07.30.08
Posted in Uncategorized at 9:50 am by hope
Corporate Health and Wellness programs have typically used "change" in biometric data as the lead indicator in measuring success for the Health and Wellness industry today. Even though most of it is self-reported, it is still considered the only "measurable" indicator that can conclusively show behavior change - or is it?
Incline Village, NV (PRWEB) July 29, 2008 -- How you measure success or ROI for a corporate health & wellness program has never been more important. Do you base it on health risk changes such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, or overall weight loss? Do you wait to see if there's any change in your health insurance costs? Or perhaps just as or even more importantly, do you measure change in levels of happiness, job satisfaction and well-being?
Since most employers implement wellness programs to reduce health care costs and increase their bottom line, they need to understand the significance of educating and motivating the employee. It's helpful to offer your employees $25 to take an online HRA (Health Risk Assessments) as an incentive, but it's equally important to get them to understand that they too receive a personal ROI from these programs. The employee ROI comes in the form of qualitative vs. quantitative measures - more energy, an improved self-image, better sleep, all in all - a better quality of life. The employers ROI really starts to accelerate when their employees fully understand this, resulting in increased job satisfaction and greater productivity.
So, how do you accomplish this?
Aside from offering incentives, it's important to ask questions. The ConvergenceHealth Assessment Manager allows coaches and EAP (Employee Assistant Program) administrators to create customized surveys. Byron Gehring, CEO for ConvergenceHealth states, "To comprehend the full scope of your ROI, you need to survey employees on their level of engagement and satisfaction with their wellness programs and experience. If you don't get feedback on what you're doing, you won't know all the success factors in reaching your goals. You can establish metrics that will help you to measure ROI by creating surveys. Look beyond participation and completion rates, measure changes in readiness and behavior, as well as changes in risk factors."
The Total Health Profile released this month by ConvergenceHealth is the newest version of the company's individual HRA report and it aims at focusing on not just biometrics data, but much more. With over 16 pages of details in the report, Rita Piper, VP of Wellness at Workplace Options (WPO) says that "Convergence Health's new HRA puts all of the relevant results on the first page of the HRA report making it easy for the client (employee) to view their results and to share with a Wellness Coach." When a Wellness Coach is used in conjunction with a comprehensive reporting tool, and follows up with very specific questions and goal setting, that's when real change happens and can be measured.
When it comes to implementing a successful health and wellness program, understanding and analyzing your employees health risks is critical, but getting them to change -- is gold.
About ConvergenceHealth
ConvergenceHealth has created a Whole Systems Health Solution, providing you the most complete collection of tools & technology to assess health risk. Their Health Manager Technology Suite™ provides you and your customers with a customized, turn-key, online Health & Wellness solution center, with over 40 Assessments, comprehensive Reporting, and Assessment Management Tools. We are the leader in health and behavioral assessments, as well as developers and integrators of comprehensive online Health and Wellness customized software and Portals. Our products and solutions currently touch the lives of over 10 million members and employees in the US and in Europe. Contact us at www.convergencehealth.com
About Workplace Options
Workplace Options (WPO) is America's largest provider of work-life services. WPO's market-leading products are recognized for their innovative Web delivery, flexibility, and affordable pricing. WPO also offers network management solutions and 24/7 call center services that help EAPs run their businesses more profitably and efficiently. For more information about WPO, please visit www.workplaceoptions.com.
Contact:
June Joseph, Director of Public Relations
ConvergenceHealth
june@convergencehealth.com
775 832-6555
http://www.ConvergenceHealth.com
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Posted in Uncategorized at 9:50 am by hope
To help raise awareness of and prevent hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), Cardinal Health will host the inaugural Chasing Zero Summit, featuring Dr. Alan Greenspan and top healthcare authorities. Guest speakers will discuss clinical, financial and operational solutions to growing this patient safety issue.
Dublin, OH (PRWEB) July 29, 2008 - To help fight the spread and impact of Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs), Cardinal Health will host the inaugural Chasing Zero Summit on Sept. 8-10 at the Hilton Washington in Washington, D.C.
The event will focus on the leadership and operational issues that the hospital and healthcare industries are facing as they push for a zero-tolerance approach for HAIs. The event features an intimate, in-depth and candid question-and-answer session with influential economic leader and chairman of the Federal Reserve System (1987-2006), Dr. Alan Greenspan.
The Chasing Zero Summit also will feature a series of HAI-focused topical sessions and presentations led by the country's foremost health authorities. Attendees will be among the first to hear Dr. Thomas Valuck, medical officer and senior advisor for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) Center for Medicare Management, address the August 2008 CMS policy release, which will identify the final HAIs that will have new, lower reimbursements starting Oct. 1.
Other speakers include:
- Peter Angood, M.D., FRCS(C), FACS, FCCM, vice president and chief patient safety officer of the Joint Commission
- Donald M. Berwick, M.D., MPP, president and CEO of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)
- Leah Binder, MA, MGA, CEO of The Leapfrog Group
- Mark R. Chassin, M.D., MPP, MPH, president of the Joint Commission
- Carolyn Clancy, M.D., director of the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ)
- Janet M. Corrigan, Ph.D., MBA, president and CEO of the National Quality Forum (NQF)
- David R. Hunt, M.D., FACS, chief medical officer (CMO) in the Office of Health IT Adoption for the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Mark McClellan, M.D., Ph.D., director, Engelberg Center for Healthcare Reform at the Brookings Institution; Leonard D. Schaeffer chair in health policy studies; administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services'(CMS) (2004 - 2006); and commissioner, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (2002 - 2004)
- Uwe E. Reinhardt, Ph.D., James Madison professor of political economics, Princeton University
HAIs are a major concern for healthcare organizations because of their staggering human toll and significant economic impact. It has been estimated that in the United States:
- HAIs occur in 1.7 million patients annually and account for 50 percent of all major hospital complications;
- Nearly 100,000 patients with HAIs die each year, approximately 270 patients per day;
- Hospital infections are associated with nearly $20 billion in avoidable costs and foregone revenues every year;
Hospital executives, board members, healthcare professionals, insurance company representatives and governing agencies can register and learn more at
www.chasingzero.com/HAI. Summit attendees will leave armed with the information they need to lead effective HAI management programs and to be better prepared for pending HAI reimbursement changes from CMS.
About Cardinal Health
Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE: CAH) is an $87 billion, global company serving the healthcare industry with products and services that help hospitals, physician offices and pharmacies reduce costs, improve safety, productivity and profitability, and deliver better care to patients. With a focus on making supply chains more efficient, reducing hospital-acquired infections and breaking the cycle of harmful medication errors, Cardinal Health develops market-leading technologies, including Alaris® IV pumps, Pyxis® automated dispensing systems, MedMined™ electronic infection surveillance service, VIASYS® respiratory care products and the CareFusion™ patient identification system. The company also manufactures medical and surgical products and is one of the largest distributors of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies worldwide. Ranked No. 19 on the Fortune 500, Cardinal Health employs more than 40,000 people on five continents. More information about the company may be found at www.cardinalhealth.com.
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Posted in Uncategorized at 9:50 am by hope
Los Angles vascular & cosmetic surgeon Dr. Perry R. Bubis (www.wishiknewthat.info) releases new book, "WISH I KNEW THAT: All You Need to Know About Veins Before You See Your Doctor." Dr. Bubis, with 35 years' experience treating veins, explains the signs to watch for, when to seek a doctor and which treatments work best to maintain healthy veins.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) July 29, 2008 -- "WISH I KNEW THAT: All You Need to Know About Veins Before You See Your Doctor" (www.wishiknewthat.info), written by Dr. Perry R. Bubis, a surgeon with 35 years' experience in vein therapy and surgery, is an informative, easy-to-understand guide for anyone contemplating treatment of unwanted or unhealthy veins. It offers sound suggestions on how to maintain vein health and prevent vein problems, as well as providing comprehensive information about choosing doctors who are experienced in using the most effective procedures.
Los Angeles vein and cosmetic surgeon Dr Perry R.Bubis
The book also details the results patients can expect from various treatments, what the potential complications are, new non-debilitating vein treatments, how to effectively get insurance company reimbursement and what steps to take if initially turned down. In addition, it tells readers what to look for in the fine print of their insurance policy before they buy it. "WISH I KNEW THAT" teaches people how to prevent vein disease and/or lessen the chance of recurrence and what to do when they are having problems. It tells women who decide to become pregnant exactly what to do to keep their legs healthy. In the final chapter, Dr. Bubis, who practiced medicine in Canada for several years, discusses the pros and cons of that country's Single-Payer Universal Health Insurance program, illustrating first-hand stories of what can happen when government controls healthcare.
"More than 80% of women will develop vein disease at some time in their lives," Dr. Bubis points out. "Primary vein problems are the most common and often follow a family genetic tendency. Secondary vein disease can result from many types of injuries to the legs, and, once corrected, it never recurs unless the leg is re-injured."
Vein disease is usually caused by prolonged standing, crossing one's knees for excessive periods of time, taking hormones, pregnancy, trauma, infection, sunburn and/or scratching. Phlebitis - an acute inflammation of veins - if untreated, can lead to clot formation, which in turn can result in a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. Signs of vein disease include: pain, swelling, skin rash, leg restlessness, skin ulcers, spontaneous bleeding, dark brown skin discoloration on lower legs, itchiness, burning, heaviness and a sensation of ants running up and down one's legs.
Dr. Bubis explains, "Some years ago, vein stripping (removal) was the commonest treatment practiced by many doctors, but over time newer treatments were devised that took into account the most recent knowledge. Along with improved equipment and supplies, they allow a surgeon to repair the vein problem without having to remove the vein. High surgical ligation, followed by sclerotherapy (controlled wound healing) is the procedure of choice."
According to the doctor, "This therapy can be performed painlessly in the office, without the patient having to miss days of work or stop desired activities, and, happily, we can now restore a leg to its best appearance without scarring."
"WISH I KNEW THAT" offers eight practical suggestions to prevent vein woes:
1. Keep excessive body fat way down, since it can increase the venous pressure in your legs.
2. Never stand motionless; always move your leg muscles.
3. Don't cross your knees for more than 10 minutes at a time.
4. Elevate your legs whenever possible. When on an airplane, get up every hour and walk around. Wear your compression hose on airplanes. Take a baby aspirin when the flight is longer than five hours. Always consult with your doctor before doing so.
5. Sleep on your left side when pregnant, particularly after the fifth month.
6. Do not use anti-inflammatory drugs during sclerotherapy sessions.
7. Take Vitamin C to minimize bruising and promote rapid healing.
8. Prevent all types of injuries to your legs and skin.
"This is not a complicated medical procedure," Dr. Bubis says. "My book gives the reader the power to choose intelligently and explains what to look for, when to seek a doctor and which vein treatments are the most effective. It is fun and easy to read, as I have included some amusing stories from my practice."
About Author Dr. Perry R. Bubis:
Dr. Bubis graduated from the University of Manitoba with an M.D. degree. He interned at the Los Angeles County General Hospital and did subsequent postgraduate studies in general and vascular surgery with the University of Minnesota and the Tucson Hospitals Medical Education programs. Following his residency, he went into the private practice of surgery in Glendale, CA. He was involved in the trauma centers of Hollywood Presbyterian and St. Joseph Hospital in Burbank, CA. He performed surgical charity work in Israel following the Six-Day War of 1967. During the past 35 years, he developed a specialized practice for the treatment of vein diseases. He is also known to have pioneered techniques used today for the treatment of unwanted and varicose veins. Currently he practices in both Fresno and Thousand Oaks, CA.
About "Wish I Knew That"
PUBLISHED BY PUBLISHAMERICA, LLLP; www.publishamerica.com
ISBN: 1-60474-671-8; 81 pages; soft cover; $14.95
Available at: amazon.com, publishamerica.com, wishiknewthat.info and major booksellers.
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Posted in Uncategorized at 9:50 am by hope
The Delta Companies makes its first entry into the finance and accounting staffing market
Dallas, TX (PRWEB) July 29, 2008 -- The Delta Companies recently launched Atled Finance & Accounting, their first entry into the finance and accounting staffing market.
"I am so confident in this team that Ty has gathered to attack this space. This group is so talented they could get into the home mortgage industry right now and still be successful. It's an exciting venture for us, and I am thrilled to see this group learn what has made The Delta Companies so successful in the healthcare vertical and applying it to the finance and accounting space," says Jeff Bowling, chief executive officer.
As the sixth business unit within The Delta Companies and Delta's first venture outside of healthcare, Atled is launching under the leadership of Ty Chambers, CPA, executive vice president, who has over thirteen years experience in staffing and accounting, including Ernst & Young's Entrepreneurial Services. "We are entering a vertical with unlimited opportunities," says Chambers.
"With the finance and accounting candidate shortage, Texas' low unemployment and Dallas-Fort Worth's growth, we see no boundaries in our ability to thrive. The most compelling factor that will contribute to the success of Atled is our ability to attract, train and retain the best talent who will propel us into a flourishing regional-based staffing company in both the direct hire and temporary arenas." adds Chambers.
The Delta Companies' objective for the new business unit is to mirror the success of their healthcare staffing business units. Taking the word mirror to heart, Delta created the name Atled, or an actual reflection of the name that's become recognized as a leader in the medical staffing vertical.
More information on Atled Finance & Accounting can be found at www.AtledFA.com.
About The Delta Companies
The Delta Companies offer staffing solutions for healthcare, finance and accounting professionals through six companies: Delta Physician Placement, Delta Healthcare Placement, Delta Locum Tenens, Delta Flex Travelers, Liquid Medical Recruiting and Atled Finance & Accounting.
Contact:
Marc Bowles
Chief Marketing Officer
The Delta Companies
Four Hickory Centre
1755 Wittington Place, Suite 800
Dallas, TX 75234
(800) 521-5060 x4102
mbowles@TDCpeople.com
www.TDCpeople.com
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Posted in Uncategorized at 9:50 am by hope
Cathy G. Andrews has joined LivHOME, the nation's largest provider of professionally led at-home care for seniors, as Executive Director in Texas.
Houston, Texas (PRWEB) July 29, 2008 -- LivHOME, Inc., the nation's largest provider of professionally led at-home care for seniors, announced today that Cathy G. Andrews has joined LivHOME as Executive Director in Texas.
In her new position, Andrews is responsible for overseeing the company's Texas operations. LivHOME has been active in the state since 2007, when as part of its nationwide expansion the company acquired Houston-based Jackson Care Management, LLC.
Andrews, a registered nurse, joined LivHOME from Maxim Healthcare Services, where she served as Director of Clinical Services and Administrator. She began her healthcare career in clinical nursing at St. Joseph Regional Health Center and CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital. Later, she moved into the home health arena at Home Health Resources.
"Cathy is a great fit for LivHOME and we are thrilled to have her aboard," said Mike Nicholson, LivHOME's Chief Executive Officer. "Her clinical experience coupled with her management expertise meshes perfectly with our approach to senior care, in which healthcare professionals oversee the care received by every client.
"Texas is a relatively new market for LivHOME and represents an important part of our nationwide expansion. I'm pleased to know our team there is in such good hands."
Andrews holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University and an Associate's Degree in Nursing from Blinn College. She is active in a number of philanthropic groups, including the National Charity League
Andrews replaces Janet Jackson-McCulloch, former Executive Director in Texas and founder of Jackson Care Management, who assumed a new position as LivHOME's Director of Professional Services.
"Janet, who over the past year has served as caregiver for her mother, will continue to grow LivHOME's Houston market, presenting our story to local professional and community groups," said Nicholson.
About LivHOME
LivHOME is the nation's largest provider of professionally led at-home care for seniors. The company is dedicated to finding solutions that enable seniors to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Based in Los Angeles, LivHOME delivers high quality at-home care throughout California as well as select markets in Illinois, Minnesota and Texas. For more information, visit www.livhome.com.
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