apply only to those that are necessary and for which you are qualified.

7. Avoid retailer credit cards: Retail credit cards can be useful for high credit score customers in search of discounts, but for most customers they are a bad idea. These cards limit purchasing to a specific retail outlet, and the fees or higher interest rates charged for missed payments are often higher than normal credit cards. This can effectively wipe out any discounts offered through the card.

8. Don't put your credit in a drawer: Many consumers concerned about their credit make the mistake of freezing spending. This can have a negative impact on your credit score because bureaus look for consumers that use credit responsibly. By ignoring your credit, you are not giving lenders current data to consider as a counterbalance to past negative factors. Be sure to use cards at least once every six months and pay off balances.

9. Maintain old lines of credit and accounts: Bureaus consider a long-standing credit line to be a positive factor in your credit score. Even if you no longer use a credit card or line of credit, keep it open. Closing it could have a negative effect on your score. You should also consider using it once every six months to show activity.

10. Protect yourself from identity thieves: Monitor your score monthly for fluctuations that might indicate identity theft. Also be sure to look at every piece of mail you receive and shred those with sensitive information or credit card offers. Identity thieves can ruin your credit score in a matter of minutes.

"Consumers considering large credit purchases or those concerned about high monthly payments should make their credit score a top priority," continued Mr. Lin. "A good credit score is as important as a trusted financial advisor to building and maintaining financial security."

About Credit Karma
Based in San Francisco, Credit Karma is a pro-consumer credit score company dedicated to helping consumers better understand the power of their credit by giving them completely free access to their credit score as often as they wish, providing a host of tools and services to help them track and monetize that score, and helping them become better overall credit consumers. At www. creditkarma. com, consumers not only learn their score, but they can identify what behaviors will positively impact their score and then gain preferred product pricing based on their credit score range.

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WMI Kicks off its “5 Year Birthday Blastoff” with the Introduction of its New Product Line

WMI Kicks off its “5 Year Birthday Blastoff” with the Introduction of its New Product Line

WMI’s Latest Initiatives Spark Huge Interest and Reveal Massive Earning Potential

Houston, TX (PRWEB) February 10, 2010

Wealth Masters International (WMI), the Nation’s Premiere Wealth Creation Community celebrated its 5th year in business with its 5 Year Birthday Blastoff event held at the Hilton of The Americas in Downtown Houston. Members and prospective members alike journeyed from across the globe to attend the bash which served as both a celebration (with appearances from the likes of Wayne Allyn Root and Todd Falcone among others) and overview for its new product line, which features several high-impact “Components” and the groundbreaking WMI hybrid Wealth Plan.

Already considered the fastest growing company in its industry WMI’s latest initiatives are aimed to continue providing its member base with the best products available while delivering maximum impact on a worldwide scale.

Vice President of Marketing, Michael Hamburger on the changes, “From January 2005 to January 2010, 85% of our product line had a true global application. Our growth rate over the past 5 years has been so explosive we decided to augment our product line to apply 100% anywhere in the world. To further raise the bar, our industry leading Hybrid Wealth plan ensures that WMI is positioned to create short term and long term wealth for our business builders like never before”.

The inventory of new Components includes utilities such as the m1 Masters Program (3rd edition) containing the 1% Solution, MPOWER Program, Conspiracy Against Your Money DVD, Home Loan Modification Program, WMI Wealth Accelerator, and the WMI hybrid Wealth Plan. These implementations are the result of years of dedicated research and collaborations with some of the most knowledgeable financial experts and marketers in the industry.

“We are on a mission to wake up the masses to the fact that the greatest transfer of wealth in the history of mankind is underway. The new 'Conspiracy Against Your Money' DVD is designed to take the blindfold off and show people what is actually happening to their hard earned money. The days of old where an individual required a financial advisor, personal trainer, dietician or a life coach in order to achieve sustainable results are over, our products and Alliances provide all of those aspects and then some. It is important for people exploring the Direct Sales industry to know that Wealth Masters International is not a one trick pony... our product line addresses the population’s most pressing matters; Wealth, Health & Wisdom. No other company on the planet today has a product line that can lay claims to that. That’s why we have positioned our Members head and shoulders above every other Direct Sales company in existence today,” said Michael Hamburger, Vice President of Marketing.

What WMI has put together is a refined assortment of products designed specifically to help users generate wealth in today’s modern economy. For example the 1% Solution encompasses a classroom style curriculum which enables users to holistically maximize their life through Wealth, Health, and Wisdom in just 100 days (or your money back). This innovative program enables the user to not only begin harnessing the building blocks of a better life but also serves as the individualized mindset training needed to succeed in the industry. On the other hand, the highly complex WMI Wealth Accelerator Program allows WMI Members to take a stranglehold of their finances by eliminating debt and maximizing their assets through powerful new analytical software that reveals the science to paying bills.

When you factor in WMI’s exciting new product launches, lucrative Wealth Plan, all-star Alliances, exorbitant growth in the face of a declining economy, and the fact that the industry’s most successful Top Producers are flocking to Wealth Masters in droves it is no wonder the Nation’s Premiere Wealth Creation Community has cemented its place at the forefront of the industry. Whether you are seeking a lucrative entrepreneurial opportunity, expert financial education, or simply want to interact with one of the world’s most exclusive and fastest growing wealth communities, Wealth Masters International truly offers it all.

About Wealth Masters International:
Wealth Masters International is a Texas based L. L.C incorporated in January 2005. They are at the forefront of promoting the best financial education and providing their members with a platform for securing life-changing wealth and success.

In just a few short years, Wealth Masters International has propelled itself as the leading company in its industry, due to their ability to combine exceptional products with a business opportunity that is geared towards generating unlimited prosperity.

In these uncertain economic times one company is bucking the trend, hiring top talent, and treating its members to lavish events akin to the lavish lifestyle it represents.

If you would like more information regarding this topic, please visit http://www. wmitoday. com or contact WMI directly at (832) 532-7655.

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Forget New Year's Resolutions ... Make a Plan Instead

Forget New Year's Resolutions... Make a Plan Instead

Life Coach Donna Steinhorn says resolutions are broken more than honored. Taking charge of one's life with an action plan makes more sense.

Rumson, NJ (PRWEB) January 2, 2006

Traditionally, December is a time when people look back at the year to assess how they have done, and set New Year’s Resolutions for the next year. Often, those resolutions are broken before the end of the first New Year day. Donna Steinhorn, Executive and Life Coach says this is “because all too often New Year’s Resolutions are wishes or, worse yet, 'shoulds'. People resolve that this year rhwy will lose 20 pounds...be nicer to their in-laws...exercise more...double their business...not get stressed. All great ideas, but if they haven’t been able to accomplish those resolutions for the last ten years they have resolved them, how will 2006 be different? By literally following the cliché “Today is the first day of the rest of your life” and living each day, each year, to the fullest.”

Steinhorn says, everyone has moments when their mortality comes crashing down on them like Queen Latifah's character in the movie Last Holiday, when she's told she has three weeks to live. Then and there she vows that she's going to live the rest of her life to the fullest. A health scare often makes people vow to be different once things are fine, the death or illness of someone close to them also gives them momentary pause. But all too often, people revert back to their existing patterns and go back to their status-quo lives.

She continues by saying that people “need to stop to think about it. Most people live their lives as if they WILL live forever. They squander their time and their skills. They live life by default...just getting by, getting through the day.” Her recommendation is for each person to consider how their life would be different if instead, they chose to live life fully every moment? How would that impact their business? Their personal relationships? Would they eat healthier and exercise more? Get more involved in their community? Go on a spiritual quest? What opportunities or interests would they pursue, what risks would they take?

This year, she suggests doing things differently. “Remember the movie Network where the character Howard Beale hangs his head out the window and shouts “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore”? Well I suggest people fling open their doors or windows and shout:

“I’m glad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore!”

Steinhorn recognizes that this kind of change is not easy to do. After all, it means changing the patterns of their lifetime. It's not easy for people to free themselves from negative beliefs, outdated goals and obligations. So how can a person begin taking the steps necessary to set out living their perfect life? She suggests that “it’s time for people to embrace life and toss off all those mental and environmental shackles that are keeping them living lives small, and step out into their new life of their choosing."

While assessing the year just gone by is good, it’s more important for people to assess where their life is right now. People should decide what they currently have in their life (people, physical environment, work, etc.) that works and also what is not currently working for them.

Next, they should play “naked with the checkbook”, and consider how they could design their perfect life, with no restraints. Everyone has a vision of what they’d love their future to look like...but most people don't think big enough. They are afraid to think big, because there’s a nagging little voice that says “don’t dream big, it will just bring disappointment. It’s time for people to silence that voice by bringing their negative beliefs into the light, and dispelling them. Because there is no reason...repeat no reason...that anyone can’t have a future that’s exciting, fulfilling and of their own choosing. Steinhorn suggests that people begin by creating a life plan, which she offers at no cost to clients and subscribers of her no-cost online newsletter. She recommends that this year, instead of creating New Year's Resolutions...people should create their dream life plan...and go for it!

As an Executive, Life and Mentor Coach, Donna coaches Executives, Coaches, High Profile Individuals and Entrepreneurs, and has over 30 years of corporate and business experience. She is President of Coaching to Success (www. coachingtosuccess. com) and co-founder of the Association for Coaching Excellence. (www. associationforcoachingexcellence. com)

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FAST Named to EContent 100 List of ‘Companies That Matter Most’ for Third Consecutive Year

FAST Named to EContent 100 List of ‘Companies That Matter Most’ for Third Consecutive Year

Fast Search & Transfer™ (FAST™), the leading developer of enterprise search and real-time alerting technologies, today announced that it has been selected for the third consecutive year as one of the most innovative enterprise search providers on EContent magazine's prestigious "EContent 100," an annual list of companies that matter most in the digital content technology market. In addition to being included on the 2003 EContent 100, FAST received multiple industry awards and industry recognition in 2003 based upon its corporate growth and superior enterprise search offerings. FAST was ranked the # 2 fastest growing European technology company on the 2003 Deloitte Technology FAST 500; listed as a 2004 European IST Prize Winner; selected as a finalist for Transform magazine's "2003 Product of the Year"; received a VARBusiness 5-Star Partner Program rating; won a 2003 Computerworld Honors 21st Century Achievement Award; and was selected as a finalist in the 2004 Codie Awards for "Best Enterprise Search Engine." Further information on all of FAST's awards can be obtained at: http://snipurl. com/3l1b

(PRWEB) December 31, 2003

Fast Search & Transfer™ (FAST™), the leading developer of enterprise search and real-time alerting technologies, today announced that it has been selected for the third consecutive year as one of the most innovative enterprise search providers on EContent magazine’s prestigious “EContent 100,” an annual list of companies that matter most in the digital content technology market.

“The EContent 100 aims to provide readers with a tool for navigating the maze of content technology offerings. It reflects the activity and performance in the content industry in 2003, and foreshadows the growth and continued success of these companies in the year to come,” said Michelle Manafy, editor of EContent. “We have included FAST on the EContent 100 list for three consecutive years because of the company’s performance as one of the most innovative vendors in the digital content arena. By offering Global 2000 organizations some of the most complete and flexible search technology solutions, FAST is aptly redefining the enterprise search market as we know it.”

An expert panel of editors from EContent, as well as valued contributing editors and colleagues from fellow Information Today, Inc. magazines, determines companies included in the EContent 100 list, which is published in the December 2003 issue and on EContentÂ’s Website at www. econtentmag. com.

“It is a tremendous honor for us to be one of the very few companies included on the EContent 100 list three years in a row,” commented John M. Lervik, FAST’s chief executive officer. “This award, and the many others we’ve received in 2003, is a direct result of all the hard work and effort put forth by all of our dedicated employees and partners. We are pleased that a growing number of industry experts are recognizing FAST’s leadership and our progress in delivering the most comprehensive and scalable search platform solutions.”

In addition to being included on the 2003 EContent 100, FAST received multiple industry awards and industry recognition this year based upon its corporate growth and superior enterprise search offerings, including:

The 2003 Deloitte Technology FAST 500, where FAST is ranked the #2 fastest-growing technology companies in Europe Euro-CASE selected FAST Data Search™ as a 2004 European IST Prize Winner The Europe’s 500, an annual listing endorsed by 3i, Microsoft, Boston Consulting Group and PricewaterhouseCoopers, recognized FAST as one of the fastest-growing European companies in 2003 Transform magazine selected FAST Data Search as a finalist for its “2003 Product of the Year” VARBusiness magazine gave FAST a 5 Star Partner rating, the highest available, in its ninth annual Partner Programs Guide Computerworld magazine named FAST as one of six finalists in the Business & Related Services for the 2003 Computerworld Honors 21st Century Achievement Award The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) selected FAST Data Search as a finalist for “Best Enterprise Search Engine” in its 2004 Codie Awards

FAST Data Search offers the most comprehensive combination available of powerful real-time search technology, business search management tools, and information analysis capabilities. The FAST Data Search suite of enterprise search solutions enables companies and organizations to develop information transparency and utilization across organizational units and geographical areas. This results in improved efficiency through collaboration, information sharing, and real-time data monitoring and filtering, as well as a dramatic boost in ROI and lowered total cost-of-ownership.

The FAST Data Search product suite supplies a complete information retrieval solution ideal for key vertical markets and applications including e-Commerce and Internet Portals, Financial Services; Government; Life Sciences; Media and Publishing; and Telecom.

About FAST

FAST creates the real-time search and filter technology solutions that are behind the scenes at the worldÂ’s best known companies with the most demanding search problems. FASTÂ’s flexible and scalable integrated technology platform elevates the search capabilities of enterprise customers and connects people to the relevant information they seek regardless of medium. This drives revenues and reduces total cost of ownership by effectively leveraging IT infrastructure. FASTÂ’s powerful enterprise search technology solutions are used by a wide range of global customers and partners, including AT&T, Cardinal Health, CareerBuilder. com, Charles Schwab & Co., Chordiant, CIGNA, CNET, Dell, Fidelity Investments, FirstGov. gov (GSA), Freeserve, IBM, LexisNexis, Nordstrom, Overture, Rakuten, Reed Elsevier, Reuters, SBC Communications, Tenet Healthcare, T-Online, US Army, and Virgilio (Telecom Italia).

FAST operates globally with presence in the United States, Europe, and Japan. FAST is publicly traded under the ticker symbol 'FAST' on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Please visit www. fastsearch. com for more information.

©2003 Fast Search & Transfer ASA - Fast Search & Transfer, FAST, and the FAST four-colored logo are trademarks of Fast Search & Transfer ASA. All rights reserved. FAST disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

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