Gili Islands - Diving
Some diving in the Gili Islands Filmed with a GoPro2 (diving protection case)
By: Simon Ruffieux
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Villa Del Palmar At The Islands Of Loreto Set To Welcome New Daily Alaska Airlines Flights Beginning Feb 24, 2013
LORETO, Mexico, Feb. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, the newest member of Villa Group Resorts and Baja's first "million-star" resort, today announced that it is rolling out the red carpet for guests when Alaska Airlines begins daily flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Loreto on February 24, 2013.
The resort, which abuts one of the most pristine coastlines in the world and unobstructed nighttime views of "a million" stars, has become a popular tourist destination for travelers from the West Coast of the United States, especially for those who are looking to disconnect from their daily hassles and reconnect with one another. With new daily flights to and from the Islands of Loreto, that's sure to bring even more tourism to the area.
Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto has created a series of air-inclusive packages with air travel provided by Alaska Airlines. Subject to availability, promotional air-inclusive packages start at just $149 per person, per night, based on double occupancy, plus taxes. Details are available by calling toll free to 866-209-0726.
These dedicated packages include airfare provided by Alaska Airlines to the Islands of Loreto via Los Angeles International Airport and originating in multiple destinations including Seattle; Portland; Vancouver, B.C.; the San Francisco Bay Area and the Los Angeles area.
"We are thrilled to have Alaska Airlines expand its number of flights and begin daily service next month, and we know our guests will love the flexibility this new schedule provides, as well," said Owen Perry, owner and president of Villa Group. "Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto provides unique beauty, authentic culture, and access to truly unparalleled sporting opportunities. We look forward to sharing those experiences with a whole new set of travelers and showing them what we mean when we say 'Your Story Starts Here.'"
The Islands of Loreto, located on the east coast of the Baja California Peninsula on the Sea of Cortez, is known for its quiet beaches, scenic vistas, rich history and astounding natural habitats. The region caters to adventurous travelers looking to explore the many outdoor opportunities including snorkeling, hiking, fishing, diving and mountain biking, as well as people looking for a getaway where they can enjoy the beauty and authentic culture of the region without the commotion of heavily-trafficked Mexican destinations. The destination is fast becoming an alternative for travelers looking for a slower pace with all the options and amenities they have come to expect from a vacation in Mexico.
For more information about Villa del Palmar and its Alaska Airlines packages, or to book, contact your preferred travel professional, visit http://www.villadelpalmarloreto.com/ or call 866.209.0726 from the U.S. or 855.440.5590 from Canada.
ABOUT VILLA DEL PALMAR Baja's First Million Star Resort Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto is a self-contained destination resort on the Sea of Cortez, off the eastern coast of the Baja peninsula overlooking Danzante Island (one of five in the region). It features 181 new, spacious, beautifully appointed Deluxe Ocean View, one, two and three bedroom Suiteswith balcony or terrace, stunning ocean views, mountain views, outstanding restaurants, an attentive English-speaking staff, five swimming pools, a 39,000 square feet Spa, two tennis courts , beautiful beaches and a mild and warm climate year-round. The New York Times lists Loreto in its Top Ten Places to go in 2011. The travel article featuring the Islands of Loreto, Baja California South, Mexico ranked first among readers.
Guests can enjoy scuba and snorkeling tours in the protected Marine Park within the five prominent Loreto Islands, horseback riding, swimming, world-class fishing (catch a Dorado and bring it home to have a Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto chef prepare it for you), paddle boarding, kayaking, whale watching and mountain biking. With complimentary shuttle service, guests can explore the historic town at the Islands of Loreto and visit the 1697 mission that made the town famous. The area is also known for its wildlife, including the 900 species of fish off the coast and in an area that has been declared a World Heritage Site. Hotel perks include a spa and fitness center, massages, salsa dance lessons and movie nights for children.
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Physician Involvement in Health Care Reform – Video
Physician Involvement in Health Care Reform
Physician Involvement in Health Care Reform is presented by Donald J. Palmisano, MD, JD, FACS, member of The Doctors Company #39;s Board of Governors, and former president of the American Medical Association. In this video, Dr. Palmisano challenges physicians to get involved in government decisions on health care. As the government considers new health care laws, doctors must offer legislators their specific medical knowledge in order to ensure patient safety. SUBSCRIBE FOR OTHER VIDEO TIPS AND NEWS http://www.youtube.com VISIT OUR WEB SITE http://www.thedoctors.com LET #39;S CONNECT Twitter http://www.twitter.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com
By: doctorscompany
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eVariant Welcomes Advocate Health Care
Advocate Health Care, one of the largest health care providers in the Midwest, has selected eVariants HealthConnect suite for their physician relationship management (PRM) needs.
Weatogue, CT (PRWEB) February 12, 2013
The HealthConnect platform provides a continuously updated, detailed view of all the physicians within a market and shows the most detailed inbound and outbound referring patterns in the industry.
Joanne Detch, Vice President, Physician Relations and Network Development at Advocate Health Care, said the platform will strengthen outreach efforts with Advocate physicians resulting in greater efficiencies and improved communication with valued partners.
Being able to communicate with doctors in a more efficient, timely and consistent way will have a direct and positive impact on our relationships, Detch said. We are confident the eVariant suite will provide us the foundation necessary to enhance outreach.
We are very pleased to be working with Advocate Health Care, said A. Robert Grant, EVP. Across the healthcare industry, we are seeing an increasing interest in understanding physician referring patterns through the use of claims data. Our enterprise class PRM solution provides a continuously updated data and analytics platform that integrates seamlessly with our clients existing backend systems.
About eVariant
eVariant integrates healthcare marketing products, business data and analytics onto one platform, so healthcare organizations can identify market opportunities, measure marketing campaigns against reportable ROI and improve patient and physician engagement.
About Advocate Health Care
Advocate Health Care, named among the nations top health systems, is the largest health system in Illinois and one of the largest health care providers in the Midwest. Advocate operates more than 250 sites of care, including 10 acute care hospitals, the states largest integrated childrens network, five Level I trauma centers (the states highest designation in trauma care), two Level II trauma centers, one of the areas largest home health care companies and one of the regions largest medical groups. Advocate Health Care trains more primary care physicians and residents at its four teaching hospitals than any other health system in the state. As a not-for-profit, mission-based health system affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the United Church of Christ, Advocate contributed $571 million in charitable care and services to communities across Chicagoland and Central Illinois in 2011.
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Gorman Health Group Welcomes Dawn Aston and Michael Bush to the Firm's Elite Team of Government Health Care Experts
WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gorman Health Group (GHG), the leading consulting firm and solutions provider in government health care programs, announces today the arrival of two new additions to the firm's team of government health care experts. Dawn Aston and Michael Bush bring a combined 53 years of experience in a variety of topic areas, including Health Insurance Exchanges, Medicare Advantage and Part D, and health reform implementation.
"Both Dawn and Mike are long-standing, recognized experts in the health care industry, and each offers a wealth of knowledge to GHG clients, who face tough challenges in 2013 and beyond," said John Gorman, Executive Chairman of Gorman Health Group. "GHG is committed to ensuring our team is always able to support the industry with the very best and brightest topic experts, no matter where health reform takes us, and the unique skill sets and in-the-trenches experience Dawn and Mike have to offer make them natural additions to our bench of experts."
Dawn Aston brings to GHG over 24 years of experience in the insurance industry, nine of them specifically focused on government programs. Her deep knowledge of the Medicare and Medicaid market, policies and business processes has enabled her to work successfully with both large and small payers. Michael Bush has nearly 30 years of health care experience under his belt and has worked with such leading health care organizations as Geisinger Health System and United Healthcare. In addition, Mr. Bush served as director of an early Health Insurance Exchange (CARE of Utah). Both Ms. Aston and Mr. Bush join GHG as VP of Business Development and will work directly with clients to support them in achieving strategic goals.
"Since GHG's founding in 1996, the firm's philosophy has always been the reverse of the 'Big 4' model," said Jeff Fox, President and CEO of Gorman Health Group. "We don't recruit young consultants and then teach them the industry. Instead we hire the best and brightest industry experts and offer careful oversight and meaningful mentorship to help them become the best advisors possible to health care organizations. Dawn and Mike are especially exciting additions because they are both industry experts and accomplished advisors. We are thrilled to welcome them aboard."
About Gorman Health Group | http://www.gormanhealthgroup.com
Gorman Health Group is a national health care professional services and software company staffed by subject-matter experts, former health plan executives and seasoned regulators. For 16 years, hundreds of clients serving millions of beneficiaries have leveraged the strategic counsel and technology solutions of GHG to maintain compliant operations, improve market position, and advance growth objectives. Learn more at gormanhealthgroup.com.
For more information: Kristin Rodriguez Gorman Health Group, LLC 510.244.7114 krodriguez@gormanhealthgroup.com
This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.com http://www.cisionwire.com/gorman-health-group/r/gorman-health-group-welcomes-dawn-aston-and-michael-bush-to-the-firm-s-elite-team-of-government-heal,c9368758
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Health care costs slow; federal deficit benefits
WASHINGTON -- A sharp and surprising slowdown in the growth of health care costs is narrowing the federal deficit, leaving budget experts trying to figure out whether the trend will last and how much the slower growth could ease the country's fiscal problems.
In figures released last week, the Congressional Budget Office said it had erased hundreds of billions of dollars in projected spending on Medicare and Medicaid.
The budget office now projects that spending on those two programs in 2020 will be about $200 billion, or 15 percent, less than it projected three years ago.
New data also show overall health care spending growth continuing at the lowest rate in decades for a fourth consecutive year.
Health experts said they do not yet fully understand what is driving the lower spending trajectory. But there is a growing consensus that changes in how doctors and hospitals deliver health care -- as opposed to merely a weak economy -- are playing a role.
Still, experts disagree on where spending might be in future years, a question with major ramifications for the federal deficit, family budgets and the economy.
Part of the slowdown stems from "the recession and the loss of income and wealth" causing people to cut back on health care, Douglas Elmendorf, director of the Congressional Budget Office, said last week.
But he said a "significant part" of the slowdown "probably arises from structural changes in the health care system."
Some insurers
Many of the changes predate the 2010 health care overhaul, but the law has contributed to the changes by offering financial incentives, health care experts said.
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TD Ameritrade Survey: Americans Want the Government to Spend Their Tax Dollars on Affordable Health Care and Job …
OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
If Americans could choose how the U.S. government spends their tax dollars, theyd designate affordable health care (38%) and job creation (36%) as top priorities, according to a new Tax Survey released by TD Ameritrade, Inc. (TD Ameritrade), a broker-dealer subsidiary of TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation (AMTD). The survey also revealed that the desire for more affordable health care increases with age (35% of Gen Y; 38% of Gen X; 44% of Baby Boomers).
Over the last quarter, slow and steady job growth and improvements in the housing market have Americans feeling more optimistic that the economy is on the rebound+, but they also want the government to focus on the things that impact them most, said Carrie Braxdale, managing director, investor services at TD Ameritrade. And as more and more Baby Boomers enter retirement, quality and affordable health care will continue to be a growing concern among Americans.
Improving the quality of public education (24%) and improving the quality of health care (24%) were also top priorities, while protecting the environment (16%) and investment in U.S. defense (18%) were at the bottom of the list.
Although men and women were relatively aligned on how government should spend the money it gets from taxes, more men said job creation should be the top priority (42% vs. 31% for women) while more women feel affordable health care should be the top focus (43% vs. 33% for men). Further, men were more likely to favor expenditures on defense (23% vs. 12% for women) and job training (20% vs. 14% for women), while more women want tax dollars used to protect the environment (18% vs. 13% for men), resources for homeless people (16% vs. 10% for men) and alleviating world hunger (13% vs. 7%).
According to the Department of Labor, women make approximately 80 percent of the health care decisions for their families. Women also typically live longer* than men, so its not surprising to see that they want their tax dollars being used to improve health care and make it more affordable, continued Braxdale.
Man or woman, young or old, one thing is clear taxes are a big concern for Americans. And its no wonder when you consider that 85 percent of investors believe their taxes will be higher by the end of 2013, according to a separate Investor Sentiment Survey by TD Ameritrade.
To help investors, TDAmeritrades Online Education Center offers a breadth of research, tools and articles, including this article on Five Strategies for Tax-Efficient Investing.
For more information on the surveys, visit the TD Ameritrade Newsroom, which includes a wide selection of past research studies capturing the pulse of retail investors and independent registered investment advisors on topics ranging from retirement and young money to taxes and general market sentiment. For the latest news and information about TD Ameritrade, follow the company on Twitter, @TDAmeritradePR.
TD Ameritrade does not provide tax advice. We suggest you consult with a tax-planning professional with regard to your personal circumstances.
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Health Care Fraud, Record $4.2 Billion Recovered In 2012, USA
Editor's Choice Main Category: Medicare / Medicaid / SCHIP Also Included In: Litigation / Medical Malpractice Article Date: 12 Feb 2013 - 0:00 PST
Current ratings for: Health Care Fraud, Record $4.2 Billion Recovered In 2012, USA
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Attorney General Eric Holder issued a report which showed that for every dollar the US government spent on health care-related fraud and abuse investigations over the last 36 months, it got $7.90 back. This is a record over a three-year period since the HCFAC (Health Care Fraud and Abuse) Program began sixteen years ago.
Is this huge haul a sign of better coordination among public authorities, or does it reflect an increase in criminality? The Justice Department and HHS believe it is a sign of the government's health care fraud prevention and enforcement efforts. $4.2 billion (2012) is an increase from $4.1 billion in 2011.
The money was recovered from companies and individuals who had tried to defraud federal health programs aimed at seniors and taxpayers for payments they were not entitled to receive. $14.9 billion have been recovered over the last four years, compared to $6.7 billion during the previous four-year period. Over $23 billion have been returned to the Medicare Trust Funds since 1997 by the HCFAC Program.
According to the Office of the Inspector General, US Department of Health & Human Services, during the fiscal year 2012:
HEAT (Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team) was created in 2009 to fight fraud, abuse and waste in the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and to close in on people and entities which abuse the system and cost the American taxpayers billions of dollars.
Attorney General, Eric Holder, said:
HHS Secretary Sebelius said:
According to HHS, the Obama Administration is also using tools that the Affordable Care Act authorized to combat fraud, including better data sharing across government departments, enhanced screenings and enrollment requirements, expanded recovery efforts for excessive payments, and closer monitoring of private insurance abuses.
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Health Care Fraud, Record $4.2 Billion Recovered In 2012, USA
Health Care Leaders We Care & Pace Join Forces
The Pace Group of Companies become a subsidiary of We Care Health Services
TORONTO, Feb. 11, 2013 /CNW/ - We Care Health Services (We Care), Canada's most trusted name in home health care and support services, is pleased to announce that it is further expanding its comprehensive health care portfolio with the acquisition of the Kitchener-Waterloo based Pace Group of Companies (Pace). The addition of Pace, which includes Pace Consulting Group, Pace Homecare and Pace Physiotherapy Centre, broadens We Care's service offerings, most notably in the areas of therapy and rehabilitation services, as well as organizational consulting.
The Pace Group of Companies was founded by Frank Pace of Kitchener in 1987. Through its three operating companies, Pace has become a recognized leader in the communities it services across Ontario - directly assisting individuals, families and organizations with maintaining their health and productivity. Pace provides a diverse range of health care services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, registered massage therapy, speech-language pathology, dietetics, social work, and mental health services.
"Combining the We Care and Pace organizations was a natural move as we continue to invest in the home and community health care sectors," said John Schram, President and CEO of We Care. "Pace's expertise in home and community rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, and primary care complement We Care's growing and diversified national home care operations. We are also very excited that in addition to enhancing our core home health care offerings, we are gaining access to an extensive network of professional consultants in the areas of Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), counselling and corporate health and wellness. I believe we are now very well positioned to be able to support our clients and their families in many different settings; whether it is in their home, in the community, a facility, or the work place."
We Care began providing personal support and nursing care in 1984 and today is one of the most highly regarded health service providers in Canada. As the needs of the communities the company serves have evolved, We Care has diversified its services portfolio to offer a host of integrated care options. With a network of 5,000 home care and health care professionals, We Care is now one of the largest home and community health care providers in the country.
Frank Pace, President of Pace states: "We Care and Pace are an excellent fit as both companies have a tradition of commitment to serving clients' needs. We Care has built a truly impressive organization which includes nurses, homemakers and companions who are dedicated to delivering compassionate, high quality care. This was a logical move for our organization as we have seen a renewed emphasis and need in health care for integrated and seamless care. We believe that by joining We Care we can deliver on that agenda. We are truly excited about becoming part of the We Care organization and believe that this move will further enhance Pace's ability to meet the diverse needs of our current and future clients."
About We Care We Care Health Services, a leading national provider of in-home care and support services with over 50 locations across Canada, provides professional and compassionate care that allows seniors and others to live independently in the comfort of their own homes. We Care employs 5,000 homecare staff and provides care in over 800 communities across Canada, and has received accreditation through Accreditation Canada within all the regions in which it operates in. For more information, visit http://www.wecare.ca.
About Pace Group of Companies Headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, the Pace Group of Companies (Pace Homecare Services Inc., The Pace Consulting Group Inc. and Pace Physiotherapy Centre Inc.) provides professional healthcare services that directly assist individuals, families, and organizations with maintaining their health and productivity within the home, community and work place. Pace has an extensive multi-disciplinary network of service providers acrossCanada, which it established over 25 years in the EAP, counselling and homecare fields. http://www.pacehealth.com
SOURCE: We Care Home Health Services
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Today @NCCapitol: Health care, unemployment, and the Red Route
Posted: 6:30 a.m. today Updated: 6:51 a.m. today
Raleigh, N.C. Good morning, and welcome to Today @NCCapitol for Tuesday, Feb. 12, WRAL's roundup of what you need to know about North Carolina state government this morning.
SENATE UNEMPLOYMENT:At 2 p.m., the state Senate will take the first of two floor votes on the remake of North Carolina's unemployment program. The bill, which cuts state benefits and would lead federal regulators to cut extended benefits for those who have been unemployed longer than 26 weeks, has come under criticism from Acting U.S. Labor Sec.Seth Harris.
"If enacted, the legislation also would cut off all federally funded Emergency Unemployment Compensation that is, benefits after 26 weeks of unemployment to 170,000 unemployed North Carolinians. This cutoff is automatic under federal law," Harris wrote in a news release.
Assuming the Senate passes the measure today, a final Senate vote on Wednesday would send the bill to Gov. Pat McCrory. WRAL.com will live stream the Senate floor session at 2 p.m. Check the Video Central box on the home page.
HOUSE SESSION: Also at 2 p.m.,the House will vote on a constitutional amendment restricting governments' ability to exercise eminent domain, the power to take land from property owners. If it passes, the measure will next go to the Senate.
HOUSE HEALTH CARE:The House Health Committee will take up the bill blocking North Carolina from expanding Medicaid or participating in the health insurance exchanges created by the federal Affordable Care Act.
Individual House Republicans have expressed different sentiments on the bill. Early after it was passed by the Senate, House Speaker Thom Tillis said the chamber would carefully consider the measure to take into account objections raised by Gov. Pat McCrory. The Republican governor was worried North Carolina could lose federal funding for a benefits computer system if the bill became law as passed by the Senate.
Rep. Jim Fulgham, R-Wake, said on Saturday's edition of On the Record that he would slow down the bill because he had questions about how the state would care for those without health insurance. And leaders of the Health Committee last week said they would at least make a few tweaks in order to deal with McCrory's concerns.
However, late Monday, health care advocates said they had been told the bill would push through committee without being amended and could go straight to the House floor.
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Today @NCCapitol: Health care, unemployment, and the Red Route
Entering the Shift Age with Futurist David Houle on The Social Workers – Video
Entering the Shift Age with Futurist David Houle on The Social Workers
12-20-12 Futurist David Houle Entering the Shift Age We have "left the Information Age and have entered the Shift Age: a world where the speed of change is so fast that change itself is the new norm". Futurist David Houle identifies the "forces that have transformed our world" and how these changes will continue to shape it for the next 20 years.Houle has more than 20 years in the entertainment industry helping to launch MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1, and CNN Headline News and was recently named as Speaker of the Year from Vistage International, the leading global organization of CEOs.
By: TheSocialWorkersFM
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Entering the Shift Age with Futurist David Houle on The Social Workers - Video
Cortex – Retro-Futurism – Video
Cortex - Retro-Futurism
Track
By: Christian Cortes
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Freedom Service Dogs Launches 'Free A Hero' Campaign
Casts awareness of nonprofit's unique model
Englewood, Colo. (PRWEB) February 12, 2013
Unlike most service dog organizations, FSD will get its dogs through close working relations with not only local Colorado shelters and rescues, but also organizations nationwide. This includes alerts by participating organizations about dogs that may have a high propensity for training and service work. FSD trainers then take the dogs to their Englewood, Colo. campus, where theyll spend the next 6 to 12 months learning up to 50 different commands, including opening doors, retrieving items, pulling wheelchairs, going for help, turning on lights and enhancing social interaction.
Any dog who does not officially graduate as a service dog, is released from the program and adopted into a loving home by FSD. The organizations website features dogs available for adoption.
The campaign is the end result of a grant given to FSD by PURE Brand Communications. The Denver based agency donated $75,000 in services and worked with FSD for a majority of 2012 to create the campaign.
We have an amazing story to tell and PURE Brand Communications recognized right away that it could be done much better. They were able to immediately capture the need these amazing and very capable dogs have to be freed from the shelter to fulfill their greater destiny of service dog, states Sharan Wilson, executive director. In almost every instance of placing a dog with a client, we receive feedback that their service dog is truly their hero. They are in awe of how their life has been enhanced. These dogs truly do go from possibly not making it out of a shelter to changing another persons life in less than a year.
The captivating photos featured in the campaign are credited to Ashleigh Miller Photography, who also donated hours of work for the campaign. Explore Communications was able to secure donated billboard space throughout Colorado, enabling FSD to obtain exposure it otherwise would not be able to afford.
Currently, FSD has over 60 clients on the wait list for a service dog. The process can sometimes take over a year to complete due to demand.
###
About Freedom Service Dogs of America:
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Bills on abortion, "religious freedom" shot down by Democrats
Cathy and Randy Licht and their adopted daughter, Emma, who was born in China, listen to testimony Monday on Senate Bill 56, which would ban sex-selection abortions. The measure failed on a party-line vote. (Lynn Bartels, The Denver Post)
A Senate bill that would ban sex-selection abortions and a House measure to "preserve religious freedom" died in their Democratic-controlled committee hearings Monday.
Both measures are among the pieces of socially conservative legislation introduced this session by Republicans, despite efforts by some party members to move the party more to the center after their November drubbing.
Sen. Ted Harvey, R-Highlands Ranch, said he introduced the bill because there is growing evidence that in some cultures pregnant women are having abortions after learning they are carrying a girl.
"We might disagree about when life begins or whether a mother has a right to use abortion for means of birth control, but I hope there is no disagreement about which gender has more human value than the other," he said.
The Senate Judiciary Committee killed Senate Bill 56 on a party-line vote 2-3 vote, with both Republicans in favor and all three Democrats opposed.
"I think as a physician I would be concerned about asking someone their motive for having an abortion," said Sen. Irene Aguilar, D-Denver, who is a medical doctor.
Those who testified for the measure include Cathy and Randy Licht of Monument, who appeared with their 10-year-old daughter, Emma, whom they adopted from China.
"Just to give you a heads up, I missed dodgeball and a Chinese New Year's celebration to see if I can save a person's life," Emma told the committee.
Testifying against the bill was Laura Reinsch, the political organizer at NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado.
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Bills on abortion, "religious freedom" shot down by Democrats
AxioMed® Spine Corporation Announces Freedom® Cervical Disc European Introduction
GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
AxioMed Spine Corporation (www.axiomed.com) announces the commercial introduction of its Freedom Cervical Disc in Europe with a successful implantation in Switzerland. The Freedom Cervical Disc received CE Mark in 2012. AxioMed will also conduct a multi-center Freedom Cervical Disc study as a post-market assessment of the total disc replacement device for the treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease. The studys clinical results are expected to be used in support of a future Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) application to the U.S. FDA and to support regulatory approval in other markets outside of the EU.
AxioMeds first product, the Freedom Lumbar Disc, received CE Mark in 2009. Results from the lumbar European post-market assessment study were published in the SAS Journal in December 2011. AxioMed is also engaged in a U.S. FDA IDE study of the Freedom Lumbar Disc. The Company is an ISO 13485:2003 certified manufacturer of the Freedom Lumbar and Cervical Discs.
Patrick McBrayer, AxioMeds President and CEO stated, AxioMed supported a clinical study of its Freedom Lumbar Disc in Europe, and we are likewise committed to a European clinical study of our latest product, the Freedom Cervical Disc. Our European lumbar clinical data was published in a respected peer-reviewed spine journal and demonstrated that the Freedom technology has provided patients lumbar pain relief, reduced disability and improved lifestyle, based on monitored outcomes. We expect similar results from our Freedom Cervical Disc. Spine surgeons at clinics in Switzerland, Germany, and the U.K. will participate in this study.
Jim Kuras, the Companys Chief Operating Officer added, The Freedom Cervical Discs unique asymmetrical design and resulting biomechanics represent an advancement beyond the first generation total disc technologies, and better accommodate the cervical anatomy and spinal function. The differentiated design, with multiple footprints and heights combined with a wedge angle, provide the surgeon with an array of implants to address patient specific surgical requirements. First generation total disc replacement devices incorporate a metal-on-metal or metal-on-polyethylene ball and socket design and have resulted in design and functional limitations. The Freedom Lumbar and Cervical Disc technology is a second generation, viscoelastic polymer one-piece spinal disc replacement prosthesis that provides a combination of stability, compressibility and controlled motion that closely replicates the natural function of the native disc. The surgical procedure requires a limited number of instruments, is simple and reproducible, and requires no bone-milling or excess sculpting of the intervertebral body endplates to implant the device.
Neal Defibaugh, AxioMeds Vice President of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs, further commented, AxioMed is committed to conduct a Freedom Cervical Disc study in Europe that supports our goal of post-market surveillance. The clinical study will provide additional data that complements the current, extensive biomechanical and biocompatibility test data that has been completed for the Freedom Cervical Disc. These results will be used to support the devices IDE regulatory approval pathway as well as additional requirements outside the EU. As with the Freedom Lumbar Disc, AxioMed intends to include economic endpoints to accompany the requirements of the contemplated Freedom Cervical Disc IDE study.
About AxioMed Spine Corporation
AxioMeds mission is to develop products focused on spinal function for patients with degenerative spine disease, thus advancing the standard of care beyond fusion and first generation total disc replacement. The Companys leading products, the Freedom Lumbar and Cervical Discs, were developed and designed by a team of clinicians and experts in the fields of biomechanics, pathology, spinal surgery and polymer science. The Freedom Lumbar and Cervical Discs have received CE Mark approval for distribution in the European Union. Additionally, the Company is pursuing U.S. regulatory approval for its Freedom technology. Focusing on restoration of the natural function of the spine, AxioMed will enhance human health through research, innovation, development and service world-wide. For more information about AxioMed, please visit our website at http://www.axiomed.com.
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AxioMed® Spine Corporation Announces Freedom® Cervical Disc European Introduction
Let’s Abort the Myth of Eugenics – Video
Let #39;s Abort the Myth of Eugenics
In this rant, I respond to the accusation that I -- and anyone else with a brain who understands that OVERPOPULATION is the single biggest threat against humanity and this planet -- is a "eugenicist." Any Kool-Aid drinking, Alex Jones ass-licking moron making that asinine claim needs to learn how to read a damn dictionary. Here is a link to the excellent Wikipedia entry on eugenics to help educate the morons: en.wikipedia.org
By: Humptydumptytribe
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From Idea To Sustainable Eco System – Video
From Idea To Sustainable Eco System
Making innovation probiotic to thrive in the ecosystem of your business.
By: vandisadvisory
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Kungfu Cyborg Mettalic Attraction – What Hurts the Most – Video
Kungfu Cyborg Mettalic Attraction - What Hurts the Most
..Hi guyz! this is my 6th fan-made Asian Mv..I like the movie so I decided to make an mv of it. Hope You liked it..Tnx God Bless^_^ Song: What Hurts the Most by Rascall Flatts DISCLAIMER: NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. I DO NOT CLAIM THE RIGHTS TO THE AUDIO OR DRAMAS DISPLAYED IN THIS VIDEO. THIS VIDEO IS PURELY FAN-MADE. ALL RIGHTS GO TO THE RESPECTABLE OWNERS.
By: Ruhi120
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Kungfu Cyborg Mettalic Attraction - What Hurts the Most - Video
Cyborg .YoungForever. – Video
Cyborg .YoungForever.
I love Cyborg 🙂 He #39;s so funny in just how he is everyday. I don #39;t think he gets enough credit for it. Young Forever- Jay Z , Mr.Hudson I do not own anything
By: Rejected97
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Cyborg Girl – Ikutsuka No Sora (Numerous Skies) – Video
Cyborg Girl - Ikutsuka No Sora (Numerous Skies)
..Hi guyz! this is my 7th fan-made Asian Mv..I like the movie so I decided to make an mv of it. Hope You liked it..Tnx God Bless^_^ Song: Ikutsuka No Sora (Numerous Skies) by Shibasaki Kou DISCLAIMER: NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. I DO NOT CLAIM THE RIGHTS TO THE AUDIO OR DRAMAS DISPLAYED IN THIS VIDEO. THIS VIDEO IS PURELY FAN-MADE. ALL RIGHTS GO TO THE RESPECTABLE OWNERS.
By: Ruhi120
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