Maine's Cliff House Resort & Spa Celebrates the Maine Blueberry

Maine's Cliff House Resort & Spa Celebrates the Maine Blueberry

The wild Maine blueberry, one of nature's prime anti-oxidant fruits is the focus of Maine's Cliff House Resort & Spa dining menu and spa treatments this summer.

Ogunquit, ME (PRWEB) June 29, 2010

This summer, The Cliff House Resort & Spa http://www. cliffhousemaine. com (http://www. cliffhousemaine. com)] in Ogunquit, Maine pays tribute to Maine's official state berry-the wild blueberry.

Blueberries are nature's #1 antioxidant fruit, an essential ingredient for health and well being. This powerful super fruit is a featured ingredient in many of the spa treatments and on the dining menu at The Cliff House Resort & Spa.

Blended right on site at the Spa, the Blueberry Body Wrap combines fresh Blueberries with ocean botanicals. The blueberries work to purify the skin and rejuvenate the body with its antioxidant powers. The Blueberry Smoothie Masque combines pureed organic blueberries, Spiralina Algae, Aloe Vera Gel, Chamomile Extract and Lavender essential oil. This unique combination is used in the Spa's Signature Facial and manicure and pedicure treatments. During July and August guests staying on the Yankee Catch (http://www. cliffhousemaine. com/summer-bonus/) three or four night package receive one free Maine Blueberry Pedicure per room. The Blueberry Spa Sampler, available Thursday and Sunday evenings, features three, 15-minute mini-treatments including a head, neck and shoulder massage, hand treatment with Blueberry and Rice Body Polish and lower leg hot towel massage.

Summer menu items include Blueberry Halibut, Blueberry Sangria Lemonade (http://www. cliffhousemaine. com/dining/recipes/Blueberry-Sangria. pdf) with chardonnay, orange liqueur, and a splash of cranberry juice and blueberry inspired deserts. The Cliff House Cookbook, a 72 page book of recipes dating from the founding of the resort in 1872, features Chilled Maine Blueberry Champagne Bisque and Grilled Chicken and Blueberry Salad.

Says fourth generation innkeeper Kathryn Weare, "Our guests look forward each year to the new treatments and dishes we make from the wild Maine blueberry."

The Cliff House Resort & Spa has been owned and operated by the Weare Family since 1872. Today, great-granddaughter Kathryn Weare operates the resort offering a world-class spa, fitness center, fine-dining, 194 guest rooms with ocean views and conference facilities. Details on wild blueberry season at The Cliff House Resort & Spa, may be found on the Web at http://www. cliffhousemaine. com (http://www. cliffhousemaine. com) or by calling 207-361-1000.

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Developer Hosts Taste The Music at Aetna Building

Developer Hosts Taste The Music at Aetna Building

The Aetna Building-South Shore Group recently welcomed about 450 to the 12th floor of the Jacksonville historical landmark for the 13th Annual Taste the Music.

Jacksonville, Fla. (PRWEB) October 9, 2005

The Aetna Building-South Shore Group recently welcomed about 450 people to the 12th floor of the Jacksonville historical landmark for the 13th Annual Taste the Music.

The gala evening was filled with music from the St. Johns River City Band to accompany the wine tasting celebration, food, prizes and silent auction benefiting the band.

"We were happy to host the event. The band represents the city and we think the Aetna Building is a significant part of Jacksonville history, so it was a perfect partnership," noted developer Hal Dodt, managing partner of the South Shore Group, owner of the Aetna Building.

"Our goal is to bring music and music education to the community through our series of concerts and educational programs. We have a dedicated group of musicians and volunteers working together to make this Taste the Music Celebration the best ever," said Mike Davis, executive director of the St. Johns River City Band.

The celebration is one of the band's major fun raising events and always provides a very entertaining evening with plenty of food, fun, prizes, wine tasting, the popular silent auction and of course music.

The mission of the St. Johns River City Band is to provide the City of Jacksonville and the State of Florida with ensembles that are educationally based and serve as the pinnacle of professional instrumental performance as an American art form while enriching the lives of an ever-increasing audience.

"Music enriches our lives and supporting the River City Band is a good way to ensure ongoing music education stays healthy, especially among our community's young people," Dodt said.

The Aetna Building still maintains its original character and sophistication with accents such as imported marble floors and columns, showcasing a classic 1950's-style grand lobby and entrance with distinctive Up/Down elevator indicators. Constructed of materials native to the area including 30,000 cubic feet of Alabama limestone and 3,420 cubic feet of North Carolina pink marble, builders also used a large quantity of Georgia marble.

Situated in a park like setting on 13 acres along the picturesque St. Johns River, the original building housed the former Flagship Bank, specialty clothing and retail shops and even the historic, original River Club on the 19th floor. The building underwent renovations four years ago that incorporated new interior design elements to mesh with the classic components found throughout.

One of the most well known original features was a ground floor auditorium that hosted many proms, graduations, political rallies and even school plays.

Towering 300 feet above the city, the building also once held bragging rights as "The Tallest Office Building in the South." The Aetna Building-South Shore Group continues to support numerous community activities by hosting charitable and civic events, such as Taste the Music.

For more information on the St. Johns River City Band call 355-4700. For more information on leasing opportunities with the Aetna Building-South Shore Group call Eric Ramirez at CB Richard Ellis, call (904) 633 2604.

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Number of Nursing School Graduates -- Including Minorities -- on the Rise But Applications to RN Programs Dip, Reflecting Impact of Tight Admissions

Number of Nursing School Graduates -- Including Minorities -- on the Rise But Applications to RN Programs Dip, Reflecting Impact of Tight Admissions

The NLN's newly released annual Nursing Data Review Academic Year 2005-06 has been released, casting a wide lens on all types of pre-licensure nursing programs, including those offering diploma, associate, and baccalaureate degrees, to determine rates of application, enrollment and graduation. The review also provides a comprehensive demographic profile of the current student population, documenting ethnic-racial identity, gender, and age.

New York, NY (PRWEB) March 3, 2008

The National League for Nursing's much anticipated annual Nursing Data Review Academic Year 2005-06 has been released, and this year's is a decidedly good news/bad news report. It casts a wide lens on all types of pre-licensure nursing programs, including those offering diploma, associate and baccalaureate degrees, to determine rates of application, enrollment and graduation. The review also provides a comprehensive demographic profile of the current student population, documenting ethnic-racial identity, gender, and age.

On the positive front, the survey shows a marked increase in the percentage of graduating pre-licensure students who are members of racial or ethnic minority groups, with the increase distributed across all racial and ethnic categories: Asians, African Americans, Hispanics, and American Indians. "Because research increasingly links minority health disparities to a lack of cultural competence on the part of health care providers, who often differ from their patients with respect to racial-ethnic background, this is a welcome finding," observed NLN CEO Beverly Malone, RN, PhD, FAAN.

In addition, more men are finally electing to join the profession, according to the research. After falling off during the dot. com boom of the 1990s, the percentage of men graduating from basic RN programs has shown a small but steady growth trend for the past three years. In 2006, men represented just over 12.1 percent of nursing graduates.

"The NLN must remain vigilant about diversity," Dr. Malone continued, "looking for ways to add members of minority groups to nursing and helping many of them join our profession as teachers. We must encourage our students and mentor them as colleagues, promoting the leadership that is desperately needed to provide safe and quality health care for all." In keeping with this organizational priority, the NLN recently convened a Diversity Task Force at the behest of the NLN Board of Governors.

In keeping with long-term trends, fully 59 percent of all new graduates eligible to enter the nursing workforce this year in the United States were prepared in two-year associate degree programs; slightly over one-third (38 percent) graduated from baccalaureate nursing programs; and 8 percent graduated from diploma programs.

The survey also documented a 5 percent rise in admissions across all RN programs, with the highest rate (20 percent) in baccalaureate degree programs, reflecting an increase in capacity with the launch of 150 new pre-licensure programs at American colleges and universities. More good news is that once students enroll in nursing programs, they tend to remain there and graduate to enter the workforce. Overall graduation rates grew by 8.5 percent during 2005-06; at the same time, nine out of every 10 bachelor's degree candidates enrolled in 2005 remained enrolled or completed her/his degree by 2006, compared with a retention rate of 72 percent at four-year undergraduate institutions nationwide.

Despite these encouraging signs, applications to RN programs fell a notable 8.7 percent in 2005-06, down from a peak in applications a year earlier. The drop is suspected to be the result of widespread awareness of the difficulty of gaining entry to nursing school, fueled by the continuing crippling shortage of nurse educators. By all indications, unmet demand for placement persists, with 88,000 qualified applications -- one in three of all applications submitted -- denied. Baccalaureate degree programs turned away 20 percent of its applications, while associate degree programs turned away 32.7 percent.

The NLN will launch its next survey this month; it will gather statistics and examine data for the 2006-07 academic term.

Reporters/Editors: For interview opportunities, please contact Karen R. Klestzick, chief communications officer, at 212-812-0376 or email kklestzick@nln. org.

Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education offering faculty development, networking opportunities, testing and assessment, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its 25,000 individual and 1,200 institutional members.

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Leukemia Ravages Grandfather's Health, Hearing and Teeth, but Dr. John Moore, DDS, Gives His Smile Back

Leukemia Ravages Grandfather's Health, Hearing and Teeth, but Dr. John Moore, DDS, Gives His Smile Back

Leukemia took his health, made him deaf and ravaged his teeth, but Andre Fredricks has a new smile, thanks to San Antonio cosmetic dentist Dr. John Moore, DDS, and the Donated Dental Services program of the Texas Dental Association’s Smiles Foundation.

San Antonio (PRWEB) December 20, 2010

Leukemia took his health, made him deaf and ravaged his teeth, but Andre Fredricks has a new smile, thanks to San Antonio cosmetic dentist Dr. John Moore, DDS, and the Donated Dental Services program of the Texas Dental Association’s Smiles Foundation.

Fredricks, a 70-year-old San Antonio grandfather, was this year’s recipient of major dental restoration work by Moore, of Cosmetic Dental Associates of San Antonio. Moore has been a volunteer dentist for the Donated Dental Services program since 2001 and has contributed more than $21,000 to the cause.

Fredricks is in remission from leukemia, a disease that brought him to the brink of death, according to his wife and translator, Mrs. Fredericks. “We lost him several times,” she said. “We thought he was a goner.”

At its worst, the disease took down his immune system, bringing the infection that took away his hearing, brought organ failures, and other ills. He wasted away to 92 pounds.

The disease and wasting took their toll on his mouth, where teeth and bridgework began loosening and falling out. By the time Fredricks saw Dr. Moore, he had just a few teeth left.

The financially strapped couple didn’t have the resources to correct the dental damage left by leukemia. Then a neighbor who had been the recipient of donated dental services herself suggested that they apply for the Smiles Foundation’s program.

The Texas Donated Dental Services program is open to patients who are at least 55 years or older, or have a permanent disability, and have no other way to get dental care. Patients submit their cases to the web site, and register online or in person to become a candidate for these services. Once the patients meet their requirements, their cases are then submitted to the doctors. The doctors review each case they are given, and choose the patient that is financially and medically unable to receive the treatment otherwise.

In Fredrick’s case, the treatment started in July and continued several months into the autumn. Mrs. Fredricks said it was a godsend.

“We were blessed,” she said, “Dr. Moore did an awesome job with my husband’s teeth. We had a great time, and the whole staff (of Cosmetic Dental Associates) was friendly, nice and smiling.”

Dr. Moore said: “Over all the years I lived in the community and what the community has done for me, I feel it is fun to give back and help others. Whether I help elderly people, children, my staff or animals I find it fun. Thank God I can not only help myself and my family but I am in a position to help those that are not as fortunate as I. It is a blessing to be able to do that!”

About Dr. John Moore, DDS

Dr. Moore has been a San Antonio dentist for more than 25 years, and his credits include serving as an assistant professor of dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He is a prolific lecturer and published writer, and has won numerous awards, including being voted into America's Top Dentists in Cosmetic Dentistry and honored as San Antonio's Top Dentist in Cosmetic Dentistry. He is also a topSan Antonio orthodontist, and has been honored for his groundbreaking treatments in correcting major alignment problems with a "no braces" method without jaw surgery.

Contact Information
Cosmetic Dental Associates
5837 Babcock Rd. San Antonio, TX 78240
Phone 210-337-6453

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Could You Be a Highway Timebomb? How to Manage Stress before You Hit the Roads

Could You Be a Highway Timebomb? How to Manage Stress before You Hit the Roads

Millions hit the highways during the summer with underlying stress just waiting to erupt as road rage. Chicago motivational speaker and life change expert, Cheryl Perlitz, offers rage /stress self assessment and tips to help motorists define and diffuse the stress that leads to aggressiveness on our highways at http://www. soarwithme. com/road-rage-survey. htm

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) June 28, 2006

Research shows that 16 million people experience Intermittent Explosive Disorder that emerges as aggressiveness on our highways, or Road Rage. This behavior becomes even more prevalent during the summer holidays when millions of travelers hit the roads.

Triggering road rage reactions are: tight schedules, construction delays, traffic jams, long commutes, inclement weather, screaming children, gas prices and the behavior of other drivers.

Reactions to stress on the highway take the form of speeding, running stop lights, tailgating, excessive weaving, yelling, using hand gestures and even using weapons or the car as a weapon.

Cheryl perlitz, author of Soaring Through Setbacks, and Chicago motivational speaker says, “I believe that these explosions of rage are exacerbated by accumulated pressure from stress experienced in other parts of our lives. By looking at our own stress and adopting stress management tricks we can avoid participating in road rage ourselves."

Pressure builds from conditions and situations at home and work: major losses, financial pressures, relationship issues, family problems, health issues, and lack of balance. You may identify pressures, and find tools to deal with stress at http://www. soarwithme. com/road-rage-survey. html (http://www. soarwithme. com/road-rage-survey. html).

Cheryl says "If you create a stress free environment

In your car, and prepare properly, you can diffuse the stress that leads to aggressiveness on the highway".

Here are a few stress management techniques to help in dealing with road rage by creating a stress free environment before and during road travel:

*Leave early and give yourself more than enough time

*Study your maps ahead of time, so you know the route

*Get traffic reports ahead of time

*Unclutter your car

*Make yourself comfy in your car

*Fill your car with gas before you need it

*Make sure you have entertainment for your children

*Have comfort foods with you

*Listen to soothing music and tapes

*Find other means of transportation or have someone else drive if you are excessively stressed

*Use safe driving techniques

-- don’t use your cell phone unless you have to

-- use your turn signal when changing lanes

-- don’t tailgate

-- watch your speed limit

-- do not use your high beams UNLESS there are no other cars around

*If you encounter an aggressive driver, remember that he probably has things going on in his life that are causing pressure.

-Give him space

-Feel sorry for him

-Hope he doesn’t get hurt or hurt someone else

-Avoid retaliating with hand gestures

-Call 911 with license plate number and location if you feel it is a dangerous situation

-Don’t roll down the window

-Take a few deep breaths

Cheryl Perlitz is the author of 3 inspiring books, a dynamic speaker and frequent radio and tv talk show guest. Her fun and motivational stories and survival tips help listeners and readers to transform their challenges into pportunities.

To take the free stress self assessment survey and learn how you can manage stress that may explode into road rage http://SoarWithMe. com/road-rage-survey. html (http://SoarWithMe. com/road-rage-survey. html)

To learn more about Cheryl, get media testimonials, show ideas www. soarwithme. com/media_center. html (http://www. soarwithme. com/media_center. html )

To book an interview call: cell 847-609-8032

Cheryl is available for last minute interviews

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Hawaii's Most Experienced and Only Fellowship-Trained Weight Loss Surgeon Now Coming to Hilo

Hawaii's Most Experienced and Only Fellowship-Trained Weight Loss Surgeon Now Coming to Hilo

Dr. Paul Cirangle, the most experienced bariatric surgeon in the state of Hawaii is now treating patients in Hilo. As the only surgeon that practices on the outer islands, Dr. Cirangle's weight loss surgery patients will now have more treatment options and resources closer to home.

Hilo, HI (PRWEB) March 13, 2009

As America's fight with obesity continues, it is imperative that patients understand their increasing health risks and consult the services of an experienced bariatric surgeon. Dr. Paul Cirangle from The Surgical Weight Loss Center of Hawaii continues his overwhelming desire to facilitate excellent treatment to his patients by opening a practice in Hilo on the Island of Hawaii.

Dr. Cirangle's practice is a unique model that caters to the patients by giving them treatment options and resources to fit their individual needs. The physician, as well as the psychotherapist and dietitian are available for in-office or phone appointments. "I am more than happy to come to the outer islands to see my patients, and proud to say that I'm the only weight-loss surgeon that does so," said Dr. Cirangle. "I'm looking forward to treating my existing Hilo patients, as well as helping new folks navigate the journey to improved health and a better quality of life through weight loss surgery."

The Surgical Weight Loss Center of Hawaii and Dr. Cirangle's California practice, Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (LapSF), offers four weight loss surgeries; the adjustable gastric band (LAP-BAND® and REALIZE™), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, vertical sleeve gastrectomy (http://www. lapsf. com/vertical-gastrectomy-weight-loss-surgery. php), and the duodenal switch. Dr. Cirangle is also the only surgeon in Hawaii and San Francisco to perform StomaphyX™, an incisionless procedure for patients that have regained weight after their original weight loss surgery. These procedures are all done laparoscopically, with very little downtime.

As well as being the only fellowship-trained weight loss surgeon in Hawaii, Dr. Cirangle takes pride in the unparalled statistics of his practice. According to Dr. Cirangle, diabetes is cured in more than 90 percent of patients. Most patients discontinue their diabetic medications or have significantly reduced doses in the first three months after surgery. Normal blood sugar glucose levels and Hemoglobin A1c levels also return as well. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is cured in 80 percent of patients. Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol or high triglycerides) improved in more than 80 percent of patients. Obstructive sleep apnea is cured in 95 percent of patients. Risk of death is decreased by 89 percent.

As well as being a pioneer in bariatric surgery, Dr. Cirangle is also an innovator by treating GERD with an incisionless procedure. He is the first and only specialist in the state of Hawaii to be certified on the EsophyX (http://www. lapsf. com/heartburn-treatment. php)™ procedure. It is a minimally invasive technique, where the device is introduced into the body not through an incision, but through a natural body orifice, the mouth. The EsophyX device procedure reduces the hiatal hernia and creates a valve between the stomach and esophagus restoring the natural, physiological anatomy to reduce and prevent gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn). With millions of Americans diagnosed with GERD that are either unhappy with inadequate relief or disenchanted with daily drug use, EsophyX offers an excellent alternative.

The Surgical Weight Loss Center of Hawaii and LapSF are weight-loss surgery practices with offices in Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Dr Cirangle also practices in Northern and Central California, treating patients in Eureka, Sacramento, Stockton, Chico, San Jose, Petaluma, Healdsburg, Monterey and San Luis Obispo county. Dr. Cirangle's practice remains of the forefront in weight loss surgery, and is the only practice in the state of Hawaii and the West Coast to offer all four weight-loss surgery procedures.

Dr. Cirangle recommends that anyone interested in weight-loss surgery options such as the vertical sleeve gastrectomy, lapband, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, duodenal switch or GERD treatment with the EsophyX™ procedure should research the prospects beforehand and use only the services of a fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon with proven experience and expertise in the procedure desired. To learn more about weight loss or GERD options, contact The Surgical Weight Loss Center of Hawaii at www. hawaiiweightloss. com or 1-866-WLS-DOCS.

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Mothers Over 40 – An Inspirational Website For Midlife Parents

Mothers Over 40 – An Inspirational Website For Midlife Parents

Mothers Over 40 is an inspirational, informative and encouraging resource for all those considering pregnancy past the age of 40 and 50. This website combines humour with fact and provides links to invaluable resources, articles and organisations

(PRWEB) June 16, 2002

If you are over 40 and either pregnant or planning a pregnancy, wouldnÂ’t you like to have access to a positive and enlightening resource that addressed all your concerns, but simultaneously inspired and reassured you?

Having a baby over the age of 40 is no longer an unusual phenomenon. Millions of woman and men worldwide are embarking on the wonderful experience of midlife parenting, some as first-time parents and others for the second, third and fourth time or more. However, becoming an older parent is not a decision that is often entered into lightly, given the abundant sources of negative information and depressing statistics about the risks involved.

The good news is that a healthy mother in her forties has a high chance of having a successful pregnancy, with a positive outcome and a healthy baby. Certainly, a fit middle-aged woman has a higher chance of having a straightforward pregnancy and birth than an unhealthy woman in her twenties. However, when a woman in her forties has difficulty conceiving, or develops pregnancy complications, she is often told that it is “because of her age”, even when this may not be the case at all. Pregnancy at any age is a risk and there are many younger women who have fertility problems, suffer miscarriages, develop pregnancy complications and have difficult labours and deliveries. It is not a foregone conclusion that if you are over 40, you will have difficulty conceiving or encounter problems during the course of your pregnancy.

When Jan Andersen was expecting her fourth child at the age of 40, she was far fitter than she was when she gave birth to her previous three children in her twenties and had a straightforward pregnancy and delivery. Nevertheless, her natural anxiety about being an older mother led her to scour bookstores and the Internet in search of positive resources on midlife pregnancy. She discovered that there was very little encouraging information specific to mothers over 40, so as a freelance writer, she decided to write about her own experiences to offer hope and encouragement to other older parents.

Jan received hundreds of messages from older parents worldwide, all of whom had been inspired and reassured by her articles and all of whom agreed that positive information for older parents was at a premium.

As a result of countless requests from other older parents, Jan decided to set up a website dedicated to parents over 40, the aim being for it to be a place of comfort and support and haven of optimism amongst all the other disheartening resources available.

Kim, 43, from New York said, “Mothers Over 40 is an awesome site and is absolutely the best parenting resource that I have come across for older mothers. I am five months’ pregnant with my first child and this site has been a Godsend. I spent the first four-and-a-half months worrying about the baby, worrying about myself and feeling that maybe I was taking a huge risk in having a baby at my age. After discovering Jan’s new site, I could have hugged her. It made me realise that I am not alone and that the statistics really aren’t as grim as I had originally been led to believe.”

The site, which can be located at http://mothersover40.homestead. com/home. html (http://mothersover40.homestead. com/home. html) contains uplifting articles, forums for mothers and fathers over 40 and 50 and links to information about a plethora of issues of concern to older parents, all with a positive angle.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Jan Andersen is an experienced freelance writer who is available for interview and participation in TV lifestyle discussions. For further information, please contact Jan via e-mail worldwriteruk@hotmail. com or on (01793) 345466

Mothers Over 40: http://mothersover40.homestead. com/home. html (http://mothersover40.homestead. com/home. html)

U. S. General Services Administration Signs "5-Star" Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve

U. S. General Services Administration Signs "5-Star" Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve

The U. S. General Services Administration joins a Cadre of Federal Agencies, Fortune 500 Corporations, and thousands of America's employers who have become inextricably linked to the nation's defense by sharing their most precious asset, their employees.

Arlington, VA (PRWEB) July 23, 2005

Mr. Bob Hollingsworth, Executive Director of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Mr. Stephen A. Perry, Administrator of the U. S. General Services Administration (GSA) signed a “5-Star” Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve at 10:00AM on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at the GSA Central Office Administration Building, 1800 F Street, N. W., in Washington, DC.

The “5-Star” Statement of Support confirms that GSA:

· Signed a Statement of Support publicly demonstrating its support for its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

· As a federal employer, promises to safeguard job positions, support continuation of medical and dental benefits for family members, grant leaves of absence for military service without penalty of lost vacation time to those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve, to the extent allowed under applicable laws.

· Ensures men and women who serve in the Guard and Reserve will not be denied employment with GSA nor will there be limited or reduced job and career opportunities due to service in the Guard or Reserve.

· Is an advocate for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve.

“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all of America’s employers to review and amended their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA), said Hollingsworth. “This is a significant event not only for the GSA, but for all Federal Civil Service Employees”, added Hollingsworth. “The Federal Government is one of the largest employers of National Guardsmen and Reservists in the country.”

“By meeting the ‘5-Star’ Statement of Support criteria, the management of GSA stands proudly with their Guard and Reserve employees, who like the Minute Men before them, continue to answer their nation’s call to defend our way of life. Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation”, added Hollingsworth.

“We are indebted to those GSA associates serving in the National Guard and Reserve. When they are called to active military service, they need to know that while they are protecting our country, their families’ health benefits are continued and their jobs are secure,” said Administrator Perry. “As they protect our way of life, we protect their way of life.”

During the ceremony, GSA’s Southeast-Sunbelt Region was honored with the “Caring Award” by Administrator Perry for its GSA Call-up Assistance & Real Expressions of Support Program (C. A.R. E.S.). Led by volunteers, this program offers associates the opportunity to actively express their support and gratitude to GSA associates called up to active military duty in the region.

GSA is a centralized federal procurement, property management and policy agency created by Congress to improve government efficiency and help federal agencies better serve the public. It acquires, on behalf of federal agencies, office space, equipment, telecommunications, information technology, supplies and services. It also plays a key role in developing and implementing government wide policies.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of AmericaÂ’s Patriots. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www. esgr. mil, or by calling Tom Bullock at the National Committee Office at 800-336-4590, extension 537.

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Time Management Master Offers Consumers Tips for Improving Time Management Abilities

Time Management Master Offers Consumers Tips for Improving Time Management Abilities

Consumers looking to improve their time management abilities can get help in a new video and an accompanying tip sheet from motivational speaker and allergy cookbook author, Lisa A. Lundy, which you can download free from her website.

Buffalo, N. Y. (Vocus) August 4, 2009

A 2008 American Time Use Survey (http://www. bls. gov/tus/) released in June 2009 in the form of a 24-page report by the U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates and summarizes how average citizens spend their time divided into precisely defined categories including personal care (which includes sleeping), work, educational, organizational, eating and drinking, shopping, caring for children or family members, leisure and sports, telephone calls, mail and e-mail, and other activities not otherwise classified - all broken down to the tenth of an hour.

The Wall Street Journal reported in March 1997 that the average U. S. executive wastes 6 weeks per year searching for misplaced information from messy desks and files, which translates to nearly 1 hour per day. Consumers looking for tips on how to use their time better can now find help in the form of a new video and tip sheet offered by motivational speaker and time management expert, Lisa A. Lundy, which you can download for free from her website http://www. TheSuperAllergyCookbook. com (http://www. TheSuperAllergyCookbook. com). Ms. Lundy has been known for her impeccable and extraordinary time management skills since before her days as an undergraduate at Penn State University where received her Bachelor of Science in Marketing. While at Penn State Lundy was on the LaVie yearbook staff, helped to found a chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, was a Resident Assistant for three consecutive years, and held a leadership position on the Panhellenic Council and in Parmi Nous Honor society all in addition to a part time job working at the Deli off campus.

Professionals who visit Lundy's website and review her biography, blog and other aspects of what she is up to often assume that she must get little to no sleep when in fact the reverse is true. "People assume that I get very little sleep because they can't imagine how I get so much done," said Lundy. "The truth is that I am extremely organized and I have complete mastery in the area of time management. My time management and organizational skills were one of the things that I was teased about at Penn State. Anyone can improve this skill set if they are willing to take it on."

Lundy's book, The Super Allergy Girl™ Allergy & Celiac Cookbook - From A Mother Who Knows™, a gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, peanut free, tree nut free and other allergen free cookbook is another example of time efficiency and productivity. Her book was written and published, all 408 pages of it, in the space of just 9 months. It has received lavish praise from consumers and medical practitioners alike for the usefulness of the information as well as the delicious foods that it produces. In a time when the economy has tanked and people are suffering, worried and feeling down, Lundy hopes that she can be a bright light to inspire others in difficult times.

She and her husband, Randy Garrett, have weathered the emotional strain of having a child with life-threatening health issues coupled with the financial drain of uncovered medical bills. They are among the 83.3% of Americans who do have health insurance, however their health plan was allowed to deny their daughter's life saving medical treatments and offer no alternative medical treatment. "We have spent over $100,000 in out-of-pocket medical bills to keep Anne alive. She is now 7-1/2 years old and doing unbelievably well. She will be completely well in the next year or so," asserted Lundy. "People who watch the FOX 5 NYC news story from May 2006, realize that while they have hardships, it could be worse."

In addition to having a penchant for great tasting foods without the gluten, dairy. eggs and other food allergens that her children require, Lundy is passionate about helping people. Her content rich web site contains free white papers, tip sheets, videos and recipes to help empower consumers and educators. Her book is available at http://www. TheSuperAllergyCookbook. com (http://www. TheSuperAllergyCookbook. com).

Size: 6" x 9" 
Pages: 405 pages 
Soft Cover, Perfect Bound 
ISBN#: 978-0-9797542-0-3
Price: $28.95

Contact: Ms. Lisa Lundy
Phone: (716) 835-6392

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Tell Us "What Gets Under Your Skin?" Chance to Win Invite to Exclusive Party at Top Chicago Salon

Tell Us "What Gets Under Your Skin?" Chance to Win Invite to Exclusive Party at Top Chicago Salon

The "What Gets Under Your Skin?" contest is being offered to Chicagoans as Maven™, a new revolutionary hair care system designed to deliver healthy, well nourished beautiful hair, and Naturally Clear Skin™, a new and improved, hydrating skin care line that penetrates deep below the skin surface, are being rolled out to area stores. Be one of the first 100 to enter by telling us what irks you, what really gets under your skin, in 500 words or less and win an invite to a free party at a top Chicago salon!

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) May 1, 2009

Be one of the first to tell us "What Gets Under Your Skin?" in 500 words or less by May 15, 2009 and win an invite to an exclusive party at a top Chicago salon. Only the top 100 to enter will win.

This contest is being offered to Chicagoans as Maven™, a new a revolutionary hair care system designed to deliver healthy, well nourished beautiful hair, and Naturally Clear Skin™, a new and improved, hydrating skin care line that penetrates deep below the skin surface, are being rolled out to area stores.

The "What Gets Under Your Skin?" Contest
Be one of the first to share your story with BioCare Labs, makers of Maven™ and Naturally Clear Skin™, and win a free, exclusive evening of complimentary manicures, Maven drinks, food and a raffle at a top Chicago Salon on Tuesday, May 19, 2009.

Tell us what irks you, what really gets under your skin, in 500 words or less. Enter at contest (at) biocarelabs (dot) com.

Only the top 100 to enter will win. The first 30 to enter will receive free manicures and be invited to an exclusive party and the next 70 to enter will be invited to the same party. All guests will have a chance to enter the raffle and win amazing prizes.

Enter fast - your chance for a free night of fun is just around the corner. Entrants must be 21 and over to enter. Deadline is May 15, 2009.

This event is hosted by the folks at BioCare Labs, creators of the Maven™ haircare line and Naturally Clear Skin™ skincare line.

For more information, contact contest (at) biocarelabs (dot) com.

Media Contact:
Teresa Alagna
Teresa (at) biocarelabs (dot) com
312.498.9593

Http://www. biocarelabs. com (http://www. biocarelabs. com)

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Colorado Family Volunteers, Changing Lives in Africa

Colorado Family Volunteers, Changing Lives in Africa

Today, on National Family Volunteer Day, Mercy Ships would like to recognize the Palmer family as a remarkable example of a volunteer family who has sacrificed much to help those who have very little.

Garden Valley, Texas (Vocus) November 16, 2010

Did you know that volunteering has benefits far beyond what you can imagine? “The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research” is a study done by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The research found a significant connection between volunteering and good health. The report shows that volunteers have greater longevity, higher functional ability, lower rates of depression and less incidence of heart disease. This is superb news for Mercy Ships, an organization that operates a hospital ship staffed with a volunteer crew.

One Mercy Ships family from Montrose, Colorado, is definitely reaping these benefits. Donovan Palmer, his wife Mae, and their three children live and volunteer together in West Africa. Their home is the Africa Mercy, a hospital ship that provides free medical care to the forgotten poor. Today, on National Family Volunteer Day, Mercy Ships would like to recognize the Palmer family as a remarkable example of a volunteer family who has sacrificed much to help those who have very little.

Mercy Ships brings hope and healing to some of the poorest countries in the world. Volunteer crew members work together to provide life-changing surgeries, surgical training, and infrastructure development to West African countries. These free services are offered without regard to a patient’s age, ethnicity or religion.

Donovan Palmer has the monumental job of managing the day-to-day operations of the ship – a job that, despite its pressures, is extremely rewarding. He truly is the face of Mercy Ships when the vessel is in port, interacting with dignitaries and government officials by giving tours and hosting events. Why did he accept such a demanding job? He explains, “I accepted the position as Managing Director because Mae and I love to help the poor and needy.”

The Palmers were involved with Mercy Ships in Newcastle, UK when the organization acquired the Africa Mercy and converted it from a Danish rail ferry into a state-of-the-art hospital ship. Then they spent five years with Youth with a Mission in the United Kingdom before re-joining Mercy Ships.

Donovan and Mae are a husband/wife team in every way. Mae serves as her husband’s executive assistant. She runs his office and provides invaluable skills helping Donovan lead a multi-cultural community representing more than 30 nations onboard the ship.

Volunteering is absolutely a family affair for the Palmers. They have made a life out of serving the poor, which included making the decision to raise their children abroad. The kids attend school at the accredited Academy housed on the ship. Though the family is far away from home, Palmer notes that his children have “made many wonderful memories and have enjoyed being in West Africa experiencing other cultures.” Undoubtedly, they are receiving an invaluable multicultural education, both on and off the ship.

Volunteering comes in many forms. Not all of us can uproot our lives to move to Africa, but we can find a way to help others. Mercy Ships offers many ways to get involved. They offer short-term mission trips to impoverished countries across the world. You can also help through financial gifts and prayer. You can even get your church family involved in the Mercy Ships Anchor Church program.

On this Family Volunteer Day take your spouse, parent, sibling, son or daughter by the hand – and together find a way to show mercy to someone in need. The rewards and benefits will far outweigh the effort or cost.

Take a virtual tour of our hospital ship and get a glimpse into what life is like onboard!

ABOUT NATIONAL FAMILY VOLUNTEER DAY: This annual day of service, held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, is designed to demonstrate the power of families who choose to volunteer together to support the communities in which they live and serve. Volunteering as a family provides quality time for busy families, strengthens communication and bonds, and positively impacts local communities across the nation.

ABOUT MERCY SHIPS: Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class health care services to those without access in the developing world. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at more than $808 million, impacting more than 2.5 million direct beneficiaries. Each year Mercy Ships has over 1,200 volunteers from over 40 nations. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, health care trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills to the effort. Mercy Ships seeks to become the face of love in action, bringing hope and healing to the poor. For more information click on http://www. mercyships. org

Contact Information
Kathy Gohmert
US Public Relations
Kathy(dot)gohmert(at)mercyships(dot)org
903.939.7019

Hi-res photos and general Mercy Ships video footage are available upon request.

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Doctor Building Nutritarian Army to Fight Disease

Doctor Building Nutritarian Army to Fight Disease

Celebrities sing Dr. Fuhrman’s praises for helping them stay fit and trim, but this physician is determined to arm all Americans with not only the best weapon for battling weight struggles but also for fighting off chronic illnesses like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and others. He has helped countless individuals make dramatic health recoveries through his unique high-nutrient dietary approach each saving thousands of dollars on medications. Dr. Fuhrman’s scientific discovery contributing to this success is that micronutrient adequacy derails food addictions and overeating behavior These disease recoveries, achieved with natural whole foods, prepared deliciously, are inspiring to all and critical to consider in our present crisis of expensive and unaffordable health care.

Flemington, NJ (PRWEB) January 27, 2010

Dr. Fuhrman is grateful for the attention that Alanis Morissette’s weight loss success has brought to him and his book EAT TO LIVE, but the bigger story here is the dramatic recoveries from life-threatening illnesses his readers have achieved following his high nutrient (http://www. drfuhrman. com/library/article6.aspx) diet-style. Dr. Fuhrman is passionate about educating the public and stresses, “Micronutrient adequacy is needed to control appetite and food addictions. Not only is this the key to weight loss but more importantly it is the key to reversing heart disease (http://drfuhrman. com/disease/HeartDisease. aspx) and many chronic illnesses debilitating people everyday.”

Singing sensation Morissette put an end to her lifelong battle with weight and has acclaimed Joel Fuhrman, M. D.’s book EAT TO LIVE as the key to her success. Dr. Fuhrman emphasizes a diet composed of nutrient dense foods (http://drfuhrman. com/weightloss/about. aspx) which are vital to weight loss, good health and longevity. He has even coined the term, nutritarian (http://drfuhrman. com/library/are-you-a-nutritarian. aspx) to describe the eating style he advocates.

A now trim and fit Morisette says, “This isn’t just a healthy phase. This is a way of life. I feel like my body is what it was born to be.” watch video

Mehmet Oz (http://drfuhrman. com/weightloss/foreword. aspx), M. D. calls Dr. Fuhrman’s plan, “a medical breakthrough.”

Living a Nutritarian lifestyle is life changing. Fuhrman’s readers and online members are living proof and want to share their success. . .

Ronnie was still very ill and was certain he was not going to live much longer after failed bypass surgery and stents placed in his arteries — he was still having chest pain. As a last ditch effort, he googled “reverse heart disease” and discovered Dr. Fuhrman’s web site. Ronnie lost over 140lbs in one year and completely restored his health. He was able to rid himself of all medications and save over $600 per month in out-of-pocket expenses! You will be astounded by his remarkable recovery.

Charlotte suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and 65 percent blocked arteries, she found Dr. Fuhrman’s book and was assured by the successes on his website. She lost a staggering 133 pounds and recovered her health including completely getting rid of her diabetes – something she didn’t think was possible.

Anthony was 33 years old, 360 pounds, with high blood pressure and frequent migraines. He had always struggled with weight. After reading Fuhrman’s EAT TO LIVE he “got it” and started making changes. Today he is without headaches, 160 pounds lighter and more energetic.

Dr Fuhrman thinks dramatic success stories, like these, achieved with natural whole foods is newsworthy and critical to consider in our present crisis of expensive and unaffordable health care. Lets make sure everyone knows how they can get well.

Joel Fuhrman, M. D., is a board-certified family physician who specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional and natural methods. His other books include Eat For Health, Disease-Proof Your Child, and Cholesterol Protection for Life. In addition, to being widely published in medical journals and consumer publications, like People magazine and The Economist, he is recognized as one of the country's leading experts on nutrition and natural healing and, as such, has appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs shows including: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, Today, Good Morning America, the Discovery Channel, TV Food Network, CNBC and others.

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NAMI Issues "Stigma Alert" Over Inaccurate and Offensive Halloween Costumes, Attractions

NAMI Issues "Stigma Alert" Over Inaccurate and Offensive Halloween Costumes, Attractions

National Alliance on Mental Illness opposes Halloween costumes, attractions that perpetuate mental health illness stereotypes

Arlington, VA (PRWEB) October 28, 2009

As Halloween approaches, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (http://www. nami. org/) (NAMI) is issuing a Halloween "stigma alert" (http://www. nami. org/Template. cfm? Section=Stigma_Alerts_Archive&template=/contentmanagement/contentdisplay. cfm&ContentID=88086&title=NAMI%20StigmaBuster%20Alert%3A%20October%2022%2C%202009) for costumes and other seasonal attractions that feature inaccurate and offensive stereotypes regarding those with mental health illnesses.

NAMI points out ghosts and goblins are one thing, but when "haunted house" attractions become "insane asylums" featuring "mental patients" as murderous ghouls, it's time for the organization, and public, to protest. U. S. Surgeon General has determined that stigma is a major barrier to people getting help when they need it and NAMI chapters across the country are working to make sure Halloween does not turn into a chance to perpetuate these stereotypes. What to do?
 If offensive Halloween attractions or products appear in your local stores, contact sponsors, advertisers or sellers personally. Educate and ask them to remove offensive parts of any attraction, advertisements or merchandise that mock mental illness.

 Alert local NAMI chapters, family and friends to phone, send letters or e-mail the sponsors or stores.

 Contact local newspaper editors and television news directors. Educate them about stigma and your concerns.

For example, NAMI New Jersey (http://www. naminj. org/advocacy/advocacy_alerts. html) is fighting an "Asylum of Terror" sponsored by a local museum and supported by a local Wal-Mart and Dunkin' Donuts, to name a few. There are several ways supporters of NAMI and advocates of those with mental illnesses can also help spread the message that perpetuating stigma towards persons with a mental illness is a national -- as well as local -- concerns.

Visit the NAMI Halloween Stigma Alert at: http://www. nami. org/Template. cfm? Section=Stigma_Alerts_Archive&template=/contentmanagement/contentdisplay. cfm&ContentID=88086&title=NAMI%20StigmaBuster%20Alert%3A%20October%2022%2C%202009 (http://www. nami. org/Template. cfm? Section=Stigma_Alerts_Archive&template=/contentmanagement/contentdisplay. cfm&ContentID=88086&title=NAMI%20StigmaBuster%20Alert%3A%20October%2022%2C%202009) for actions you can take.

About NAMI:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a non-partisan organization with 1100 state and local affiliates, dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Dedication, steadfast commitment and unceasing belief in NAMI's mission by grassroots advocates have produced profound changes.

Additional Web Resources:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness: http://www. nami. org/ (http://www. nami. org/)
NAMI StigmaBusters Alerts: http://www. nami. org/template. cfm? section=Stigma_Alerts_Archive (http://www. nami. org/template. cfm? section=Stigma_Alerts_Archive)

Contact:
Christine Armstrong
703-312-7983
3803 North Fairfax Drive, 22203
Arlington, VA 22201-3042

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Beachwalk Project Joins Altamaha Riverkeeper to Support Jekyll Island Protection

Beachwalk Project Joins Altamaha Riverkeeper to Support Jekyll Island Protection

Altamaha Riverkeeper's work to protect Georgia's coastal environment is a shared goal of Beachwalk project members doing a 1600 mile paddle/walk of the East Coast.

Jekyll Island, GA (PRWEB) April 28, 2007

Protecting Jekyll Island for future generations was the focus of Altamaha Riverkeeper's (ARK) (www. altamahariverkeeper. org) recent Celebrate Jekyll gathering. ARK and Beachwalk Project members braved high winds on the island's undeveloped south end to urge citizens to support protection of Jekyll, one of Georgia's most accessible natural beaches.

Beginning in February 2007, Beachwalk Project members Stein Kretsinger and Robert Weinman launched a 133-day, 1600-mile walk/kayak journey along the entire eastern seashore from Miami, FL to New York, NY to support the environment.

After being on their trek for 8 weeks, the paddlers joined Altamaha Riverkeeper for the April 15th celebration. Weinman, a Seattle-based teacher when not paddling, expressed how wonderful it was to discover an island as pristine as Jekyll; "The landscape in Georgia is beautiful and natural, especially after coming from Florida where it is so developed."

Their stop on Jekyll was made to highlight the importance of protecting Georgia's barrier islands from beachfront development. Krestsinger said, "In Florida we saw first hand how development has driven the spending of millions of dollars to re-nourish beaches that are naturally eroding. Because numerous structures are built too close to the beach, now residents are paying the costs of bringing in more sand to keep the structures from falling into the ocean."

"We know how special Jekyll Island is to Georgians but learning from our guests about development problems on Florida's beaches renews our commitment to protecting the island for the thousands of visitors who come to enjoy its undeveloped nature," said Billie Jo Parker, the Coastkeeper of the Altamaha Riverkeeper.

In the last month, the Altamaha Riverkeeper joined thousands of citizens from throughout Georgia to support legislation to protect the south end of Jekyll from proposed development. The effort came after members of the Jekyll Island Authority began publicly discussing their plans to seek a master developer to create a development plan for the island. In the last hours of the 2007 General Assembly, Senator Jeff Chapman of Brunswick amended legislation aimed at facilitating Jekyll's development. These amendments will protect the island against inappropriate development.

The Beachwalk project is continuing and its route will take Kretsinger and Weinman along the world's longest barrier island chain, marked by beaches, swamps, estuaries and wetlands. Along the way, they are meeting with other waterkeepers, leaders, and educators in coastal communities. Part of their goal is to raise support for Waterkeeper Alliance, a grassroots advocacy organization with 155 local clean water advocates, such as the Altamaha Riverkeeper, who patrol waterways and protect the publics right to clean water. Beachwalk project is also using the expedition to promote healthy water and wind-based activities to children including: fishing, kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, kite-boarding and sailing.

Kretsinger and Weinman have a long history of outdoor sports under their belts and say every day is an adventure. When asked about planning for the trip, Kretsinger laughed and said that even though neither one of them started out as expert paddlers, they would be by the end of the trip.

If Kretsinger seems confident, it may be because he is no stranger to success. In 2000, he co-founded Advertising. com, an on-line marketing company, which was sold to AOL/Time Warner for a sunny $435 million in 2004.

The planner in the group seems to be Evelyn Weinman. She is following in the escort vehicle, organizing all public relations events, and arranging their overnight stays on beaches and in national and state parks. From Guam, Evelyn is also the chief cook and prepares her healthy native food in the RV, which serves as their home away from home.

Evelyn says, "You have to respect the water. It has its own spirit. Today in Guam, the water is so polluted with discharge from large ships it is not healthy for the natives to use the water for fishing anymore. We want to raise environmental awareness and encourage children and community members to become involved with programs, like the Altamaha Riverkeeper to promote responsible watershed stewardship."

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MTSS-mba Tracking & Administration Software to Attend the IFEBP 56TH Annual Conference

MTSS-mba Tracking & Administration Software to Attend the IFEBP 56TH Annual Conference

Talbot Business Solutions, LLC, a premier software solutions provider, announced today their participation in the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans 56th Annual Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii being held November 14th through November 17th, in Booth #1210

Gaithersburg, MD (PRWEB) October 31, 2010

Talbot Business Solutions, LLC, a premier software solutions provider, announced their participation in the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans 56th Annual Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii being held November 14th through November 17th, in Booth #1210

This year’s conference will allow current and future customers to observe live demonstrations, how each MTSS-mba module and feature has been designed for user friendliness and user tested to ensure it is providing the desired information. MTSS-mba modules are seamlessly interwoven and result in a cohesive, intuitive application that runs smoothly, fast, and fits each user’s needs to a 'T'. MTSS-mba is easy to maintain and designed to be contention free; even for hundreds of simultaneous users - so ‘nobody has to wait’. Data is quickly and easily retrieved at your desktop; right where you need it

MTSS-mba began as a custom developed software application in 1991 and was designed to track and administer membership, and membership benefit fund data, for membership based organizations having benefit fund entities.

MTSS-mba has matured to a tremendously robust, custom-tailored software product serving the private and Taft-Hartley multi-employer, benefit fund industry and those entities tasked with maintaining health and welfare, legal services, pension and other benefit trust funds. MTSS-mba also tracks and maintains non-benefits related information such as dues, PAC, employment data, dependent data, etc.

The feature set of MTSS-mba has continued to expand. These features include reporting and calculating dues, benefits eligibility, payments, payment shortages, document imaging, member and benefit statistics as well as automated downloading and posting of employer and membership data, benefit provider reconciliation, eligibility and benefit experience costing, pension remittance and vesting processing, and web access; all of which reflect a mature product’s evolution, responding to industry changes and user requests.

Simply put, MTSS-mba was “Designed to make you a Hero!” To learn more about MTSS-mba visit:

Http://www. MTSS-mba. com

Or Visit Us at the 56th Annual IFEBP Show, Booth #1210 in Honolulu, Hawaii November 14th through the 17th.

About Talbot Business Solutions, LLC
Founded in Gaithersburg, MD in 1990, Talbot Business Solutions, LLC is led by experienced Membership and Employee Benefits Administration veterans who have a history of providing excellent service to the private as well as Taft-Hartley Employee Benefits community.

About The GriffRex Group llc: a management consulting firm working with business, to integrate financial management, marketing methodology, sales process, operations & corporate strategy with analytics to implement corporate performance management to help companies grow.

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Having Health Insurance Is Not the Same as Having Health Benefits. High Deductibles Leave Many Without Basic Maintenance Health Benefits. <a href="http://www. LowerMyDoctorBills. com" onclick="linkClick(this. href)">www. LowerMyDoctorBills. com</a> Offers Affordable Solutions

Having Health Insurance Is Not the Same as Having Health Benefits. High Deductibles Leave Many Without Basic Maintenance Health Benefits. www. LowerMyDoctorBills. com Offers Affordable Solutions.

The healthcare crisis goes beyond the 45 million uninsured Americans. Individuals and families buying health insurance are forced to take high deductibles, $2500 to $5000 to make premiums affordable. This means that, in many cases, basic health benefits such as emergency care, check ups, prescriptions, dental, vision, hearing and chiropractic are not covered. Where's the benefit in that?

(PRWEB) September 29, 2004 -

The soaring costs of health insurance are forcing individuals and families to select higher and higher deductibles in order to make the plans affordable. But, the question is: Do you have health benefits?

There is plenty debate on how to fix the health care crisis. President Bush proposes promotion of the health savings accounts or HSAs. HSAs combine high deductible insurance plans with tax-deductible savings accounts to help fund the out of pocket expenses. The plans have merit and some families will definitely benefit from their use. Here's the problem.

Families are already buying high deductible plans to keep monthly premiums within budget. HSAs mean that they can put aside money to pay for the out of pocket expenses, such as the deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. However, these plans don't include the basic maintenance benefits. Dental cleanings, vision and hearing tests are not being performed on many children due to limitations on some health plans.

Gail Lynn Moore, owner of wwwLowerMyDoctorBillscom and a licensed insurance agent in California says "I try to educate my clients on how to build health benefit packages for themselves and their families. I usually recommend $2500, $3000 or $5000 deductibles, but help clients weigh those plans against not having doctor visits paid for, or prescription coverage included. Sometimes a discount benefit card will do the trick. No, they're not insurance, but offer valuable benefits that are not available in many individual health insurance plans."

In response to some critics who suggest using discount plans to meet the deductible isn't the best way to go, she replies, "I'm not suggesting that the plan be used to fill the deductible gap. I recommend the client buy the discount plan for the benefits. Most of these expenses would not count towards the deductible. For example, a $1000 dental benefit with two free annual cleanings per family member would be a benefit worth having."

Moore cautions, "Not all discount benefit cards are created equal. I market the International Association of Businesses (IAB) cards for several reasons:

1) The non-profit association, founded in 1982 has been committed to delivering benefits to American families,

2) they offer four different levels of benefits, providing more flexibility in designing a health package,

3) the long term care advisor makes the Classic plan ideal for seniors struggling with the high cost of prescriptions and the possible need for long term care in the future and

4) the Money Back Rewards Program is simply frosting on the cake."

Consumers need to understand that having health insurance does not mean that they necessarily will have health benefits. Having health insurance and still being uninsured doesn't make a lot of sense. Access to affordable health benefits is here today. At www. LowerMyDoctorBills. com, they really are changing the way America buys healthcare.

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Sensational Destination Announces Chocoholic Celebrity Chef Cruises

Sensational Destination Announces Chocoholic Celebrity Chef Cruises

Sensational Destination announces the dates of two gourmet chocolate themed luxury cruises, joined by celebrity chefs sharing their recipes, skills and 'chocolicious' experiences - tailor-made for chocoholics.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) May 2, 2007

Sensational Destination of Fort Lauderdale, Florida announces today their partnership with present and former Food Network ™ celebrities; Warren Brown, Ellie Krieger, Gale Gand, Colette Peters and Rob Sobkowski.

The company is producing two seven night cruises celebrating everything chocolate. The first one departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on January 5th, 2008 on the Costa Mediterranea followed by a January 20th, 2008 departure on the Carnival Pride sailing from Los Angeles, California.

These events will be raising money for various children's charities and in addition, a number of cabins are being earmarked for families who would normally be unable to enjoy this experience.

Sensational Destination CEO Lee Epstein says: "Anybody can take a cruise today, but there is only a limited amount of space available for the January 2008 Celebrity Chef Chocoholic Cruises.

From the moment you walk the red carpet to board the ship to the second you disembark; you, your family and your friends can be treated as true celebrities and spend a week hobnobbing with celebrity chefs who are or have been on TV's immensely popular Food Network."

Celebrity chefs:

Warren Brown:
Warren Brown is the host of Sugar Rush on The Food Network and the owner of CakeLove and Love Café. Mr. Brown loves working in the kitchen and developing new products that are sold through his bakery and café. His career path has been anything but normal, and that adds to a lot of the excitement in the sweets he creates.

Ellie Krieger:
Ellie Krieger is a registered dietitian specializing in nutrition and health communications, and author of Small Changes, Big Results (Clarkson Potter, February 2005). Her extensive work in the media has earned her a loyal following and national recognition as a trusted health professional.

Gale Gand:
At the age of six, Gale Gand caught the eye of a Life magazine photographer while she was making mud pies. Forty-some years later, although the ingredients have changed, Gand is still catching the eyes and tastes of all those who witness her latest creations.

Colette Peters:
Colette Peters has been the owner of Colette's Cakes, a specialty cake company in New York City, in 1989. Since she was 8 years old, living in Chicago, she has made cakes and experimented in the kitchen. She is a member of The Baker's Dozen East, the New York Women's Culinary Alliance, and the International Cake Exploration Society.

Rob Sobkowski:
Chef Rob began his baking career at the age of ten at Piazza Bakery in Staten Island, N. Y., which was owned by his grandparents. In 2004 Chef Rob started Sensational Chocolates, a gourmet chocolate company featuring single Criollo bean "Grand Cru" chocolate. Sensational Chocolates has been featured on The Food Network and recently was picked as one of the top three artisan confectionery producers in the country by The Gallo Family Vineyards in California. He appears regularly on the NBC 6 South Florida Today show.

Read more about the chefs and the fabulous cruises at www. sensationaldestination. com

About Sensational Destination:
Sensational Destination is a purveyor of special interest ultra travel events. Sensational Destination contracts with the absolute crème de la crème of professionals in a diverse selection of subjects from cuisine, wine appreciation, cigar appreciation, motor racing, all the way to poker experts and everything in between.

The company offers and plans special interest itineraries in all of these areas. Our professionals are constantly planning all facets of each client's travel experience and we work closely with all the major cruise lines, land tour providers and private jet charter airlines. They personally coordinate with the clients, and the special interest experts, if applicable, to make sure that each experience produces the memorable experience that each client has come to expect and truly deserves.

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Savvy Healthcare Consumers Seek Skilled, Safe Cosmetic Surgeons Abroad; Cosmetic Harmony Quickly Becoming Number One Travel Destination

Savvy Healthcare Consumers Seek Skilled, Safe Cosmetic Surgeons Abroad; Cosmetic Harmony Quickly Becoming Number One Travel Destination

In today's information age, savvy consumers have at their disposable a variety of tools to research and compare healthcare options. Skill and safety are among the top criteria cited by many cosmetic surgery seekers, followed closely by cost. The surprising result? Many Americans now travel abroad for high quality, safe and affordable procedures.

Miami, FL (PRWEB) January 14, 2009

In today's information age, savvy consumers have at their disposable a variety of tools to research and compare healthcare options. Skill and safety are among the top criteria cited by many cosmetic surgery (http://www. affordableplasticcosmeticsurgeryincolombia. com/) seekers, followed closely by cost. The surprising result? Many Americans now travel abroad for high quality, safe and affordable procedures. In 2008 more cosumers traveled to Colombia for cosmetic procedures than ever before. In fact the year over year percentage growth was a 31% increase from 2007. With over 45,000 people visting Colombia for surgery in 2008. This was in part due to a slowing economy in the United States and Europe as well as a growing reputation for Colombian surgeons. Medical Tourism as an industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world today.

Cosmetic Harmony, a medical tourism (http://www. affordableplasticcosmeticsurgeryincolombia. com/) company specializing in cosmetic surgery, has seen an increase in its American clientele. Headquartered in Colombia, Cosmetic Harmony offers procedures at a fraction of the cost patients would pay elsewhere, coupled with a degree of personal attention almost unheard of in the United States.

With rising costs in the United States and Europe more and more clinics and surgeons are seeking ways to cut costs. "In the United States, a patient may see several different doctors leading up to his or her procedure. It's an assembly line mentality," says Anthony Guidice, Cosmetic Harmony (http://www. affordableplasticcosmeticsurgeryincolombia. com/) Vice President of Sales. "There's little to no continuity when multiple physicians are involved at different stages in the process. Cosmetic Harmony prides itself of continuity of care and a personalized experience. The physician you see for the consultation will be the same physician who performs the surgery and the same physician you see once the surgery is complete."

In addition to the personal attention of a dedicated physician, Cosmetic Harmony clients also benefit from the company's use of anesthesiologists, as opposed to nurse anesthetists. Nurse anesthetists are commonly used to administer anesthesia in many surgery centers, due to the comparably high cost of their physician counterparts.

"While nurse anesthetists are certainly qualified to administer anesthesia, we feel that a medical doctor is better suited," says Guidice. "Our anesthesiologists (http://www. affordableplasticcosmeticsurgeryincolombia. com/) administer the anesthesia and oversee the procedure, beginning to end, to ensure safety."

For more information, visit www. cosmeticharmony. com.

About Cosmetic Harmony:

Cosmetic Harmony is a medical tourism company specializing in complete cosmetic surgery packages, including cosmetic procedures, travel, accommodations, transportation to medical appointments, a bilingual personal assistant and medications.

Contact:

Anthony Giudice, Vice President of Sales
305.726.0527
Cosmetic Harmony

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Cash for Chunkers-Fitness Together Minneapolis St. Paul

Cash for Chunkers-Fitness Together Minneapolis St. Paul

Fitness Together MSP Announces Local Exercise Stimulus Package

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) September 2, 2009

Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn. (PRWEB) September 2, 2009 -- Fitness Together Minneapolis St. Paul today announced it's "Cash for Chunkers" program. Similar to the Federal Government's Cash for Clunkers program where unwanted, inefficient vehicles can be traded in for cash discounts on a new vehicle, the Cash for Chunkers program similarly provides discounts for people looking to trade in their overweight bodies for a new one.

The program, which is available immediately, allows for graduated discounts relative to an individual's current body fat. "We take the difference between an individual's current body fat measurement, the ideal body fat for the individual, and then offer a discount on the difference." stated Fitness Together Minneapolis St Paul Owner and Chief Fitness officer Randy Zarecki.

The AP reported last month that being obese can cost an individual as much as $1400 more per year more than a normal weight individual. "While it would be great for the Federal Government to spend some money on exercise instead of encouraging people to drive more, that hasn't happened, so we're providing our own stimulus package for overweight and obese people to get healthier and save up to $1400." Zarecki added.

"A woman currently measuring 35% body fat is 20% above the ideal female body fat percentage of 15%, so she would get a 20% discount on any of our programs... up to $1400 off." Zarecki clarified.

The program is available to new FT MSP clients only through August 31st.

Interested parties can get more information by calling any of the 3 Fitness Together Minneapolis St Paul studios. Fitness Together provides customized, private one on one personal training in fully equipped studios.

Downtown 1024 Washington Ave S., Minneapolis 55415 612.378.8898
Highland Park 2112A Ford Pkwy, St. Paul 55116 651.699.9955
Uptown 1221 W. Lake St., Minneapolis 55408 612.822.3448

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Ways to Improve the Performance of an IT Department

Ways to Improve the Performance of an IT Department

An informative book from a thirty-five-year veteran in the field of business information management

Wilmington, NC (Vocus) June 10, 2010

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About the Author
Avery Cloud is a thirty-five-year veteran in the field of business information management. He began his information technology career in global manufacturing and consumer products, and after thirteen years, he moved into healthcare information management. He learned information technology from the ground up, starting in computer operations and eventually becoming a vice-president and Chief Information Officer (CIO). He has been widely published in industry trade journals and spoken frequently in industry forums. He is the recipient of several awards, most recently one of Computer World Magazines Premier 100 CIO’s.

Turnaround * by Avery Cloud, PhD
Career Saving Techniques for IT Leaders
Publication Date: June 7, 2010
Trade Paperback; $19.99; 147 pages; 978-1-4500-9453-5
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