Hissey Kientz, LLP Announces Its Support For A New Bill That Would Protect The Rights Of Victim Of Asbestos Exposure Who Have Developed Malignant Mesothelioma

Hissey Kientz, LLP Announces Its Support For A New Bill That Would Protect The Rights Of Victim Of Asbestos Exposure Who Have Developed Malignant Mesothelioma

Hissey Kientz, LLP announces its support for a new bill that would protect the rights of victim of asbestos exposure who have developed malignant mesothelioma. “This is an important bill that would ensure that the legal rights of individuals in Texas who have developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos are protected,” said attorney Robert Kientz.

February, 26, 2009, Austin, Texas (Vocus) February 27, 2009 -- The law firm of Hissey Kientz, LLP wishes to announce its support for a new bill that would make it easier for sufferers of malignant mesothelioma to prove that their injuries were caused by exposure to asbestos. The bill (Senate Bill No. 1123 and House Bill 1811) was filed jointly this week by congressmen from the Texas State Senate and House of Representatives.

“This is an important bill that would ensure that the legal rights of individuals in Texas who have developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos are protected,” said attorney Robert Kientz of Hissey Kientz, LLP.

Mesothelioma (http://www.mesotheliomalawyershelp.com/about-mesothelioma/what-is-mesothelioma/) is a deadly form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos that can attack the lining of the heart, chest or abdomen. Thousands of individuals in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year as a result of asbestos exposure that occurred in the workplace or from products containing asbestos.

Under current standards of causation enacted by the Texas State Supreme Court (Georgia-Pacific Corporation v. Fred and Betty Stephens), plaintiffs who bring mesothelioma claims must meet the same strict legal requirements that were established for cases involving asbestosis. If enacted by the Texas Senate and House of Representatives, the new bill would provide for a lower causation standard for mesothelioma lawsuits (http://www.mesotheliomalawyershelp.com/about-mesothelioma/mesothelioma-lawsuits/), making it easier for the victims of asbestos exposure to prove their case in court and recover fair compensation for their injuries.

“In an asbestosis case, the individual’s likelihood of developing the disease increases the more they were exposed to asbestos. But with mesothelioma, any level of exposure—no matter how small—is sufficient to cause the disease to develop,” said Kientz. “By forcing defendants in mesothelioma cases to meet the standard of causation for asbestosis, the Texas Supreme Court has set a benchmark for justice that is almost impossible these victims to meet.”

The new bill would remove the requirement for mesothelioma claimants “to prove, for any purpose, a quantitative dose, approximate quantitative dose or estimated quantitative dose of asbestos fibers to which the exposed person was exposed” in order to meet the standard of causation. Additionally, the law would protect defendants who were not involved in the manufacturing or sale of asbestos (http://www.mesotheliomalawyershelp.com/asbestos-info/what-is-asbestos/) but who may, under current law, be unfairly held responsible for injuries caused by asbestos products.

“By enacting this bill, the Texas legislature will help to bring the state’s laws relating to asbestos in accord with mainstream legal standards for mesothelioma cases and restore the intended function of these laws: to protect the legal rights of individuals who have suffered at the hands of the asbestos industry,” said Kientz.

About Hissey Kientz, LLP

Hissey Kientz, LLP (http://www.hkllp.com) is currently accepting cases involving individuals who may have contracted mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer as a result of asbestos exposure, as well as those injured by the Ortho Evra patch, digoxin toxicity from Digitek, PPH caused by Fen-Phen, the Composix Kugel mesh hernia patch, renal failure caused by Trasylol, the Duragesic patch (fentanyl), gadolinium MRI contrast dyes or other defective drugs and devices. To learn more about the firm and other drug cases, visit Hissey Kientz, LLP (www.hkllp.com) or call toll-free at (866) 275-4454.

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Contact Information Craig Whitney

Hissey Kientz, LLP

http://www.hkllp.com

512-320-9100

Healthy Living Network Announces Launch of New Detox Web Site

Healthy Living Network Announces Launch of New Detox Web Site

The Healthy Living Network, a division of Healthy Directions, LLC, is proud to announce the launch of searchbodydetox.com, a new informational Web site devoted to all aspects of whole body cleansing and detoxification.

Potomac, MD (PRWEB) February 25, 2009 -- The Healthy Living Network, a division of Healthy Directions, LLC, is proud to announce the launch of searchbodydetox.com (http://www.searchbodydetox.com), a new informational Web site devoted to all aspects of whole body cleansing and detoxification.

Visitors to searchbodydetox.com can expect to find original articles, blogs, studies, forums, encyclopedias, and more on a variety of topics and concerns, including environmental toxins, colon cleansing, liver detox, lymph and blood detox, skin detox, detox and weight loss, and nutrition and detox, as well as information on daily and quarterly detox programs. Searchbodydetox.com will also offer weekly eLetters so consumers can have continuous access to breaking news and up-to-date information.

According to Ed Hauck, President of Healthy Directions, "Each day, Americans are exposed to a staggering number of chemicals. Every time you eat, drink, clean your home, fertilize your lawn, or drive your car, this toxic load increases. In fact, more than 80,000 chemicals are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, and more are added each year.

"At searchbodydetox.com, you'll have access to experts and authorities who can deliver effective answers to all of your detoxification (http://www.searchbodydetox.com) and body cleansing questions and concerns. Additionally, you'll find a plan of action to help reduce your risk of chemical exposure and toxic build up."

All information and advice found on searchbodydetox.com has been carefully screened and selected to provide the most current, ground-breaking, well-researched, and highly effective recommendations. While the majority of the experts and authorities on the site are doctors, the material on the Web site is intended to provide timely and accurate medical news and education, not personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

For more information about this exciting new resource for detox- and cleanse-related information, visit www.searchbodydetox.com (http://www.searchbodydetox.com).

About Healthy Directions, LLC

Healthy Directions, LLC, is the recognized leader in providing authoritative health and wellness solutions to consumers. Healthy Directions' subsidiary, Doctors' Preferred, LLC, is a leading vitamin and nutritional supplement business that develops and sells proprietary, branded nutritional supplements based upon the research of the Healthy Directions health experts, marketed primarily through direct mail. For more information on Healthy Directions, please visit www.healthydirections.com.

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Contact Information Annette Payne

Healthy Directions, LLC

http://www.searchbodydetox.com

301-340-7788

Pharmacists Encourage Patients To Seek Their Guidance When Choosing OTC Medications

Pharmacists Encourage Patients To Seek Their Guidance When Choosing OTC Medications

Eighty-three percent of Patients Select OTC Products Recommended by Their Pharmacist

Washington, D.C. (Vocus) February 25, 2009 -- According to the most recent Pharmacy Today Over-the-Counter Product Survey conducted by the American Pharmacists Association (http://www.pharmacist.com/) (APhA), pharmacists believe that 83 percent of consumers purchase over-the-counter products that were recommended by their pharmacist. With more than 100,000 nonprescription medications on the market and more than 1,000 active ingredients, it's critical that patients consult their pharmacist to maximize the benefits from medications and minimize the potential for harmful drug interaction and/or side effects.

The survey, completed by nearly 1,000 APhA member and non-member pharmacists, also reveals that on average pharmacists counsel 31 patients per week about over the counter medications. Patients who seek their pharmacist's advice include patients suffering from an acute or chronic condition (92 percent), patients that are worried about using an OTC product with other prescription medications (84 percent), and patients worried about taking OTC products with a specific disease/condition (74 percent).

"Pharmacists are the only health professionals specifically trained in nonprescription medications," said John A. Gans, APhA's Chief Executive Officer. "Patients can take an active role in self care by reading medication labels, knowing the active ingredients in their medications, and asking their pharmacist questions."

One of APhA's goal in conducting the annual Pharmacy Today Over-the-Counter Product Survey is to educate consumers that pharmacists have the knowledge and training to help them select right OTC medications. As part of the survey, pharmacists are asked to tabulate the OTC products they recommend per week in 77 different product categories. The results of the survey are published as a supplement to the February issue of Pharmacy Today (http://www.pharmacytoday.org/index.htm). Click here to view the entire Pharmacy Today Over-the-Counter (http://www.pharmacytoday.org/index.htm) Supplement.

As the medication experts, pharmacists are trained in both prescription and over-the-counter medications and can provide patients with important information about how medications may interact with certain foods, other medicines or dietary supplements. Pharmacists are the most accessible health care providers and APhA encourages patients to actively seek their advice about the proper use of medications.

About the American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

The American Pharmacists Association (http://www.pharmacist.com/), founded in 1852 as the American Pharmaceutical Association, represents more than 62,000 practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and others interested in advancing the profession. APhA, dedicated to helping all pharmacists improve medication use and advance patient care, is the first-established and largest association of pharmacists in the United States. APhA members provide care in all practice settings, including community pharmacies, health systems, long-term care facilities, managed care organizations, hospice settings, and the uniformed services.

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Contact Information Erin Wendel

American Pharmacists Association

http://www.pharmacist.com/

202.429.7558

Clinical Guidelines for Treating Chronic Pain Highlight Opioid Addiction Risk Assessment

Clinical Guidelines for Treating Chronic Pain Highlight Opioid Addiction Risk Assessment

Expert panel finds that SOAPP® is likely to be helpful for risk assessment and stratification

Newton, MA (PRWEB) February 25, 2009 -- Inflexxion, Inc., a company that creates scientifically validated and cost-effective solutions for critical areas of health care, is pleased to announce that its Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain (SOAPP) has been identified by an expert panel as likely to be helpful for assessing the risk of opioid addiction in patients with chronic non-cancer pain.

SOAPP is a brief paper-and-pencil self report tool that allows clinicians to assess a patient's risk of addiction before initiating opioid therapy.

The multi-disciplinary panel of experts, convened by the American Pain Society and the American Academy of Pain Medicine, conducted a comprehensive review of the evidence to develop a set of authoritative clinical guidelines on the use of opioid medications to treat chronic non-cancer pain. The guidelines, published in the February 2009 issue of The Journal of Pain (Volume 10, Number 2), recommend that clinicians routinely conduct a complete benefit-to-harm evaluation before starting opioid therapy, and do periodic follow-up screenings of patients who may be at risk for abuse or addiction.

"Proper patient selection is critical and requires a comprehensive benefit-to-harm evaluation that weighs the potential positive effects of opioids on pain and function against potential risks," write the authors. "Thorough risk assessment and stratification is appropriate in every case."

According to the authors, screening tools that assess the potential risks associated with continuous opioid therapy (COT) based on patient characteristics are likely to be helpful for risk stratification. The authors identify SOAPP Version 1 and the revised version, SOAPP-R, as among the tools that appear to have "good content, face, and construct validity."

In addition to SOAPP, the guidelines highlight the utility of Inflexxion's Current Opioid Misuse Measure (COMM)®, a complementary tool for identifying whether a patient, throughout the course of long-term opioid therapy, may be exhibiting aberrant behaviors associated with abuse of opioid medications.

"We at Inflexxion are very pleased to see both SOAPP and COMM included in these recommendations," says Kevin L. Zacharoff, M.D., Director of Medical Affairs at Inflexxion. "These guidelines underscore the importance of risk assessment and reassessment in this patient population. The inclusion of the SOAPP and COMM in these recommendations helps to validate Inflexxion's mission, which is to help to reduce health-related risks, enhance clinical outcomes, and positively influence quality of care."

The SOAPP and COMM tools are available for download at no cost through Inflexxion's PainEDU website (www.PainEDU.org), along with a clinician tutorial that includes video case examples.

SOAPP was developed by Inflexxion with support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and an unrestricted educational grant from Endo Pharmaceuticals.

About Inflexxion, Inc.

Founded in 1989, Inflexxion creates innovative behavioral health solutions for prevention, education, and disease management. Our clinically tested programs address substance abuse and addiction, chronic pain management, college health, and other health and wellness issues. Our pharmaceutical risk management division provides Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) assistance to companies that research, manufacture, and market opioid pain medications and other therapeutic agents with potential abuse problems. Key offerings include NAVIPPRO(TM), PainEDU.org, painACTION.com, and SOAPP®. Inflexxion is based in Newton, MA.

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Contact Information Lara Romanowski

Inflexxion

http://www.painedu.org

617-614-0406

Stemedica Advances its Certification to Become a Licensed Manufacturer of Adult Stem Cells for U.S. Based Clinical Trials

Stemedica Advances its Certification to Become a Licensed Manufacturer of Adult Stem Cells for U.S. Based Clinical Trials

Stemedica Cell Technologies, Inc. announced today that it has filed with the Food and Drug Branch of the State of California's Department of Public Health for certification as a licensed manufacturer of adult stem cells for U.S.-based Phase I and Phase II Clinical Trials.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) February 25, 2009 -- Stemedica Cell Technologies (http://www.stemedica.com), Inc. ("Stemedica") announced today that it has filed with the Food and Drug Branch of the State of California's Department of Public Health for certification as a licensed manufacturer of adult stem cells for U.S.-based Phase I and Phase II Clinical Trials. Readiness for manufacture includes obtaining a California Drug Manufacturing License for the Stemedica facility in San Diego, California.

"Completion of this certification will allow us to manufacture stem cells under contract for clinical trials for Stemedica as well as for other companies and research centers in California and across the United States. This marks a significant milestone along the journey toward the future availability of stem cell treatment for patients who so urgently need it," said Dr. Maynard Howe, Vice Chairman and CEO at Stemedica.

To prepare for inspection, Stemedica fully reconstructed its facility according to FDA requirements, which had previously focused on research and development. Stemedica's manufacturing facility now includes a fully compliant manufacturing wing with entry-level gowning rooms, two ISO class 8 sterile gowning suites, an ISO Class 7 Manufacturing Clean Room, an ISO Class 7 Processing Clean Room, a Good Manufacturing Process compliant materials warehouse and a controlled-access Quality Control testing laboratory.

"As soon as Stemedica secures its license from the State of California's Department of Public Health, we plan on filing for one or more IND's (Investigative New Drug) for specific indications with the FDA using our proprietary technology. The final major step by the Food and Drug Branch within the Department of Public Health is an in-depth, in-person inspection by their personnel. We're particularly proud of the fact that we are ready for, and capable of, seeking licensing in California, which has exceptionally stringent standards," said Dr. Alex Kharazi, Vice President, Research & Manufacturing at Stemedica.

"Becoming a Licensed Manufacturer of clinical grade adult stem cells is a significant scientific and medical step forward for the Company," said Dr. Nikolai Tankovich, Stemedica's President and Chief Medical Officer. "Securing this status will allow us to become a primary CMO (Contract Manufacturing Organization) for other for-profit companies and the many research organizations interested in advancing stem cell research through clinical application. Additionally, achieving this regulatory status within the manufacturing world will provide Stemedica with the foundation to advance its own Phase I and Phase II Clinical Studies once approved by the FDA."

About Stemedica Technologies, Inc.

Stemedica Cell Technologies Inc. (www.stemedica.com (http://www.stemedica.com)) is a specialty biopharmaceutical company that is committed to the development and manufacture of best-in-class adult stem cells for use by approved research institutions and hospitals for pre-clinical and clinical studies. Within the United States, the Company is currently developing regulatory pathways for stroke, traumatic brain injury and wound repair. Outside the United States, Stemedica provides its adult stem cells to hospitals and research centers that are conducting studies under protocols approved by the appropriate regulatory agencies. These studies are focused on the treatment of neurodegenerative disease, sight restoration and wound repair. Stemedica is based in San Diego, California.

Media Contact for Stemedica: Dave McGuigan -- dmcguigan (at) stemedica.com.

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Contact Information Dave McGuigan

Stemedica Cell Technologies Inc

http://www.stemedica.com

+1 858 658 0910

New survey: Flu Shot Still not Catching on, Especially at Retail Clinics

New survey: Flu Shot Still not Catching on, Especially at Retail Clinics

A new survey from global market research firm Synovate shows that less than half of Americans (42%) received the flu vaccine during the past six months. Of those, only 10% received it at a pharmacy and just 4% received it at a retail clinic.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) February 24, 2009 -- According to a new survey by leading market research firm Synovate, less than half of Americans (42%) received the flu vaccine during the past six months. Of those, only 10% received it at a pharmacy and just 4% received it at a retail clinic.

Although there is a much higher rate of flu vaccination among older Americans 65+ (80%), especially compared to those in younger age groups, this is still lower than the federal government's target of 90% flu immunization for the elderly.

"While most older Americans have accepted the importance of the flu shot, adoption among those who are younger is still quite low," said Terri Crudup, Vice President for Synovate's Healthcare practice. "This is likely because the messages they've heard have focused on the elderly and those working with people who are ill - such as hospital workers - needing it more than the general population."

Among respondents with at least one dependent in their household, less than half (42%) report that their dependent(s) received the flu vaccine in the past six months, and the majority of them (74%) obtained the flu vaccine from their pediatrician's office.

Of those who had obtained the flu vaccine in the past six months, the majority report having received the vaccine either from their doctor's office (43%) or from their employer (23%). Pharmacies and retail clinics in large stores were less popular venues, especially among those aged 18 to 44, suggesting either low patient awareness or low acceptance of such venues for healthcare access.

"Even though retail clinics are actively advertising their ability to give the flu vaccine, it's clear that people are not often using them for that purpose," said Crudup. "This may be because they don't trust retail clinics, they think that their health insurance will only cover the flu vaccine if it's obtained at a doctor's office and / or that they receive their flu shot when they're visiting the doctor for another reason."

Not surprisingly, people in the lowest annual household income bracket (under $25K) are significantly less likely to obtain the flu vaccine compared to those in higher income brackets.

The survey was conducted by Synovate Healthcare (www.synovate.com/healthcare) via Synovate's Omnibus service (www.synovate.com/whatwedo/omnibus-research) with a nationally representative sample of 879 heads of household ages 18+ during January 2009.

About Synovate

Synovate, the market research arm of Aegis Group plc, generates consumer insights that drive competitive marketing solutions. The network provides clients with cohesive global support and a comprehensive suite of research solutions. Synovate employs over 6,000 staff across 62 countries.

For more information on Synovate visit www.synovate.com.

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Contact Information Jennifer Chhatlani

Synovate

http://www.synovate.com

1-312-526-4359

Argo Translation Adds New Resources for Conducting Global Business to ArgoTrans.com

Argo Translation Adds New Resources for Conducting Global Business to ArgoTrans.com

Argo Translation, provider of efficient, accurate translation and localization services (http://www.argotrans.com) focused on quality and clarity for a wide range of companies across North America, announced today it has initiated a new program of adding global business reference material to its website as part of its ongoing commitment to new and existing clients.

Chicago, IL (Vocus) February 24, 2009 -- Businesses of all sizes continue to strive for new revenue opportunities through the expansion of global markets for their products and services. However, “Conducting business in legally and culturally sensitive ways in offshore markets has never been more challenging,” said Peter Argondizzo, president of Argo Translation.

In order to help its current and future clients step up to these new demands, Argo has committed to expanding the reference materials and recommendations it makes through its website at http://www.argotrans.com/resources.php.

The resources offered in this section will include a list of informative books that cover many aspects of doing business in global markets. There will also be a section devoted to technology issues and tips for preparing documentation and marketing materials for a global audience.

About ARGO Translation

Having successfully executed projects requiring simultaneous translations in 46 different languages, ARGO Translation provides specialized and professional translation services for a multitude of domains ranging from legal and technical to marketing and financial and everything in between. Argo provides efficient, accurate translation and localization services focused on quality and clarity for a wide range of companies across North America.

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Contact Information Katie Porter

Argo Translation

http://www.argotrans.com

+1.847. 901.4070