Vision Is On the Move to Expanded Office Space at New Cedar Knolls Location

Vision Is On the Move to Expanded Office Space at New Cedar Knolls Location



Vision Creative Group is excited to announce its upcoming move on February 26 to new state-of-the art office space located at 16 Wing Drive, Cedar Knolls, NJ.



Cedar Knolls, NJ (Vocus) February 2, 2010



Vision Creative Group (http://www. visioncreativegroup. com) is excited to announce its upcoming move on February 26 to new state-of-the art office space located at 16 Wing Drive, Cedar Knolls, NJ.



The acquisition of this new 15,000 square feet of space marks the 5th time since 2000 that Vision Creative Group has increased its office space in order to accommodate its steady growth.



“We are very excited about the new space and the many benefits it will offer the agency. The new offices allow for the agency to be set in contiguous, well-planned space that provides agency members a fantastic work environment. I believe this move will also translate to benefits for our clients and provide for future agency growth,” said Andy Bittman, President of Vision Creative Group.



About Vision Creative Group

Vision Creative Group is an award winning, full-service advertising agency, integrating traditional, direct, online and social media as well as packaging and point of purchase. Experienced, talented and easy to work with, Vision Creative Group services a roster of well-known clients including: Casio USA, Ferrero USA, Wyeth Consumer Healthcare, Hasbro, Unilever, Disney, Prestige Brands, Magyar Banks and more.



Formed in 1987 and located in Cedar Knolls, NJ, Vision was recently ranked "#9 of the top 50 Advertising Agencies in New Jersey”, by NJ BIZ in their "2010 Book of Lists". For more information please visit www. visioncreativegroup. com].



Contact:

Andrew Bittman

Vision Creative Group

Phone: 973-984-3454

E-Mail: ab(at)visioncreativegroup(dot)com



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MPi Launches "REV it UP", Nationwide Contest Engages Auto Dealer Fixed Operations to raise their Game

MPi Launches "REV it UP", Nationwide Contest Engages Auto Dealer Fixed Operations to raise their Game



Mobile Productivity, Inc., (MPi) (www. mpifix. com) a leading provider of profitability tools for auto dealer service departments, today announced the launch of REV it UP, a nationwide contest for service technicians at MPi auto dealerships. In an ongoing effort to bring its auto dealer clients new ways to maximize the value of its state of the art software solution EDGE™, MPi has launched "REV it UP" to help excite and engage Fixed Operations to raise their game. To enter, MPi dealer clients should visit: http://www. revituponedge. com/register. php. Entries must be received by September 30, 2010



Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) September 13, 2010



Mobile Productivity, Inc., (MPi) (www. mpifix. com) a leading provider of profitability tools for auto dealer service departments, today announced the launch of REV it UP, a nationwide contest for service technicians at MPi auto dealerships. In an ongoing effort to bring its auto dealer clients new ways to maximize the value of its state of the art software solution EDGE™, MPi has launched "REV it UP" to help excite and engage Fixed Operations to raise their game. To enter, MPi dealer clients should visit: http://www. revituponedge. com/register. php (http://www. revituponedge. com/register. php). Entries must be received by September 30, 2010.



REV it UP has been designed to help MPi's dealers improve EDGE™ results in several key areas:

 Increase the engagement of service techs in the EDGE system  Improve overall consistency, quality and speed of every vehicle inspection  Increase the number of legitimate recommendations per inspection  Increase the average up sell per Repair Order



REV it Up is a series of four races designed to test technicians' skills and speed using EDGE (http://www. mpifix. com/Products/Default. aspx) for their vehicle inspection process. The dealership techs first race against each other and the winner earns a three-night adventure in one of over 46 great destinations. The winning tech from the dealership then competes in a second race against other winning techs at a district competition. Each winning tech at the district level earns $500 and a one week stay in a luxury resort, with over 4,000 destinations worldwide to choose from.



The winners from race 2 then compete at a regional level where the winner receives a $1,000 cash prize as well as a selection of other prizes and the right to compete in the final race 4 in Las Vegas. In March, the regional finalists and their guests will travel to Las Vegas where all the runners-up will earn an OTC Nemisys™ scan tool valued at $1,349. The national champ will walk away with an 8-lap Rookie Experience with Richard Petty Driving Experience, $5,000 in cash and an OTC Pegisys™ scan tool valued at $5,500.



Commenting on Rev it UP, David Boyle, President and COO of MPi said, "We feel this race will surely excite and engage Fixed Operations to raise their game! IDealers using the World Class Inspection system uniformly see significant increases in recommendations per vehicle inspection; which translates to healthy increases in gross profit."



EDGE™ is part of the MPi World Class Inspection™ (http://www. mpifix. com/Products/Wci. aspx) (WCI) system. Where the system is in use, auto dealers are performing a better inspection and doing a superior job of explaining needed repairs to the customer, realizing benefits that average between $100 and $125 in additional needed repairs per vehicle inspection, a substantial increase in profit for the service department.



The WCI system focuses on the management of a "customer friendly" (http://www. mpifix. com/Products/KyvReport. aspx) process which when performed correctly produces better results. MPi's complete and all inclusive vehicle inspection program includes its state of the art software solution, EDGE; customized customer friendly communication tools (Recommended Action Plan™ and Know Your Vehicle™ reports), detailed management reporting and analysis tools, ongoing consulting and training services, and process and performance metrics.



WCI pricing is based on dealership size and number of users. A dealership can receive a no-cost price quote and business case by contacting MPI at (888) 335-5736, or visit MPi's website at: www. mpifix. com.



About MPi:

For more information visit:

Http://www. mpifix. com/AboutUs/Default. aspx (http://www. mpifix. com/AboutUs/Default. aspx)



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Prodiance Completes Successful 2010 with Profitability and Key Wins at 4 of the Top 5 Financial Services Firms

Prodiance Completes Successful 2010 with Profitability and Key Wins at 4 of the Top 5 Financial Services Firms



Prodiance announced their most successful year ever in 2010 with an 80% increase in revenue and more than 100 custumers across 20 countries and 6 continents.



Pleasanton, CA and London, UK (PRWEB) January 6, 2011



Prodiance Corporation, a global provider of Enterprise Risk Management solutions, today announced their most successful year ever in 2010 reaching profitability with an 80% increase in revenue over prior year’s results. This growth firmly establishes the company as the fastest growing Spreadsheet Control vendor and a key player in the overall Enterprise Risk Management market. Since launching the company in July of 2005, Prodiance has acquired more than 100 customers across 20 countries and 6 continents. Prodiance technology is now the solution of choice at 4 of Top 5 financial services firms in the world - all of which have enterprise-wide programs in place to mitigate spreadsheet and end-user computing (EUC) risk.



"In a relatively short period of time, Prodiance went from zero customers to becoming the fastest growing and most innovative Spreadsheet Control vendor," said Soheil Saadat, President and CEO at Prodiance. "Before we entered this market, the Spreadsheet Control market was a relatively stagnant industry. Prodiance redefined the requirements for Spreadsheet Control based on auditor guidance while delivering a user-friendly solution with enterprise class performance and scalability. Our 2010 results prove the company is setting the pace for the entire industry, and we will raise the bar again in 2011 with constant innovation and a continued focus on customer success."



Key drivers for Prodiance’s rapid growth in 2010 include a close partnership with Microsoft and leading audit firms, several global customer expansions, and an increasing number of regulatory mandates driving a sense of urgency for spreadsheet and EUC risk mitigation solutions, including the NAIC Model Audit Rule, SOX 404, Solvency II, OMB Circular A-123, and Basel III.



Other notable successes for Prodiance in 2010 include:

An 80% increase in revenue from software and professional services over 2009 results. Reaching profitability with a significant opportunity pipeline. Formation of key channel partnerships to expand Prodiance’s global presence, including InstiSys in Brazil, The Cherry Group in the CIS Region, and Wharf T&T in China. A number of key executive new hires to further strengthen the Prodiance management team. Numerous enhancements to the Prodiance ERM system including new dashboards designed for auditors, enhanced preventative controls, expanded support for Access database controls, and support for the latest Microsoft platform including Office and SharePoint 2010, Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 and Windows 7. A very successful and well-attended user group conference held in September 2010 at Walt Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Orlando, Florida featuring presentations on training, thought leadership and best practices from customers, partners and industry experts. The launch of two new professional service offerings designed to help companies prepare for EUC control projects and upcoming compliance audits, including the EUC On-site Assessment Service and the EUC Audit Readiness Assessment.



About Prodiance

Prodiance delivers Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) solutions to help improve integrity, transparency and control over end user computing applications such as spreadsheets, databases and BI reports which comprise a significant portion of mission critical data within organizations. Prodiance leverages over 20 years of experience in delivering innovative technology solutions for highly regulated markets. Leading global organizations in more than 25 countries across 6 continents, representing a wide variety of industries - banking, insurance, capital markets, energy, telecommunications, manufacturing, media and entertainment, food and beverage, health care, pharmaceutical, and education - have chosen Prodiance as trusted partner to achieve their strategic goals. Prodiance Corporation is an independent, privately held company based in Pleasanton, California with offices in London, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, The Netherlands, Brazil, and Shanghai. Additional news and information about Prodiance solutions, products, and services is available at http://www. prodiance. com or by calling +1.925.460.9191.



© 2011 Prodiance Corporation. All rights reserved. Prodiance® is a registered trademark of Prodiance Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.



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Many Alternatives to Face Lift in Westchester and New York City

Many Alternatives to Face Lift in Westchester and New York City



With nonsurgical procedures in higher demand than ever and more patients seeking to combat the signs of aging without invasive face lift surgery, Westchester and New York City cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rhoda Narins is seeing a surge in patients seeking skin tightening and smoothing.



White Plains, N. Y. (PRWEB) October 21, 2009



The traditional face lift is getting a "makeover" of its own as New York patients take advantage of extensive nonsurgical treatment options and opt to reduce the signs of aging without having to undergo full-scale face lift surgery. Dr. Rhoda Narins (http://www. narins. com (http://www. narins. com)), a cosmetic surgeon and board-certified dermatologist, says that many signs of aging can be corrected without surgery, and with the help of new technologies a "nonsurgical face lift" in Westchester can get results that satisfy many patients' goals.



"Generally, most of the really noticeable signs of aging appear because of specific changes we experience in the quality of our skin over time," explains Dr. Narins. "By correcting those problems at the source we can often address skin concerns quite effectively without surgery at all."



Both older and younger patients are taking advantage of Dr. Narins' alternatives to facial cosmetic surgery in Westchester, which typically involve one to three laser or light-based therapies, and sometimes other treatments such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels. These combined therapies vary depending on the patient, but are designed to correct imperfections at the same time as they enhance the quality of the skin itself. While she also offers an extensive lineup of laser, radiofrequency, and light-based therapies, Dr. Narins says she typically focuses treatment plans around BOTOX® Cosmetic and injectable fillers.



"Wrinkles and facial firmness are probably the biggest concern for patients, and injectables can really help. When patients find out that they can actively control how their skin looks by making dramatic changes in how healthy it is, they're suddenly very interested," she says. "It's a question of not just looking younger by dealing with the effects of facial aging, but taking things a step further and feeling younger. For that you have to get at the source of the problems that cause wrinkles."



A common treatment plan for Dr. Narins' nonsurgical face lift surgery patients in Westchester and New York City begins with BOTOX Cosmetic, DYSPORT®, or an injectable filler such as JUVÉDERM® Injectable Gel, Restylane®, Radiesse® or Sculptra®. She can also perform a series of treatments using Intense Pulsed Light, a laser-like therapy that selectively targets damaged or abnormally pigmented facial tissues along with other problems such as "broken" blood vessels and sun or "age" spots. Other patients can benefit from treatments with CoolTouch®, a laser system designed to correct some problems that IPL can't address, but most importantly to stimulate the body to fortify deeper layers of collagen, the protein that gives skin its firmness.



Dr. Narins notes that although these noninvasive treatments are less intensive than traditional cosmetic surgery, they still offer many of the positive psychological benefits associated with surgical enhancements.



"Patients are finding that when they look better, they feel better, and that change in perspective gives them a more confident attitude," she explains. "Enhanced confidence is a big reason why these procedures are so popular with job seekers and older professionals, and it's definitely one of the reasons I expect to see the nonsurgical approach continue to get even more popular.



Rhoda Narins, MD (http://www. narins. com (http://www. narins. com)) is a board-certified dermatologist who partners with her husband, cosmetic surgeon David Narins, MD, to serve the needs of both New York City and Westchester cosmetic surgery patients. She offers procedures such as nonsurgical face lift, liposuction, and an extensive range of options to rejuvenate the skin by enhancing both its health and its appearance. Dr. Narins is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology, Past President of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, and Chief Emeritus of Dermatology at White Plains Hospital Medical Center. She is both clinical professor of dermatology and chief of the liposuction surgery unit at New York University Medical School. She is a member of numerous national and international professional organizations, and has researched and published extensively in topics such as tumescent liposuction and cosmetic fat transfer.



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RANDELL YOUNG, FOUNDER AND MANAGING GENERAL PARTNER OF VENTURE-NET PARTNERS, JOINS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, DIRECT EMAIL EXPRESS, INC!

RANDELL YOUNG, FOUNDER AND MANAGING GENERAL PARTNER OF VENTURE-NET PARTNERS, JOINS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, DIRECT EMAIL EXPRESS, INC!



Las Vegas, NV – August 28, 2002, Direct Email Express, Inc., the leader of Online Postal Services names Randell Young, Founder & Managing General Partner of Venture-Net Partners to Board of Directors!



(PRWEB) August 28, 2002



Dr. Randell Young currently serves as the Managing General Partner of Venture-Net Partners. Randell previously served as Chief Financial Officer for web portals MedNets. com, Inc. and TheGospel. com, Inc.



Dr. Young participated in the capitalization and development of numerous projects including Accuracy Inc., manufacturer of the only radiosurgical device (the “Cyberknife”) approved by the FDA for full body applications; The Orange County Blues Festival, Inc. and Netunes. com, Inc. one of the Internet’s Top 20 virtual record labels.



A founder and former chair of the “United Shareholders Association” Orange County Chapter, Dr. Young has represented shareholders at National Education Corp., Allergen, Northrup Corp. and Southern California Edison. He holds a doctorate in music from City University Los Angeles as well as a BS in business administration and an MBA from Hamilton University.



“We are pleased to appoint Dr. Randell Young to our Board of Directors. Our company takes great pride in the diversity of our management team and Board of Direct and feel Dr. Young experience will plays a key roll in the long term success of the company,” said Greg Wooten, Chief Executive Officer Direct Email Express, Inc.



Equity Partners of note include Euro-America Partners, ZLUH Partners, Good Samaritan Health System/Health, Advantage, Ventures, H-Quotient, Lucent Technologies and The Marubeni Group.



About Direct Email Express, Inc. Online Post Office and Business Communication Center: Focused on providing businesses with access to consolidated commercial grade communications through an internet based portal accessible from anywhere in the world. Direct Email Express enables businesses to send and receive Postal Mail, Postmarked® Email, Email and Faxes all from the convenience of a web browser.

HealthyPet Magazine Receives Two Platinum MarCom Awards

HealthyPet Magazine Receives Two Platinum MarCom Awards



Leading Pet Specialty Magazine Recognized for its Editorial Excellence



Los Angeles (PRWEB) November 18, 2007



HealthyPet Magazine announced today it has received two awards from MarCom, a competition that recognizes outstanding creative achievement by marketing and communication professionals. HealthyPet received two platinum awards, the highest rank in any category, for its consumer magazine and recently launched print advertisement.



One of the largest of its kind, the MarCom is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals with more than 5,000 entries from around the world. Judges are industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry.



"We are thrilled to receive the platinum award from MarCom in the consumer magazine category," says Doug Drew, publisher of HealthyPet Magazine. "We take great pride in the content we provide and our readers are growing with more than 12 million pet parents receiving the publication from their veterinarian annually."



HealthyPet received a second platinum award for its recent print ad featuring a miniature Dachshund anxious about his mom reading HealthyPet Magazine because it might remind her of his annual shots. Produced by Creative Vision House, the ad showcases HealthyPet's effectiveness in helping readers stay informed and reminded about the importance of annual exams.



"Receiving a second MarCom award for our new print ad was a wonderful surprise and a great bonus. It shows us that we are communicating effectively to our target audience, the veterinarian," said Drew.



About HealthyPet Magazine

HealthyPet Magazine is a collaboration of veterinarians, industry experts and trusted partners providing important education on pet care directly to pet owners. Key topics include preventative diseases, wellness, nutrition, dental health, behavior and more.

Unlike most other pet related magazines, HealthyPet is delivered to the pet owner from their veterinarian adding overall credibility to the editorial content. Veterinarians send the magazine as a way to educate and communicate with their clients multiple times a year. Although HealthyPet produces and distributes the magazine, each magazine is custom wrapped with a personal message from the veterinarian addressed to the pet. For example, "It's time for Daisy to come in for a visit."

Launched in 1999, HealthyPet has brought a mixed dose of advertisers from Bayer Animal Health, Pfizer Animal Health, and Veterinary Pet Insurance to Hill's Pet Nutrition. Each cover features a celebrity and their pet and each issue discusses key pet topics such as preventative care, wellness, nutrition, behavior and more. Previous celebrity covers include Vanessa Williams, Regis Philbin, James Brolin and the cast of 7th Heaven. Owned by parent company Zoasis Corporation, HealthyPet Magazine average circulation per quarterly issue is over 3 million, making it one of the largest pet enthusiast magazines on the market.



For more information about HealthyPet visit www. healthypetmagazine. com.



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Phoenix Massage Envy to Continue Partnership with Phoenix Children's Hospital

Phoenix Massage Envy to Continue Partnership with Phoenix Children's Hospital



Over $10,000 to-date already donated by local co-op



Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) June 23, 2010



Massage Envy, a co-op of 26 professional Phoenix massage (http://www. massageenvy. com) clinics, is pleased to continue raising money for Phoenix Children’s Hospital by donating a portion of the proceeds for every six-or 12-month membership purchased now through August 1st. The money will go the Cardiology Department at Phoenix Children’s Hospital to help provide hope, healing, and the best healthcare for children in the Valley. Since July 2009, Massage Envy has donated more than $10,000 for Phoenix Children’s Hospital in conjunction with KMLE 107.9 “Commitment to Kids” Campaign.



“It is our pleasure to raise and donate money to Phoenix Children’s Hospital,” said Stephen Cook, Regional Developer for Massage Envy Arizona Co-op. ”We are proud to provide additional funds for some of Arizona’s littlest patients.”



Massage Envy is committed to community reinvestment. The local group of franchisees, in conjunction with more than 600 Massage Envy locations nationwide, participates in Massage for the Cure, an annual event that donated more than $1 million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure over the past five years. This year’s event will be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2010.



About Massage Envy

Massage Envy Franchising, LLC, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage in the United States. The national franchise of massage clinics is dedicated to providing professional and affordable therapeutic massage services to consumers with busy lifestyles at convenient times and locations. Massage Envy Spa is its newest concept, offering Murad® healthy skin facials as well as therapeutic massages. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has opened over 600 clinics in 42 states, with new locations opening every month. For more information, visit www. MassageEnvy. com.



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UAS Labs Receives 2010 Frost and Sullivan Award for “Probiotic Customer Value Enhancement”

UAS Labs Receives 2010 Frost and Sullivan Award for “Probiotic Customer Value Enhancement”



Frost & Sullivan has recognized UAS Laboratories, Inc. with the 2010 Frost & Sullivan Award for Customer Value Enhancement of the Year in the North American probiotics market.



Eden Prairie, MN (Vocus) November 23, 2010



Frost & Sullivan has recognized UAS Laboratories, Inc. with the 2010 Frost & Sullivan Award for Customer Value Enhancement of the Year in the North American probiotics market. The official presentation of the award held at a Frost & Sullivan conference in San Antonio on the 16th of November 2010, where Founder and President of UAS Labs, Dr. S. K. Dash received the award on behalf of UAS Labs.



Based on the research of the probiotic market, Frost and Sullivan concluded that intense focus on R&D, innovations in quality control of probiotic products, and a broad line of condition-specific products stands UAS Labs apart from its competitors.



“I’m extremely proud of this award, as it is a clear recognition of our constant efforts for delivering the highest quality condition specific probiotic products to the consumers, and at the same time being able to deliver outstanding customer value” says Dr. S. K. Dash.



“In the crowded probiotics market, where multiple manufacturers offer different products with generic health claims, growth is driven by specific validated claims for your products, with strong marketing support” says Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst, Dr. Kaushik. “However, condition-specific product formulation requires intensive effort in identifying the candidate strains, means of application, formulation for stability and efficacy, and finally cost effectiveness.”



UAS Labs has leveraged the intensive R&D efforts of its founder, Dr. S. K. Dash, and his core team of scientists to meet the market demand for validated condition-specific products. The DDS-1 super strain of Lactobacillus, held as a patent, and US Trademark by UAS Labs and marketed since 1979, has been crucial to driving growth and acting as a pointer towards further innovation.



UAS Labs manufactures five condition-specific probiotic formulations for irritable bowel syndrome, atopic dermatitis, digestive and immune health, and urinary tract health for women. The latest product, the Cran-Gyn DDS® women’s health formulation, has received an excellent response from customers and consumers. A combination of strain selection, packaging techniques, and a proprietary formulation technique that reduces the water activity of the final product, contribute to these products having a long and stable shelf life – up to two years at room temperature.



UAS Labs’ strain selection methods also address the need for a gut stable probiotic product. Technologies for enteric stability of probiotics depend among other things, on coating technologies, which are currently in their fourth generation. Uniquely, UAS Labs has stuck to the original principle of choosing an inherently stable probiotic strain with desirable probiotic effect for their products. Up to 97 percent of the probiotics reach the intestine after passing through the stomach, providing a cost advantage to the final consumer.



“Significantly, UAS Labs ensures a strong scientific validation for its products through nearly 200 studies as individual, collaborative, or sponsored efforts between the industry and academia,” notes Dr. Kaushik. “The company has rightly identified the strategy of working with Universities to maintain a healthy pipeline of products and keep R&D costs low, thereby keeping the cost low for the consumer.”



UAS Labs probiotics are manufactured in a NSF-GMP certified manufacturing facility, with strict quality control. There is transparency in the entire quality control process, which ensures customers are adequately satisfied with the quality of the product. The facility is also Kosher and Halal certificatied.



UAS Labs also has an open policy when it comes to product availability. Formulations and blends are available either as branded, private labeling, or as raw material for further product development. UAS Labs positions itself as a complete probiotic resource company. With this kind of positioning, UAS Labs has been able to sell into the dietary supplements market, as well as the food & beverage ingredients market.



Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has demonstrated excellence in implementing strategies that proactively create value for its customers with a focus on improving the return on the investment that customers make in its services or products. This award recognizes the company's focus on enhancing the value that its customers receive, beyond simply good customer service, leading to improved customer retention and ultimately customer base expansion.



Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.



About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 40 offices on six continents.



About UAS Laboratories, Inc.

UAS Laboratories, Inc. is a privately held Probiotic manufacturer based in Minneapolis, USA. The company, founded in 1979, manufactures probiotics and other specialty supplements for human nutrition. The probiotics are based on the super strain of Lactobacillus DDS-1. UAS Labs leverages the technical expertise of its founder, Dr. S. K. Dash to conduct research and develop new products, provide technical service to customers and consulting services. The company provides private labeling and custom manufacturing, and exports its branded products and condition specific probiotic raw materials & private label products over 37 countries.



For more information, contact Connie Falkenstein, Director of Marketing & Education at marketing@uaslabs. com. 952-935-1707. http://www. uaslabs. com.



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The Scooter Store Donates Power Chairs To Two Army Veterans With Limited Mobility

The Scooter Store Donates Power Chairs To Two Army Veterans With Limited Mobility



Gift of Mobility Helps Two Veteran Servicemen Enjoy Extracurricular Activities



Edison, N. J. (PRWEB) April 24, 2008



These days, scores of U. S. soldiers return from Iraq with debilitating injuries. But there are many more veterans still struggling with disabilities resulting from decades-old stints in active duty.



Emil Priliszh is an 80-year-old Army veteran. He currently resides at New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Edison N. J. and enjoys partaking in the musical and entertainment activities held there. Mr. Priliszh struggles to navigate the rather large facility in his manual wheelchair and looks forward to a day when getting around is easier.



Everette Erickson is an 84-year-old World War II veteran. He, too, resides at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home and is an extremely active participant in the facility's musical activities and Bingo games. He also finds pushing a manual wheelchair around a major challenge.



In recognition of the veteran servicemen's years of military service, The SCOOTER Store presented the two veterans with free power wheelchairs through its Gift of Mobility program. Steve Graham and Greg Daniels, account managers at The SCOOTER Store, made the deliveries today at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home. The SCOOTER Store worked in conjunction with Operation Jersey Cares, a nonprofit based in Raritan, N. J., which is dedicated to offering support to Marines and veterans wounded in combat.



"I applaud both Operation Jersey Cares and The SCOOTER Store for helping improve the quality of life of two New Jersey veterans," said Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ). "After all that our veterans have done for this nation, it is nice to see an organization and a private company work together to help our veterans in their time of need."



John Dorell, a commanding officer with Operation Jersey Cares, connected The SCOOTER Store with the veterans. He is pleased that their past military service is being acknowledged with this gift so many years later. "They are forgotten and swept under the rug. We don't know why that's the case, but we are trying to do something about it," says Dorell.



Doug Harrison, CEO and Founder of The SCOOTER Store, feels "honored" to be able to donate power scooters to the two veteran servicemen. "I hope this mobility equipment will help Mr. Erickson and Mr. Priliszh improve their quality of life," he said. "Everyone at the SCOOTER Store is proud that we can help these war veterans who sacrificed so much for our country."



Mr. Harrison and his wife, Susanna, started the Gift of Mobility program in December 2002 to help people like Mr. Erickson and Mr. Priliszh improve their quality of life by recovering their independence and mobility. Since then, the outreach program has worked with organizations around the world to donate power wheelchairs, scooters and manual wheelchairs valued at more than $200,000 a year to community service organizations, enabling them to provide freedom and independence to individuals with limited mobility.



About The SCOOTER Store:

Since 1991, The SCOOTER Store has helped provide freedom and independence to more than 300,000 people with limited mobility. The SCOOTER Store offers a full line of durable medical equipment, including power wheelchairs and scooters, lifts, ramps and accessories in 47 states, including 3 stores in Pennsylvania. The SCOOTER Store has worked with more than 100,000 physicians, providing expertise and quality service to their patients, and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care.



For more information, contact:

Mark B. Leita

Director of Public Affairs - The SCOOTER Store

830-627-4717

Use from previous release



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Routine Hernia Surgery Results in Brain Damage of Young Boy: Similar Errors Prompting Hospitals to Seek Solution from Pilots

Routine Hernia Surgery Results in Brain Damage of Young Boy: Similar Errors Prompting Hospitals to Seek Solution from Pilots



A children’s hospital with a reputation for good care fails to prevent a common communication failure among its surgical team. The resulting life-changing error could have been prevented if the hospital had equipped its staff with the communication skills and safety tools used by commercial airline pilots.



Memphis, TN (PRWEB) July 11, 2006



According to a recent study conducted by the Harvard University School of Public Health and the Kaiser Family Foundation, four out of every ten Americans say that they or their family members have been victims of a preventable medical error.



Sue Stratman is one of those victims. Ten years ago, her son, Daniel Stratman visited the local children’s hospital for routine hernia surgery. His hernia was repaired but his brain was severely damaged in the process.



Prior to the hernia procedure, Daniel had undergone three successful open-heart surgeries at the same hospital, “We went back to the hospital because he had received such excellent care there; we wanted him to have the best for this ‘simple routine’ surgery as well,” said Daniel’s mother, Sue Stratman.



Unfortunately, as a result of several communication failures by the medical team, Daniel suffered a serious anoxic brain injury. After incorrectly setting the anesthetic machine, the anesthesiologist left Daniel in the care of a medical student. The device used to monitor Daniel’s blood pressure was also improperly set and failed to warn the doctors of his condition. The series of mistakes resulted in a period of twelve minutes where Daniel’s brain was starved of oxygen.



Upon discovering their mistakes, the medical team was able to revive Daniel, but he has never fully recovered. He has no balance, is nearly blind, and can only walk with assistance. He needs 24-hour care.



In response to a growing number of these types of errors, scores of hospitals are implementing safety systems adopted from commercial aviation.



The country’s largest provider of these safety systems for healthcare is LifeWings Partners LLC. A group of pilots, physicians, and former astronauts, LifeWings has implemented their safety system in over 45 healthcare organizations. The system has virtually eliminated serious surgical errors, like the type that damaged Daniel, wherever it has been adopted.



Upon hearing about LifeWings and its record of success in preventing the type of mistake that changed her son’s life, Ms. Stratman contacted the president of LifeWings and asked him to use her son’s story. She wanted to create greater urgency among hospitals to adopt a better method of providing care.



Steve Harden, LifeWings’ President and Co-Founder, says, “Professionally, I have had many successes in my life…but nothing I have done gives me as much satisfaction as the safety results we have achieved in healthcare organizations, and the hope we give to families of patients like Daniel that these mistakes won’t be repeated again.”



Although patient safety has become a rising priority for hospitals, the fact is the issue is still often neglected. “We do have good doctors and nurses; however, in a broken system, even the best are prone to devastating mistakes,” said Mrs. Stratman. “If only the children’s hospital had implemented the LifeWings system, my son would still be the way he went into the hospital—healthy and whole.”



LifeWings focuses on a long-term, preventative approach to create a permanent systemic change in the culture of healthcare, and eliminate tragedies like the case with Daniel.



Descriptions of LifeWings’ work have appeared in numerous publications, including among others, Journal for the American College of Surgeons, AORN Journal, Fast Company magazine, hfm magazine, and For The Record magazine.



About LifeWings Partners LLC



LifeWings Partners LLC was founded by a former U. S. Navy Top Gun instructor, commercial airline pilot, and two physicians who are former NASA astronauts. The firm specializes in applying aviation-based teamwork training and safety tools to help healthcare facilities save patients’ lives and reduce costs. LifeWings has helped over 45 facilities nationwide provide better care to their patients. Measurable results are found in all LifeWings’ initiatives, including one hospital that experienced a 50% reduction in procedure turnover times in their OR. The firm also conducts Leadership Development workshops for healthcare executive teams.



Contact



Steve Harden, President



LifeWings Partners LLC



800.290.9314



9198 Crestwyn Hills Drive



Memphis, TN 38125



Www. SaferPatients. com



# # #

E-Bulimia. com Provides Advice on Bulimia Treatment

E-Bulimia. com Provides Advice on Bulimia Treatment



According to e-Bulimia. com, bulimia is completely treatable. The sooner a person begins bulimia treatment, the sooner the recovery. Successful recovery depends on the work of psychiatrists, doctors, dieticians, and the patient.



(PRWEB) January 7, 2006



According to e-Bulimia. com, without bulimia treatment, people with bulimia become dehydrated and malnourished. This causes mineral and vitamin deficiencies, resulting in dry skin, nails, and hair. Many people with bulimia are constipated from laxative abuse. Constant vomiting brings up stomach acid that irritates the throat and mouth. Many people with bulimia have heartburn, gum infections, swollen salivary glands, and cavities from the acid eroding tooth enamel. Without treatment, some of side effects, like kidney failure, can become fatal. Dehydration can lower the body’s electrolyte levels, causing heart problems or even death. About 10 percent of people with bulimia will die from it.



As e-Bulimia. com explains, however, bulimia is completely treatable. The sooner a person begins bulimia treatment, the sooner the recovery. Successful recovery depends on the work of psychiatrists, doctors, dieticians, and the patient. Psychiatrists work with the patient to break the binge-and-purge cycles and to educate the patient about what she is doing to her body and mind. The psychiatrist and patient must identify the triggers of a binging-and-purging episode, as well as help the patient cope with an unhealthy body image. The patient must learn to communicate openly and must increase his or her self-esteem. Doctors work with the patient to treat the effects of bulimia’s dehydration and malnutrition on the body. A dietician helps the patient develop healthy eating habits.



Group therapy and support groups are also helpful for people recovering from bulimia. Information about many support groups can be found online.



About e-bulimia. com



Bulimia provides detailed information about the causes, symptoms, and effects of bulimia; bulimia treatment and recovery; the relationship between anorexia and bulimia; and information about the “pro bulimia” viewpoint. For more information go to http://www. e-bulimia. com (http://www. e-bulimia. com) and/or visit our affiliate site at http://www. original-content. net (http://www. original-content. net).



###

Atrazine Celebrates 50 Years of Effective Weed Control

Atrazine Celebrates 50 Years of Effective Weed Control



This season marks the 50th anniversary of atrazine, one of the most valuable crop protection products ever developed. Throughout these years, growers have relied on atrazine for efficient, cost-effective control of a wide range of broadleaf weeds and grasses.



Greensboro, N. C. (PRWEB) August 22, 2009





 Atrazine (http://www. atrazine. com/), considered the most studied herbicide, has been used for 50 years  Over half of the U. S. corn acres, two-thirds of sorghum acres and up to 90 percent of sugar cane acres use atrazine to control weeds  One of the most reliable, flexible tools growers can use to protect crops from yield robbing weeds



This season marks the 50th anniversary of atrazine (http://www. atrazine. com/), one of the most valuable crop protection products ever developed. Throughout these years, growers have relied on atrazine for efficient, cost-effective control of a wide range of broadleaf weeds and grasses.



"Time has proven that atrazine is one of the most reliable, flexible tools growers can use to protect crops from yield-robbing weeds," said Chuck Foresman, technical brand manager for Syngenta (http://www. syngenta-us. com/). "Well over half the corn acres, about two-thirds of sorghum acres and up to 90 percent of sugar cane acres in the United States use atrazine to control weeds."



Triazine herbicides were discovered by researchers at a Syngenta legacy company in the early 1950s, and atrazine was introduced to growers for the 1959 season. As the original developer, Syngenta plans to celebrate atrazine's anniversary throughout the year.



The product is known for economical and effective weed control and the ability to enhance the performance of other products.



"Atrazine is an economical option that helps us control problem weeds like velvetleaf, vines and morningglory," said grower Mat Muirheid of Oakley, Ill., who is a second-generation atrazine user. "We get more residual control for the cost, and that protects our yields."



According to U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates, atrazine helps corn growers like Muirheid save as much as $28 per acre (http://www. epa. gov/opp00001/reregistration/atrazine/atrazineadd. pdf#page=14). Besides protecting crops and grower profits, atrazine also supports conservation tillage systems that can reduce soil erosion by up to 90 percent, and can help delay the development of weed resistance.



Muirheid noted, "We also use atrazine to provide a different mode of action for weed control. We don't want to develop weed resistance."



Today, besides being available as a stand-alone herbicide, such as AAtrex® brands, more than 45 pre-mix products contain atrazine, including Lumax®, Lexar®, Expert® and Bicep II Magnum® brand herbicides from Syngenta. Foresman added that used in combination or rotation with other herbicides, atrazine also helps delay and manage weed resistance.



Because of its vital role in weed control and popularity in more than 60 countries around the world, atrazine has been carefully studied for years. World-renowned institutions including the World Health Organization, the National Cancer Institute and EPA all have studied atrazine and found no health concerns when used as directed.



"Atrazine continues to pass the most stringent regulatory standards for safety," said Foresman. "In 2006, the EPA re-registered atrazine for crop protection use. And Syngenta works closely with growers in many watershed projects and in other stewardship programs to ensure that atrazine is used according to EPA guidelines and best management practices we've helped develop."



Muirheid understands the importance of following those guidelines, so that he can continue to take advantage of the value atrazine brings.



"We follow the label and regulations for atrazine use," he said. "Atrazine helps us get the best weed control possible."



For more information, visit http://www. atrazine. com (http://www. atrazine. com).



Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 24,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www. syngenta. com.



AAtrex, Bicep II Magnum, Expert, Lexar and Lumax are Restricted Use Pesticides. AAtrex®, Bicep II Magnum®, Expert®, Lexar®, Lumax® and the Syngenta logo are registered trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.



Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements



This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's publicly available filings with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefore.



Related links:



Atrazine herbicide (http://www. atrazine. com/)

Syngenta (http://www. syngenta-us. com/)

Syngenta Crop Protection (http://www. syngentacropprotection. com/)



Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements



This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's publicly available filings with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefore.



Contacts:



Sherry Duvall Ford

Syngenta Crop Protection

336-632-6107



Steven Goldsmith

Syngenta Crop Protection

336-632-2517



Laura Temple

Gibbs & Soell Public Relations

847-519-9150



###

Mental Health Association of Rockland County Teams with CogniFit to Receive Most Innovative Mental Health Association Recognition

Mental Health Association of Rockland County Teams with CogniFit to Receive Most Innovative Mental Health Association Recognition



“Smart Brain, Strong Brain, Fit Brain” Project Takes 4th Place Overall for SharpBrains Brain Fitness Innovation Competition



New York (PRWEB) June 3, 2010



CogniFit™, Inc., a leading maker of brain fitness software (http://www. cognifit. com/products/cognifit)(http://www. cognifit. com (http://www. cognifit. com)), announced today that the Mental Health Association (MHA) of Rockland County was named “Most Innovative Mental Health Association” and was a finalist in the SharpBrains 2010 Brain Fitness Innovation Awards for its “Smart Brain, Strong Brain, Fit Brain” project. The Brain Fitness Innovation Awards seek to honor the best and most innovative brain activity programs in the country. The MHA of Rockland County project, which was made possible by a contribution from CogniFit and a grant from the New York State Department for the Aging, took fourth place out of 40 competing projects. The United States Hockey Association took first place in the competition.



CogniFit and longevity expert Adriane Berg joined forces to create the ground-breaking Smart Brain, Strong Brain, Fit Brain cognitive fitness program for the MHA of Rockland County in October 2009, aiming to help seniors in the Rockland County region sharpen their mental abilities, improving their overall well-being. Through this project, 500 residents from Rockland County between the ages of 62 and 90 are participating in an 18-month brain training program using CogniFit Personal Coach (http://www. cognifit. com/products/cognifit/cognifit-personal-coach) software.



“I feel like we are the ‘mouse that roared,’ winning such high honors in the company of the United States Hockey Association (the grand prize winner) and two of the nation’s largest insurance companies (sharing second and third prize),” said Dr. Karen Oates, Director of the Mental Health Association who manages the Project. “This recognition proves that the older adult and our approach to this community are clearly in the national interest. This Project promotes Rockland County to the forefront of age-friendly venues because it provides a structure for educating residents to maintain lifelong mental wellness and cognitive engagement helping to support healthy aging.”



“We knew that we were doing something that hadn’t been seen before when we first started the project,” said Berg. “To have it recognized by SharpBrains, who is such an authority on brain fitness, is exciting and an honor. Hopefully this will lead to more awareness for brain fitness, and other counties developing similar programs down the road.”



CogniFit Personal Coach provides scientifically validated cognitive training (http://www. cognifit. com/products/cognifit). Unlike many programs that use only basic information such as age and gender to develop a training program, CogniFit Personal Coach begins with a baseline assessment to gauge the user’s mental strengths and weaknesses. Users then engage in exercises designed to train their brain in the most effective way possible. The training is highly personalized and tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals, continually adjusting to deliver a training level that is optimal for the user; challenging, but not so difficult that the user abandons their training.



The SharpBrains 2010 Brain Fitness Awards were presented on May 24, 2010 by CEO Alvaro Fernandez. Projects were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges.



About the Mental Health Association of Rockland County



The MHA is a voluntary, non-profit organization. By providing direct service and advocates for legislation and programs, our mission lives in the prevention of mental illness through community outreach.

The MHA of Rockland County continuously works to improve present services and develop new services that enable our community toward mental wellness. As a member of United Way of Rockland County, the MHA operates the following programs in public service: For more information call (845) 267-2172 (845) 267-2172 ext. 320



About SharpBrains



SharpBrains is an independent market research firm and think tank covering the emerging brain fitness market. Its flagship industry report The State of the Brain Fitness Software Market and consumer guide The SharpBrains Guide to Brain Fitness help decision makers and consumers navigate the emerging brain fitness field based on evidence-based information and independent analysis. The organization also hosts the 3-day online global and virtual SharpBrains Summit, a first of its kind conference, engaging professionals across the globe on the state of cognitive fitness research, technology and market trends. SharpBrains. com, the firm's educational blog and website, is a member of the Scientific American Partner Network



About CogniFit



CogniFit (http://www. cognifit. com) was founded in 1999 with the goal of using the latest cognitive research to help people of all ages maintain and improve their quality of life through brain fitness. CogniFit offers training programs for a wide range of cognitive abilities needed for everyday functioning. CogniFit programs also train specific cognitive skills needed for activities such as driving, learning, and reading.



CogniFit brain fitness programs start with a baseline assessment of the cognitive abilities before creating personalized training programs (https://shop. cognifit. com/products/cognifit/cognifit-personal-coach). CogniFit's scientifically validated, patented brain fitness programs are personalized to each user to help them enhance their cognitive performance and health.



###

Prescription Drug Abuse Linked to Rising Number of Deaths

Prescription Drug Abuse Linked to Rising Number of Deaths



Several states have recorded increases in prescription drug-related fatalities last year.



Canadian, OK (PRWEB) February 21, 2006



Prescription drug abuse remains one of America’s fastest rising categories of substance abuse and has rapidly grown into a national epidemic. The latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health showed that 7.5 million people in the U. S. were current users of prescription drugs non-medically. In addition, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University reported that more than 15 million Americans had abused prescription drugs in the past year.



According to an article in the Portsmouth Herald in New Hampshire prescription medications were responsible for killing 96 of the 147 people who died of drug overdoses in 2005, as reported by the chief medical examiner for the state.



In West Virginia, the Roanoke times reported that in the first nine months of 2005 there were 174 deaths from drug overdoses, and most of them were from prescription drug abuse. Similar reports have come from areas of Florida, Wisconsin, Virginia, Kentucky and Oregon.



The results from the 2005 Monitoring the Future survey released last week by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the University of Michigan showed that past-year use of Oxycontin has risen from 4 percent of 12th-graders in 2002 to 5.5 percent in 2005, which is an increase of 40 percent. Another category of drug that showed and increase in use were sedatives such as Valium, Xanax and Librium. In 2005, nearly 8 percent of 12-grade students reported using sedatives non-medically in the last year.



“It’s a shame that millions of people have to be harmed before people really look at the problem,” comments a supervisor at Narconon Arrowhead, which uses the effective drug-free rehabilitation methodology developed by American author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard, “These medications can be just as harmful as street drugs in many cases.”



As one of the largest and most effective drug education and rehabilitation programs in the nation, Narconon Arrowhead has worked with young and old alike from around the country to combat the use of drugs. As a drug-free program, they recognize that prescription drugs have become a major source of the drug problem in the United States and caution people to remember that all drugs are essentially poisons.



The good news is that drug education and rehabilitation programs aren’t the only ones working to combat the situation. The Associated Press (AP) reported that consumer groups are calling for Congressional hearings on prescription drug safety issues after a number of deaths have been linked to drugs prescribed for hyperactive kids.



From a state level, The U. S. Department of Justice announced last year the release of $6.2 million to help states fight prescription drug abuse. The money was awarded to 22 states to support prescription drug monitoring programs.



The Office of National Drug Control Policy also recently stated that, “Programs and efforts that do not reduce drug use must be restructured or eliminated, an effort to use taxpayer money wisely that this Administration takes seriously.”



Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem in the United States, but it can be overcome. For more information about effective drug rehabilitation, contact Narconon Arrowhead today by calling 1-800-468-6933 or visit www. stopaddiction. com.



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Liquid Vitamins That Taste Great

Liquid Vitamins That Taste Great



No more hard to swallow horrid tasting pills. Go Liquid!



(PRWEB) March 4, 2005



The online community are getting on their computers to order Veriuni's Advanced Liquid Nutrition. This truly unique dietary supplement contains nearly every daily nutrient required for protracted health in one ounce.



Pills hard to swallow and so often give that unfavorable vitamin aftertaste, and aren't nearly as effective as a liquid. Don't waste another cent, all you need is Veriuni Liquid Nutrition?



A 32 ounce bottle of Veriuni's Advanced Liquid Nutrition can be purchased for as little as $29.95 So, keep the doctor away and provide your family with the essential ingredients for a healthy lifestyle.



For additional information on Veriuni's Advanced Liquid Nutrition visit http://www. computer-work-at-home-job. ws/products. html (http://www. computer-work-at-home-job. ws/products. html)



Computer-work-at-home-job site fully supports the Veriuni Store, the Source for Hundreds of Quality Products & Services for Your Home, Business, and Family.



# # #

Symbian Founders Create flook -- The World’s First Location Browser

Symbian Founders Create flook -- The World’s First Location Browser



Today, Ambient Industries (http://www. ambientindustries. com), a mobile application software company, debuts flook (http://www. flook. it), in the Apple Store. Offered for free, Flook is a location browser that lets users discover and share the world around them.



San Francisco, CA (PRWeb UK) November 19, 2009



Today, Ambient Industries (http://www. ambientindustries. com (http://www. ambientindustries. com)), a mobile application software company, debuts flook (http://www. flook. it (http://www. flook. it)), in the Apple Store. Offered for free, flook is a location browser that lets users discover and share the world around them. Flook’s design is being lead by a team of four co-creators with deep programming, entrepreneurial and creative backgrounds – Roger Nolan and Jane Sales founders of Symbian, led the teams creating that company’s comms and kernel respectively. Tristan Brotherton has deep web and media expertise and Dave Jennings’ background in machine intelligence and location services informed flook’s servers. Together, they have built an imagination-centric company, shrugging off the typical corporate structure, enabling the creativity and wonder that has gone into flook’s world of robots, color and whimsical interface.



“Flook is about serendipity, being lucky and finding something really great nearby, whether it is a beautiful building, a great tapas spot, some cool street art or a ridiculous sale,” says Roger Nolan. Flook’s design marries the photo, some text and the location and adds in a conversation to capture a moment that lives on. Jane Sales adds, “Now you can browse the world around you as if you were flipping through an ultra-local magazine made just for you – and then chat about it. Flook is the first mobile application to enable true location-based messaging.”



What is flook?

Flook’s unique approach combines a web browsing concept with the physical world by allowing users to browse or make “cards” at their current location. Flook learns what the user likes and delivers new findings – without the user needing to search for them. “We're building a new way of browsing the undiscovered, and we hope that users will build upon flook’s world in fun and useful ways,” explains Tristan Brotherton. “We plan to open flook’s API to third-parties in the near future.” The team has been mindful of creating an interface that is user-focused – letting the simplicity of design mask the complexity of the back-end technology. “On the technical side, everything has really come together, and we’ve been able to make complex software that is incredibly easy to use.” says Dave Jennings.



Using flook

Within flook, a colorful landscape of robots guides the user to browse or create. One can browse cards that capture what’s amazing nearby, including food and drink, local secrets, events, art and more. And when inspired, users can also create their own card to share what they’ve found. “See something beautiful or interesting? Flook it. Cute shoes on sale on your walk to work? Flook it. Funny misspelled city notice? Flook it,” advises Jane Sales.



Content and Creation

As well as user-generated content, flook’s cards are also made from a quickly growing library of external sources, such as event information from Upcoming (upcoming. yahoo. com) and local tweets from Twitter (twitter. com). Sharing via Twitter, adds geo-location and photos to tweets. Facebook integration is coming soon. Browsing the world is now just as easy as swiping through an iPhone’s photo library – just flick one card away and another takes its place. If the user likes the look of a card, they can “flip it” to read the comments and view a map, or collect it so that it is easily available later. Cards are simple and quick to make. Users just take a photo (and add some text if desired), place the card, and it's done. The card will automatically be attached to the place where it was made (geo-tagged) and left for others to find.



Flook Learns

Over time, flook learns which cards people like most – how long did they linger on a card, did they collect it, or email it to a friend? Then, using flook’s equivalent of PageRank, the application prioritizes cards’ delivery, taking into account the “hotness” of the content, the timeliness of the information and its proximity to the user’s location.



Entertaining and Competitive

Highly active flookers can find themselves competing for the highest flook score by creating the the best cards. The flook website, http://www. flook. it (http://www. flook. it), showcases the community, giving prominence to top flookers.



A fun demo video is available here (http://flookblog. wordpress. com/2009/11/19/flook-sneak-peek-video (http://flookblog. wordpress. com/2009/11/19/flook-sneak-peek-video))



The Story of Ambient Industries (http://www. ambientindustries. com (http://www. ambientindustries. com)):

Ambient Industries was founded by Roger Nolan, Jane Sales, Tristan Brotherton and Dave Jennings, who all collaborated to create flook. As a testament to the serendipity that underlies the flook application, the four founders all ended up working in Ukraine. This chance event led to the conception of flook – as not only the playground of their imaginations, but the realization of what the new generation of smartphones could do.



Ambient Industries is built on the Gore model (as in Gore-Tex fabric), where there are no titles, complete openness of information and a strong peer review culture. The lack of narrowly defined roles has enabled Ambient Industries to be more nimble, productive and extremely creative.



Ambient Industries’ history is firmly rooted in a deep technological, yet creative, background. All the founders have long backgrounds in a myriad of types of technical businesses. Nolan and Sales both worked together at Psion, where they were responsible for the communications and the kernel, respectively. Their code was the foundation for the larger codebase that became Symbian OS and their code still runs in millions of phones all over the planet today. Dave Jennings worked in Fortran at the Parkes Radio-Telescope in Australia, writing assembler code to drive a 1500 tonne dish, was the first technical hire at Play. com and chief architect for Tigerex. Afterwards, Jennings worked with Nolan at Sonopia. Tristan Brotherton’s background includes the founding of FluidHR, which produced the U. K.’s first online staff screen software platform and building software. Clients ranged from the World Health Organization to International Investment Funds. Brotherton later joined ROO Media/KIT Digital.



Ambient Industries is based in London and San Francisco. The company is funded by Eden Ventures and Amadeus Capital.



###

Global Business Loves Local Action PacNet Services Provides a Model of Local Responsibility in the Global Marketplace

Global Business Loves Local Action PacNet Services Provides a Model of Local Responsibility in the Global Marketplace



PacNet Services, a worldwide payment processing company, is passionate about supporting initiatives in their home town of Vancouver, BC, Canada. PacNet Director Rosanne Day says that Vancouver is a world class city and the way we work to overcome challenges here will serve as a model to business owners around the world.



Vancouver, BC, Canada (PRWEB) December 2, 2008



With a busy schedule managing over 18 subsidiaries in 12 countries, Vancouver based payments company PacNet Services loves to be at home; so much so, that they have a firmly entrenched policy of supporting local Vancouver initiatives and events like the upcoming Salvation Army Breakfast of Hope, Thursday December 4, 7:30 to 9:00 AM at the Vancouver Convention Centre.



When questioned about the emphasis on local initiatives, Director Rosanne Day pointed out that while PacNet also supports international organizations, the health of Vancouver directly influences the health of the company and the present and future happiness of its staff and their family members. "Vancouver is world class city that has many challenges. The way we respond to those challenges as business owners will provide a model to businesses around the world."



This year The Salvation Army in BC will provide:

1 million meals for the hungry 200,750 shelter nights for the homeless 450 transitional housing beds 100 residential beds for parolees 244 adult treatment beds 25 beds for domestically abused women and families 6 youth support recovery beds 277 assisted living/long-term care for seniors 10 hospice beds 14 community crisis response units responding to emergencies Family Services in 39 communities The Salvation Army began in Canada in 1882, and is the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services, serving 1.5 million people each year, in over 400 communities.



What other local initiatives does PacNet support?

Among others, PacNet also supports United We Can, a nonprofit society that aims to establish self-sustaining urban enterprises and create jobs for inner city residents. Their ever-busy bottle depot contributes to the local economy and provides jobs for people with multiple barriers to entering the workforce. UWC also runs Crossroads and Lanes, an initiative which employs lower east-side residents to clean neighborhoods and public spaces. Their Computer Club offers free computer training and internet access to low-income residents.



PacNet Services management and staff are active in showing their support on a personal level, too. Over 300 hours of volunteer service has been logged by PacNet staff in 2008.



PacNet Services is a leading international payment processing company offering credit card processing, check processing, direct debit processing and other payment services to e-commerce and mail order companies around the world.



###

Cleveland Clinic Announces New Children's Hospital Website

Cleveland Clinic Announces New Children's Hospital Website



Website highlights hospital's Kids First focus on pediatric health care



Cleveland, OH (PRWEB) October 27, 2010



Cleveland Clinic, one of the nation's foremost academic medical centers, announces the launch of its new Children's Hospital website that allows parents and caregivers to obtain in-depth information on all of the hospital's pediatric care services. Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital achieves its mission of restoring health to children through employing the latest research and technology and through the dedication of doctors, nurses and social workers who are uniquely qualified to serve each child's health care needs. Cleveland Clinic believes that it takes more than medicine to heal a child and the new Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital website is an extension of that belief; as it provides easy access to an overview of all of the hospital's pediatric services and introduces users to the hospital's Kids First treatment focus.



Website visitors who access the new Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital website will discover many unique facts about the hospital that demonstrate its exceptional reputation for quality children's health care. This year Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital has had over 80 of its physicians ranked among the "Best Doctors in America." In 2010 U. S. News & World Report has acclaimed Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital with more pediatric specialty rankings than any other children's hospital in Northern Ohio. These facts, combined with the dedication of over 300 pediatric specialists, assure that each child receives world-class health care.



"We designed the new web site to be easy to navigate for parents and caregivers and to increase the ability for individuals and the community to connect with Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital for their pediatric health care needs," said Robert Wyllie MD, Chairman and Physician-in-Chief of Children's Hospital.



Exploring the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital website is a seamless experience as all information is arranged using convenient tabs and menus that intuitively lead the user to topics of interest. The core theme of the hospital and its new website is Cleveland Clinic's Kids First philosophy. Specially trained pediatric nurses serve children and families in each clinical area. Cleveland Clinic is committed to a high staff to patient ratio that includes social workers and child life specialists who are all dedicated to helping children and their families understand and cope with their medical conditions. Parents are encouraged whenever possible, to stay overnight at the hospital and participate in their child's care. Cleveland Clinic knows that a child's illness can be very stressful for all concerned, and its Kids First philosophy complements the hospital's world class health care services to deliver the best possible outcome for each child.



Cleveland Clinic invites parents and caregivers to visit the new website and explore all of the interactive features, including the Specialty Services Highlights section. Here treatment seekers will be able to find detailed information on the pediatric health care services Cleveland Clinic offers to children. Included are sections on Autism Treatment, Pediatric Heart Center, Digestive Disorders, Community Pediatrics, Neonatology, Endocrine Disorders and a range of other services. Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital is well-known for its Center for Autism, a leading institute for autism research, education and outreach. The Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism offers diagnostic, early behavioral intervention treatment, parent and sibling in-home training services and many other related services delivered by a professional staff with backgrounds in special education, early childhood education, communication, speech-language pathology, psychology, behavior analysis, child life and sociology. All of the pediatric service areas offer the same high level of care and focus on employment of the latest research and technology to ensure world class health care for every patient.



As part of its mission to educate interested parents and caregivers, Cleveland Clinic offers this PDF that provides more information: "Newborn to Teen: What to Expect from your Pediatrician."



About Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital



Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital is a part of the Cleveland Clinic health system and offers full medical, surgical and rehabilitative care for infants, children and adolescents. Children's Hospital supports 126 acute care beds at Cleveland Clinic's main campus and 284 pediatric beds system wide; in addition, pediatric services are available at 10 family health centers in Northeast Ohio. A staff of 300 full-time pediatricians and sub-specialists see more than 600,000 pediatric visits each year and provide hospital care for an average of 218 children per day. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit, multi-specialty academic medical center integrating clinical care, research and education. It was founded in 1921 by four physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation.



About Cleveland Clinic



Cleveland Clinic, located in Cleveland, Ohio, is a not-for-profit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Cleveland Clinic was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. U. S. News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation's best hospitals in its annual "America's Best Hospitals" survey. About 2,000 full-time salaried physicians and researchers and 7,600 nurses at Cleveland Clinic represent more than 100 medical specialties and subspecialties. In addition to its main campus, Cleveland Clinic operates nine regional hospitals in Northeast Ohio, Cleveland Clinic Florida, the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas and Cleveland Clinic Canada. In 2008, there were more than 4.2 million visits throughout the Cleveland Clinic health system and 165,000 hospital admissions. Patients came for treatment from every state and from more than 80 countries. Visit Cleveland Clinic at clevelandclinic. org.



The information contained in this communication was developed by Cleveland Clinic's Marketing Department.



For more information on Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, its services and its new website, please contact:



Kevin Ziegler

Senior Associate, Communications and Public Affairs

Clevelandclinic. org/media

(o) 216.636.5876

(m) 216.312.4778

Zieglek2(at)ccf(dot)org

Fax 216.445.3040



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Documentary “I Do Exist” To Premiere Nationwide October 8-11

Documentary “I Do Exist” To Premiere Nationwide October 8-11



Schools, colleges and churches all over the country will be showing a new video that documents transformation in the lives of people who have gone from gay identified to straight during the weekend of October 8-11. Called I Do Exist, the film features narratives of those who have changed as well as expert commentary from Dr. Robert Spitzer, Dr. Mark Yarhouse and Dr. Warren Throckmorton.



(PRWEB) September 20, 2004



Documentary “I Do Exist” To Premiere Nationwide October 8-11



Schools, colleges and churches all over the country will be showing a new video that documents transformation in the lives of people who have gone from gay identified to straight during the weekend of October 8-11 in proximity to National Coming Out Day activities on October 11.



“The documentary I Do Exist features people who have a story to tell that is not often heard. Many in our country are skeptical that people who once identified as homosexual can make profound transformations. This 52-minute film introduces the audience to five such people along with expert commentary,” said producer Warren Throckmorton, Ph. D.



Also, featured in the film is Dr. Robert Spitzer, from Columbia University. Dr. Spitzer is well known for his research in diagnosis and sexual orientation. Dr. Spitzer is also renowned for his role in removing homosexuality from the list of disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association in 1973.



One of the video participants was once featured in an award winning film as a gay man. Noe Gutierrez was in the video “It’s Elementary” explaining what being gay was like to middle school children. Mr. Gutierrez has since become heterosexual and talks about his process of transition on the I Do Exist video.



Dr. Ted Baehr, Publisher of MOVIEGUIDE. ORG said about I Do Exist: "This is a wonderful and necessary video to dispel some of the confusions of our age, and it is highly recommended by MOVIEGUIDE®."



The purpose of the national launch is to raise awareness and encourage discussion concerning the topic of change in sexual identity. October 11 is National Coming Out Day when the gay political group, the Human Rights Campaign, publicizes the message that the only healthy response to same sex attractions is to declare a gay, lesbian or bisexual identity. The film I Do Exist gives the narratives of five people who have chosen a different path, one that involves a profound personal transformation. Reproducible materials are available for those groups that use the contact information below to request it.



Directed by James Kragel, the video is being shown in churches, libraries, colleges, and homes nationwide. “Currently, we have over 45 venues scheduled and are adding more daily,” said Throckmorton. Organizations and individuals wanting to take part and host a showing of any size are encouraged to contact Dr. Throckmorton at ewthrockmorton@gcc. edu or 724-458-3787. For more information on the video, I Do Exist, or to register a showing go to www. idoexist. net.



For more information, contact Warren Throckmorton, PhD (724) 458-3787; (724) 967-5644



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LifeSource Family Chiropractic Receives Community Partner Award

LifeSource Family Chiropractic Receives Community Partner Award



Drs. Jonathan and Erica Berns, owners of LifeSourceFamily Chiropractic, were the recent recipients of the Community Partner Award from Wiregrass High School. The award is handed out each year at the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Student Pride Awards breakfast. Dr. Erica Berns was on hand at the ceremony to receive the award. "LifeSource is absolutely thrilled to receive this award"



Wesley Chapel, FL (PRWEB) June 3, 2009



Drs. Jonathan and Erica Berns, owners of LifeSource Family Chiropractic, were the recipients of Community Partner Award from Wiregrass High School. The award is handed out each year at the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Student Pride Awards breakfast. At the ceremony each local school chooses a business in the community that has gone above and beyond in their support of that school.



Dr. Erica Berns was on hand at the ceremony to receive the award. "LifeSource is absolutely thrilled to receive this award. Supporting our schools has always been a pillar of our community outreach. It is a great honor as a small business to be recognized for something that is usually associated with much larger businesses such as the local car dealers and supermarkets.," She went on to say, " It is our pleasure to help the community be happy and healthy. We are blessed to be able to assist in boosting the students and teachers in what is the most important journey of their lives. The good we do now will reflect in the future and for that we are so pleased."



LifeSource's strong support of the schools comes at no surprise considering all they do in the community. It is hard to go to a WCAA or New Tampa youth event without seeing the LifeSource name on at least one of the teams' jerseys. "My wife and I were both avid athletes growing up. We made a commitment when we opened that giving back to the schools and local kids programs would be a key component to our philanthropy efforts. Our partnership with Wiregrass has been wonderful and was such a natural fit since they are practically in our back yard," said Dr. Jonathan Berns.



LifeSource Family Chiropractic is located next to Office Depot in The Shoppes at New Tampa at the corner of SR 56 and Bruce B. Downs Blvd. The office is open Monday through Friday and is currently accepting new patients. Most insurance plans are welcome. To make an appointment with one of the doctors. Please contact their new patient concierge at 813-929-3700.



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MediSend International and National Freight Industries (NFI) Partnership Benefits People in Desperate Need Worldwide

MediSend International and National Freight Industries (NFI) Partnership Benefits People in Desperate Need Worldwide



NFI assists the humanitarian organization in transporting life-saving medical supplies and equipment domestically for shipment to developing countries in desperate need.



Dallas, TX (PRWEB) April 9, 2008



Two Dallas-based organizations are united to benefit people in dire need of better healthcare conditions in the world's poorest countries. MediSend International, a non-profit humanitarian organization, and National Freight Industries (NFI), a family of companies dedicated to serving the supply chain logistics industry, are partners in the effort to end the needless suffering caused by the lack medical equipment and supplies and the shortage of human resources to maintain and repair life-saving biomedical equipment in developing countries.



NFI has demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility in a long-standing relationship with MediSend. National Freight trucks have transported donated life-saving medical supplies and equipment and biomedical equipment from US hospitals and suppliers to MediSend's facility where the items are made ready for shipment. Once readied and packed in ocean-going containers, NFI has frequently managed the transportation of the supplies to ports from which the containers are bound for hospitals and clinics in developing countries. NFI has also played a key-role in transporting emergency aid from MediSend to countries suffering disasters such as the devastating 2005 earthquakes in Pakistan.



"NFI is a superb example of corporate social responsibility. On many occasions, NFI has enabled MediSend to expedite medical supplies and equipment to hospitals and clinics desperately awaiting their arrival," said Nick Hallack, President and CEO of MediSend International. "We are indebted to Ike Brown and his company for their generosity and commitment."



MediSend's Global Education Center (GEC) operates this country's first BMET Biomedical Equipment Repair Training Program designed specifically to meet the needs and challenges of developing countries. The MediSend biomedical training laboratory, sponsored by ExxonMobil, is one of the largest and best equipped in the region. GEC trainees from developing countries spend six months in an intensive program that returns them to their home countries with the professional skills to maintain and repair essential biomedical equipment. NFI has played a critical role in delivering valuable biomedical training equipment to MediSend's facility.



"Social responsibility is a core value at NFI. We are proud of our partnership in MediSend's global mission and pleased that our skills in supply chain logistics have been of service to people in need," said Ike Brown, Vice-Chairman and Owner of National Freight Industries.



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US Netcare Contrata a Greenhouse Marketing Group -- Una Firma Dedicade al Mercadeo Diversificado

US Netcare Contrata a Greenhouse Marketing Group -- Una Firma Dedicade al Mercadeo Diversificado



Se planea el lanzamiento de un nuevo Seguro de Salud para personas no residentes de los Estados Unidos. US NetCare, una compania administradora de cuidado de salud y seguros medicos creada para no residentes de Estados Unidos que viven en este pais



(PRWEB) October 22, 2007



US NetCare, una compania administradora de cuidado de salud y seguros medicos creada para no residentes de Estados Unidos que viven en este pais, ha contratado recientemente a Greenhouse Marketing Group, una firma basada en California que se especializa en mercadeo diversificado y en la introduccion de nuevos productos en el mercado Hispano.



"Estamos felizes de trabajar con Greenhouse Marketing Group, compania que tiene muchos anos de experiencia en una gran diversidad de mercadeos, para que nos ayuden a lanzar nuestros productos de Seguro Medico en la comunidad Hispana," dice el doctor Jacob Harel, presidente de US NetCare Corporation basada en New York.



Con tecnicas en el Mercado general trabajando con corporaciones de alto nivel, Greenhouse Marketing Group trae una inmensa y variada experiencia al creciente mercadeo diversificado, particularmente al Mercado Hispano.



La compania, basada en California tiene oficinas en Los Angeles, Dallas y New York. Greenhouse usa una mezcla de comunicacion combinada con eventos especiales, endosos y sociedades estrategicas para respaldar el lanzamiento de nuevos productos. La Firma planea alcanzar foros en la comunidad Hispana para dar a conocer nuestros productos. Ellos estan trabajando con Lideres de la comunidad, Las iglesias de todas las denominaciones religiosas, clinicas medicas y organizaciones de Inmigracion para asi llevarlos a la diversificada comunidad Hispana. Instituciones financieras, minoristas y otros negocios, estan siendo abordados para llevar el producto a donde la comunidad Hispana compra y radica.



Segun Robert Nieto, Presidente de Greenhouse, "No hay nada mas importante en la comunidad Hispana que el cuidado de Salud. Nosotros estamos felices de estar envueltos en ofrecer por primera vez, un servicio de cuidado de salud comprensible y barato. Un servicio que puede traer mucho provecho a tanta gente que no tiene acceso a estos servicios en nuestra comunidad."



Las estadisticas demuestran que existe un gran porcentaje de Hispanos que viven en Los Estados Unidos sin Seguro Medico. Despues de muchos anos de estudio y de experiencia en brindar cuidado de salud a estudiantes Internacionales que viven en este pais, US NetCare trabajo con firmas diferentes para crear 3 niveles de Seguro de Salud costeable para no-residentes de Estados Unidos.



US NetCare esta respaldada por First Health PPO. Una extensa red nacional de profesionales medicos que comparte el compromiso de US NetCare en pro del bienestar de la poblacion no-residente.



Personas no residentes de Los Estados Unidos que viven en este pais, son elegibles y no tienen que llenar largas formas con su historial de salud para inscribirse. US Netcare tambien ofrece representantes bilingues para brindar servicio al cliente y asistirlos durante el proceso de inscripcion y durante la duracion de la covertura del seguro.



"Creemos que la comunidad va a responder favorablemente a este producto, porque ha sido creado para ellos, el proceso de inscripcion es facil y el costo es eficiente. Ha sido disenado para la comunidad inmigrante en California y estamos anticipando sacar al Mercado este producto en un futuro cercano," dice Robert Nieto, de Greenhouse Marketing Group.



No residentes viviendo en Estados Unidos pueden incluir a inmigrantes, trabajadores extranjeros, estudiantes de intercambio, ejecutivos internacionales, expatriados, estudiantes internacionales, individuos indocumentados y diplomaticos, entre otros. Por medio de US Netcare, estos individuos y sus familias pueden obtener cobertura durante el tiempo que residan en Estados Unidos



Acerca de US NetCare:

US NetCare es un pionero en la administracion de seguro de salud, establecido con el proposito de mejorar el bienestar de extranjeros e inmigrantes en los Estados Unidos. Ofreciendo planes innovativos de seguro de salud a precios razonables, US NetCare sirve a la enorme poblacion de no-ciudadanos en Norteamerica. A traves de extensa experiencia sirviendo a extranjeros de muchas nacionalidades, sin importar su estado migratorio, de visa o sus capacidades financieras, US NetCare tiene un amplio conocimiento de las especiales necesidades de este grupo. Con representantes de asistencia bilingues, proceso conveniente de inscripcion y compromiso para el cuidado del cliente, US NetCare ofrece una solucion comprensible para las necesidades del cuidado de salud de la comunidad no-residente.

Para mas informacion, visite www. usnetcare. com



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Super Microbe Discovered that Converts Toxins to Anti-Oxidants and Aids Digestion

Super Microbe Discovered that Converts Toxins to Anti-Oxidants and Aids Digestion



Company introduces probiotic drink containing ancient, toxin-eating microorganismst that convert poisons to life-enhancing substances.



Sylmar, CA (PRWEB) September 13, 2008



Mighty Microbes, LLC, A Los Angles based nutritional company, has introduced a probiotic drink that contains a super microbe which cleans the intestines of toxins, pollutants, and unhealthy bacteria.



According to Gil Schrock, one of the firm's partners, the four billion-year-old phototropic microbe combines with other beneficial bacteria to create an organic probiotic that helps detoxify the entire digestive system. "The word, probiotic means 'for life,'" says Schrock. "Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that do wonders for the human body. And this particular microbe, in a unique combination with some others, improves the health of living organisms in extraordinary ways."



According to Schrock:

Probiotics break food down into its most basic elements allowing nutrients to absorb through the digestive system They strengthen the immune system, which enables the body to better fight disease They help relieve constipation They reduce the chance of infection from common pathogens (bad bugs) They increase the bio-availability of nutrients (which means they help the nutrients get into the cells with greater ease where they generate the physical energy of life) They promote recovery from diarrhea They clean the intestines They help kill viruses and parasites They help prevent yeast and fungal infections They improve the digestion of vitamins They inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria They help make certain B vitamins



The intestines should have about 85% good bacteria and 15% bad. But, Schrock says, "Chlorinated water, the presence of antibiotics in the food we eat and as medical treatments we take, and other factors can wreck havoc in the gastrointestinal track throwing your digestive system completely out of balance. On days like that you'd rather be burned at the stake."



Most people know that yogurt can be a good source of probiotics. But some years ago a discovery was made using a unique combination of probiotics. The discovery was made by a little known Japanese scientist named Teruo Higa.



The phototropic microbe, says Schrock, is so named because it gets energy from the sun or heat of the earth, has been on the planet since before there was oxygen. In fact, it is anaerobic (lives in an oxygen-free environment). One may wonder, he says, how a living organism survived without oxygen. "In a simple act of adaptive Darwinian brilliance, it consumed what is in the environment: epicurean delights like carbon dioxide, ammonia, methane and hydrogen sulfide. And still does." .



"These are all modern-day toxins," says Schrock. "But it doesn't just consume the toxins, it gives off beneficial substances. This is a microbe that thrives on poisons and pollutants, and then excretes oxygen, amino acids, antioxidants and other substances that enhance life."



The other members of the group are aerobic (oxygen loving) bacteria.

While, for years, scientists thought that aerobic and anaerobic bacteria could not work together, this unique group of microbes engage in what is a rather remarkable degree of teamwork.



The aerobic bacteria consume the oxygen generated by the phototropic bacteria. They in turn give off carbon dioxide, food for the phototropic bacteria. This results in an extraordinary relationship - a symbiotic union of beneficial bacteria - that, like an organic PacMan, goes charging through the environment in which it finds itself, devouring toxins and pollutants and giving off amino acids, vitamins, trace minerals, enzymes and antioxidants.



"This is an environmental Back to the Future," says Schrock. "We have ancient, toxin-eating microorganisms and their organic by-products bringing life-enhancing benefits to people in the 21st century. We think there is something kind of cool about that."



For more information about this organic probiotic, please visit http://www. mightymicrobes. com/probiotic-supplements. html (http://www. mightymicrobes. com/probiotic-supplements. html)



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Ixion Awarded Grant For O. Formigenes Diagnostic Test Kit

Ixion Awarded Grant For O. Formigenes Diagnostic Test Kit



ALACHUA, Fla., August 28, 2002 - Ixion Biotechnology announced today that it has received National Institutes of Health funding for its SBIR Phase II study, "Oxalobacter formigenes diagnostic kit development." The award will allow Ixion to scale up and evaluate clinically a diagnostic test that detects the presence of Oxalobacter formigenes (Oxf) in humans.



(PRWEB) September 4, 2002



The absence of Oxf from the GI-tract may be a risk factor for the development of hyperoxaluria and calcium oxalate kidney stones. Oxf is absent in about 30% of the normal adult population and in much higher percentages from persons at risk of stone disease and other oxalate-related conditions. Recent data indicate that patients with recurrent urolithiasis may have a lower prevalence rate of Oxf than non-stone forming individuals. In addition, urinary oxalate levels are higher in non-colonized individuals than they are in colonized individuals. The standard culture method of detecting Oxf is cumbersome, expensive, and nonspecific.



"There is a clinical need for a rapid accurate test that can identify patients who are not colonized with Oxf," says the study's principal investigator Harmeet Sidhu, PhD, Ixion's vice president and oxalate research director. "Together with Ixion's oral drug candidate, currently in clinical trials, we have a unified approach to management of excess oxalate conditions. Testing for Oxf can become part of the routine metabolic evaluation of patients with hyperoxaluria and kidney stone disease."



The 24-month, $774,544 Small Business Innovation Research award recognizes Ixion's prior success in this area. In the Phase I study, Ixion researchers developed a reliable and rapid kit to detect Oxf in human fecal samples. This Phase II project will allow the researchers to complete the development of a production prototype of the O. formigenes Monitor Kit, and to evaluate the clinical performance of the kit in a multi-center clinical trial. The study population will consist of 275 stone patients matched with 275 controls. The study design should obtain sufficient analytical and clinical data to seek FDA approval as well as to firmly establish the association of Oxf with urinary oxalate excretion and the risk of kidney stones..



Co-investigators on the project are Dean G. Assimos, MD, and Ross P. Holmes, PhD, both at Wake Forest Medical School, and Roger Low, MD, at the University of California Davis Medical School.



In less than three years, Ixion has received 11 SBIR/STTR awards, totaling nearly $3 million in research funds for its cell-based treatments of metabolic disease programs.



In addition to its work in the treatment of excess oxalate conditions, Ixion is engaged in developing an adult stem cell somatic cellular treatment for diabetes. Q-Med AB (QMED. ST), whose shares are listed on the Stockholm stock exchange, is a major investor in and collaborator with Ixion. For more information about Ixion's current activities, visit Ixion's web site at www. ixion-biotech. com or call 386-418-1428.



This news release discusses historical information and includes forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, such as risks associated with pre-clinical and clinical development in the biotechnology industry, determinations by regulatory and administrative governmental authorities, competitive factors, technological developments and costs of developing, producing and selling products.



Contact:



Weaver H. Gaines



Chairman and CEO



Ixion Biotechnology, Inc.



13709 Progress Blvd., Box 13



Alachua, FL 32615



386-418-1428, Ext. 304 (voice)



386-418-1583 (fax)



Info@ixion-biotech. com



Lisette Hilton



561-392-5649 (voice)



561-392-7496 (fax)



Info@ixion-biotech. com