Wednesday 29 October 2008

Linfield College Announces Accelerated Online RN to BSN Program

(PRWEB) October 17, 2008 -- Linfield College is launching an accelerated, online RN to BSN degree for registered nurses across the country.

Beginning February 2009, registered nurses can complete Linfield's RN to BSN degree in eighteen months. Previously, this program took twenty-one months.

A majority of the coursework can now be completed on-line. Online courses are perfect for RNs with schedules that demand flexibility. Students do most of the work on their own schedule and post assignments by a certain time each week. The final two nursing courses are tailor-made, onsite clinical experiences, which frequently take place at the RNs current place of employment.

Students continue to have the option of completing the program in twenty-one months.

Each RN in the Online RN to BSN program must be a registered nurse with a current, unencumbered license, have at least a 2.75 GPA in prerequisite and Linfield curriculum courses and provide a letter of reference from their supervisor. The majority of students in Linfield's RN to BSN program are fully employed RNs.

The Online RN to BSN Program is provided by the Linfield College-Good Samaritan School of Nursing, accredited by CCNE, in partnership with the Linfield Adult Degree Program. It is based on the high quality on-campus Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree that began in 1983.

To learn more about Linfield's online RN to BSN program, email or call Gloria Flower, Enrollment Specialist, gflower @ linfield.edu, 503-287-3191.

About Linfield College: Chartered in 1858, Linfield is one of the oldest colleges in the Pacific Northwest and is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Linfield's Division of Continuing Education offers working adults the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree or certificate in both online and hybrid (combination online and classroom) settings. For more information, check out their website at: http://www.linfield.edu/dce/degrees/rn_to_bsn.php

Breakthrough Baldness Genetic Test

A groundbreaking genetic test to identify those most at risk from hair loss is now available in the UK for both men and women.

UK (PRWEB) October 17, 2008 -- A groundbreaking genetic test to identify those most at risk from hair loss is now available in the UK for both men and women.

Currently only available at Farjo Hair Transplant Clinic, the simple, non-invasive test can determine whether an individual is genetically pre-disposed to pattern baldness. The test uses a DNA sample collected from a cheek swab.

The Hair DX screening test is suitable for those who are concerned about hair loss, or who have a family history of baldness. The objective of the test is to identify those at high risk of pattern baldness before they begin to lose their hair. Advances can then be taken to reduce the onset of pattern baldness.

Current diagnosis of pattern baldness relies on visual observations alone. However, once hair thinning is visible, around 50 per cent of hair will have been lost from that area of the scalp already.

Dr Bessam Farjo, co-founder of Farjo Medical Centre, said: "The genetic test enables risk of pattern baldness to be assessed before hair loss occurs. Earlier intervention and treatment give patients the best chance of success, as the only FDA approved medications to combat hair loss - minoxidil and finasteride - are most effective at stabilising hair loss rather than stimulating re-growth."

The test for male pattern baldness provides information on the presence of a specific gene variation on the X chromosome. Men who test positive are at high risk of developing early-onset male pattern baldness.

The test for female pattern baldness provides women with a score, called a CAG repeat score. A smaller test score is associated with a higher risk for significant hair loss.

Dr Bessam Farjo and his wife Dr Nilofer Farjo head up Farjo Medical Centre. They carry out more than 300 hair transplant operations each year at their Manchester clinic. More than 4,000 people have travelled to the clinic from across the UK, Europe and as far as the Middle East, Australia and the United States, including high profile celebrities such as Kyran Bracken (Rugby Player and Dancing on ice) and Shaun Williamson (actor).

The centre has an international reputation for not only using the latest hair transplantation techniques - recognised throughout the surgical field - but for placing significant emphasis on developing pioneering ways to counter hair loss, including a state-of-the-art test procedure whereby a patient's hair follicles are cloned.
For more information, check out their website at: www.farjo.com

Physicians Favor Stem Cell Research; Disagree on Ethical Issues at the Heart of the Debate

Physicians who generally favor advancement of stem cell research in terms of its actual or potential benefits don't always agree on the ethical issues at the heart of the stem cell research debate, according to a recent survey commissioned by Jackson & Coker.

Alpharetta, GA (PRWEB) October 15, 2008 -- Physicians who generally favor advancement of stem cell research in terms of its actual or potential benefits don't always agree on the ethical issues at the heart of the stem cell research debate, according to a recent survey commissioned by Jackson & Coker Industry Report.

"Among physicians and healthcare professionals who have some familiarity with stem cell research and participated in our survey, there appear to be firmly held positions that largely revolve around ethical questions related to embryonic stem cell research," mentions Jackson & Coker Vice President, Ed McEachern.

"While the vast majority of survey respondents favored accelerating stem cell research, including more funding, there was considerable difference of opinion related to what does or does not 'cross the line' in terms of ethical propriety," he notes.

Survey summary: The survey, entitled "The Stem Cell Research Debate," was sent during September to physicians across major specialties and other healthcare providers throughout the United States, with 550 responding. Here is a summary of responses to key questions by survey participants

• 68% of respondents were medical doctors; 10% were advanced practitioners; 3% were hospital administrators; and 2% were medial scientists.
• 92% were either somewhat or very familiar with stem cell research.
• 53% believed that stem cell research affects their own practice, at least to some degree.
• 66% felt that stem cell research should include embryonic stem cells; 24% were strongly opposed to this line of research.
• 44% indicated that it's not a valid concern to question stem cell research on the premise that "it's creating life to destroy life"; 20% maintained it is a valid concern; 35% responded that both sides of the issue deserve to be addressed.
• 57% indicated that it is unavoidable that medical scientists involved in stem cell research are to some extent influenced by ethical concerns of those outside the medical profession; 13% believed that such influence should be minimized as much as possible.
• 35% felt that stem cell research has the possibility of being a "slippery slope" that can possibly lead to human cloning or some other form of extraordinary genetic manipulation; 63% doubted this outcome.
• 26% favored sole reliance on adult stem cells as a possible way of sidestepping the heated ethical debate; 26% believed relying solely on adult stem cells would be appropriate; 16% were not sure on this key question.
• 59% maintained that there should be greater government support for stem cell research; 19% felt the current level of government backing is appropriate; 9% had no opinion on the matter.
• 55% believed that stem cell research might be actually encumbered "to a great extent" by political posturing of elected officials; 20% indicated "to a moderate degree"; and 15% felt "not very much."


Despite disagreement on ethical matters at the heart of the debate, there was general consensus that medical science has identified numerous actual and potential benefits of some forms of stem cell research

Benefits of stem cell research: According to survey respondents, stem cell research holds many benefits in terms of cutting-edge medical advancement affecting many different medical specialties. Specific benefits could nclude the following:

--Improve peripheral circulation
--Tissue regeneration after wounds
--Better understanding of human reproduction
--Advance in vitro fertilization technology
--Regenerate retinal tissue related to macular degeneration
--Increase physical mobility for disabled patients
--Treat leukemia, diabetes, hypertension, spinal traumas, MI's
--Bone barrow transplantation
--Regenerate cardiac muscle after heart failure
--Treat Crohn's disease
--Slow growth of tumors
--Fetal gene therapy
--Development of bone substitutes
--Treat psychiatric patients with parkinsonism, tardive dyskinesia, etc.


Respondents' comments provided by survey respondents indicate the range of positions that many healthcare professionals take when debating stem cell research:

• "Stay away from the embryonic stem cells. [This eliminates the ethical debate!"
• "Avoid the inevitable controversy of embryonic stem cell research by focusing all funds and research on adult stem cells."
• "Stop religious organizations from getting involved with interpretation of science and technology."
• "Clarify the advantages to adult stem cell research. Also expose the financial gains that are the real issue behind the embryonic stem cell research."
• "Only truly qualified experts should give scientific facts and not opinions on the ethical aspects of the research. Most physicians are not qualified to weigh in on the debate in this arena."
• "Scientifically study the true capabilities of both embryonic and adult stem cells and reach a truthful conclusion."
• "Use of stem cells from discarded embryos is analogous to transplanting organs from cadavers--essentially finding some benefit in a tragic situation."
• "My personal opinion has little to do with the practice of medicine and research. Where would modern medicine be without the past research?"
• "We should be respectful of various opinions but point out that the goal here is to improve and save lives."

Conclusion: Stem cell research is a popular debate topic among health care consumers as well as those in the medical profession. The survey showed that despite general agreement that stem cell research is a promising frontier for advancing medical care, healthcare practitioners are divided over key philosophical and ethical questions.

Such questions include: When does human life begin? Is it permissible to bring to cessation that which has the potential for viable human life for the purpose of advancing medical research? Is embryonic stem cell research "crossing the line" in terms of what is acceptable medical science? Is it advisable to use stem cells from embryos that will be discarded during in vitro fertilization attempts? What about embryos that result from voluntary pregnancy termination? Does it sidestep the ethical debate to concentrate solely on use of adult stem cells or other non-embryonic sources of stem cells?

'No one has definitive answers to the ethical concerns at the heart of the stem cell debate," advises Jackson & Coker President, Sandra Garrett. "Our survey points out the linkage of these questions with consideration of what direction stem cell research should take in the future. Metaphorically, it's like a 'horse that's left the barn." with no turning back. Only time will tell what destination it reaches," she adds.

The entire survey can be accessed online at The Jackson & Coker Industry Report (http://www.jacksoncoker.com/newsletter/Long_9282008.aspx)

About Jackson & Coker: Jackson & Coker is a prominent physician recruitment firm with three decades of experience identifying physician jobs. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Ga., the firm places physicians in over 40 medical specialties such as Psychiatry Jobs; Surgery Jobs; Primary Care Jobs; Anesthesiology Jobs; Radiology Jobs; as well as advanced practitioners (such as CRNAs) in temporary (locum tenens) assignments and permanent placement opportunities.

Jackson & Coker is a member of a "family of companies" known as Jackson Healthcare (JH). The corporation provides information technology and human resources solutions to hospitals and healthcare organizations across the country. Jackson Healthcare has the distinction of being voted among "Atlanta's Top 10 Best Places to Work" and designated by Inc. Magazine as among "The Fastest Growing U.S. Private Companies."

More information concerning Jackson & Coker---along with the monthly Jackson & Coker Industry Report--can be found at www.jacksoncoker.com


Expert Robotic Prostate and Bladder Cancer Surgeon Joins the Vanguard Urologic Institute at the Texas Medical Center in Houston

A highly accomplished Robotic Surgeon and Urologic Oncologist, Dr. David K. Ornstein, M.D., recently joined the Vanguard Urologic Institute and staff of Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. Dr. Ornstein will utilize his expretise in robotic radical prostatectomy and robotic cystectomy to improve the outcomes of patients with prostate cancer and bladder cancer, respectively.

Houston, Texas (PRWEB) October 12, 2008 -- Dr. Ornstein joined the Vanguard Urologic Institute as Director of Urologic Oncology and Medical Director of the Vanguard Urologic Research Foundation. He will also be Associate Professor within the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston.

The Vanguard Urologic Institute was founded with the singular goal to reduce pain and suffering from urologic diseases. The Institute is located in the new Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza within the Texas Medical Center of Houston. The newly formed Vanguard Urologic Institute is a state-of-the-art clinical and research facility. Vanguard patients benefit from the extensive expertise of Vanguard Urologists and the availability of the latest technologies to facilitate urologic care. The clinical operations of the institute utilize an electronic medical record system that maximizes physician efficiency and facilitate accurate record keeping and clear communications. This allows Vanguard doctors and nurses to spend more of their time taking care of patients and less time managing paper work. Vanguard patients will have on-site access to state-of-the-art equipment for video-urodynamics, flexible cystoscopy and power doppler ultrasonography for prostate and kidney imaging. The Vanguard histopathology laboratory assures accurate and timely interpretation of prostate biopsies and other urine and blood tests. Through a collaborative arrangement, Vanguard patients will have access to the most advanced radiation therapy technology (IMRT) for the treatment of localized prostate cancer.

The Vanguard Urologic Institute is affiliated with Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, the flagship hospital for the Memorial Hermann Hospital System. Among it's many advanced medical technologies Memorial Hermann, Texas Medical Center has 4 DaVinci Robotic Surgical Systems and houses one of the largest and most active robotic surgical training centers in Houston.

Dr. Ornstein was awarded the Doctor of Medicine degree at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1992. He completed an internship in general surgery at St. Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital Center, Columbia University and a residency in urology at Washington University. In June 2000, he completed a fellowship in the Urologic Oncology Branch of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), where he was an NCI/American Foundation of Urologic Disease Scholar.

Prior to joining the medical staff at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and the faculty of the University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston, Dr. Ornstein was Assistant Professor of Urology and Chief of the Division of Urologic Oncology at the University of California, Irvine. He held a concurrent appointment as medical director of Robotic Surgery and Urologic Oncology at the Todd Cancer Institute, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center in Long Beach, California.

The 2007 recipient of the Young Investigator Award from the Society of Urologic Oncology, Dr. Ornstein was named to "Best Doctors in America" in 2006 and 2007. He holds memberships in the American Urological Association, the Society of Urologic Oncology, the Society of Basic Urologic Research and the American Association of Cancer Research. He has served on the editorial board of Investigative Urology, Clinical Proteomics, Human Genomics and Proteomics, and is a reviewer for multiple other medical and scientific journals. He has been principal investigator on several National Institutes of Health and Department-of-Defense funded research grants. His current clinical and translational research interests include, optimizing robotic surgical procedures for urologic cancers, prostate cancer biology and biomarker development. He was been awarded several career development awards including The Young Investigator Award from the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the Edwin Beer award from the New York Academy of Medicine and an award from the California Cancer Coordinating Committee.

Dr. Ornstein, a pioneer in robotic urologic oncology, has a very active clinical practice with a primary focus on urologic oncology and prostate cancer detection. Having performed more than 400 robotic surgical procedures for prostate cancer, bladder cancer and kidney cancer, Dr. Ornstein is one of the most experienced robotic surgeons in the Houston metropolitan area. He has published extensively and regularly lectures nationally and internationally on robotic surgery as well as prostate, bladder and kidney cancer.

To contact Dr. Ornstein call (713) 366-7800 or see www.DavidOrnsteinmd.com or www.vanguardurology.com.

Nerve Stimulation Therapy Alleviates Pain for Chronic Headache

A novel therapy using a miniature nerve stimulator instead of medication for the treatment of profoundly disabling headache disorders improved the experience of pain by 80-95 percent, according to a new study from the University of California, San Francisco and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London.

(Vocus) October 9, 2008 -- A novel therapy using a miniature nerve stimulator instead of medication for the treatment of profoundly disabling headache (www.ucsf.edu) disorders improved the experience of pain by 80-95 percent, according to a new study from the University of California, San Francisco and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London.

The findings give doctors the promise of a non-drug treatment option for pain sufferers unable to tolerate indometacin, the standard medication known to cause stomach bleeding in some patients. Findings are reported online at www.thelancet.com and also will appear in the November 2008 issue of "Lancet Neurology."

Up to 35 million Americans suffer migraine and other forms of headache, according to the American Academy of Neurology.

"We need a range of treatments to offer patients whose lives are taken over by debilitating headaches," said Peter J. Goadsby, MD, PhD, lead author, neurologist and director of the UCSF Headache Center. "It's quite exciting to think about how technology will advance in the next five years to provide remarkable devices for the treatment of headache. Preventive approaches like these will completely change the landscape of headache treatment."

The device, called a bion, is a rechargeable battery-powered electrode, similar in size to a matchstick. When implanted near the occipital nerve in the back of the neck, it alleviates pain by generating pulses that the nerve receives. The bion can be turned on or off via an external wireless remote control. Previous versions of the bion have been used in pain management for osteoarthritis and in the treatment of dislocated joints for patients recovering from stroke.

The study measured the effectiveness of nerve stimulation in six patients aged 37 to 64 with hemicrania continua, a rare headache disorder defined by the International Headache Society as a form of chronic daily headache in which patients have 15 days or more of headache per month.

At the beginning of the study, participants underwent a minimally invasive surgery to have the bion implanted at the occipital nerve. Each participant then received continuous stimulation of the nerve for the first three months. The device was switched off for the fourth month, ensuring that patients did not receive stimulation of the occipital nerve during that time, and switched on again at month five.

Switching off the bion enabled researchers to measure whether the device - rather than the placebo affect - was responsible for pain modulation.

To test long-term safety and efficacy of nerve stimulation therapy, follow-up sessions with the patient, a researcher and a device technician occurred once per month for four months.

Patients kept diaries, at hourly intervals during waking hours, which included a pain severity scale ranging from 1 to 10 points. Participants shared their diaries with researchers after the fifth month.

Researchers found that within a range of six to 21 months after implantation of the bion, five of the six patients reported sufficient benefit to recommend the device to other patients with hemicrania continua. Similar results were reported in 2007 by two other research teams studying patients with chronic cluster headaches.

At long-term follow-up, four of the six patients reported substantial pain improvement at a level of 80 to 95 percent, one patient saw a 30 percent improvement, and one patient reported that his pain worsened by 20 percent.

Overall, the research team found that participants not only improved with the bion therapy, but their pain worsened when the bion was switched off during the fourth month. In addition, diary submissions revealed an overall reduction in the pain score of five to eight points.

"The treatment of migraine and other chronic headache pain can be a considerable challenge to physicians. Not all patients can tolerate the appropriate medicines, and the side effects leave patients and doctors in a difficult position," Goadsby said.

"We have the opportunity to afford a huge change in quality of life for these patients. The bion was well tolerated, and neuromodulation is proving an effective and safe option, particularly in cases when patients have difficulty stomaching indomethacin."

The study is the first systemic use of the second generation of neurostimulators for the alleviation of primary headache, according to researchers. Occipital nerve stimulation is currently being studied for use in migraine treatment.

The study received external support from Boston Scientific Neuromodulation.

Co-authors on the paper were Brian Burns, MRCP, and Laurence Watkins, FRCS, of the Institute of Neurology at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London.

The UCSF Headache Center is the first program of its kind in the nation, combining laboratory research with inpatient and outpatient clinical care to further understand the many dimensions of headache and migraine pain while improving treatment through clinical research.

UCSF is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. For more information check out their website at: www.ucsf.edu

Austin Dentistry Clinic Now Offers Certified Full Service Sedation Dentistry -- All Gain, No Pain

Austin Smiles, the dental clinic of Dr. Michael McCarty, is now offering full service sedation dentistry to its clients. Sedation dentistry is the answer for those who need dental work and yet dread the dental office. New techniques and procedures have made it safe and comfortable for people to have dental work done without having the lingering memories of a painful experience. Dr. Michael McCarty from Austin Smiles tells us a bit more about this new option for the Austin community.

Austin, TX (PRWEB) September 29, 2008 -- Austin Smiles is reaching out to the Austin community by offering certified sedation dentistry services to those who fear dental procedures, and to those who are just looking for a more comfortable experience altogether. Dreading to visit the dentist is a widespread feeling--it is estimated that as many as 75% of American adults experience some degree of dental fear. Five to ten percent are so afraid of pain that they avoid dentists at all costs, until their dental issues are so severe they require drastic measures.

Things are changing. At Austin Smiles, a successful cosmetic dental practice led by Dr. McCarty, clients don't have to be uncomfortable during their procedure.

Dr. McCarty explains, "Austin Smiles always strive to provide the best possible care for each of our clients. In the case of a client who avoids dental procedures, because of pain, sedation dentistry helps us accomplish this goal by safely and effectively creating a relaxed, anxiety-free environment."

Sedation Dentistry is a technique in which sedative pills are used to achieve an overall calm and relaxed sensation. During the procedure, the patient does not actually sleep, but because of the effect produced by the medication, they may feel sleepy. Throughout the process, the patient is always conscious and able to verbally understand and respond to the dentist.

Using sedation dentistry, clients often feel the procedure only lasts a few minutes - when in reality, it may have taken hours to perform. Many times sedation also makes it possible to perform complex dental procedures in one or two sittings that would normally require numerous visits.

Austin Smiles specializes in inhalation sedation (also known as laughing gas or nitrous oxide) and oral sedation, which enable the client to complete a procedure without the lasting memories of an otherwise painful experience. These methods are safe, conservative and provide the most comfortable experience possible for the client.

"Sedation dentistry is the answer for many Americans who long for a great smile but dread the dental office. It is a valuable tool that gives our clients the opportunity to undergo critical and non-critical procedures that they might have otherwise avoided because of fear and anticipated pain." Dr. McCarty concludes, adding that most people rarely feel any discomfort after the procedure is over.

Dr. McCarty offers free consultations to new patients at www.AustinSmiles.com.

Medical Machines Online Announces Release of a Refurbished Acuson Cypress Ultrasound System

The online medical equipment specialists at Medical Machines Online are announcing the release and availability of a great refurbished ultrasound, the Acuson Cypress Ultrasound System.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) September 26, 2008 -- Medical Machines Online is happy to announce the release of a refurbished ultrasound machine, the Acuson Cypress Ultrasound System. This like-new system is one of many used pieces of discounted medical equipment available online, and it is a practical solution for clinicians at hospitals, clinics and physician offices during these tough economic times.

Portable ultrasound systems have been newly introduced to the medical imaging community, and this Acuson Cypress ultrasound system has been modified and upgraded so that it includes all the capabilities of a full size Acuson system. This ultrasound system is fast becoming the gold standard for portable medical ultrasound systems. This medical ultrasound system allows doctors and clinicians to extend the reach of echocardiography, because it is so lightweight and portable that it can be moved wherever it is needed. Whether it's in the echo lab or a patient's bedside, Emergency Room, Critical Care Unit or physician's office, this portable ultrasound is the best way to bring echo diagnostic power anywhere it's needed.

Even on the most technically difficult patient, this Acuson Cypress ultrasound system provides complete studies and clear images with its highly miniaturized, all digital, phased array echocardiography system. There is not room for compromise or repeat studies with today's medical equipment, and this system offers a full range of medical imaging capabilities to make sure the whole health picture is available to physicians. The Acuson Cypress comes with harmonic mode, high frame rate color flow mapping, Doppler, stress echo, digital image management and built-in DICOM connectivity.

This quality refurbished ultrasound system is one of many new and used medical equipment pieces on the Medical Machines Online website: medicalmachinesonline.com. Medical Machines Online is proud to offer this durable and fully tested Acuson Cypress Ultrasound System, and many other fantastic medical equipment pieces. As the demand for quality new and refurbished medical equipment rises, the quality and selection offered by medical equipment and EKG machine specialists should meet the demand with zeal!

About Medical Machines Online: Medical Machines is a hospital, physician's office and home medical equipment supplier and is the online shopping source for everything in new and used medical equipment. They offer a fantastic selection of all the best brand names in medical equipment, including Nihon Kohden, Burdick, Schiller, Welch Allyn, Cardioline, General Electric, Bionet, Dr. Lee, Fukuda Denshi, Brentwood / Midmark, Mortara, Philips, QRS and more. With these great names, we hope you can find the perfect new and refurbished EKG / ECG machines, patient monitors, dental equipment, defibrillators, bone densitometers, blood analyzers, pulse oximeters, ultrasound machines and stress test EKG's for your little corner of the medical community. For more information, check out their website at: www.medicalmachinesonline.com

Study Confirms Effectiveness of Magnetic Therapy in Pain Relief

In a study entitled Optimization of Static Magnetic Field Parameters Improves Analgesic Effect in Mice published in Bioelectrocmagnetics 28: 615-627, 2007, the Hungarian Academy of Science finds multiple static magnetic fields utilizing Gradient Medical's QuadraBloc™ design to be optimal and to have an analgesic effect of greater than 80 percent.

Memphis, TN (PRWEB) September 25, 2008 -- The Hungarian Academy of Science has found the patented static magnetic field (SMF) configuration used in Gradient Medical's QuadraBloc™ to be the optimal configuration and more than 80 percent effective in providing pain relief. The QuadraBloc™ is a device that produces a unique static magnetic steep field gradient that when properly applied, results in both immediate and long-term analgesia for successful pain management (http://www.quadrabloc.com/vital.html).

"The static magnetic field optimization study conducted by the Hungarian Academy of Science adds to the growing body of scientific evidence that this particular static magnetic field can provide pain relief," said John Townsend, president of Gradient Medical. "We believe that the findings of this new study will generate greater awareness in the international scientific community regarding the potential applications for the QuadraBloc™ technology. This static magnetic field optimization study is intended to to define the optimum field and to then provide an insight into the magnetic therapy benefits of a non-drug, non-invasive, non-contact, non-pain, and non-addictive method for providing analgesia with both immediate and long lasting effects, based on the stimulus of the endogenous opioid network."

The Hungarian Academy of Science used mice to test the analgesic effect with a variety of static magnetic fields. An experimental group was injected with acetic acid and exposed to static magnetic fields, while a control group was injected with the acid but not exposed to the magnetic fields. The researchers then used the writhing test to measure how much pain the mice felt, determined by how much they writhed. Based on the study's data, multiple QuadraBloc™ static magnetic fields were found to be the optimal SMF configuration and to have an analgesic effect of more than 80 percent.

This optimal arrangement of static magnetic fields, as indicated by the study's results, is the foundation for the QuadraBloc™ magnetic therapy (http://www.quadrabloc.com/). The QuadraBloc™ is designed to generate this unique static magnetic field such that, when the device is placed directly over the targeted nerve, the steep field gradient disrupts the nerve's pain signals to the brain. Rather than simply dulling the pain, as do over-the-counter and prescription drugs, the QuadraBloc's™ magnetic field literally alters the electrochemical transduction of the pain signals..

"This study shows that pain relief does not require pharmaceuticals with potentially dangerous side effects," Townsend said. "In many cases the QuadraBloc™ magnetic therapy offers both a low cost and substantial pain relief,with neither the potential side effects nor any risk of addiction."

About Gradient Medical: For more than a decade, the QuadraBloc's™ creators have been pioneers in the field of magnetic therapy. After AmWay's 10-year license for the QuadraBloc's™ predecessor, the MagnaBloc™, expired in April of 2008, Gradient Medical was established to manufacture and sell a more powerful design. Since the analgesic properties of this unique static magnetic field were first discovered at Vanderbilt University, scientists and researchers at other universities around the world have independently confirmed the effectiveness of the QuadraBloc.™ For more information about QuadraBloc™ and other magnetic therapy products by Gradient Medical, visit www.QuadraBloc.com.

Advancing Medical Technology from Space

Many giant leaps for mankind through thousands of NASA innovations. The Coalition for Space Exploration, the leading collaboration of space industry businesses and advocacy groups, announced today the release of a statement by board member Dr. Bernard Harris Jr., who was the first African American to walk in space and served as a mission specialist and payload commander on two Space Shuttle flights. Dr. Harris comments on the role of medical research in space and the importance of NASA, Cognress and the International Space Station (ISS) in realizing these medical breakthroughs.

Houston, TX (PRWEB) September 24, 2008 -- The Coalition for Space Exploration, the leading collaboration of space industry businesses and advocacy groups, announced today the release of a statement by board member Dr. Bernard Harris Jr., who was the first African American to walk in space and served as a mission specialist and payload commander on two Space Shuttle flights.

In recent editorials to newspapers, Harris highlights the role of medical research in space, commenting that "few may realize that a truly 'bright light' for medical research can already be viewed in Earth orbit - the International Space Station (ISS). The launch of the first ISS element took place some 10 years ago. Today, the ISS is an orbiting facility with unparalleled microgravity research capability, able to do investigative tasks that cannot be done on Earth.

"Research conducted in the microgravity of space is seen as a promising window into drug treatments for such crippling afflictions as diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis and hemophilia."

Harris went on to comment, "NASA and Congress realize these benefits and are now partnered to make use of the United States segment of the ISS as a national laboratory. Research done onboard this orbiting outpost will open new paths for the exploration and economic development of space.

"Already in place is a memorandum of understanding between NASA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - the first agreement between the space agency and another U.S. federal agency for use of the station as a national lab."

Harris concluded, "While the benefits of space exploration extend beyond the medical arena, the breakthroughs in medicine and healthcare cannot go unnoticed or undervalued. Imagine what the next 50 years of innovation and pioneering discovery can bring, particularly onboard the ISS. This robust commitment assures that our country will continue its decades-long bond between our nation's space program and medical research…one that has yielded life-saving benefits."

To view Harris' complete comments on NASA's impact on medical research, please view Advancing Medical Technology from Space at: http://www.spacecoalition.com/Published_Op-Eds.cfm

About the Coalition for Space Exploration: The Coalition for Space Exploration is a collaboration of space industry businesses and advocacy groups whose mission is to educate and inform the public on the value and benefits of space exploration and to help ensure the United States will remain a leader in space, science and technology - key factors that will benefit every American, strengthen our nation's economy and maintain our national security. For more information, please visit the Coalition for Space Exploration at: www.spacecoalition.com

Healthcare CEO Releases 'My Healthcare is Killing Me'

Co-authors practical, how-to book to help consumers traverse today's frustrating American healthcare maze

Nashville, Tenn. (PRWEB) September 24, 2008 -- American consumers who've felt confused navigating their healthcare and healthcare insurance now have a compass to point them through the morass -- a new book that guides them in simple language through the American healthcare system.

"My Healthcare is Killing Me: A Survival Guide for the American Healthcare Consumer" demystifies today's healthcare and healthcare insurance worlds so readers can better traverse the process and begin making smarter healthcare decisions more advantageous to them and their family.

Written by Robert Hendrick, Christopher Parks and Katrina Welty, three authors who share what they know about the American healthcare system, the book simplifies complex issues such as "quality vs. cost," "multiple insurances," "managing your healthcare" and "comparing health plans" in a sometimes tongue-in-cheek ways.

It's available through Borders, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com, or can be downloaded free at: www.myhealthcareiskillingme.com

"I initially intended the book to help newly hired employees of our company better understand the healthcare industry and what we do," lead author Robert Hendrick said. "But with more of healthcare's cost being pushed onto consumers' shoulders, we felt these practical tools needed to get into the public's hands to help them deal with their personal healthcare."

The company Hendrick references is change:healthcare, a consumerism informatics start-up founded in 2007 with fellow author Christopher Park. Its genesis stemmed from Park's loss of both parents from cancer.

Unable to make heads or tails of the mountain of medical bills that accompanied their care, Parks developed an online service he called MedBillManager, which helped consumers track and manage their medical billing paperwork.

Today, the bill management tool and company have evolved into one ushering in a new consumerism long missing from the healthcare industry and helping employees improve their lives while companies improve their bottom lines. Copies of "My Healthcare is Killing Me" are now being given to every change:healthcare business client for employee distribution.

"We just want to see consumers implement the book's lessons and live a better life," Hendrick said. "More transparency in this industry and consumers taking greater personal control of their healthcare is satisfaction enough." For more information, check out their website at: www.changehealthcare.com

New Study Confirms Link Between Pain Pumps and Cartilage Damage -- Searcy Denney Law Firm Investigates Claims

South Florida law firm Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley PA (Searcy Denney) has stepped up its investigation into claims stemming from the use of pain pumps following a recent study confirming their dangers.

West Palm Beach, FL (PRWEB) September 22, 2008 -- South Florida law firm Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley PA (Searcy Denney) has stepped up its investigation into claims stemming from the use of pain pumps following a recent study confirming their dangers. According to the new study, the medication delivered by these pumps causes significant cartilage damage. This study confirms and explains earlier reports of adverse outcomes associated with pain pump use. The cartilage damage caused by these pumps results in a condition known as Post Arthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL), which can lead to significant pain, disability, repeat surgery and not infrequently, the necessity for total joint replacement.

Published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine and presented in July 2008 at this year's American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine meeting, the in vitro study measured the extent of cartilage damage caused by directly exposing cartilage to various concentrations and amounts of the pain medicines commonly used in these pumps. After seeing compelling evidence of cartilage destruction, the authors concluded the use of some medications should be discontinued. Others were recommended for use in minimal concentrations and for very short periods of time.

This study follows an earlier study finding pain pumps caused severe cartilage damage. Published by the American Journal of Sports Medicine (AJSM), the prior study found a strong association between the use of high volume pain pumps after arthroscopic surgery and a loss of cartilage in the shoulder. Doctors reviewed 177 shoulder cases and found a staggeringly high incidence of PAGCL in only those cases where intra-articular pain pumps were used.

We are now learning that these intra-articular pain pumps are being used after many types of joint surgery. Symptoms of joint damage include pain, increased stiffness, grinding or popping when the joint is in motion, decreased or limited range of movement and sometimes pain when the joint is at rest. If severe, the condition can progress to the point bone is rubbing on bone within the joint. The condition can be diagnosed through x-rays, which will show a narrowing of the space in the joint of the shoulder.

"Our clients as well as others are experiencing devastating complications from these pain pumps" said Cal Warner an attorney for Searcy Denney. "They often require numerous repeat surgeries and cannot work. Most concerning is the fact many of these patients are young athletes who face a lifetime of disability because the manufacturers failed to adequately test their products and instruct the medical community of the risk of complications."

The primary medical device manufacturers for the pumps include I-Flow, Inc., DJO Inc., BREG Inc., and Stryker Corporation. Searcy Denney has set up a hotline to answer consumer questions about pain pump injuries. For more information, go to www.searcylaw.com.

About Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, PA: A nationally recognized trial law firm, Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.A. is committed to protecting and vindicating the rights of people injured through negligence, deceit and abuse of power. Over the past 30 years, the firm has represented clients in courtrooms throughout Florida and across the nation. For media interviews, contact Derede McAlpin at 202-973-1314.

American TeleCare (ATI) Provides Telehealth Technology and Program Support Services to the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Hudson Valley in New Yo

VNA of Hudson Valley Relies on ATI to Expand its Telehealth Program and Launch a New Telehealth Initiative for its affiliate Hospice Care in Westchester & Putnam, N.Y.

Minneapolis, MN and Tarrytown, NY (PRWEB) September 18, 2008 -- American TeleCare, Inc. (www.americantelecare.com) (ATI), the leader in the development and application of video-based telehealth solutions and intelligent monitoring, announced that the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Hudson Valley (Tarrytown, N.Y.) has selected ATI for telehealth technology and program support services. VNA of Hudson Valley is doubling the size of its existing telehealth program and pioneering the application of telehealth for hospice care with ATI solutions and support. Under the agreement, ATI is providing 52 ATI LifeView™ Patient Stations and a full range of program planning and training services.

"American TeleCare's LifeView system is best-in-class, and their expertise is invaluable," said Rae Szymanski, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Hudson Valley. "ATI has reviewed all our telehealth policies and procedures and formulated process improvements. They are also conducting training, helping us develop a marketing plan, and collaborating with us to design our new telehealth program for Hospice Care."
"The Visiting Nurse Association of Hudson Valley is at the forefront when it comes to using telehealth to supplement and enhance home care," said Randall Moore, M.D., M.B.A.,
chairman and chief executive officer, American TeleCare. "They have come up with an innovative concept for applying telehealth to keep home care hospice patients and their family members connected via remote access to a nurse to help alleviate fears and increase comfort. We expect that the program we are developing together will become a national model."

ATI's LifeView Telehealth System combines remote patient monitoring with interactive video for televisits. LifeView Patient Stations are placed in patients' homes. They are compact, easy-to-use monitors that gather information from questions that patients answer as well as objective clinical data from integrated medical peripherals (including blood pressure monitors and blood glucose meters). Care teams use LifeView Provider Stations to connect to Patient Stations, manage ongoing monitoring, conduct televisits, and carry out care plans. ATI's telehealth technology enables clinicians to customize care plans based on the specific needs of individual patients. Clinical scoring algorithms summarize health risks associated with a patient's vitals, physiological measurements and responses to questions according to individualized key indicators and levels as pre-determined by clinicians for each patient.

Hospice Care in Westchester & Putnam, an affiliate of VNA of Hudson Valley, is the area's largest provider of home care hospice services to individuals with advanced or life-threatening illness. Hospice Care promotes living with dignity, hope and support. The comprehensive services offered include palliative care that provides expert pain and symptom management to enable individuals to remain at home with quality of life and physical comfort. In addition, Hospice Care assists family members by supporting them in managing stress and coping with a loved one's illness.

About VNA of Hudson Valley: Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Hudson Valley, based in Tarrytown, N.Y., is a free-standing, not-for-profit, certified home healthcare agency that has earned the trust of the community through over a century of service. The mission was then -- as it is today -- to provide compassionate care to all those who need it, regardless of their ability to pay. As a multi-faceted organization, VNA of Hudson Valley offers and coordinates a broad array of home health services which are available to all patients who can be treated at home instead of a hospital, or who need follow-up care after a hospital stay. Care is provided for people of all ages, from infants to seniors, 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Additional information is available at www.vnahv.org.

About American TeleCare: Founded in 1993, American TeleCare (ATI) is the pioneer of video-based telehealth technology and intelligent monitoring. With proven experience in clinical process re-engineering, ATI works with leading healthcare organizations to put their patients at the center of care teams and supports them with best-in-class solutions. ATI systems connect continuous healing relationships and deliver essential information for clinical and self care. Ongoing monitoring and constant care of patients at home keeps them connected to clinical expertise and prevents acute events. The results: 100-200 percent increases in provider productivity and 65-95 percent reductions in emergency room and inpatient costs -- achieved as care teams help physicians watch over, improve and maintain their patients' health. For more information, visit www.americantelecare.com. Then call 800-323-6667.

Wherever you are, BE THERE

by Dr. Alan Zimmerman

I shouldn't have to write this article today. After all, no one needs to be reminded about living in the present. Or do they?

Apparently they do. As I watch people and the media go crazy with our tough economic times, I see them living everywhere except the PRESENT.

Some people are living in the PAST, filled with regret, as they incessantly talk about "the good old days ... how things used to be ... and ... what they should have done."

Other people are living in the FUTURE. They're overwhelmed with worry, wondering what tragedy will befall us "if a certain candidate is elected President ... if another terrorist attack should occur ... or ... if the economy doesn't bounce back soon."

Still other people are worshipping at the altar of "MULTI-TASKING." They talk about multi-tasking as though they're doing something noble and somehow being more productive. In reality, they're living their life somewhere else than where they're at ... at the moment.

And, in my opinion, when you live anywhere but the PRESENT ... when you live in the past, in the future, or in the land of multi-tasking ... the results range from sad to disgusting.

I think it's sad when I see a young couple out on a date, eating at a restaurant, while one of the youngsters spends most of his/her time on a cell phone talking to someone else. And I think it's disgusting to go into a men's room and see men lined up at the urinals as they talk to clients on their cell phones.

All these people are missing out on one of the surest keys to a peaceful life, a productive career, and a positive relationship ... and that is... BEING THERE ... being totally present ... wherever they are. But lots of people never learn this key.

Jan Halper talked about that in her book, "Quiet Desperation: The Truth About Successful Men." She said 48% of all middle managers in her study described their lives as "empty and meaningless," despite the many, many years they spent striving to achieve their personal goals.

And 68% of the senior executives said they neglected their families to pursue their professional goals. Half of those executives said if they could start over again, they would spend less time working and more time with their wives and children.

DON'T make that same mistake. I urge you ... I challenge you to BE THERE ... to be totally present ... wherever you are. As author Dan Millman puts it, "In every moment, the quality of your life is on the line. In each, you are either fully alive or relatively dead."

So how can you learn to live in the present? I've found three things that work.

=> 1. Ruthlessly eliminate unnecessary hurry from your life.

In my "Journey To The Extraordinary" program, I remind people that speed and success are two different things. Sometimes the best results come from a slower, more thoughtful approach.

In fact, Todd Livingood from the Mayo Clinic, attended my "Journey" program and later sent me an example. He noted that Jesus was never in a hurry. Even though he was quite busy, he was never in a hurry. He always had time for another person and time to be with His Father.

Nonetheless, it's hard for some people to think of any other way to be successful than to hurry, hurry, hurry. For example, one wealthy businessman was horrified to see a fisherman lying lazily beside his boat, smoking a pipe.

"Why aren't you out fishing?" asked the businessman.

"Because I caught enough fish for one day," replied the fisherman.

"Why don't you catch some more?"

"What would I do with them?"

"You could earn more money," said the businessman. "Then with the extra money, you could buy a bigger boat, go into deeper waters, and catch more fish. Then you would make enough money to buy nylon nets. With the nets, you could catch even more fish and make more money. With that money you could own two boats, maybe three boats. Eventually you could have a whole fleet of boats and be rich like me."

"Then what would I do?" asked the fisherman.

"Then," said the business man, "you could really enjoy life."

The fisherman looked at the businessman quizzically and asked, "What do you think I am doing now?"

So it will be worth your while to eliminate some of the unnecessary hurry in your life. Instead of hurrying to work and arriving there a bit frazzled, get up ten minutes earlier, so you can allow a few minutes to read your morning devotions, take a walk around the block, and literally smell a rose along the way.

With all the turmoil in the marketplace these days, the last thing you should do is worry about the future and hurry through the present. That approach will steal your peace of mind and make things worse than they already are. Instead, notice the good, the kind, the beautiful little things along your daily path, at home and on the job, and BE THERE.

And then...

=> 2. Learn to focus on one person at a time.

Don't even try to have a nice dinner with your spouse if you're thinking about all the work you have to do ... back on the job ... tomorrow. Because even though your body is at the dinner party, you're not.

And don't even think you can have a decent conversation with a colleague in your office if you're glancing at your computer screen or Blackberry every few moments. Because once again, even though your body is at the meeting, you're not there.

No!!! Learn to focus on one person at a time. I saw a demonstration of how that could be done at a Northwest Airlines counter when several flights had to be rescheduled. People were clustered all around, each with a burning question that couldn't wait. As I waited for my turn, I became fascinated by the man behind the counter. There he was, pressured by all those people and yet perfectly calm and composed.

Finally when it became my turn, I said, "I've been admiring the way you handle the public."

He raised his head and looked at me squarely and said, "I don't deal with 'the public,' I deal with one person, and then another, and another and another. Now, what would you like to know?"

He knew how to live in the present by focusing on one person at a time. He didn't allow himself to become tense or anxious because of pressure. He simply took one person at a time. He knew how to BE THERE.

I don't know exactly what your life is like, but I know this Northwest Airline agent has a lesson for all of us in these scary times ... and that is ... don't get over stimulated. Don't try to listen to three TV channels and two radio stations a the same time. Don't try to answer the demands of two customers, one boss, one spouse, and four kids all at once.

You'll be a lot more calm, a lot more clear headed, and a great deal more pleasant ... if you focus on one person ... or one input ... at a time ... whenever possible. That way you can truly BE THERE.

Finally,

=> 3. Practice detachment.

If you really struggle with living in the present, keeping your focus, and putting first things first, remove yourself from all the things that distract you. Detach ... occasionally. It's great practice for a more positive life ... and a great deal more comforting than watching the latest news from the stock market.

Toni Newman learned to do that ... or should I say ... was forced to learn that. On a recent vacation, she left the following message on her voice mail, "If you get this message, please be aware that I am being held hostage by two wonderful children under the age of 6. They have hidden my Blackberry and my cell phone. They have locked me out of my office and away from my computer. The red light on my phone blinks helplessly but alas, I am forbidden to check my messages. Their demands are simple: two weeks of my undivided attention. If I obey, I will be allowed to return to my office on Monday, August 1st. I look forward to reconnecting with you then."

Strangely enough, Toni actually left that message on her home as well as her work voice mail. And that takes guts. Most of us wouldn't want our clients and coworkers to know that we are so detached from business that we couldn't be reached. It might be interpreted as a career-limiting move.

But Toni did it. And the result? When she got back to work, her clients were so impressed with her candor ... and her willingness to stick to her values ... that her sales actually shot up

What about you? Are you living in panic mode? Are you checking your Blackberry or your wireless connection to the Internet every chance you get? Maybe it's time to realize that everyone needs some time to detach from the hustle and bustle. Even you.

And how are you doing when it comes to scheduling time with your family and friends? As Dr. Terry Paulson states, "If your calendar truly is your creed, it's time to put your calendar where your mouth is."

And once you schedule the time, how well do you honor that time by truly BEING THERE? It's time to put your mind where your body is.

Action:
Where are you living your life? In the past ... filled with regrets ... about what you should have done? In the future ... with all its worries about our economic uncertainties? Or in the present ... where calmness reigns and creativity flourishes?

Dr. Alan Zimmerman

Open Gates Of World

Open Gates Of World

Saturday 25 October 2008

Time

Time

Friday 24 October 2008

Thursday 23 October 2008

Faith

Faith

Tuesday 14 October 2008

No more self-help books...what?!

Yesterday, I asked you what you were reading and made reference to a list of self-help books I've posted here before. Then, I came across this blog post at US News & World Report. I was nearly shattered by the title, "Don't buy another self-help book"?! Why not? I wanted to know. Crazy statement, I thought. What's wrong with them? I asked myself.

Nothing, the post says. But you have to read the ones you have first.

Whew!

Thank goodness, right? Especially for those of us who are writing or have written and are expecting to sell copies of our own self-help books. It's the same with this author. He was just making the point that you won't get the self-help you're seeking if you're not reading the books. He wants you to read the ones that you already have. He wants you to read his. But he doesn't want you to waste your money. Just having the book on your shelf isn't good enough. But how many of us do just that?

He makes a good point, and it might be worth your while to read what he has to say.

He's got plenty more that's worth reading I discovered. Check out this guy, Curt Rosengren (the "Passion Catalyst") at his blog. He makes a lot of sense.

All my best,
Jackie

Recipes For Self-Love

Recipes For Self-Love

Monday 13 October 2008

What are you reading right now?

I always have several books on my nightstand, on my coffee table, on my office desk that I'm reading. It used to be that I'd read one at a time, but I've learned to muti-task even my reading. The thought of this makes me want to know from you: What are you reading?

Are you delving into any of the books from my book list I posted again last week while I was out of town? Are you interested in self-help, history, biographies? What really sustains a high level of interest for you? Do you read the daily newspapers--your local one, regional pubs, the nationals?

My interests run the gamut, but I'm always reading consumer and travel magazines. I love the news weeklies, but I don't subscribe anymore. I generally read my news online these days. And, of course, I'm a big fan of books. I buy them by the armful, and some I get for free because of the type of work I do.

Most recently, I completed a colleague of mine's book: Am I Hungry? by Michelle May, M.D. (with Lisa Galper, Psy.D. and Janet Carr, M.S., R.D.). She gave me the copy so I could complete my research on a story I'm writing about her for a publication expanding into Phoenix called Better Health and Living.

I've also opened up and begun several more books, some of which I'm reading to review, some are for research I need to do, some are for pure pleasure. For the most part, these books are just recently published, a few of them were referrals, either directly or indirectly, the others are about topics I just need to know more about for various reasons. I'm not sure when I'll finish them. I'm sure one of them will sustain my interest more than another, and I'll finish it first and then move on to the next. But I flip through pages of books constantly. I am not a Kindle girl. I prefer the real book. And here's my current list:

Indignation by Philip Roth
The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs
Web 2.0: A Strategy Guide by Amy Shuen
The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
Blogger: Beyond the Basics by Lee Jordan
The IT Girl's Guide to Blogging with Moxie by Joelle Reeder & Katherine Scoleri
The Complete Idiot's Guide to The Law of Attraction by Diane Ahlquist
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Mindfulness by Anne Ihnen and Carolynn Flynn
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Psychology of Happiness by Arelene Matthews Uhl
How We Lead Matters by Marilyn Carlson Nelson
You're Broke Because You Want to Be by Larry Winget
The Compassionate Samurai by Brian Klemmer

I'll be reviewing some of these books in the coming weeks or months ahead here. If you've read any of these, let us know what you think.

Some Great Quotes to Start Your Day

Some Great Quotes to Start Your Day

Sunday 12 October 2008

Day of rest

It's Sunday, the day of rest. It's not often I'm able to actually use this day for rest. Today's no exception. I'm working today. Not all day, at least I have that.

But I'm curious.

What do you do on your day of rest, if you can manage to take it?

If I'm not actually working on a story, blog entries, or cleaning out/the yard, I'm off working on marketing my work...and more. It's a busy life, with not much time for rest. When I do take time off, I take it OFF. I don't post. I don't get online. I don't do anything remotely related to technology, except maybe answer my phone. And that's a big maybe. I'll let the voice mail take the call first, usually.

But again, on your day of rest, what do you do?

I'd like to get some dialogue going because I know down time is important, and it's always good to have options for how to manage it.

Just curious. And maybe others of you out there will be, too.

Jackie

Saturday 11 October 2008

Change The World

Change The World

Friday 10 October 2008

Thursday 9 October 2008

The lone seagull


I just returned from a week on the East Coast. I spent several days with my boyfriend in Maine where we drove from Boston up the coast to visit friends, see the leaves change in New England, and otherwise spend some quiet time together.
And I was, of course, capturing as much of our time and space on film as I could.
But try as I might I could not get the perfect shot of a seagull. This was my one best shot. The rest are close ups of gulls who would not fly, far away shots of gulls that are blurry, and far away shots of geese who were flying in formation. But I couldn't capture the whole flock in time, so their formation looks a bit off.
I heard myself call out several times, "Stop, bird, stop!" Rick even laughed at me for it. But I wanted that one perfect shot, the one where the bird is close up, and you can see the feathers on the wings. There is action. I was shooting them in Ogunquit, I was shooting them in Camden, I was shooting them whereever I could spot them quick enough. But they're not cooperative birds. They fly on their schedule not mine. I waited several minutes once for one of those birds to take flight. He was perched not three feet from my legs, but he wouldn't budge. Not even when I walked right past him. He would not budge. He wasn't ready. "Go, bird, go," I told this one. But nothing. "Fly. Please." Nope. Not a movement on his feathers.
So, I wound up with this shot. It has action. You can see it's bird. But you can't really tell it's a gull.
It's not bad. You can see the sky was gray and dark. It was a stormy day, really, not monsoon stormy like here in Arizona, but misty, sometimes cloudy, and slightly cool.
But I got my gull.
He's in the air, wings outstretched, and he's just a tad bit too far away. But the photo's clear enough.
Taking these shots involved an act of patience. I didn't have my 35mm camera with me, the one that I can point and shoot several shots in a second. I had a simple digital camera, nothing too expensive, nothing impressive. But it did it's job. It helped me get a shot of a seagull in flight.
It's a good example of not getting exactly what you want but being able to be content for what's available.
I'm happy with this shot. I'm happy I was photographing birds. I'm glad I was able to spend time with the one I love.
Patience is a good thing. It's a virtue that can really come in handy during troublesome times. The next time you happen to be in the presence of a seagull, maybe you'll think of that.

Your Self Improvement Guide to Success

Everybody wants to be successful in school, love or career. However, to achieve success, you need to work hard, have a positive outlook in life, and you must be willing to take risks. If you already have these traits but still do not have an idea where to start, here is a self-improvement guide to assist you to achieve success.

Identify the importance of success. You should have a clear definition on what success means for you. Set realistic goals that have quantifiable standards. It is better to concentrate on targets that can be achieved realistically, which can give you the feeling of satisfaction and confidence.

Observing successful people can have a great effect on how you look at life. Successful people can give you motivation, allowing you to work harder and follow the path they took. Spend time with these people, be an assistant and ask advice. You can learn so much by observing, studying and doing things that successful people do.

Do not be afraid to take risks. Get out of the box and learn new things. You cannot be successful if you do not aim high and act high. Do not wait for opportunities to knock on your door. Step out and look for them. In any aspect in life, successful people gamble. They make big decision and big investments. Risks are part of our lives and you have to face them. However, make sure to study the odds clearly and if you think that the consequences are good for you, go for it. Be daring.

Giving up should never be an option. Be persistent and do not stop just because you made a mistake or you failed. Failure will always be a part of success. Every successful person has experienced failure one way or the other. One thing that separates them to everybody else is their persistence to work harder and explore for better solutions. Think of answers to your questions. To achieve success, one must be willing to search for solutions even how difficult it may seem. Try every possible way by being creative.

You must believe in yourself at all times. Be aware of your own strengths and weaknesses. Develop those strengths and work on your weaknesses. You should know what things you are capable of accomplishing so that you can set realistic goals. Always have a positive attitude in life. If you believe that you can do anything and you can do better, you can be motivated to work on it and be successful.

Change is the only constant thing in life. Learn to accept changes as part of your success. If you think that the life you have now is not what you want, make a change. Change your attitude, your priorities and your plans. If you want to be successful in life, you must have the spirit to face every change you may encounter.

If you want to succeed, work hard on it. Never expect good things to come your way if you are not doing anything good. Success comes with uphill struggle, determination and sacrifice. You may need to add more time at work, more things to do, more problems to solve. This self-improvement guide is just one way to help you focus on your goal for success and the decision to act on it is in your hands.

Grab The Opportunity

Grab The Opportunity

Wednesday 8 October 2008

Change

Change

Tuesday 7 October 2008

Self-Esteem

Self-Esteem

Monday 6 October 2008

A good message for the man in your life

There really isn't anything more to say than that. You can see for yourself by clicking on the link below. If there's anything you'd like to add to the dialogue, please do:

http://bikewithjackie.blogspot.com/2008/05/body-image-unzipped.html

Learn From Wrong

Learn From Wrong

Sunday 5 October 2008

Catching up

I'd love it if you'd start from the beginning and read through all the posts, as I suggested in this post:

http://bikewithjackie.blogspot.com/2008/02/just-joining-us.html

But who has the time?

What you can do is do a search through the archives and see if something sticks out for you. No matter how you found me, no matter what keeps bringing you back, I hope the journey thus far has been meaningful for you.

If you've read something that is particularly memorable, would you share it with us? If you know of a blog that is similar, would you post the link? I'd love to visit other blogs that share self-improvement, personal/professional development ideas, and exist to help others live a joyful life.

Thank you for visiting and trusting me with your time.

Saturday 4 October 2008

Friday 3 October 2008

What does it look like for us to shine like the stars



These words were not originally written by me but by a church in Grand Rapids, USA.

I have adapted them a little for this blog and you don't need to be religious to hear what they say.

Allen

We forget that there’s a bigger story going on.

Will we remember?

Will we see?

Despite the overwhelming evidence that the world is a dark, dark place, will we shine like the stars in the heavens?

We’ve got to ask ourselves some questions.

Where do we find ourselves grumbling and complaining?

What does it look like for us to remember that life is a gift and that we’ve got everything we need?

What does it look like for us to shine like the stars in the common, everyday,
hum-drum of life?


when we forget to remember...
when we think we need more...
when we believe God or life has shorted us...
when we judge the future by the present...

when we forget that it's a marathon

not a sprint...

click here and contemplate what can be

do everything without grumbling or arguing

so that you may become blameless and pure

in a warped and crooked generation

then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

What does it look like for us to shine like the stars



These words were not originally written by me but by a church in Grand Rapids, USA.

I have adapted them a little for this blog and you don't need to be religious to hear what they say.

Allen

We forget that there’s a bigger story going on.

Will we remember?

Will we see?

Despite the overwhelming evidence that the world is a dark, dark place, will we shine like the stars in the heavens?

We’ve got to ask ourselves some questions.

Where do we find ourselves grumbling and complaining?

What does it look like for us to remember that life is a gift and that we’ve got everything we need?

What does it look like for us to shine like the stars in the common, everyday,
hum-drum of life?


when we forget to remember...
when we think we need more...
when we believe God or life has shorted us...
when we judge the future by the present...

when we forget that it's a marathon

not a sprint...

click here and contemplate what can be

do everything without grumbling or arguing

so that you may become blameless and pure

in a warped and crooked generation

then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

Question for you

To break up the re-posting of past posts (Can you say that three times fast?), I thought I'd ask you a question:

What are you working on right now, today, that you think is going to impact someone else's life? Now, how meaningful is that for you? I'd love to hear your story. Would you post it below?

Try, Try & Get Success

Try, Try & Get Success

Thursday 2 October 2008

Books, books and more books

Can we ever learn enough? I think not! Here's a post from the not so distant past that lists out some very good self-help books I found most useful in my personal growth. I still read and rifle through many, if not all of them, from time to time:

Belt Of Truth

Belt Of Truth

Wednesday 1 October 2008

A very good reminder...

...that we need others in our lives who appreciate us. It's all here in this post, and I'm thankful, that my life is going well right now, and that I have a friend who cares enough to let me know it:

http://bikewithjackie.blogspot.com/2007/06/hows-ride.html

And I need to shout out a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO RICK!

A Good Stretch

A Good Stretch