Category Archives: Healthcare Services

Study shows U.S. National Guard Soldiers at risk of alcohol abuse

A new study conducted by Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health indicates that U.S. National Guard soldiers who have been deployed have a higher incidence of alcohol abuse when they return home.

The study, to be published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence Journal, found a direct correlation between PTSD and alcohol abuse in U.S. National Guard soldiers who return from deployment. Research suggests that individuals with no prior history of PTSD or depression seem to have a greater incidence of a new onset of alcohol abuse after returning home. The research also suggests that, perhaps, soldiers are using alcohol as a way to self-medicate the effects of deployment.

“Previous studies have been done regarding increased alcoholism in solders,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center. “Until now, however, studies which show a correlation between PTSD, depression and alcohol abuse have been few and far between. There are few times in individuals’ lives that cause more stress than deployment or war. We need to make sure that our soldiers who are returning home, are given the proper support that they need to return to productive healthy lives with their families.”

If a soldier in your life has returned from deployment, and if you think that they may be struggling with the difficulties of their deployment, Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center offers professional intervention services to ensure that they get the help that they need and will be able to live a happy, normal and fulfilling life with their families

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center has an outstanding success rate through its holistic drug rehab program. In addition, its comprehensive professional intervention services can help make the transition of being an addict to an individual seeking treatment, easier for families and loved ones.

In addition, Mountainside offers a comprehensive family care program that will give you the tools necessary to rebuild the bonds of your family to what they once were. Their unique individualized recovery program is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and individualized in the treatment field.

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is a modern drug rehab facility that is skilled in serving a variety of clients with various addictions and in varying stages of addiction. The caring, compassionate team is made up of licensed and certified social workers and counselors who have extensive experience and specialty in the addiction treatment field. In addition, the staff includes a Nurse Practitioner, as well as a Registered Nurse, both of whom also have specializations and experience within the field of addiction treatment and alcohol rehab.

Mountainside also provides services for those individuals who come to them with dual diagnoses and require the services of a Psychiatrist to help conquer the unique challenges that dual diagnosis brings.

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. As a result of their unique, innovative approaches to addiction treatment, Mountainside has become the model for the addiction treatment field.

The program, along with its professional addiction treatment team, have earned national recognition and resulted in Mountainside being invited to Washington by the White House to meet with the White House Drug Czar, John P. Walters, for an in-depth meeting on what makes its program so successful. These accolades did not go unnoticed within the addiction treatment field and resulted in the adoption by many throughout the country of a more holistic approach to drug addiction treatment.

Via EPR Network
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New e-Book: How to Avoid 7 Medicare Traps

For those turning 65 the path to Medicare enrollment is filled with bumps and traps that can end up meaning higher health care costs for retirees. iQuote.com’s new booklet: Getting Ready for Medicare: How to Avoid 7 Medicare Traps can help people avoid mistakes and missed deadlines when enrolling for Medicare and selecting a Medicare health plan.

Medicare terms can be confusing. iQuote.com finds people are often confused about how to sign up, when to sign up and then how to compare different Medicare plan choices. The new booklet is designed especially for those who are getting ready to sign up for Medicare or choosing a Medicare health plan. It identifies some of the terms, deadlines and choices that, if missed, can end up increasing the cost of health care coverage in retirement.

Some of the traps include missing Medicare enrollment dates, misunderstanding deadlines, staying on COBRA too long and failing to understand the costs of Medicare and how to compare plans to find the right Medicare plan.

The booklet can be downloaded at www.medicare.iquote.com/medicare-resources-links.aspx.

Via EPR Network
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iTech partners with NexTrust

iTech, a SaaS based Healthcare billing and Practice Management System vendor announces a partnership with NexTrust, Inc., the provider of BillFlash Document Services.

iTech Workshop Private Limited (iTech), a Healthcare IT Solutions Company with focus on Medical Billing, PMS and Revenue Cycle Management Solutions for the US healthcare market, announced a partnership with NexTrust, Inc.

Some of the key aspects of this partnership are:

* iTech reselling NexTrust’s BillFlash document services

* BillFlash support for iTech’s Patient Statement format

iTech has a Subscription based Practice Management System, and Medical billing software. EMR products can be integrated by using a secure web services interface, thereby providing an integrated EMR and PMS solution. The expEDIum Medical Billing product includes v5010 support, connects to any clearinghouse selected by the vendor or the client, supports Insurance Eligibility Verifications, Patient Statements, and automated payment posting among other features.

BillFlash users can save time and money by eliminating paper handling in-house. Practices must shift from relying on insurance payments to reliance on patient payments as the patient responsibility is expected to increase to 30% of the total practice revenues according to industry reports. Dan Stead, Director Business Development, NexTrust said, “We are extremely pleased to have been selected by iTech to provide patient statement services to their customers. BillFlash provides a professional, cost-effective alternative to in-house printing by eliminating paper and increasing patient payments.”

BillFlash leads the industry in no-fee customization, design effectiveness, online management features, ease of enrollment and use, and total value.

iTech’s Business Advisor, Mr. Ramesh Shastri added that “iTech partnership with Billflash will reduce paper handling on the clinic and billing side thereby lowering costs and improving accuracy; the winners will be Practices, Billers and Patients”.

Via EPR Network
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Death From Accidental Drug Overdose Tripled In Past Decade

A report published by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that accidental drug overdose has tripled since 1990.

The most common overdoses and subsequent accidental deaths occurred through the abuse of prescription painkillers, which were responsible for nearly 15,000 deaths in 2008 – more than both heroin and cocaine combined.

In addition to accidental overdose, the misuse of painkillers was responsible for nearly one-half million emergency room visits in 2009, doubling rates from the previous five years.

“Prescription painkiller abuse is one of the most ominous drug problems facing America ,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center . “It affects individuals from all walks of life – from the rich and famous to the homeless. Fortunately, many states are stepping up to the plate and addressing this enormous problem in a variety of different ways. Some states have enacted Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) which helps track who receives a prescription for a controlled substance, where they receive the prescription from and where the prescription is filled. Other states are requiring increased accountability from physicians. Thankfully many states are becoming involved in treating the source of the problem.”

In nearly fifty percent of prescription painkiller deaths, there were other substances such as heroin, cocaine, and alcohol involved. The study also highlighted an alarming fact – the number of prescription painkillers that were prescribed in 2010 were enough to medicate every adult in America , around the clock for one month.

If you believe that a loved one has an issue with prescription drug abuse or any other substance abuse, Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center can help you with its broad range of professional intervention services.

Mountainside’s comprehensive family care program will give you the tools necessary to rebuild the bonds of your family to what they once were. Their unique individualized recovery program is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and individualized in the treatment field.

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is a modern drug rehab facility that is skilled in serving a variety of clients with various addictions and in varying stages of addiction. The caring, compassionate team is made up of licensed and certified social workers and counselors who have extensive experience and specialty in the addiction treatment field. In addition, the staff includes a Nurse Practitioner, as well as a Registered Nurse, both of whom also have specializations and experience within the field of addiction treatment and alcohol rehab.

Mountainside also provides services for those individuals who come to them with dual diagnoses and require the services of a Psychiatrist to help conquer the unique challenges that dual diagnosis brings.

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. As a result of their unique, innovative approaches to addiction treatment, Mountainside has become the model for the addiction treatment field.

The program, along with its professional addiction treatment team, have earned national recognition and resulted in Mountainside being invited to Washington by the White House to meet with the White House Drug Czar, John P. Walters, for an in-depth meeting on what makes its program so successful. These accolades did not go unnoticed within the addiction treatment field and resulted in the adoption by many throughout the country of a more holistic approach to drug addiction treatment.

Via EPR Network
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Half Dental Brands, Inc., Seeks Growth Opportunities in Brand Licensing

Half Dental Brands, Inc., today announced its expansion into licensing, providing opportunities for the Half Dental brand to extend beyond its current regional markets. The company has signed licensing agreements with key regional dental practices which spans from Las Vegas, NV to Vancouver, WA.

“Licensing presents an opportunity to leverage one of our most valuable assets – the global power of the Half Dental brand – by associating it with ‘quality and affordability’,” said Brandon D’Haenens, President and CEO of Brand Licensing. “We average more than 200 new patients per month per location and of that, 82 % of those patients are fee-for-service.. That’s powerful testimony to the connection forged with consumers by the Half Dental brand. We are providing a vehicle for those patients who would not have elected to seek treatment otherwise. Through strong national and regional licensing partners, we plan to extend the power of our brand and develop new patient connections.”

The first Half Dental re-branded practice was piloted and converted in September of 2010, which launched an explosion in the St George, UT marketplace. The patient/consumer response has been overwhelming causing a massive expansion to meet the internal growth requirements. Half Dental also entered into agreements with offices in Boise, ID and Vancouver, WA, which is producing similar organic growth.

“Half Dental affiliated centers have changed the way dentistry is done, with a scalable, integrated direct-to-consumer model and unparalleled affordability at the consumer level. Through our affiliated network of world-class doctors, Half Dental affiliated centers offer a unique, cost-effective solution that is accessible to a wide range of patients,” said Mr. D’Haenens. “With this new licensing program, Half Dental is well positioned to accelerate our expansion program, which includes developing new doctor relationships and managing new dental centers to help meet the growing demand for affordable dentistry. “As we continue to explore these and other new collaborations, I am confident our license partners will help us grow and spread our brand promise of delivering “quality and affordable” dentistry with profound comfort, fun and innovation,” continued D’Haenens. More information about Half Dental Brand Licensing is available at http://www.halfdental.com/apply-for-a-license/

Via EPR Network
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Self-control impulse impaired in addicts’ brains, possibly inherited

A study, appearing in Science Mag, says that there seems to be a presence of abnormalities in the brain of addicts that regulate self-control mechanisms.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom studied brain scans of 50 pairs of siblings, one of each pair being a cocaine addict and the other with no history of substance abuse.

The study revealed that the fibers, which connect various parts of the brain, were less efficient than those found in the scans of typical individuals. These fiber connections are responsible for sending messages to an individual to “stop” a certain behavior. The inefficiency noted is directly related to how long it took before the individual responded to the “stop” signals. Interestingly, both siblings took longer to respond to the stop signals, indicating less self-control and, more importantly, indicating a possible strong hereditary connection to addiction.

“The self-control aspect of addiction is often studied,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center. “However, research on the correlation between self-control and heredity hasn’t been studied nearly as much. The link between impulse control and genetic influences is certainly a study whose time is coming. The important thing that we must remember is that, even if future studies indicate a direct genetic connection to the predisposition of an individual to become addicted, it doesn’t mean that the person must become an addict. Personal choice via awareness does play an important role.”

The ever-evolving field of addiction medicine may, at some point, develop a panacea for substance abuse and drug addiction. Until that time, however, effective drug rehab is a must for those addicted individuals who want to recover from the catastrophic effects of addiction.

If you believe that that a loved one has an issue with drugs or alcohol, Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center can help you with its broad range of professional intervention services.

Mountainside’s comprehensive family care program will give you the tools necessary to rebuild the bonds of your family to what they once were. Their unique individualized recovery program is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and individualized in the treatment field.

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is a modern drug rehab facility that is skilled in serving a variety of clients with various addictions and in varying stages of addiction. The caring, compassionate team is made up of licensed and certified social workers and counselors who have extensive experience and specialty in the addiction treatment field. In addition, the staff includes a Nurse Practitioner, as well as a Registered Nurse, both of whom also have specializations and experience within the field of addiction treatment and alcohol rehab.

Mountainside also provides services for those individuals who come to them with dual diagnoses and require the services of a Psychiatrist to help conquer the unique challenges that dual diagnosis brings.

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. As a result of their unique, innovative approaches to addiction treatment, Mountainside has become the model for the addiction treatment field.

The program, along with its professional addiction treatment team, have earned national recognition and resulted in Mountainside being invited to Washington by the White House to meet with the White House Drug Czar, John P. Walters, for an in-depth meeting on what makes its program so successful. These accolades did not go unnoticed within the addiction treatment field and resulted in the adoption by many throughout the country of a more holistic approach to drug addiction treatment.

Via EPR Network
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Kim Richards Admits To Alcoholism

Much speculation encircled Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and previous child-actress Kim Richards this television season.

On the show, it was clear Ms. Richards was struggling with issues in her life. Her erratic behavior caused her fellow cast members to accuse her of using crystal meth on screen. Kim Richards, as well as her sister Kyle Richards, both vehemently denied those allegations on camera. What they didn’t initially reveal, however, was the true substance she struggled with: alcohol.

On the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Reunion Show, Kim Richards sat down one-on-one and revealed that she is an alcoholic and that, back in December 2011, she sought rehab for it.

“We’re so happy that Ms. Richards received rehab for her alcoholism,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center . “She found the strength and courage to not only admit to herself, but to the entire world, that she has a problem with alcohol. With her determination, support from her family and her fellow cast members she, like others in recovery, can continue the path of sobriety. Although it’s not an easy journey, it’s one of the most rewarding that an individual will pursue.”

In recent years, many within the entertainment industry have come forward with their stories of addiction, sharing their message of hope for others in hopes of prompting them to obtain proper substance abuse treatment.

While the entertainment industry has had increased numbers within its community seeking addiction treatment, it’s not an ailment that affects only the elite of society. If you believe that that a loved one has an issue with drugs or alcohol, Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center can help you with its broad range of professional intervention services.

Mountainside’s comprehensive family care program will give you the tools necessary to rebuild the bonds of your family to what they once were. Their unique individualized recovery program is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and individualized in the treatment field.

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is a modern drug rehab facility that is skilled in serving a variety of clients with various addictions and in varying stages of addiction. The caring, compassionate team is made up of licensed and certified social workers and counselors who have extensive experience and specialty in the addiction treatment field. In addition, the staff includes a Nurse Practitioner, as well as a Registered Nurse, both of whom also have specializations and experience within the field of addiction treatment and alcohol rehab.

Mountainside also provides services for those individuals who come to them with dual diagnoses and require the services of a Psychiatrist to help conquer the unique challenges that dual diagnosis brings.

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. As a result of their unique, innovative approaches to addiction treatment, Mountainside has become the model for the addiction treatment field.

Via EPR Network
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Retired Brigadier General’s sobriety offers hope for soldiers

Not only did Vietnam immediately and physically affect now-retired Brigadier General Stanley Cherrie, the ghosts of the war have continued to haunt him decades later.

After having his right leg, right hand and part of his left heel mangled by stepping on a land mine in Vietnam, General Cherrie began drinking heavily, resulting in leading the life of, what he calls, a “functioning alcoholic”. He remained in the military despite his injuries and his private fight to stay sober. In 2010 his private fight became public as he collapsed in front of his fellow comrades at a gala event. Initially reluctant to be forthcoming with his struggle with alcohol, General Cherrie knew that the only way he could remain alive was to enter into alcohol rehab.

“What a story of triumph for a man who gave everything for his country,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center. “His story can shine as a beacon for soldiers who are currently returning home from war and facing alcohol and/or drug dependence. It shows them that if a retired General can face his alcoholism, they can too.”

The United States military recognizes that soldiers returning from wartime do, indeed, have an increased risk for alcoholism and substance abuse. Three years ago the Army created a program at a half-dozen or so bases that allows soldiers to obtain drug and alcohol rehab without being required to inform their supervisors.

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center understands the struggles that soldiers and their families go through when returning home from service overseas. The unique individualized recovery program is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and individualized in the treatment field. Mountainside assists clients and their families from the very beginning of their journey by offering professional intervention services should they be needed.

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is a modern drug rehab facility that is skilled in serving a variety of clients with various addictions and in varying stages of addiction. The caring, compassionate team is made up of licensed and certified social workers and counselors who have extensive experience and specialty in the addiction treatment field. In addition, the staff includes a Nurse Practitioner, as well as a Registered Nurse, both of whom also have specializations and experience within the field of addiction treatment and alcohol rehab.

Via EPR Network
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Unintended effect of bath salt use

The dangers of bath salt addiction have been well-publicized over the past year; however, a new risk associated with its usage has recently come to light.

A young woman appeared at the ER presenting with symptoms of pain, rapid skin-cell deterioration on her arm as well as profuse drainage from the area. After further investigation, it was found that the young woman had contracted a flesh-eating bacteria due to bath salt injection. The flesh-eating bacteria was fast-moving and, because of the rapid growth and spread of the bacteria, she lost her arm, shoulder and collarbone.

“Many times individuals forget about the unintended consequences of substance abuse,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center. “When someone is injecting a drug, one of the last things on their mind is ‘I might lose my arm because of this’. In addition, once the addicted individual has gone through the critical period where they may experience an immediate consequence from their drug use, such as convulsions, seizures and coma, they certainly do not think about associated risks such as this. Injecting anything into the body without the supervision of a physician is dangerous. Individuals need to understand the full-scope of risks associated with drug use, not just the possible short-term consequences.”

Bath salt abuse is growing in popularity, particularly with the youth of America. Fortunately, lawmakers are beginning to understand the true danger of their improper usage and, as a result, many states are passing laws banning the sale and distribution of bath salts.

As a parent, teen drug use is a frightening reality to face. If you suspect that your teen is abusing bath salts or any other type of substance, Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center can assist you in reaching your son or daughter with professional intervention services.

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center recognizes the struggles that addicted individuals and their families go through when battling various types of addiction. Their unique individualized recovery program is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and individualized in the treatment field. Mountainside assists clients and their families from the very beginning of their journey by offering professional intervention services should they be needed.

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is a modern drug rehab facility that is skilled in serving a variety of clients with various addictions and in varying stages of addiction. The caring, compassionate team is made up of licensed and certified social workers and counselors who have extensive experience and specialty in the addiction treatment field. In addition, the staff includes a Nurse Practitioner, as well as a Registered Nurse, both of whom also have specializations and experience within the field of addiction treatment and alcohol rehab.

Mountainside also provides services for those individuals who come to them with dual diagnoses and require the services of a Psychiatrist to help conquer the unique challenges that dual diagnosis brings.

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. As a result of their unique, innovative approaches to addiction treatment, Mountainside has become the model for the addiction treatment field.

The program, along with its professional addiction treatment team, have earned national recognition and resulted in Mountainside being invited to Washington by the White House to meet with the White House Drug Czar, John P. Walters, for an in-depth meeting on what makes its program so successful. These accolades did not go unnoticed within the addiction treatment field and resulted in the adoption by many throughout the country of a more holistic approach to drug addiction treatment.

Via EPR Network
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Ribbon Cutting & Launch of Breathmobile® in Alameda

On Friday, January 20, 2012, the Prescott-Joseph Center for Community Enhancement, Inc. (PJCCE), in partnership with the Alameda Boys & Girls Club and Alameda Head Start will host a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Alameda Boys & Girls Club, 1900 3rd Street in Alameda as it launches services of the PJCCE Breathmobile®, a 33ft pediatric mobile asthma clinic, in the City of Alameda. The press conference and ceremony will start at 10:00am and will include members of the Alameda School Board, City elected officials, Alameda Head Start representatives, Alameda County representatives, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Light refreshments will be provided.

Event: Breathmobile ® Press Conference & Ribbon Cutting
Friday, January 20, 2012
10:00am – 10:30am
Alameda Boys & Girls Club
1900 3rd Street, Alameda

Asthma rates for children in the City of Alameda, and particularly at Alameda Point are high in the 0-5 age group. Many families do not have insurance to access regular asthma health care,” says Washington Burns, MD, Executive Director of the Breathmobile. “We are happy to be partnering with the Alameda Head Start and Alameda Boys and Girls Club.” Dr. Burns was contacted in 2011 by Daniel Javes of Alameda Head Start, after Javes concerned about asthma rates in Head Start children, had heard about the work the Breathmobile was doing at schools in Oakland. Javes contacted Dr. Burns and said that the Boys and Girls Club would be a perfect site in Alameda to see children with asthma. Javes suggested he should contact George Phillips, Executive Director of the Alameda Boys & Girls Club, which he did. “The Breathmobile fits right in with our other health care initiatives like our dental clinic.” says George Phillips, the Club’s Executive Director, “It allows us to offer convenient access to services they might not otherwise use and will help us realize our goal of instilling healthy lifestyle habits in the children of our community.”

The Breathmobile®, the first of its kind in Northern California is owned and operated by PJCCE and is a 33 ft. Winnebago RV outfitted with the latest equipment to function as a pediatric mobile asthma clinic. Inside the van, there are an intake station, a small waiting space, a testing area for vital signs including Oximetry, allergen skin testing and spirometry, and an exam room. On board are two computer systems, the first has a health risk assessment system for asthma, and a screening module for pre-diabetes, and the other system is a state of the art electronic medical records system called “AsmaTrax.” Asthma and allergy specialists on-board include Pediatric Allergists, Registered Nurses, and Respiratory Therapists. A video system is also on board to play educational videos and CDs. Services are provided in English and Spanish, and are available at no cost to children and families. The Breathmobile® will also provide services at the Matheson Head Start in Alameda Point.

The Breathmobile’s® mission is to reduce the effects of asthma among economically challenged families by providing a sustainable, accessible asthma management program that will focus on regular preventive care, thereby shifting families away from acute episodic and emergency care.

There are other Breathmobiles® operating throughout the US, including Los Angeles, Orange County, Chicago, Baltimore, University of Alabama, and Phoenix, Arizona. All of these units form a national collaborative organization linked by a computer system located at USC to study and improve the effective treatment and management of asthma. Collaborative studies of Breathmobile® units in Chicago, Baltimore, Los Angeles and Orange counties in Southern California show a dramatic 73% reduction in Emergency Room visits and hospitalizations of asthma children being served by their Breathmobiles®. In its two years of operation, the PJC Breathmobile® has shown significant decrease in emergency room visits from 122 to 2, asthmarelated hospitalizations from 63 to 1, and school absences from 351 days to 17.

“There are so many diseases that we cannot control, but asthma is a controllable disease,“ says Dr. Burns, “By having the Breathmobile®, we can drastically reduce emergency room visits, hospitalizations, school absenteeism, reduce medical costs, and decrease morbidity and mortality of asthma by teaching patients how to control their children’s asthma. We are also increasing children’s academic performance.”

Founded in 1995, the Prescott Joseph Center for Community Enhancement, Inc. works to enhance the wellbeing of individuals and families in the West Oakland community through a broad range of wellness, education and cultural programs, and resources delivered in a safe, welcoming, respectful environment. Prescott Joseph Center partners with organizations and agencies to deliver services and referrals within the community. Located in the Prescott district, also called the Lower Bottom,” of West Oakland it is a center for community services, education, culture and development. Prescott Joseph Center for Community Enhancement has a three-fold mission to: promote the individual self-esteem of citizens in the community through education, skill training and cultural programs, thus supporting healthy families and economic self-sufficiency; promote the on-going renewal of community spirit among West Oakland residents and to organize and promote community activities that facilitate economic, social and cultural development within West Oakland community.

For more information, about the Breathmobile ® of Northern California, please contact Washington Burns, Executive Director at 510-290-1476 or e-mail:drburns@prescottjoseph.org. You may also visit the Breathmobile® website at:www.breathmobile-nca.org.

Via EPR Network
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Demi Lovato details struggles with substance abuse

In October 2010, the teen acting and singing sensation, Demi Lovato, entered into a rehab facility for undisclosed reasons.

Although much speculation encircled Ms. Lovato’s admission, the details of her struggles were well-concealed until now.

In the February issue of Seventeen Magazine, Demi Lovato talks openly about her decision to enter into rehab and her desire to change her life and become healthy. Although under the legal drinking age, Ms. Lovato admitted to drinking heavily as well as using drugs to numb her pain. In addition to these two substance abuse struggles, Ms. Lovato also admits to struggling with bulimia.

“With these admissions, it’s clear that Ms. Lovato is working hard to get well and live life to its fullest by being sober,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center. “It can be difficult to admit your struggles, particularly as a young, famous individual. We truly applaud Ms. Lovato’s courage to take personal responsibility for her actions as well as her recovery. She certainly has the right attitude, and it seems that she has the determination to continue on her journey to lifelong sobriety.”

Underage alcohol abuse and drug abuse is a growing problem for America’s youth. Opening up the lines of communication to a teen or young adult, who you may feel is becoming dependent on drugs or alcohol, can be a difficult thing for parents to do. Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center helps to ease that burden through its professional intervention services. Their unique individualized recovery program is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and individualized in the treatment field.

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is a modern drug rehab facility that is skilled in serving a variety of clients with various addictions and in varying stages of addiction. The caring, compassionate team is made up of licensed and certified social workers and counselors who have extensive experience and specialty in the addiction treatment field. In addition, the staff includes a Nurse Practitioner, as well as a Registered Nurse, both of whom also have specializations and experience within the field of addiction treatment and alcohol rehab.

Mountainside also provides services for those individuals who come to them with dual diagnoses and require the services of a Psychiatrist to help conquer the unique challenges that dual diagnosis brings.

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. As a result of their unique, innovative approaches to addiction treatment, Mountainside has become the model for the addiction treatment field.

The program, along with its professional addiction treatment team, have earned national recognition and resulted in Mountainside being invited to Washington by the White House to meet with the White House Drug Czar, John P. Walters, for an in-depth meeting on what makes its program so successful. These accolades did not go unnoticed within the addiction treatment field and resulted in the adoption by many throughout the country of a more holistic approach to drug addiction treatment.

Via EPR Network
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Doctor & Associates Highlights Connecticut Glaucoma Awareness

“As we begin 2012, we are making raising awareness about glaucoma a priority’” stated Connecticut Ophthalmologist Leslie Doctor, M.D. of Doctor & Associates with offices located in Westport, Norwalk and Wilton. “We feel that taking a moment to put in a little extra effort to remind patients and their families about the need for regular eye exams with glaucoma screenings is really worthwhile,” said Leslie Doctor, M.D.

Prevent Blindness America has designated January as National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Patients should be particularly sensitive to the fact that in African-American and Hispanic populations, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness. Additional glaucoma risk factors include any family history-especially among siblings-of glaucoma, certain diseases such as diabetes and an increase is risk as patients transcend through their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.

“The key step in preventing vision loss from glaucoma is early detection, diagnosis and treatment,” said Dr. Leslie Doctor. “This is why we want raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to preserve vision especially for our aging population. We strongly recommend that siblings of glaucoma patients be screened each and every year as their risk of developing glaucoma is some 5 times higher than the typical population.”

Doctor & Associates is a leading Connecticut eye care practice providing eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, diagnosis and management of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses and optical services. For those patients in need of eye surgery, as a founding member of the Wilton Surgery Center, Doctor & Associates eye surgeons are able to provide eye surgery in a convenient, close to home and cost effective ambulatory surgery center.

To learn more about Doctor & Associates you may visit
http://www.doctor-and-associates.com or http://www.facebook.com/doctorandassociates.

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Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment Advances Mark Awareness in Maine

“At Eyecare Medical Group in Portland, Maine, January represents the time we pay particular attention to getting the word out reminding patients to take advantage of the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as this sight stealing eye disease is a leading cause of preventable blindness,” commented Clement Berry, Chief Executive Officer of Eyecare Medical Group.

Prevent Blindness America has designated January as National Glaucoma Awareness Month. In African-American and Hispanic populations, Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness. “The advances in our ability to diagnose Glaucoma with the high technology imaging instrumentation we have brought to Maine has certainly given our patients access to better glaucoma screening and diagnosis methods and thus earlier detection-a key to maintaining eye health and vision,” stated Glaucoma Specialist Samuel Solish, M.D. of Eyecare Medical Group. “Earlier detection and diagnosis gives patients the best range of glaucoma treatment options whether it be using eye drops, laser treatment or if necessary even glaucoma surgery,” said Glaucoma Specialist Robert Daly, M.D. “Our goal for 2012 is to really raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to preserve vision especially for our aging population. We especially recommend that siblings of Glaucoma patients and Glaucoma suspects be screened for Glaucoma, each and every year,” said Dr. Solish.

Eyecare Medical Group is a leading ophthalmology practice in Portland, Maine staffed by a team of eye care specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained glaucoma specialists, retina specialists, cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants, (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

To learn more about Eyecare Medical Group in Portland Maine you may visit http://www.eyecaremed.com or http://www.facebook.com/eyecaremedicalgroup.

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Tips For Keeping Your Sobriety In Check Through The Holidays

Throughout the holidays, the pressures of the season along with the general festive atmosphere can be reasons why those in recovery succumb to consuming alcohol. But, there are alternatives, as given in the Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center ‘s Holiday Survival Series that offers guidance on how to maintain your sobriety or help others to maintain their sobriety throughout the holiday season.

•  Stay away from situations that put your sobriety at risk. There’s an old adage that says, “If you keep going to the barber shop, you are bound to get a hair cut.” By putting yourself into an environment where there the alcohol is flowing steadily, you increase the chance of having “just one drink”. But, there’s no such thing as “just one drink”, as anyone struggling with alcoholism will tell you. Keep it simple and, if possible, avoid situations where alcohol will be served. While this may seem like an extreme measure for some, immersing yourself in the proper environment will prove to be far more beneficial to your lifelong sobriety than the few hours of celebration that you aren’t participating in.

•  As a family member or loved one, choose to just say, “no” to alcohol. If you are hosting a holiday celebration, make it a safe environment for everyone by having a no-alcohol policy.

•  Provide non-alcoholic drink alternatives. As a host or hostess you may find it impossible to have a no-alcohol policy; so, provide plenty of non-alcoholic drink alternatives for your loved one in recovery. In addition, offer your support by choosing to abstain from consuming alcohol as well.

•  Attend an Al-Anon meeting. The families or friends of a loved one struggling with alcohol addiction also need support. Attending an Al-Anon meeting can help you to gain the tools that will aid your loved one on their journey to recovery.

•  Stay sober. Make a choice to support your family member by personally staying sober throughout the holidays. Quietly let your loved one know that you admire their determination and that you are proud of their conviction. Let them know that you are there with them on their journey and that you’ll be staying sober during the celebrations as well.

Holidays can be one of the most challenging obstacles to a person in recovery, particularly those in early recovery. But, by offering loving, gentle support, you can help your loved one stay the course.

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center recognizes the struggles that addicted individuals and their families go through when battling various types of addiction. Their unique individualized recovery program is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and individualized in the treatment field. Mountainside assists clients and their families from the very beginning of their journey by offering professional intervention services should they be needed.

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is a modern drug rehab facility that is skilled in serving a variety of clients with various addictions and in varying stages of addiction. The caring, compassionate team is made up of licensed and certified social workers and counselors who have extensive experience and specialty in the addiction treatment field. In addition, the staff includes a Nurse Practitioner, as well as a Registered Nurse, both of whom also have specializations and experience within the field of addiction treatment and alcohol rehab.

Mountainside also provides services for those individuals who come to them with dual diagnoses and require the services of a Psychiatrist to help conquer the unique challenges that dual diagnosis brings.

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. As a result of their unique, innovative approaches to addiction treatment, Mountainside has become the model for the addiction treatment field.

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Bupa partners with the Ramblers

Bupa, the leading healthcare group, has teamed up with the Ramblers to help people live healthier lives through walking.

The Ramblers is Britain’s Walking charity, working to help everyone realise the pleasures and benefits of walking, and to enhance and protect the places where people walk, whether rural or urban.

Walking can help people to reach the recommended healthy level of physical activity of 150 minutes of moderate exercise over a week in bouts of 10 minutes or more. The many benefits of regular walking include stress reduction, protecting against a number of illnesses and boosting fitness.

Sue Moore, Marketing and Customer Development Director, Bupa Health and Wellbeing said: “We are always looking for ways to help people live healthier lives, and we know that walking is an excellent way to do that. We hope that many of our members get involved with the Ramblers and start enjoying the benefits of walking.”

Robert McKinnon, Head of Marketing, the Ramblers said: “At the Ramblers we know that walking is a great way to keep in shape. We hope that Bupa members will join us and discover the friendship, fresh air and fitness that comes with getting outside and walking.”

Bupa members will be offered a 50% discount on Ramblers membership for the month of February. Ramblers members are also entitled to a special discount on Bupa health coverand Bupa health assessments.

For more information visit www.bupa.co.uk/ramblers.

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Bupa Launches Its First Dental Insurance Product

Bupa is introducing a consumer dental insurance product for the first time, in response to high demand from customers.

Dental Cover 10 and 20 from Bupa allow customers to choose whichever dentist they want to visit. Dental Cover 10 offers customers a full refund for NHS treatment* and market-leading oral cancer cover up to £15,000 per person per year**.

Dental Cover 20 allows customers with a privately registered dentist to claim up to £150 a year of dental insurance for routine treatment such as check-ups, dental x-rays and scale and polish. For more expensive, non-cosmetic treatment such as fillings, root canals, extractions, crowns, bridgework and dentures, customers can claim up 75% of each bill, with up to £700 paid back per year. Cover also includes emergency dental treatment and treatment for dental injury***.

With no underwriting or pre-enrolment checks required****, set-up is quick and easy for the customer.

Previously Bupa dental cover was only available to individual customers as an option with the healthcare group’s adaptable health insurance product, Bupa By You.

Sue Moore, Marketing and Customer Development Director, Bupa Health & Wellbeing said: “Having listened to our customers, we have designed a product which gives people extensive cover when they visit the dentist, whether NHS or private. We know that our customers will value the peace of mind that this gives them.”

To obtain a quote, consumers can call 0800 600 500 or visit www.bupa.co.uk/dentalinsurance.

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Huffman Family Dentistry Vow to Put the Shine Back into Anyone’s Smile

Wanting to change the confidence levels of even the world’s biggest smilers, Anchorage dentist, Huffaman Family Dentistry, have announced their flagship smile makeover service.

The cosmetic dentist Anchorage, AK service will come as a saving call to the millions of Americans who are not happy with their smile. Those living in the Anchorage area will be the lucky ones – finally able to change things for the better.

The process begins with a consultation – allowing patients to discuss what you like and dislike about their smile with one of Huffman Family Dentistry’s experienced dentists.

The dental professional will then perform a detailed examination to determine the level of oral health – allowing the dentist to then explain the options available to each patient.

The team at the clinic understand the needs of their patients:

“At Huffman Family Dentistry we accept the responsibility of providing you and your family with the best care that modern dentistry has to offer. Our dental professionals never stop learning. They continually update their skills to remain on the leading edge of dental technology and allow you to benefit from new discoveries” they say.

The service is sure to be the pride of local people – with such a comprehensive and cost effective service being available exclusively to them.

“Of course, we’d love to expand and stretch our services across more of the United States” says the Practice Manager. He continues “However, Alaskans have a special place in our hearts, and we are proud to be on hand to help them, and them alone”.

To find out more about the company and book your smile makeover today, please visit:
http://www.huffmanfamilydentistry.com/.

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Oregon’s Apple Dental Shock the Dental World by Offering Best Deal Yet

Having already won the confidence of individuals and families in the North Bend and Coos Bay areas of Oregan, local dental clinic Apple Dental has further shocked the dental world – by offering a dental examination and X-Ray for just $49.

The clinic, known as one of the best in the region – with North Bend dentist and Coos Bay dentist offices, offers a full range of services including dental extractions, dental implants, Dentures, IV Sedation and a whole host of other Family Dentistry services.

Representatives of the company are proud to be offering such a great deal, and encourage anyone looking for elite dental care to contact them and take advantage of it:

“We are offering our best deal ever. We are targeting new patients that need dental care in North Bend and Coos Bay. We encourage all new dental patients to take advantage of this special promotion!” they say.

The clinic has already built up a sterling reputation for their focus on client relations – namely through the employment of highly qualified and friendly staff, who understand the needs of everyone.

Mike, who has been a patient at the clinic since it first opened, cannot speak highly enough of the service that they offer:

“I’ve had virtually everything you could image done at Apple Dental, including the extraction of two teeth, dental implants and most recently the fitting and development of some excellent dentures. The service they offer really is first class, and this $49 deal they have going on is not to be missed!” he says.

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Dr. Just Smile Vows to Bring Smiles to Cincinnati – as the Ultimate Family Dentist

Bringing years of experience to the dentist chair, Steinmetz Michael S DDS and his team at Dr. Just Smile are proud to announce the launch of their new website.

The major web overhaul is set to position Dr. Just Smile as the dominant family dentist in the region, as well as poise them as the ultimate cosmetic dentist Cincinnati has to offer.

The clinic offers everything from elite dentistry services through to laser dentistry, cosmetic dentist services, Pediatric services and many more.

“We are deeply committed to providing our clients with convenient and accessible dental health screenings and procedures that will leave them and their family with confidence and the healthiest smiles possible” says Dr. Michael Steinmetz – who owns and operates the practice.

Among their many services, the team at Dr. Just Smile place a special focus on dentistry services that the whole family can benefit from – as Dr. Michael Steinmetz explains:

“We regard our own team as a small family, so certainly know how to treat our patients the same way. Every patient knows out names and we’re always available help and assist with any questions or concerns that they may have. We want everyone to smile together!” he says.

In all, there’s an impressive range of services available to patients of Dr. Just Smile, positioning them as one of the most experiences family, emergency and pediatric dentist Cincinnati can boast.

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NHS Criteria Crisis? Will The Change In VAT Finally Move The NHS To Review Their Qualification Of Candidates For Cosmetic Procedures?

There have been several reports in the media in recent months suggesting that the government is to add VAT to cosmetic surgery procedures. If this is true patients will be charged an extra 20% on the procedures that they undergo. However, the picture is even more worrying for the NHS which, under certain circumstances, offers cosmetic surgery for free. If the VAT rumours are true then the NHS will find itself under financial pressure at a time when it can ill afford to be so. In this article we will look in depth at the government proposals on taxing cosmetic procedures and their effect on the NHS. We will then decipher whether the NHS will ultimately be forced to review their qualification for candidates undergoing cosmetic surgery.

HM Revenues and Customs
In autumn 2011 HM Revenues and Customs stated that they wanted to clarify the existing legislation on which types of cosmetic surgery attract VAT. They claim that any cosmetic surgery carried out for medical reasons is not taxable. However, surgery simply carried out to improve appearance should be taxed. The department said this had always been the case and new legislation had not actually been introduced. Cosmetic surgeries disagreed arguing that this tax had never been enforced so if it was now suddenly going to be enforced law it was, in effect, a new law. However, the boundaries between cosmetic surgery for medical and aesthetic reasons are not always as easy to define as, say the difference between rhinoplasty surgery to help alleviate problems with breathing and liposuction to tackle a pesky “muffin top”.

A surgeon could argue that a female requesting breast enlargement surgery needs it to combat depression, a medical condition. Breast enlargement would traditionally be seen as an aesthetical procedure but in this instance it may be passed as medical. Indeed, HM Revenues and Customs admit that each case needs to be judged on its individual merits.

So where does this leave the NHS?
Under current guideless the NHS only offers cosmetic surgery when it is deemed medically necessary. Therefore, the new legislation on VAT has no impact on the NHS. The health service will not have to foot additional bills whilst they continue to offer medical cosmetic procedures. It seems the NHS will have no reason to review their qualification of candidates for cosmetic procedures. In fact there are less likely to do so as any review may lead to non-medical procedures being carried out which would result in the service incurring the VAT charge.

There remains much confusion over the proposal of adding VAT to cosmetic procedures. The government themselves claim that some procedures are, and also have been, taxable. They claim they have not changed their policy but are simply clarifying the existing rules. It is clear, however, that the majority of cosmetic surgeries have not been charging their clients VAT for any procedures and the law has not been enforced. The outcry in the cosmetic industry reflects the panic felt by surgeons who worry potential patients may desert the UK for cheaper surgery abroad. The NHS, however, remains unaffected by this change or clarification because all the procedures carried out by the health service are for medical purposes so they will never attract VAT. It remains to be seen whether the government enforces the VAT on some cosmetic procedures but it is clear that the NHS will not be affected and therefore is under no pressure to review its candidates for surgery.

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