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ATLANTA, July 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The risk of potentially devastating tears to an important knee ligament may be reduced in female college soccer players by an alternative warm-up program that focuses on stretching, strengthening, and improving balance and movements, according to a CDC study published online this week in The American Journal of Sports Medicine. The program can be done without additional equipment or extensive training that other prevention programs may require.
Female athletes are at greater risk for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, compared to males participating in similar activities. The gender difference becomes even greater for noncontact ACL injuries, which occur usually in stopping, turning, or landing from a jump as opposed to colliding with another player or something on the field like the goal post.
“This study shows tremendous promise for female collegiate soccer players, especially those with a history of ACL injuries,” said CDC’s Injury Center epidemiologist Julie Gilchrist, M.D., lead author of the study. “Enjoying sports is a great way to stay fit. And to stay healthy, we encourage coaches, athletic trainers, and athletes to consider adapting this program into their routine.”
The study explored the effectiveness of the Prevent Injury and Enhance Performance (PEP) program developed by the Santa Monica Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Research Foundation, Santa Monica, Calif. The Foundation conducts research to prevent musculoskeletal and neurologic injuries. The PEP program is designed to help teams prevent noncontact ACL injuries without a significant investment in equipment or time. The session includes warm-up, stretching, strengthening, and sport-specific agility exercises.
The study followed 61 women’s soccer teams with 1,435 players in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association for a single season. Twenty-six teams were randomly assigned to use the program and 35 other teams served as a comparison group. Teams participating in the study came from many different regions, conferences and experienced a variety of competitive success.
Researchers noted that while the number of injuries reported in this study was small, the use of the PEP program was effective in reducing the risk of ACL injuries, and the program can be done during regular practice time and without special equipment.
Significant findings include:
* Athletes on teams using the PEP Program suffered no ACL injuries during practice, compared to six injuries among other teams.
* Among athletes with a history of ACL injury who used the program, none experienced noncontact ACL injuries, compared to four injuries among other players with a similar history.
* In the second half of the season, athletes using the PEP program reported no ACL injuries, while other athletes experienced five injuries.
While many teams may conduct various warm up and stretching exercises, the PEP program focuses on improving biomechanical techniques in jumping, stopping and turning to reduce ACL injuries.
“PEP was developed specifically to prevent serious knee injuries and their consequences,” said Dr. Bert Mandelbaum, director of the research foundation. “We recommend that teams use it as an alternative warm-up before training sessions. Putting PEP widely into practice, we hope, will continue to show reduced risk of ACL injury among soccer players.”
The study was made possible by additional support from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, International Federation of Football Associations, National Collegiate Athletic Association, and the Santa Monica Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Research Foundation.
For more information about CDC’s injury prevention efforts, please link to . For a copy of this study, please visit . To obtain a copy of the PEP program, go to .
EDITORS NOTE: This article is “in press” and posted online at
. The print publication date
of this study is August 2008.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

BREA, Calif., May 12 /PRNewswire/ — Something old, something new, something borrowed, something chewed? According to a recent poll by Veterinary Pet insurance (VPI), the nation’s oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, the latest trend in wedding ceremonies is pets. VPI polled more than 3,000 of its policyholders to find that 42 percent involved a pet or plan to involve a pet in their wedding ceremony. Eleven percent did not include a pet in their wedding ceremony but had been to a wedding in which pets played a part, and the remaining 47 percent indicated that only humans participated in their wedding ceremony.
“Traditionally, pets were added to a family after marriage,” said Curtis Steinhoff, senior director of corporate communications for VPI. “Today, it is not unusual for brides and grooms to bond with four-legged companions before finding their mate. Because these pet companions were an important part of their single lives, some soon-to-be-couples choose to have their pets play an important role in their wedding.”
Tonya Guy-Williams, a VPI Pet insurance policyholder from Clements, Md., chose to include her husky mix, Klondike, in her wedding. Klondike served as the ring-bearer and best man. Under the guidance of Tonya’s mother Linda, Klondike performed his duties without a hitch.
“He did fine with all of the people, and he never barked until the very end when we think the sun started to get to him,” said Tonya. “He is our baby. No one who knows us was surprised that we would want him in our wedding. They were more surprised that we found a tuxedo that fit.”
Wedding planners advise that not all pets are cut out for a wedding and not all ceremonies lend themselves to the inclusion of a pet. Experts encourage couples with pets to consider the reaction of guests, as well as their pet’s temperament and level of obedience when planning a pet-inclusive ceremony. Before participating in a wedding, even well-trained pets should be acclimated to large crowds and any unfamiliar surroundings. Wedding planners also recommend couples designate a member of the wedding party for “pet duty.” After all, Fido won’t bring a gift to the wedding, but he may leave a deposit.
“When it comes to weddings, everyone’s definition of family is unique,” said Steinhoff. “Though weddings have not conventionally been a place for pets, more of today’s couples are going to great lengths to accommodate their furry family members.”
About Veterinary Pet Insurance
Veterinary Pet insurance Co./DVM insurance Agency is the nation’s oldest and largest pet health insurance company. Providing pet owners with peace of mind since 1982, the company is committed to being the trusted choice of America’s pet lovers and an advocate of pet health education. VPI Pet insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional Pet WellCare Protection(SM) for routine care is also available.
Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. More than 1,600 companies nationwide offer VPI Pet insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet insurance Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an A 15 rated company in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.
Veterinary Pet Insurance

SALEM, Ore., June 23 /PRNewswire/ — First Pacific Corporation, one of this country’s best kept secrets in dentistry, announced today it has added a new E-tools program as part of its current offering to existing and new clients. This industry leading program allows dental offices to review all financial information up to the second from their office or home or anywhere the internet is accessible.
“We are excited to be able to offer this new service to our clients,” said First Pacific Corporation Director of Client Relations Jeremy Clarke. “We have developed the E-tools program that includes up to date weekly financial information including: current weekly production, adjustments, payments and gross account receivables. FPC E-tools also includes a detailed weekly production check history and a listing of all patient and insurance payments processed at First Pacific Corporation. Another great benefit for FPC clients is the on-line access to a patient’s account history providing detailed financial and treatment information. Also included is a statement listing that displays a list of all monthly patient statements sent by FPC. Statement lookup gives our clients the ability to view a replica of those individual patient statements,” Clarke said.
Dr. Michael Stuart, Dallas County Dental Society President and FPC client had this to say about the new program, “First Pacific’s one of a kind E-tools allows instant access to my up-to-date information tracking my production and financial information, daily, weekly and monthly. I can now get this information at any time of the day or night without stepping foot in my office.”
First Pacific Corporation is one of the top dental practice management firms in the country. The Salem, Oregon based company helps dentists improve cash flow, expedite patient and insurance billings and collections, and it decreases the stresses inherent in growing a successful dental practice. FPC allows dentists to extend credit to their patients by paying for their production weekly. The company also performs the patient and insurance billing duties.
“Our E-tools program is just the latest in computer technology that we provide our clients,” said Clarke. “We also provide ongoing practice management support with regular visits from a local, highly experienced Account Executive, 800 phone line help for immediate assistance, past-due account follow-up, as well as regularly upgraded hardware and software for our dental clients.”
Formed in 1961, First Pacific Corporation is a privately held dental practice management company headquartered in Salem, Oregon. The company currently provides critical business services dental practices in 27 states. FPC has managed over $4.5 billion in dental office production. First Pacific Corporation is an exclusive service for dental and healthcare professionals.
Attention news media: If you have additional questions please visit
First Pacific Corporation

PEKIN, Ill., June 12 /PRNewswire/ — PAL Health Technologies today announced the launch of The Xtremityscan System, a digital shape acquisition system that allows doctors of podiatary medicine and other practitioners to acquire three-dimensional foot shapes in mere seconds, without the messy, time-consuming plaster casting process formerly used to obtain the same information. The Xtremityscan’s advanced imaging software, the PAL Scanmanager application, features a user-friendly electronic patient database, custom prescription orthotic ordering solutions, easily-managed patient records, and a speedy, simple online ordering process that results in faster orthotic production and delivery times.
(Photo: )
“Patient data is quickly and easily captured and stored using this system,” said PAL Health Technologies Vice President, Lois Barnum. “Orthotic selection is also simplified, allowing Xtremityscan users to select from options built into the software included with the system or customize prescriptions as needed.”
The Xtremityscan system is available in two models — a mobile cart-based scanning system that operates wirelessly and can move between Treatment rooms, and a portable model that can travel among multiple offices. Specially-designed software captures an image of the plantar surface of the foot. Advanced imaging software then creates a three-dimensional model of the image. Scans take only seconds to complete, then resulting images can be rotated 360 degrees and displayed in wireframe, surface and topographical views.
Custom orthotic prescriptions are easily uploaded to PAL Health Technologies for fabrication, meaning faster orthotics production and delivery. During prescription upload via PAL’s secure servers, the system automatically determines if any software updates are available, and will transparently update a user’s Xtremityscan system, if needed. Xtremityscan’s powerful Scanmanager software also allows users to maintain an ongoing log of patient scans, tracking progress throughout the Treatment process.
Far superior to pressure mat systems, Xtremityscan captures more natural foot shape models in a non-weight bearing format, resulting in a truer foot image and a better orthotic fit.
Mary Olszewski, D.P.M., M.A. of Olszewski & Associates in Arlington Heights, Illinois was one of the first clinicians in the United States to install Xtremityscan in her clinic.
“I was initially amazed at how fast the orthotics were received, which expedites the Treatment of my patients,” she said. “We have found the Xtremityscan to be superior to old casting methods in quality and convenience. PAL continues to be as dependable and progressive as we have always known them to be.”
Xtremityscan is available for lease nation-wide through PAL Health Technologies, and is currently in use in clinics across the United States.
“For more than 31 years, PAL has manufactured high-quality orthotics and provided premium customer service,” Barnum said. “Offering Xtremityscan to our customers allows us to provide the latest in Treatment technology, while continuing to provide the high level of service that our clients expect.”
About PAL Health Technologies
Incorporated in 1976, PAL offers a full line of custom foot orthotics through the Xtremityscan System and is one of the nation’s leading domestic suppliers of prescription foot and ankle orthoses. Based in Pekin, Illinois, PAL combines its 40,000-square-foot corporate headquarters and technologically-advanced manufacturing facility with an experienced clinical staff, supportive customer service team and knowledgeable production group to provide the highest quality products, world-class customer service and creative innovation for its valued customers. For more information, please visit or call 1-800-447-0151.

PAL Health Technologies

RESEDA, Calif., June 10 /PRNewswire/ — The famed nonprofit Los Angeles Jewish Home — the largest single-source provider of senior housing in Los Angeles — has completed a series of program and building expansions resulting in increased capacity at its San Fernando Valley campuses. As a result, for the first time in many years, the Home has increased its ability to accept new residents in need of skilled nursing care. In addition, the Home is now able to offer short-term rehabilitative or “transitional care” for seniors recovering from an illness or accident and respite care.
“The long-awaited opening of our new Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center late last year provides the Home increased capacity for skilled nursing admissions,” said Molly Forrest, chief executive officer and president. In the past, explains Forrest, the Home’s skilled nursing beds were usually taken by its residential care seniors who “aged in place” and advanced to skilled nursing care. As a result, the Home was rarely available for community admissions to the skilled care level. “Now we can accommodate more people, and that is vitally important as society continues to age,” said Forrest.
The offering of short-term rehabilitative care by the Jewish Home fills a tremendous community void. According to Forrest, many older adults are not ready to return home following a hospitalization for illness or injury, but no longer require the intense level of care found at an acute care hospital. “Now, those in need can come here for a short-term stay to get their energy and zip back before returning home … and that benefits the patient and their loved ones.”
Rehabilitative care residents will receive physical, occupational and speech therapy, as needed, as well as all of the high-quality services and programs for which the Jewish Home is renowned.
The Jewish Home can also provide respite care for caregivers. The Home will admit residents on a short-term basis enabling in-home caregivers an opportunity for occasional time off to recoup emotionally or handle other family tasks.
The new capacity available at the Home through the opening of the Medical Center comes on the heels of the Home recently announcing the opening of the Lisa & Ernest Auerbach Behavioral Health Center for adults 55 and over that are experiencing mental or emotional changes that require intensive treatment. The opening of the Auerbach Center comes at a time when privately operated psychiatric units are closing or cutting their beds across Southern California.
“All of our new programs incorporate the Jewish Home’s nationally acclaimed model of comprehensive, high-quality treatment by attending to the needs of the whole person in a calm, nurturing environment,” said Forrest. “As a society we need to address the mind, body and spirit of the individual and view aging as a natural part of the life experience.”
Founded in 1912, the world-renowned Los Angeles Jewish Home is one of the foremost multi-level senior-living communities in the United States and the largest single-source provider of senior housing in Los Angeles. In total, the Home annually serves more than 1,700 seniors through our extraordinary continuum of services. Each year, more than 1,200 women and men are cared for in-residence on two village campuses, with services including independent-living “Neighborhood Home” accommodations, residential care, skilled nursing care, acute psychiatric care, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care. Another 500 seniors are served through the Home’s community-based programs, which includes Skirball Hospice and community clinics. The Home is a nonprofit organization that relies upon donations from individuals, corporations and foundations to continue its remarkable work.
Further information regarding the Home can be found online at or by calling 818-757-4407.
Los Angeles Jewish Home

INDIANAPOLIS, May 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — People who favor flip-flops as their primary footwear option during warm summer months may experience lower leg pain and a change in their stride, according to research presented today at the 55th Annual Meeting of the American College of sports Medicine (ACSM) in Indianapolis.
“Flip-flops are very common, and this study began with the observation that most people appear to be wearing them beyond their structural limit,” said Justin F. Shroyer, lead author on the study. “It’s also apparent that individuals alter their gait while wearing flip-flops. Based on this, we expected to find that flip-flops may be a cause of pain in the leg or foot, and if so, would be counterproductive to alleviating that pain.”
The study compared flip-flops to sneakers to assess the angles at which they impact the floor and the force at contact with the ground during walking. Researchers analyzed the gait of flip-flop wearers compared to their gait while wearing sneakers.
By compiling the forces that the foot is exerting on the ground, they found a statistically significant decrease in the vertical (straight-down) force in flip-flop wearers. This decreased force may explain anecdotal evidence that persons who wear flip-flops alter their normal gait and therefore may shed light as to why some experience lower leg pain.
“Flip-flops are not designed for prolonged use or for walking long distances,” said Shroyer. “They lack the support that a walking or running shoe provides. Flip-flops should only be worn casually and for shorter periods of time. They probably should also not be a primary footwear choice.”
Shroyer also noted:

— Some flip-flops on the market may provide more support, but are
usually more expensive. For someone with lower-leg or foot problems,
Shroyer recommends they limit their usage, and choose a flip-flop with
more support.

— Flip-flops should be replaced often. However, many people claim
flip-flops are the most comfortable when they are “broken in,” just
like a pair of sneakers. Flip-flops should be replaced every few
months just as a runner would with running shoes.

Analysis of High-Heels

A new study supports the notion that women should use caution when descending stairs in heels, this time from a biomechanical perspective. An analysis of the motion at the ankle joint shows that walking in high heels down stairs may cause an unstable gait pattern that could lead to an injury of the leg or foot.
The study examined barefoot to low (one inch) and high (two-and-a-half inch) heels with several views of the foot and the heel to determine what patterns of motion predict how the lower leg and foot activate at these different heel heights.
While the heel strike force was the softest in the high heels, the force on the toe was highest in this shoe. Greater toe-off force is required to propel the body forward, and potentially contributes to the instability that may result in injury, particularly after long-term wear.
Researchers also found that when barefoot, participants had the highest heel strike. They also noted that when walking barefoot, participants landed with greater force at the heel strike, which may indicate a more confident approach to the last step.
“Walking barefoot has its advantages, such as giving the intrinsic muscles of the foot more work and therefore making them stronger,” said Wendy Miletello, Ph.D., who was involved in the study. “Stronger feet mean more stability for the entire body.”
“High heels are very common, at work or in our culture of fashion, and of course going up and down stairs is something we commonly do, even unconsciously at times,” said Lalitha Balasubramanian, lead author of the study. “This initial look at what happens when you wear heels on the stairs will help us determine what may predispose an individual to foot injuries, a common effect of wearing high heels for a long period. Future studies may look even more closely at injuries and fatigue related to wearing heels.”
The American College of sports Medicine () is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 20,000 international, national, and regional members are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine.
The conclusions outlined in this news release are those of the researchers only, and should not be construed as an official statement of the American College of sports Medicine.
American College of sports Medicine

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — — Abbott Nutrition today announced the launch of ZonePerfect(R) Dark Chocolate All-Natural Nutrition Bars, the first bars of their kind to combine rich, indulgent dark chocolate with antioxidants — Vitamins C & E, and the mineral Selenium — that help support the immune system and an excellent source of protein.
News Facts:
— Adding nutritional prowess to the distinctively intense, bittersweet
taste of dark chocolate, new ZonePerfect Dark Chocolate Nutrition Bars
are offered in three premium flavors: Double Dark Chocolate, Dark
Chocolate Almond and Dark Chocolate Strawberry.
— ZonePerfect Dark Chocolate Nutrition Bars are rich in antioxidants,
providing 50 percent daily value of Vitamin C, 90 percent daily value
of Vitamin E, and 25 percent daily value of Selenium.
— ZonePerfect Dark Chocolate Nutrition Bars are an excellent source of
protein, providing 12 g per bar, are a good source of 19 essential
vitamins and minerals, and are made with real cacao.
— ZonePerfect All-Natural Nutrition Bars provide an ideal balance of
carbohydrates, protein and fat to satisfy busy people who refuse to
sacrifice great taste when choosing nutritious snacks.

Commentary on ZonePerfect Dark Chocolate Nutrition Bars:

From Dr. Rosemary Riley, Ph.D., LD, nutrition scientist for Abbott Nutrition:
“Eating chocolate simply makes us feel good — just thinking about
chocolate can evoke pleasurable emotions and memories. With ZonePerfect
Dark Chocolate Nutrition Bars, you now don’t have to choose between what
you enjoy and what is good for you.”"ZonePerfect Dark Chocolate Nutrition Bars satisfy your sweet tooth and
your nutritional common sense. Their decadent dark chocolate taste and
crunchy texture immediately spark the senses, while the balance of
protein, carbohydrates and fat leave you feeling satisfied longer than
empty calorie snacks.”"ZonePerfect Dark Chocolate Nutrition Bars can help time-crunched,
multi-tasking people achieve their nutrition goals while indulging in
great taste.”"As Americans continue to trend toward a more flexible approach to eating,
we are relying more and more on snacking and eating on the go to meet our
nutritional needs. But eating on the go should not mean eating high-fat,
low-nutrition snacks. Choosing ZonePerfect Dark Chocolate Nutrition Bars
will satisfy cravings and provide an ideal balance of protein,
carbohydrates and fat.”

Where to Buy:

ZonePerfect Dark Chocolate Nutrition Bars are available nationwide in the nutrition aisle at grocery stores, mass merchandisers, natural foods stores and drug stores and online.
Additionally, complimentary ZonePerfect Dark Chocolate Nutrition Bars will be available at select music, film and art festivals nationwide this spring, summer and fall as part of a cross-country ZonePerfect tour celebrating music and film that kicked off at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival(TM) in Park City, Utah, in January.
Flavors:
In addition to the new Double Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Almond and Dark Chocolate Strawberry flavors, ZonePerfect Bars are available in 11 Classic Crunch, four Fruitified and three Snack Size flavors.
Multimedia:
Video: See Josh Groban, Michelle Branch, Jason Mraz and more perform live from the ZonePerfect Bar at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival(TM) at .
Participate: Have an idea for a ZonePerfect Nutrition Bar flavor or something to say about the new ZonePerfect Dark Chocolate Nutrition Bars? Tell us at .
Audio: Listen and learn how to download live tracks from Josh Groban, Michelle Branch, Jason Mraz and more, recorded at the ZonePerfect Bar at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival(TM) at .
Get High-Resolution Images: Visit for ZonePerfect logos and images and for Abbott logos.
About ZonePerfect
ZonePerfect All-Natural Nutrition Bars provide balanced nutrition for busy people who refuse to sacrifice great taste. ZonePerfect Bars are a good source of 19 essential vitamins and minerals and contain 180-210 calories and 12-16 grams of protein per serving. All ZonePerfect Nutrition Bars contain an ideal balance of carbohydrates, protein and fat to keep on-the-go consumers satisfied. They are available in 18 flavors that appeal to taste preferences at any time of day.
About Abbott Nutrition
Abbott Nutrition () develops and markets a wide range of science-based infant formulas, medical nutritionals, nutrition and energy bars, and related products to support the growth, health and wellness of people of all ages. Abbott Nutrition’s internationally recognized brands include the Similac(R) brand of infant formulas; the Gain(R) brand of growing-up milks for older babies and toddlers; the PediaSure(R) brand of nutritionals and snacks for children; and the Ensure(R) brand of adult nutritionals.
Additionally, Abbott Nutrition is a leader in medical foods clinically shown to address the distinct dietary needs of people with serious health conditions or special nutrient requirements, such as the Glucerna(R) brand of nutrition shakes and bars for people with diabetes. Abbott Nutrition also offers specialized nutrition products to meet the unique needs of competitive athletes.
About Abbott
Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs more than 68,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.
Abbott’s news releases and other information are available on the company’s Web site at .
Related Links

Press: High-res Images and more for ZonePerfect at and for Abbott at
Become a ZonePerfect VIP to get our Newsletter and Special Offers at
Visit ZonePerfect on MySpace at
Is ZonePerfect coming soon to an art or music festival near you? ZonePerfect Events Calendar at
Get music downloads at
See all 18 ZonePerfect flavors at
Abbott

NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, May 14 /PRNewswire/ — Revolution health and EmergingMed today announced that they have teamed up to offer patients and physicians the largest personalized cancer clinical trial matching and referral service in the United States. Individuals can quickly assess their eligibility for more than 10,000 clinical trial listings in a confidential and efficient way through an online search engine or by calling a clinical trial specialist. The service, powered by EmergingMed, is offered for free on .”Through our online communities, RevolutionHealth.com is helping change people’s lives, giving them the information, tools and support they need to live healthier and to find key resources to help navigate the health care system when they are sick,” said Brad Jacobs MD, MPH, Senior Medical Director of Revolution Health. “EmergingMed’s online matching service and health call center provide key linkage points for patients and their caregivers when looking for clinical trials.”"EmergingMed is committed to providing personalized services to patients who are exploring treatment options,” remarked Courtney Hudson, EmergingMed’s Founder and CEO. “We believe patients should have access to the latest research options targeting their specific diagnoses. Our partnership with Revolution health helps us reach a new, broad group of patients and families.”Revolution Health’s new cancer clinical trial matching service offers both Internet-based and telephone-based service. With permission, the call center’s Clinical Trial Specialists place follow-up calls to patients to ensure successful connection with a clinical trial site, address basic clinical trial questions, and provide logistical support through the search process.To access the online search engine, type , select a cancer type, and click “Clinical Trials” in the left column. To search by phone, call toll-free (866) 890-6608.Revolution health Group (). Revolution health Group LLC was created by AOL Co-Founder Steve Case to create products and services that empower people by putting them at the center of the health system. The flagship of the company is RevolutionHealth.com, which was recently named the Best Overall Internet health Site by the eHealthcare Leadership Awards. The free consumer health and medical web site marries expert content and online tools with the power of social networking. RevolutionHealth.com is part of Revolution health Network which also includes CarePages.com, SparkPeople.com, drugstore.com and HealthTalk.com. Revolution health also offers premium services that enable companies to provide health content and customized online tools to their employees, including customized portals, employee wellness incentives and telephonic services.EmergingMed (). EmergingMed provides personalized matching, education, and navigation services to patients searching for clinical trials and treatment options. New York City based EmergingMed has guided more than 115,000 patients through a search for cancer clinical trials. EmergingMed maintains the country’s largest database of more than 10,000 cancer trials with verified trial site information. The Company has earned the trust of a growing network of 40 patient advocacy groups, cancer centers, trial sponsors, and research networks. Revolution Health; EmergingMed

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 14 /PRNewswire/ — HealthLeaders-InterStudy, the leading provider of managed care market intelligence, reports that Highmark Inc. was spared from reporting a net loss last year in part by its acquisition and diversification strategy which complements its core business. According to the new report entitled Blue Profiler: Highmark Inc., the insurer reported net income of $375.4 million in 2007, with $112 million of it coming from Highmark’s dental, vision and reinsurance businesses.”Highmark is in a very competitive market, and is constantly watching over its shoulder as the nation’s second-largest health insurer, UnitedHealthcare, makes a steady push into Pennsylvania,” said Chris Lewis, analyst at HealthLeaders-InterStudy. “Diversification is a way for them to ensure growth outside of their core business. In recent years Highmark has invested in dental, vision and administrative subsidiaries.”Highmark is trying to convince state regulators of its need to merge with Independence Blue Cross to better compete against national insurers. Revenues from its core healthcare businesses did not keep pace with rising medical and drug costs in 2007, but Highmark’s subsidiaries and investment income allowed it to show a positive net income.Besides diversification, Highmark is growing by offering medicare products that reach beyond Pennsylvania and into West Virginia and Ohio. Highmark has significant brand loyalty and has the second-largest medicare prescription drug plan enrollment in Pennsylvania, with more than 90,000 members. Its medicare Advantage products lead the market in five of Pennsylvania’s largest counties and enroll a total of more than 250,000 medicare Advantage members.Blue Profiler: Highmark Inc. is one of 15 Blue Profiler reports for 2008 on the nation’s largest nonprofit Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, which together insure more than 50 million people.About Blue ProfilerBlue Profiler offers the most comprehensive analysis of the nonprofit Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. Each report includes an individual nonprofit Blue plan and includes valuable analysis that will allow companies to more effectively partner with these dominant organizations. Each report includes information on: — Competitive analysis — Enrollment trends — Company-wide financials — HMO financials — Consumer-driven products — medicare strategy — Pharmacy — Disease Management About HealthLeaders-InterStudyHealthLeaders-InterStudy () is the authoritative source for managed care data and analysis. HealthLeaders-InterStudy is a Decision Resources, Inc. company.All company, brand, or product names contained in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders For more information, contact: Elizabeth Marshall Decision Resources 781-296-2563HealthLeaders-InterStudy

WALTHAM, Mass., April 21 /PRNewswire/ — According to a recent study conducted by Millennium Research Group (MRG) at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons’ annual meeting in San Francisco, CA, physicians anticipate changes in their usage of different acetabular bearing surfaces over the next 24 months.Physician feedback indicated that over the next two years, 45ACIORFIPROCENTE of respondents expect to increase their use of ceramic acetabular components in reconstructive hip implant surgery. Similarly, nearly 30ACIORFIPROCENTE of respondents also indicated they would increase their use of metal acetabular bearing surfaces. Concerns related to the release of particulate debris from traditional polyethylene bearings, which leads to implant loosening and joint infections, has created increased interest in alternative bearing surfaces that are constructed from highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE), metal, ceramic, or hybrid materials.”Surgeons indicated that clinical results and patient needs had the highest impact on their choice of bearing surface,” says Andrea Cheng, Senior Analyst at Millennium Research Group. “As a result, over 50ACIORFIPROCENTE of physicians surveyed used more than one type of acetabular bearing surface to reflect the diverse needs of their patients.”The results of this survey, as well as detailed market analyses, are included in Millennium Research Group’s US Markets for Large Joint Reconstructive Implants 2008 report which includes industry competitors such as Biomet, DePuy, Exactech, Smith & Nephew, Stryker, Wright Medical Technology, and Zimmer.About Hip ImplantsPrimary total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures are performed to replace the complete hip joint. Primary THA devices consist of three components: a femoral stem, a femoral head, and an acetabular cup. The stem is commonly made from either cobalt or titanium alloys and is inserted into the reamed femur and affixed into place. The acetabular cup forms the replacement socket of the joint and is traditionally made from metal alloys with a polyethylene inner lining.About Millennium Research GroupMillennium Research Group (), a Decision Resources, Inc. company (), is the global authority on medical technology market intelligence and a leading provider of strategic information to the health care sector. Focused solely on the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries, the company provides its clients with the benefits of its specialized industry expertise through published reports, surveys, focus groups, and customized consulting services.All company, brand, or product names contained in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. For more information, contact: Amy Krohn Millennium Research Group 416-364-7776 x101Millennium Research Group