Send2Press Newswire

Narconon Graduate Successfully Recovers From Prescription Drug Abuse

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:46:19 GMT

DETROIT, Mich., June 3 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Ramsy Darwish knows what it's like being addicted to prescription pain medication. In a recent story called America's "Other" Drug Problem Prescription Medication Abuse with CNN's Rick Sanchez, Ramsy shared his story of addiction and recovery and how he got help, finally ending up at the Narconon Freedom Center drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.

Darwish, like many, didn't start out as a drug addict. He did well in school, was very skilled at Tae Quan Do, and skateboarding and grew up in a family that provided him with a lot of opportunity. By the time he was 13 years old he was looking at professional skateboarding scholarship but instead started smoking marijuana. "I went to a pretty rough junior high school and began to get involved with smoking pot and hanging out with gangs," says Darwish. "As a result, I lost interest in all my hobbies."

Starting off with pot, Ramsy's drug addiction soon escalated and he started using pills and other heavier drugs. Before he knew it, he had developed an addiction to opiates and prescription pain medication and was doing everything he could to get his next drug fix.

By the time Ramsey was ready for help, he had already burned all his bridges. "My family was hurt and it got to a point where they gave me an ultimatum - they weren't going to watch me kill myself anymore," he says." They told me I could go to Narconon. I wanted help all a long but was scared."

Despite his fear, Darwish hopped on a plane and enrolled in the Narconon program - a long-term residential drug rehab program with a more than 70 percent success rate for permanent recovery. Within weeks, under the care of Narconon Freedom Center, Ramsy started thinking about what it would be like to have a life without drugs. "When I went through the sauna detoxification program at Narconon I didn't think about doing drugs anymore," he says. "I started to be happy. I even noticed that I was laughing more."

Today Darwish has been stably off drugs for several years and is happily married. He explains that the Narconon program gave him the ability to be in control of his life and to confront his problems. "I thought my life was over and I had missed my opportunities," says Darwish. "It turns out I hadn't."

Ramsy's advice to others through his CNN interview was to get help. "It is important to be able to leave and handle yourself," he says. "You have to know that there's hope and that things are fixable."

If you or a loved one are addicted to prescription pain medication and need a successful drug and alcohol rehabilitation program contact Narconon Freedom Center today at 877-362-9682, or visit: www.freedomdrugrehab.com.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Ramsy Darwish, Narconon Freedom Treatment Center

No More 'Jon and Kate' Casualties

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:50 GMT

Long Island fertility doctor declares an end to high order multiples with groundbreaking financial subsidy for single embryo transfers

PLAINVIEW, N.Y., July 1 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. David Kreiner, a nationally renowned Long Island reproductive specialist, takes on the long-standing moral and medical dilemma of multiples with a unique approach to IVF designed to make single embryo transfer (SET) the standard of care available to everyone. Kreiner's East Coast Fertility center offers a critical twist on routine IVF services. With the new Single Embryo Incentive Program, East Coast Fertility will freeze all viable unused embryos retrieved from a single IVF cycle and transfer them at the patient's discretion - one embryo at a time - at no extra cost.

"We've reduced the sticker shock of IVF so dramatically by absorbing the fees associated with cryopreservation and subsequent transfers, that we're providing a financial incentive for patients to do the right thing - for themselves, their marriages, their financial futures and, most important, any babies they may have," Kreiner said. "Our goal is to help people already under the stress of infertility, choose the possibility of one healthy child with each pregnancy."

Recent headline-grabbing cases, such as the public dissolution of Jon and Kate Gosselin's marriage, underscore the spectrum of perils associated with high order multiples. They range from infant mortality and disability to parental depression, divorce and economic disaster. The Single Embryo Incentive Program is the first financial package from a fertility center in this country that defrays the economic risk of using one embryo at a time.

"There's the collateral damage of multiples that all doctors talk about, but few have come up with a solution," said Pamela Madsen, nationally-known fertility advocate/blogger (thefertilityadvocate.com) and Director of Patient Education at East Coast Fertility. "Most American couples are uninsured for fertility treatment. They can barely scrape together payment for a single round of IVF and so they feel compelled to put in as many embryos as they can, hoping one will take. Unfortunately, their best intentions boomerang and the result is a medical tragedy that, often, is worse than the underlying infertility. In many European countries where fertility treatment is covered, single embryo transfer is the law."

Kreiner, a pioneer in the field who trained under legendary IVF innovators Drs. Howard and Georgianna Jones, vowed to bring an end to the heartache and ruin that comes with high order multiples.

"I take this personally," said Kreiner. "Over the years, I've become close with so many of my patients and have lived through their high-risk pregnancies, the surgeries on tiny infants and the collapse of many marriages under the strain. We doctors must do more than advise people that single embryo transfer is the prudent choice. We must make it possible for patients to make this choice and avoid the lifetime complications of high order multiples. That means shouldering some of the economic burden, especially for the uninsured and cash-strapped."

He adds, "East Coast Fertility certainly makes less on the Single Embryo Incentive Program. But I feel it is our moral obligation to ensure that money doesn't stop people from making the right decision."

More information about East Coast Fertility: www.eastcoastfertility.com.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, single embryo transfers, East Coast Fertility

Live Broadcast of Drug Rehab Graduation at Canadian Narconon

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:35:21 GMT

TROIS-RIVIERES, Quebec, June 29 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The very first live Narconon graduation broadcast on the Internet, took place last Friday, June 26, to help celebrate the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This was the very first time a Narconon drug rehab center had publicly broadcast a Narconon graduation ceremony. The live feed started with different public service announcements from former graduates supporting the International Day Against Drugs and then went live to the actual graduation ceremony.

Featured in the video are three graduates of the Narconon drug rehab program who all accepted program completion certificates that day.

The night before the live broadcast, invitations were sent out through different social media networks and mailing lists. Because the families of these three graduates live so far away, it was an excellent opportunity for them to see how far their loved ones have come.

"It was a great opportunity to give the general public and family members of these graduates an inside look into an actual graduation ceremony at a Narconon drug rehab center," comments Nick Hayes, deputy director of marketing and promotion at Narconon Trois-Riveires. "It is also very important to see real people who have battled addiction for so many years finally regain control over their lives, and reunite with their families."

Narconon Trois-Rivieres is working to have these live broadcasts of their graduation ceremonies become a regular event. This was the first time something like this had ever been done within the Narconon network, which comprises of close to 150 different rehab and prevention centers in over 40 different countries.

The Narconon Trois-Rivieres drug rehab program has been located in Quebec, Canada for ten years, and receives clientele from all over North America and many European countries.

For more information about helping someone addicted to drugs or alcohol, contact their toll free hotline at, 1-877-782-7409, or visit the Web site at, narconon.ca/.

To view a video news release (VNR) for this story, visit:
http://www.Send2Press.com/newswire/2009-06-0629-008.shtml .

NARCONON is a trademark and service mark owned by Association for Better Living and Education and is used with its permission. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective parties.

View online pressroom and electronic media kit for Narconon Trois-Rivieres

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, drug rehab program, public service announcement

MMDI Announces Agreement with Novation to Supply the Rebound HRD

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:00:45 GMT

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., June 29 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Minnesota Medical Development, Inc. (MMDI) today announced that it has been awarded an agreement under Novation's "New Medical Technology" program to supply its Rebound HRD® and Rebound HRD V (hernia repair devices) to their alliance members, which includes: acute hospitals and systems, academic medical centers and ambulatory care facilities. The Rebound HRD and HRD V are intended to assist in the repair and/or reinforcement of hernia or other soft tissue defects where weakness exists and where the support of a nonabsorbable material is preferred.

The Rebound HRD and HRD V are self-expanding Nitinol framed/surgical mesh medical devices designed for the laparoscopic repair of inguinal, ventral and incisional hernias. The super-elastic Nitinol frame allows the device to be folded and inserted laparoscopically through an access port or small incision. Once deployed, the device fully unfurls or "rebounds" back to its original shape - ready for quick and easy placement over the hernia defect.

The Rebound HRD and HRD V shorten operating times by either eliminating or reducing fixation, respectively, and organizing the mesh during the procedure. Preliminary surgeon usage of the Rebound HRD V shows that the procedural time may be reduced by as much as 50 percent in some cases. Although the devices are ideally suited for laparoscopic surgery, they may also be placed via an open incisional approach.

"We feel very fortunate to be in a position that allows us to actively market the Rebound HRD and Rebound HRD V to Novation's alliance members under their 'New Medical Technology' program agreement. Earlier this year we were invited to the Novation vendor product fair and given an opportunity to present to Novation's Member Council. After clearly demonstrating the features and benefits of the Rebound HRD, the council convened and decided to move forward with awarding a contract," said MMDI Chief Marketing Officer, Steve Nuss.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting Steve Nuss, Chief Marketing Officer at 763-354-7105 or snuss@2mdinc.com . You may also visit our website at: www.2mdinc.com.

About MMDI

MMDI was established in 2001 and is based in Plymouth, Minnesota. Located in the heart of Minnesota's "Medical Alley," MMDI has access to some of the world's finest medical product development, manufacturing and marketing resources. The Company's primary objective is to identify, develop, patent and manufacture unique medical devices that provide significant clinical benefits and market opportunities.

About Novation

Novation is the industry's leading contracting services company that delivers unmatched savings to more than 25,000 members and affiliates of VHA Inc. and the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) and more than 15,000 Provista customers. By combining scale and expertise with data-driven tools and information, Novation offers the most extensive range of advanced contracting services in the industry. VHA, UHC and Provista members used Novation and alliance contracts to purchase $35.6 billion in supplies and services in 2008.

All trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective parties.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, hernia repair devices, Nitinol surgical mesh

Get Long-Term Care Protection Now; Don't Wait for Health Reform, Industry Leader Advises

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:00:32 GMT

Denise Gott Gives Five Reasons for Immediate Action

KIRKLAND, Wash., June 29 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- If and when Congress passes health reform legislation, it may or may not include a public option for long-term care, the assistance with daily living required by millions suffering from long-lasting illnesses or disabilities. If you're in the market for long-term care insurance, should you wait and see what materializes? Denise Gott says no; there's too much to lose and little to gain. Gott is Chairman of the Board of LTC Financial Partners LLC (LTCFP) -- www.ltcfp.com -- one of the nation's largest and most experienced long-term care insurance agencies.

Gott gives five reasons for securing long-term care insurance without delay:

1. A public option, if it materializes, will not replace the need for private long-term care insurance for most people who now seek it. Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and John Dingell (D-MI) have introduced the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act of 2009, which would create a public insurance program for adults who become functionally disabled. "But this would pay only $50 or so a day in benefits, while a typical long-term care policy pays $150 to $250 or more," Gott says. "The public option might offer some relief for low-income people who could not otherwise afford insurance, but it would be no substitute for the substantial funds required for complete care." Besides, Gott points out, there is no guarantee a public LTC option will make it into law. "Even a public option for regular medical health care faces tough opposition."

2. Tax incentives for owning long term care insurance, if included in the law, will apply to policies already in place, as well as to policies purchased after health reform. "There's no percentage in waiting," says Gott. "Right now with existing law, if you own LTC insurance you can get a federal tax deduction of $320 to $3,980, depending on your age. Any new incentives will simply be additive to those already in place."

3. Insurance rates increase with age, so waiting can be counterproductive. "The clock is ticking," says Gott. "Even a few months' delay can make a bit of difference. I advise people to secure LTC protection early, to lock in a lower rate."

4. Health is a factor in LTC rates, and time is against us, so it's wise to get insured now, while you're at least relatively fit. "When health deteriorates, rates go up, or you might not qualify at all."

5. The upcoming legislation may provide new safeguards for LTC insurance buyers, but this will only make the insurance a sounder investment than it already is. "Waiting serves no purpose," says Gott.

Gott's organization offers help from over 550 independent long term care agents. They're available by phone or in person to advise individuals and companies on the most suitable policies from leading insurance companies. A listing of LTCFP's agents, by state, is available at web.ltcfp.com/ltcfp/find-agent.aspx.

Now's the time for women in particular to look into LTC insurance, Gott says, "Not just for themselves but for their spouses. Since women live longer, they end up as forced caregivers when their husbands fail. This is completely unnecessary. With funds for care services, women can have a life."

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, health reform legislation, Community Living Assistance

Starlight and CCFA Unveil Enhanced Web Resource for Young Adults with Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:49:48 GMT

LOS ANGELES, Calif., June 24 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- For young adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, coping with their illness is a life-long struggle. Today Starlight Children's Foundation and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation announced the unveiling of their redesigned Web site, UCandCrohns.org, originally designed in 2006 to help young IBD patients cope with their condition. New features - such as frequently asked questions and Ask the Expert - have been created to help young adults living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) manage their life-long digestive disease; connect with others facing similar challenges; communicate with health care providers, family, teachers and peers; administer medication and other treatments; manage their symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes; and access resources that make understanding medical jargon much easier.

"Since its initial launch in 2006, UCandCrohns.org has gained significant popularity among teens living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and has become a well-known and valued resource," says Kimberly Frederick, Vice President of Patient & Professional Services for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. "The site has been carefully redesigned to appeal to the needs of today's younger generation when it comes to dynamically accessing information online and connecting with others in similar situations."

The new rich and interactive site features, complemented by a fresh energetic graphic design and easy-to-navigate site layout, include:

* My Story - A place for teens to submit videos and stories about the ups-and-downs of life with IBD, and to see what others have sent in about their experiences.
* Tips and Tidbits - Provides a wealth of IBD survival skills, including how to handle long school absences, telling friends about the condition, what makes a medical procedure more bearable, stress management tools, and more practical wisdom from other teens who have been there.
* Ask an Expert - Features Q&A about everything from medications and procedures to foods, fitness, and lifestyle, plus a tool that allows teens to submit new questions.

"Feeling as if everything they do is centered around the bathroom and accompanied by pain, extended absences from school, nausea, fatigue, weight loss, surgeries, and medications and their side effects, life for teens with IBD can be can be isolating and overwhelming," said Paula Van Ness, CEO of Starlight. "We are confident that the updated UCandCrohns.org will help young adult Crohn's and colitis patients better cope with the disease and come to grips with their feelings about it."

Although there are 1.4 million Americans living with IBD, including more than 150,000 children under 18, Crohn's and colitis sufferers, especially young adults, feel isolated and alone. Children with IBD are comforted knowing that others can relate to their struggles, which is helpful in relieving emotional pain of the disease. The UC and Crohn's site connects sick children with the reality that there is hope and a future for every single one of them.

UCandCrohns.org has been made possible through a generous gift from CCFA supporter and National Trustee, Jeff Margolis and his wife Deborah.

About Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis inflames the large intestine (colon) only. Symptoms may include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, rectal bleeding, fever, and weight loss. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery. These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon cancer in patients with long-term disease. Some 1.4 million Americans suffer from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, including as many as 150,000 under the age of 18. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.

About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's (CCFA) mission is to cure and prevent Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis through research, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these digestive diseases through education and support. More than 81 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs. CCFA consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) and the American Institute of Philanthropy (charitywatch.org).

For more information, contact CCFA at 800-932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org.

About Starlight Children's Foundation

When a child or teenager has a serious medical condition, everyone in the family is affected. For 25 years, Starlight Children's Foundation has been dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. Starlight's programs have been proven to distract children from their pain, help them better understand and manage their illnesses, and connect families facing similar challenges so that no one feels alone. Through a network of chapters and offices, Starlight provides ongoing support to children, parents and siblings in all U.S. states and Canadian provinces with an array of outpatient, hospital-based and Web offerings. Programs are also delivered internationally through affiliates in Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom.

To learn more visit www.starlight.org.

Costs associated with the dissemination of this news announcement were donated to SCF by Neotrope®.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Crohns Colitis Foundation, Starlight Childrens Foundation

Canadian Narconon Supports International Day Against Drug Abuse

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:58:23 GMT

TROIS-RIVIERES, Quebec, June 24 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- In 1987, the U.N. General Assembly dedicated the 26th of June, International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This is an international celebration and a worldwide stand taken to strengthen action and cooperation throughout the globe, all working together to achieve a drug free society. Along with all the Narconon® centers internationally, Narconon Trois-Rivieres will be celebrating this day Friday June 26, with a special graduation.

Former graduates will be giving testimonials talking about this year's UNODC anti-drug day theme, which is, "Do drugs control your life? Your life. Your community. No place for drugs."

This will be included in a soon to be released recording of a Narconon Trois-Rivieres graduation, all dedicated to support the cause of eradicating the international problem of drug abuse. This will all be posted in the new Narconon drug rehab blog.

Millions of people across the globe are affected by drug addiction. A graduate of 2005 commented on this by saying: "It is truly sad to see parts of the world dominated by drugs. It's a plague in the civilized world that destroys people's lives. The individuals, groups, and organizations pushing these drugs are making millions off the suffering of others. Sadly enough, this is an all too common occurrence in today's society. These people suffering in third world countries don't have access to the resources we have in the Western part of the world. A betterment group like the Narconon drug education program has dedicated and caring people working for them to help battle this problem. There are also hundreds of other betterment groups and charitable organizations all doing the same thing. The International Day against Drug Abuse is a great way to recognize the hard work these groups put forward. All working together to solve this problem is the only way a drug-free planet can be created."

The Narconon Trois-Riveres drug rehab program will record this weeks graduates at our weekly graduation, and will post other videos and pictures on the Narconon Web site, narconon.ca. With thousands of different groups recognizing this day, the message will be heard across the globe.

NARCONON is a trademark and service mark owned by Association for Better Living and Education and is used with its permission.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Day Against Drug Abuse, Narconon Trois Rivieres

Potential Silver Bullet for Swine Flu and Most Common Infections Using Green Technology Patented in U.S. and Mexico

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:48:07 GMT

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 24 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Argentech, Inc. (www.argentechinc.com) today announced that it reached agreement with Invision International Health Solutions, Inc., to purchase the rights to Opti-Silver, a patented antibacterial and antiviral technology that utilizes ionic silver in a unique complex for optimal delivery in the human body. The complex was granted broad patent protection in the U.S. and, recently, in Mexico as well. It also has patent protection overseas. (See www.silver100.com/patents.)

Recently, there has been a surge in the number of industrial and medically related products utilizing ionic silver, owing to its broad-spectrum antibacterial and antiviral qualities. University studies and regulatory approvals further attest to the antimicrobial powers of ionic silver, which is harmless to humans with normal use.

The mechanism of action by which ionic silver kills germs gives it this remarkable combination of characteristics. However, it's extremely unstable and requires a delivery mechanism to function.

The result of more than a million dollars in development, Opti-Silver was designed explicitly to optimize the delivery of silver ions in the human body.

"The Opti-Silver complex represents a quantum leap in utilizing ionic silver for internal human use," said Roger Leblanc, Ph.D., former director of the Departments of Chemistry and Advanced Microscopy at the University of Miami. "Nothing else even comes close to the efficiency of its unique delivery mechanism."

Donald Baird, Ph.D., former director of the Department of Chemistry at Florida Atlantic University, has called Opti-Silver "ingenious" and "unprecedented." (See www.silver100.com/reports.)

In November of 2007, the maker of a certain surface disinfectant was granted EPA approval to claim that its ionic silver product kills strains of SARS, Bird Flu, MRSA, influenza, and a range of other pathogens. Drs. Leblanc and Baird have written pointed reports stating that surface disinfectant would be all but useless for internal human use, citing its lack of an appropriate delivery mechanism for the challenging electro-chemical environment of the human body.

"To a chemist," Dr. Baird stated, "Opti-Silver represents a brilliant chemical formulation that results in a far more efficient delivery mechanism for releasing silver ions in the body than has ever existed before."

"We have the technology and patents to support a business model that enables us to perform serious humanitarian work, by growing our business," said Jay Newman, CEO of Argentech. "And we have a game plan in place to roll this out to the public on a massive scale in a remarkably short time," he said.

A study has been designed, to be conducted at the world's largest clinical research center for pediatric drugs, which Argentech believes will prove the ability of ionic silver to prevent the vast majority of upper respiratory infections, including those that are viral in nature. Fighting viral infection is an area where solutions are still lacking and vitally needed.

"To fund the study, we're relying on wealthy individuals who really want to make a difference in human health on a worldwide scale," Newman said.

"It's not that we mind sharing stock with investors," he added. "We find that philanthropists tend to resonate far better with us, because they share the humanitarian priority behind our mission. It's not just about the numbers for us. It's both. We have to be successful to get this vital product to the people."

Charitable contributions can be made into a 501(C)(3) called the Foundation for Health Research, which will fund the study.

Meet Newman and hear the story at www.argentechinc.com/video1.

Further information: Jay Newman, 954-776-2406, jnewman@argentechinc.com.

All trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective parties.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, OptiSilver antiviral, ionic silver treatment

Lower Back Pain is Targeted by LifeModeler, Inc. with Newly Released Software

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:59:31 GMT

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., June 23 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- LifeModeler, Inc., the leading global provider of biomechanical human body simulation tools and services, has released LumbarSIM™, a new product that adds to its family of unique "virtual prototyping" software. This latest innovation directly addresses the needs of orthopedic device manufacturers and surgeons seeking ways to respond to the growing numbers of patients experiencing lower back pain.

Shawn McGuan, CEO of LifeModeler, Inc., said the new software entry will "greatly shorten the time it takes to get helpful devices into the hands of surgeons who can radically alter the lifestyles of an aging population."

The company, which has consistently supported the orthopedic community with virtual modeling products such as LifeMOD™ and KneeSIM™, sees this new software as having an overall influence similar to that of its popular knee product.

"It will provide completely new insight for surgeons and researchers who are involved in spinal surgery, spinal cord stimulation implants, and artificial disc replacement," said McGuan. "That potential for affecting the lives of so many will see LumbarSIM's use grow very quickly," he predicted.

The new product, which automatically creates a detailed lumbar spine model and separates it into individual vertebral segments and disc forces, integrates easily into the company's well-respected LifeMOD software. Its eventual applications in the orthopedic arena are numerous, especially when attempting to pre-evaluate surgical options such as spinal fusion, discectomy, and laminectomy.

The simplicity of adapting to LumbarSIM's architecture is a feature that LifeModeler's engineers focused on so that it could easily serve as a design tool for orthopedic device developers. Much of the software's operational characteristics mirror the workflow that is commonly found on a personal computer.

"It's somewhat like using 'favorites' on your desktop," said McGuan.

Many of the common tasks have been streamlined and the modeling language is more user-centric, making all of the workflow customizable to fit specific needs. This makes LumbarSIM easily learned, and easily applied.

Reports generated by the software offer increased sophistication, including the incorporation of hypertext, plots, live video, and model animation.

According to McGuan, the software has built-in orthopedic-specific plots based on published spinal data, saving valuable research and development time by automating plot development.

The company's LifeMOD product is used by more than 600 corporate clients and hundreds of universities and research institutions worldwide, said McGuan. He also indicated that many of their orthopedic industry clients are realizing productivity increases up to 20 percent while also decreasing development costs by as much as 40 percent-simultaneously enhancing innovative techniques and reducing risk.

He sees the application for this new lumbar product as continuing that trend. And with tens of millions of lower back pain sufferers, it's getting to market at just the right time.

LifeModeler, Inc. can be contacted at 949-366-6829, and additional information on the company and its products can be found at www.lifemodeler.com.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, LifeModeler LumbarSIM, virtual prototyping software

Clinical Studies Validate Cancer Gene Delivery Platform: Landmark Publication Confirms Rexin-G Effectively Targets Metastatic Cancers and Improves Patient Survival

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:45:51 GMT

SAN MARINO, Calif., June 22 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Epeius Biotechnologies (epeiusbiotech.com) stuns the medical and scientific communities with a dramatic demonstration of single-agent efficacy with its lead product, Rexin-G, for metastatic cancer. The landmark article (accessible online as of June 16, 2009 in Molecular Therapy, the Official Journal of The American Society of Gene Therapy, www.nature.com/mt/) documents the results of two related studies using Rexin-G, a tumor-targeted anti-cancer agent designed to seek-out and destroy metastatic cancers that have spread throughout the body, while sparing normal cells and healthy tissues and organs.

Following the FDA's designation of Rexin-G as an Orphan Drug for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma and osteosarcoma in 2008, the results of these two independent studies represent a major step toward gaining Accelerated Approval of Rexin-G for osteosarcoma in the United States.

"It took several years of painstaking safety studies, followed by gradual, progressive dose escalations, to the point where tumor control was consistently demonstrated, said Dr. Erlinda M. Gordon, Medical Director of Epeius Biotechnologies.

Yet the progressive development strategy has finally paid off with real dividends: (1) By establishing the overall safety of the tumor-targeted gene delivery platform first and foremost, (2) By establishing critical pharmacological thresholds of bioactivity and dose-dependent efficacy for a new class of biological anti-cancer agents in otherwise intractable cancers, and (3) By validating the potential of Rexin-G to control metastatic cancer with single-agent efficacy, whereas other targeted therapies must be used in combination with one or more toxic agents in order to achieve even marginal results. The dividends for the cancer patient can now be measured in terms of overall survival, which is considered to be the gold standard in terms of evaluating efficacy.

About Epeius Biotechnologies

Rexin-G® is commercially available for the treatment of all solid tumors in the Republic of the Philippines, and has "fast track status" as a treatment for pancreatic cancer in the United States. Epeius Biotechnologies Corporation is a privately held biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the advancement of genetic medicine with the development and commercialization of its high-performance gene delivery systems.

To learn more about ongoing clinical trials, licensing and corporate partnering opportunities, please contact Dr. Erlinda M. Gordon at egordon@epeiusbiotech.com, or visit www.epeiusbiotech.com.

All trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective parties.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, treat metastatic cancers, Molecular Therapy

Narconon Gulf Coast Announces 300th Graduate from Drug Rehabilitation Program

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 06:00:07 GMT

DESTIN, Fla., June 19 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Narconon® Gulf Coast, a world-class substance abuse residential drug rehabilitation facility located in Destin, Florida, announces the graduation of its 300th student. Narconon Gulf Coast was founded by Randy and Deborah (Debbie) Ross after undergoing multiple unsuccessful attempts with other rehabilitation centers trying to help their own son.

According to Debbie Ross, "We are excited and pleased to announce that we are actively contributing and working to do our part in helping people with one of society's most threatening problems, substance abuse."

Debbie goes on to say, "Our facility is a state of the art residential center. We specialize in true one-on-one care so we can only accept a select number of people. To announce that we have helped 300 people and their families live drug-free is a proud moment for not only Randy and me, but for the entire staff at Narconon Gulf Coast."

Narconon Gulf Coast is a long term non-twelve step program with a 90 percent success rate. Narconon Gulf Coast is licensed by the State of Florida's Department of Children and Families and is one of just a few centers that currently enjoy the department's highest ranking of "exceptional." Narconon Gulf Coast's drug rehab program not only eliminates the physical cravings for the drug and/or alcohol, but also utilizes techniques that help repair the mental and emotional damage created by the previous drug and alcohol use.

"We are looking forward to our next 300 graduates," says Debbie Ross. "Everything we do here at Narconon Gulf Coast is designed to keep our students focused on the program and on the 'prize.' The prize is long-lasting recovery from the scourge of drug and alcohol abuse."

If you or a loved one has a drug or alcohol problem, Narconon Gulf Coast can help. You may call 800-253-3168, visit them on the web at narconongulfcoast.com or e-mail them at info@narconongulfcoast.com . An addiction specialist is always available to help.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, drug rehab program, Narconon Gulf Coast

For some reason: 'She hated her family' - New Drug Rehab Video Trailer

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:28:08 GMT

TROIS-RIVIERES, Quebec, June 17 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Narconon drug rehab program has just put together a small trailer of a very compelling and emotional interview of a former addict, now 11 years clean, and her baby sister. With the full release of the video to come out within the coming days, this sixty-second trailer gives a glimpse of this powerful interview. Filmed in Montreal, Canada, Sabrina started using drugs at a very young age, and prior to her drug use she was also a runaway. Her baby sister, who was very young at the time, was left not knowing where her sister was, or when she was coming home.

"I didn't know where she was," comments Sam in the full interview, "where she went, all I knew was the cops were coming over and they needed an updated picture." With the shocking news her sister was on drugs, Sam was left in the dark, wondering what will happen next.

Sabrina was living homeless in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver. Her family was making every attempt to help her; yet Sabrina kept pushing them away. Talking about her mom, Sabrina said in the interview: "She tried to help a lot, I could tell that she was very sad. She wanted me to come home - she was blaming herself, it wasn't her fault." The full-length video interview shows the progress of how an addiction can affect siblings and parents, and how - through the proper help - an addict can break the chains of addiction. It was an absolute pleasure for the Narconon drug rehab program to be able to interview these two ladies. The Narconon film crew was able to see a real life perspective, and get some true insight.

Sabrina was also able to show our film crew through some of the spots in Montreal where she spent her time while homeless and on drugs. Accompanied by her sister, the ladies took a look back at Sabrina's time as a drug user. It was difficult for Sabrina to face this; yet she stood strong, and was able to give details about what it was like. Look for the full-length video to be released in the coming days.

For more information about how you can save a person from drugs or alcohol addiction, call their toll free line at, 1-877-782-7409, or visit narconon.ca/.

To view a video news release (VNR) of this story, please visit:
http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2009-06-0617-005.shtml .

NARCONON(R) is a trademark and service mark owned by Association for Better Living and Education and is used with its permission.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Drug Rehab Video, Narconon Trois-Rivieres

Epeius Biotechnologies' Rexin-G Receives FDA Fast Track Designation for the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 06:00:17 GMT

SAN MARINO, Calif., June 17 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Epeius Biotechnologies (www.epeiusbiotech.com) announced today that its lead product, Rexin-G®, has been granted Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a second-line treatment for advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer. The FDA Fast Track program, like Priority Review and Accelerated Approval, was implemented to facilitate the development and expedite the review of potentially important new drugs.

The Fast Track Product designation, in particular, is granted following a critical evaluation of the "seriousness" or life-threatening nature of the unmet medical need, namely pancreatic cancer, and the potential of Rexin-G and its progressive clinical development to address this unmet need.

"This is an excellent affirmation of all that we have worked for," says Dr. Erlinda Maria Gordon, Medical Director of Epeius Biotechnologies, "and an important validation of our medical mission." Indeed, Rexin-G is the first in an entirely new class of targeted anti-cancer agents, with a sophistication that goes well beyond a simplistic antibody. Rexin-G is the flagship of tumor-targeted genetic medicine: "smart," "stealth," "selective" and "potent" nano-medicine that not only seeks out and accumulates in cancerous lesions that have spread throughout the body, but delivers a tumor-killing designer gene where it is needed most, selectively destroying tumor cells and their attendant blood supply, while sparing normal cells and healthy tissues.

As presented at the 2009 ASCO G.I. Symposium, "Rexin-G Shrinks Metastatic Tumors and Triples Survival Time in Chemotherapy-Resistant Pancreatic Cancer," documenting survival benefits, without toxicity, as monotherapy, when all else fails.

The FDA's timely decision to grant Rexin-G Fast Track Product Designation is not only validating in terms of the potential of this Investigational New Drug to meet an unmet medical need, but it reflects on the design and integrity of the clinical development program of Epeius Biotechnologies. "It took years of sustained effort, but our decision to firmly establish the overall safety of repeated infusions of Rexin-G in early-stage clinical trials, before we moved on to progressively higher doses, has served us well," said Dr. Gordon. "For it was in determining the actual needs of our patients, in concordance with ongoing FDA guidance, that eventually achieved the control of tumor growth and metastasis," she added.

Remarkably, the adaptive designs of the strategic dose-escalation studies not only served to confirm the overall safety of Rexin-G and the lack of either systemic or dose-limiting toxicity, but it served to establish the critical thresholds of bioactivity and the dose-response relationships in several intractable cancers, which confirms and reveals the physiological mechanisms-of-action. These quantitative aspects of applied pharmacology are of paramount importance in establishing the clinical utility of a major new class of biological agents. Moreover, the progressive and adaptive trial designs helped to create and refine the clinical protocols for future medical praxis.

About Epeius Biotechnologies

Epeius Biotechnologies Corporation is a privately held biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the advancement of genetic medicine with the development and commercialization of its high-performance gene delivery systems that are embodied in Rexin-G and Reximmune-C, a tumor-targeted cancer vaccine.

To learn more about ongoing clinical trials, please contact Dr. Erlinda M. Gordon at egordon@epeiusbiotech.com, or visit: www.epeiusbiotech.com.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, FDA Fast Track Designation, Epeius Biotechnologies

Reduce Relapse Thru Effective Drug Rehabilitation and Save Society Tens of Thousands of Dollars Per Addict, says Narconon

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:58:58 GMT

If the Obama administration wants to cut the budget and improve the economy, it should demand effective drug rehabilitation that can achieve stable recovery

LOS ANGELES, Calif., June 12 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "Drug rehabilitation will really impact society and save hundreds of billions of dollars," says Clark Carr, president of Narconon International, "when it demonstrates it can reduce relapse to drugs, not just keep addicts off the streets for a few months." Recently reviewing statistics of Narconon program graduates, Carr compared them to the costs society would have had if Narconon's recovered addicts had continued to do drugs.

Carr estimates that since 1990 in the United States alone the Narconon network might have saved city, county, state, and federal governments minimally $1.5 billion, probably much more, by preventing the extended costs of drug abuse and addiction.

"Crunch the numbers yourselves," Carr says. "Narconon drug rehab centers have graduated 10,000 students in the U.S. since 1990. Our average rate of graduates living stably drug-free is 75 percent, monitored through staff routine outcome monitoring, procedures validated and commended by CARF (the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission). A daily average spent by a serious addict on his drugs is $100 per day, which is $36,500 per year. Some spend much more. If our 7,500 drug-free graduates had continued spending $100 per day on drugs for another five years, that would be 7,500 x 36,500 x 5 = $1,368,750,000. But that is just what they would have spent on drugs! Not the other costs of arresting and repeatedly treating them."

In Los Angeles County, justice costs alone, Carr computes, are $16,000 per arrestee. Sample stats: L.A. adult arrests due to drugs in 2006 were 25,718. Drug-related emergency room admissions were 46,600. The costs just add up and up, until finally, as Columbia University's May 2009 CASA paper "Shoveling Up II" stated, "Federal and state governments spend more than 60 times as much to clean up the devastation substance abuse and addiction visits on children as they do on prevention and treatment for them."

"Here's the unexploded bomb," says Carr. "Those 46,000 addicts treated in L.A. emergency rooms stated that they had had between 1 and 6 earlier failures to rehabilitate from drugs. The revolving door of ineffective drug rehabilitation is a cost that we should and that Narconon is doing something about."

More information: www.narconon.org.

All trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective parties.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, drug rehabilitation, Narconon International

Bioenergy Life Project Announces Community Event to Document Benefits of Bioenergy on Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:52:55 GMT

LOS ANGELES, Calif., June 10 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Bioenergy Life Project announces the first community event to document the benefits of Bioenergy therapy on Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. The event will last from July 13th to 16th 2009 at the Marina Del Rey Hotel, Marina Del Rey, Calif.

The Bioenergy Life Project offers the public a free opportunity to experience a unique, safe and gentle alternative solution to long term, chronic illness.

By documenting the benefits and results of the Domancic Method of Bioenergy Therapy, the Bioenergy Life Project will raise awareness that Bioenergy is a safe, effective method for renewing and maintaining health.

The Bioenergy Life Project's first event is open to anyone of any age who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease or Multiple Sclerosis (MS). By taking part in this medicine free event participants will have an opportunity to discover how Bioenergy can improve their quality of life and overall well being, without side effects. Participation is on a first come, first serve basis and is completely free of charge.

The Parkinson's and MS project will offer 30-40 participants 4 sessions of complimentary Bioenergy treatments. Each participant will receive one individual Bioenergy therapy session each day for 4 consecutive days. Each session will be given within a group environment of therapists and other participants and lasts approximately 25 minutes. Through written and filmed interviews with the participants and their caregivers the Bioenergy Life Project will document the results of the therapy.

Zoran Hochstatter, who has been entrusted by Zdenko Domancic, the creator of the Domancic Method, to introduce and represent Domancic Method of Bioenergy Therapy in the USA, will lead the event along with other experienced Domancic method therapists.

For more information about the Bioenergy Life Project, visit: www.bioenergylifeproject.com/.

About Bioenergy Life Project:

The Bioenergy Life Project, is a non-profit (pending) organization dedicated to raising awareness about the health benefits provided by the Domancic Method of Bioenergy Therapy.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Domancic Method, Bioenergy Life Project

The World's Smallest Hero! Rexin-G, Targeted Therapy for Metastatic Cancers

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:59:24 GMT

SAN MARINO, Calif., June 9 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Epeius Biotechnologies' Rexin-G® is the world's smallest hero (www.epeiusbiotech.com). Imagine if you will, a tiny particle that can travel freely within the human body seeking out cancerous tissues and metastatic tumors that have spread far and wide. Imagine an entire army of these tiny nano-particles seeking out and accumulating to high concentrations within the flagrant, otherwise intractable tumors with one goal in mind: to destroy the metastatic cancers from the inside.

Guided by nature's own disease-seeking factors (i.e., pathotropic targeting), armed with a powerful tumor-killing designer gene, and trained in the art of efficient gene delivery over aeons of evolutionary engineering, these tiny therapeutic particles represent a new paradigm in drug delivery and a new class of anti-cancer agents that exhibit profound and unprecedented single-agent efficacy in many cancers.

By selectively targeting cancers and their associated blood supply, while sparing normal cells and healthy tissues, these tiny nano-particles are inherently "smart." In performing a vital cancer surveillance function, they are uniformly "vigilant." By taking on a broad spectrum of cancers that are determined to be refractory to standard chemotherapy (i.e., ineffectual apothecary), they are exceedingly "valiant." By reducing the cancer patient's body burden and extending overall survival, they are truly "heroic." In a manner of speaking, these tiny nano-particles may well be the smallest heroes in all the world.

These "heroic" qualities are now embodied in the tumor-targeted anti-cancer agent, Rexin-G, developed by Epeius Biotechnologies. Rexin-G is currently approved for the treatment of all solid chemo-resistant tumors in the Republic of the Philippines. It has recently been granted Orphan Drug Status and market protections for three separate cancer indications by the U.S. FDA. Ongoing clinical trials in the U.S. have established the thresholds for bioactivity and the dose-dependent efficacy of Rexin-G, as well as its overall safety and lack of any dose-limiting toxicity.

Recent advanced and confirmatory clinical trials in the U.S. have demonstrated single-agent efficacy, which included both progression-free survival and overall survival. Not bad, for the world's smallest unsung hero.

For further information about Rexin-G, high-performance targeting technologies, and/or new products in development, see www.epeiusbiotech.com. For further information about current clinical trials, contact Erlinda M. Gordon, M.D., at egordon@epeiusbiotech.com.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, anti-cancer agent, Orphan Drug Status

Insurance Leader Praises Senator Kennedy for Promoting Long-Term Care Aid for All Americans as Part of Health Reform

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 06:00:46 GMT

While Diverging from Kennedy On Some Points, Denise Gott Agrees that Everyone Needs Protection for Longer-Lasting Illnesses and Disabilities, Not Just Acute Ones

KIRKLAND, Wash., June 9 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The traditionally conservative insurance industry can come to terms with a Democratic Congress on health reform, according to one insurance leader, Denise Gott, who today heaped praise on Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) for his crusading efforts. "He sees more clearly than anyone the need to reform not only acute health care, but long-term care, which affects the quality of life and pocketbooks of virtually every American family," she says. Gott is Chairman of the Board of LTC Financial Partners LLC (LTCFP) -- www.ltcfp.com -- one of the nation's largest and most experienced long-term care insurance agencies.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which Kennedy chairs, is now working on a comprehensive health bill, the "The American Health Choices Act," that is expected to include key provisions covering long-term care. "I agree with the major thrust, that we need a program embracing the long-term care needs of all Americans," Gott says, "but have concerns on two points." They are --

1. The "public option" which would create a government-run program insuring people in competition with private carriers.

GOTT'S CONCERNS: "Instead of competing with insurance companies, unfairly I believe, I'd rather have the government offer new tax incentives to make long-term care policies more affordable." She points to recently-introduced bills, H.R. 2096 and S. 702, that would allow LTC insurance to be included in employer-sponsored cafeteria plans and flexible spending accounts, enabling people to pay their LTC premiums using pre-tax dollars. "These bills, with bipartisan sponsorship, show the way to go," she says.

"However, if Kennedy and Congress are determined to offer a public option for long term care, competing with the private plans, there's a way it could work. Instead of automatically enrolling everyone in the public LTC option, the government would have people make one of the following choices: the public option, or a private plan (which they could choose from any state-certified carrier), or the public option plus a supplemental private plan." The benefit amount of the public option is expected to be $50 to $100 a day depending on the degree of disability. "This isn't enough to cover all one's care needs. A minimal private plan pays $200 a day."

2. New "insurance exchanges" where people would shop for a policy from multiple carriers.

GOTT'S CONCERNS: "This might be a good idea but could turn bad if the government itself designs and runs it. As an analogy, imagine -- before the days of YouTube -- Washington creating a video-sharing service. How good would it be with bureaucratic coders and no competition to assure constant improvement?" Gott might approve, however, of a plan that offers guidelines and incentives for entrepreneurs to create insurance-selection exchanges.

"There are many complexities that government employees aren't likely to take into account," she says. "Selecting the right long-term care policy is much more important and complex than buying a car. And who would buy their car just by going to a website? Also, a government exchange would probably send people directly to insurance carriers, as the online prescription-drug system did. This would be like sending people to auto manufacturers for their cars, when auto agencies, with their hand-holding and value-added services, are the right destination." In Gott's view, a proper exchange for long-term care insurance would send people to independent agents who know which carriers are soundest, and can advise on the right policy features at the lowest cost.

"With the online system for choosing a prescription-drug plan, people went crazy with all the complexity," Gott says. "They'd really tear their hair out with a long-term care choice system. An informed, unbiased advisor is absolutely essential."

When rectified with another plan being crafted by the Senate Finance Committee, Kennedy's plan could gain momentum. But will it find enough bipartisan support to pass? "With the right adjustments, I think so," says Gott. "With the tweaks I suggest, I believe it would be much more acceptable to Republicans and conservative Democrats."

On the central point she agrees 100 percent with Senator Kennedy: "We desperately need reform, for long-term care as well as acute health care. About 46 million Americans lack regular health insurance, but many times that number lack long-term care insurance. Only about 9 million have it out of a population of more than 300 million; and among those at greatest risk, 45 and older, more than 90 percent go uncovered."

Gott encourages concerned citizens to make their views known to their representatives in Congress. Legislators' phone numbers and fill-in forms may be found at -- www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml. "Women in particular should speak up," Gott says. "They're at risk even when they themselves stay well and fit. Typically they're the ones forced into unpaid care giving when a family member suddenly develops a care need."

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, health care reforms, LTC Financial Partners

In response to recent killings in Juarez drug rehabilitation center

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 06:00:24 GMT

In Both the U.S. and Mexico, We Must Advance Not Retreat from Strategic Government Goals Regarding Drug Addiction and Drug-Related Crime

LOS ANGELES, Calif., June 4 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "More drug rehabilitation and broader drug prevention, not less, is needed if we intend long-term reduction in drugs and crime along our border," says Clark Carr, president of Narconon International, a network of over 150 drug rehab and education centers. "The ONDCP, the UNODC, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, in fact, governments everywhere agree that reducing drug demand must parallel military and police interdiction. That includes turning drug addicts' lives around."

Just days ago, gunmen shot and killed five recovering drug addicts, ages 18 to 36 years old, in a Juarez rehab center named "La Vida Sin Adicciones." The day before, in a sweep across northern Mexico 25 police officers had been detained, accused of ties to drug trafficking. Whether there was a direct connection is a moot point. These two incidents are only the latest violence in the drug wars along the U.S./Mexican border.

"We salute the staff of La Vida," says Carr, "for their dedication and courage. We must also recognize that drug rehab staffs everywhere confront evil daily - helping addicts with more or less unsavory histories revolutionize their lives in order to live ethically and drug-free."

With 24 years working hands-on in drug rehabilitation and delivering drug education, Clark Carr has made a career of promoting the concept of a drug-free society. U.S. Narconon drug rehab centers closest to Mexico are in Georgia, Florida, Texas, Southern California, and Oklahoma. Narconon South Texas in Harlingen delivers in Spanish, as well as the Mexican centers in Queretero, north of Mexico City, and in Navojoa, Sonora.

"Finding the right balance between force and reason has always been the challenge of civilization," says Carr. "If we were to vote for Czars of Anti-Civilization, drug barons and their narcotrafficking bootlickers would be front-runners." But underneath it all are drugs, he says, and their addictive consequences. This is where drug education and prevention come in, and rehabilitation.

The vicious alternative to an ethical and drug-free society is being dumped on our doorsteps. But those persons might once have been educated, or rehabilitated. Effective drug rehab methods exist. Recovery is possible. Do we have the guts not to quit doing the good work?

More information: narconon.org.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, recovering drug addicts, Narconon International

Mental Healthcare Providers Oppose Budget Cuts

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:40:00 GMT

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 3 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The North Carolina Coalition of Mental Health Providers met today regarding proposed changes to community support and mental healthcare services and to discuss the effects the recent proposed budget cuts by the N.C. House of Representatives will have on the mentally ill and developmentally disabled.

The providers who met today agreed that the proposed budget cut of $59 million to community support services and the eventual phasing out of the service for the mentally ill in the state is appalling and will have a disastrous effect on our state.

"These cuts will be devastating to the mentally ill," stated Derek Bullard, Chief Executive Officer of Access Family Services, Inc. and Compass Adult Care, Inc.

"The drastic budget cuts will result in more individuals being incarcerated, homeless, and in emergency rooms. Thousands of jobs which provide community support services will be cut. All citizens will suffer as a result of these budget cuts."

More information: www.nccmhp.com.

All trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective parties.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Mental Health Providers, Compass Adult Care

Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Construction Milestone for Iain Mackenzie Medical Plaza And New Surgery Center

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:48:16 GMT

Dr. Mackenzie, Government Officials and Local Physicians Celebrate New Destination Health Care Campus, Featuring Brookeside Surgical Arts at York

YORK, Pa., June 1 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Congero Development, LLC, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Iain Mackenzie Medical Plaza, a new destination health care campus in York, Penn. The 7.3 acre project will include Brookeside Surgical Arts at York, a Medicare certified and Joint Commission accredited Ambulatory Surgery Facility (ASF).

The namesake of the project, Dr. Iain Mackenzie, was in attendance along with members of the state Legislature, Representatives Ron Miller and Stan Saylor; York County Commissioners Christopher Reilly and Doug Hoke; York Township Commissioner Phillip Briddell; and from the City of York, Councilmember Genevieve Ray and Treasurer Karin Krebs. Approximately 120 people were in attendance including physician partners from Digestive Disease Center and Martin Foot and Ankle, government officials, project contractors and other stakeholders, along with their families.

"This project is resulting from the vision of our amazing physician partners, the cooperation of local government, and the support of Susquehanna Bancshares," said Bruce Wallace, CEO of Congero Development. "Together with our partners, we are committed to realizing your vision and bringing a new standard of surgical care to the York community."

The Iain Mackenzie Medical Plaza is intended to bring together existing and needed services in one convenient location for residents, and is expected to create approximately 150 new, highly compensated jobs with benefits. Located at 2050 South Queen Street at the former Blazenet site, the plaza will include three medical buildings, the first of which houses 8,100 square feet of medical office space plus an additional 16,500 square feet for the ASF. Dr. Mackenzie founded Digestive Disease Center, which is among the first committed tenants of the new medical plaza.

"I stand here today with gratitude for being recognized by my fellow surgeons and friends with this extraordinary honor," said Dr. Iain Mackenzie, now retired. "When I came to York and opened my practice, I could have never imagined it would someday lead to having my name on a building, let alone this impressive project."

Brookeside Surgical Arts at York is being developed in partnership with local surgeons as an innovative, multi-specialty surgical facility. Brookeside will be housed in the first medical building on the property and includes six operating rooms with private recovery and step down areas. Designed by award winning medical architecture firm Anthony C. Pings and Associates, Brookeside will bring together functional aesthetics with the most sophisticated surgical and infection control technologies available.

"This will be no ordinary ASF. Brookeside Surgical Arts will bypass 'state-of-the-art' to embrace technology that is on the leading edge of our industry," said Anthony Pings, architectural partner and ACHA-certified healthcare architect. "Every detail of this center has been purposefully designed to deliver efficiency while supporting sophisticated systems for advanced infection control and surgical equipment."

The medical offices at Iain Mackenzie Medical Plaza are anticipated to be complete this winter, with the surgery center tracking toward a Spring 2010 opening.

Partners contributing to the project include:

Anthony C. Pings and Associates specializes in medical architecture, including the highly specialized and technical areas of Ambulatory Surgery Centers, cancer centers and diagnostic imaging. The firm has consistently been recognized for its creative and patient-focused designs. Anthony C. Pings is a board certified healthcare architect by the American College of Healthcare Architects, a member of the American Institute of Architects and a NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registrations Boards) certificate holder. www.pings.com.

The general contractor is Benchmark Construction Company, an award-winning, full service construction manager and general contractor servicing the central and southeastern Pennsylvania region. Benchmark specializes in commercial and institutional construction with an emphasis in healthcare and senior living. www.benchmarkgc.com.

CS Davidson, Inc. is handling structural engineering for the project. C.S. Davidson, Inc. is a leading engineering firm serving south central Pennsylvania. They offer a broad array of services ranging from municipal engineering to construction inspection and material testing. With a tradition of service since 1923, C.S Davidson has built a reputation for quality design and one-on-one service to clients and is widely regarded for its integrity and community involvement. www.csdavidson.com.

Mechanical plumbing and electrical services are being provided by Barton Healthcare-a division of Barton Associates, Inc. Incorporated in 1968, Barton Associates, Inc. is a nationally recognized consulting engineering firm providing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, control systems design and commissioning services. Barton has nearly 60 employees and provides engineering consulting services for a variety of education and healthcare facilities throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. www.ba-inc.com.

Construction financing is being funded through Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc., a financial services holding company with assets of approximately $14 billion. Headquartered in Lititz, Penn., the company provides banking and financial services at more than 230 branch locations in the Mid-Atlantic region. Through Susquehanna Wealth Management, the company offers investment, fiduciary, brokerage, insurance, retirement planning, and private banking services, with approximately $6 billion in assets under management and administration. Susquehanna also operates an insurance brokerage and employee benefits company, a commercial finance company and a vehicle leasing company. www.susquehanna.net

Congero Development, LLC, is a full service, health-care specific developer, providing full service turn-key development services including business development, licensing and accreditation, equipment planning and procurement, supply side purchasing, vender and insurer contracting for healthcare facilities throughout the United States. Congero prides itself on partnering with its physicians to create a scalable, efficient long-term investment that will enhance the delivery of healthcare to the communities in which they are located. Visit www.congerodev.com for more information.

All trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective parties.

*(PHOTO 72dpi: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/09-0601-Congero_72dpi.jpg)
*(Photo Caption: Congero Development, Dr. Mackenzie, and local officials break ground on new healthcare plaza.)

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Ambulatory Surgery Facility, Congero Development

Practitioners Face $3 Billion Loss to Silent PPOs

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:07:06 GMT

HOUSTON, Texas, June 1 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- SALUS Medical Solutions of Houston, Texas has developed new software technology that promises to quickly uncover unauthorized discounts, detect Silent PPO activity and spotlight undetected re-pricing methods used by insurance companies and third-party payers. The proprietary software, CLOAK2 (Computerized Logistic and Organizational Algorithmic (K)laims (K)alculator), was developed specifically to recover the lost revenue in the closed files from hospitals, clinics and private practitioners according to SALUS sales manager, Danny Casino.

The American Medical Association estimates that health care providers are losing up to 3 billion dollars each year to the stealthy practice of PPOs. Providers sign agreements with Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO). The PPO steers patients to the provider, and the provider accepts discounted insurance reimbursements. The arrangement worked fine, until the early 1990s when the practice of the 'Silent PPO' was discovered.

When an insurance company that is not a PPO receives a claim, they check to see if the practitioner has any PPO agreements. If they do, the insurance company pays the discounted rate, and claims they are 'affiliated' with the providers PPO. But usually they are not, and they pocket the difference between the discounted rate and the amount that should have been paid. Sometimes, even worker's comp and auto insurance companies quietly take these unauthorized discounts. This adjusted rate costs doctors and hospitals millions of dollars in lost revenue each year.

Few health care providers have the time technology or training to check each insurance reimbursement to see if an unauthorized discount was taken, so the practice of silent PPO has thrived. During these difficult economic hardships insurance companies and third-party payers have been greatly affected, therefore they are utilizing Silent PPO discounts as well as other tactics, such as underpaying managed care contractual rates, to increase their bottom line.

SALUS Medical Solutions is one of a handful of companies working to recover this lost revenue. "We audit the doctor's contracts and review their reimbursements for improper discounts. When confronted, payers are usually quick to pay up. The providers receive their payments directly, within 35-45 days," Casino said.

According to Casino, his service is risk free - revenue recovery companies charge a percentage of the monies recovered. SALUS sends a representative to the practice to prepare files for analysis (recovery can go back 3 years) and then is an ongoing process to make sure the provider is paid properly. "We make it as easy as possible to assist our clients. That's why the offices we deal with see our service as a secondary security measure," says Casino.

Although some states are in the process of passing bills to outlaw the practice of Silent PPOs, only North Carolina has a law in place. Practitioners need to pay close attention to their reimbursements or hire a firm that deals directly with fraudulent discounts which can hurt both the patient and the provider. Patients think they are paying high premiums for top quality care but are being ripped off by the insurance companies who only pay discounted rates. And doctors are losing income which in turn raises the cost of health care. The only winners are the Silent PPOs.

More information: www.salusmedicalsolutions.com.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Silent PPOs, SALUS Medical Solutions

Narconon Drug Rehab Center and Volunteers Collaborate to Save Lives in Mazatlan, Mexico

Fri, 29 May 2009 08:00:28 GMT

Narconon Navojoa is training staff from two rehab centers in Mazatlan - The new methods have already gotten rave results

LOS ANGELES, Calif., May 29 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "Narconon drug rehabilitation techniques are exactly what we have been searching for," says Victor Capaceta, director of two Mazatlan rehab facilities, named La Loma and La Veinte de Noviembre. Victor and other staff are currently training at the Narconon Navojoa center in the state of Sonora. They intend to bring home what they learn to help their more than 100 students struggling with addiction to alcohol and other drugs.

Victor's aunt, Laura Capaceta-Suter, also a Mazatlan resident, is the one who told him about Narconon's new techniques. She went further. With another volunteer, Veronica Estrada, she delivered a series of 6 lectures to Victor's rehab students on The Way to Happiness, the last course of the Narconon® life skills program. Written by L. Ron Hubbard, on whose research the program is based, this small booklet contains a common sense guide to a moral and ethical life, something important for recovering addicts to consider. "This was a hit!" Laura says. "Veronica donated 100 booklets and we went through them. The precept 'Flourish and Prosper' is what sent them out the roof."

It turns out that Francisco, a La Loma center in-charge, during an earlier rough period of his life, had himself had successful experience with Narconon. "We were using the program in Ensenada State Prison," Francisco says. It helped him and others to really change for the better, he states. Francisco's rehab students started calling Laura 'the white witch' because of the magical results being produced.

Three Mazatlan staff have joined with Victor Capaceta to complete a several month training session at Narconon Navojoa in Sonora. "Our purpose is not just to save individual lives," says Jose Ines, Navojoa's director, "but to share our methodology with other rehab centers." Victor and the others will actually do the steps of the Narconon program as part of their routine training.

"Mexico is undergoing a severe and violent crisis because of addiction and drug dealing," says Eduardo Garcia Lopez, Narconon International's director in Los Angeles of the network's 5 Latin American rehab centers. "We hear about Juarez and Tijuana, but the drug crisis is nationwide. Working collaboratively, we intend to improve drug rehabilitation and prevention results across the country. This is just the beginning."

To learn more about Narconon in Latin America, visit www.narconon.org.

*(PHOTO 72dpi: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/09-0529-NarcononMaz_72dpi.jpg)
*(Photo Caption: Laura Capaceta-Suter and Mazatlan drug rehab center students.)

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, rehab centers in Mazatlan, Narconon International

Voters Urged to Support Budding Moves to Include Long Term Care in National Health Reform

Thu, 28 May 2009 06:00:53 GMT

Now's the Time to Write or Call Your Representatives, Says LTC Expert Denise Gott

KIRKLAND, Wash., May 28 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Although President Obama has called for affordable, accessible, high-quality health care for all Americans, "There's no guarantee the legislation will bridge the long term care gap," says Denise Gott. "Only about 9 million Americans, a fraction of our 300 million plus, have long term care insurance. And among those at greatest risk, 45 and older, more than 9 in 10 go uncovered. Health reform won't be complete unless Congress addresses this gaping hole." Gott is Chairman of the Board of LTC Financial Partners LLC (LTCFP) -- www.ltcfp.com -- one of the nation's most experienced long term care insurance agencies.

Americans need tax and other incentives to help pay for the missing long term care protection, Gott asserts. And she applauds recent Congressional efforts to provide those incentives: House bill H.R. 2096, the Long-Term Care Affordability and Security Act; and companion legislation in the Senate, S. 702.

"Depending on public support," says Gott, "efforts like these could make it into law or wither on the vine. A barrage of letters and calls, right now, could make all the difference."

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, leader of the House of Representatives, has promised an omnibus U.S. health care bill, ready for debate, before the August recess. Whether it will contain provisions like those in H.R. 2096, "depends on the pressure of competing needs and factions," says Gott. "If we want those provisions, we'd better make a lot of noise." Senate action is expected to follow House action, "but our Senators are making up their minds now, and they need to hear from us now too."

H.R. 2096 and S. 702 would allow long-term care insurance to be included in employer-sponsored cafeteria plans and flexible spending accounts, enabling people to pay their long-term care insurance premiums using pre-tax dollars. "I don't care whether these bills pass as they are, or their provisions are ported into a broader bill, just so we get the incentives," says Gott. Sponsors of the House version are Earl Pomeroy (D-ND), Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), Charles Boustany (R-LA) and Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL). Sponsors of the Senate version are Charles Grassley (R-IA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Susan Collins (R-ME), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), John Ensign (R-NV), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), and Tim Johnson (D-SD).

Gott also applauds the efforts of Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and Representative John Dingell (D-MI) to provide some form of care for all citizens, while controlling Medicaid costs and empowering many with care needs to remain active in their communities.

"We need to let these legislators know we're behind them," says Gott. "And we need to let everyone else in Congress know too." Contact information for Washington officials is available at -- www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml. "Just fill out a form saying you want all Americans to have long term care protection, click and send," says Gott. "Or if you prefer, dial a number and state your views on the phone."

Should you wait for the legislation before investigating long term care insurance? "There's a big risk in waiting," says Gott. "If your health deteriorates, you'll have to pay a higher rate or might not qualify at all. Then you'd have to pay all the bills yourself or rely on Medicaid."

Gott's organization offers help from over 550 independent long term care agents. They're available by phone or in person to advise individuals and companies on the most suitable policies from leading insurance companies. A listing of LTCFP's agents, by state, is available at web.ltcfp.com/ltcfp/find-agent.aspx.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, healthcare reform, long term care insurance

Denver Dental Practice Protects Patients from Identity Theft with idBUSINESS FTC 'Red Flag Rules' Compliance Module

Wed, 27 May 2009 17:09:23 GMT

Healthcare practices remain high-risk targets for identity theft schemes

DENVER, Colo., May 27 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- A victim of identity theft himself in late 2008, Denver dentist Dr. Miles B. Collett this spring implemented a patient data security solution by Denver-based idBUSINESS (www.idbusiness.com). The solution, which ensures the protection of personal information and guarantees complete restoration of "prior to event" status in the event of a patient data breach protects both his approximately 750 patients and his 25-year practice from the impact of identity theft.

For Dr. Collett's dental practice, identity theft protection is both a patient care priority and a business management imperative. Although the FTC recently postponed its enforcement of the "Red Flag Rules" identity theft provisions added to the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA), it continues to warn consumers and remind businesses that they must advise their customers when data records are compromised. (ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/business/asssiting-victims.html)

Understanding that dental practices are vulnerable targets for identity theft criminals, Dr. Collett was motivated to protect his patients from an experience he had seen firsthand. According to Dr. Collett, the "eye-opening" realization of the risk to his patients, more than potential FTC enforcement, made him take steps.

He also understood that his failure to comply with the FTC identity theft requirements would create a substantial liability for his dental practice - including potential FTC fines, additional state penalties where statutes have been enacted, and consumer-driven legal actions. He realized that legal practices would pounce on the fees and awards generated from adjudication of consumer suits against non-compliant businesses - medical and dental practices, especially.

Consider the risks and consequences for a non-compliant 750-patient dental practice under enforcement of the FACTA identity theft mandate. Whether due to information breach or FTC discovery, the following applies:

* $1,000.00 penalty per account held (a patient file is a single account) - $750,000;
* Non-compliance will become a matter of public record;
* State authorities will be notified as applicable.

Through his relationship with the Metro Denver Dental Society (www.mddsdentist.com), Dr. Collett learned that dentists who provide FTC compliant identity theft protection sidestep this disaster. Since idBUSINESS has been endorsed by the MDDS as the recommended Red Flag Rules solutions provider for its members, he selected that solution to secure his practice against a broad spectrum of potential patient data and information breaches

"In addition to the nuts and bolts of being in compliance with the FTC, which is more or less common sense, we've made a lot of changes in our business software and have been implementing step-by-step processes to improve office security," said Dr. Collett.

Today, Dr. Collett is concerned for his peers, who he fears are not "tuned in" to the imminent identity theft risks to their practice and to their patients, nor to the impact of FTC enforcement.

"I understand the mindset of other dentists in practice for themselves, and that it is easy to minimize identity theft as a business threat or a patient care issue," he explained. "It is low on their list of priorities, which is unfortunate because if and when a patient data breach occurs, we are by law responsible."

When vetting Red Flag Rules compliance solutions, look for firms that are willing, and able, to provide access to individual identity theft protection and reactive data breach services. It will reassure patients to understand that their dentist's identity theft protocol is patient-centered, and that an identity theft policy can guarantee full recovery to pre-theft status, saving an individual up to 130 working hours and $1,800 in out-of-pocket costs.

About idBUSINESS

idBUSINESS is the standard Information Security operating system for small- to mid-sized businesses. It provides information security planning tools that identify needs, assess risks, comply with the law, and secure an organization's data.

idBUSINESS is powered by two leading firms in information security, ID Experts, the nation's leader in date breach prevention and remediation services, and Net Reaction, providers of forensics and information security planning products and services. To learn more, please visit www.idBUSINESS.com.

All trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective parties.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, patient data security, identity theft requirements

Former Drug Addict Commends Narconon Founder for Achievements

Tue, 26 May 2009 13:35:21 GMT

TROIS-RIVIERES, Quebec, May 26 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The month of May proved to be a major turning point for the Narconon network with the recent discovery of a drug education lecture recorded in 1968, by Narconon founder William Benitez. His lecture, which could have very well been an original drug education lecture for Narconon, proved to be a very inspiring story of one man's ability to pull out of a 19-year-long life threatening addiction. The story of William Benitez is so real that any former addict can relate to it. In fact, a graduate of the Narconon Trois-Rivieres drug rehab program shares how he related to what Mr. Benitez had experienced.

"I graduated the Narconon rehab program in 2005, after battling a drug addiction for 11 years," comments Nick. "After recently watching the lecture by William Benitez, I can clearly see why he created the Narconon program. Prior to attending the Narconon program I was evaluated and treated by so many different doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, addictions counselors, anybody that had a certificate hanging on the wall, I gave them an opportunity to help me out. I also went down the road of attending AA meetings, and then started attending Duel Diagnosis programs while living in Vancouver, Canada, because I was labeled manic-depressive and was on different medications since I was 18 years old. I can fully understand Benitez's frustration of being poked and probed by different professionals all saying the same thing; yet, getting no results."

It was a turning point for Narconon founder William Benitez when he decided, in that prison cell, that he would start a new therapy group, and call it Narconon, meaning Narcotics-non. Little did Mr. Benitez know, that his development would later save tens of thousands of lives, and help people across the world beat their drug addiction.

"I am grateful for what this guy did," says Nick. "He was able to not give up on himself. When I was down and out, I wanted to end it all, I made attempts at suicide and I had given up on myself. I don't even remember arriving at Narconon Trois-Rivieres four years ago. What William Benitez accomplished, and looking at how far it has gone, having worldwide recognition. This is an astounding achievement. When he talked to these kids at the Scottsdale High School in this video in 1968, he was able to give them real life examples. Here was a man that actually beat addiction; it was not somebody that just learned about it in a book. If I saw that as a teenager, I know I would have related to it, and more then likely would have made some different decisions in my life."

The Narconon program has grown to 150 different centers in over 40 different countries, and continues to rehabilitate people, service local communities, and provide drug education to millions.

To watch the full-length video of William Benitez's drug education lecture, please visit our website at www.narconon.ca.

NARCONON® is a trademark and service mark owned by Association for Better Living and Education and is used with its permission.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, drug education lecture, Narconon Trois-Rivieres