Veterinary Medicine

Planetree Inc. and healthcare leaders from around the globe will be celebrating 30 years of putting patients first at its annual conference in Chicago, October 19-22 this year.

(PRWEB) July 31, 2008 -- Planetree Inc. will be celebrating 30 years of patient-centered care and the people who defined it at its annual conference in Chicago this year with healthcare practitioners, academics, patient advocates, hospital staff and administrators, and architects committed to learning best practices for patient-centered care. The patient-centered model focuses on service excellence and providing meaningful opportunities for patients and families to be actively involved in their care.

In addition to providing expertise and resources to healthcare leaders, Planetree also provides consumers with information on its website, www.planetree.org, including a list of Planetree hospitals by state along with a list of questions for patients to ask when choosing a hospital.

On the first day of the conference, October 19, Planetree-affiliated hospitals and conference host sites Delnor Community Hospital, Midwest Medical Center and Swedish Covenant Hospital will showcase their facilities giving site tours in order for attendees to witness first-hand how Planetree concepts have been fully integrated into every area. The following day, the second edition of Putting Patients First by Planetree President Susan B. Frampton and President and CEO of Griffin Health Services Corporation Patrick A. Charmel will be hot-off-the-press and available to participants.

The four-day event will feature renowned keynote speakers, including;

• Ronan Tynan, best known as one of The Irish Tenors, will inspire the crowd to live life to the fullest. If anyone has done so it is this acclaimed singer who is also a medical doctor and has overcome a lower limb disability and subsequent lower leg amputations.
• Best-selling author Mitch Albom whose nine books include Tuesdays with Morrie, The Five People You Meet in Heaven and For One More Day will speak about appreciating the people and moments we have right now.
• Robert M. Wachter, MD, professor and associate chairman of the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, will address the critical issue of prevention of internal bleeding and medical mistakes.
• Physical therapist and author, Amanda Gore, will reveal the secret skills of authentic leadership.
• A 20-year National Geographic photographer, Dewitt Jones, will showcase his extraordinary work to motivate attendees to live with passion and always aim to raise the bar.
• Lynne Lancaster and David Stillman, authors of When Generations Collide: Who They Are. Why They Clash, will shed light on recruiting, managing and retaining four generations in the workplace.

In addition to these speakers, the conference will feature more than 60 workshops providing a forum to discuss practical strategies for implementing and fostering a patient-centered care culture. Session topics include: measuring the impact of patient-centered care, how to engage physicians, making sense of care, quality and safety data, integrative therapies as well as spiritual care and healing by design.

On October 22, the conference finale will be the annual Spirit of Planetree Awards Dinner when the extraordinary achievements in patient-centered care of individuals and institutions will be honored.

The 2008 Planetree Annual Conference and 30th Anniversary celebration's lead sponsor is Nurture by Steelcase, a company that transforms healthcare environments to make lives better for patients, caregivers and partners in care. For more information, keynote biographies and a detailed schedule, call Planetree at 203-732-1365 or visit www.planetree.org.

About Planetree:
Founded in 1978 by a San Francisco patient who endured a traumatic hospitalization, Planetree has been at the forefront of the effort to personalize, humanize and demystify the healthcare system for three decades. Today, the Planetree membership network is a global community of more than 140 acute care hospitals, continuing care facilities, and outpatient clinics, each at various phases of the journey to transform their healthcare by considering every aspect of the healthcare experience from the perspective of their patients, and reconnecting staff to their passion for caring for others. A complete list of Planetree hospitals is available at www.planetree.org.

Media contact: Danielle Swift, Planetree
203-732-1431

##

Murray Grossan, MD (creator of the Hydro-Pulse sinus irrigation device) describes his successful treatment protocol for applying antibiotics, anti-fungals and anti-inflammatories directly into the sinus cavities using a pulsating irrigation device. This treatment has been extremely helpful for his patients who experience symptoms of sinus infections, snoring and sleep apnea. http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/health&id=6231390

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) July 31, 2008 -- Dr. Murray Grossan releases new information today regarding his new treatment protocol for sinus infections. Tower ENT gets many requests from doctors regarding his method of administering medications via pulsatile irrigation with the Hydro-Pulse. Dr. Murray Grossan shares his insight into this treatment protocol to provide maximum success for his patients. His method is based on the Bernoulli principle: as a liquid stream passes an opening, it creates a vacuum, which displaces the contents. Because his device uses gentle pulsatile irrigation, this effect is amplified by a steady pumping action.

Girl Using Hydro-Pulse

The liquid reservoir of the Hydro-Pulse™ is clearly marked as to volume of liquid. To achieve maximum effect, the patient administers their medications as follows:

1. The patient fills the reservoir with 500 cc of sterile water and adds one packet (1 tsp) of Breathe-EaseXL™. (This makes a 1% modified Ringer's saline solution)
2. The patient then attaches the nasal tip to the handle and irrigates approximately 150 cc through each nostril
3. After completing the 300 cc, they stop and gently clear their nose
4. The patient then adds their ampoule of medication to the remaining 200 cc of saline and irrigates again approximately 100 cc into each nostril
5. When finished, the patient will stop and sit quietly at the sink for 10 minutes with no blowing
6. The patient is instructed to not blow their nose for the next hour

Which medications should be used? Dr. Grossan initially began with Tobramycin added to 200 cc of saline. Today he often cultures the infection and adds the appropriate medications accordingly. For fungal infections, he use antifungals (such as Amphotericin B or Itraconazole). For inflammation, he adds an anti-inflammatory (such as Mometasone or Betamethasone). "Of course, patients really appreciate this simple topical method vs. taking systemic oral antibiotics," states Dr. Grossan. "One important factor here is that the medications come in a sealed vial -- the patient just pops the top and squeezes out its contents. This is vital for many medications that are unstable and removes the need for preservatives. Note that we add Amphotericin B to saline. This is fine as long as the mix is used right away before it precipitates."

More information regarding this unique treatment protocol and a complete list of medications commonly used at Tower ENT, may be found at ASL Pharmacy. These medications require a prescription. Information on how to acquire these medications and device may be obtained through ASL Pharmacy at 866-552-7579.

The premier lab industry event provides new web resources for medical laboratory industry

Newark, NJ (PRWEB) July 31, 2008 -- Washington G-2 Reports' 26th Annual Lab Institute Conference being held this Sept. 17-19, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA and focusing on the crossroads of politics, lab medicine and government policy towards labs, will air a series of web video interviews with the nation's foremost political and health care industry thought leaders on G2reports.com.

These interviews will delve into the future of health care policy, legislation, regulations and lab industry trends in the face of an historic national election and air on G2reports.com, the leading lab industry website that provides breaking news, video news, a health care industry job board, minute-by-minute lab industry financial news, and in-depth features and analysis.

Perry Patterson, Vice President of Washington G-2 Reports, says, "Lab Institute has chronicled all the major developments and events that have transformed the laboratory and pathology sectors for the past 25 years and is the nation's early warning system for objective, accurate information for the laboratory and pathology industry. G2reports.com, which is a free, content rich website, enables doctors, lawyers, government agencies and lab industry professionals to stay in touch with what's happening in government policy and regulations towards labs, as well as the daily business and financial news that is critical to running a profitable lab. And now we can combine the best of both worlds through the power of the internet."

Patterson adds, "G-2's web videos represent the next step in our efforts to better serve the health care community. We will continue to improve and expand this site over time. Its breaking news is followed closely by dozens of bloggers worldwide, as well as the financial community and health care industry generally. And, its video news interviews are picked up by Google Video and other online outlets."

Some of the Thought Leaders at this year's 26th Annual Lab Institute include: Morley Winograd and Michael D. Hais, authors of Millenial Makeover: MySpace, YouTube & The Future of American Politics, Amy Walter, Editor-in-Chief of The Hotline, appears daily on HotlineTV, Tina Nova Bennett, PhD, President, CEO and Co-Founder, Genoptix Medical Laboratory, and Dennis Weissman, Program Chair, Founder and Executive Editor, Washington G-2 Reports. (To download the entire conference brochure go to: g2reports.com/conferences/915.html)

To find out more about Washington G-2 Reports and Lab Institute, please visit G2Reports.com.

Phillipsburg Easton Honda is hosting a blood drive at its Phillipsburg location on Saturday, August 9th from 11:00AM to 1:45PM.

Phillipsburg, NJ (PRWEB) July 31, 2008 -- Phillipsburg Easton Honda is hosting a blood drive at its Phillipsburg location on Saturday, August 9th from 11:00AM to 1:45PM.

Miller-Keystone Logo

"Demand for blood donations remains high, and the Miller-Keystone Blood Center provides this life-saving commodity to over seventeen medical centers in the Lehigh Valley and Western New Jersey. We are excited to serve as a location for this all-important event. We encourage our friends and neighbors to donate blood at our upcoming blood drive, or at any other blood drive for that matter. Very little effort is required to save a life. This is a great opportunity for families to donate together" says Wayne Vince, owner of Phillipsburg Easton Honda.

GROWING DEMAND FOR BLOOD
Approximately 350 units of blood are needed daily in the hospitals served by the MKBC. Those who need blood include accident victims, surgical patients, cancer patients, burn victims, hemophiliacs, the elderly, and more.

THE SUPPLY
Qualifying to give blood is easier than most people think. Besides some FDA guidelines, donors need to be 17 years old and weigh at least 110 lbs. About half of the US population is eligible to donate blood. Unfortunately, less than five (5) percent actually do. So, if even ten (10) percent donated, the blood supply would double. To learn more about giving blood, visit GIVEaPINT.org.

"We chose to host this blood drive because of Miller-Keystone's mission. Beyond its goal to provide a safe and adequate blood supply to the community, the MKBC aims to be an active member of the community by providing related education and becoming involved in activities beyond simply collecting donations. We are looking forward to a long-term partnership with the MKBC. And, with the opening of our newer and bigger showroom, we will be better-suited to host more community-oriented events such as this one," says Dave Jones (General Manager).

HOW TO SIGN UP
Phillipsburg Easton Honda is hoping to recruit at least 25 people for this first blood drive. The event will be held on Saturday, August 9th, 2008 between 11:00AM and 2:00PM. Donors need their ID (or donor card) and should expect to spend between 40 and 50 minutes for the entire process (pre-registration, screening, donation, and post-donation refreshments). There are open slots every five to ten minutes, starting at 11:00AM. To reserve your spot, call Phillipsburg Easton Honda at 908.859.5800 or e-mail PattyNovak@PhillipsburgHonda.com.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR BLOOD TYPE?
Blood Type Frequency
O+   1 person in 3
O-   1 Person in 15*
A+   1 person in 3
A-   1 person in 16
B+   1 person in 12
B-   1 person in 67
AB+   1 person in 29**
AB-   1 person in 167**
*Those in the O-blood group are called universal blood donors. Their red cells may be transferred to anyone, regardless of blood type.
**The plasma of those in the AB-blood group may be transfused to anyone, regardless of blood type.

ABOUT THE NEW PHILLIPSBURG EASTON HONDA
Since 1979 Phillipsburg Easton Honda has served Western New Jersey and the Lehigh Valley. The new Sales and Service facility is scheduled to open within the next few weeks. The new dealership is "Going Green", with a bigger emphasis on energy efficiency. The facility will utilize a new "CleanBurn Multi-fueled Heating System with a Heatway Radiant Floor System" that operates with used motor oil to heat the building.

Some of the new showroom features include an Information Center, a redesigned Customer Lounge, and a new Accessory Parts Display. "We decided to focus on something most dealers nowadays tend to overlook: the comfort of our customers. We have historically scored higher on customer satisfaction and we plan to stay ahead. We're proud to offer our service customers free loaner vehicles and a free shuttle service. We'll also be adding more comforts, such as free wireless internet, a new, larger TV, snacks, coffee & espresso, and so on," says Dave Jones, General Manager.

The new Service Center will have 19 Service bays with brand new lifts, 5 Body Shop Bays with an Accudraft Paint Booth, a new Two-Car Accuprep 5000 Prep Booth, and 3 Wash Bays with a Recycled Water Wash System.

Contacts:    
General Manager: Dave Jones (ext. 138)
Sales Manager: Al Hernandez (ext. 115)
Internet Sales Manager: Patty Novak (ext. 112)
Website: www.PEHonda.com

##

The American Kidney Fund today announced the launch of its kidney disease education and screening program in New York City.

New York (Vocus/PRWEB ) July 31, 2008 -- The American Kidney Fund today announced the launch of its kidney disease education and screening program in New York City.

The American Kidney Fund's MIKE program (Minority Intervention and Kidney Education) begins activities in the city with a free kidney disease screening today at St. Luke's AME Church, 1872 Amsterdam Ave. at W. 153rd St., from noon to 3 p.m.

Since 2004, the American Kidney Fund's MIKE program has provided free kidney disease screenings to nearly 20,000 people in Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. The program also has provided screenings at the annual D-FERG Harlem Family Health Fair in New York City for a number of years.

"By expanding the MIKE program to New York City on a year-round, long-term basis, we hope to bring awareness of kidney disease to thousands of New Yorkers who are at risk and who may not know it," said LaVarne A. Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund.

The American Kidney Fund's MIKE program, sponsored nationally by Amgen, operates in minority communities, forming partnerships with local organizations and conducting public awareness campaigns to raise awareness of chronic kidney disease.

In New York City, the American Kidney Fund's MIKE program will work in partnership with North General Hospital in Harlem. North General Hospital is providing laboratory services for the screenings, as well as appropriate follow-up to participants whose results indicate they are at high risk for kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease is a serious illness that is most often caused by diabetes or high blood pressure. About 26 million people are believed to have chronic kidney disease, but many don't know it because there are usually no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When caught early, chronic kidney disease can be managed, and progression to kidney failure may be avoided. Members of ethnic minority groups in the United States are about 2 to 4 times more likely than non-minorities to develop kidney failure.

For a list of upcoming American Kidney Fund MIKE screenings in New York City, visit www.kidneyfund.org and click "Get Tested." The American Kidney Fund also offers a brochure series and a toll-free HelpLine (866-300-2900) to promote public understanding of kidney health.

The American Kidney Fund is the nation's #1 source of direct, treatment-related financial assistance to kidney patients, and a leader in providing health education to people diagnosed with or at risk for kidney disease. In 2007, the American Kidney Fund provided $1.2 million in treatment-related grant assistance to kidney patients in the State of New York, and over $100 million in assistance to 68,000 kidney patients nationwide.

##