Monthly Archives: March 2011

Business of Medicine, Cosmetic Dentistry, Health Reform, Healthcare, Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Services, Medicine, Optometry, Public Health, Society, Veterinarians

Housing Market Crash and Rising Medical Costs, Is There A Connection?

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As millions of American homeowners know, the housing market crash was fueled by inflated home values and bank loans that were high above the equity or actual value of “underwater” homes. According to Trisha Lotzer, JD., health-care attorney and CEO of Physis, Inc., a similar threat for banks, borrowers and owners of many of the nation’s medical, dental, optometry and veterinary practices must be averted.

Like residential real estate, medical practices may be marketed and sold by brokers. Brokers in the business of selling medical practices commonly charge 7-12% commission. The commission alone can add $80,000 to $2,000,000 to the purchase price, depending on the size of the facility–and drive up the bank note accordingly.

Like real estate agents, the job of the practice broker is to get the seller the highest selling price possible. Unlike real estate agents, however, brokers are often the only ones who value the practices they have for sale–giving them a built in incentive to inflate the value of practices and increase their commission. Ross Landreth, MBA, explains that the problem occurs when a practice is arbitrarily valued, purchased and financed at $1,500,000, but only has an actual fair market value (per USPAP approved valuation standards) of $850,000. This could mean that the practice does not cash-flow at $1,500,00 and that the new purchasers would have to raise the price of services in order to maintain profitability and pay back the bank note. This increase in the cost of health care does not increase the earnings of the practice owners or physicians but is passed along to patients and insurance providers.

Via EPR Network
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Cosmetic Surgery, Healthcare, Healthcare Information, Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Services, Liposuction, Plastic Surgery, Society, Surgery

The Harley Medical Group reports boom in post-baby breast surgery

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The Harley Medical Group, the UK’s leading cosmetic surgery provider, has reported a rise in mums booking surgical treatments post-pregnancy to help them combat the effects of pregnancy. The most popular treatment amongst new mums is breast augmentation, with bookings up 31% year-on-year.

The Group, which treats thousands of women a year across their 31 clinics, has seen more new mothers turning to surgical options to help regain shape and body confidence following pregnancy. Liposuction is also popular, up 27% year-on-year, and tummy tuck bookings are also up 15% year-on-year.

Comments Lisa Littlehales, specialist nurse counsellor at The Harley Medical Group:
“Many mothers find their breasts change after giving birth – often they notice a decrease in size or difference in shape following pregnancy and breast feeding. This can affect confidence and self-esteem. Lots of women are realising the surgical options available to them – breast augmentation helps mothers regain the shape and fullness of the breast, helping them feel more feminine again.”

Marco Moraci, surgeon at The Harley Medical Group, said: “Breast surgery is the most popular procedure amongst women, particularly new mums. The operation takes around an hour and a half, and patients are required to wear a supportive bra for the three months following. Prior to the surgery, we’ll help the patient choose the right size implant for their shape to ensure they achieve the look they desire.”

The procedure consists of a small incision being made in the crease of the underside of the breast, the armpit or lower edge of the areola. Once the incision is made, a pocket will be created for the implant to lie in. This may be either beneath the muscle or beneath the breast tissue.

Says, Michelle Denney who had a breast augmentation at The Harley Medical Group:
“After my pregnancy it became obvious that my breasts weren’t going to return to the shape and size they were before I fell pregnant. I decided to have surgery at The Harley Medical Group as my breasts were affecting my confidence and I longed to find a shape which worked for my new post-baby body. I am thrilled with the results and I haven’t looked back”.

For further information please visit www.harleymedical.co.uk.

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Addictions, Clinics, Diagnostics, Drugs, Healthcare, Healthcare Information, Healthcare Services, Medicine, Rehab, Society, Therapies

New Study Shows ER Visits Soar Due To Ecstasy

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A study recently released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) showed that emergency room visits due to the abuse of Ecstasy soared 75 percent between 2004 and 2008.

Ecstasy, a well-known party drug of the 90’s, is once again growing in popularity. Over sixty-six percent of the emergency room visits were made by young adults aged 18 to 29 years old.

“The growing abuse of this party drug is alarming,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center . “Data from studies such as this one helps us know where to re-focus our efforts. At times we tend to become complacent, thinking that we have rounded a corner on curbing the use of a particular drug. We must remember that even though a drug’s popularity comes and goes, we must still be ever vigilant in educating teens and young adults on its dangers.”

Ecstasy is known to produce psychedelic as well as stimulant side effects, such as high blood pressure and elevated body temperatures. It’s a drug that is often used at parties (raves) and is a popular drug of choice for spring break. Although ecstasy trails six other drugs in ER admissions, it is crucial that the dangers of this drug be conveyed to teens and young adults.

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is highly skilled in assisting families put their lives back together when affected by alcohol or drug use. And, for the past 13 years, Mountainside has established itself as an innovator within the addiction treatment field, and the treatment modalities Mountainside utilizes are regarded as among the most cutting-edge approaches in helping individuals to get and to remain sober.

Via EPR Network
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Healthcare, Healthcare Information, Healthcare Insurance, Healthcare Services, Public Health, Society

PruHealth Reveals 39 Is The Age Brits Start To Worry About Health

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PruHealth has announced that 39 is the age Brits really start to worry about their health, according to new calculations* by the insurer that rewards people for engaging in healthy behaviour.

With thirty-something peers such as fitness-fanatic Gwyneth Paltrow (38 years) and channel-swimming David Walliams (39 years) showing vitality and achieving their health goals, perhaps it’s understandable the average Brit is feeling the heat as they approach the big four-zero.

However it seems Brits are all woe and not enough go. Whilst one in ten (11 per cent) constantly worry about their health and a further 40 per cent** worry that they are not healthy enough, they are not doing much to improve it. One in five (20 per cent) people admit laziness and time pressures are the main barriers to living healthily. For a further 15 per cent it’s simply their love of unhealthy foods that gets in the way.

Given the power of hindsight and their chance again, the survey asked respondents over the age of twenty-five what advice they would give their younger selves. The top five tips were: don’t smoke (19%), look after your body (15%), do more exercise (14%), think about the consequences of your actions (11%) and eat more healthily (10%).

Only 10 per cent would advise a ‘live for the moment’ approach and tell their younger selves to enjoy the present and not worry about the future.

However despite good intentions, the unfortunate reality is it takes the diagnosis of a serious illness to encourage four in five (80 per cent) Brits to improve their health, and over half (51 per cent) if it were a close friend or family member***.

Dr Katherine Tryon at PruHealth, said: “People lead busy lives, but there is a big task ahead in the UK to encourage people to make health changes now rather than later – prevention rather than cure. We need to stop worrying about our health and start doing something to look after ourselves. If approaching the big four-zero is the kick-start thirty-somethings need, then that can only be a good thing.

“Encouragingly over half the respondents (54 per cent) said that the offer of health incentives and health rewards are likely to change their behaviour and help them lead a healthy life. At PruHealth our key focus is to help remove barriers to health living and incentivise healthy activities via our Vitality scheme.”

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Healthcare, Healthcare Information, Healthcare Insurance, Healthcare Services, Public Health, Society

PruHealth Finds The Nation Believes People Should Take More Responsibility For Their Own Health

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PruHealth has revealed new research that shows a third of Britons want people to pay for ‘self-inflicted’ health issues, two thirds believe the nation is unhealthier now than ten years ago and half expect the range and quality of NHS care to decline over the next few years.

Two thirds (66%)* of Britons believe the nation is unhealthier now than it was ten years ago, and taking more personal responsibility (69%) could be the best foot forward.

The latest findings from PruHealth, the insurer that rewards people for engaging in healthy behaviour, found respondents to be in line with Cameron’s ‘Big Society’. More than two thirds (69%) of the nation believe people should take more responsibility for their own health, while just 19 per cent feel it should lie on the shoulders of the NHS. Nearly a third of Britons (30%) even go as far as believing those with ‘self-inflicted’ health concerns caused by smoking, alcohol abuse or being overweight should pick up the bill themselves.

While half of respondents (50%) feel the NHS currently offers a good level of care, many believe the range (67%) and quality (49%) of services are likely to decrease in the next few years.

Dr Katherine Tryon at PruHealth said: “People have realised that the nation’s health is worse than even a decade ago and now the issue is whose responsibility is it to change this – which is particularly crucial at a time when there is increased pressure on healthcare finances. The key for both the public and private sector will be to remove the barriers to healthy living – for example, increasing access to healthy activities and providing stronger motivation through both financial and non financial incentives.”

What Brits consider as the nation’s problems are not necessarily ones they would class as their own. For example, over half of respondents (52%) state obesity and being overweight as the greatest risk to the UK. According to 2008 data from the latest Health and Social Care Information Centre report** a quarter of adults (25% men, 24% women) are obese, and 42% and 32% of men and women are overweight, yet in this nationally representative survey less than one in ten (9%) of respondents consider it a personal healthcare concern.

Via EPR Network
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Health 2.0, Healthcare, Healthcare Information, Healthcare Insurance, Healthcare Services, Public Health, Society

Bupa Boosts Cancer Cover

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In an industry first, Bupa, the leading international healthcare group, has announced plans to improve the quality of its cancer cover by no longer selling corporate health insurance schemes which feature overall cost or time limits for cancer treatment.

Cancer treatment costs increased sharply in 2005 and 2006 due to the introduction of new drugs. In response to the concerns this caused about rising costs, the health insurance market developed financial benefit caps and time limits to restrict financial exposure for client businesses.

However, experience has shown that these limits mean that patients who claim on their policies can be left vulnerable at critical points in their treatment.

Once employees reach their benefit ceiling they face the possibility of having to change their treatment mid-stream. The varying cost of cancer drugs also makes it very difficult for patients to make informed choices about their treatment path, and its likely cost, at the point of diagnosis.

Dr Natalie-Jane Macdonald, managing director, Bupa Health and Wellbeing explained: “We work closely with our clients to help them to provide their employees with the best quality healthcare at a sustainable affordable cost, and this remains a priority for us. We have developed better, fairer ways of controlling healthcare costs without compromising the experience and outcomes of patients at a difficult time in their lives.”

In 2010 Bupa spent £18m on drugs that are not widely available elsewhere and it routinely funds cancer treatments that are approved by the European Medicines Agency. Bupa also makes prompt decisions to pay for experimental drugs when clinically appropriate.

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Foreign Study Shows Early Age Drinkers, Stressful Situations Result In Heavy Drinkers

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A study out of Germany shows that young adults who consumed their first drink of alcohol at an early age, and also were subject to stressful situations, tended to become heavy drinkers.

The study, which will be released in the June edition of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research , sampled young adults who took their first drink at early ages. The earliest age reported was 8; most, however, had taken their first drink before the age of 14. The research highlighted that, those who took an alcoholic drink earlier in life, when experiencing stress, they used alcohol as a coping mechanism when dealing with that stress.

“In general, stress can be a large factor in alcohol consumption,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center. “Studies such as this one reinforce the working hypothesis that states: ‘the younger the exposure to alcohol, the greater the chance of dependence’. And, the dependence doesn’t necessarily come from routine use but, as this study suggests, as a response to emotional stress. Most alcohol abuse grows from the need to have a coping mechanism to deal with every day issues. Instead of traditional therapies, many turn to the bottle: a quiet, secluded way to cope. We need to help our youth by providing proper ways for them to talk about their frustrations and confusion and by showing them that there is a way to deal with stress that doesn’t involve drugs or alcohol.”

The cited research did not show that any particular event had any greater effect on alcohol use than any other. The researchers have stated that more research is needed to make those determinations.

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Biotech, Business of Medicine, Diseases, Drugs, Healthcare, Healthcare Information, Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Solutions, Medicine, Online, Pharmaceuticals, Society

Medical Innovation Protection Stressed in EU-India Free Trade Agreement Talks

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The Financial Express published an article on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks that continue between the European Union (EU) and India. One of the most discussed and disagreed upon parts of the proposed FTA involves the need for protecting the intellectual property of pharmaceutical companies in order to promote medical innovation and investment in the development of new medicines and research. This disagreement about whether data exclusivity in the pharmaceutical sector should be included has resulted in the delay of finalizing the FTA.

Pharmaceutical companies rely on data exclusivity to protect the investment made in developing the medication that is used throughout the world. Millions of dollars are spent on clinical trials to prove the safety and effectiveness of these drugs. These exclusive rights prevent competitors from obtaining marketing licenses for lower cost versions of these drugs.

Global Health Progress (GHP) is committed to being part of the effort to create a sustainable health care system that includes improving access to health care and continuing medical innovation and progress for all people. While the pharma industry is divided on the issue, GHP supports efforts to improve regulations protecting pharmaceutical companies’ intellectual property. Without this protection, the funding of studies that bring these medications to market could suffer.

Improving health care systems and access to medicines, especially in the developing world, requires multifaceted approaches and solutions. Research-based biopharmaceutical companies are active partners in some of the largest and boldest health initiatives that explore new and effective ways to provide treatment, care and education to millions of people in developing countries.

About Global Health Progress:
Global Health Progress also supports efforts to raise awareness and mobilize resources to address health challenges in the developing world by bringing local leaders together with international health experts, policymakers, donor governments, and the private sector.

www.globalhealthprogress.org;

twitter.com/globalhealth;

facebook.com/pages/Global-Health-Progress/124850684219049;

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Effective Alcohol Rehab Limits Widespread Impact Of Alcohol Abuse

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The problem of alcohol abuse is widespread and is becoming a growing epidemic, particularly among the youth of America . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 52% of individuals 18 years of age and older are current regular drinkers of alcohol.

“Excessive alcohol consumption is troubling on many fronts,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center . “Not only does it tear families apart emotionally and mentally, but the socio-economic impact of is abuse affects everyone. We’ve got a legal substance that, when abused, will simply and completely destroy lives. If we want to wage and win this war, alcohol use and abuse education is crucial, starting at a very early age.”

The CDC statistics indicate that the number of alcoholic liver disease related deaths are nearly 15,000 annually. In addition, the annual number of alcohol-induced deaths, not including accidents or homicide, are nearly 25,000 annually.

Those who abuse alcohol face a particularly stressful challenge. However, professional, highly-skilled treatment facilities, such as Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center , are well-equipped to assist families affected by drug or alcohol abuse as they put their lives back together. And, for the past 13 years, Mountainside has established itself as an innovator within the addiction treatment field, and the treatment modalities Mountainside utilizes are regarded as among the most cutting-edge approaches in helping individuals to get and to remain sober.

The compassionate, caring treatment team at Mountainside is comprised of licensed and certified counselors and social workers as well as a Nurse Practitioner and a Registered Nurse, both of whom have specialization and extensive experience in drug addiction and alcohol treatment. For clients who may have psychiatric issues and/or a dual diagnosis, Mountainside provides the services of a Psychiatrist who also has specialization in addictions. As a result of their unique, innovative approaches to addiction treatment over the past 13 years, Mountainside has become the model for the addiction treatment field.

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Clinics, Doctors, Eye Care, Healthcare, Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Services, Ophthalmology, Surgery

Eye Care – The Next Big Thing In Kerala’s Medical Travel Industry

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Medical travel industry in Kerala is all set to broaden its scope through micro cataract surgery and support services for cataract patients. It is considered as the next big thing after Ayurveda and dentistry in the domain of medical travel in Kerala. Micro Cataract Surgery is gaining the attention of cataract patients. Apart from its efficiency, after 24 hours of this surgery, patients are able to return to their normal life. And what more; this quick recovery period inspires many to opt for holidays in God’s Own Country.

Interestingly, Mulamoottil Eye Hospital (MEH), one of the pioneers in eye care is offering micro cataract surgery at Asia’s lowest cost – INR 30,000 (US $700). Besides the affordable cost of the surgery, MEH offers free accommodation for two days.

“Unlike conventional cataract surgery, the advanced micro cataract surgery at Mulamoottil Eye Hospital uses 0.9 mm tip inside the eye. Patients enjoy full recovery after 24 hours, enabling them to take head bath, go for office work, drive car, apply medicine on their own and even take a flight,” says Dr. Ashley Thomas Jacob, Medical Director of MEH, which has a tradition of 125 years in eye care.

Mulamoottil Eye Hospital is the largest eye hospital in Kerala and is located at Kozhencherry, a small town in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. MEH is also the pioneers in Customized Cataract Surgery. The hospital also offers precise surgeries for presbyopia, myopia (short-sight) diabetic eye disease etc. with shortest post-surgical recovery period. It also conducts research and training activities in ophthalmology.

By virtue of its location, Mulamoottil Eye Hospital is close to some of the captivating travel destinations in Kerala that include Kumarakom, Alappuzha, Fort Kochi, Munnar, Periyar etc. And this makes patients from outside Kerala and non-resident Indians to club holidaying in Kerala, popular as ‘God’s Own Country’ with their visit for eye treatment; especially after undergoing micro cataract and customized cataract surgeries.

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Bupa Reveals the Average Brit is Cutting Life Expectancy by 12 Years

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Bupa has revealed that the average Brit is at risk of cutting more than a decade off their life through unhealthy lifestyle habits. This is according to new research from the leading international healthcare group.

The Bupa study assessed lifestyle behaviours such as smoking, alcohol intake, diet and exercise as well as other factors, in nearly 5,000 adults across Britain to calculate the nation’s average Health Age, which is the impact that lifestyles are having on Briton’s life expectancy.

The results showed that on average, Brits have a Health Age 12 years older than if they adopted healthy habits. Worryingly, more than one in eight people are at risk of cutting their life short by 20 years or more.

Being married or in a long-term relationship has a positive impact on Health Age across all age groups, increasing potential life expectancy by more than four years.

Women in their 50s had some of the unhealthiest behaviours, being more inactive and overweight than women in other age groups. Men in their 50s and 60s were also more inactive and overweight than other men.

Dr Annabel Bentley, medical director, Bupa Health and Wellbeing said: “We all know that bad habits such as smoking and drinking too much alcohol damage our health but these findings show the real impact of our habits and the number of years we’re knocking off our lives unnecessarily.

“But it’s never too late to make a change for the better. Whether you’re in your twenties or in your seventies, you could add years to your life by making lifestyle changes.”

A link between happiness and healthiness also showed that nine out of ten of the healthiest people (91% – those within 6 years of their ideal health age) thought they were as happy as or happier than other people, while less than 7 in 10 of the least healthy people (66% – 25 or more years away from their ideal health age) thought so.

Even making one change to lifestyle can have a significant impact on life expectancy. For example, a 25 year old female who drinks 20 units a week (ten standard glasses of wine), could add up to three years to her life by drinking three fewer glasses of wine a week.

Users can discover their health age by completing the health age calculator at bupa.co.uk/findhealthy.

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Teen Heart Throb Justin Bieber Has Made It A Point To Have All Alcohol Removed From His Presence

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In a day where the words “celebrity” and “rehab” go together like peanut butter and jelly, teen heart throb Justin Bieber has made it a point to have all alcohol removed from his presence.

In a recent trip to Dublin, Ireland, Bieber insisted that all alcohol be removed from the mini-bar in his hotel room as he felt that having it remain there, even under lock, sent the wrong message to his fans, the majority of which are under the US legal drinking age.

“We applaud Justin Bieber’s decision to distance himself from alcohol,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehaband Alcohol Treatment Center . “Mr. Beiber has such a loyal following, most of which are teens and certainly under the legal drinking age. He went out of the way to make his point of, ‘I’m under the legal drinking age, I don’t drink, I won’t drink, I won’t even have it around me.’ To us, this is profound and sends a powerful message to the youth of America . There’s no better public service announcement for underage drinking than a teen celebrity living a life that exemplifies that message. The influence his actions will have, we’re certain, will be profound.”

Alcohol use runs rampant among teenagers today. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported statistics showing that 72% of students have consumed some amount of alcohol by high school graduation and 37% have consumed alcohol by eighth grade.

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is highly skilled in assisting families put their lives back together when affected by alcohol or drug use. And, for the past 13 years, Mountainside has established itself as an innovator within the addiction treatment field, and the treatment modalities Mountainside utilizes are regarded as among the most cutting-edge approaches in helping individuals to get and to remain sober.

The compassionate, caring treatment team at Mountainside is comprised of licensed and certified counselors and social workers as well as a Nurse Practitioner and a Registered Nurse, both of whom have specialization and extensive experience in drug addiction and alcohol treatment. For clients who may have psychiatric issues and/or a dual diagnosis, Mountainside provides the services of a Psychiatrist who also has specialization in addictions. As a result of their unique, innovative approaches to addiction treatment over the past 13 years, Mountainside has become the model for the addiction treatment field.

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Spotting Signs Of Teen Drug Use, Not Always Easy

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Raising a teen is perhaps one of the most challenging phases of parenthood, particularly with the increased rates of drug experimentation and alcohol abuse.

What may be even more challenging, however, is knowing and understanding the signs that could indicate drug and/or alcohol use in teens and assimilating that information so as to come to the proper conclusion.

“There are so many different substances that can be used to get high,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehaband Alcohol Treatment Center . “Ordinary over-the-counter cough and cold medications, as well as simple motion sickness prevention medicines, are routinely being used to get high. With so many different substances being used it can be difficult to know the various symptoms that these chemicals cause and how to react accordingly. There are, however, tell-tale signs that should send up red flags of warning for parents. If parents begin noticing that their child is more moody than usual or begins to withdraw from family or other normal activities, they should begin to look for other signs such as poor work performance in school or a job, as well as decrease in personal hygiene. These are some of the more common signs exhibited by teens who are using drugs and alcohol. Many times parents will just have a gut-feeling, with no real solid evidence to base those feelings on. We highly encourage parents to go with those gut-feelings and use them to be pro-active in finding out if their child has a problem with drugs or alcohol. Obviously, sometimes the gut feeling will be wrong: the good news is that a child has never died from a parent addressing a gut-feeling; on the other hand, children are dying more and more from the abuse of alcohol and drugs.”

While one particular sign of drug use may be present, it doesn’t mean that abuse is occurring. It takes a combination of factors as well as good, solid instinct to be able to intervene and help a child to avoid drug and/or alcohol abuse.

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is highly skilled in assisting families to put their lives back together when affected by alcohol or drug use. And, for the past 13 years, Mountainside has established itself as an innovator within the addiction treatment field, and the treatment modalities Mountainside utilizes are regarded as among the most cutting-edge approaches in helping individuals to get and to remain sober.

Via EPR Network
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