Send2Press Newswire

Interim HealthCare Recognizes Outstanding Franchisees at National Clinical Symposium

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:31:00 GMT

SUNRISE, Fla., Nov. 19 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Interim HealthCare, the nation's largest provider of home care and health care staffing services, announced the recipients of the "National Quality Awards" for 2008 at their annual National Clinical Symposium meeting in Savannah, Georgia. The awards recognize Interim home care offices for patient satisfaction, and Medicare-certified offices for performance on CMS public measures of quality.

The awards were developed after the introduction of the CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) public measures in October 2003, a national government program that publishes the quality ratings of all Medicare-certified home health care agencies in the United States and to recognize the value of Interim's standardized monitoring of home care patient's satisfaction, in place for over a decade.

Interim HealthCare CEO and President Kathleen Gilmartin said, "It is with great pride that we acknowledge the superior performance of many of our franchises. Quality plays a key role in our leadership as the largest and most successful health care franchise organization in the country."

Barbara McCann, Chief Clinical Officer at Interim HealthCare added, "We are proud to recognize these outstanding franchisees and their clinicians for their achievements. It demonstrates their daily dedication and commitment to improving the lives of our patients. "

Offices receiving the three levels of patient satisfaction awards for their performance in providing home care and office-based support that patients and their families consistently find timely, caring and helpful as measured in standardized satisfaction surveys included:

Pre-eminent Performance:



Fresno, CA		Pueblo, CO		Gaffney, SC

Sioux Falls, SD		Amarillo, TX		Greenville, SC

Lima, OH		Anderson, SC 		Seneca, SC

Outstanding Performance:



Redding, CA		Spartanburg, SC

Joliet, IL		Lubbock, TX

Exemplary Performance:



Modesto CA		Blakely PA

Oak Lawn IL		Easley SC

The award for the Top Performing Medicare Franchise in the Network went to Greenville, SC. This office was also the 2008 recipient of the Top Performing OCS (Outcomes Concept Systems) Vision Award and achieved performance in ten public outcome measures in the top 20% of 9700+ certified home care agencies in the nation from Sept. 2007 to Sept 2008. OCS is the leading post-acute healthcare information company, OCS offers insight into the multitude of factors that drive provider success.

Offices receiving awards for achieving scores in the top 20% of home care agencies in the country for in improving the patient's ability to walk, transfer and bathe during the same period were:



Omaha, NE	Erie, PA	Greenville, SC

Offices receiving awards for achieving scores in the top 20% of home care agencies in the country from Sept. 2007 to 2008 for the lowest hospitalization rates were:



Oklahoma City, OK	Erie, PA	Johnstown, PA

Offices receiving awards for Most Improved Patient Outcomes from 2007 to 2008 were:



Manchester, NH		New Boston, OH

Founded in 1966, Interim HealthCare is the nation's oldest proprietary national organization providing health care personnel at all skill levels in all settings. Through one of the country's most comprehensive networks of over 300 franchise offices, Interim HealthCare provides diverse services including hospice, home care, medical staffing, occupational health and pharmaceutical support services. Interim employs more than 75,000 health care workers and provides services to approximately 50,000 people each day.

For more information, visit www.interimhealthcare.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, health care personnel staffing, Interim HealthCare awards

New From Bad Beaver Publishing! Lady's Hands, Lion's Heart, A Midwife's Saga by Carol Leonard

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:06:59 GMT

CONCORD, N.H., Sept. 25 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Announcing a new book from Bad Beaver Publishing, "Lady's Hands, Lion's Heart, A Midwife's Saga" (ISBN 978-0-615-19550-6, 368 Pages, Price: $15.00), by author Carol Leonard. Often laugh-out-loud funny and irreverent, occasionally disturbing and deeply sorrowful, "Lady's Hands, Lion's Heart" is the saga of Ms. Leonard's journey as New Hampshire's first modern midwife. Her story intertwines three threads: her dedication to the mothers and babies she was groomed to attend; the growing renaissance, despite formidable opposition, of the profession of midwifery in New Hampshire and then in the United States; and finally, a powerful, tragic love story.

According to Ina May Gaskin, author of Spiritual Midwifery, "Carol Leonard's memoir of becoming a midwife in New Hampshire during the mid-1970s overflows with her gifts as a storyteller as well as intuitive midwife. Inspiring, often hilarious, always touching and full of beans, she takes us through her apprenticeship with an old country doctor, the politics of the U.S. midwifery movement and her own personal story of love, loss and deep dedication to women's health. She's my kind of midwife!"

Carol Leonard, a "foremother of the modern midwifery movement," is a N.H. Certified Midwife who has been practicing for the last three decades. She is co-founder of the Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) representing all midwives in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, serving one term as President of MANA. Her work to improve maternity care in Moscow, Russia, was featured on 20/20 and was written into Congressional Record.

She has delivered approximately 1,200 babies safely in their own homes.

For more information or to order online, visit www.BadBeaverFarm.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, author Carol Leonard, Bad Beaver Publishing

Jim 'Catfish' Hunter Foundation and The ALS Association Announce Opening of ALS Clinic at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in September

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:55:07 GMT

GREENVILLE, N.C., July 10 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The ALS Association - Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter today announced that Pitt County Memorial Hospital will open an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) clinic in late September. ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive paralysis usually in less than five years. The new clinic will be the only multi-disciplinary clinic in eastern North Carolina to serve persons with ALS.

"We are excited to offer a clinic devoted to ALS in Greenville to help serve everyone living with this dreadful disease," said PCMH President Steve Lawler. "Our communities have certainly felt the impact of ALS. With this clinic, we expect to provide better access to expert medical care, cutting-edge research and clinical trials. The end result will be a one-stop shop for health care needs."

The clinic, slated to open September 26th, will work in partnership with Duke University's ALS Clinic and will be led by Richard Bedlack, MD, PhD and Robert Frere, MD of East Carolina Neurology. Bedlack is the director of the Duke ALS Clinic and a world-renowned neurologist in the ALS community. Also playing an integral role in the clinic will be the Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter, The ALS Association's North Carolina chapter, by providing valuable information and resources to people with ALS.

"This clinic is long overdue, but we are thrilled to have so many caring people coming together to make this a reality," said Jerry Dawson, President of the ALS Association's Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter. "Specifically, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Representative Walter B. Jones, Steve Lawler, Dr. Richard Bedlack, Dr. Robert Frere and most importantly Helen Hunter and the Jim 'Catfish' Hunter ALS Foundation for providing the necessary funding to make this a reality. No longer will people with ALS in this area of our state have to travel long distances to receive world class care."

Funding for the clinic was generously provided by the Jim "Catfish" Hunter ALS Foundation in Hertford, NC. The foundation, named in honor of the North Carolina native and Major League Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher, was founded in 1999. Hunter, who was arguably the best pitcher in baseball in the 1970s, was diagnosed with ALS in 1998 and died from complications of the disease a year later at the age of 53. During that time, he used his celebrity status to increase awareness for ALS. More recently, Keith LeClair, East Carolina University's former baseball coach, lost his battle with ALS in 2006. The deaths of these men not only brought the effects of a disease like ALS to light, but also showed the need for an ALS clinic in eastern North Carolina.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony, with invited guests of honor including Senator Elizabeth Dole, Senator Richard Burr Representative Jones, N.C. Senator Marc Basnight and the Hunter family, will formally introduce the Jim "Catfish" Hunter ALS Clinic to the Down East community on its opening day.

About the Jim "Catfish" Hunter ALS Foundation
The Jim "Catfish" Hunter ALS Foundation is sometimes confused with the ALS Association Jim "Catfish" Hunter" Chapter but is a separate non-profit organization based in Hertford, North Carolina. The Foundation was formed in 1999 by Jim "Catfish" Hunter, his family and friends and the Bear Swamp-Beech Springs Ruritan Club. The Foundation is a proud supporter and partner of The ALS Association - Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter. The Foundation provided the start up funding necessary to establish key Chapter programs such as the Respite Care and Augmentative Communication Grant programs.

The Foundation also works to support research and provide grants based on need to families living with and fighting ALS. Through events such as softball tournaments, golf tournaments and walks, the Foundation works diligently to provide help for all people living with ALS. For more information: The Jim "Catfish" Hunter ALS Foundation, Post Office Box 47, Hertford, North Carolina 27944.

About Pitt County Memorial Hospital
Pitt County Memorial Hospital, one of four academic medical centers in North Carolina, is the flagship hospital for University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina and serves as the teaching hospital for the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. Pitt Memorial is a regional resource for all levels of health services and information.

About The ALS Association
The ALS Association is the world leader in ALS research, patient care and ALS advocacy and is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. The Association's nationwide network of chapters provides comprehensive patient services and support to the ALS community. The mission of The ALS Association is to lead the fight to cure and treat ALS through global cutting-edge research, and to empower people with Lou Gehrig's disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing compassionate care and support.

The Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter has been serving PALS across North Carolina since 1987. The Chapter has grown into an award-winning 501(c)3 non-profit organization because of its efforts in service, advocacy, and fundraising. The Chapter has been recognized by The ALS Association as Chapter of the Year the past two years.

More about the Chapter can be found at www.CatfishChapter.org.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, ALS Association Jim Catfish Hunter Chapter, Pitt County Memorial Hospital

Announcing Always Best Care Senior Services Expansion into the Littleton / Denver, Colorado Area

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 23:59:59 GMT

DENVER, Colo. - Oct. 31 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Always Best Care Senior Services has expanded into the Littleton/Denver, Colorado area. America's premier In-Home Care, Assisted Living Placement Service, and Personal Response Company, is proud to announce seniors in Littleton/Denver can now rely on Always Best Care Senior Services for outstanding care.

For over a decade, a caring relationship has been the foundation of our work - a sincere concern for the betterment of life that goes beyond just doing what is required, but doing the most we can for the seniors entrusted to our care. This has been our core belief, and is at the heart of Always Best Care Senior Services. We have worked with thousands of case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families to provide a better quality of life for our seniors.

At Always Best Care Senior Services we can create a tailored In-Home Care package, customized for the senior's needs. Care can be provided on an hourly or daily basis, with services available including; companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, transportation, laundry, recreational activities and more.

For seniors preferring to be in an assisted living environment, we will provide a no cost assessment performed by one care coordinators. Using Always Best Care Senior Services proprietary software we will search through the facilities in the desired area to find the best match for the seniors needs. Matches are based on the senior's level of care needed, financial resources and other preferences they may have. We drive the senior and/or their family to tour the facilities, meet with any attending medical staff and assist in gathering the necessary paperwork needed for the move into an assisted living facility. We only refer to facilities that are state licensed or that one of our team members have inspected and would recommend. Always Best Care Senior Services will be there at the senior's side throughout the transition process.

At Always Best Care Senior Services, we believe that no undertaking is more worthwhile than helping with you or your loved ones needs. Our team is unwavering in our commitment to excellence and looks forward to providing you with exceptional service.

Helping others making life rich - Always.

More information: www.abc-seniors.com/80127

ABC LITTLETON/DENVER COLORADO
Laura Hansen
lhansen @ abc-seniors.com
(303) 952-3060

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Always Best Care Senior Services, Denver Colorado seniors care

DCH Auto Group Dedicates Hospital Childcare Center

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 17:34:00 GMT

FREEHOLD, N.J. - Oct. 15 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- DCH Freehold Toyota and parent company, DCH Auto Group, dedicated the Childcare Center at CentraState's new Fitness and Wellness Center on Saturday. John T. Gribbin, President and CEO of CentraState Healthcare System, thanked DCH for its ongoing contribution, presenting a plaque in recognition of DCH's generosity.

"We are here today to celebrate a unique event," announced William Liang, General Manager of DCH Freehold Toyota and Regional Vice President of DCH Auto Group. "Hospitals have always been known as a place where the sick come to heal. But CentraState has seen the future, represented in this wonderful new state-of-the-art Fitness and Wellness Center."

Liang continued, "DCH Auto Group, with local dealerships in the core of this community for more than 25 years, sees so many families in our showrooms. We know how busy people are. And raising young children is the hardest work of all. With DCH Freehold Toyota Childcare Center, hard-working parents will be able to avail themselves of all the Fitness and Wellness Center has to offer, knowing that their children are enjoying a break from the routine as much as they are."

Parents undergoing specialized treatments and rehabilitating from physical challenges will have one less worry, thanks to the services offered at the new Childcare Center which offers a variety of learning development activities and daily projects that give children a sense of accomplishment. In addition, members working out in the fitness area can use the new Childcare Center for up to two hours at a nominal fee while observing their children on closed circuit monitors at many of the work out stations.

Susan Scarola, President and CEO of DCH Auto Group commented on the company's relationship with the CentraState Healthcare Foundation, "We have forged a strong partnership over many years and pledge that we will continue to work together for our community for years to come."

With more than 30 dealerships in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Southern California, the DCH Auto Group features a full line of new and pre-owned vehicles from Acura, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Honda, Jaguar, Jeep, Lexus, Lincoln/Mercury, Nissan, Toyota, Saturn, Scion and Volvo. DCH will soon celebrate its 60th anniversary, emphasizing its mission "to be an innovative industry leader totally committed to customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, integrity and teamwork."

DCH and its dealerships can be visited online at www.dchauto.com.

*Photo Caption:
Dena Levine and daughter, Hannah, enjoy activities at the new DCH Freehold Toyota Childcare Center in CentraState's new Fitness and Wellness Center. Seated are DCH Regional Vice President, William Liang and CentraState Healthcare System President and CEO, John T. Gribbin.

*Media: high resolution 300dpi 4x5 image available:
Send2Press.com/photobay/

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, DCH Auto Group, Childcare Center at CentraState

Baker County Medical Services Posts Its Charges on Their Website

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 21:27:00 GMT

MACCLENNY, Fla. - Aug. 9 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Baker County Medical Services which operates Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital in Macclenny, Florida announced today that they have posted all of their hospital charges contained in their Charge Master on their website www.bcmedsvcs.com.

The Charge Master is a comprehensive list of charges for every service, procedure, supply and pharmaceutical provided by EFMH. The public can view charges by hospital department to compare EFMH's charges to the charges of other hospital providers.

Baker County Medical Services has posted Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital's charges in response to the national initiative in health care to make consumers more knowledgeable regarding hospital charges.

Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital is a 501 (C)3 Charitable Hospital and is one of Florida's Statutory Rural Hospitals as well as being designated a Sole Community Provider for Macclenny and Baker County by The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

More information: www.bcmedsvcs.com.

Interim HealthCare Inc. Names Senior Care Professional as 2007 HomeStyle Hero

Wed, 30 May 2007 14:51:00 GMT

SUNRISE, Fla. - May 30 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Interim HealthCare Inc., the nation's largest provider of home care and health care staffing, announced the winner of the national HomeStyle Hero Award for 2007. Leona Holley, Homemaker/ Companion, from Windsor, Connecticut was the recipient of the national award which recognizes senior care professionals who best represent the character traits that make up a hero such as honesty, experience, integrity and dependability.

HomeStyle Services(R) by Interim HealthCare is the company's brand name for non-medical home care services. The HomeStyle Hero award is unique in that nominees are asked to obtain a client testimonial providing reasons why their caregivers should be recognized as a HomeStyle Hero. Fifty-seven senior care professionals throughout the country were nominated for the prestigious award by their clients and supervisors. Testimonials were received from trust advisors, spouses and adult children in addition to the individuals receiving assistance in their homes.

Commenting on the help provided to his mother, John Tyskewicz. of Windsor, Connecticut said, "It is rare today to find individuals who like the work in which they are engaged. It is rarer still to meet that person who not only loves their work, but elevates their profession to a new height far beyond the expected call of duty - one whose love, goodness and compassion to duty raise the bar far above the commonplace. Leona Holley epitomizes such an individual."

"Leone came to us about 5 years ago (though I must admit it seems like only yesterday) and when she first came through the doorway, her smile shone like a ray of sunshine. My mom, you see, was 83 years old, and not too easy to please. Her latter years were hard on her, with both cancer and emphysema taking their toll on her usually pleasant disposition. But Leona, being the consummate professional that she is, won her over quite easily. Soon, I noticed very positive changes in my mom's personality. She became more animated when Leona arrived, and even after she left, mom seemed a much happier person. It wasn't long before Leona became 'one of the family.' Mom would look forward to Leona's arrivals with eager anticipation. Soon, Mom and I nicknamed Leona the 'white tornado' as she went from one task to another in her speedy and efficient manner. No matter how quickly she worked, she always took the time to point out safety concerns which might be harmful to the elderly. She pointed out devices which would make life easier for Mom, such as an elevated toilet seat, safety grips in the shower, slide-in devices for the bathtub and many others."

Leona Holley has been with the Interim Connecticut office since 2001. "If there are angels on earth, Leona must be one of them," says Homemaker/ Companion Program Manger Terri Johnson. "She is one of the most caring, compassionate people I have ever worked with. We're thrilled she was chosen as the national HomeStyle Hero."

Russ Cooper, President and CEO of Interim HealthCare Inc. states, "The HomeStyle Hero award was developed in 2002 initially as a way to recognize our valued employees who provide exceptional non-medical care and companionship in the home. Five years and over 250 client testimonials later, it has also become a way to hear what our clients and their families have to say about the daily care they receive. Some require personal care, transportation or medication reminders, others require friendly companionship. In any case, clients have expressed how their lives have been improved."

Interim HealthCare is the nation's oldest leading home care and medical staffing company. Founded in 1966, there are more than 300 locations nationwide with approximately 75,000 health care workers.

For more information, visit www.homestyleservices.com.

The Not-A-Bottle(TM) Container System Can Help Hydrate the Sick and Elderly

Mon, 15 May 2006 17:21:00 GMT

ESTES PARK, CO - May 15 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Rocky Mountain Patents, LLC (www.RockyBusiness.com) today announced that its innovative Not-A-Bottle(TM) container system can greatly assist in providing sufficient hydration to the sick and elderly. Dehydration is a significant cause of hospitalization for over one million elderly annually.

"It is often difficult for the sick or elderly to perform a simple task, such as pour a glass of water from a pitcher weighing several pounds. Even holding a glass can be difficult for the bedridden patient," says Charles Schroeder, Manager, Rocky Mountain Patents, LLC. "The revolutionary Not-A-Bottle(TM) container system allows simple no spill instant refill by simply replacing the beverage bag in either drinking container or drinking tube applications."

"After visiting relatives in hospitals and nursing homes, it became apparent that there are significant physical barriers to patients getting sufficient hydration. In addition, when there were water pitchers available, they were far from sanitary," said Schroeder.

That's why Schroeder invented the Not-A-Bottle(TM) container system. This environmentally superior system consists of lightweight bags, holders, and dispenser caps. The disposable bags have a lip (much like a baby bottle liner), and have a pull tab or "pierceable" top for opening. The cap captures the bag lip between it and the holder, and has a dispenser appropriate for the material being distributed. The replaceable bag system allows for a wide variety of prepackaged sports and flavored drinks, nutritionals, water, and juices.

In addition to making personal hydration easier and more sanitary, the Not-A-Bottle(TM) container system offers significant cost reduction possibilities for beverage manufacturers by replacing plastic bottles with much lighter weight bags. With other dispenser attachments, the system can also be applied to foods, dairy products, baby bottles, home and personal products, motor oil and lubricants, and pharmaceuticals.

www.RockyBusiness.com/DocumentDownloads.htm has instant downloads for:

Rocky Mountain Patents, LLC now owns and is licensing the Not-A-Bottle(TM) container system technology for use with all types of flowable materials. Exclusive licenses are currently available for specific application categories now through 2022.

About Rocky Mountain Patents, LLC

Inventor Charles Schroeder formed Rocky Mountain Patents, LLC in 2004. The company develops and markets innovative intellectual property for a changing world.

Website: www.RockyBusiness.com

Chicago-based Organization Announces Initiative to Help Ease Severe Nursing Shortage In Illinois

Wed, 28 Sep 2005 15:34:00 GMT

CHICAGO, IL - September 28 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Citing warnings from a report released last week by the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council (MCHC), which revealed that by the year 2020, Illinois would have a shortage of 21,000 registered nurses, the Chicago-based Provident Foundation has announced plans to step up its efforts to help reverse this dangerous trend.

The MCHC report noted that the current nursing shortage began in the late 1990 is, as more baby boomers required hospital care and nursing professionals began to reach retirement age. The problem, however, persists because fewer young people are entering this very demanding field. If not dealt with aggressively, experts agree that inadequate staffing of nurses in hospitals could result in substandard patient care and increased risk of medical errors.

"We are committed to being at the forefront of solving this very serious problem," said Jim Myles, Founder and President of the Provident Foundation. Acknowledging that the issue needs short and long-term solutions, Myles announced upcoming plans to hold quarterly conferences for aspiring nurses and other healthcare workers in an effort to connect them with valuable resources that can move them toward existing opportunities in nursing. The conferences will begin in early 2006.

Myles also reaffirmed the foundation's commitment to providing scholarships to nursing students throughout the city and state. For the past decade, the foundation has given more than $42,000 to students pursuing careers in healthcare. "For some students, one thousand dollars can mean the difference between getting a nursing degree or dropping out," Myles said. Individuals as well as local businesses provide the scholarships.

The foundation's long-term effort was launched last year when they formed the Future Doctors/Future Nurses Clubs. The program aims to expose students to a variety of health care professions. "If we are serious about preparing young people for the future, we have to connect them with professionals who can encourage them to know that they can be more than athletes and entertainers," said Myles.

Future Doctors Future Nurses Clubs have been established in four Chicago inner-city schools, including Carver Military Academy, Dunbar High School, Chicago Vocational High School and Hyde Park Career Academy with several other schools strongly considering adding the program to their list of extra curricular activities. "The students have been very enthusiastic about joining the clubs," said Margo Crawford, an education consultant. "Once they get key information regarding how one prepares to become a healthcare professional and are motivated to have confidence in their abilities, they can't help but get excited," she added. Crawford touted Hyde Park Career Academy's club membership of more than fifty students and CVS for its involvement in field trips.
"Our goal is to help nurture and identify the next Dr. Daniel Hale Williams because the health of our community depends on it," said Myles.

For more information, contact the Provident Foundation at 773-363-4272 or log on to www.providentfoundation.org.

The Provident Foundation was founded in 1994 to preserve the history of the original Provident Hospital and Training School and to perpetuate the legacy of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, an African American physician who became the first to perform a delicate heart surgery.

New FDA Approved Test Detects Thyroid Disease in Minutes

Tue, 28 Dec 2004 17:52:00 GMT

HONEY BROOK, PA /Send2Press Newswire/ -- Thanks to FDA approval of ThyroTest(tm), a new rapid hypothyroid diagnostic screening device from ThyroTec, Inc., detection of a common thyroid disease will now come sooner rather than later for millions of Americans. More Americans suffer from thyroid disease than diabetes and cancer combined.

Currently patients suffering from symptoms of hypothyroidism have to wait days to discover lab results. Because ThyroTest(tm) has also gained CLIA Waiver status; patients can now get test result for hypothyroidism in minutes, right in the doctor's office.

"We are excited about bringing ThyroTest to the marketplace," said Jim Small, president of ThyroTec, a New Jersey based medical products development company. "ThyroTest is the first, and only, product to receive FDA approval and CLIA waiver for identifying above normal levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in a rapid format. This simple rapid diagnostic screen test is a qualitative measurement that allows physicians to screen patients for hypothyroidism in ten minutes with a whole blood sample."

Hypothyroidism develops when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, which regulates body's metabolism. A lack of thyroid hormone affects many body systems.

The incidence of hypothyroidism tends to increase with age, with older people, especially women, at highest risk.

Common symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, weakness, dry and coarse skin and hair, hair loss, depression, decreased libido, trouble swallowing, increased cholesterol, heavy or irregular periods or trouble getting pregnant.

An estimated 13 million Americans live undiagnosed and needlessly suffer from hypothyroidism. It is also estimated that three to five percent of the U.S. population has some form of thyroid disease. Approximately one in every eight of American women will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime.

ThyroTec has chosen American Health Partners, of Oklahoma City, to develop the ThyroTest(tm) brand identity, final market preparation, selection of national sales partners, training and the management of distribution.

"American Health Partners recognizes the benefit of providing doctors a rapid screen for hypothyroidism. Millions of patients who needlessly suffer from the symptoms of hypothyroidism can be screened in one office visit and further steps for treatment can begin immediately," said Brian Banks, president of American Health Partners.

"American Health Partners brings medical innovations to life through a proprietary market readiness process and proven distribution management network. We look forward to partnering with ThyroTec on this outstanding medical innovation."

ThyroTec, Inc., 1801 Horseshoe Pike, Suite One, Honey Brook, PA 19344. (610) 942-8971. www.thyrotest.com

Contact:
Jim Small, President/CEO, ThyroTec, Inc.,
info@thyrotest.com, +1-610-942-8971