Catalent To Present Webinar On Stabilities Studies In Pharmaceutical Development

Catalent Pharma Solutions will host a free Webinar featuring Senior Manager, Wei Pan, Ph.D. RAC and Kathy Waddle, Director, Stability QC Biology. The one-hour Webinar will cover stability studies as a critical part of the drug development process and the vital role they play for drug product marketing approval. The Webinar, titled “Stability Studies in Pharmaceutical Development,” will be held on Friday, November 20, 2009 at 2 p.m. (EST). To register for the Webinar please visit: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/280747146.

The presentation will address the principles and practices of stability studies in the drug development process. Pan and Waddle will discuss the framework of the FDA cGMP guidelines as expressed in 21CFR211. Additionally, the Webinar will provide a comprehensive review of ICH and WHO stability guidelines by discussing the strategy used in stability protocols designed to support global registration.

Stability studies are conducted at all phases of the drug development cycle for different purposes with the ultimate goal of having a stable product on the market. During development, stability studies are conducted to support the formulation development and safety and efficacy claims of investigational new drugs. At registration, they are conducted to ascertain the quality and shelf-life of the drug product in their intended packaging configuration. After approval, the stability studies are conducted to ensure the quality of production and to support site or other changes to the product.

For more information on Catalent’s broad range of drug and biologic development services, go to www.catalent.com/development.

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The Hospital Group Has Reported That The Number Of Women Having Nose Surgery Has Increased By 37% Over The Last 3 Years

The fact is everyone can be self-conscious about a particular aspect of their appearance and many people are unhappy with the shape of their nose. It may have a hump, be too long or wide and in addition, there are sometimes problems that contribute to breathing difficulties. A procedure called a Rhinoplasty could help and it is a very popular choice for those that want to improve their most prominent facial feature.

A spokesperson for The Hospital Group, said: Rhinoplasty has become an extremely popular cosmetic procedure for women, this year it is our third most popular amongst women.”

A Rhinoplasty could provide significant enhancement to the appearance of the nose for both men and women. It can alter the balance and proportions of the whole face, giving a dramatic improvement to how you look and feel.

The Hospital Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of Plastic Surgery, number one in Obesity Surgery and Gastric Band experts. So whatever your requirements, you’re in safe hands!

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A Natural Drug Treatment Environment Promotes The Most Effective Healing

Sunset Malibu, an exclusive drug treatment center on the California coast, has long been a transformational force in the field of rehabilitation and recovery. Now, Sunset is announcing its redoubled efforts in providing cutting-edge care in an ideal healing environment.

Rehab doesn’t happen in a vacuum. On the contrary, every drug treatment center is affected by its geographical location. The best treatment facilities are almost invariably those situated in the most hospitable physical surroundings. In the end, there’s simply no substitute for the pristine seclusion of the Malibu coast.

Those considerations, in turn, are at the heart of Sunset Malibu’s treatment philosophy.

With its world-class caregivers and elegant accommodations, Sunset Malibu is an unparalleled recovery destination. The center has always catered to upscale clients from every corner of the globe. Now Sunset is renewing its commitment to its core values, with the goal of delivering life-changing care to individuals who seek it. At Sunset Malibu, the client’s personal comfort always comes first.

“Rehab is a grueling process,” said Sunset Malibu Program Director Dr. Georgina Smith. “To complete it successfully, patients need to feel wholly at ease in their healing environment. Our secluded private estate is the perfect place to achieve that sort of emotional and spiritual peace.”

Unfortunately, Sunset’s unique ambiance can’t be replicated by its competitors in other parts of the country.

Most drug treatment centers really do try to help their clients. But every clinic is limited by its physical location. The fact of the matter is that a drug treatment center in New York can’t possibly offer clients the same experience that they would enjoy at a drug treatment center in Malibu. The result, of course, is that New York drug treatment facilities can’t be trusted to promote meaningful and lasting wellness.

Sunset Malibu is a luxury alcohol and drug treatment center located in Malibu, California. For further details about Sunset’s treatment strategies, accommodations, or other general facts about drug treatment centers, please call 1-800-332-9202 or visit our Web site at http://www.drugrehabsunsetmalibu.com/.

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Mountainside Announces The Appointment Of A New Clinical Program Director

Mountainside Treatment Center announces the appointment of Wendi Shami MS, LCSW as the company’s Clinical Program Director. With more than 10 years of experience working in the mental health and addiction/alcoholism treatment field, Ms. Shami will be responsible for building and strengthening the therapeutic program, managing the treatment teams and introducing new evidenced based practices and identifying growth opportunities.

Ms. Shami brings extensive knowledge in the addiction treatment and therapeutic field and has an extensive career in the management of teams, cases and knowledge of therapeutic best-practices. She has helped many organizations to develop and execute initiatives including staff development and effective treatment team and efficient therapeutic case oversight.

Originally from Westchester she earned her Masters degree in Clinical Social Work at Columbia University in New York City and completed post graduate training in Family Counseling at the Ackerman Institute in New York City. Her areas of specialization include the treatment of addictions, co-occurring disorders, family therapy and counseling.

About Mountainside Treatment Center
Mountainside drug rehab is a comprehensive and innovative provider of treatment for individuals suffering from drug addiction and alcoholism.

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Recession Doesn’t Deter Plastic Surgery Enthusiasts

The Hospital Group has reported that facelifts are gaining popularity, despite the recession. THG have seen a 14% increase in facelifts over the past year.

Facial surgery, also known as a rhytidoplasty, can reduce wrinkles and help to rejuvenate your appearance. The best patient is someone with jowls, loose neck skin and who has a general saggy appearance to the skin on the face and neck. After surgery, the face is smoother, tauter and more youthful looking. A spokesperson for The Hospital Group, said: “Since the recession hit, we have not seen a down turn in demand. Patients who are adamant on slowing down the signs of ageing will save their money and go without other luxuries, in order to fund their procedure.”

During this common plastic surgery procedure, Incisions are made in the natural crease lines in front and behind the ears and behind the hairline. A facelift is most beneficial those who have jowls, loose neck skin and a general saggy appearance to the skin on the face and neck. If the patient also has lots of wrinkles, non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatment can be combined with a facelift for an improved overall result.

Since The Hospital Group was established in 1992, it has risen to become the UK’s biggest weight loss surgery providers, performing more gastric band procedures last year than the NHS. The Hospital Group is committed to providing the very highest standards and all procedures are performed by an expert medical team in state-of-the-art facilities that are second to none.

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Why More Women Are Choosing To Have A Breast Lift

The Hospital Group has reported that the number of women having a breast lift has increased by 21% over the last year.

A breast lift, or mastopexy, as it is formally known, is a procedure that suits women whose breasts may be pendulous as a result of a relaxation of the ligaments due to weight loss, age or having children.

The actual size may be fine but the breasts have lost their volume and tone or the nipples may point downward. However, if extra volume is required then a breast uplift procedure may be combined with implants for the best overall result.

A spokesperson for The Hospital Group, said: “More and more woman, post pregnancy, have chosen to have a breast uplift to rebuild their confidence in their bodies. Particularly after breast feeding women lose volume in their breasts and want to get their femininity back.”

During this common plastic surgery procedure, the surgeon will carefully remove a small section of excess skin from each breast to lift the bust line. The result will give the patient’s bust a much more youthful appearance. It is often combined with the insertion of breast implants in patients who have lost volume in their breasts as a result of age, weight loss or breast feeding.

The Hospital Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of cosmetic surgery, number one in obesity surgery and breast uplift experts. So whatever your requirements, you can rest assured in the safe hands of the professionalism and experience that THG has to offer.

Since The Hospital Group was established in 1992, it has risen to become the UK’s biggest weight loss surgery providers, performing more gastric band procedures last year than the NHS. The Hospital Group is committed to providing the very highest standards and all procedures are performed by an expert medical team in state-of-the-art facilities that are second to none.

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Avoid Pregnancy Financial Complications with Maternity Health Insurance

Couples who are expecting to embark on their journey of starting a family should purchase pregnant health insurance sooner than later. Thanks to the failing economy, it is becoming harder and harder for pregnant women to obtain a private maternity health insurance policy. A recently published article on InsuranceAgents.com recommends couples expecting or planning on having children purchase a quality policy as soon as possible if they’re interested in saving money.

“Raising a child (or multiple children) can be infinitely rewarding, but it is also expensive,” the article, Maternity Health Insurance: What Does It Cover?, states. “Prenatal care, doctor checkups, ultrasounds, delivery, etc., can all drain your savings if you don’t have sufficient maternity health insurance to cover the expenses.”

So how and what do couples benefit from with maternity health insurance? On top of covering the expenses of doctor’s visits, ultrasound exams, hospital stays, tests, prenatal care, anesthesia and newborn check-ups, a quality policy will also cover the baby delivery charge, which can cost between $6,000 and $10,000 alone.

Couples who come across a policy that doesn’t cover the cost of the listed expenses should consult with their health insurance agent on how they can customize it. It is silly to obtain a policy that doesn’t protect against a newborn delivery charge that can place a couple in a financial hole for many years following the pregnancy.

Women who have not yet become pregnant still have time. Start comparing maternity health insurance quotes online today to find the most affordable and convenient policy and ensure a safe pregnancy.

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Blonde Bombshell Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace Has Been Voted In The Top 10 Best Surgery Category

Blonde bombshell Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace has been voted in the top 10 “Best Surgery” category in this week’s Heat magazine as part of their cosmetic surgery special.

The Big Brother star recently had a breast enlargement at The Hospital Group, increasing her bust size from a DD to an E.

Aisleyne said: “You hear of people booking in for surgery and not getting the look they wanted, and that was me before.

“I just wanted to get the shape sorted out. My boobs were sitting quite far apart so I wanted something which gave me much more of a cleavage.

“I definitely don’t want them massive like Jordan or super-pert like Victoria Beckham, just something natural which is going to look good in a dress.”

Heat asked 1,000 of their readers to vote on their best and worst celebrity surgery as well as procedures they would most like to have. Liposuction came out on top, closely followed by breast enlargement and nose jobs. Surprisingly, pec implants came in eighth place.

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Hypnotist Claims To Be Able to Make Boobs Bigger with the Power of His Mind

A North Yorks Stage hypnotist is claiming that he can help women “think” that they have bigger breasts by just using the power of his mind.

David Knight has recently launched a new CD which tells listeners “Your breasts are growing… growing larger now” and is that confident in his technique that he offers a money back guarantee if listeners are not completely satisfied with the results.

The hypnotherapist is said to have an 85 per-cent success rate, saying: “Every lady’s breasts have been grown by the mind, the mind grows it, so the mind can enhance it.”

However earlier this week Mr Knight’s claims were tossed aside as the BBC program Inside Out demonstrated how easy it is to register as a hypnotherapist.

Although some people may think that hypnotherapy is the answer, breast augmentation offers a guaranteed permanent enhancement.

The Hospital Group, one of the country’s leading cosmetic surgery clinics offers a vast range of surgical implants as part of its new Natrelle range.

With over 500 different shapes, sizes and textures, the Natrelle implant allows for a much more bespoke breast, which the patient has decided upon herself with the help of a dedicated specialist when undergoing a breast enlargement procedure.

In 2008, The Hospital Group saw a staggered 2,200 breast augmentations performed, making them one of the country’s leading breast surgery providers.

Since The Hospital Group was established in 1992, it has grown from a small pharmaceutical company to one of the UK’s foremost cosmetic surgery providers. The Group is committed to providing the very highest standards and all procedures are performed by an expert medical team in state-of-the-art facilities that are second to none.

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Little Sprout Imaging Was Pleased To Be Included In This Months Issue Of Angie’s List Health

Martha Morgan, the Founder of Little Sprout Imaging, was invited to respond to the controversy surrounding the industry and the recent ban of non-medical ultrasounds in the State of Connecticut. Rounding out the “Ask the Experts” panel is Dr. Jacques S. Abramowicz.

Little Sprout Imaging Was Pleased To Be Included In This Months Issue Of Angie’s List Health

Morgan admits that the industry has a less than desirable reputation. Earlier this decade, the FDA and AIUM expressed concern about the use of a medical device by untrained personnel. Yet, centers continue to open across the country with the business owner having learned how to operate the ultrasound machine in 2 days. Pregnant women assume that their state or the federal government oversees the industry. If Moms-to-be understood that 90% of the free-standing 3D centers were operated by laypeople rather than trained professionals, they would seek out the true professionals and consumer demand would settle the industry controversy. If we, as an industry, do not self-regulate; the states may very well legislate us all out of business. The State of Connecticut did exactly that effective, July 1, 2009.

To view the entire article in Angie’s List Health, go to:
Angie’s List Health, October 2009 Issue

Little Sprout Imaging has provided 3D / 4D ultrasounds in Maryland since 2004. Their service model includes medically trained Sonographers and physician oversight. Their high-standards take into account the FDA and AIUM concerns. This distinction earned them the 2006 Smart Woman Bravo! Business Achievement Award as well as the label “Mom and Baby Friendly” in the Greater-Baltimore region. In addition to their responsible business practices, technologically they are a leader in the industry. Little Sprout Imaging introduced webcast ultrasounds to the industry in 2006. Their webcast service; called SproutCast, is offered LIVE and OnDemand.

To sign the Little Sprout Imaging petition to keep 3D ultrasounds elective in the State of Maryland, go to: LittleSproutImaging.com Click on sign the petition.

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Senior Director of Biotechnology at Catalent To Present Industry Conferences

Ana T. Menendez, Ph.D., Senior Director of Biotechnology at Catalent Pharma Solutions, will be delivering workshops this October at two industry conferences.

The first will be a pre-conference workshop at Cambridge Health Institute’s Immunogenicity Summit. The event will take place in Philadelphia on Monday, October 26, 2009. The interactive workshop, titled “Technical Advice on Assay Development,” will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will enable attendees to develop an immunogenicity pre-clinical and clinical testing protocol for a therapeutic protein.

The second presentation by Menendez will be a seminar at San Francisco’s Biologicals to Devices (B2G) conference on October 27. The workshop will be called “Effective transfer of Complex Biological Methods in the GMP Environment.”

As part of Catalent’s Development and Clinical Services Segment, Dr. Menendez is responsible for the release tests required to verify the functionality and purity of biotechnology products and the complex processes involved in their manufacture. Menendez implemented biotesting at Catalent and currently leads the following laboratories at the North Carolina Research Triangle Park facility: Cellular Technologies, Molecular Technologies, Virology and Analytical Biosafety. The expertise of the department ranges from proteins (i.e., monoclonal antibodies, enzymes, growth factors) to therapeutic viruses, bacterial vaccines and aptamers. Menenedez is an international instructor on bioassay development and validation and a frequent speaker at biopharmaceutical conferences.

For more information on Catalent`s broad range of drug and biologic development services, go to www.catalent.com/development.

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Harley Medical Group Reports Big Enquiry Increase In The City

The Harley Medical Group’s City clinic, in the heart of the Square Mile, has historically been one of the 26 clinic strong Group’s leading UK clinics but has seen static figures over the last six months. However, September figures for the Group’s City Clinic, released today, show a 24% month on month enquiry increase, which could result in optimism amongst City workers.

Male patients are driving the September growth at The Harley Medical Group’s City Clinic, which is based at Great Street Thomas Apostle, two minutes walking distance from Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan. Abdominoplasties - tummy tucks – amongst male patients are up 68% year-on-year and male breast reduction – reduction of Moobs, or man boobs – is up 14% year on year for the month of September.

Female execs are opting for Non Surgical Treatments with September bookings up 27% month on month in The Harley Medical Group’s City Clinic.

Both male and female patients opted for Botox last month, which was up 18% last month, year-on-year, as City workers look to stay ahead of the competition in an increasingly competitive climate.

Liz Dale, Director of The Harley Medical Group, said: “There certainly seems to be a renewed sense of optimism amongst City workers, with surgical bookings for the next quarter up by over 20% on last year for our City Clinic.”

The Harley Medical Group, which has 26 UK clinics, last reported a big hike in bookings for its City Clinic three years ago, with the Winter 2005 City Surgery boom then attributed to the City bonus season.

A Harley Medical Group patient who works as a sales analyst at one of the UK’s top five investment banks, said: “Although my job makes it hard to stay trim I made a lifestyle decision to lose weight earlier this year, which left me with a flap of loose skin on my stomach and stubborn fat on my chest. I felt terribly self-conscious and uncomfortable in the gym, which was my main motivation for surgery. I’ve booked in for a tummy tuck and male breast reduction in November. With the total surgery bill coming to around £10,000, I’ll be using my bonus money to fund the surgery.”

Another patient who works for a City insurance firm, said: “I have had botox for five years, usually three times a year. I haven’t had the treatment for over a year as I was really tightening my purse strings, but I feel more confident that my job is safe and so I booked in for botox last week. It was long overdue, I look and feel great.”

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Seeking The Finest Treatment For Anorexia And Other Eating Disorders

Malibu rehab is more successful than rehab in other parts of the country. Period. The plain fact of the matter is that rehabilitation is always a product of its environment, and the best rehab facilities are always the ones located in the most hospitable surroundings. From drug abuse, to eating disorders, and even depression, Malibu treatment centers are uniquely suited to meeting the psychological needs of their residents. In the end, no consideration could ever possibly be more important than that one.

Rehab is a taxing process. Those individuals who complete it successfully are invariably the ones who maintain the most robust of mind, and the most enduring personal serenity. And, as should perhaps go without saying, there’s no place more conducive to peace of mind and personal serenity than the most exclusive enclave on the California coast.

Malibu’s most successful treatment facility is perched high on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean, well removed from the tension and tumult of metropolitan Los Angeles. That idyllic seclusion helps to explain why upscale clients from all over the world have long trusted their health to the center’s expert caregivers. It should also leave no doubt as to where your interests will best be served. The fact that you’re here, reading this, suggests that you already know what’s at stake in the fight against addiction.

Do you need treatment for anorexia? Or maybe you have an opiate addiction. Maybe you are suffering from both. The good news is that the counselors and therapists at Malibu’s best treatment facility can help you win the struggle against your addiction. All that remains, now, is for you to make the right choice.

Drug rehab in Malibu is more successful than drug rehab in other parts of the country. Period. The fact of the matter is that every rehab program is shaped by the atmosphere in which it’s administered, and the most effective treatment facilities are those situated in the most hospitable healing environments. In the end, there’s simply no substitute for the most exclusive enclave on the California coast.

If you’ve been to Malibu, you don’t need anyone to tell you how special it is. If you haven’t, no number of words could ever possibly make you understand. Countless Malibu treatment patients have already learned the truth firsthand. For your own sake, for the sake of the people who care about you, let today be the day you include yourself among the lucky few.

Malibu’s best treatment facility is perched high on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean, a million miles from the tension and tumult of metropolitan Los Angeles. To arrive at the center’s exclusive private estate is to enter a world apart, a sphere in which you’ll be free to pursue recovery without stress or distraction. The center’s clients will tell you that that sort of secluded serenity can make all the difference in the world. Here’s hoping you’ll be wise enough to put their word to the test.

Eating-Disorder.Mobi is a referral site that will help you find the finest eating disorder treatment center in the world. If you’d like help finding the best treatment, or for more information on treating anorexia and other disorders, please call 1-877-278-1918, visit our website at http://www.eating-disorder.mobi/, or contact us at admissions@eating-disorder.mobi.

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Pet Owners Save a Trip to the Animal Clinic and Find Pet Meds Online

Pet owners find themselves as contented as their cats and dogs with more time in their afternoon as they save a trip to the vet. As more and more consumers turn to the online community to find what they need, pet lovers find all their petmeds needs on the web. No longer do they have to make an extra trip to the pet clinic or pet store to find Frontline, Heartgard, Sentinel or any other pet need because they can get it just as easily on the Internet, never leaving their house or the company of their pet. All pet medications are USDA/EPA approved and exactly what they’d expect to find in a vet’s office or pet store.

The Internet creates convenience for everyone, including owners of animals who may find it difficult to work their animal’s needs for pet meds in with their busy schedules. Why should pet owners have to travel to meet the health needs of their pets when the Internet provides every pet medication conveniently at the fingertips? Online pet stores are only as far away as the nearest computer. More and more pet owners realize that the convenience of online pet supply outlets can ease a schedule and provide more time in the day.

The health needs of pets can vary widely and get considerably expensive. With online petmeds, all forms of pet medicine and treatments are available in one location at prices that are considerably lower than a pet shop or vet clinic. The online store saves money by having less real estate and employee expenses to contend with. These savings can then be passed onto the pet owner through lower prices. Not only can pet lovers find everything they need for their pets easier, but the pet meds also tend to be less expensive.

Shipping costs have deterred some potential online shoppers, but many online stores get around this by offering reduced or free shipping. At Petmeds, for example, shipping on all orders over $39 is completely free, adding to the savings with reduced overhead.

About the Author:

Sam Sheppard is a long time pet owner and blogger who finds it hard to find time in his schedule to get all his pet meds for the animals he loves. With online petmeds, Sheppard finds more time not only for writing but for quality lap time for all his furry friends as well.

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UK Enjoys Highest Net Income in Europe but Life Quality is Poorest

The UK and Ireland are the worst places in Europe to live, according to the latest uSwitch.com Quality of Life Index. While the UK enjoys the highest net household income in Europe, quality of life is the poorest, proving that there is more to good living than money. Long working hours, lower holiday entitlement and a high cost of living all contribute to a poor quality of life in the UK – and it’s not much better for the Irish either:

•Best quality of life can be found in France and Spain. The worst can be found in the UK and Ireland
•Depressing: UK workers can expect to work 3 years longer and die 2 years younger than their French counterparts
•Cost of living: consumers in the UK are paying above the European average for fuel, food, alcohol and cigarettes
•Health and education: the UK’s spend on healthcare and education is below the European average. Only Ireland and Poland spend less on healthcare, but Ireland has more doctors and hospital beds and Poland has more beds than the UK
•Longer life: Germany, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden all enjoy longer life expectancy than the UK
•Retirement age in the UK has dropped, but it is still the 4th highest in Europe
•UK enjoys highest net household income, but workers in the UK get lowest holiday entitlement in Europe.

The latest uSwitch.com European Quality of life Index reveals that people in the UK are still getting a raw deal compared with their European neighbours. Despite the fact that the UK enjoys the highest net household income in Europe – GBP35,730 a year, which is more than GBP10,000 a year above the European average – this does not translate into a good life. Instead, people in the UK can expect to work longer, die younger and enjoy lower standards of healthcare and education.

The uSwitch.com study examined 17 factors in order to understand where the UK sits in relation to nine other major European countries. Variables such as net income, taxes and the cost of essential goods, such as fuel, food and energy bills, were examined along with lifestyle factors, such as hours of sunshine, holiday entitlement, working hours and life expectancy to provide a complete picture of the quality of life experienced in each country.

The findings show that people in the UK and Ireland have the poorest quality of life, while the French and Spanish enjoy the highest. The UK gets the lowest number of days holiday per year, pays the highest prices for diesel and food and spends below the European average (as a percentage of GDP) on health and education. It also has the 4th lowest life expectancy in Europe and workers retire later than most of their European counterparts.

France, which topped the league, enjoys one of the lowest retirement ages, has the longest life expectancy in Europeand spends the most on healthcare Its workers also benefit from 34 days holiday a year – compared with only 28 in the UK – and it comes only behind Spain and Italy for hours of sunshine.

Spain, which topped the league last year, enjoys the most sunshine – but it has more to smile about than just that. The Spanish can expect to live a year longer than people in the UK, enjoy the highest number of days holiday in Europe (41 days a year) and pay the lowest fuel prices. And as if that’s not enough to celebrate, they are paying the lowest prices for alcohol too.

This year’s index does not reveal the full impact of the recession – this can be expected to show next year. However, France officially went into recession in May 2009 and has already emerged again (August 2009). This quick turnaround could see it maintaining a high quality of life despite the economic difficulties facing most European nations. Spain entered recession in February 2009 with no official announcement as to when it is likely to exit. Poland is the only country in the study not to have gone into recession and it is widely expected to avoid it throughout 2009.

Out of the two countries experiencing the lowest quality of life, Ireland went into recession first in September 2008 while the UK officially went into recession in January 2009. Both are yet to exit and the impact on the UK is expected to be severe and long lasting. Unemployment has already hit a 14 year high at 2.47 million workers or 7.9% of the workforce – the highest rate since 1995. Even with the UK due to start recovery shortly, the jobless toll is still expected to rise with the British Chambers of Commerce predicting numbers exceeding 3 million next year.

Importantly, as politicians start to plot a way out of the financial mire, quality of life in the UK could suffer even more. This is because public spending is likely to be reined in so that the amount spent in the UK on education and health could fall. The Labour Government has already indicated GBP2 billion of cuts to come on education but it has so far rejected advice from management consultants to cut the NHS workforce by 10% over the next 5 years. The UK is already spending below the European average (as a percentage of GDP) on both health and education.

Health

The UK is spending below the European average (as a percentage of GDP) on both education and health. The largest shortfall is on health though, where the UK is spending 8.2% of GDP compared with the European average of 9%. Only Poland and Ireland spend less on health than the UK. France is the biggest investor, spending 11% of GDP on health, closely followed by Denmark and Germany.

The UK has 2.1 doctors per 1,000 people and 3.9 hospital beds. In contrast, France has 3.4 doctors and 7.3 beds. Poland, which spends less than the UK on health, has more hospital beds – 5.2 beds per 1,000 people. While Ireland spends less than the UK, but achieves a greater number of doctors per 1,000 and a higher number of hospital beds (2.9 doctors per 1,000 and 5.6 beds).

Lower spending on education and health could also be a contributing factor to the UK’s lower than average life expectancy, which is 4th lowest in Europe. There is some evidence to suggest that people who are better educated live longer and in better health than those who are less educated. This link between education and health cannot be explained by behavioural differences alone and has led scholars to suggest that having the right educational policies could improve a nation’s health considerably.

As well as shorter lives, people in the UK can expect to work for longer than most of their European neighbours too. The average European retirement age is 62 years old, however UK workers can expect to carry on working for 6 months longer than this. Poland has the lowest retirement age at just over 59 years old, closely followed by France. In real terms, these differences mean that UK workers can expect to work 3 years longer and die 2 years younger than their French counterparts.

Well being

Workers in the UK put in an average of 37 hours a week. Spain, France, Italy and Poland all work longer hours, but they also benefit from more days off. While workers in the UK get the lowest holiday entitlement in Europe – 28 days a year – the Spanish benefit from 41 days a year, the highest entitlement. As a result, UK workers can expect to work an average of 5 days more a year than their European counterparts and 13 days a year more than their Spanish counterparts. Over a lifetime of work (45 years) a Spanish worker could expect to have over 5 years off as holiday, while a UK worker could expect to have just over 3 years off.

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, says: “There is more to good living than money and this report shows why so many Brits are giving up on the UK and heading to France and Spain. We earn substantially more than our European neighbours, but this level of income is needed just to keep a roof over our heads, food on the table and our homes warm. It’s giving us a decent standard of living, but it’s not helping us achieve the quality of life that people in other countries enjoy.

“For too long the focus in the UK has been on standard of living rather than quality of life. As a result we have lost all sense of balance between wealth and well-being. The recession could prove to be a turning point, forcing us to re-evaluate our way of life, get back to basics and to the things that really count. Consumers are already beginning to do this – the Government and its policymakers would do well to follow suit.”

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Narconon, Drug-Free, Non-Profit, Drug Rehab Treatment

Narconon Vista Bay goes to the Fair! The Monterey County Fair is one of the largest in the state of California, with an average of 65,000 visitors. Taking advantage of that opportunity, Narconon Northern california had a booth in the middle of the action. The goal was to provide free drug education for children and also mingle with members of the community.

Over the five days of the fair, Narconon drug education material was placed in the hands of over 4000 children. While at the booth, kids enjoyed a prize wheel and gifts, as parents and community members appreciated the positive Narconon approach to drug prevention and education. The informative material offered was enjoyed by all.

Narconon programs assist schools across the country in meeting several criteria for the United States Department of Education, Title IV (Safe & Drug Free School) funds. Trends of youth substance abuse are tracked and monitored, and program presentations and training is modified to meet the ever changing needs of society. Prevention is the goal of drug education.

Perhaps the most unique concept behind Narconon Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment is that it is completely drug-free. The treatment has at least a 70% success rate. It is based on techniques developed by L. Ron Hubbard, an author and philosopher. Each single component or phase of the treatment is designed to increase the abilities of the client.

Narconon is a drug-free treatment method that consists of two main stages; detoxification and rehabilitation. Besides nutritional supplements, sauna sessions are an important part of the detoxification stage. Rehabilitation includes specific courses designed to increase communication skills, study skills, orientation to the environment, understanding of moral principles, and preparation for work.

With a success rate of 76%, the “Narconon Drug Rehab” is backed by a ‘Graduate Assurance Plan’. The plan promises graduates following approved discharge plans that relapse within six months of the program, will be re-admitted at no charge. “Narconon Prescription Drug Treatment” is available for a flat fee, and the duration is based on need, not insurance coverage.

Via EPR Network
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The Young Are Being Hit Hardest By The Strains Of Modern Life

PruHealth has revealed that the old adage of ‘being over the hill’ in later life may need to be revised as it seems the stresses and strains of modern life are hitting the younger generation the hardest.

The latest research from PruHealth, the health insurance provider that rewards policyholders for being healthy, has found that today’s 20-somethings feel three years older than their birth certificate states and the average 30-something feels their actual age, but the average Brit aged 40+ feels 11.5 years younger than their actual age.*

However, 20-30 somethings seem to have energy levels closer to those of retirees. More people in their 20s and 30s have a dip in their energy levels throughout the course of the day than any other age group, while 12% of 30-somethings don’t feel energetic at any point during the day at all – compared with only 6% of people in their 60s.

The research highlights how people in their 20s and 30s live unhealthier lifestyles than those in their 40s and 50s, which could be the reason for the younger generation’s sluggish energy levels and feeling older than their years. The top three reasons for lower energy levels were identified as an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and not getting enough sleep. However, little action appears to be being taken to counteract this with only 47% saying they eat a balanced diet, 18% never exercise, and a quarter sleep for less than 6 hours a night.

The older generation tends to follow a more balanced diet, eats less unhealthy foods such as takeaways, and participates in a similar level of exercise compared with the younger generation. However, as the over 40s require less calories than the under 40s** this could be the key to their youthfulness.

Interestingly, people of all ages who feel younger than their real age are more likely to feel most energetic in the morning, while those who experience a peak in energy levels in the afternoon are more likely to feel older than their actual age.

Shaun Matisonn, CEO, PruHealth, said: “While it’s wonderful to see that the older we get, the better we feel, the energy levels of those under 40 clearly needs more attention. This age group need to get more exercise – and more sleep – eat healthily and follow more active lifestyles to help boost their energy levels.

“Finding time in your 30s to exercise and eat healthily can be especially difficult while you’re juggling a career and looking after a young family, but incorporating small steps in your daily routine, such as getting off the bus a stop early and snacking on fruit rather than crisps, can help make all the difference.”

Via EPR Network
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Report Warns Against Botox Binges

The Harley Medical Group has revealed that recent reports from the States suggest women are binging on Botox to the point where their faces look frozen. Suffering from so-called ‘Wrinklerexia’, some Botox-devotees become so obsessed with their crease-free image they begin to see lines where there are none and binge on Botox to get a freeze-frame face.

Doctors at The Harley Medical Group – the UK’s largest cosmetic surgery provider – strongly recommend that patients opt for smaller doses of Botox and are turning patients away who demand treatment they don’t need.

Liz Dale, Director of The Harley Medical Group said: “Used properly, Botox is a fantastic treatment giving smoother, tighter and more youthful looking skin. But like with any procedure, it’s highly inadvisable to have more done than is necessary. At The Harley Medical Group all Botox treatments are administered by specially trained doctors who will look out for signs of a Botox ‘habit’ and will advise patients according to their individual needs.”

The Harley Medical Group works tirelessly to maintain the highest standards in the industry for the benefits all cosmetic surgery and non surgical patients. The group is at the forefront of the campaign to ensure that the Government continues to regulate the use of certain laser types used in cosmetic surgery and non surgical treatments so that patients are protected from rogue practitioners.

Dr Nick Milojevic, Botox Doctor at The Harley Medical Group said: “When used correctly, it’s extremely difficult to see if someone has had a Botox treatment. Botox has a fantastic preventative benefit, helping to prevent more wrinkles from forming whilst stopping lines and creases already present from deepening. ‘Baby Botox’, a lighter variation of the treatment, only uses extremely low doses of the toxin to give a very subtle and natural effect.”

Via EPR Network
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Free Joint Pain Relief Analyzer Launched

While some struggle to relieve daily joint pain, many are overcoming their joint pain quickly and easily. Largely, because they have mastered the proven (but little-known) methods of preventing joint pain from becoming overwhelming, before it’s too late.

That’s the opinion of Joint Pain Relief Today, online joint pain relief resource and designer of this new free tool, the Joint Pain Analyzer.

“Middle-aged individuals today need solid, reliable information on what works in relieving joint pain – and what doesn’t,” says Mary Ogden, joint pain specialist. “As an online joint pain specialist, I have hundreds of people contacting me, asking questions such as:

– How can I relieve my joint pain so I can get started with my day without being slowed-down by joint pain?

– How can I prevent and protect myself against significant joint pain in the first place?

“I designed the free Joint Pain Analyzer tool, to give these folks some of the answers. What makes this joint pain tool different is this: it’s not based upon theories or untested ideas. Each of the methods built into the joint pain analyzer tool has been thoroughly tested. The tool’s answers have been checked by medical professionals and in real-world joint pain relief.”

Unlike many of today’s joint pain services, Ogden points out, this new joint pain tool has been released at no charge. “A lot of organizations and individuals can’t afford to hire joint pain consultants or joint pain relief specialists. And it takes time to read an entire medical book, listen to a CD or attend a joint pain seminar,” notes Ogden. “This free joint pain analyzer has been created for them, and takes less than 2 minutes to get.”

Personal joint pain data analyzed in the free joint pain analyzer include:

– how joint pain is currently affecting the daily life of the patient
– why joint pain prevention is so important and what to do
– where to get effective, free help on boosting your joint pain relief

The Joint Pain Analyzer can be accessed online free, right now by visiting: Joint Pain Relief Today

The free joint pain relief analyzer is available to all individuals – both young and old, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Via EPR Network
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Medelita Joins AAPA in Celebrating National PA Week

Medelita®, makers of innovative high-quality scrub sets and lab coats for women in health care who excel in their profession and take pride in their appearance, joins the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) in celebrating National PA Week, October 6 – 12.

“National PA Week provides us the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the central role PAs have in shaping the future of health care in this country, and across the world,” says Medelita founder Lara Manchik, who brings a decade of experience as a PA to her breakthrough line of medical apparel. “We’re honored to join AAPA in celebrating National PA Week and the professionals who deserve this recognition. AAPA is doing an outstanding job communicating the role of PAs in transforming health care — not just on the floor and by the patient’s bedside, but in our laws and legislation.”

Manchik points out that PAs have always responded to the changing needs of patient care. Launched in 1967 at Duke University Medical Center, the first PA program was developed to utilize the skills of returning Vietnam medics and fill a need for quality health care when and where it is needed most. Since then, PAs have continued to make cost-effective, quality health care accessible to more people who might otherwise have limited, or no, access.

Today, you’ll find PAs providing not only primary care, but also working with physicians across a spectrum of medical specialties. Says Manchik, ”Patients and physicians alike are recognizing the tremendous value that PAs, with their advanced training and knowledge, bring to patient care. They assume many of the same responsibilities of doctors, keep costs in check, and spend time with patients to completely understand their needs and goals. National PA Week allows us to acknowledge this contribution.”

During this year’s National PA Week, the AAPA is emphasizing the leading advocacy position PAs share in the current health care debate. Through grassroots efforts and awareness-raising campaigns, AAPA and its members are making sure legislators include PAs in the strategy to increase access to quality, affordable health care.

“National PA Week brings much deserved attention to these dedicated, extraordinary professionals,” adds Manchik. “Medelita applauds the AAPA and its members for their tremendous efforts and commitment to reform health care. We’re proud to provide PAs quality lab coats and scrub sets that reflect their exceptional dedication and professionalism.”

About Medelita
Medelita has one purpose: to reinvent the way women of all health care professions present themselves at work by offering the highest quality, best fitting, and most comfortable medical apparel available, including scrubs and women’s lab coats. Medelita caters to professional women who want their uniforms to embody the poise and confidence already displayed from within. For more information, visit www.medelita.comor call (877) 987-7979.

Via EPR Network
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