For more information for the next upcoming free presentation, please visit

www.theWomensResourceCenter.org or call 941.366.1700

According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), The nation is facing an impending shortage of nurses, which is expected to peak by 2020; here are some of the prime indicators:
According to projections released in February 2004 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs top the list of the 10 occupations with the largest projected job growth in the years 2002-2012. Although RNs have listed among the top 10 growth occupations in the past, this is the first time in recent history that RNs have ranked first. These 10-year projections are widely used in career guidance, in planning education and training programs and in studying long-range employment trends. According to the BLS report, more than 2.9 million RNs will be employed in the year 2012, up 623,000 from the nearly 2.3 million RNs employed in 2002. However, the total job openings, which include both job growth and the net replacement of nurses, will be more than 1.1 million. This growth, coupled with current trends of nurses retiring or leaving the profession and fewer new nurses, could lead to a nursing shortage of more than one million nurses by the end of this decade. (For details, see www.bls.gov/emp/#outlook.)

WHO:             Supporters of Moffitt Cancer Center, the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center based in Florida

WHAT:           Tampa Bay’s Dancing with the Stars 2010
Support three worthwhile Bay area charities while cheering on local celebrities at Tampa Bay’s Dancing with the Stars, hosted by Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay. Guests will enjoy food and cocktails, auctions, and entertainment by Fred Astaire Dance Studios Tampa Bay. The main event will feature 12 local celebrities paired with professional dance instructors taking to the floor with a dance of their choice. Attendees will have a chance to cast votes for their favorites – but even if you can’t attend, you can have a say in who takes home the crown! Votes can be purchased online at www.dancingforcharity.com. Online and attendee votes will be combined with judges’ scores that evening to determine the winner.

Funds raised will benefit Moffitt, Pepin Heart Hospital and the Kids Charity of Tampa Bay. Last year’s event raised more than $300,000.

WHEN:           6 p.m. Sept. 11

WHERE:         TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, 4121 N. 50th St., Tampa

CONTACT:    Melissa Johnson at melissa@handsacrossthebay.com or (727) 460-6542

About Moffitt Cancer Center
Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center  is an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center – a designation that recognizes Moffitt’s excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 14 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country’s leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer. Moffitt’s sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

(ORLANDO/FL/SEPTEMBER 2010) – The Florida Nurses Foundation (FNF) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2010 scholarships.  This year, FNF awarded funding for 31 scholarships, over $16,000, to students throughout the state of Florida.  FNF exists to promote nursing and delivery of healthcare through the advancement of research, education and practice. Each year, funds are provided to registered nurses and students for scholarships and research grants.

2010 scholarships recipients are:
Lolita Melhado, from Fort Myers and attending Florida Gulf Coast University, received the Ingeborg Mauksch Scholarship;
Barbara Green, from Cape Canaveral and attending the University of Central Florida, received the District 6 Generic Scholarship;
Sophia Khawly, from Miami and attending the Florida State University, received the Undine Sams and Friends Scholarship;
Leigh Ann Del Rio, from Kissimmee and attending Keiser University, received the District 6 Generic Scholarship;
Christina Amidei, from Orlando and attending the University of Central Florida, received the District 8 Charlotte Anzalone Scholarship;
George Byron Smith, from Tampa and attending the Case Western Reserve University, received the District 4 Florida Nurses Scholarship;
April Hellner, from St. Petersburg and attending St. Petersburg College, received the Ruth Jacobs District 46 Scholarship;
Catrina Quinn, from Indiatlantic City and attending the University of Central Florida, received the District 6 Generic Scholarship;
Snezana Radnovic, from Miami and attending Miami Dade College, received the Agnes Naughton Scholarship;
Lindsay Capito, from Lutz and attending the Florida State University, received the District 6 Generic Scholarship;
Giovanna Craveiro, from Ft. Lauderdale and attending South University, received the Louise Fiske Memorial Scholarship;
Lisa Kern, from Tarpon Springs and attending Walden University, received the Olive Ramsey Memorial Scholarship;
Joann Andrews from Ft. Myers and attending the University of Florida, received the Iona Pettingill Scholarship;
Felusha Denford, from Jacksonville and attending the Jacksonville University, received the District 3 Scholarship;
Stephaney Ayres, from Miami and attending the University of Miami, received the Eleanor Bindrim Scholarship;
Natalie Camara, from Hialeah and attending Broward College, received the Nina Brookins Scholarship;
Delilah Plate, from Holly Hilly and attending Daytona State College, received the Olive Seymour Scholarship;
Amanda Hughes, from Melbourne and attending the University of Central Florida, received the May York Scholarship;
Elisa Rush, from Tallahassee and attending the Florida State University, received the Great 100 Nursing Scholarship
Isis Gonzalez, from Miramar and attending Nova Southeastern University, received the Ruth Finamore Scholarship;
Sadie Abboud, from New Smyrna Beach and attending the Florida State University, received the District 18 Lillian Hulla Friend of Nursing Scholarship;
Jennifer Anderson, from Lauderhill and attending Barry University, received the Charlotte Liddell Scholarship;
Yexica Perez, from Delray Beach and attending the Florida Atlantic University, received the Mary York Scholarship;
Michela Lambert, from Boynton Beach and attending South University, received the Mary York Scholarship;
Sanique Brown, from Miami and attending the Florida Atlantic University, received the Connie Dorry Memorial Scholarship;
Bessy Benjamin, from Naples and attending the Florida International University, received the Mary York Scholarship;
Suraj Wagh, from St. Petersburg and attending the St. Petersburg College, received the Imogene King Scholarship;
Eva-Maria Gonzalez, from Miami and attending the Florida International University, received the Mary York Scholarship;
Cheryl Roche, from Jacksonville and attending the University of Florida, received the Great 100 Nursing Scholarship;
Lisa Sellers, from Vero Beach and attending the Florida Atlantic University, received the Erma B. Kraft Scholarship;
Theresa Owens, from Ocala and attending the University of Central Florida, received the District 3 Scholarship;

FNF was established by members of the Florida Nurses Association (FNA) in 1983.  The FNF focus has evolved over time to include support of nursing education and research and to provide assistance to nurses in need, as well as public policy education.  Funding for FNF initiatives comes from FNA member donations, entrusted FNA member funds and FNF fundraising efforts.

The FNA mission statement is to serve and support all registered nurses through professional development, advocacy, and the promotion of excellence at every level of professional nursing practice.  For more information on FNF or FNA, please visit www.floridanurse.org.

Dr. Campbell received his medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine in Stanford, CA.  He performed his internship at Stanford University School of Medicine/Kaiser Santa Clara Medical Center in Stanford, CA, as well as his neurology residency and fellowships in critical care and neurocritical care & stroke.  Dr. Campbell’s areas of expertise are in acute neurological care for hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke and neurocritical care.  He is board-certified in neurology.
Dr. Campbell is a member of the American Medical Association, the Polk County Medical Association, the Society of Critical Care Medicine, the Neurocritical Care Society, the Florida Medical Association and the American Heart Association.
Please call 863-680-7300 to schedule an appointment with a Watson Clinic Neurologist, or visit us online at www.WatsonClinic.com for more information.

ABOUT WATSON CLINIC LLP:  As one of the largest medical clinics in the southeast, Watson Clinic provides comprehensive medical services to residents of Lakeland and surrounding communities.  First established in 1941, Watson Clinic has grown to include over 200 board-certified physicians representing 40 medical and surgical specialties.  The Clinic continues the legacy of improving the delivery of health care at the Main Clinic, 1600 Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland, as well as at 15 other convenient locations in Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. More information is available at:  www.WatsonClinic.com.

Bradenton, FL – Kevin DiLallo, CEO at Manatee Healthcare Systems was among the first in line to roll up his sleeve and donate blood as Suncoast Communities Blood Bank (SCBB) officially became the sole provider of blood products and blood services to both Manatee Memorial Hospital (MMH) and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (LRMC).

In addition to providing blood products, SCBB serves as the reference laboratory and provides direct therapeutic patient services for the two Manatee hospitals. “Suncoast Communities Blood Bank has a distinguished reputation for providing outstanding customer service to its hospitals, patients and blood donors,” says Mr. DiLallo. “They have been in the area for over 60 years and we welcome them as a vital partner.”
Dr. Mark J. Magenheim, CEO and Medical Director at SCBB joined Mr. DiLallo at the 7 AM donation to officially kick-off the inaugural blood drive at MMH with 100 staff and community donors anticipated. “Our slogan at SCBB is ‘we can’t operate without you,’” says Dr. Magenheim. “Our blood center is able to save lives because of the thousands of individuals who volunteer to donate blood in service to their neighbors. Blood can only be given as a gift from one human being to another. We look forward to working with the citizens of Manatee County to help serve their hospitals.”
# # #

WHAT:                          This month, the Tampa Florida Blue Center invites local residents to its monthly Health Fair on Saturday, September 11th in celebration of National Yoga Month.  Visitors will not only learn about the many health benefits of yoga, but also about numerous ways to bring peace to the mind, body and spirit.

Welcoming members and non-members from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. attendees can receive FREE health screenings including cholesterol and glucose tests (measuring important health indicators, a $95 value); FREE expert one-on-one consultations; FREE relaxing massages; and opportunities to win prizes from Florida Blue.

Visitors can also tour the Tampa Florida Blue Center, a revolutionary customer service experience in health care that lets visitors shop for health insurance, learn about their specific plans, receive preventative care screenings and participate in monthly wellness events.

PHOTO/VIDEO:            Capture Tampa Bay residents learning about the mind, body and spirit as well as the many benefits of yoga during the September Health Fair at the Florida Blue Center.

Interviews are available with Florida Blue Center managers highlighting the Health Fair and the Center’s monthly calendar of events.  Representatives can also outline the features of the new center and what it offers Tampa Bay residents.

WHEN:                         Saturday, September 11th
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

WHERE:                       The Florida Blue Center
201 N. West Shore Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33609

MEDIA CONTACT:        Shawn Warmstein / 305-444-3383 / Shawn.Warmstein@rbbpr.com

About Florida Blue Centers
An original concept in health care and customer service, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida’s Florida Blue centers are the first interactive environment where consumers can purchase health insurance, have face-to-face consultations concerning their individual policies, receive top-line preventative care health screenings, participate in wellness lectures, and learn about various health care options fit for any budget. Florida Blue Centers are currently open in Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville and Orlando. For more information about the Florida Blue Centers center please visit, www.floridablue.com.

Hip and knee arthritis are among the most common causes of pain in these joints. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, is the most common reason for total hip and total knee replacement and is a type of arthritis that is caused by breakdown of cartilage with eventual loss of the cartilage of the joints. Among the over 100 different types of arthritis conditions, osteoarthritis is the most common, affecting over 15 million people in the United States. Before age 45, osteoarthritis occurs more frequently in males. After age 55 years, it occurs more frequently in females. In the United States, all races appear equally affected. Dr. Bennett will be discussing current treatment for hip and knee arthritis.

This presentation is sponsored by Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point and will take place at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, Conference Center, 14000 Fivay Road, in Hudson, on Thursday, September 23 at 3:00PM.

This event is free to the public. Refreshments will be served. Due to limited seating, reservations are required, and can be made by calling (727) 869-5498 or 1-888-741-5119.

About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved distinction in the following areas:

• Certified Advanced Heart Failure – Joint Commission (1st in the State of Florida  – 1/2010)
• Certified Advance Primary Stroke Center – Joint Commission
• American Heart Association 2010 Get With the Guidelines Triple Performance Award Winner
  • Gold Award in Coronary Artery Disease
  • Gold Plus Award in Heart Failure
  • Gold Plus Award in Stroke
• American Heart Association’s 2009 Stroke Silver Plus Performance Award Winner (1st in State of Florida)
• Heart & Stroke Champions Award Winner 1998 – 2010
• Wound Care and Accredited Hyperbaric Medicine
• MRI Accredited – American College of Radiology
• Approved, with Commendation, Community Cancer Program – American College of Surgeons.
• Accredited Chest Pain Center, with PCI – Society of Chest Pain Centers.
• Designated a 100 Top Hospital seven years by Thomson Reuters
• Named twice (1999 & 2002) by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery.

For additional information on Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com. Or visit us on Face book

Ellen Teeter, AP, DOM is a State of Fl Board certified Acupuncture Physician and Oriental Medicine practitioner at Alternative Therapy in Bradenton Florida.  She specializes in treating Internal Medicine conditions and Pain Relief.  She currently serves on the FSOMA Board of Directors as Secretary and it was announced at the conference that she is a vetted candidate for Vice President in the upcoming elections.  In addition to her duties as Secretary she chairs the Publication Committee and edits the FSOMA Journal for the organization.

The keynote speaker at the conference was Florida House of Representative Peter Nehr who shared a powerful story of how Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine restored his health and vitality.

The tournament is $500 per foursome, which includes greens fees, golf cart, range balls and lunch. Corporate and individual sponsorships are available for $150 and include signage on a designated hole and the opportunity to distribute marketing materials to all participants.

Space is limited. Early registration is encouraged. For more information, contact Alison White at (813) 228-7100 or alison.white@ryan.com.

About Ryan
Ryan is the leading tax services firm in North America, with the largest transaction tax practice in the United States and Canada. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the Firm provides a comprehensive range of state, local, federal, and international tax advisory and consulting services on a multi-jurisdictional basis, including audit defense, tax recovery, credits and incentives, tax process improvement and automation, tax appeals, and strategic planning. With a multi-disciplinary team of more than 800 professionals and associates, Ryan serves many of the world’s most prominent Fortune 1000 companies.

About Moffitt Cancer Center
Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center  is an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center – a designation that recognizes Moffitt’s excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 14 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country’s leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer. Moffitt’s sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

Clearwater, Fla. (Aug. 2010) – In response to continued growth and increased demands, Easy Living, Inc., a trusted provider of private duty home healthcare for residents of Pinellas County, has announced the promotion of Shannon Martin <http://www.agingwisely.com/meet-our-team/#shannon>  to director of communications and the appointment of Cynthia Bondell <http://www.agingwisely.com/meet-our-team/#cynthia>  to take over Shannon’s previous role of director of community relations for both EasyLiving, Inc. and Aging Wisely, LLC, a comprehensive care management and consultation company in Clearwater, Fla.

As director of communications, Martin will assume more responsibilities for EasyLiving and Aging Wisely’s communications, as they continue to share their expertise with families and professionals across the country via the Web and other means. Bondell will assume responsibilities for community outreach, marketing and sales for both companies.

“We are pleased to welcome Cynthia to our team. Her experience and knowledge of the Tampa Bay senior and elder care community will certainly be an asset as we continue to grow,” said Alex Chamberlain, executive director of EasyLiving, Inc. “Cynthia’s main responsibility will be to educate the community about our services and make sure the community knows we’re there to help when needed.”

Bondell brings more than 13 years of experience in the Tampa Bay senior housing market to her new role. Most recently, Bondell served as director of sales and marketing for Aston Gardens of Tampa Bay. She received her M.A. in Gerontology from Northeast Louisiana University, now University of Louisiana of Monroe.

EasyLiving <http://www.easylivingfl.com/> , which serves clients in Pinellas and Pasco counties, provides services such as transportation, light housekeeping, errands, household management, assistance with activities of daily living and hygiene, medication management and companionship. With more than ten years of experience, Aging Wisely <http://www.agingwisely.com/>  provides a unique combination of services to meet the needs of caregivers including home safety assessments, care planning and recommendations, coordination of community services, monitoring services and more.

About EasyLiving, Inc.
EasyLiving, Inc. is a fully licensed, private duty home health care company serving individuals and families in Pinellas County, Florida. Our highly trained, extensively screened, and courteous Personal Care Assistants provide clients with the non-medical support they need to have more active, healthy, and meaningful lives and remain comfortably in their own homes.  We work with directly with long term care insurance providers to ensure that the hassle of filing paperwork is minimized and our clients have the freedom to focus on the activities they enjoy the most.  For more information, please visit www.easylivingfl.com.

About Aging Wisely, LLC.
Founded in 1998, Aging Wisely, LLC is a professional care management and consultation company, serving families faced with illness, disability and caregiving concerns. Based in Clearwater, Fla., Aging Wisely provides expertise, consultation, assessments, advocacy and coordination of services for clients in Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties and for families throughout the nation. Additionally, Aging Wisely is often called upon by organizations and publications as an expert resource on eldercare issues and aging. In 2009, Aging Wisely was recognized as a finalist in the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Healthcare Heroes awards. For more information, please visit www.agingwisely.com .

According to the American Academy of Pain Management, approximately 76.2 million people in the United States experience chronic pain, and the annual cost of chronic pain is estimated to be $100 billion.  The need for chiropractic healthcare in Sarasota and around the country is increasing dramatically due to the aging population, more active lifestyles, and increased consumer awareness.

Samuel J., a Sarasota Chiropractic patient says, “I can now play 36 holes and fish all day without pain during the day or the next day.”

As one of more than 3,800 pain relief program/practitioners in the United States, Dr. Christopher Bretz, a Sarasota Chiropractor, exemplifies a new breed of Chiropractic professionals.  Chiropractors like Dr. Bretz are treating conditions well beyond traditional lower back pain, and sciatic nerve pain; they are overcoming depression, reducing anxiety, and raising energy levels.

“We have quite a story to tell,” says Dr. Bretz.  “At our state of the art facility, our patients discover the true wellness lifestyle.  We show them the natural way to better health without the use of medications such as Zoloft, Lyrica, Chantex, and Alli.”

Treatment techniques must focus on the underlying problem and involve participation of the patient in order to be truly effective and long lasting.  Treatments which focus only on pain and other symptoms, are far less effective.  As a result of this, a more holistic approach is necessary.

According to Dr. Bretz, “Our Chiropractic  facility in Sarasota is uniquely located because the average age of the population is higher than the national average, however chiropractic care in Sarasota or around the world can be utilized to treat many conditions, from cradle to grave.”

Benefits a chiropractor can provide are:
spinal and extremity pain relief
decreased stiffness
relief from muscular spasms
increased mobility and range of motion
increased balance and coordination
increased sense of well being
increased energy
enhanced tissue healing
decreased tissue inflammation
increased joint health
decreased arthritis and arthritic joint pain
minimized spinal stress and subsequent degeneration
minimized risk of fall injuries
As a Sarasota Chiropractic Clinic, we are committed to making the city of Sarasota, which we call home, a healthy place where people can live a wellness lifestyle no matter what their age.  Whether you are seeking sciatic nerve treatment, improving lower back pain, reducing pressure headaches, or boosting your energy levels, we look forward to helping you achieve your personal best regarding health and wellness.  Contact our Sarasota Chiropractic facility today to schedule your no obligation pain relief appointment.

Contact: Dr. Christopher Bretz, DC . Bretz Chiropractic Clinic . 5060 Clark Rd. . Sarasota, Florida 34233 . 941-921-2225 . http://www.sarasotapainreliefnow.com
Media Contact: Digital Image Business Solutions . Gregg Anderson . 941/757-1880 . Email: Gregg@dibsfl.com . www.dibsfl.com

The teen volunteers and their families were invited. Each teen received a letter for their school and a certificate of appreciation.

The hospital also used the occasion to honor its 2010 Five Star Teen Volunteer of the Year. Ahn-My Nguyen was honored as the 2010 Five Star Teen Volunteer of the Year. “My” began volunteering at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point in 2006 and has already achieved 1,162 actual volunteer hours. She has a reputation for being outgoing and friendly as well as courteous and helpful to patients, visitors and other volunteers. In presenting the award My was described as having the “perfect personality and work ethic to be an outstanding volunteer.” My was also the recipient of the 2010 Volunteer Scholarship Award. She has been accepted to the University of South Florida and is planning to become a physician. She is described as an outstanding role model for teen volunteers.

About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved distinction in the following areas:

Certified Advanced Heart Failure – Joint Commission (1st in the State of Florida  – 1/2010)
Certified Advance Primary Stroke Center – Joint Commission
American Heart Association 2009 Get With the Guidelines Triple Performance Award Winner
Gold Award in Coronary Artery Disease
Gold Award in Heart Failure
Silver Award in Stroke
American Heart Association’s 2009 Stroke Silver Plus Performance Award Winner (1st in State of Florida)
Heart & Stroke Champions Award Winner 1998 – 2010
Wound Care and Accredited Hyperbaric Medicine
MRI Accredited – American College of Radiology
Approved, with Commendation, Community Cancer Program – American College of Surgeons.
Accredited Chest Pain Center, with PCI – Society of Chest Pain Centers.
Designated a 100 Top Hospital seven years by Thomson Reuters
Named twice (1999 & 2002) by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery.

For additional information on Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com.

Making the decision to have a PSA test to screen for prostate cancer depends on a variety of factors, such as the individual’s age, family history and personal preferences. Dr. Tannenbaum will discuss the latest thinking on who should get a PSA screening test, answer questions and encourage participants to discuss their personal needs for   PSA screening with their physician.

This presentation is sponsored by Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point and will take place at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, Conference Center, 14000 Fivay Road, in Hudson, on Wednesday, September 22 at 3:00 p.m.

This event is free to the public. Refreshments will be served. Due to limited seating, reservations are required, and can be made by calling (727) 869-5498 or 1-888-741-5119.

About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved distinction in the following areas:

• Certified Advanced Heart Failure – Joint Commission (1st in the State of Florida  – 1/2010)
• Certified Advance Primary Stroke Center – Joint Commission
• American Heart Association 2010 Get With the Guidelines Triple Performance Award Winner
  • Gold Award in Coronary Artery Disease
  • Gold Plus Award in Heart Failure
  • Gold Plus Award in Stroke
• American Heart Association’s 2009 Stroke Silver Plus Performance Award Winner (1st in State of Florida)
• Heart & Stroke Champions Award Winner 1998 – 2010
• Wound Care and Accredited Hyperbaric Medicine
• MRI Accredited – American College of Radiology
• Approved, with Commendation, Community Cancer Program – American College of Surgeons.
• Accredited Chest Pain Center, with PCI – Society of Chest Pain Centers.
• Designated a 100 Top Hospital seven years by Thomson Reuters
• Named twice (1999 & 2002) by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery.

For additional information on Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com. Or visit us on Face book

Henry Hanff, M.D. of New Port Richey is the founder of Florida Joint Replacement and Sports Medicine Center, which opened in May 1984. He has served in the U.S. Air Force at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, as well as the American College of Surgeons.  Dr. Hanff first established his orthopaedic surgery practice in New Port Richey in 1973 where he has been practicing for 33 years. He is an acknowledged leader in joint replacement, and has performed over 9,000 hip and knee replacements. Internationally recognized in his field, he lectures around the world on joint replacement and orthopaedic trauma.

Stephen Booth of West Pasco is a practicing attorney in real estate, title insurance and building development. Booth, who has a background in the U.S. Army as a Commissioned Second Lieutenant and distinguished military graduate, is a past member of the Board of Directors for the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce. He has taught at Pasco Hernando Community College and has held leadership roles in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee, Board of Trustees West Pasco Law Library, Pasco County Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee, Pasco County Zoning Ordinance Revision Committee and the Pasco County Land Development Regulation Committee to name a few. Booth, who has coached Little League Softball, is a past president of West Pasco Little League and has served on the Board for 36 years.

“We welcome to our Board these two new members, and wish to express our appreciation to the entire Board of Trustees who lead us in fulfilling our mission: To improve the lives of the people we touch.  Dr. Henry Hanff and Mr. Booth are staples in this community, and are valuable additions to our Board as we ensure that we are ready to serve patients both in Trinity and in our current location for many years to come” said Kathryn Gillette, Chief of Executive Officer.

# # #

About Community Hospital:
The Future Medical Center of Trinity

Community Hospital is located in New Port Richey, FL. It is a leading Joint Commission accredited acute care center. Over 400 physicians, 1000 employees and 200 volunteers comprise our healthcare delivery team.

Community Hospital has received distinction in the following areas:

·         Chest Pain Center accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers
·         Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center
·         Accredited Cancer Program by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons
·         State Approved Coronary Intervention Program
·         Dedicated Breast Care Center with Digital Mammography, 3D/4D Ultrasound, Breast MRI, and Patient Liaison to ensure the patient’s needs are met.
·         All private room Women’s Center for Gynecology and Urology Services
·         All private room Spine & Joint Care Center
·         The only da Vinci Robotic System in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties

Awarded the Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval™ for health care quality in 12 disease specific and chronic care programs:

·         Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
·         Heart Failure
·         AMI (Heart Attack)
·         Joint Replacement—Hip
·         Joint Replacement—Knee
·         Cervical Surgical Spine
·         Lumbar Surgical Spine
·         Pneumonia
·         Lung Cancer
·         Kidney Cancer
·         Colon-Rectal Cancer
·         Advanced Certification
Primary Stroke Center

Construction is underway on the Medical Center of Trinity, a 236 bed, state-of-the-art, private room facility at the corner of SR 54 and Little Road in Trinity to replace Community Hospital in late 2011.For more information, visit our website at www.communityhospitalnpr.com.

The volunteer group collected Vera Bradley Totes, Hanes socks, journals, tea, hand sanitizer, oral care items, and much more to help patients ease the stress and burden of cancer treatment.  These items will help comfort patients while receiving and recovering from  chemotherapy treatment.

These kits will be distributed through Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s Breast Health Navigator program.   The breast health navigator is a registered nurse (RN), with special oncology training, available to breast cancer patients and their families, and serves as an educator/ support representative..  There is no additional charge for this service. The breast health navigator can provide assistance to ensure patient care needs are met in a timely manner,  questions are answered correctly and without  confusion, as well as to address feelings of fear or anxiety..  The breast health navigator will provide women and men with free educational information about their  breast cancer, and sources of support and services available through the hospital /medical center and community.

As part of a new shoe and handbag concept store Grand Opening celebration, shoe professionals David and Molly Jackson of New Balance Sarasota donated 150 Vera Bradley Tote Bags to the Chemo Kit project. The bright Vera Bradley pattern of LOVES ME…was chosen by the Jackson’s since sales of this is Vera Bradley’s signature pattern helps raise money for the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer.  The totes, each valued at $48, will carry the other donated items,  and will be given to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients at Sarasota Memorial.   “Our hope is that the Vera Bradley bright colored bag will give the newly diagnosed cancer patient a small ray of sunshine and HOPE each time she carries it knowing she has the support of our community,” said Molly Jackson, volunteer for the Florida Suncoast Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for theCure.

The Chemo Kit committee will meet on  Wednesday, September 1at 5:30 p.m. to assemble the bags and present them to The Breast Health Navigator Program  at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.  The Jackson’s are hosting this event in their new shoe and handbag boutique located at 1874 Stickney Point road, Sarasota.

The Chemo Kit volunteer committee is made up of the following individuals:Fran Lambert, Ginny Cable, Molly Jackson, Anne Marie Young, Linda Ossenkop, Kathy Horowitz, Suzy Benjamin, Teri Ryan, Debbie Haspel, Kim Brylow, Kristina Calvin, and Harriet Maltz. These members are affiliated with the following companies who have generously supported this project: New Balance, Boar’s Head, TechHouse and Jacksons’ soon to be announced shoe and handbag boutique.

The companies listed below have donated the following products for the Chemo Kits:
Vera Bradley Designs                        Vera Bradley Totes
Quilts                                                     Friendship Knot Quilters Guild
Journals                                                 Boar’s Head/Coastal Printing
Hand Sanitizers                                   Boar’s Head/Inspirations Hair Salon
Socks                                                      Hane’s
Sticky Notes                                         Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Advocacy Alliance
Breast Cancer Info Booklets            National Cancer Institute
Lipton Tea                                            Coastal Living Real Estate & Property Management
M&M’S                                                  Mission We Care
Mouth Care                                          Dr. Mary Porter/Glaxo Smith Kline

About Florida Suncoast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
The Florida Suncoast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in our community. Through annual signature events like the Komen Florida Suncoast Race for the Cure, the affiliate has invested more than $10 million since 1999 in local breast health and breast cancer awareness projects in six Florida counties: Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota. Seventy-five percent of net proceeds generated by the Komen Florida Suncoast Affiliate each year are returned to the community, and 25 percent of revenue is directed to the national Susan G. Komen for the Cure Research Grant Program.  In 2010, the Florida Suncoast Affiliate awarded over $1 million to its service area to support screening and treatment for the underserved.  For more information about the Florida Suncoast Affiliate, visit www.komensuncoast.org, or call 877-506-6927.

Newborns, premature or not, are placed in this radiant warmer after birth to provide a comfortable thermal environment while physicians and nurses provide needed medical care,  and to transport babies from the Delivery room to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the Labor & Delivery Unit.  It is the most up-to-date technology available for this purpose.

“Linnie Dalbeck was committed to several local charities, including Sarasota Memorial Hospital.  She was well aware of the importance of a community hospital that provides care to all persons regardless of financial resources.   Her heart would be filled with joy that her funds enabled Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation to fund a Panda Bed, which will provide crucial care to the most special members of our community,” states Pamela K. Peelor, J.D., Linnie E. Dalbeck Memorial Foundation trustee and vice president and regional trust advisor at SunTrust.

The Dalbeck Foundation’s support of the Panda Warmer Bed is helping make it possible for Sarasota Memorial to provide state-of-the-art care for newborns and serves as a fitting memorial to the generosity and compassion of Linnie E. Dalbeck.

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization with the mission to improve the delivery of healthcare for the Sarasota area through the acquisition and utilization of philanthropic funds.  Since 1976, the Foundation has awarded $38 million to support patient care, research, education, state-of-the-art medical technology, and facilities.

August 2010 (Tampa, Fla.) – Med-Vision, LLC, a health and risk management strategy firm, announces that Rudra Pandey, Ph.D. has been named the firm’s technology advisor.  Pandey is known for visionary leadership in the software and technology industry, particularly in healthcare.  He is a leading expert in data analytics and the development of decision-support tools for the medical and insurance industries.

Specializing in software engineering for the healthcare industry, Pandey is the president of Deerwalk, Inc., a Massachusetts-based software development company.  Pandey heads an executive team at Deerwalk and closely supervises its operation and technology team. The company has a large development center in Nepal , in addition to operations in the United States .

“I’m pleased Rudra Pandey will be bringing his experience in software technology and leadership to our advisory board,” said Dan Ross, president of Med-Vision. “His role will support our mission to reduce health costs for companies through data-based solutions.”

Prior to joining Deerwalk, Rudra was chief operating officer of Verisk Health.  He provided leadership in operations as well as played a vital role in the research and development of its data analytics solutions.  Med-Vision relies on these innovative technologies to analyze health and benefit claims and to identify actionable strategies for managing employer’s costs.

“Med-Vision is a visionary company,” said Pandey. “Applying the best technical tools to the analysis and management of self-funded health plans not only serves businesses but also their employees.”

Also an entrepreneur, Pandey was the founder and chief technology officer of D2Hawkeye, a data analytics company that served the healthcare industry. Pandey joined Verisk Health after the acquisition of D2Hawkeye by Verisk Analytics.  Pandey holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a doctorate degree in economics from Northeastern University in Boston .

About Med-Vision, LLC:
Founded in 2005, Med-Vision delivers health plan risk management and wellness strategies to help employer groups achieve optimal employee health and productivity.  Med-Vision specifically caters to the needs of self-funded employer plan sponsors and currently impacts more than 75,000 health plan members.  Med-Vision has helped corporations, healthcare facilities, municipalities, and school districts to reduce risks, reverse trends, and decrease healthcare costs while increasing quality of care.
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Med-Vision, LLC
P.O. Box 342006 ● Tampa , FL 33694
Phone: 813.205.1577 ● Web: www.med-vision.com

Quantum Vitality Centres is dedicated to providing wellness care using natural methods, without drugs, to get rid of pain and to restore and maintain your health.  Dr. Peter Szakacs, a chiropractor and the clinical director has assembled a staff of caring professionals whose skill and expertise span the chiropractic wellness spectrum and includes electronic acupuncture (no needles!), massage, nutrition, physical therapy and rehabilitation.  The Foundation for Wellness Professionals is a non-profit organization that promotes wellness and disease prevention through free community programs.

Kathy Fenelon, Get With The Guidelines Regional VP for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association will be on hand with Pasco County Sheriff Bob White to present the award to RMCBP CEO Steve Rector.

Regional Medical Center at Bayonet Point has been recognized for achievement in using evidence-based guidelines to provide the best possible care to patients through The American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® program.

Regional Medical Center and 814 other hospitals are featured in a special advertisement in the “America’s Best Hospitals” issue of US News & World Report (August issue) to commemorate their receipt of Get With The Guidelines    Gold Plus  Performance Achievement Awards for achievement in coronary artery disease, stroke and  heart failure treatment.

In addition Regional Medical Center in 1 out of 33 hospitals recognized for the highest level of compliance in the nation.

Hospitals recognized in each category achieve at least 85 percent compliance to Get With The Guidelines measures. Those achieving 85 percent compliance for 24 consecutive months receive the Gold Performance Achievement Award, with the Silver Performance Achievement Award going to those with 85 percent compliance for 12 consecutive months. Special recognition is also given for those hospitals achieving 85 percent compliance in two or all three categories and/or for being in 75 percent compliance with heart failure and/or stroke measures.

Get With The Guidelines is a hospital-based quality-improvement program designed to ensure that hospitals consistently care for cardiac and stroke patients following the most up-to-date guidelines and recommendations. The program addresses coronary artery disease, heart failure and stroke. Currently more than 1,400 hospitals participate in the program.

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s advertisement recognizes Regional Medical Center’s commitment and success in performance achievement.

“The American Heart Association is pleased to recognize its top Get With The Guidelines participants,” said. Lee Schwamm, M.D., national chairman of the Get With The Guidelines steering committee, associate professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and Vice Chairman of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital. “Healthcare providers who use Get With The Guidelines are armed with the latest evidence-based guidelines and immediate access to clinical decision support, using a set of tools that have been shown to improve delivery of evidence-based care. The goal of this initiative is to improve the quality of life and help reduce deaths and disability among patients with heart disease and stroke.”

Published scientific studies are providing us with more and more evidence that Get With The Guidelines works.  Patients are getting the right care they need when they need it.  That’s resulting in improved survival.”

(ORLANDO/FL/AUGUST 2010) – The Florida Nurses Association (FNA) has decided to take action and make health literacy a priority among Florida nurses. FNA will educate nurses on the importance of screening, assessing, and treating low health literacy levels. FNA will also advocate on behalf of consumers in order to maintain an active role in managing their health and/or treatment.

Health literacy encompasses more than the ability to read. It includes writing, listening, speaking, arithmetic, and conceptual knowledge. Patients need to be able to navigate through complex health systems in order to make sound healthcare decisions for themselves. It is the nurse’s responsibility to assess and inform their patient’s on health literacy.

The FNA mission statement is to serve and support all registered nurses through professional development, advocacy, and the promotion of excellence at every level of professional nursing practice.  For more information on FNA, please visit www.floridanurse.org or email info@floridanurse.org.

According to the American Academy of Pain Management, approximately 76.2 million people in the United States experience chronic pain, and the annual cost of chronic pain is estimated to be $100 billion.  The need for chiropractic healthcare in Sarasota and around the country is increasing dramatically due to factors such as the aging population, more active lifestyles, and increased consumer awareness.

Samuel J., a Sarasota Chiropractic patient says, “I can now play 36 holes and fish all day without pain during the day or the next day.”

As one of the more than 3,800 pain management program/practitioners in the United States, Dr. Christopher Bretz, a Sarasota Chiropractor, exemplifies a new breed of Chiropractic professionals. Chiropractors like Dr. Bretz, are treating conditions well beyond traditional lower back pain, and sciatic nerve treatment, they are overcoming depression, reducing anxiety, and raising energy levels.

We have quite a story to tell says Dr. Bretz, “at our state of the art Sarasota chiropractic facility our patients discover the true wellness lifestyle.  We show them the natural way to better health without the use of medications such as Zoloft, Lyrica, Chantex, and Alli.”

Treatment techniques must focus on the underlying problem and involve participation of the patient in order to be truly effective and long lasting. Treatments which solely focus on pain and other symptoms only, are far less effective.  As a result of this, a more holistic approach is necessary.

According to Bretz, “our Chiropractic facility in Sarasota is uniquely located because the average age of the population is slightly higher than the national average, however chiropractic care in Sarasota or around the world can be utilized to treat many conditions, from cradle to grave.   Benefits a chiropractor can provide are:
spinal and extremity pain relief
decreased stiffness and muscular spasms
increased mobility and range of motion
increased balance and coordination
increased sense of well being
increased energy
enhanced tissue healing
decreased tissue inflammation
increased joint health
decreased arthritis and arthritic joint pain
minimized spinal stress and subsequent degeneration
minimized risk of fall injuries

About Bretz Sarasota Chiropractic Clinic:
As a Sarasota Chiropractor, we are committed to making the city of Sarasota, which we call home, a healthy place were people can live a wellness lifestyle no matter what their age.  Whether you are seeking sciatic nerve treatment, improving lower back pain,  reducing pressure headaches, or boosting your energy levels, we look forward to helping you achieve your personal best regarding health and wellness. Contact our Sarasota Chiropractic facility today to schedule your no obligation pain relief appointment.

Contact:
Dr. Christopher Bretz, DC.
Bretz Chiropractic Clinic
5060 Clark Rd., Sarasota, Florida 34233
941-921-2225
http://www.sarasotapainreliefnow.com

Related Content:
What is the treatment of the sciatic nerve treatment?
http://www.essortment.com/all/whatsciaticner_rghf.htm

Health & Wellness Library (American Chiropractic Association)
http://www.acatoday.org/level2_css.cfm?T1ID=13&T2ID=170

Baby Boomers – Chiropractic Care
http://www.dcdoctor.com/pages/rightpages_wellnesscenter/babyboomers/chirocare.html

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Empower Technologies, produces the SonoSoft® electronic health records (EHR) software suite, providing physician practice management and electronic health records services for small to medium-sized medical practices as well as hospitals and enterprise customers.

“Mr. Sandelman is the perfect candidate to help lead and grow our business,” said company President and CEO, John Stagl. “Jack’s fiscal and managerial experience, coupled with his software development back-ground and his prominence in the Sarasota and Gulf Coast business communities at large made him the natural choice.” Stagl added.

Jack Sandelman is a Sarasota resident since 1992, a graduate of Manatee Community College in 1994 and the University of South Florida – Sarasota in 1996. He has been a member of the Sarasota business community for over 15 years. Jack is a prominent contributor to news organizations regionally: -a 4 time on air contributor to Fox -13 (WTVT) News, Your Turn Tampa Bay and has appeared internationally in the trans-Canadian daily The Globe & Mail and The Toronto Sun; Mr. Sandelman has also been featured in the Herald Tribune and Sarasota Realtor Magazine.

Locally, Mr. Sandelman serves his community by donating his time as a construction volunteer at Habitat For Humanity –North Sarasota and has been recognized by the Sun-Coast Communities Blood Bank as the youngest 6 gallon donor under 40 (Oct. 2009).

Atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) is the most common heart rhythm disturbance, affecting more than 2.3 million Americans. Dr. Annoni will be discussing minimally invasive options now available.

This presentation is sponsored by The Heart Institute at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point and will take place at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, Conference Center, 14000 Fivay Road, in Hudson, on Tuesday, September 7 at 3:00 p.m.

This event is free to the public. Refreshments will be served. Due to limited seating, reservations are required, and can be made by calling (727) 869-5498 or 1-888-741-5119.­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved distinction in the following areas:

• Certified Advanced Heart Failure – Joint Commission (1st in the State of Florida  – 1/2010)
• Certified Advance Primary Stroke Center – Joint Commission
• American Heart Association 2010 Get With the Guidelines Triple Performance Award Winner
  • Gold Award in Coronary Artery Disease
  • Gold Plus Award in Heart Failure
  • Gold Plus Award in Stroke
• American Heart Association’s 2009 Stroke Silver Plus Performance Award Winner (1st in State of Florida)
• Heart & Stroke Champions Award Winner 1998 – 2010
• Wound Care and Accredited Hyperbaric Medicine
• MRI Accredited – American College of Radiology
• Approved, with Commendation, Community Cancer Program – American College of Surgeons.
• Accredited Chest Pain Center, with PCI – Society of Chest Pain Centers.
• Designated a 100 Top Hospital seven years by Thomson Reuters
• Named twice (1999 & 2002) by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery.

For additional information on Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com. Or visit us on Face book

Speakers will highlight Florida Safe Pools’ guidelines for improving safety, called the Four Layers of Pool Safety. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and will be held at the Manatee County Public Safety Center, 2101 47th Terrace East Bradenton.

Scheduled to speak are:

·        Jean Shoemaker, coordinator of the Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition at All Children’s Hospital

·        Dr. Jennifer Bencie, Manatee County Health Department Director and

·        Manatee County Emergency Medical Services Chief Ron Koper

·        Manatee County Public Safety Capt. Larry Leinhauser.

An easy-to-understand safety inspection checklist can be found at www.flsafepools.com Parents and guardians who want even more assurance may request a complimentary safety inspection by calling (941) 745-3500, ext. 1640.

“Manatee County will be lead agency for the program in this area,” Leinhauser said. “If someone wants a courtesy pool inspection, (coalition members) will be happy to provide one. There’s a specific checklist we’ll use to take the guesswork out of pool safety. It’s a very simple, easy thing to do that can provide tons of protection.”

Florida leads the nation in drowning deaths for children under 5 years of age. State and national data indicates 76 percent of children under 5 years old drown in residential pools.

For more information, call Leinhauser at (941) 745-3500, ext. 1640. To learn more about Manatee County Government, visit our revamped and improved website, www.mymanatee.org

Prostate Cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. Regular prostate check-ups are recommended for men beginning at age 50.  Yearly check-ups are recommended for men 40 and older who have either a family history of prostate cancer or for African-American men who are more likely to develop prostate cancer. Dr. Spires and Dr. Emandi will be discussing screening, diagnosis, and treatment options available.

This presentation is sponsored by Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point and will take place at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, Conference Center, 14000 Fivay Road, in Hudson, on Thursday, September 9 at 3:00 p.m.

This event is free to the public. Refreshments will be served. Due to limited seating, reservations are required, and can be made by calling (727) 869-5498 or 1-888-741-5119.

About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved distinction in the following areas:

• Certified Advanced Heart Failure – Joint Commission (1st in the State of Florida  – 1/2010)
• Certified Advance Primary Stroke Center – Joint Commission
• American Heart Association 2010 Get With the Guidelines Triple Performance Award Winner
  • Gold Award in Coronary Artery Disease
  • Gold Plus Award in Heart Failure
  • Gold Plus Award in Stroke
• American Heart Association’s 2009 Stroke Silver Plus Performance Award Winner (1st in State of Florida)
• Heart & Stroke Champions Award Winner 1998 – 2010
• Wound Care and Accredited Hyperbaric Medicine
• MRI Accredited – American College of Radiology
• Approved, with Commendation, Community Cancer Program – American College of Surgeons.
• Accredited Chest Pain Center, with PCI – Society of Chest Pain Centers.
• Designated a 100 Top Hospital seven years by Thomson Reuters
• Named twice (1999 & 2002) by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery.

For additional information on Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com. Or visit us on Face book

Teeter has served on the board of the State of Florida’s professional organization for acupuncture for the past 7 years and will be volunteering her time to help with the conference.  Continuing education courses will be offered on such topics as:  TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Treatments for Digestive and GI Disorders taught by Hai He Tian, AP. MD(China), Tui Na (Chinese manual therapy) for Pelvis and Spine disorders, taught by Chad Bailey, AP, LMT, Acupuncture and Tui Na Combined Protocols for Psychological Disorders taught by Honora Wolfe, LAc and Clinical Case Presentation and Study; Integrating Breast Cancer Management by Ruan Jin Zhao, OMD, PhD – an affiliate with Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa. http://fsoma.com/pdf/2010conference-booklet.pdf

Ellen Teeter, AP practices acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.  She customizes herbal formulas based on the disease presenting and the patient’s constitution.  Treating the root cause of the problem as well as the symptoms is a hallmark of Chinese medicine.

Alan Kent, assistant vice president of student affairs cites national surveys stating that eight of the top ten barriers to student learning and success are related to factors such as stress, alcohol and relationship problems.

“By focusing only on physical health, we may miss the opportunity to educate students about the key impediments to learning,” said Kent.  “Therefore, student affairs restructured its wellness programming and created the  new Wellness USF Center which will focus on campus-wide efforts that promote overall student wellbeing.”

To further the mission and vision of Wellness USF, the new resource center opened July 24 in the retail corridor of the Marshall Student Center.

“This very visible facility will serve as the doorway to the initiative on campus and be a great resource for students who seek information and referrals to support their health and wellbeing,” said Holly Rayko, health educator and interim director of Wellness USF.  Rayko says that students will be able to obtain health screenings, referral information, and a host of brochures and electronic information from the new office.  She also states that USF is among a small number of campuses nationwide to create an independent wellness department.

Wellness USF has also contracted with a nationwide online student health magazine, Student Health 101, which provides timely health and wellness information geared towards college students. This free online publication is available to the USF community on the Wellness USF website at www.wellness.usf.edu.

The Wellness USF staff is collaborating with other departments committed to student wellbeing including Campus Recreation, Center for Advocacy and Violence Prevention, the Counseling Center, Student Health Services, and the USF College of Public Health.  Representatives  from these areas meet regularly as part of a Wellness Action Group (WAG) to create campus-wide education and prevention efforts. It is expected that membership will expand to include other areas that are dedicated to student wellbeing as Wellness USF grows.  Kent hopes to eventually extend the initiative to include student representation, other academic departments and expanded participation from USF Health.  Ultimately, Wellness USF will create campus-wide partnerships to promote wellness activities for staff in addition to students.

All members of the campus community are invited to stop by the new Wellness USF Center in the retail corridor of the Marshall Student Center.  The grand opening festivities are scheduled during Week of Welcome on Tuesday, Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The University of South Florida is one of the nation’s top 63 public research universities and one of only 25 public research universities nationwide with very high research activity that is designated as community engaged by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. USF was awarded $394.1 million in research contracts and grants in FY 2009/2010. The university offers 232 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, specialist and doctoral levels, including the doctor of medicine. The USF System has a $1.8 billion annual budget, an annual economic impact of $3.2 billion, and serves more than 47,000 students on institutions/campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and Lakeland. USF is a member of the Big East Athletic Conference.

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is continuing its commitment to cardiac care with the investment of the endovascular system by Zoll Medical. This advanced cooling process complies with the American Heart Association’s established hypothermia protocol for Sudden Cardiac Arrest patients who meet the criteria for induced hypothermia.

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Intensive Care Unit Manager, Sara Dennard said, “Quite simply, this piece of equipment has the potential to save lives and I’m thrilled to have it here at the Ranch.” Currently, Intensive Care and Emergency Room nurses are undergoing extensive training on the equipment and process.

The arrival of the new technology comes on the heels of the hospital’s new accreditations in Heart Failure and Chest Pain by the Society of Chest Pain Centers. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, CEO, Jim Wilson says the Therapeutic Induced Hypothermia program exemplifies the hospital’s commitment to excellence in cardiac care.

Dr. Kolb will talk about the dangers of implants and sharing her expertise with women who have fallen ill and haven’t been able to clearly understand what is happening inside their body.

‘Every Day Parenting,’ with host, Lisa Hein,  is heard every Tuesday at 10 am EST on Radio Ear Network  www.radioearnetwork.com will be celebrating her 1st year of being on the airwaves of radioearnetwork.com .

Lisa’s passion is bring up-to-date, somewhat controversial, and enlightening topics on not only parenting, but how we, as adults can continue on a positive journey even when the unexpected curves come our way.

More information can be found  at  LisaRHein.com

“l am very honored and excited to be joining a team of such talented and
caring physicians,” said Dr. Davis. “l am looking fonruard to establishing long{erm
and meaningful relationships with both patients and colleagues.”
Dr. Davis serves patients in four of Manatee Sarasota Eye Clinic’s offices,
including Ellenton, Sun City Center, and two locations in Bradenton.

About Manatee Sarasota Eye Clinic
Manatee Sarasota Eye Clinic is the area’s premier ophthalmology practice with specialists skilled in meeting the full spectrum of eye care needs. Serving patients with specialized eye care since 1964, the Eye Clinic has nine ophthalmologists treating patients at seven locations throughout Manatee and Sarasota Counties and Sun City Center. ln addition to preventive and general eye care, patients of Manatee Sarasota Eye Clinic receive ophthalmic treatments for cataracts, glaucoma, strabismus, retinal disorders, neuro-ophthalmologic conditions, LASIK, orbitaland reconstructive surgery and cosmetic eyelid surgery. Since its doctors are all specialists who work exclusively with the Eye Clinic, an accomplished and caring surgical specialist is on call with the practice 365 days per year. For more information, visit the Website at www.YourEyeDoctors.com or call (941) 748-1818.

Awards recognize the nation’s best in advertising and marketing for older adults

TAMPA, Fla., – Aug. 2010 – Horizon Bay Retirement Living was a winner in the 19^th annual National Mature Media Awards. The program, presented by the Mature Market Resource Center, a national clearinghouse for the senior market, recognizes the nation’s finest advertising, marketing and educational materials designed and produced for older adults. Horizon Bay received 17 awards in multiple categories. Based in Tampa, Fla., Horizon Bay manages 92 retirement living communities in 18 states.

Horizon Bay was honored with four Silver Awards, four Bronze Awards and nine Merit Awards. The awards were in multiple categories, including: Brochure/Booklet, Calendar, Direct Mail, Marketing/Advertising Campaign, Graphic Design, Newspaper Ad and Special Event.

“Horizon Bay is honored to be recognized for our innovative and creative advertising and marketing,” says Thilo Best, Chairman & CEO of Horizon Bay Retirement Living. “These prestigious awards are indicative of the quality of the creative material produced by Horizon Bay’s sales and marketing team and couldn’t have happened without their hard work and dedication. As we look toward the future, we will continue to look for new and inspiring ways to reach older adults and their loved ones.”

In its 19^th year, the National Mature Media Awards program is open to all those involved in the production of materials for adults age 50 and over. Nearly 1,000 entries were judged by a distinguished panel of design, content, creativity and relevance to the senior market.

“For the second year in a row, Horizon Bay has won Mature Media Awards in multiple categories,” says Jim Pusateri, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Horizon Bay Retirement Living. “These national awards serve as a well-earned validation for all our team members who put their heart and soul into the creation of our marketing materials.”

The 20^th annual National Mature Media Awards – for materials published or produced during the 2010 calendar year – will be held in the spring of 2011. For entry or sponsorship information, please contact Patricia Henze at info@seniorawards.com.

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About Horizon Bay Retirement Living

Based in Tampa, Fla., Horizon Bay Retirement Living is a privately owned seniors housing management company focused on managing large portfolios of retirement communities across the United States for institutional real estate investors. With 92 communities in 18 states, the company has grown beyond traditional property management into a fully integrated service platform. The Horizon Bay portfolio includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care and continuing care retirement communities. For more information on Horizon Bay, visit www.horizonbay.com.

About The Mature Market Resource Center

The Mature Market Resource Center (MMRC), organizer of the awards program, is a national information clearinghouse for older adult programs. In addition to the National Mature Media Awards and The New Product & Technology Awards, other well-known MMRC programs include: National Senior Health & Fitness Day; the Mature Fitness Awards USA; and the Senior Media Directory. You can find a complete description of MMRC programs and services and other useful senior market information on our website: www.seniorprograms.com

(St. Petersburg, FL)  Larry Fredrick is rolling into Tampa Bay to thank Florida Blood Services(FBS) donors for saving lives.  On Saturday, August 14, he will be at the St. Petersburg Donor Center for a ‘public open house’ from 9 am until 11 am to share his story.   Then at 11:30 am until 1 pm Larry will celebrate life as the keynote speaker with over 100 FBS donors who have each given 20 or more gallons of blood at a special recognition luncheon in their honor.   In addition, FBS donors Bob Wise and Rodney Ford, who have received the Larry Fredrick Award from America’s Blood Centers, will be present at both events.

The St. Petersburg Donor Center is located on the south side of the FBS campus at 10100 Dr. ML King St North, just north of Gandy Boulevard.

Larry served as a Marine in Vietnam and an Oakland police officer until severely injured.  He continues to be a recovering avid cyclist and a tireless blood donation advocate.  From June 5th through July 27th, 2010 he made his fourth cross-country bike ride to help a cause near and dear to his heart: volunteer blood donation.  http://www.lifeacrossamerica.com Larry was the recipient of an enormous amount of blood — 110 units, or roughly nine times his normal blood volume. Years ago while on duty as a police officer, a DUI driver going 65 miles per hour struck Larry as he was telling another driver not to step out of his vehicle onto the freeway. By ambulance, he arrived at the ER with a severed femoral artery, major blood loss and fifteen separate injuries. Larry had “bled out” and stopped breathing and was not expected to live. But he did. And one of the reasons Larry professes to be  alive today is because 110 people he had never met had taken the time to donate one pint of blood each.  Larry has a short video of his story posted at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIT15at72KI

Founded in 1962, America’s Blood Centers is North America’s largest network of non-profit, community blood centers. Every year member blood centers collect nearly 10 million pints of whole blood, providing nearly 50 percent of the country’s donor blood supply, and over 10 million units of blood components including red blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

Headquartered in St. Petersburg Florida, FBS provides over 350,000 blood donations to patients at 92 hospitals and other ambulatory healthcare facilities throughout 42 Florida, Georgia, and Alabama counties, through the participation of volunteer donors.

Ken is joining the team at The Costello Center, 8081 38th Ave N, St Petersburg, effective September 1st.

The Costello Center, founded by Dr. Kim Costello and her husband Franco, strives to “empower people by providing a holistic approach in offering services to heal the mind, body, and spirit.” The team at the Costello Center includes other professional counselors, a psychiatrist, life coaches, and tutors. In addition to personal counseling, The Costello Center also provides marriage and family counseling, life coaching, play therapy for children, educational consulting, academic advising and educational testing.

Over the years, many people have benefited from Ken’s comprehensive mental health practice, which has included treating depression, anxiety, and all addictions. Ken also specializes in Rapid Resolution Therapy, a very effective and efficient method of clinical hypnosis that has proven to resolve difficult cases of trauma, panic disorder and other chronic challenges.

Additionally, people who have had serious relationship challenges have found solutions and restoration via Ken’s relationship coaching and counseling.

The Tampa Bay media has turned to Ken as a trusted advisor on mental health and relationship issues, as he has appeared on NPR, Good Day Tampa Bay, Daytime, Fox 13 News, News Channel 8, and Studio 10 TV, as well as in The Tampa Tribune, the St. Petersburg Times and Tampa Bay Times.

Ken is the best-selling author of Marry YourSelf First!® Say “I DO” to a Life of Passion, Power, Purpose and Prosperity, and is a very familiar motivational speaker and trainer in the Tampa Bay community.

Six people received the 2006 Tampa Bay Health Care Hero Award and Ken was one of these six, winning the award for Mental Health Care Professional

Ken’s unique and highly effective style has been described as a blend of “Dr. Phil mixed in with Buddha and Salvador Dali.” Marry YourSelf First!® was recently described by a fellow author as “Co-dependent No More” meets “The One Minute Millionaire.”

Ken will continue to keep his current phone number, (727) 394-7325, and the phone number for the Costello Center is (727) 345-2667.

Visit Ken’s website and blog at www.KenDonaldson.com to find free information about improving your life and relationships, and to stay current with all of Ken’s latest projects and speaking events.

(ORLANDO/FL/AUGUST 2010) – During the past week, Florida nurses, including FNA and the Coalition for Advanced Practice Nurses (CAPN) have witnessed firsthand the pledge by Senator Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, and his team to revamp our failing Medicaid system in Florida.  The number of physicians in Florida remains less than sufficient to withstand the growing burden of new Medicaid enrollees and a number of healthcare providers have closed their panels, not accepting new Medicaid patients because of the poor reimbursements.  However, as pointed out by Senator Haridopolos, during his legislative reform tour, new ideas and a team effort must be embraced in order to meet the projected $19 billion impact on Florida’s budget.  Dr. Bonnie Marting DNP, ARNP-BC, co-chair of the CAPN, reminds our legislators and all Floridians that, “Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (ARNPs) stand ready to help with the upcoming reform and have more than 14,000 nationally certified clinicians ready to meet that challenge.”

ARNPs have been nationally recognized for 45 years and have hundreds of research studies to support their safety and efficiency as providers to Floridians. ARNPs are Master’s prepared Nurses, many seeking doctoral degrees.  “Nurse Practitioners (NPs) have been working in underserved populations for decades, bringing care to the underserved and uninsured whenever called upon,” Dr. Marting states.  There are currently more than 4,000 ARNPs in Florida already accepting Medicaid and many more who will not hesitate to make the same commitment if given the opportunity.  Currently, the only limitation to ensuring more NPs from providing that comprehensive care is the prescriptive authority for controlled substances.  Florida is unlike 48 other states who already ensure full scope of practice.  “ARNPs are ready for this opportunity,” notes Andrea Gregg, DSN, RN and FNA President.

“Florida cannot withstand the growing burden to healthcare and, with an economy in crisis, that burden is projected to grow,” says Dr. Christopher Saslo DNS, ARNP-BC, FAANP and President of the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network (FNPN).  “Together, the Coalition for Advanced Practice Nurses will not hesitate to support Senator Haridopolos’ plan to reduce spending, fraud and waste and increase accessibility and affordability to Floridians across the state.  Our only desire is to be part of that solution, standing side by side with ALL our other partners in healthcare, ready to change the rating of consumer access to Florida healthcare from an F to an A.”

The FNA mission statement is to serve and support all registered nurses through professional development, advocacy, and the promotion of excellence at every level of professional nursing practice.  For more information on FNF or FNA, please visit www.floridanurse.org.

The Online Shopping Cart package consists of a customized “portal,” built and maintained by MedCo Data, where authorized patients of the practice can securely shop and order Dermesse products, access exclusive promotions and purchase gift cards for procedures and other practice services. The shopping portal integrates into the practice’s existing website, creating an online information destination that brings value to both the patient and provider.

“The Dermesse Online Shopping Cart is a unique way for us to extend the patient relationship by providing easy and convenient access to high quality skin care products,” said Dr. Robert D. Rehnke, M.D., FACS, The Center for Surgical Excellence, a state-of-the-art, fully accredited cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery center in St. Petersburg, Fla. “At the same time, it creates a viable revenue stream for our practice without disrupting workflows or diverting resources from other areas.”

Inventory and order fulfillment is managed entirely by Axia Medical Solutions, which manufactures and sells the Dermesse line exclusively through medical professionals. “The Online Shopping Cart provides our physicians with the power and convenience of the Internet while maintaining the exclusive distribution channel upon which our success is based,” said Jim Krulisky, CEO, Axia Medical Solutions. “Most importantly, they are able to leverage our lean inventory management processes without making a sizable upfront investment, thereby creating a win-win for Dermesse and the practice.”

Promotional support is provided by MedCo Data in the form of a high-quality integrated online and in-practice marketing campaign. This includes professionally designed and produced banner ads on the practice’s existing website, lobby signage, displays at the check in/out desk and appointment reminder cards.

“What is most appealing about the Dermesse Online Shopping Cart is the marketing support, providing our clients with access to Dermesse products without adding to our staff’s workload to manage marketing or fulfillment,” said Marissa Hervey, Licensed Paramedical Aesthetician and Principal, DayGlo Med-Spa.

Adds Rob Cash, COO, MedCo Data:  “By aligning the Dermesse product with a targeted marketing campaign that utilizes the online technology portfolio of MedCo Data, as well as inventory management and order fulfillment, we have aligned the primary stakeholders and established a foundation of success for any practice that wants to add new profit centers and enhance patient communications.”

About MedCo Data, LLC
MedCo Data (www.medcodata.com) provides the technology and informatics expertise that enables physician practices and other ambulatory care organizations to leverage EMR/EHR systems and other software to improve, expand and evolve their services. The firm offers managed technology services centered on its Proactive Care Help Desk, which serves as a one-stop support service for all office technology. On the consulting side, MedCo Data’s patent-pending Workflow Centric® offering guides practices through the EMR/EHR selection, implementation and decision-making process, with the goal of matching the client organization with the CCHIT-certified software vendor that best meets its unique needs.

About Axia Medical, LLC
Axia Medical Solutions is a privately held global specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and commercializes skin care products to medical professionals specializing in dermatologic, aesthetic, and cosmetic procedures.  Products include prescription drugs, OTC and cosmeceutical products.  The main brand, Dermesse, was introduced in 2003 to address the signs of aging. The Dermesse skin care products effectively penetrate the skin barrier and are indicated for the treatment of melasma, chloasma, lentigines, and hyperpigmentation, and are effective against sun and environmental damage.  Private label programs are available for all products.  Axia Medical Solutions corporate offices are in Carlsbad, California.  For more information, visit www.axiamedical.com.

Al Roach of 20 Minutes to Fitness

Since opening five years ago in Lakewood Ranch, 20 Minutes to Fitness has enjoyed steady growth and community recognition with its unique offering of great results with  only one, 20 minute workout a week. This business has become an important part of the Sarasota business scene, and its staff and owners are active contributors to the life of the community. Over the last few years 20 Minutes to Fitness has continued to refine its message, emphasizing the importance of its unique medically-based, scientifically-proven training protocol.

“While we certainly are at the heart of the fitness industry – we are unique in that we offer a results-oriented fitness program that is far more effective than any other form of exercise, with the added benefit of requiring only one 20 minute training session a week,” explains co-owner Al Roach.

20 Minutes to Fitness offers a safe, semi-private studio environment, with each session being supervised by a certified Personal Fitness Coach. “We train a broad age range – catering to clients in their mid-teens to clients in their 90s. However, with the loss of muscle beginning as early as our mid twenty’s,” comments co-owner Virginia Phillips, “the 40+ age group understands (or is beginning to understand) the real consequences of the aging process. This loss of muscle not only threatens those important quality of life issues – flexibility, functionality and mobility; but also leads to those ‘age related’ health issues such as osteoporosis; arthritis and bursitis; Type II diabetes; and even some forms of cancer.”

In order to take advantage of the emerging opportunities in fitness and in health, the company offers both national and international franchise opportunities. “We currently have three studios in the US, and are excited to announce the opening or our fourth studio (and third national franchise), in downtown Sarasota, scheduled to open this September.” commented Al Roach, president of the company’s franchise operations.  The owner and operator of the new franchise will be Hugh Elsam who is a long time client of 20 Minutes to Fitness.

20 Minutes to Fitness uses a scientifically-based, safe fitness approach known as “slow-cadence” (or slow motion) strength training, that is effective for people 12 years old and older of various fitness levels. Working on specialized physical therapy equipment, participants lift weights in a series of ultra-slow movements, causing the muscles to work harder and producing far better, faster results (50 to 59% better) than traditional strength training. This medically-based system is proven to actually slow down and prevent the physical and health-related issues commonly associated with the aging process. Each client works with a certified Personal Fitness Coach who stays at their side, calibrating the equipment for them and leading them safely through each exercise.  For more information or to make an appointment for a Free Orientation and Introductory Training Session, call us at 941.309.8989. Also, please visit our web site at  www.20MinutesToFitness.com or either Facebook or Twitter.  20 Minutes to Fitness is offering franchise opportunities to qualified applicants. Please call Al Roach at 941.309.8989 for more information.

Moffitt researchers making discoveries have an ownership interest in the commercialization process but often do not have the appropriate training in the business arena. Delving into private capital markets requires a solid business model. That’s where graduate students in UT’s John H. Sykes College of Business come in.

As part of the master’s in business administration curriculum, students coached by professors in entrepreneurship and finance are currently working with Moffitt’s faculty members to prepare formal business plans for their start-up companies. In addition, Moffitt’s Office of Technology Management and Commercialization will have UT Sykes’ M.B.A. student interns tasked with assisting in market research, competitive intelligence and financial modeling for technologies reported to this office. The students’ findings and analysis will be memorialized in marketing materials.

“I am delighted that Moffitt has forged this academic partnership with the prestigious University of Tampa business school,” said William S. Dalton, Ph.D., M.D., center director and CEO of Moffitt. “This is a unique opportunity for these M.B.A. students to learn first-hand about Moffitt’s groundbreaking discoveries and gain valuable hands-on experience in learning the process of commercializing medical breakthroughs and ultimately getting them to the patient.”

Moffitt researchers gain new insight into the potential value of their discoveries beyond the bench and the clinic; M.B.A. candidates are exposed to cutting-edge cancer research and biotechnology applications.

“It’s truly a win-win. We’re focusing on the best strategy to provide value to Moffitt and offer a richer learning experience for our students,” said Frank Ghannadian, dean of the Sykes College of Business.

The Sykes College of Business is one of the elite private schools in the Southeast accredited at both the graduate and undergraduate levels by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

About Moffitt Cancer Center
Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center  is an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center – a designation that recognizes Moffitt’s excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 15 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country’s leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer. Moffitt’s sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

About University of Tampa
The University of Tampa is a private, residential university located on approximately 100 acres on the riverfront in downtown Tampa. Known for academic excellence, personal attention and real-world experience in its undergraduate and graduate programs, the University serves 6,300 students from 50 states and approximately 100 countries. Approximately 70 percent of full-time students live on campus, and more than half of UT students are from Florida.

SeniorBridge Family Company Inc., a professional geriatric care management agency, has leased 2442 +/- sf at 1751 Mound Street from Bayou Associates Ltd. Linda Emery represented the Landlord and Susan Goldstein represented the Tenant. Both are of Michael Saunders & Company.

This presentation is sponsored by The Heart Institute at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point and will take place at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, Conference Center, 14000 Fivay Road, in Hudson, on Wednesday, August 25 at 1:00-1:30 p.m. and  1:30- 2:00PM.

This event is free to the public. Refreshments will be served. Due to limited seating, reservations are required, and can be made by calling (727) 869-5498 or 1-888-741-5119.­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved distinction in the following areas:

• Certified Advanced Heart Failure – Joint Commission (1st in the State of Florida  – 1/2010)
• Certified Advance Primary Stroke Center – Joint Commission
• American Heart Association 2010 Get With the Guidelines Triple Performance Award Winner
  • Gold Award in Coronary Artery Disease
  • Gold Plus Award in Heart Failure
  • Gold Plus Award in Stroke
• American Heart Association’s 2009 Stroke Silver Plus Performance Award Winner (1st in State of Florida)
• Heart & Stroke Champions Award Winner 1998 – 2010
• Wound Care and Accredited Hyperbaric Medicine
• MRI Accredited – American College of Radiology
• Approved, with Commendation, Community Cancer Program – American College of Surgeons.
• Accredited Chest Pain Center, with PCI – Society of Chest Pain Centers.
• Designated a 100 Top Hospital seven years by Thomson Reuters
• Named twice (1999 & 2002) by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery.

For additional information on Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com. Or visit us on Face book

Comments provided are received directly from patients and staff. This quarter’s “Essential Piece Award” winners receive a gift catalog to choose a gift of their choice.

Maximo Cuevas – Environmental Services – “Max is always respectful of the nurses.  He always tells us what he is going to do.  If need be, he will rearrange his duties to accommodate the needs of the staff and patients. He is very friendly; he does an excellent job cleaning the floors, and his appearance is always neat. He is a pleasure to work with.”

Maria Goulart – Medical/Oncology – “Maria usually works on 3-North and was helping out our Emergency Department.  While transporting a patient to 3-North, they got stuck in the elevator. Maria remained calm, kept the patient feeling secure and calm until assistance came to open the elevator and safely remove them. Her calmness and smiling face eased the stress during this temporary crisis.”

Kim Addison – RN – Telemetry – “I am very pleased to share what a wonderful experience I had here at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. As a vendor, my first visit here was very easy, thanks to Kim.  She not only called the person I was here to see, she also took the time to take me to my destination. As a vendor, it can sometimes be overwhelming in an unknown facility. Kim made it very simple due to her exceptional and selfless efforts to help someone in need.”

Employee Excellence Awards are given in recognition of customer service and performance. Nominations for this award are made by peers, supervisors and patients who recount specific acts of kindness and customer service as well as a high level of job performance. The three recipients of this award receive a gift catalog so they can pick the gift of their choice, a Commitment to Excellence pin, complimentary meals in the cafeteria and a special parking space. The quarterly winner is eligible for the 2010 Employee of the Year Award. This quarter had nine nominees:

Lourdes Castaner – Neuro / Spine
Evangeline Pagulayan – RN PACU
John Weidener – ER
Ella Baxter – RN CSSU
Dana Paul – SCU
Glen Ballard – Oncology
Ruth Cassagnol – CSSU
Amy  Nieves – Oncology
Darlene Puzio – FANS

The three recipients of this award are: Evangeline “Vangie” Pagulayan of Post Anesthesia Care Unit; John Weidner of the Emergency Department, and Lourdes Castaner, of Neuro/Spine Unit.

Photos:  The Employee Excellence Award winners stand beside Steve Rector, CEO of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

Service Awards recognize employees for the years of service with the facility and with the company. Each award recipient receives an Omni box with a certificate of appreciation, an HCA/Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point pin, and a gift catalog that allows the employee to choose a gift of their choice.

Dustin Beard – PAS – 5 Years of Service
Maureen Mullhill – PAS – 10 Years of Service
Nancy Truckenbrod – PAS – 30 Years of Service
Ella Baxter – RN – CSSU – 5 Years of Service
Jaye Bellfy – CSSU – 5 Years of Service
Danny Biglow – EKG – 5 Years of Service
Nakeya Muniz – EKG – 5 Years of Service
Jason Kirby – Spine Center – 5 Years of Service
Mary Shillcock – SCU – 5 Years of Service
James Coyle – RN Telemetry – 10 Years of Service
Marianne Vigilis – Marketing – 15 Years of Service
Kathryn Moulton-Gray – RN Cath Lab – 5 Years of Service
Kevin Bock – Cath Lab – 10 Years of Service
Billy Corey – Cath Lab – 15 Years of Service
Robert Brown – EP Lab – 20 Years of Service
Heidi Knowlton – RN CVOR – 5 Years of Service
Anthony Stoeve – RN PACU – 20 Years of Service
Vera Blank – Medical/Oncology – 5 Years of Service
Melissa Burns – RN Medical/Oncology – 5 Years of Service
Monica Galaza – RN Medical/Oncology – 20 Years of Service
Denise Alexander – Food Services – 20 Years of Service
Janet Brown – Spine Center – 20 Years of Service
Thomas Benoay – Respiratory – 20 Years of Service
Brian McCauley – Respiratory – 20 Years of Service
Margaret Regan – Emergency Department – 20 Years of Service
Denise O’Neal – Laboratory – 20 Years of Service
Diana Ingalls – Laboratory – 25 Years of Service
Ann Delmonico – Laboratory – 25 Years of Service
Mike Imbimbo – Rehab – 25 Years of Service
Melanie White – Respiratory – 30 Years of Service

About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved distinction in the following areas:
Certified Advanced Heart Failure – Joint Commission (1st in the State of Florida  – 1/2010)
Certified Advance Primary Stroke Center – Joint Commission
American Heart Association 2010 Get With the Guidelines Triple Performance Award Winner
Gold Award in Coronary Artery Disease
Gold Plus Award in Heart Failure
Gold Plus Award in Stroke
American Heart Association’s 2009 Stroke Silver Plus Performance Award Winner (1st in State of Florida)
Heart & Stroke Champions Award Winner 1998 – 2010
Wound Care and Accredited Hyperbaric Medicine
MRI Accredited – American College of Radiology
Approved, with Commendation, Community Cancer Program – American College of Surgeons.
Accredited Chest Pain Center, with PCI – Society of Chest Pain Centers.
Designated a 100 Top Hospital seven years by Thomson Reuters
Named twice (1999 & 2002) by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery.

For additional information on Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com. Or visit us on Face book

TAMPA, Fla. (Aug. 2010) – After high school, most young people with autism have had little to look forward to in the way of higher education.  The University of South Florida’s Learning Academy is helping to change that and is graduating its first class Friday, Aug. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Marshall Student Center, room 3709, on the Tampa campus.

The academy is a program of the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute in the USF College of Behavioral and Community Sciences.  Over a 30-week period it provides a structured job readiness focus for young men and women diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder between the ages of 18 and 25.

Beyond academics the program also provides services, supports and access to experiences that expand the students’ horizons.

“We identify our students’ strengths, their skills and talents, and we take into account their interests and determine how we can translate these things to the workplace,” said Susan Richmond, a consultant with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD).  “We add in the things that help make anyone employable, goal-setting, time management, organization, conflict resolution and self-knowledge along with interviewing skills, knowledge of how to develop a resume and go about job-hunting.

Instruction happens on both individual and group levels.  The topics covered over the eight months ranges from developing a job search strategy to understanding paycheck deductions and benefits.  Graduation from high school is required along with attendance at all classes, completion of assignments and projects and participation in mentoring time.

“Our graduates leave with a clearly defined plan for gaining employment,” Richmond said. “And we follow up.  But getting a job isn’t completely new to them.  They have completed the required internships and have had contact with peer mentors who also serve as role models.  Employers couldn’t ask for better preparation on the part of a population that has a great deal to contribute to society.”

For more information about The Learning Academy, call (813)974-2996.

The University of South Florida is one of the nation’s top 63 public research universities and one of only 25 public research universities nationwide with very high research activity that is designated as community engaged by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.  USF was awarded $380.4 million in research contracts and grants in FY 2008/2009. The university offers 232 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, specialist and doctoral levels, including the doctor of medicine. The USF System has a $1.8 billion annual budget, an annual economic impact of $3.2 billion, and serves more than 47,000 students on institutions/campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and Lakeland. USF is a member of the Big East Athletic Conference.

Bradenton, FL (August 2010) –– He doesn’t don a jersey, and his view of the game is always from the sidelines, yet Coastal Orthopedics’ Arthur Valadie, MD plays a vital role in the U.S. Soccer team’s success. Dr. Valadie travels as team physician for U.S. Soccer, responsible for treating sport related injuries, as well as educating athletes on how to avoid them.  This weekend he’ll join the U.S. U-17 Men’s Team in Columbia, South America for a scheduled tournament.

“It’s essential to nurture the athletic development of these young athletes,” said Dr. Valadie. “It is the priority of the medical team to keep these athletes healthy and on the field so they can continue to develop world-class skills.”

With the help of Dr. Valadie as injury prevention goalkeeper, the U-17 U.S. Men’s team plans to outlast and outplay their opponents, as they keep their eye on the prize – a chance to compete in a FIFA World Cup Championship.

In order to reach national team status, scouted players complete a residency program with US Soccer at the IMG Academy in Bradenton. From there, eligible players play in exhibition games all over the world. Since many participating countries differ in the way they practice and play the sport, the exhibition games allow young athletes to gain the much-needed experience of international play on the world stage.

In addition to Dr. Valadie, Dr. Daniel S. Lamar and Dr. Steven Schafer serve as team physicians for the U.S. Soccer Team players on the road and while they train at the IMG facility.

About Coastal Orthopedics & Sports Medicine/Pain Management

Coastal Orthopedics has been serving the Sarasota-Bradenton area for over thirty years. The company strives to repair and heal injuries relating to the entire musculoskeletal system. Coastal Orthopedics is comprised of a group of over 20 specialty and sub-specialty trained orthopedic surgeons and pain management physicians focusing on the care and treatment of patients. With physicians and surgeons ranging in specialty care in sports medicine, joint replacement, pain management and rehabilitation, patients can be treated for athletic injuries as well as restoration of function and activity through non-surgical, physician-guided strengthening, therapy, medications, injections, and stretching. For more information visit www.coastalorthopedics.com.

(ORLANDO/FL/AUGUST 2010) – The Florida Nurses Foundation (FNF) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2010 research grants.  This year, FNF awarded funding for six research grants, over $4,000, to students throughout the state of Florida.  FNF exists to promote nursing and delivery of healthcare through the advancement of research, education and practice. Each year, funds are provided to registered nurses and students for scholarships and research grants.

2010 research grant recipients are:
·         Deborah Saber-Moore, A Meta-Analysis of Registered Nurse Job Satisfaction Predictors Over Three Decades – Evelyn Frank McKnight Fund;
·         Vicki Montoya, Development of a Chronic Kidney Disease Knowledge Tool – District 5 Charitable Trust’s Frieda Norton Fund;
·         Lisa Wands, Multidimensional Health for Veterans Returning Home From War – Undine Sams and Friends Research Grant Fund;
·         Douglas Sutton, The Lived Experience of Nurses Who Serve As Support Group Leaders For Persons Who Have Undergone a Surgical Weight Loss Intervention – Blanch Case Research Fund;
·         Amber Vermeesch, Why Latinas Exercise: A Multi-Method Exploration of Motivators Using Participatory Photography Methodology  – Edna Hicks Research Fund; and
·         Cheryl Bergman, Promoting a Gold Standard Emergency Department Model of Care – Imogene King Research Fund.

FNF was established by members of the Florida Nurses Association (FNA) in 1983 and first grants were awarded in 1986.  The FNF focus has evolved over time to include support of nursing education and research and to provide assistance to nurses in need, as well as public policy education.  Funding for FNF initiatives comes from FNA member donations, entrusted FNA member funds and FNF fundraising efforts.

The FNA mission statement is to serve and support all registered nurses through professional development, advocacy, and the promotion of excellence at every level of professional nursing practice.  For more information on FNF or FNA, please visit www.floridanurse.org.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point Announces Its Star Award Winners for the Second Quarter of 2010

Hudson, Florida (August 2010) – Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has announced the recipients of its second quarter Five Star Award. The recipients are Frank Calnan, Gus Jakobs and Barbara (Bunny) Stasolla.

Frank Calnan started volunteering February 2000. He has over 2,514 hours.  Frank volunteers in our Surgical Waiting Room. He is very pleasant and patient with everyone especially nervous and stressed out family members. He calms them down with his ready smile and his willingness to help them in any way he can. Frank always goes the extra mile for everyone whether they are a guest, physician, staff member or volunteer. He is an excellent example to all of us and is truly deserving of the Volunteer 5 Star Award.

Gus Jakobs started volunteering in January 2002 and has volunteered over 3408 hours.  Gus is a Courier Team Leader on Thursday evenings. He has the unique ability to put everyone at ease, keep a smile on their face and keep the shift going even if there is only 1 or 2 couriers. Somehow they get the work done.
As one of his peers said “Gus goes above and beyond his duties. He is a great leader for all the other couriers.”  Gus is truly deserving of the 5 Star Volunteer Award.

Barbara (Bunny) Stasolla has been volunteering since November 2002 and has over 1,410 hours. Bunny volunteers at Welcome Center A. She does exceptionally well at helping visitors. She does everything she can to keep them happy by making sure they get the information they need and goes out of her way to get answers to all questions.  Bunny does this challenging job with a smile. Bunny is truly deserving of the 5 Star Volunteer Award.

About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved distinction in the following areas:
Certified Advanced Heart Failure – Joint Commission (1st in the State of Florida  – 1/2010)
Certified Advance Primary Stroke Center – Joint Commission
American Heart Association 2010 Get With the Guidelines Triple Performance Award Winner
Gold Award in Coronary Artery Disease
Gold Plus Award in Heart Failure
Gold Plus Award in Stroke
American Heart Association’s 2009 Stroke Silver Plus Performance Award Winner (1st in State of Florida)
Heart & Stroke Champions Award Winner 1998 – 2010
Wound Care and Accredited Hyperbaric Medicine
MRI Accredited – American College of Radiology
Approved, with Commendation, Community Cancer Program – American College of Surgeons.
Accredited Chest Pain Center, with PCI – Society of Chest Pain Centers.
Designated a 100 Top Hospital seven years by Thomson Reuters
Named twice (1999 & 2002) by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery.

For additional information on Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com. Or visit us on Face book

Dr. Safdar is practicing at Hernando Gastroenterology Associates, 12190 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, Florida 34613. He can be reached at his office number at 352-597-1206; fax 352-597-1208.

About Oak Hill Hospital:

Oak Hill Hospital has been serving the Nature Coast since 1984. It is the largest medical facility in Hernando and Citrus County (214 acute care beds), is the area’s second largest private employer, and offers Hernando County’s only comprehensive heart program including open heart surgery.

Approximately 300 physicians, 1,000 associates, and over 325 volunteers comprise Oak Hill Hospital’s healthcare delivery team.

Oak Hill has achieved distinction as the:

·         First Chest Pain Center with PCI (heart catheterization) in Hernando and Citrus County accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers.
·         First and Only advanced level primary stroke center to be fully accredited by the Joint Commission in Citrus and Hernando County.
·         First comprehensive Women’s Imaging Center in Hernando County and the first imaging center offering digital mammography with computer aided detection.
·         First hospital in the area to be recognized as an accredited cancer institute by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS).
·         First hospital in the region to achieve Heart Failure certification with the Society of Chest Pain Centers.

It is located at 11375 Cortez Boulevard, Spring Hill, 1.9 miles east of US 19 on State Road 50. For more information about this release, please contact Richard W. Linkul, Director of Marketing, at 352-597-6383 or Richard.Linkul@hcahealthcare.com. In Citrus call 352-628-6441.

For more information about Oak Hill Hospital, visit our website at www.OakHillHospital.com.

Reservations are required and seating is limited. Call 1-888-MOFFITT for information and reservations.

Every man who attends the Aug. 26 event will receive two free tickets to a Rays game during the Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 home stand.  Last year, more than 600 men took advantage of the free education and screenings. This will be the third year the event has been held at Tropicana Field.

This year’s event will focus on educating men about prostate cancer and helping them to make an informed decision about whether to be screened for the disease.  Men can sign up for a 20-minute educational session and then decide if they would like to proceed with a screening while there.  Education will be held in groups throughout the day.

According to the American Cancer Society, one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010, with black men at an even higher risk of one in four.

Rays owner Stuart Sternberg understands that many Rays fans fit the demographic of those most at risk for the disease.  “We hope to build on last year’s success and reach out to our fan base to encourage them to learn more about prostate cancer,” he said.  Sternberg also serves as a member of Moffitt’s Board of Advisors.

Dr. Julio Pow-Sang, a urologic oncologist specializing in prostate cancer, will lead the Moffitt team. “Prostate cancer is a very complex disease, and the more men are informed, the better they deal with the issues surrounding the disease and in making informed decisions about screening,” said Pow-Sang, head of the Genitourinary Oncology Program. He has studied the disease for more than 20 years.

WHAT:           Free prostate cancer education for men, followed by free screenings if desired.  Both the Prostate-Specific Antigen test and digital rectal exam will be offered. The education takes about 20 minutes, followed by Q-and-A and the screening.

WHEN:           7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010

HOW:             Call 1-888-MOFFITT. Reservations required. Limited seating.

WHERE:        Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg FL 33705.  Enter through Gate 1.

About Moffitt Cancer Center
Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center  is an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center – a designation that recognizes Moffitt’s excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 14 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country’s leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer. Moffitt’s sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

About Ed Randall’s Bat For The Cure
Ed Randall is the host of “Ed Randall’s Talking Baseball” Saturday mornings on Sirius/XM Radio’s MLB Home Plate Channel (XM 175 and Sirius 210) and Sundays on WFAN-Radio in New York, the flagship station of the New York Mets radio network. He also is a contributor in the multimedia department of MLB.com. Bat for the Cure is dedicated to increasing the public awareness of prostate cancer and providing education about cutting-edge techniques in treatment, prevention and detection.

About ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer (ZeroCancer.org)
Zero prostate cancer deaths. Zero prostate cancer cases and for those with prostate cancer, it means a zero PSA. Our name conveys what we stand for – zero tolerance for prostate cancer. At ZERO, we commit ourselves not only to reduce prostate cancer or alleviate the pain from the disease but to end it. We see a future where all men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer will be cured or manage their illness with good quality of life, with the support they need to minimize physical and emotional suffering and to cope effectively throughout their cancer journeys.

What is the Drive Against Prostate Cancer?
It’s big, it’s purple, it’s the Drive Against Prostate Cancer – a nationwide mobile testing program where local licensed physicians conduct a two-part early detection procedure, which includes a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and physical examination. The tests are conducted in a 39-foot Airstream Land Yacht XL, owned by Thor Industries and designed specifically for prostate cancer testing. The exams are free, thanks to our sponsors and the University of Michigan Labs.

Isolaz™ is an acne light treatment that combines a vacuum and broadband light to deep cleanse and purify pores from the inside out.

“Isolaz therapy provides painless deep pore purification without down time or oral medications,” said Dr. Heidi K. Anderson. “The treatment benefits patients who have not responded to or would like to decrease their exposure to antibiotics, topical treatments, lasers or Isotretinoin medications. Also, because it alters the function of oil-producing sebaceous glands, active acne is greatly reduced.”

Isolaz therapy is effective for the treatment of clogged pore, inflammatory and pustular acne.

A beam of broadband light is used to kill acne-causing bacteria while a vacuum is created around the infected area to remove any remaining dirt or bacteria and cleanse the pore. The treatment requires no pre-treatment preparation or topical anesthetics, and is often completed in less than 30 minutes.

Dr. Anderson is a partner in DOCS with her husband, Paul A. Brannan, M.D., a board certified ophthalmologist specializing in oculofacial plastic surgery. The practice offers a range of skin and eye care services, including medical dermatology, skin cancer surgery, cosmetic dermatology, laser enhancement, treatment of eyelid diseases, eyelid and brow surgery, tearduct surgery and orbital surgery.

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DOCS is located at Sarasota Memorial’s Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., Suite 201, Sarasota, FL 34238. Telephone: (941) 925-DOCS (3627). Website: www.skineyedocs.com.

Hudson, Fl. - Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point (RMCBP) is sponsoring a two-week blood drive in conjunction with Florida Blood Services (FBS). Beginning Friday, July 30, potential donors should visit the FBS Office or they may donate on the RMCBP campus, when the bloodmobile visits the hospital on Thursday, August 5, from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and on Friday, August 6 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. The drive will continue through Friday, August 13 with the ability to donate at the FBS Office on State Road 52 and still be part of the RMCBP Blood Drive and eligible to receive additional incentives.

Individuals can donate blood at the Florida Blood Services Office, 7214 State Road 52, in Bayonet Point the following hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Mondays; 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays and from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Individuals who choose to donate and participate in the hospital’s drive may do so at the hospital or at the FBS office, on days/times specified. Individuals screened should let FBS staff know that they are donating blood as part of the RMCBP Blood Drive, to be eligible for a variety of prize drawings. Family, friends and guests are all eligible to participate.

Everyone who donates blood will receive a pair of flip flops, a wellness checkup, including a cholesterol screening and a chance to save 3 lives! In addition, all donors will receive a entry for a $50.00 restaurant gift card and all donors will receive a coupon for a complimentary meal at the Shoreline Cafeteria. Interested individuals who need more information are encouraged to call Florida Blood Services at (727) 819-3100.

About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved distinction in the following areas:

• Certified Advanced Heart Failure – Joint Commission (1st in the State of Florida  – 1/2010)
• Certified Advance Primary Stroke Center – Joint Commission
• American Heart Association 2009 Get With the Guidelines Triple Performance Award Winner
  • Gold Award in Coronary Artery Disease
  • Gold Award in Heart Failure
  • Silver Award in Stroke
• American Heart Association’s 2009 Stroke Silver Plus Performance Award Winner (1st in State of Florida)
• Heart & Stroke Champions Award Winner 1998 – 2010
• Wound Care and Accredited Hyperbaric Medicine
• MRI Accredited – American College of Radiology
• Approved, with Commendation, Community Cancer Program – American College of Surgeons.
• Accredited Chest Pain Center, with PCI – Society of Chest Pain Centers.
• Designated a 100 Top Hospital seven years by Thomson Reuters
• Named twice (1999 & 2002) by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery.

For additional information on Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com.

The HUGS’ inaugural mission to Antigua, Guatemala successfully completed18 major
surgical cases. These cases were for the first stage of ear reconstruction for children
suffering from microtia, a congenital ear deformity. Each procedure requires one set of
surgeons to harvest the rib in order to create a cartilage framework while the other set
simultaneously prepares the ear area for the framework to be placed. There were two operating rooms staffed by separate teams of volunteer surgeons, anesthesiologist, and nurses.

Jacquelin, age 8 was one of the children who received a life changing operation from the team. She traveled 14 hours with her mother to reach the mission site in Antigua. Her father works in the fields and they have no insurance or money. When asked how this surgery would help her daughter, Jacqueline’s mother explained “It will help her so much. Her friends make fun of her and it makes Jacquelin feel badly about herself. Some kids are mean to her because they are normal and she is not, although they feel badly when Jacquelin would cry and get upset about it”. Jacqueline’s dream for the future is to become a nurse or a doctor.

The HUGS team wishes to thank JCI Jones Chemicals and their employees for making this greatly needed mission possible. JCI sees their sponsorship of HUGS as a natural
extension of their 80 years of stewardship of children. Every day around the world, children of all ages drink water that is pure and safe, because of JCI water purification chemical products and services.

*Full MD Bios available at:

http://www.quatela.com/OurSurgeons/QuatelaMD/ Vito C. Quatela, MD
http://www.facialplastics.meei.harvard.edu/cheney.htm Mack Cheney, MD
http://www.facialplastics.meei.harvard.edu/hadlock.htm Tessa Hadlock, MD

Tampa, Fla. – Choosing a caregiver for an aging parent or relative can be one of the most emotionally difficult decisions families face today. Easy Living, Inc., a fully licensed, private duty home health care company, understands exactly what kinds of information families, doctors, and advisors need to make the best decisions for care of an elder.  But the company needed a design firm to upgrade its online presence and make that information more accessible and visually appealing for people researching care providers online.  To accomplish this goal, Easy Living hired Haneke Design.  Today, the leading graphic, interactive and user experience design firm is proud to announce the launch of Easy Living’s new Web site, www.easylivingfl.com

“From the kickoff of this project to the launch, working with the Easy Living team has been a great experience,” said Jody Haneke, president of Haneke Design.  “They have extraordinary expertise, genuine compassion for their clients, and deep respect for the caregivers they hire and train.  They provide a quality of care that is unmatched in this industry.  Our mission was to convey these attributes to Web site visitors, tailor messages to the various audiences that would seek information there, and provide vehicles for active engagement between the public and the Easy Living team.  We’re extremely proud of this project – it’s a perfect marriage of elegant design and functionality.”

The new Web site is fully optimized for search engines and features a blog, video and streaming content capabilities, an events calendar, links to online resources and a recruiting tool that allows potential care givers to prequalify themselves and complete a detailed application process online.  The site was built on the WordPress framework for easy content administration and a client bill pay feature was also integrated.

Sections featuring company information, services, solutions, resources, and careers have been completely updated.  Links to Easy Living’s social media vehicles such as twitter, Facebook, and Linked In have been created and rebranded with the new Web site’s look and feel.

EasyLiving, Inc. is a fully licensed, private duty home health care company serving individuals and families in Pinellas County. Highly trained, extensively screened, and courteous Personal Care Assistants provide clients with the non-medical support they need to have more active, healthy, and meaningful lives and remain comfortably in their own homes.

About Haneke Design
Haneke Design is a multidisciplinary design firm focused on delivering graphic, interactive and mobile solutions that produce positive business results. Haneke Design specializes in helping companies mobilize their web applications and web services, leveraging their expert user experience and technological skills to ensure that the applications work perfectly, are easy to use, and deliver optimal strategic and bottom line results.   For more information, visit www.hanekedesign.com.
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According to the latest statistics, breast cancer is diagnosed in one out of every eight females. Breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other types of cancer.

While males can also fall victim to breast cancer, the percentage is much lower and can be just as deadly.

It began six years ago when Dusty Showers half-heartedly showed up for a Breast Cancer 3-Day walk after his ex-wife and ex-mother-in-law asked him to attend. Both ladies are breast cancer survivors.

That eventful walk ignited an ever-growing passion in Dusty Showers and since then, he has spent every spare moment trying to raise awareness and money to fight a disease which wreaks havoc in the lives of millions of women.

The publicity that Dusty generated resulted in his appearance recently on the Oprah Winfrey Show where he was the recipient of “Make Over My Man.”

“It was an awesome experience to be on Oprah,” declared Dusty. “They had me in a cool shirt and vest including a tie along with some casual slacks.”

“Most important, however, was the attention that my appearance on the show brought to the effort for the fight against breast cancer.”

To watch Dusty tell his story, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiuCQvcG7jo

The thirty-nine-year-old man (Dusty) who catches “Creepy Crawlers” for a living has maintained his passion for the breast cancer cause for six years now. His motivation is simple:

“I see women who are bald because of cancer treatments,” added Dusty.  “They are my friends. I love them and I want to help them. Do something larger than you!”
In order to further promote breast cancer awareness and research, Dusty started an organization called “The 2nd Baseman.”
Atop the website page is a slogan that reads, “Because Real Men Know How To Fight Like A Girl.”

The mission of “The 2nd Baseman” is “to bring about awareness of how widespread breast cancer is and the importance of early detection through self-exams and mammograms.”

“We do outrageous acts for the cause,” claimed Dusty. “That’s why I wear a pink bra and sometimes a pink cowboy hat. It creates attention and helps reach our goal to educate as many people as possible about early detection and finding a cure for breast cancer.”

To learn more about Dusty Showers, please visit: http://www.imwithdusty.com/

About Dusty Showers

Dusty has achieved many honors; he was named a 3-Day Ambassador, sponsored by Hooters to participate in a Walk for breast cancer, and has served as a guest speaker at several breast cancer fundraising and awareness events, including Hoedown for Hooters.

Dusty has either walked or crewed in five “3-Day for the Cure” events and is a prominent figure at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk in Tampa. This year he will take part in the Boston 3-Day in July and the Tampa 3-Day in October. This tough thirty-eight-year who plays soccer nationwide also uses his wildlife business to promote breast cancer awareness and education.

In 2011,  Dusty will appear as Mr. April in the 2011 60-Mile Men calendar, an annual publication featuring twelve men who participate in the 3-Day. “This isn’t just another calendar with twelve buff firefighters and weightlifters,” Dusty says. “We focus on the average guy who has one special feature: a desire to end breast cancer, and all cancers.”

Dusty Showers is represented by Eclectic Media Productions PR Firm and their website is at http://mediaproductions.tv

On October 9th, 2010, Herb Day, a series of national public outreach and educational events, will inform the public on the many ways herbs can be used safely and creatively for health, beauty care and wellness. Local Herb Day activities will take place on at Wellness Works, 1209 Lakeside Drive, Brandon from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

In its four-year history, Herb Day has found that greater familiarity with herbs increases informed use of herbal products and builds public support for the use of botanicals.

The event will be hosted by Carol Roberts, MD of Wellness Works; Rose Kalajian, herbalist of the Natural Health Hut, and Kalajian’s apprentices.

Vendors on site with:

·         Herbal remedies

·         Tea

·         Herbal health and beauty products

·         Organic herb plants

·         Organic soil preparation products

·         Food, drinks and gluten-free goodies

·         And more

Lectures held every 45 minutes. Titles include:
·         Healing at Home with Herbs
·         Anti-Aging and Herbal Skin Care
·         Natural Solutions for Allergy Elimination
·         Remedies for Life in the Key of Chi
·         Natural Body Detoxification
·         Becoming a Community Herbalist
·         Yoga and Ayurvedic Herbs
·         Aromatherapy 101
·         Growing in Florida: Go Beyond Organic
·         Amazon Herbs: Healing Rainforest Superfoods

Notable Lecturers in the Herbal Industry:
·        Dave Foreman – Registered Pharmacist, N.D., author, TV commentator, radio host of a nationally broadcast radio program & owner of “The Herbal Pharmacist Newsletter”
·        Carol Roberts, M.D. – Author of “Good Medicine: A Return to Common Sense”, holistic physician & Director of Wellness Works
·        Rose Kalajian – Herbalist, educator & owner of the Natural Health Hut (Wesley Chapel)
·        Amy Lidman – Licensed Aesthetician & 25-year veteran in Holistic Skin care, owner of Natural Solutions Skin Care Studio
·        Ron Radstrom – Herbalist & Founder of Health Freedom Resources & Southern Botanicals
·         Maria Bott – Fitness Specialist, Life Coach& ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
·         Pam Dore – Certified Aromatherapist & Owner of Heaven and Earth Apothecary
·         Winston Kao – Inventor/Researcher

A portion of the proceeds will go to the United Plant Savers (UPS), a group with the mission “to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada and their native habitat while ensuring an abundant renewable supply of medicinal plants for generations to come.”

Herb Day will take place on October 9th at Wellness Works, 1209 Lakeside Drive, Brandon from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Admission to Herb Day is $10 and includes full access to all lectures, booths, vendors and raffles. Children under 16 are admitted for free.

For more information on Herb Day, call (813)-991-5177, email imherbalist1@gmail.com or visit www.imherbalist.com.

About Herb Day:
Herb Day is a coordinated series of independently produced public educational events celebrating the importance of herbs and herbalism.

Herb Day was conceived of by five nonprofit organizations (the Herb Day Coalition) with interests in herbs and herbalism to raise public awareness about the significance of herbs in our lives and the many ways herbs can be used safely and creatively for health, beauty care, and culinary enjoyment.

Greater familiarity with herbs will increase informed use of herbal products and build public support for maintaining personal choice in the use of botanicals.

THE VILLAGES & LEESBURG, FL (July 2010) – Moffitt Cancer Center and Central Florida Health Alliance jointly announce today that they are partnering to provide world-class cancer care closer to home.  The partnership will deliver state-of-the-art cancer care in two new facilities to be built on the campuses of Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages Health System.

Under the new partnership, Moffitt will work with both hospitals, located in Lake and Sumter counties, Fla., to improve the cancer treatment outcomes — and availability of advanced cancer care treatment options — with a focus on quality and strengthening research capabilities within the health care community.  Plans also include working together with the hospitals to improve cancer prevention and the health and wellness of cancer patients in the community. This includes active participation in Moffitt’s Total Cancer Care™ program.

Total Cancer Care™ is a comprehensive approach to cancer care, enabling researchers and the treatment team to identify and meet all the needs of a patient and her or his family during the patient’s lifetime and for future generations.

“Moffitt is proud to partner with CFHA to further our respective medical education, medical science and health service programs,” said William S. Dalton, Ph.D., M.D., chief executive officer and center director of Moffitt. “We want to be able to complement the broad spectrum of inpatient and outpatient care services currently being offered at Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages Health System.”
Said Lee S. Huntley, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Central Florida Health Alliance, “The opportunity to provide Central Florida with world-class cancer treatment services will take our cancer care to a whole new level… knowing we are partnering with a reputable and world-renowned cancer care facility.”

Included in this partnership, a team of multidisciplinary Moffitt faculty members consult with the hospitals’ physicians and surgeons on patient cases, educational seminars and professional exchanges. Patients under treatment at The Villages Health System Hospital and Leesburg Regional Medical Center have access through their physicians to clinical trials offered through Moffitt, as well as relaying of critical patient care information through telecommunications and electronic medical records development.

“Over the years, our relationship with Moffitt has been a positive one, and we clearly share the same quality standards philosophy. With an even stronger partnership, we can expect to provide patients with a seamless environment of care, working closely with our local physicians, oncologists and surgeons which will allow us to meet our patient needs without the need to travel long distances and disrupt family life,” stated David Sustarsic, MD, board chairman, CFHA.  Other advantages to the partnership include streamlining referrals to specialists and the incorporation of a patient navigation system, which will help coordinate and organize patients’ personal cancer treatment to better guide them through their care.

Each facility will begin construction on their respective campus in the fall of 2010 with completion dates in late 2011.

About Moffitt Cancer Center
Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center  is an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center – a designation that recognizes Moffitt’s excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 14 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country’s leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer. Moffitt’s sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

About Central Florida Health Alliance
Central Florida Health Alliance is a not-for-profit corporate healthcare system consistently ranked at the top in patient satisfaction and outcomes that includes The Villages Health System, Leesburg Regional Medical Center, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, hyperbaric wound treatment and clinical laboratories serving Lake, Sumter and Marion counties.  As the premier healthcare provider in the region, the Central Florida Health Alliance takes pride in providing progressive, innovative technology along with strong relationships with patients, physicians and residents of the communities it serves.

About Leesburg Regional Medical Center
Leesburg Regional Medical Center is a 316-bed acute care hospital offering outstanding cardiovascular, neurosurgical and orthopedic care along with a Joint Commission approved designated stroke center, the first in the region. Along with a number of specialized services, Ohme Rehabilitation Center, a 22-bed inpatient comprehensive medical rehabilitation center, offers acute rehabilitation treatment for patients who have had a stroke, orthopedic, traumatic brain injury or other neurological disorders. Leesburg Regional Medical Center has served the surrounding communities in Lake, Sumter and Marion counties for nearly 50 years.

About The Villages Health System
The Villages Health System includes a 198-bed acute care hospital which has more than tripled in size since opening in 2002.  Located in the heart of The Villages, the country’s premier active adult retirement community, The Villages Hospital offers world class medical services accessible by golf car.  Already noted for its cardiovascular treatment, orthopedic care, wound healing, and clinical laboratories, The Villages Health System has recently added neurosurgery to its growing array of specialty services.
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The program will provide Free Community Health Screenings in exchange for $10 donations to participating Manatee County PSO or PTA. Students will also receive a special promotional offer of 30% off retail price to purchase a new HUG® backpack, which uses new technology to reduce the weight-bearing stress on the shoulders and backs of students by more than 50 percent.  $10 from the sale of each HUG backpack will also be donated to the same organization.  To support your school go to www.hug-tech.com and use promotional code HS34203 when purchasing.

The FREE health screenings (a $189 value) will help track down even the smallest amounts of pain, including those suffering from a wide range of problems such as low back pain, headaches, neck pain, shoulder or arm pain, bulging or herniated discs, leg pain, numbness and more. Even X-Rays will be included if necessary.

The $10 donations will be accepted at the office located at 6156 SR 70 E, Bradenton  up until Sept 30th.   Contributors are encouraged to call and set up an appointment.
According to statistics, more than 3000 children each year require emergency room visits for backpack-related injuries. Thousands more are treated for headaches, neck, and shoulder problems related to improper backpack usage.

Improper backpack use can also lead to poor posture and scoliosis. Girls and younger kids may be especially at risk for backpack-related injuries because they’re smaller and may carry loads that are heavier in proportion to their body weight. Also, backpacks with tight, narrow straps that dig into the shoulders can interfere with circulation and nerves. These types of straps can contribute to tingling, numbness, and weakness in the arms and hands.

To learn more about the program, or to schedule an appointment, call (941) 755-9355 today.

About HealthSource Chiropractic and Progressive Rehab™:
Founded in 2006, HealthSource specializes in providing proven systematized treatment procedures and operating protocols to more than 250 clinics throughout the country.
More than 300,000 patients nationwide have been treated using HealthSource’s unique combination of chiropractic care and Progressive Rehab™, which combines the talents of skilled chiropractors, licensed massage therapists, and progressive rehab staff.

Prior to surgery, Hatfield says his pain was “unbearable,” but just four months later; he’s back on the water fishing for snook, reds and trout and has no problems walking, driving or doing day-to-day activities.

The human body is designed with limited space for surgeons to access the ankle. This new surgical procedure enables physicians to insert the ankle prosthesis and build a stabilizing stem piece-by-piece. They then attach the pieces inside the tibia, which is the lower leg bone. This process enabled Dr. Rell to “build” a rod inside Hatfield’s ankle which is four times longer than an ordinary ankle implant. The added length provides improved stability and lessens the chance of future complications.

Dr. Rell says the new total ankle replacement procedure may be ideal for many patients who are considering a fusion. He adds, “Although a fusion is effective in alleviating ankle pain in an arthritic patient, the downside is once you fuse the joint, there is an increase in stress transferred to the adjacent joints in the foot and knee.” In addition, a fusion will permanently eliminate any motion in the ankle and requires a patient stay off the foot for 10 – 12 weeks. With the new ankle replacement procedure, range of motion is restored and patients are able to begin bearing weight on the foot six weeks after surgery.

If you ask Hatfield, he says there’s “no comparison” and highly recommends the Inbone Total Ankle to others who are dealing with severe pain.

For more information on Lakewood Ranch Medical Center’s Surgical Services, call 941-782-2295. If you’d like to schedule an interview with the doctor and/or patient mentioned in this press release, please contact Jennifer Bryan at the contact information listed below. To view an informational video on the Inbone Total Ankle, visit http://www.inbone.com/SurgeonTotalAnkle.aspx.

Dr. Brown was the first to be trained in the mild procedure on Florida’s west coast, and Coastal is the only practice in the area where it is offered. The minimally invasive procedure can have patients walking pain free in a day.

Coastal invites its followers and potential newbies to submit questions to Dr. Brown and her team. Live tweets will be given throughout the procedure.

“Vertos mild is relatively new, and social media gives us yet another means to educate patients on what has proven to be life-changing for many who had been living with chronic back pain,” said Coastal Orthopedics Chief Executive Officer, Paul M. Duck.

Over the next few weeks, Dr. Brown will conduct over 30 mild procedures as part of her continued national research study trial with Vertos.

WHO:        Media and public are welcome to follow via Twitter and submit questions

WHERE:  Twitter: http://twitter.com/CoastalDocs

WHEN:      Thursday, July 29^th

LIVE Twitter Feeds – Beginning at 2:30 PM

Additional Info:

The mild procedure is used to relieve the pain of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS).  The condition causes lower back pain, which affects 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. each year.  LSS comes from the normal wear-and-tear effects of aging, more specifically; it is the thickening of ligaments in the spinal canal which in turn causes increased pressure and back pain. By using a small incision point, the mild procedure thins out this ligament and restores it back to its normal thickness, which takes the pressure off of the spine.  When compared to previous options, the mild procedure offers immediate relief within hours after surgery and speedy recovery time without the use of large incisions or invasive implants.

July 2010 ( Tampa , Fla. ) – Ready to start improving the quality of employee healthcare while simultaneously saving money?  Med-Vision, LLC, a data-driven health and risk management strategy firm, is proud to offer self-funded employers a delightfully humorous, animated piece on how to regain control of healthcare costs:  Ask Alfie About Med-Vision.

Med-Vision has garnered the support of the animated character named “Alfie,” voiced by Jefferson C. Knott, author and national healthcare policy analyst.  Knott, in conjunction with the production talents of Full Throttle Intermedia studio, created Alfie to be the comically witty voice for American healthcare consumers.

Donning a British accent, Alfie’s topics range from how to read prescription labels to asking for a second opinion on medical diagnoses.  Alfie’s latest episode discusses his new job at Med-Vision and explains how Med-Vision’s experts help corporations to be more profitable through risk management and employee wellness.

“It makes sense for Alfie to support Med-Vision’s efforts to maximize corporate efficiency through employee wellness,” said Knott.  “We’re working to provide expert tips that can create meaningful improvements in organizations as well as in our health system.”

Med-Vision’s client relations team will be using the light-hearted animated character to explain details of Med-Vision’s services, including data-driven health planning, risk management, disease management, prescription drug compliance, and wellness programs.

Luke Ewalt, who was named head of business development for Med-Vision in July, stated he will be introducing Alfie as his “animated associate” during client meetings.

“Entertaining prospects with the Alfie character will differentiate Med-Vision’s services and will enhance my efforts in spreading awareness about the analytical tools and customized strategies Med-Vision provides self-insured employers,” said Ewalt.

About Med-Vision:
Founded in 2005, Med-Vision delivers data-driven health plan risk management and wellness strategies to help employer groups achieve optimal employee health and productivity.  Med-Vision specifically caters to the needs of self-funded employer plan sponsors and currently impacts more than 75,000 health plan members.  Med-Vision has helped corporations, healthcare facilities, municipalities, and school districts to reduce risks, reverse trends, and decrease healthcare costs while increasing quality of care.

SARASOTA, Fla. July 2010– Sarasota Memorial recently announced its support for SCOPE’s Institute for the Ages by providing a portion of its office space in the hospital’s Main Plaza offices in downtown Sarasota.

“We see our commitment to the Institute as a statement of our desire to be at the forefront of change that will enhance the quality of life for our fast-growing aging population,” said Gwen MacKenzie, CEO of Sarasota Memorial.

SCOPE, a nonprofit commited to community engagement, recently completed a community study that examined how Sarasota County might make the most of being the oldest large county in the nation, 40 years ahead of the rest of the country.

“More than 30 percent of our population is over 65,” said Tim Dutton, executive director of SCOPE.  “Our demographics present a unique opportunity for us.”

According to a recent report, “Challenges of Global Aging” published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “The world’s population is now aging at an unprecedented rate.”

The Institute will build on this advantage by working with national businesses, research organizations and the public to generate new products, services, policies and solutions to challenges that every community will face over the next decades.

“Sarasota Memorial is an innovative, forward-thinking hospital,” said Dutton.  “We are thrilled that they are supporting this initiative.”

About SCOPE

SCOPE is a nonprofit organization that connects and inspires citizens to create a better community. For more information, visit www.scopexcel.org
About Sarasota Memorial

Founded in 1925, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is among the largest public hospitals in Florida, with about 4,000 staff and 750 physicians.  With an 806-bed acute care hospital and a comprehensive network of outpatient services, Sarasota Memorial offers the region’s greatest breadth and depth of care.  For more information, visit www.smh.com .

TAMPA, Fla. (July 2010) — In the Sunshine State this year, an estimated 8,700 people will die of melanoma and nearly 5,000 new cases will be diagnosed, according to the American Cancer Society. Don’t be just another statistic. Have you had an annual skin cancer screening?

Moffitt Cancer Center’s Mole Patrol® will offer free skin screenings from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Clearwater Beach Pier 60 Pavilion. Stop by and get screened by one of Moffitt’s trained professionals.

Steven Sommerville was 14 when he was diagnosed with stage 2 malignant melanoma. It was a shock, especially with no family history. The mole behind his left ear was removed, and sentinel lymph node mapping was performed at Moffitt to remove only the affected lymph nodes.

Sommerville, 21, is cancer free today and is pursuing a career in medicine at the University of Florida. He schedules three skin screenings yearly with a dermatologist and also performs self-screenings. And he’s giving back to Moffitt and the community by volunteering at the Clearwater Beach Mole Patrol — his second year in a row.

“The best way to beat skin cancer is to catch it early. So free skin screenings from the Mole Patrol are a great way to get a jump start on prevention,” said Sommerville, of Clearwater.

Oncologists, dermatologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and registered nurses will perform the free skin cancer evaluations. If screeners find a suspicious lesion, they will recommend a follow-up appointment with a specialist.

Blue Lizard and Banana Boat sunscreen samples, as well as educational information, will be available.

For more information, contact Lois Rendina at (813) 745-2625.

About Moffitt Cancer Center
Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center  is an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center – a designation that recognizes Moffitt’s excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 14 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country’s leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer. Moffitt’s sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

Moffitt, which treats all types of lymphomas, is one of the referral centers for mantle cell lymphoma, an aggressive type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, noted Sotomayor, the Susan and John Sykes Endowed Chair in Hematologic Malignancies.

The NIH R01 grant will be awarded over five years, he said. “These are highly competitive grants, and we are grateful that our peers in the scientific community consider that our work is highly significant and will impact the treatment of patients with B-cell lymphomas.”

Moffitt has a collaboration with investigators at the University of Illinois that will help Moffitt’s investigators to test new drugs for B-cell lymphomas, Sotomayor said.

Moffitt’s Lymphoma Program Team is comprised of basic scientists, clinical investigators and hematopathologists. The program emphasizes translational studies in which scientific discoveries are translated into phase I and II clinical studies, with the aim of finding lifesaving treatments.

About Moffitt Cancer Center
Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center is an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center – a designation that recognizes Moffitt’s excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 14 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country’s leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer. Moffitt’s sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

With FDA Orphan Drug Status granted for this second indication, Biovest gains seven-years of market exclusivity for BiovaxID upon approval for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma and/or indolent follicular lymphoma, thereby offering competitive protection from similar drugs of the same class. Orphan Drug Status also provides Biovest with eligibility to receive potential tax credit benefits, potential grant funding for research and development and significantly reduces the requisite filing fees for marketing applications.

According to Biovest’s Vice President, Product Development & Regulatory Affairs, Dr. Carlos F. Santos, “Orphan Drug Designation is an important step in our regulatory strategy. With promising clinical trials now complete in both follicular lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma, we are preparing to seek regulatory approvals for BiovaxID in two separate indications. In addition to our ongoing regulatory efforts with regard to follicular lymphoma, we look forward to formally presenting our mantle cell Phase II clinical trial results to the FDA, and potentially the EMEA, later this year, as we explore potential expedited market registration pathways to offer this therapeutic vaccine regimen as a new treatment option for mantle cell patients.”

In the BiovaxID mantle cell lymphoma Phase II study, tumor-specific immune responses were observed in 87% of the patients vaccinated with BiovaxID following rituximab-containing chemotherapy (EPOCH-R). Consistent with all other BiovaxID studies, the vaccine was very well tolerated and safe.

Biovest’s President, Samuel S. Duffey added, “As we prepare to exit reorganization as a fully restructured public company, we remain firmly committed to our goal to bring needed new therapies to patients suffering with lymphoma. I am pleased that we received Orphan Designation for mantle cell lymphoma, and I am excited about our opportunity to potentially advance the role of personalized cancer vaccines for the treatment of lymphoma.”

About Biovest International, Inc.

Biovest International, Inc. is an emerging leader in the field of active personalized immunotherapies targeting life-threatening cancers of the blood system. Developed in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, BiovaxID® is a patient-specific, cancer vaccine, demonstrating statistically significant Phase III clinical benefit by prolonging disease-free survival in vaccinated patients suffering from indolent follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, confirming a previous positive Phase II study. BiovaxID has been granted “Fast-Track” status and Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of follicular lymphoma by the FDA and Orphan Drug Designation by the European EMEA. A BiovaxID Phase II clinical trial treating patients suffering with mantle cell lymphoma, an incurable and aggressive type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, also demonstrated promising results with the FDA granting Orphan Drug Designation for this second targeted indication.

Biovest is also developing and marketing a proprietary line of automated hollow fiber bioreactor systems, including the innovative AutovaxID™ which is a production platform for the scalable manufacture of difficult-to-produce biologics including personalized medicines, monoclonal antibodies, cell culture vaccines and therapeutics targeting highly infectious agents. Since 1981, Biovest has been offering its clients a wide range of instrumentation and cell culture contract manufacturing services. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida with its bio-manufacturing facility based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Biovest is publicly-traded on the OTCQB™ Market with the stock-ticker symbol “BVTI”, and is a majority-owned subsidiary of Accentia Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (Other OTC: “ABPIQ”).

For further information, please visit: http://www.biovest.com

Oak Brook, Ill. – June 22, 2010 – The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), a leading gastrointestinal medical society, has recognized the Center for Endoscopy in Sarasota, Florida  as part of its program specifically dedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy, in all settings where it is practiced in the United States. The Center for Endoscopy is one of 215 endoscopy units in the nation to be granted the recognition since 2009. The ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program honors endoscopy units that follow the ASGE guidelines on privileging, quality assurance, endoscopy reprocessing and CDC infection control guidelines and have completed specialized training on principles in quality and safety in endoscopy.

“We are honored to be recognized by ASGE for our efforts to enhance quality and safety in our endoscopy unit,” said Leslie Hendricks/Administrator.  “The program course on improving quality and safety provided us with valuable knowledge to continue to give our patients the safest and best care possible.”

“ASGE is delighted to be recognizing these 215 endoscopy units, whose staff work hard every day to provide high-quality care to their patients in a safe environment,” said Bret T. Petersen, MD, FASGE, chairman, ASGE Quality Assurance in Endoscopy Committee. “There continues to be an outstanding response to this program. We are proud to acknowledge these ASGE members through our Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program for their commitment to promoting the highest standards of safety and quality.”

ASGE and Quality

ASGE is the profession’s leader in setting standards of excellence in endoscopy through its safety guidelines and the training of its members so that patients receive the best and safest care possible. The Society constantly reinforces the importance of quality among its members through member communications, such as emails and newsletters, and its CME courses, including “Improving Quality and Safety in Your Endoscopy Unit.”

The Center for Endoscopy

The Center for Endoscopy is the leading outpatient, endoscopic ambulatory surgery center in Southwest Florida, and the first in this area to receive this recognition.  We are dedicated to providing the highest standard of outpatient gastroenterology endoscopic services to our patients in an efficient and cost-conscious manner.  We are fully accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Healthcare and offer a complete range of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy procedures.  The Center is located at 3325 Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239.  For more information call 941-552-3480 or visit our website at www.centerforendoscopy.com.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point and 814 other hospitals are featured in a special advertisement in the “America’s Best Hospitals” issue of US News & World Report (August issue) to commemorate their receipt of Get With The Guidelines Gold, Gold Plus, Silver Plus Performance Achievement Award. A total of 961 awards were given for achievement in coronary artery disease, stroke and/or heart failure treatment.

Hospitals recognized in each category achieve at least 85 percent compliance to Get With The Guidelines measures. Those achieving 85 percent compliance for 24 consecutive months receive the Gold Performance Achievement Award, with the Silver Performance Achievement Award going to those with 85 percent compliance for 12 consecutive months. Special recognition is also given for those hospitals achieving 85 percent compliance in two or all three categories and/or for being in 75 percent compliance with heart failure and/or stroke measures.

Get With The Guidelines is a hospital-based quality-improvement program designed to ensure that hospitals consistently care for cardiac and stroke patients following the most up-to-date guidelines and recommendations. The program addresses coronary artery disease, heart failure and stroke. Currently more than 1,400 hospitals participate in the program.

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s advertisement recognizes Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s commitment and success in performance achievement.

“The American Heart Association is pleased to recognize its top Get With The Guidelines participants,” said. Lee Schwamm, M.D., national chairman of the Get With The Guidelines steering committee, associate professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and Vice Chairman of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital. “Healthcare providers who use Get With The Guidelines are armed with the latest evidence-based guidelines and immediate access to clinical decision support, using a set of tools that have been shown to improve delivery of evidence-based care. The goal of this initiative is to improve the quality of life and help reduce deaths and disability among patients with heart disease and stroke.”

Published scientific studies are providing us with more and more evidence that Get With The Guidelines works.  Patients are getting the right care they need when they need it.  That’s resulting in improved survival.”

“We are proud that the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association have chosen the ‘America’s Best Hospitals’ issue of US News & World Report to recognize Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point for our achievements in their Get With The Guidelines program,” said Steve Rector, CEO .  “Get With The Guidelines gives our professionals the tools and reports they need to effectively treat our coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke patients.”

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About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved distinction in the following areas:

• Certified Advanced Heart Failure – Joint Commission (1st in the State of Florida  – 1/2010)
• Certified Advance Primary Stroke Center – Joint Commission
• American Heart Association 2010 Get With the Guidelines Triple Performance Award Winner
  • Gold Award in Coronary Artery Disease
  • Gold Plus Award in Heart Failure
  • Gold Plus Award in Stroke
• American Heart Association’s 2009 Stroke Silver Plus Performance Award Winner (1st in State of Florida)
• Heart & Stroke Champions Award Winner 1998 – 2010
• Wound Care and Accredited Hyperbaric Medicine
• MRI Accredited – American College of Radiology
• Approved, with Commendation, Community Cancer Program – American College of Surgeons.
• Accredited Chest Pain Center, with PCI – Society of Chest Pain Centers.
• Designated a 100 Top Hospital seven years by Thomson Reuters
• Named twice (1999 & 2002) by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery.

For additional information on Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com. Or visit us on Face book

About Get With The Guidelines

Get With The Guidelines^® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that empowers healthcare teams to save lives and reduce healthcare costs by helping hospitals follow evidence-based guidelines and recommendations.  For more information, visit heart.org/quality.

The award recognizes the community partnership that opened a state-of-the-art medical center in Tarpon Springs, Florida in March 2009. The Church community and CHCP joined their two missions, of service and commitment to others to serve the Tarpon Springs community. The Church Board, Church leadership, key community members and the entire Church congregation voted to offer CHCP a 45 year long-term lease at a nominal fee; securing the site for the home of the Tarpon Springs Health Center.

“We are proud to be recognized along with St. Timothy’s as partners that made the Tarpon Springs Center a reality,” says Pat Mabe, executive director of CHCP.  “Thanks to their continued support, this partnership is working.  They regularly refer members of their congregation, the homeless, and those with whom they interact to the health center, helping us to double our volume in one short year.”

Additionally, the church community has embraced the health center with precious gifts of time, talent and money. “Several church members have contributed through CHCP’s Brick Campaign to ensure the ongoing funding of the mission,” says Pastor Curt Snare of St. Timothy’s.  “On behalf of our congregation, I thank the FACHC for the recognition and I am extremely pleased to see so much good work happening in our community as a result of this partnership.”

For more information on the Community Partnership Award please contact Joseph Santini, Director of Business Development at 727-824-8129, jsantini@hcnetwork.org. For more information on Community Health Centers of Pinellas, please visit www.chcpinellas.org

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has received the Get With The Guidelines Gold Achievement Award in coronary artery disease, the Gold Plus Achievement Award for stroke and Gold Plus Achievement Award heart failure. This level of achievement shows Regional Medical Center’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart disease and stroke patients.

Get With The Guidelines helps ensure that patients treated and discharged receive quality care in accordance with guidelines that will reduce the risk of secondary events. It takes advantage of the “teachable moment,” the time soon after a heart attack or stroke, when patients are most likely to listen to their healthcare professionals’ treatment recommendations. Studies demonstrate that patients who are taught how to manage their risk factors while still in the hospital reduce their risk of a second heart attack or stroke.

This accomplishment signifies that Regional has reached an aggressive goal of treating coronary artery disease, stroke and heart failure patients with 85 percent compliance to core standard levels of care outlined by the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology secondary prevention guidelines and recommendations.

According to Get With The Guidlines treatment guidelines, patients are started on aggressive risk reduction therapies such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, aspirin, diuretics and anticoagulants in the hospital, or in the case of stroke, they may receive tPA, antithrombotics and DVT prophylaxis. They also receive alcohol/drug use and thyroid management counseling as well as referrals for cardiac rehabilitation before being discharged.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has consistently and successfully implemented these quality measures for 36 consecutive months since they began participating in the program.

“The full implementation of acute and secondary prevention guideline recommended therapy is a critical step in reducing death and disability of cardiovascular disease patients,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., chair of the Get With The Guidelines National Steering Committee and director of the TeleStroke and Acute Stroke Services at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.  “The goal of the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines program is to help hospitals like Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point implement appropriate evidence-based care and protocols that will reduce the number of deaths in these patients and in their communities. Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved a high level of performance in terms of implementing these life-prolonging treatments.”

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, each year about 785,000 Americans will have a new heart attack and about 470,000 will have a recurrent attack. It’s estimated that an additional 195,000 silent heart attacks occur each year, 5.8 million people suffer from heart failure and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurring stroke.

“Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point  is dedicated to making our care for heart disease and stroke patients among the best in the country. We will continue in our efforts to build off the success achieved with continued implementation of this valuable program,” said Steve Rector, CEO. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our professionals to improve the long-term outcomes of our cardiac and stroke patients, and we are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements.”

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s staff  develop and implement acute and secondary prevention guideline processes. The program includes quality improvement measures such as care maps, discharge protocols, standing orders and measurement tools.  This quick and efficient use of guideline tools will enable Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point to improve the quality of care it provides heart disease and stroke patients, save lives and ultimately, reduce healthcare costs by lowering recurrence of events.

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About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved distinction in the following areas:

• Certified Advanced Heart Failure – Joint Commission (1st in the State of Florida  – 1/2010)
• Certified Advance Primary Stroke Center – Joint Commission
• American Heart Association 2010 Get With the Guidelines Triple Performance Award Winner
  • Gold Award in Coronary Artery Disease
  • Gold Plus Award in Heart Failure
  • Gold Plus Award in Stroke
• American Heart Association’s 2009 Stroke Silver Plus Performance Award Winner (1st in State of Florida)
• Heart & Stroke Champions Award Winner 1998 – 2010
• Wound Care and Accredited Hyperbaric Medicine
• MRI Accredited – American College of Radiology
• Approved, with Commendation, Community Cancer Program – American College of Surgeons.
• Accredited Chest Pain Center, with PCI – Society of Chest Pain Centers.
• Designated a 100 Top Hospital seven years by Thomson Reuters
• Named twice (1999 & 2002) by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery.

For additional information on Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com. Or visit us on Face book

About Get With The Guidelines

Get With The Guidelines^® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that empowers healthcare teams to save lives and reduce healthcare costs by helping hospitals follow evidence-based guidelines and recommendations.  For more information, visit heart.org/quality

Jackson and USF will collaborate on a variety of initiatives to lead the nation toward personalized medicine, in which disease prevention and treatment are based on a person’s unique genetic makeup, or genome. The partnership will result in new research gains and education programs, as well as providing better health care and increased economic opportunities for the citizens of Collier County and Southwest Florida.

“Jackson is an ideal partner for USF,” said Dr. Stephen Klasko, dean of the USF College of Medicine and CEO of USF Health, which consists of USF’s Colleges of Medicine, Nursing and Public Health.

“The Laboratory’s longstanding expertise in mammalian genetics and its cutting-edge genomics research are known around the world,” Dr. Klasko said. “We want to give our students and residents an education that will help them become leaders in the new era of genomics-based personalized medicine. The possibilities for collaboration are limited only by our own imaginations.”

In turn, USF Health’s strong research environment and academic entrepreneurial model will be assets for Jackson, said Charles E. Hewett, PhD, Jackson’s vice president and chief operating officer.

“USF Health looks toward the future of health care,” Dr. Hewett said. “Whether it’s researching the secrets of deadly diseases; helping doctors join the electronic age or teaching surgeons how to use high-tech robots, USF Health keeps pushing the boundaries of medicine forward. As we build our partnership, that forward-thinking philosophy will help us deliver on the promise of personalized medicine.”

That promise comes with the power to transform how medicine is delivered today. Imagine a future in which a diagnosis comes with a specialized prescription: a reading of a patient’s genome, and recommendations for how to target medicines and other therapies for a particular individual. Treatments will be more effective and side effects diminished. That’s what Jackson and USF will hope to deliver.

“For physicians and patients to make knowledgeable decisions in the era of personalized medicine, they must be able to access and understand the complex genetic basis of health, disease and medicine,” Dr. Klasko said. “Working together, The Jackson Laboratory and USF have the expertise, experience, leadership and medical and scientific connections to be the definitive source of information on the role of genomics in human health and disease.”

Jackson and USF plan to collaborate in three key areas: research, education and clinical care.

·         RESEARCH. Jackson and USF researchers will collaborate on work in such endeavors as computational biology and bioinformatics; cancer; Alzheimer’s disease and the neurosciences; metabolic diseases; and a host of other diseases. Researchers and clinicians will work together to bring the latest discoveries into clinical practice, with an emphasis on new medicine that is tailored to respond to the individual.

·         EDUCATION. Advancing technologies demand a different kind of education for the next generation of healthcare professionals. USF Health and Jackson are leaders in medical and scientific education. The partnership will lead the way in educating students in medicine, nursing, pharmacy and emerging health professions in the areas of personalized health, pharmacogenomics, and bioinformatics. The partnership also expects to develop continuing medical education programs to help teach doctors and other practicing health professionals about these new areas of medicine.

·         CLINICAL CARE.  Jackson and USF Health will team with other health care organizations to develop a clinical campus that will provide the latest in cutting-edge personalized medicine and health care to patients from Collier County and beyond. USF already is creating new models to help patients with chronic conditions live optimistically. The partnership will be ideally positioned to provide personalized medicine across a continuum of care, from home therapies to outpatient and inpatient services.

Those initiatives will further increase the economic impact of the research and education village planned for eastern Collier County.  An economic analysis performed by the Washington Economic Group predicts that within 10 years, the research and education village will generate 7,500 jobs and $500 million in annual economic activity in cumulative economic impact in Collier County – and even more across the southwestern Florida region. The partnership with USF Health will accelerate these economic benefits.

“Collier County’s vision of building a biomedical cluster, and its determination to become a key player in the biomedical revolution are very powerful incentives for USF Health to act now,” said Dr. Klasko.

Noting that Edison State College has already committed to creating a charter high school in the research and education village, Dr. Hewett said “There will be many more announcements like this one. We look forward to welcoming scientific, educational and medical partners from around the world.  We will also see a growing number of commercial ventures locating here.”

“This is a great day for the citizens of Collier County and southwest Florida as well as for us,” Dr. Hewett said. “Together, we will transform the economy of this region, and help southwest Floridians lead longer, healthier lives.”

As a key member of M2Gen’s executive management team, Kerzner will be responsible for the commercial strategy for growing the business; all partnership negotiations; branding and public relations; and sales, marketing, and client expansion and retention.

“Cathy brings a great mix of deep commercial skills and broad corporate experience, having held leadership roles in both startups and Big Pharma,” Utterback said. “Her international experience will certainly be tapped as we expand the M2Gen footprint outside of our focus in North America.”

Most recently, Kerzner served as senior vice president of commercial portfolio management at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. She was responsible for strategic planning, portfolio management, global pricing and reimbursement, global forecasting and new business development. In this role, she was accountable for developing company strategy, optimizing commercial opportunities and overseeing the new products pipeline.

Kerzner previously was senior vice president and general manager of the Women’s Health Care Business Unit at Wyeth, with profit-and-loss responsibility for its global business. She also led its U.S. marketing, sales and headquarters commercial organizations. Prior to this post, she served in various roles with Wyeth for 14 years.

Kerzner also formerly served as vice president of commercial strategy for Cardinal Health in Wayne, N.J., and was the co-founder of EKR Therapeutics, Inc., a New Jersey-based specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the acquisition and commercialization of acute care hospital products.

Kerzner holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto and an M.B.A. from York University in Toronto. She is a corporate past-president, adviser and mentor to the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association.

About M2Gen™
M2Gen™ is Moffitt Cancer Center’s wholly owned, for-profit subsidiary focused on advancing personalized medicine by using high quality tissue, clinical data and molecular technology to advance targeted cancer treatments. M2Gen, along with Moffitt and 18 hospitals in a Consortium Network, has created the world’s largest cancer-focused biorepository linked to clinical and molecular data. Since 2006, M2Gen has partnered with Merck & Co., Inc., to fulfill its vision for transforming cancer treatment and improving patient outcomes.

About Moffitt Cancer Center
Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center is an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center – a designation that recognizes Moffitt’s excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 14 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country’s leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer. Moffitt’s sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

St. Petersburg, FL  July 2010- Introducing Tri-Core Performance Therapy, a conservative sports medicine clinic located in the St. Anthony’s Carillon Outpatient Center. Tri-Core Performance Therapy offers a unique solution to patients in suffering from chronic pain and it is called Active Release Techniques® Soft Tissue Management.

“I have found over the years, that my patients and in fact most people are looking for a simple, non-invasive way to treat their sports injuries, strengthen their muscles and improve range of motion, reduce pain and numbness that results from soft tissue injuries” says Dr. Fontaine. By providing a non-invasive treatment called Active Release Techniques, I have found a way to help both professional and recreational athletes with acute or long standing muscular sprain/strain injuries experience significant recovery-usually in a very short period of time.

What is ART®? ART® is a non invasive treatment of soft tissue injuries for both professional and recreational athletes. ART®, recently featured in the September 2009 issue of Running Times magazine, has been proven to be highly effective in the treatment of acute or long-standing muscular sprain/ strain injuries. Compared to other treatment modalities, many athletes experience complete recovery in a very short period of time.

Get ART®. It works for the pros and it will work for you! Athletes and weekend warriors have one thing in common… soft tissue injuries. Over time the body breaks down due to wear and tear from sports and activities. These repetitive stress injuries cause the body to produce tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down tissues that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons causes tendonitis, and nerves can become trapped. All this can result in reduced ranges of motion, loss of strength, pain, numbness and tingling, shooting pains, burning sensations, weakness, muscle atrophy and circulatory changes.

“Repetitive stress injuries don’t have to be a chronic problem” says Dr. Fontaine. The steps you take to educate yourself about these injuries can mean the difference between a pain free day and a painful one.

Established in 2007, Tri-Core Performance Therapy is a sports medicine and rehabilitation clinic located in the Carillon area of St. Petersburg, FL. Our main focus is conservative sports medicine, physical manual medicine and rehabilitation. We specialize in a non-invasive soft tissue treatment called Active Release Techniques® that provides fast and effective treatment for muscle and joint pain syndromes. The clinic director, Dr. Fontaine, is a full body certified Active Release Techniques® provider and is also a member of the ART® Ironman Performance Care Team, which treats triathletes at Ironman events in North America. Dr. Fontaine has been privileged to treat many professional, collegiate and high school athletes. He has worked as an ART® provider and consultant with some of the MLB teams who make their spring training and minor league homes in the St. Petersburg/ Clearwater area. Dr. Fontaine has worked as a consulting physician for Eckerd College Athletics Sports Medicine Staff providing treatment for student athletes.

Thirteen booths will be located throughout the first floor of The Pier, 800 Second Avenue NE, St. Petersburg.  All vendors will have interactive exhibits and many will offer samples, door prizes and discounts that may be used at their store and office locations for products and services.  Some of the participatory activities include Wii demonstrations, foot scans, balance testing, fitness & exercise sessions, spinal & eye screenings, spin & win, and massages.  Brief presentations – 5 Factors to Good Health, Improving Your Quality of Life with Exercise and Banishing Aches & Pains for Good are scheduled.  All Pier eateries will be offering healthy food specials.  Face painting and juggling will round out the activities.

Plan to visit many local favorites:
Hand & Stone
Snap Fitness
Best Buy
WellCare
The Eye Institute Of West Florida
Rollin’ Oats
Back 2 Normal
Revolution Bicycles
Healthy Being
Barnes & Noble
Pilates Powerhouse
American Heart Association
Farkas Chiropractic Clinic

“We are happy to be offering this informative and fun event at the landmark St. Petersburg Pier.  Activities will appeal to all age groups.  We are promoting WELLNESS and living a healthy lifestyle.”  Anita Treiser, event coordinator for Farkas Chiropractic Clinic.

“At the Florida Institute we take an approach of balance, harmony and synergy. We treat the whole individual: body, mind and spirit. We help individuals feel and live healthier at any age, adding days to their life and life to their days.” added Andronico.

Andronico is recognized as a diplomat in anti-aging medicine by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine & Regenerative Medicine. He completed more than five years of specialized training through the Academy and is board certified in anti-aging, regenerative and functional medicine. Dr. Andronico transitioned into the field of anti-aging, functional and regenerative medicine in 2005 after practicing as an ophthalmologist for 25 years.

About the Florida Institute for Age Management & Wellness: Founded on providing the highest standards of medical care by highly qualified board certified physicians, The Florida Institute for Age Management & Wellness offers a comprehensive array of wellness services including: preventive medicine for aging with bio-identical hormonal treatment, nutritional/weight management, allergies and food sensitivity analysis, personalized fitness, surgical and aesthetic services to its local, national and international clientele.

Two years in development, Hyssop Health harnesses the purification properties of a wild, mountain-grown oregano (origanum vulgare) found exclusively in the Mediterranean. Biblically known as hyssop, an ancient remedy, many recent studies by leading institutions have shown origanum vulgare’s ability to eliminate bacteria and viruses that cause acne, strep, influenza, and many other illnesses. In some studies, origanum vulgare outperformed traditional antibiotics and prescription anti-fungal solutions with its capacity to destroy the bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Origanum vulgare’s effects can be attributed to 49 phytoelements affecting nine areas of the body. The phytoelements are antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory, with proven effectiveness against MRSA, pseudomonas, staphylococcus, colds, influenza, athlete’s foot, candida and internal parasites. Its antiseptic elements provide relief for bites, abrasions and sore throats. Its antioxidant and immunostimulant elements are important in helping the body prevent disease, and Cox-2 inhibitor elements have an anti-inflammatory effect for brain function.

The powerful phytoelements are encapsulated and enhanced by Dermazone’s patented Lyphazome® nanosphere technology to create an all-natural homeopathic solution for improved wellness, overall health and quality of life. Retailing at $40.00 for a 4-oz. bottle, Hyssop Health Therapy is available for purchase online at www.HyssopHealth.com.

For more information about the ingredients and benefits of Hyssop Health Therapy, please visit www.HyssopHealth.com.

About Dermazone Solutions
Dermazone Solutions, Inc. is a leader in the field of nanotechnology and holds patents on its proprietary nanosphere delivery systems, which are integral to its Celazome, Kara Vita and Hyssop Health product lines. The company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is FDA-registered and can offer a wide range of product services including formulating, private labeling, contract manufacturing, packaging and fulfillment for pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Dermazone is located in St. Petersburg, Florida. For more information, visit www.dermazone.com.

“I’m honored to take the helm of the thoracic program,” said Antonia, who is co-program leader of Immunology and medical director of the Cellular Therapies Core. “I look forward to taking it to the next level through the expertise of our growing clinical staff, as well as our groundbreaking research in personalized medicine.”

The Thoracic Oncology Program has recently added two surgeons. Eric M. Toloza, M.D., Ph.D., comes to Moffitt from Duke University Medical Center, where he was in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. Toloza performs minimally invasive surgery and open surgery for lung cancer; thoracic sarcomas; mesothelioma; and metastases to the lungs, pleural and pericardial effusions. His research focuses on using demographic, clinical and gene microarray data to determine clinical outcomes of lung cancers.

Thoracic cancer surgeon Jacque Fontaine, M.D., will join Moffitt in October. He was trained at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and comes to Moffitt from Brown University Medical School. He is highly experienced in the surgical treatment of thoracic cancers, with a particular interest and expertise in esophageal disease.

Under Antonia’s direction, Moffitt’s lung program is pursuing a number of initiatives:
The Specialized Program in Research Excellence (SPORE) in lung cancer grant, worth more than $10 million, is funding translational research projects by several lung investigators. Projects include E2Fs impact on therapeutic efficacy, the antitumor mechanism of src inhibitors and chemoprevention with enzasataurin.

A P53-based vaccine for small cell lung cancer is being developed. The tumor antigen P53 is expressed in 40 percent of cancers. This immunotherapy study is training the patient’s immune system to recognize P53 as a tumor and kill it.

Lung cancer researchers are striving for personalized medicine based on the Total Cancer Care protocol. This comprehensive approach to cancer care enables researchers and the treatment team to work to identify and meet all the needs of a patient and her or his family during the patient’s lifetime and for future generations. Researchers are specifically developing a molecular targeted therapy for metastatic lung cancer.

Moffitt offers the latest diagnostic techniques available, such as positron emission tomography, high resolution CT scanning, ultrasound and Endobronchial Ultrasound. Treatment includes advanced and minimally invasive surgery techniques, stereotactic radiotherapy, proton beam radiation therapy and access to the latest drugs targeting cancer cells. The integration of these therapies allows Moffitt to achieve the best possible outcome for patients with thoracic cancers.

Moffitt’s Lung And Thoracic Tumor Education Program provides support and encourages patients and family members to be involved in all decision-making processes. LATTE serves as the collective voice of advocates who share their personal and professional expertise to contribute to the prevention and cure of lung cancer. LATTE is also committed to serving the growing Hispanic population with Spanish newsletters and materials. The upcoming semiannual LATTE Forum on Nov. 9 at Moffitt will offer the addition of Spanish-only programming.

A number of lung clinical trials are available in the pursuit of new standard treatments.

About Moffitt Cancer Center
Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center  is an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center – a designation that recognizes Moffitt’s excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 14 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country’s leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer. Moffitt’s sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

Dr. Abskhroun’s practice is located at 4052 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, Florida 34606. He can be reached at 352-610-4408; fax 727-230-7524.

About Oak Hill Hospital:

Oak Hill Hospital has been serving the Nature Coast since 1984. It is the largest medical facility in Hernando and Citrus County (214 acute care beds), is the area’s second largest private employer, and offers Hernando County’s only comprehensive heart program including open heart surgery.

Approximately 300 physicians, 1,000 associates, and over 325 volunteers comprise Oak Hill Hospital’s healthcare delivery team.

Oak Hill has achieved distinction as the:

·         First Chest Pain Center with PCI (heart catheterization) in Hernando and Citrus County accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers.
·         First and Only advanced level primary stroke center to be fully accredited by the Joint Commission in Citrus and Hernando County.
·         First comprehensive Women’s Imaging Center in Hernando County and the first imaging center offering digital mammography with computer aided detection.
·         First hospital in the area to be recognized as an accredited cancer institute by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS).
·         First hospital in the region to achieve Heart Failure certification with the Society of Chest Pain Centers.

It is located at 11375 Cortez Boulevard, Spring Hill, 1.9 miles east of US 19 on State Road 50. For more information about this release, please contact Richard W. Linkul, Director of Marketing, at 352-597-6383 or Richard.Linkul@hcahealthcare.com. In Citrus call 352-628-6441.

For more information about Oak Hill Hospital, visit our website at www.OakHillHospital.com.

AirStrip OB allows docs to monitor fetal heart tracings via smart phone from anywhere

New Port Richey, Florida – (July 2010) Community Hospital, the future Medical Center of Trinity, is the first healthcare facility in Pasco/Hernando County to acquire and implement an innovative patient monitoring solution that allows obstetricians to keep a closer eye on their labor and delivery patients than ever before.

AirStrip OB™, a new technology offered in The Birthplace at Community Hospital, delivers vital patient waveform data to remotely access fetal heart rate including maternal contraction patterns – in virtual real-time directly from the hospital labor and delivery unit to a doctor’s smart phone from anywhere the doctor gets a cell-phone connection. Additional patient data is also accessible, including nursing notes, vital signs and order results.

AirStrip OB works with the iPhone™, BlackBerry® and a variety of Windows Mobile® devices. AirStrip OB is cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is compliant with federal patient privacy regulations. The technology provides authentication of the user by requiring a user ID and password to access patient data.

“It really eases your mind. The doctor was watching my baby’s progression on his phone. Airstrip OB gave me one less thing to worry about, it was very impressive” said Renee, a patient of The Birthplace at Community Hospital.

For more information about AirStrip OB, visit www.airstriptech.com.

[Photo caption (Renee)]: “It really eases your mind. The doctor was watching my baby’s progression on his phone. Airstrip OB gave me one less thing to worry about, it was very impressive” said Renee, patient of The Birthplace at Community Hospital.

# # #

About Community Hospital:
The Future Medical Center of Trinity

Community Hospital is located in New Port Richey, FL. It is a leading Joint Commission accredited acute care center. Over 400 physicians, 1000 employees and 200 volunteers comprise our healthcare delivery team.

Community Hospital has received distinction in the following areas:

·         Chest Pain Center accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers
·         Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center
·         Accredited Cancer Program by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons
·         State Approved Coronary Intervention Program
·         Dedicated Breast Care Center with Digital Mammography, 3D/4D Ultrasound, Breast MRI, and Patient Liaison to ensure the patient’s needs are met.
·         All private room Women’s Center for Gynecology and Urology Services
·         All private room Spine & Joint Care Center
·         The only da Vinci Robotic System in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties

Awarded the Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval™ for health care quality in 12 disease specific and chronic care programs:

·         Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
·         Heart Failure
·         AMI (Heart Attack)
·         Joint Replacement—Hip
·         Joint Replacement—Knee
·         Cervical Surgical Spine
·         Lumbar Surgical Spine
·         Pneumonia
·         Lung Cancer
·         Kidney Cancer
·         Colon‐Rectal Cancer
·         Advanced Certification
Primary Stroke Center

Construction is underway on the Medical Center of Trinity, a 236 bed, state-of-the-art, private room facility at the corner of SR 54 and Little Road in Trinity to replace Community Hospital in late 2011.For more information, visit our website at www.communityhospitalnpr.com.

Bradenton, FL (July 2010) –– In an effort to prepare their practice and patients for the changing healthcare landscape, Bradenton-Sarasota based Coastal Orthopedics has named renowned futurist David Houle to their Board of Directors.

Houle is nationally recognized for his acclaimed book, “The Shift Age”, his highly respected blog www.evolutionshift.com, and featured contributions to Oprah.com; www.oprah.com/davidhoule. He is well known for his forward thinking approach on growth strategies and predicting future trends.  As part of a revamped Board of Directors, Coastal welcomes Houle to the team and are enthusiastic that his insights will help guide them thorough the approaching healthcare reform.

“David’s pulse on the future allows us to look ahead as we are faced with the current transformation and modernization to America’s Health Care System,” said Coastal Orthopedics Chief Executive Officer, Paul M. Duck. “We look forward to his contributions as Coastal is focused on continually building on our accomplishments and preparing for the new future of healthcare.”

In addition to Houle’s appointment, Coastal also welcomes Jeffrey T. Jackson to the Board.  Jackson has over 18 years experience in executive management roles, including Division Chief Financial Officer, Vice President Corporate Controller, and is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of PGT Industries.

**Interview Opportunity**
David Houle will be available for telephone interviews on the evening of Thursday, July 15.  The following morning, July 16, he is available for in studio on camera interviews prior to 8am.

Houle and Jackson’s fellow Coastal Orthopedics Board of Directors includes:
·       Lora L. Brown, M.D.
·       Daniel S. Lamar, M.D.
·       Richard H. Bundschu, M.D.
·       Alan L. Valadie, M.D.
·       Gregory C. Farino, M.D.
·       Arthur L. Valadie, M.D.

About Coastal Orthopedics & Sports Medicine/Pain Management
Coastal Orthopedics & Sports Medicine/Pain Management has been serving the Sarasota-Bradenton area for over thirty years. Coastal Orthopedics is comprised of a group of over 15 specialty and sub-specialty trained orthopedic surgeons and pain management physicians focusing on the care and treatment of patients. Our pain management physicians work with patients to receive treatment focused on restoring activity through the reduction or elimination of pain associated with the musculoskeletal system through minimally invasive, interventional methods. For more information visit www.coastalorthopedics.com.

Moffitt has been chosen for the newsmagazine’s Best Hospitals rankings for the 12th consecutive year. The full list is available at www.usnews.com/besthospitals and will hit newsstands July 27.

“Moffitt’s consistently strong rankings from U.S. News & World Report underscore our world-renowned expertise, groundbreaking research and unparalleled multidisciplinary approach to cancer care,” said William S. Dalton, Ph.D., M.D., CEO and center director of Moffitt. “Our efforts are continually focused on achieving our mission to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.”

Moffitt is at the forefront of personalized medicine with its commitment to Total Cancer Care, a comprehensive approach to cancer care enabling researchers and the treatment team to identify and meet all the needs of a patient and her or his family during the patient’s lifetime and for future generations. Moffitt patients have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research to utilize emerging biomarker technology to enhance their care.

Moffitt has the largest Blood and Marrow Transplant Program in the Southeast. All breast and gynecologic cancers are treated under one roof at The Center For Women’s Oncology. Moffitt is committed to patient- and family-centered care through its Patient and Family Advisory Program. The cancer center has treated residents from every state in the United States, as well as worldwide.

Moffitt has been recognized as a top workplace by organizations such as Computerworld, The Scientist, Working Mother and Florida Trend. Moffitt is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida.

The rankings were driven by hard data such as death rates, procedure volume, and balance of nurses and patients. To be considered, a hospital first had to meet at least one of four criteria: It had to be a teaching hospital, or be affiliated with a medical school, or have at least 200 beds, or have 100 or more beds and the availability of four or more types of medical technology considered important in a high-quality medical facility, such as a PET/CT scanner and certain precision radiation therapies.

Next, the hospitals had to meet a volume requirement, individually calculated for each specialty. The required volume was the number of Medicare inpatients from 2006 to 2008 who had various specified procedures and conditions in the specialty. A hospital that fell short could still qualify if it had been nominated by at least one physician in any of the U.S. News Best Hospitals reputational surveys conducted in 2008, 2009, and 2010.

About Moffitt Cancer Center
Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center  is an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center – a designation that recognizes Moffitt’s excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 14 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country’s leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer. Moffitt’s sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

JULY 2010 – LUTZ, FL –The average soldier has about 50 pounds of gear he or she carries around each day, which can lead to painful strains, misaligned vertebrate and long-term musculoskeletal damage. Back In Health Wellness Center specializes in diagnosing and treating these same ailments utilizing therapeutic massage, acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments.

Drs. Carrie Oleston and Cindy Perkins are the founders of Back In Health Wellness Center and because they couldn’t ship their therapeutic services to servicemen and women, they came up with the idea of sending a bit of ‘portable’ relief: Biofreeze.

Biofreeze is a topical pain relieving gel, with a loyal following, that relieves back or neck pain, muscle pains, over-use and strains.

“We made a call to one of our suppliers and after explaining what we wanted to do, they agreed to honor a discounted price on top of their wholesale rate for cases of Biofreeze,” explains Dr. Perkins.  “We’re asking everyone who comes in for an appointment or who stops by, to donate any amount of pocket change through the end of July.”

Donations are being collected at Back In Health Wellness Center offices located in the Sunlake Professional Center near the intersection of North Dale Mabry and Sunlake Boulevard. (18942 Dale Mabry Highway North, Suite 102, Lutz, FL 33548)

Once the change has been sorted, Back In Health Wellness Center will match whatever has been donated to purchase as much Biofreeze as possible.   Their starting goal is $500.

Back In Health Wellness Center is working with Wesley Chapel’s Treats For Troops, a local organization that regularly sends care packages overseas to the brave men and women serving our country and protecting our freedom.

About Back In Health Wellness Center

Back In Health Wellness Center strongly believes the key to health and wellness is prevention.  Our team of doctors and therapists works closely with each patient to ensure proper treatment of existing conditions, as well as observe repetitive activities to prevent potential injuries.  Our doctors also have extensive training in treating neck and back injuries and discomforts, headaches and migraines, sports-related injuries, whiplash injuries and infertility concerns.

Each patient receives specific recommendations in the areas of exercise, nutrition and postural changes to aid in maintaining good health.  We specialize in chiropractic and acupuncture, as well as utilize an array of treatment options including massage therapy, physiotherapy, exercise rehabilitation and nutrition.

Dr. Carrie Oleston, DC and Dr. Cindy Perkins, DC, MBA, founded Back In Health Wellness Center in 2007, however both discovered, at a young age, the benefits individualized chiropractic care can offer.

A painful track injury in high school left Dr. Perkins sidelined and unable to perform, and while Dr. Oleston initially sought a career in traditional medicine, she altered her focus after receiving chiropractic care for shin splints and runner’s knee during college.

Back In Health Wellness Center is located in the Sunlake Professional Center at 18942 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz.  To make an appointment, or for more information on their range of services, call 813-909-0961, or visit their website at backinhealthwellness.com.

Individuals can donate blood at the Florida Blood Services Office, 7214 State Road 52, in Bayonet Point the following hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Mondays; 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays and from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Individuals who choose to donate and participate in the hospital’s drive may do so at the hospital or at the FBS office, on days/times specified. Individuals screened should let FBS staff know that they are donating blood as part of the RMCBP Blood Drive, to be eligible for a variety of prize drawings. Family, friends and guests are all eligible to participate.

Everyone who donates blood will receive a pair of flip flops, a wellness checkup, including a cholesterol screening and a chance to save 3 lives! In addition, all donors will receive a entry for a $50.00 restaurant gift card and all donors will receive a coupon for a complimentary meal at the Shoreline Cafeteria. Interested individuals who need more information are encouraged to call Florida Blood Services at (727) 819-3100.

About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved distinction in the following areas:

• Certified Advanced Heart Failure – Joint Commission (1st in the State of Florida  – 1/2010)
• Certified Advance Primary Stroke Center – Joint Commission
• American Heart Association 2009 Get With the Guidelines Triple Performance Award Winner
  • Gold Award in Coronary Artery Disease
  • Gold Award in Heart Failure
  • Silver Award in Stroke
• American Heart Association’s 2009 Stroke Silver Plus Performance Award Winner (1st in State of Florida)
• Heart & Stroke Champions Award Winner 1998 – 2010
• Wound Care and Accredited Hyperbaric Medicine
• MRI Accredited – American College of Radiology
• Approved, with Commendation, Community Cancer Program – American College of Surgeons.
• Accredited Chest Pain Center, with PCI – Society of Chest Pain Centers.
• Designated a 100 Top Hospital seven years by Thomson Reuters
• Named twice (1999 & 2002) by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery.

For additional information on Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com.

Ewing comes to All Children’s after more than a decade at Sacred Heart Health System in Pensacola, FL. As Executive Director of the Women and Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, she was responsible for a 55-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Antepartum and Labor and Delivery Units, and the only neonatal/pediatric transport team in Northwest Florida. In addition, Ewing was responsible for adult and pediatric respiratory services and dialysis services.

As the Alpha Projects Director for Sacred Heart Hospital, Ewing implemented a number of key quality initiatives, including Rapid Response Team, Perinatal Safety, ICU Safety and Prevention of Nosocomial Infections programs. As a result of this work, she has been a national speaker on the prevention of nosocomial infections related to multi-drug resistant organisms.  Previously, Ewing managed adult critical care units and cardiac/pulmonary units at Sacred Heart.

Ewing began her professional career in the United States Air Force as an avionics technician for F-15 fighter aircraft and subsequently chose to pursue a career in nursing. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida State University and a Master of Science in Management, Health Care Concentration, from Troy State University, Troy, AL. She has served on the Board of Healthy Start of Escambia County and as an Executive Board Member of Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities of Northwest Florida.

#  #  #  #

About All Children’s Hospital

Children are the sole focus of All Children’s Hospital and its new, million-square-foot St. Petersburg FL campus devoted to pediatric specialty care.  The ten-story All Children’s Hospital and its adjacent Outpatient Care Center (dedicated in January 2010) replace an existing 42-year old facility just two blocks away.

All Children’s Hospital is the only hospital on Florida’s West Coast totally devoted to children’s care – a leader in pediatric treatment, education, research and advocacy. As a regional referral center for children with some of the most challenging medical problems, All Children’s draws patients from throughout Florida, all 50 states and 36 foreign countries.  The mission of this private, not-for-profit hospital is rooted in its beginnings in 1926 as Florida’s first Crippled Children’s Hospital for polio victims. All Children’s understands that it’s not enough to treat disease — that true progress comes from teaching and research to cure disease. All Children’s shares its pediatric expertise through research & education affiliations with the University of South Florida (USF Health) as well as Moffitt Cancer Center, an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

In 2009, Martinis for Moffitt raised approximately $70,000.  Over the past four years, Bay Area Advisors has raised over $157,000 through its annual Martinis for Moffitt events.  Over 600 people attended Martinis for Moffitt last year and even more are expected to attend this year.

Bay Area Advisors has made Martinis for Moffitt its flagship event because, like most people, nearly all of its members have witnessed family members and friends battle cancer and want to do more to stop this deadly disease. Moffitt is on the cutting edge for researching the cure and prevention of cancer. Raising money for the Advanced Prostate Cancer Collaboration is critical because currently about 1 man in 6 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.  Also, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men, behind only lung cancer. There are 193,000 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed every year in the United States.  By attending Martinis for Moffitt, you can enjoy an elegant martini experience and help Moffitt lead the fight against this devastating disease.

For more information and to purchase tickets or make donations, please visit www.martinisformoffit.com.  You may also contact Mike DiBlasi, the 2010 Event Chair at 813.495.4696 .

Under this Agreement, Innovaro will provide technology search and evaluation services for Core Oncology, identifying new and complementary technologies to strengthen their portfolio of cancer treatment therapies. Working closely with Core Oncology’s leadership, Innovaro will identify new and complementary technologies for potential acquisition, conduct landscape and competitive analysis on a range of technology areas, and provide strategic recommendations related to their IP portfolio.

“The technology and research landscape in cancer therapies is vast and having an expert who can help us understand and navigate the possibilities is crucial to our business.” Travis Gay, CEO and President of Core Oncology continues, “With Innovaro as our partner, we will be able to accelerate our development and delivery of cancer therapies, while remaining focused on our core products and customers.”

“We’re excited about this opportunity to work with Core Oncology in the advancement of cancer therapies. Their early market success with prostate brachytherapy and their focus on the localization of cancer treatments provides challenging and meaningful work for us,” states Bill Cawley, Senior Vice President of Innovaro. “The cancer therapeutics market is growing rapidly, which means this will be both interesting and potentially very rewarding work for Innovaro and our client Core Oncology.”

“Verdant Ventures is excited about the opportunities presented by Core Oncology. We believe that combining the resources of Verdant Ventures and Innovaro will provide Core Oncology with the expertise to enable continued and expanded success moving forward,” states John Micek, Manager of Verdant Ventures. “We’re finding that the Innovaro and Verdant Venture team is resonating in the market and this deal demonstrates it.”

www.innovaro.com – www.coreoncology.com

About Innovaro

UTEK Corporation, doing business as Innovaro, is a comprehensive end-to-end innovation solution provider. With fully scalable solutions, whether for a global 1000 company or small R&D lab or university scientist, we help our clients create breakthrough innovation, realize latent value in their IP and accelerate their innovations to market. Leading companies trust us to create profitable growth, new revenue streams, enduring capabilities and lasting value through innovation. For more information about us, please visit our website at www.innovaro.com.

About Core Oncology

Core Oncology was founded on September 15, 2006 by Compass Capital and the existing management of the brachytherapy business owned by Coloplast, formerly Mentor, for the sole purpose of enhancing the levels of service and continuing our pursuit of innovation within the field of radiation oncology. Our philosophy is to make our customers and their trusted patients the focus of our business. Initially formed in 1997, Mentor’s brachytherapy division entered the radiation oncology market as the first company to offer both iodine and palladium brachytherapy sources. Since then the division has developed and successfully launched numerous innovative delivery technologies and services, including the Isoloader® workstation, prescription loaded needle services and the C20™proprietary cartridge systems for the Mick® applicator. The management team that has facilitated the growth and development of the brachytherapy division is the same team that now manages Core Oncology. For more information about us, please visit our website at www.coreoncology.com.

About Verdant Ventures

Verdant Ventures Advisors LLC strives to create investor value based on its unique global access to breakthrough technologies through its relationships with universities, national labs, and companies. It adds value by continuing the development of the acquired science, while formulating and implementing market strategies, which may include out-licensing, selling or incorporating a new dedicated company. Verdant Ventures seeks to reduce the risk of investing in early stage opportunities by utilizing its relationships with companies which specialize in technology-transfers and a cadre of science advisors with industry specific knowledge.  Innovaro owns a minority equity stake in Verdant Ventures.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this press release are “forward-looking statements.” These forward looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement will include words such as “expects,” “should,” “believes,” “anticipates” or words of similar import. Certain factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward looking statements and some of these factors are identified in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

HFG is pleased to announce that Rossi Felix has joined the firm as a Senior Vice President and Business Development Officer, located in Dallas, TX. Mr. Felix’s efforts will be part of HFG’s expanding sales and marketing initiatives as it grows to meet the increasing financial demands of the healthcare industry. Mr. Felix will be responsible for managing the business development effort in the Southwest and enhancing the efforts in the Southeast.

Mr. Felix was previously the Managing Director for GMAC Health Capital’s Dallas office where he was responsible for all facets of the financing efforts to the healthcare industry. His responsibilities included sales, marketing, audit, underwriting, and portfolio management and, under his leadership, the new business and portfolio size grew by several multiples. Before joining GMAC, Mr. Felix was Sr. Vice President and Team Leader for GE Healthcare Financial Services in Dallas where he originated sales and managed the sales activities of other business development officers. Previously, Mr. Felix had business development roles in Dallas for Finova Capital Corporation and Heller Financial, Inc.

Commenting on Mr. Felix’s decision to join Healthcare Finance Group, Dan Chapa, President of HFG, said “We are very pleased to have Rossi join our team. Rossi has an extensive background in the healthcare finance industry and is a respected business development executive with significant management experience. We are confident that he will have an immediate positive impact on our presence and client service in the Southwest and Southeast regions.”

About Healthcare Finance Group

HFG is a specialty lender dedicated exclusively to providing secured debt financing to healthcare companies. HFG strives to custom-tailor its products to meet the specific needs of its clients. HFG is headquartered in New York City and has offices in California, Texas, North Carolina, Florida, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Website: http://www.hfgusa.com

Baby Boot Camp®, the nation’s premier stroller-fitness program, has acquired the franchise assets of StrollerFit, Inc., the longest running stroller fitness franchise in the country, for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition will increase the Baby Boot Camp franchise system by over 40 percent, and marks it as one of the fastest growing fitness franchises in the country, as previously confirmed by Entrepreneur Magazine (Fastest Growing Franchises 2009 and The Hot List 2010).

By uniting two of the nation’s top stroller-fitness programs, Baby Boot Camp is well positioned in the increasingly competitive fitness industry. Baby Boot Camp will support the combined base of franchisees under the Baby Boot Camp brand and systems. “We will focus on support and recruitment, providing an ultra-low cost franchise for moms”, said Baby Boot Camp CEO and founder Kristen Horler. “We look forward to providing an opportunity for more moms to own their own business and set a positive example for their children,” Horler said.

ABOUT BABY BOOT CAMP®
Available across the United States, Baby Boot Camp offers fitness and nutrition programs specifically designed to help moms get fit after childbirth and beyond. Parents bring their children in strollers as an integral part of the workout. Weekly play dates and monthly mom’s night out events provide valuable social interaction.
Baby Boot Camp was created in San Francisco, California in 2001 by ACE-certified personal trainer Kristen Horler, to balance the fitness needs of new moms with their desire to spend time with their children. All Baby Boot Camp classes follow the guidelines set by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Council on Exercise. Horler’s book, Baby Boot Camp: The New Mom’s 9-Minute Fitness Solution (Sterling 2010) is now available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Horler was recently names one of Sarasota County’s 25 People to Watch. For more information or to find the nearest location, visit www.babybootcamp.com.

Why seek accreditation?
As the only comprehensive heart program in Hernando County, Oak Hill is committed to achieving the highest standard of excellence in healthcare and patient service. The Society of Chest Pain Centers is the acknowledged international expert in assessing and improving acute coronary care.

What is the significance of Chest Pain Center Accreditation with an additional accreditation in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention?
The Society of Chest pain Centers began an accreditation process to ensure that Chest Pain Centers meet or exceed quality-of-care measures in acute cardiac medicine. To earn accreditation status facilities must meet or exceed a wide set of stringent criteria. Choosing an accredited Chest Pain Center for your care assures you that the facility has shown that it is committed to evidence based care with an ability to integrate with EMS to assess, diagnose and treat patients quickly.

Addressing the leading cause of death in the United States:

Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in the United States, with 600,000 dying annually of heart disease. More than 5 million Americans visit hospitals each year with chest pain. The goal of the Society of Chest Pain Centers is to significantly reduce the mortality rate of these patients by teaching the public to recognize and react to the early symptoms of a possible heart attack, reduce the time that it takes to receive treatment, and increase the accuracy and effectiveness of treatment. A Chest Pain Center’s protocol-driven and systematic approach to patient management allows physicians to reduce time to treatment during the critically early stages of heart attack, when treatments are most effective, and to better monitor patients when it is not clear whether they are having a coronary event. Such observation helps ensure that a patient is neither sent home too early nor needlessly admitted.

With the rise of Chest Pain Centers came the need to establish standards designed to improve the consistency and quality of care provided to patients. The Society’s accreditation process ensures Centers meet or exceed quality-of-care measures in acute cardiac medicine. The Chest Pain Center at Oak Hill Hospital has demonstrated its expertise and commitment to quality patient care by meeting or exceeding a wide set of stringent criteria and completing on-site evaluations by a review team from the Society of Chest Pain Centers. Key areas in which a Chest Pain Center must demonstrate expertise include:

Integrating the emergency department with the local Emergency Medical System
Assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients quickly
Effectively treating patients with low risk for acute coronary syndrome and no assignable cause for their symptoms
Having a functional design that promotes optimal patient care
Ensuring Chest Pain Center personnel competency and training
Maintaining organizational structure and commitment
Continually seeking to improve processes and procedures
Supporting community outreach programs that educate the public to promptly seek medical care if they display symptoms of possible heart attack

About Oak Hill Hospital:

Oak Hill Hospital has been serving the Nature Coast since 1984. It is the largest medical facility in Hernando and Citrus County (214 acute care beds), is the area’s second largest private employer, and offers Hernando County’s only comprehensive heart program including open heart surgery.

Approximately 300 physicians, 1,000 associates, and over 325 volunteers comprise Oak Hill Hospital’s healthcare delivery team.

Oak Hill has achieved distinction as the:

·         First Chest Pain Center with PCI (heart catheterization) in Hernando and Citrus County accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers.
·         First and Only advanced level primary stroke center to be fully accredited by the Joint Commission in Citrus and Hernando County.
·         First comprehensive Women’s Imaging Center in Hernando County and the first imaging center offering digital mammography with computer aided detection.
·         First hospital in the area to be recognized as an accredited cancer institute by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS).
·         First hospital in the region to achieve Heart Failure certification with the Society of Chest Pain Centers.

It is located at 11375 Cortez Boulevard, Spring Hill, 1.9 miles east of US 19 on State Road 50. For more information about this release, please contact Richard W. Linkul, Director of Marketing, at 352-597-6383 or Richard.Linkul@hcahealthcare.com. In Citrus call 352-628-6441.

For more information about Oak Hill Hospital, visit our website at www.OakHillHospital.com.

“Publix has the chefs who know how to make food flavorful and attractive,” said Kathy Allen, Moffitt’s director of Nutrition Therapy. “They take food that’s nutrient-dense and prepare it in a way people want to eat it.”

And who says you can’t have the best of both worlds – food that tastes good and is also good for you?  Allen and Publix Apron’s Cooking School resident chef Rich Norris are partnering to help you lead a simpler, healthier life.  You’ll learn fun facts about nutrition and get to try tasty new recipes.  At the Aug. 4 class, you’ll whip up the following meal:

Watermelon salad with yogurt and balsamic drizzle
Gazpacho
Pan-seared, Dijon-herbed salmon
Blackberry parfait with angel food cake and shaved bittersweet chocolate

“I think people believe cooking has to be difficult and complicated, when it can be simple,” said Allen.  “It’s never been easier to cook at home.”

Participants are required to register for each $35 class.

WHAT:  Moffitt – Publix Apron’s Cooking for Your Health Classes
WHEN: Aug. 4, 6-8 p.m.
WHERE: Publix at Shoppes of Citrus Park, 7835 Gunn Highway, Tampa, FL 33626
COST: $35 per class
REGISTRATION: Visit http://www.insidemoffitt.com/Aprons-Cooking-Class.htm or http://www.publix.com/aprons/
CONTACT: (813) 926-4465 or Terri Hewitt at terri.hewitt@moffitt.org

About Moffitt Cancer Center
Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center  is an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center – a designation that recognizes Moffitt’s excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 14 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country’s leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer. Moffitt’s sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

St. Petersburg, FL (July 2010) Community Health Centers of Pinellas announces that it will host Back to School Health Fairs August 7th and 14th at four of the centers around the county. Physicians and nurses will offer free school physicals and students will be given backpacks, while supplies last. For more information, contact Community Health Centers of Pinellas at 727-824-8100.

The schedule is as follows:

BACK TO SCHOOL HEALTH FAIRS

Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center
1344 22nd Street South, St. Petersburg
August 7, 2010 from 8 a.m. – 12 noon

Community Health Center at Tarpon Springs
247 S. Huey Ave, Tarpon Springs
August 7, 2010 8 a.m. – 12 noon

Community Health Center at Pinellas Park
6237 66th Street, Pinellas Park
August 14, 2010 from 8 a.m. – 12 noon

Community Health Center at Clearwater
1020 Lakeview Road, Clearwater
August 14, 2010 from 8 a.m. – 12 noon

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED, NO APPOINTMENTS NEEDED

Studies show that immediately placing a baby on the mother’s bare chest after delivery promotes breast feeding, stabilizes the baby’s blood sugar and stabilizes the baby’s blood temperature (the mother’s chest actually rises right after delivery providing the baby with added warmth!).

The skin-to-skin program has been underway at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center for more than a year for vaginal deliveries. For the past six months, our nurses have been offering the program to cesarean section mothers too. However, if a mother is unable to hold the baby following a cesarean section delivery, the father may step in and have the newborn baby placed on his chest.

This practice is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

LWRMC Perinatal Education/Lactation Services Coordinator, Leslie Theiler said, “Many have lost sight of just how important touch is for a newborn baby. While it’s no doubt thrilling for a mom to hold her baby for the first time, it’s just amazing to know how much of an affect the mother is having on her baby the moment the little one is placed in her arms.”

Interested media outlets are encouraged to contact Jennifer Bryan in Marketing at the information listed below for interview scheduling. For information on the Women’s Center at Lakewood Ranch, please call 941-782-2222.

Tampa, FL (July 2010) – The University of South Florida’s Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair has been granted a patent for a cell transplantation procedure combining human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) cells and a sugar-alcohol compound called “mannitol” that may make a big difference in treating life-threatening neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke, among others.

The technology administers the neuroprotective effect of umbilical cord blood cells along with mannitol to permeabilize the blood-brain barrier, allowing for the increased entry of therapeutic growth factors. Saneron CCEL Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology R&D USF spin-out company located at the Tampa Bay Technology Incubator, has licensed the technology.

“Approximately 750,000 strokes occur every year in the United States, and nearly one third of them are fatal,” said Saneron’s President and COO, Nicole Kuzmin-Nichols, MBA. “Given the devastating effects of stroke, it is imperative that we develop new therapies to minimize damage to the brain as well as repair the damage. We are excited about this new technology and its potential to help us develop a variety of new products and therapies to do just that.”

While transplanted HUCB cells may benefit several neurological diseases, getting them past the blood-brain-barrier has presented a problem. The blood-brain barrier separates circulating blood and cerebral spinal fluid in the central nervous system. The newly patented technology is based on mannitol acting as a blood-brain barrier permeabilizer to help get the therapeutic substances secreted by HUCB cells past the blood-brain barrier and into the central nervous system. Mannitol, which temporarily shrinks the tight cells that make up the barrier, allows HUCB cells, via their secreted factors, to reach the site of injury or disease.

“Human umbilical cord blood contains a high percentage of stem cells that when intravenously administered can survive and differentiate into neurons in the damaged brain. Equally appealing is their ability to secrete beneficial molecules that potentially promote behavioral recovery,” said Dr. Cesar Borlongan, co-inventor and a USF neuroscientist and professor and consultant for Saneron. “Because the blood-brain barrier regulates the entry of many blood-borne substances into the brain, it may exclude potentially therapeutic substances.”

“The use of stem cell therapy as a treatment for neurodegenerative disorders shows exciting promise, though several hurdles must be overcome and getting the cells correctly positioned is one of those,” said Nicole Kuzmin-Nichols. “This technology provides the means to deliver the HUCB cells directly to the damaged brain to maximize their effect.”

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The mission of the University of South Florida Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair is to develop new therapeutic strategies to promote repair and regeneration of aging and diseased brain. Building on a foundation of excellence in basic and clinical research, the Center focuses on translating innovative ideas into industrial partnerships, educational and clinical services to address key needs of the community and those suffering from brain injury and disease.

About Saneron CCEL Therapeutics, Inc.

Saneron is a biotechnology R&D company, focused on neurological and cardiac cell therapy for the early intervention and treatment of several devastating or deadly diseases, which lack adequate treatment options. Saneron, a University of South Florida spin-out company is located at the Tampa Bay Technology Incubator. An affiliate of Cryo-Cell International, Inc., Saneron is committed to providing readily available, non-controversial stem cells for cellular therapies and has patented and patent-pending technology relating to our platform technology of umbilical cord blood and Sertoli cells.

For further information please contact:

Saneron CCEL Therapeutics Inc.,
Nicole Kuzmin-Nichols, MBA
3802 Spectrum Blvd., Suite 147
Tampa, FL 33612
Phone: 813-977-7664 x2
nkn@saneron-ccel.com

Forward-Looking Statement

Statements wherein the terms “believes”, “intends”, “projects” or “expects” as used are intended to reflect “forward-looking statements” of the Company. The information contained herein is subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated in such forward-looking statements or paragraphs, many of which are outside the control of the Company. These uncertainties and other factors include any adverse effect or limitations caused by any governmental regulations, proceedings or actions, foreign and domestic; any continued or increased losses, or any inability to obtain acceptable financing, where desirable in the future, in connection with our operating or growth plans; any increased competition in our business; any decrease or slowdown in the number of people seeking to store umbilical cord blood stem cells or decrease in the number of people paying annual storage fees; the effect of any future reduced cash position and future inability to access borrowings; any adverse impacts on our revenue or operating margins due to the costs associated with increased growth in our business, including the possibility of unanticipated costs relating to the move into our new facility or the operation of the facility; any adverse developments impacting our continued relationship with and success of our licensees, foreign affiliates or investments in, or relationships with, foreign companies; any inability to achieve increases in revenue or earnings from umbilical cord blood stem cell storage; any future inability to substantially achieve the objectives expected from the successful implementation of our strategy; any decline in public market interest in the Company’s business sector; any added requirements imposed on us by new laws or SEC regulations and costs thereof; any technological breakthrough or medical breakthrough that would render the Company’s business of stem cell preservation obsolete; any material failure or malfunction in our storage facilities; any natural disaster such as a tornado, other disaster (fire) or act of terrorism that adversely affects stored specimens; the potential impact of negative market influences on the Company’s portfolio of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities; the costs associated with defending or prosecuting litigation matters and any material adverse result from such matters; decreases in asset valuations; any continued negative effect from adverse publicity in the past year regarding the Company’s business operations; any new technology rendering the Company’s patented equipment or business obsolete; any performance failures related to the Company’s equipment or operations; any negative consequences resulting from deriving, shipping and storing specimens at a second location; any negative effect from the filed class action shareholder lawsuits; and other risks and uncertainties. The foregoing list is not exhaustive, and the Company disclaims any obligations to subsequently revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements. Readers should carefully review the risk factors described in other documents the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-QSB and any Current Reports on Form 8-K filed by the Company.

-END-

Sarasota, FL. July 2010 – Completing the corporate succession plan that was announced in February, 2010, METI, the Sarasota-based manufacturer of medical simulation products and educational software, today announced that Michael Bernstein has been promoted to President and CEO, and will take over management of the company. Bernstein originally joined METI in 2009 as Chairman of the Board before being promoted to President. Bernstein was appointed into the position by Lou Oberndorf, who founded METI in 1996 and who will continue to serve the company as Chairman of the Board.

Bernstein brings over 20 years of successful leadership experience in the healthcare and technology industries. Before joining METI, Bernstein was President and Chief Executive Officer of Innovative Health Strategies, a privately held healthcare IT company that was sold to IMS Health in 2007. Prior to that, Bernstein was President and Chief Operating Officer of Cobalt Corporation (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Wisconsin), a publicly traded health insurance holding company, which was sold to industry giant, Wellpoint, in 2003. He also served as Executive Vice President of the University of Wisconsin Medical Foundation, an 850 physician academic group practice, the largest Group Practice in Wisconsin and one of the ten largest in the country.

“I am very excited and very honored,” Bernstein said. “METI is one of the most exciting companies in healthcare today and our technology and educational content leads the industry. We are well positioned for success in the years ahead.”

Bernstein has a J.D. from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and a B.A. from University of California, Davis.

About METI
Based in Sarasota, Florida, METI has been a leader in interactive human patient simulation since 1996. The entire family of METI simulators, including baby, adolescent and adults, are designed to mimic human medical scenarios including trauma, heart attack, drug overdose and bioterrorism. Today, more than 6,000 METI simulators are in use by defense organizations, medical schools, nursing schools and other entities involved in health care education. METI is privately owned by Lou Oberndorf and Baird Capital Partners (BCP) of Chicago.

“Coastal prides itself on having physicians who are nationally recognized for being leaders in new procedures and technology in pain management and musculoskeletal care. Dr. Rivera’s reputation and advanced work in interventional pain medicine, will make him a tremendous asset to the Coastal team,” said Coastal Orthopedics Chief Executive Officer, Paul M. Duck.

In addition to spinal cord stimulation and intraspinal infusion pumps, Dr. Rivera’s specialties include: radio-frequency ablation and vertebral fracture cement repair. “I’m excited to join a group of physicians who have a long-standing reputation for offering preeminent care using sophisticated medical therapies, and share the common goal of giving patients back their life,” said Dr. Rivera.

Prior to joining Coastal, Dr. Rivera was a faculty member at Albany Medical Center in the Department of Anesthesiology in charge of training Anesthesiology residents in the field of pain management. He later moved to Florida to become Chief Medical Director for a multimillion-dollar surgery center and pain management practice in Tampa.

Dr. Rivera completed his residency in Anesthesiology and Pain Management at Albany Medical Center in Albany, NY and completed his Doctorate in the country where he grew up, at the University of Puerto Rico.

Dr. Rivera, who is Spanish/English bilingual, will work out of the Coastal Orthopedics center located at 1219 East Ave. S, Suite 103, Sarasota, FL.

About Coastal Orthopedics & Sports Medicine½Pain Management
Coastal Orthopedics & Sports Medicine½Pain Management has been serving the Sarasota-Bradenton area for over thirty years. Coastal Orthopedics is comprised of a group of over 15 specialty and sub-specialty trained orthopedic surgeons and pain management physicians focusing on the care and treatment of patients. Our pain management physicians work with patients to receive treatment focused on restoring activity through the reduction or elimination of pain associated with the musculoskeletal system through minimally invasive, interventional methods. For more information visit www.coastalorthopedics.com.

Ms. Karran holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and is currently attending St. Petersburg College to complete her Associate of Science degree in health information management. Upon completion of her health information management degree she will apply for credentials for her certification as an RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Ann lives in Spring Hill with her husband, Suresh (her junior-high school childhood sweetheart). They have three children: 5-1/2 year old twins Cassandra and Ricky, and a 10 year old daughter, Cayla.

About Oak Hill Hospital:

Oak Hill Hospital has been serving the Nature Coast since 1984. It is the largest medical facility in Hernando and Citrus County (214 acute care beds), is the area’s second largest private employer, and offers Hernando County’s only comprehensive heart program including open heart surgery.

Approximately 300 physicians, 1,000 associates, and over 325 volunteers comprise Oak Hill Hospital’s healthcare delivery team.

Oak Hill has achieved distinction as the:

· First Chest Pain Center with PCI (heart catheterization) in Hernando and Citrus County accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers.
· First and Only advanced level primary stroke center to be fully accredited by the Joint Commission in Citrus and Hernando County.
· First comprehensive Women’s Imaging Center in Hernando County and the first imaging center offering digital mammography with computer aided detection.
· First hospital in the area to be recognized as an accredited cancer institute by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS).
· First hospital in the region to achieve Congestive Heart Failure certification with the Society of Chest Pain Centers.

It is located at 11375 Cortez Boulevard, Spring Hill, 1.9 miles east of US 19 on State Road 50. For more information about this release, please contact Richard W. Linkul, Director of Marketing, at 352-597-6383 or Richard.Linkul@hcahealthcare.com. In Citrus call 352-628-6441.

For more information about Oak Hill Hospital, visit our website at www.OakHillHospital.com.

SARASOTA, Fla., July 6, 2010 – Veterinary neurologist Dr. Anne Chauvet of Veterinary Neuro Services has released a new how-to video on canine rehabilitation and the benefits of pet exercise.
The DVD, “Canine Rehabilitation for Spinal Injury or Back Surgery—Including Exercises for Your Pet’s Health and Long-Term Fitness,” includes easy-to-follow, step-by-step demonstrations for 30 exercises and therapies pet owners can use to help their pets improve core and muscle strength and increase flexibility and coordination, said Chauvet, founder of Veterinary Neuro Services.
Chauvet developed the DVD from exercises she routinely teaches her clients to help them correctly perform physical rehabilitation on their dogs or cats following back surgery or injury. The DVD exercises work equally well for pet owners who want canine rehabilitation and for those who want exercises for dogs and cats to improve overall fitness or assist with weight loss for an overweight dog or cat, she said.
Benefits of physical rehabilitation following back surgery or injury include speedier recovery to, or near, pre-injury condition, reduced lameness and pain, and improved use of the affected limbs. For overall fitness, benefits include improved muscle strength and joint function, an active range of motion (flexibility), weight reduction and maintenance of a healthy weight, increased stamina and aerobic capacity, improved mental function and reduced chance of injury, she said.
“This DVD is a guide to show pet owners the correct method for performing these exercises, which can be life-changing for a pet recovering from a back injury or surgery,” Chauvet said. “However, they must only perform these exercises under the continual care of a veterinarian or pet rehabilitation specialist.”
The video, which is an hour and a half in length, retails for $99.99. More information is available online at www.HealthyPetRehab.com or by calling 941-929-1818.
Known internationally for her specialized work in the relatively rare field of veterinary neurology, Chauvet routinely performs complex back and brain surgeries on dogs and cats. She also speaks and consults with veterinary practices and organizations globally.

She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, completed a small animal medicine/surgery internship at the University of Illinois in Urbana and finished her residency in neurology/neurosurgery at the University of California, Davis. Chauvet obtained her training as a rehabilitation therapist at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute of Wellington, Fla.
About Veterinary Neuro Services:
Dr. Anne Chauvet, one of fewer than 200 veterinary neurologists and neurosurgeons in North America, is the founder of Veterinary Neuro Services in Sarasota, Fla. Veterinary Neuro Services treats brain, spinal cord and neuromuscular conditions in animals and is the only strictly neurology and neurosurgery practice on the Gulf Coast. It is located at 4937 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Fla. More information is available by calling 941-929-1818 or online at www.PetNeuro.com.
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The open house will feature demonstrations of its Nintendo Wii stations, and Skype programs to teleconference with loved ones. In the center‚s fitness area there will be a demonstration of automated equipment that measures vital statistics and tracks participants‚ progress over time. In addition, the open house will include a presentation on hurricane preparedness for mature adults, and refreshments will be served.

The public is also encouraged to sign up for the center‚s wealth of extraordinary, enjoyable classes and programs. They include: Papermaking And Bookbinding Journals; Memoir Writing; Silk Fabric Dyeing; Digital Photography; Painting; and Wood Carving/Burning. Computer and genealogy classes are offered as well as overall health and wellness programs including dance, stretching, Zumba Gold and Golden Yoga, and slow-movement Tai Chi. A class schedule and further information can be obtained by calling (727) 724-3070 or visiting www.myclearwater.com/agingwell .
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City of Clearwater Web site – http://www.myclearwater.com

In addition to free amputee advocacy services, A Step Ahead brings in home health services to assist the patient and their family in preparing for the amputation and adjusting to life afterward. A Step Ahead will also assist those undergoing emergency amputations.

A primary objective of the program is to facilitate a seamless transition from inpatient to outpatient care. Medicare and most private insurers cover the services provided by A Step Ahead.

“There is no other program like this here in the Bay area,” said Jamie Kay Weil, MBA, director of strategic development for St. Petersburg Limb & Brace and founder of A Step Ahead. “Losing a limb can be a very traumatic experience. Until now, many patients and families have had to go it largely alone.”

The psychological adjustment to an artificial limb can often be just as challenging, if not more so, than the physical ones. A Step Ahead will work with the Boston Bill Foundation, founded by well-known St. Petersburg amputee cyclist/runner Bill Hansbury, to provide prosthetics and other equipment at no cost to those without insurance and also to counsel amputees about how to use their artificial limb to return to an active lifestyle.

According to Hansbury, “At the Boston Bill Foundation, we don’t just provide patients with a prosthesis, we help them to learn how to use it so they can get on with their life.”

The kick-off event for the A Step Ahead program will take place on Wednesday, July 7, 2010, from 1-3 p.m. in the Blue and Gold Room at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, 1395 South Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs. The mayor of Tarpon Springs, representatives from St. Petersburg Limb & Brace, Barr Prosthetics & Orthotics, PA, the CEO and COO of Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, the Boston Bill Foundation and the program’s first patient will participate.

For its role in A Step Ahead, Helen Ellis will be offering a support group for amputees. The activity-based group will focus on getting out and enjoying life to its full potential.

About St. Petersburg Limb & Brace http://www.stpetelimbandbrace.com
St. Petersburg Limb & Brace, 1001 – 37th St. N., Suite B, St. Petersburg, Fla.; (727) 321-3900, has provided a full range of prosthetic and orthotic services to patients in Pinellas County for more than 20 years, combining the latest innovations with proven, practical experience. St. Petersburg Limb & Brace is accredited by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, maintaining the highest standard of technical competence and ethical practices. All St. Petersburg Limb & Brace practitioners are licensed by the State of Florida and are board-certified.

About Barr Prosthetics & Orthotics, PA
Barr Prosthetics & Orthotics, PA, 1000 Lakeview Rd., Suite 6, Clearwater, Fla.; (727) 447-2650, was established in 2003. Mr. Barr was managing the previous facility at his location from 1997 until he purchased it in 2003, and has been providing services there for more than 13 years. These services include all levels of prosthetic care with special certifications in computerized knees and upper extremity myoelectric prostheses, in addition to a full range of orthotic services, including trauma, arthritic bracing, post CVA, and many more. Barr Prosthetics and Orthotics believes in providing the highest quality of care and ethical practices. Mr. Barr is certified by the American Board of Certification and is licensed by the State of Florida.

About the Boston Bill Foundation
The Boston Bill Foundation, founded by amputee runner/cyclist Bill “Boston Bill” Hansbury, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps amputees return to the world they enjoyed prior to losing a limb, fully regaining their confidence and purpose to live life in joy. The Foundation’s motto is “To Live Life with An Attitude and Action.” The Foundation accepts financial contributions and donations of artificial limbs, walkers, wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment needed by amputees, providing them at no cost to those without insurance coverage or an ability to pay. The Foundation also provides one-on-one pre-and-post-operative counseling and facilitates support groups.

About Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital
Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital is a 168-bed acute care facility located in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Helen Ellis has served the health needs of this area for 82 years as a community-based, non-profit hospital. The fully accredited medical/surgical hospital has received national recognition in recent years for quality care excellence. The hospital offers an extensive range of inpatient, maternity, outpatient and rehabilitative services covering the health care needs of all ages. In addition to providing high quality emergency, surgical and acute medical care, Helen Ellis puts high priority on building health awareness, as well as prevention and early detection of disease.

Louise & Jim McKenzie with Drs. Joshua & Andrea Kreithen

DRS. JOSHUA AND ANDREA KREITHEN FURTHER THEIR COMMITMENT TO FAMILY HEALTH BY JOINING THE BOARD OF STOP CHILD OBESITY NOW

(Lakewood Ranch, FL) As healthcare professionals, Joshua Kreithen, MD and Andrea Kreithen, MD, see firsthand the negative impact obesity—especially childhood obesity—plays on health and wellness. Dr. Andrea Kreithen of Lakewood Ranch Weight Loss Center and Lakewood Ranch Family Medicine, is committed to helping patients reach and maintain healthy weights. Dr. Joshua Kreithen of Lakewood Ranch Plastic Surgery and Skin Care is an acclaimed expert in body contouring who helps re-shape bodies after massive weight loss.

            “What is remarkable is that so many of the health issues and problems we see in adults, start with their being overweight as children,” says Dr. Joshua Kreithen. “Prevention and early intervention will make a difference in the health of this generation.”

            “By the time an adult comes to me at LWR Weight Loss Center, they are already suffering from the effects of being overweight. This includes, joint problems, diabetes, heart conditions and more,” comments Dr. Andrea Kreithen. “Many of these patients have battled weight challenges since they were children.”

Family health and wellness are top-of-mind societal issues right now. With that in mind parenting experts, Jim and Louise McKenzie have founded 6KidsNFit.com, that includes the Stop Child Obesity initiative, a not-for-profit entity.  They have partnered with local companies and not-for-profits to promote healthy lifestyles for children. Additionally, they are members of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation in Washington (www.healthyweightcommit.org) ,a nationwide foundation working with Discovery Channel and Meredith Publishing, and dedicated to reducing child obesity by 2015.

“ Our aim is to raise funds to form a non-profit organization and open the region’s first Child Obesity Awareness Center using the best minds in health, wellness and nutrition, to join forces with skilled medical practitioners to fight the epidemic by educating children and families in healthy living,” explains Jim McKenzie. “Drs. Andrea and Joshua Kreithen are the perfect fit for this program. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience.”

Stop Child Obesity Now will hold events, including a Child Obesity Awareness Day in Spring 2011. The McKenzies have also designed a Healthy Kids Club which is running a pilot program with the Boys and Girls Club. The initiative is looking for participating partners and sponsors.

For more information on Stop Child Obesity Now, visit http://www.6kidsnfit.com/

Since 1999, Callaway has served as the executive director of Morton Plant Mease Primary Care. And in 2006, she was instrumental in developing St. Anthony’s Primary Care and St. Anthony’s Specialists. She has a master’s degree in business administration from High Point University in High Point, North Carolina, and is a certified medical practice executive and holds a certification in risk management. In addition, Callaway serves on the boards of the Tampa Bay Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) and on the national MGMA Patient Safety and Quality Advisory Committee.

“Emily comes to St. Anthony’s Hospital with more than 25 years experience in physician practice management, and under her guidance and leadership, our primary care and specialist groups have been able to grow to provide more access to care for our community,” said Dr. Teresa Bradley, vice president of medical affairs at St. Anthony’s Hospital and president of St. Anthony’s Primary Care and St. Anthony’s Specialists. “St. Anthony’s Primary Care and St. Anthony’s Specialists are part of our continued commitment to meet the total health care needs of the people in the community. And with Emily’s help, we believe our physician groups will continue to provide high-quality health care services patients need.”

St. Anthony’s Primary Care consists of physicians who are board certified or board eligible in their areas of specialty, including internal medicine, family medicine and sports medicine. Currently, the network features 16 physicians at nine different locations throughout central and south Pinellas County, providing patients with comprehensive medical care, from routine health screening to complex diagnostic evaluations. Physicians with St. Anthony’s Specialists have areas of practice in neurology, colorectal and neurosurgery.

“I’m very excited to be here at St. Anthony’s Hospital,” said Callaway. “Primary health care is the first point of access for most people, and therefore the connector to the rest of the health system. Our goal is to ensure continuity between all the levels of care our patients may need.”

About St. Anthony’s Hospital
St. Anthony’s Hospital is a 395-bed hospital founded in 1931 as a ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany and is the first and only faith-based hospital in Pinellas County. In 1997, St. Anthony’s became part of BayCare Health System, a joint operating agreement between the Tampa Bay area’s leading not-for-profit hospitals. St. Anthony’s has a rich history dedicated to improving the health of the community by providing high-quality, innovative and compassionate care.

About BayCare Health System
BayCare Health System is the largest community-based health system in the region, providing expert medical care for a patient’s lifetime. Composed of hospitals and numerous affiliated services, the system connects patients to a complete range of services throughout the Tampa Bay area. Together, BayCare organizations seek to advance the health of their patients and their communities.

Member hospitals are Mease Countryside, Mease Dunedin, Morton Plant, Morton Plant North Bay, St. Anthony’s, St. Joseph’s, St. Joseph’s Children’s, St. Joseph’s Women’s, St. Joseph’s Hospital North and South Florida Baptist. On the Web: www.BayCare.org.

The Florida Institute’s Body Smart Plan offers individually tailored services to its clients that help them look and feel better at any age. The plan is Doctor supervised; the medical professionals perform a complete age evaluation and health risk assessment to determine individual care. For convenience, Body Smart kiosks and guidance professionals will be available at Shapes Total Fitness for Women locations and are open to members and non-members of the club. This is a unique health and wellness format for Tampa Bay area fitness clubs; by offering the Body Smart Plan, Shapes is now the single source provider of fitness, age management and wellness.

Science is making major medical advances in the areas of wellness and preventative medicine and The Florida Institute wants to offer clients the ability to look, feel and live healthier. The Body Smart Plan is about balance, synergy and treating the whole person. Wise Marketing will expand the message and raise awareness. “I have met with several Body Smart clients and have seen remarkable results. After starting the Body Smart Plan last July, one patron lost over 100 pounds, is off his diabetes medication and feels better than ever. It’s these wonderful success stories which we plan to share. The Body Smart Plan is smart, simple, affordable and treats your body, mind and spirit; besides The Florida Institute is partnering with Shapes, an incredibly great club” says Michelle Wise, Principal, Wise Marketing Network.

The strategic communications program will take effect late July with the launch of the new Florida Institute Web site, www.TheFloridaInstitute.com.

About the Florida Institute for Age Management & Wellness: Founded on providing the highest standards of medical care by highly qualified board certified physicians, The Florida Institute for Age Management & Wellness offers a comprehensive array of wellness services including preventative medicine programs for Aging.

For more information on Wise Marketing Network, please visit www.wisemarketingnetwork.com.