RadiantBrands Creates a New Brand Experience for Pet Food Express with Roseville Store Opening

Berkeley Creative Agency Instrumental in Launching New Shopping Environment for People and their Pets at Fountains Mall.

ROSEVILLE, Calif. (January 10, 2012) -- RadiantBrands (http://www.radiantbrands.com), a full-service creative branding agency, recently completed a new assignment for Pet Food Express (http://www.petfoodexpress.com) with the opening of a new store location at the Fountains shopping center in Roseville, California. This is the largest Pet Food Express location opened to date, featuring an integrated in-store brand experience for customers and their pets.

The Fountains location provides a unique setting for the new Pet Food Express store, with a dramatic atrium. Radiant capitalized on this architectural feature by creating a mural that wraps around three walls, depicting a whimsical view of the Sacramento Capital and the Pet Food Express signature dog snowboarding across the scene. Pet Food Express wants customers to know that dogs are welcome at the store, so RadiantBrands designed a dog park with grass, a park bench and a metal fence accented with animal silhouettes. Other innovative features include new signage and a special checkout area where customers can leave purchases for pick up later. And the store features “iPaw” stations with iPads that can be used to access product information on the company web site.

“We have been working with Pet Food Express for a number of years to help them expand the brand experience for their line of natural and holistic pet products,” said Steven Donaldson, co-founder of RadiantBrands. “Our objective in created a branded retail experience for Pet Food Express always has been to tie the store to the neighborhood, which we have done with artwork depicting the local area and other features. We also have extended the in-store experience to the web with the help of the “iPaw” stations using an iPad customized for Pet Food Express. The entire experience is designed to bring the Pet Food Express brand to life for the visitor.”

About Pet Food Express
Pet Food Express began as Pro Pet when Michael Levy founded the first store in San Francisco in 1980. Michael partnered with Mark Witriol in 1992 to expand the operation, and today there are 41 stores throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and now two in the Sacramento area, making Pet Food Express the fifth largest pet retailer in the United States. The duo has always been committed to supporting customers with the latest information about pet nutrition and health. Unlike some other pet product retailers, Pet Food Express will not sell pets but instead promotes pet adoption, both at its store locations and by supporting pet adoption services. Its mission is to find a home for every homeless dog and cat in the Bay Area. The company has a long history of giving back to the local community, including donations of over $1.1 million to Bay Area rescue organizations and shelters in 2010 alone. RadiantBrands has captured many of these values in their store design, product packaging, online presence, and sales collateral.

About RadiantBrands
RadiantBrands is a full-service creative agency with over 25 years of experience in creating and implementing brands in a wide range of environments. Their philosophy of understanding what motivates customer loyalty drives their use of research and interviews in the creation of memorable and compelling brands. RadiantBrands combines disciplines such as strategy, design, and integrated marketing to help their clients reach customers through naming, brand identity, communications, and web and online media - anywhere the customer encounters a brand experience. RadiantBrands works with start-ups to Fortune 500 companies in healthcare, technology, retail, financial services, B2b and B2C, and other segments, helping them define and communicate their unique market value.

RadiantBrands is based in Berkeley, California. For more information, visit RadiantBrands online at http://www.radiantbrands.com.

Contact:
Steven Donaldson
RadiantBrands
(510) 843-0701

Tom Woolf
Woolf Marketing & Media
(415) 259-5638
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Experts Connection Kicks of 2012 with Webinar on "The Undercover Job Search"

Leading Career Expert Ross Macpherson Explains How Employed Executives Can Mount a Stealth Job Search without Alerting their Boss.

NOVATO, Calif. (January 9, 2012) -- All professionals know the old saying; the best time to look for a job is when you have a job. But how do you mount an effective job search under the very nose of your employer? How do you tap your professional network without alerting your boss that you are looking? In the next session of Experts Connection (http://www.experts-connection.com), Ross Macpherson, expert in advanced career strategies and president of Career Quest, will explain simple tactics to embark on “The Undercover Job Search: Stealth Tactics for the Employed Executive.” The webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, January 18, from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. ET, (1:00 - 2:30 p.m. PT), and is sponsored by NETSHARE® (http://www.netshare.com).

Networking is the most effective way to look for a job. But if you are employed, how can you conduct an effective job search and network without setting off alarms? How can you use social networks without the word spreading and your communication going viral? According to Ross, the most successful job searches are the result of high-yield strategies, executed well that allow you to quietly and safely pursue opportunities. You need to know how to network effectively and quietly, launching an aggressive search in stealth mode.

In this session of Experts Connection, Ross will provide hands-on strategies, including:

- How to develop “quiet” communications that moves your job search forward, but without raising alarms.
- How to manage your LinkedIn profile for effective stealth search.
- How to work with recruiters and even a potential employer to ensure that you remain under the radar.
- How to apply creative “out of the box” tactics, including one that is so simple and so effective, it’s a wonder more people aren't doing it.

“There is a misconception that effective networking requires you to make a lot of noise to promote visibility,” said Katherine Simmons, CEO of NETSHARE and host of the Experts Connection webinars. “The truth is that you can be very subtle and maintain a low profile and build an incredibly effective online presence that will pave the way for your next career move, without making anyone suspicious. Ross is an expert at demonstrating how to make the most of your online job search and he has a number of valuable tactics for anyone looking to conduct a quiet job search.”

The Experts Connection teleseminar series gives executives access to leading career experts. The cost of the seminar is $60, $50 for NETSHARE members, and access is provided via web and telephone. For more information, visit the Experts Connection online at http://www.experts-connection.com.

About Ross Macpherson
Ross Macpherson is the President of Career Quest (http://www.yourcareerquest.com) and a recognized expert in advanced career strategies – the strategies that have consistently put his clients miles ahead of their competition. He is a Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Certified Interview and Job Search Coach, and is recognized as one of the best resume writers in North America. Ross has 15 years experience in career development and specializes in the senior and executive market with clients throughout the U.S., Canada, and internationally. Ross is also a sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator. He has spoken at major career events, global industry conferences, universities, professional associations, and executive networking groups across Canada and the U.S.

About NETSHARE
NETSHARE (http://www.netshare.com) is a confidential, membership based organization dedicated to providing executives across all disciplines and industries with quality $100K plus job lists. NETSHARE also offers networking opportunities and a community of peers for the exchange of strategic information related to job search, professional development and best practices. NETSHARE has been recognized by Fortune and Forbes magazines as the best online destination for executive positions.

Contact:
Annette DiSano
NETSHARE, Inc.
(415) 883-1700

Tom Woolf
Woolf Media & Marketing
(415) 259-5638
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Bay Area Boy Scout Council Presents Rosendin Electric CEO Tom Sorley with "Good Scout" Award for 2011

San Francisco Boy Scouts Honor Sorley at 33rd Annual Construction Industry Lunch-O-Ree.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (January 09, 2012) -- The San Francisco Bay Area Boy Scout Council has honored Tom Sorley, Chairman and CEO of Rosendin Electric (http://www.rosendin.com), the nation’s largest private electrical contractor and a 100% employee-owned company, as its 2011 “Good Scout” Honoree.

Having previously served on the Board of Directors for the San Francisco Bay Area Council, Boy Scouts of America for a number of years,Sorley remains extremely active in supporting the Scouts. The accolade as “Good Scout” for 2011 was bestowed on Sorley for his support of the Bay Area Boy Scouts over the years, and for his leadership in the construction industry. The award also recognizes the ongoing role that Rosendin Electric continues to play in supporting Bay Area Scouting, and the contribution the company makes to Bay Area communities.

The award was presented at the 33rd Annual Construction Industry Lunch-O-Ree, an industry fund-raising luncheon that generates more than $300,000 annually for local Boy Scout programs. This year’s Lunch-O-Ree, held at the San Francisco Hilton Union Square, was attended by over 1,000 Bay Area construction industry leaders, and included a keynote address by Mike Montgomery, Head Men’s Basketball Coach for the Cal State Bears.

“The future of the construction industry and the future of our country are in the hands of today’s youth, which is why I am such an avid supporter of scouting,” Sorley said. “Few organizations imbue the kind of values and sense of self-reliance as the Boy Scouts. I know that many of today’s Scouts’ will be tomorrow’s electricians and construction engineers, and I am proud to support even a small part in shaping their future.”

Sorley also serves on advisory boards at Arizona State University, Cal Poly University, the Building Futures Council, The Beavers, and was the former Chairperson for the Design Build Institute of America. In 2011, Sorley was elected to the National Academy of Construction. He is also an active Member with the Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT) and has worked extensively with AGC on their initiatives to improve productivity in the construction industry as well as several joint committees for IBEW/NECA.

About Rosendin Electric
Rosendin Electric, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, California, is a 100% employee-owned electrical engineering, power and communications provider and is the largest privately held electrical contractor in the United States. With over 2,500 employees and experience nationwide, Rosendin Electric has built upon a 90-year reputation for quality design and installations. For additional information, visit http://www.rosendin.com.

Contact:
Shelly Goulart
Marketing Manager
Rosendin Electric
880 Mabury Road
San Jose, CA 95133
(408) 534-2819
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First-ever Scandinavia & Russia Singles Cruise

Singles are invited to beat the dreaded singles supplement by cruising to Scandinavia and Russia with SinglesTravelCompany.com.

San Rafael, CA, January 07, 2012 -- Contact: Rich Gosse, 415/479-3800

Single adults of all ages are invited to the first-ever Scandinavia & Russia Singles Cruise, June 26 - July 6, 2012. The cruise departs from Stockholm, Sweden aboard Azamura’s Cruise Ship Journey and visits Helsinki, Finland; St Petersburg, Russia; Tallinn, Estonia; Visby, Sweden; and concludes in Copenhagen, Denmark.

$3150 (per person, cruise only, inside cabin, based on double-occupancy) includes port charges and taxes. Cruise includes:

- 9 nights accommodations on The Journey
- 26 meals
- Gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff
- Bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty coffees and teas
- Boutique wines at lunch and dinner
- Complimentary self-service laundry
- Most amenities on the ship

The Journey features:

- Themed bars, lounges, and fine dining restaurants
- Fitness Center & Spa
- Nightly entertainment
- Casino - blackjack, roulette, and poker
- Evening parties on the pool deck on certain nights
- Night touring with extended time in some ports
- Onboard cultural performances

“Singles always have the option of going on cruises alone,” says Ann Thomas, Director of The Singles Travel Company. “The advantage of cruising with us, however, is that they are part of a friendly group, with plenty of socializing and private gatherings aboard ship. Plus, we guarantee a roommate for those who want to avoid paying for a single cabin ($5616 for an inside cabin).”

This vacation is co-sponsored by Society of Single Professionals, the world's largest non-profit singles organization, and The Singles Travel Company, a Casto Travel Company, CST#1008439-10. Anyone wishing more information about this and many more singles trips may visit http://www.SinglesTravelCompany.com or call Ann Thomas at 1-888-286-8687.

Contact:
Rich Gosse
Society of Single Professionals
205 Mark Twain Avenue, San Rafael CA 94903
Tel: 415-507-9962
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IAPAM Announces First Symposium with Botox(R) Training for 2012: January 28-29

In 2012, patients are more likely to opt for minimally-invasive, less expensive anti-aging treatments such as Botox ®, dermal fillers, laser skin rejuvenation, microdermabrasion and medical-grade chemical peels. The IAPAM helps physicians enter this lucrative market by offering their dermatologist-led Aesthetic Medicine Symposium with Botox ® Training in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 28-29, 2012. Physicians will learn and receive everything they need to start offering Botox ® and other in-demand aesthetic medicine procedures this New Year.

Las Vegas, Nevada, January 06, 2012 -- As reported by he IAPAM in its annual Aesthetic Medicine Trends article, the market for minimally-invasive procedures continues to grow in 2012. Dr. Tom D. Wang, President of the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery (AAFPRS) concedes that “consumer interest in aesthetic procedures and treatments have continued in a strong fashion. However, some effects from the recent recession still linger. Dr. Wang has “noted [that] some patients [are] choosing to have less invasive injectable treatments or non-surgical procedures in an effort to defer facial surgery for the time being.” To capture this growing patient population, physicians will need to offer the latest aesthetic medicine procedures, utilize the most current technologies, and package synergistic treatments for the most effective, yet cost effective results.

Therefore, to help educate physicians to meet this demand, the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposium (http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com/botoxtraining) was designed by physicians for physicians, and has integrated the most important clinical, aesthetic medicine business, and Botox ® training into one weekend, including:

- dedicated instruction from board-certified dermatologists, who are true experts of the skin and cosmetic injectables;
- hands-on practice in the best injection techniques;
- Botox ® training at a multi-million dollar medical practice, not in a hotel room; and
- an environment that does not allow exhibitors, giving physicians more time for education.

Attendees also have the opportunity:

- to attend the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Practice Start-Up Workshop (http://www.iapam.com/bootcamp.html) on Monday, January 30, 2012, a program highlighting the latest information on medspa business development and social media marketing.
- to attend the IAPAM’s hCG Training (http://www.hcgtraining.com) on Friday, January 27, 2012, which covers hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) for weight loss, prescription appetite suppressants, ketogenic diet based programs, meal replacements and B6/12 injections.

To date, over 950 physicians (MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs etc.) and their staff (RNs, MAs, practice managers, etc.), have attended the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums and hCG Training seminars. The dates for the next Aesthetic Medicine Symposium are January 28-29, 2012 in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona.

Consider adding aesthetic medicine modalities to a medical practice this New Year! Physicians who have attended the Aesthetic Medicine Symposium with Botox ® Training testify (http://www.iapam.com/category/testimonials) to its comprehensiveness, and the year of practice support from the IAPAM definitely makes the program different than the others.

For additional information or to REGISTER for the January 28-29, 2012 Aesthetic Medicine Symposium, please contact the IAPAM at 1-800-219-5108 ext. 704, or visit http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com.

Botox, Botox Cosmetic and Juvederm are trademarks of Allergan, Inc. Dysport, Restylane, Perlane are trademarks of Medicis, Inc.

About the IAPAM: The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits. IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs), dentists (DDSs/DMDs) doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), physicians assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). The IAPAM offers aesthetic medicine and hCG medical weight management programs, including: Botox ® training, medical aesthetic training, laser training, physician hCG training, and aesthetic practice business training. Additional information about the association can be accessed through the IAPAM’s website (http://www.iapam.com) or by contacting:

Jeff Russell, Executive-Director
International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
1-800-219-5108 x704
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FPL offers 10 ways to beat the winter chill and manage your electric bill

While extreme cold weather is rare in Florida, it can happen. And when it does, Florida Power & Light (FPL) wants to help you beat the chill and manage your electric bill.

Juno Beach, FL, January 06, 2012 -- While extreme cold weather is rare in Florida, it can happen. And when it does, Florida Power & Light (FPL) wants to help you beat the chill and manage your electric bill.

Before you reach for your heater’s “on” button, FPL’s energy efficiency expert, Craig Muccio, says you may want to consider how it will impact your energy bill. “Heating systems in many Florida homes are inefficient to operate,” he says. “In fact, strip or electric resistance-based heating can cost two to three times more energy than air conditioning.”

Here’s a look at his 10 tips to save on energy costs this winter:

• Set your thermostat as low as is comfortably possible. For every two degrees you lower the thermostat, say from 68 to 66 degrees, you'll save about 9 percent on heating costs.

• Keep your filters clean. Clean or replace your air conditioner’s filter every month to trim your heating costs and help your unit run more efficiently.

• Reduce air leaks. Seal doors and windows with weather-stripping or caulk.

• Take advantage of the sun’s heat and light. Keep your south-facing windows clean. Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day and close all curtains at night.

• Take shorter showers and use an efficient showerhead. People tend to take longer showers in colder weather, which increases water heating costs, so try to make it brief and remember to use a low-flow showerhead.

• Turn down the temperature on water heaters. Most water heaters are set to 140 degrees, but at 115 to 120 degrees you'll still enjoy water that’s hot enough to meet your needs.

• Insulate hot water pipes and, if your water heater is more than seven years old, consider a “wrap” to insulate the tank. Wraps are available at most home centers and hardware stores.

• Add insulation to your attic. Adding insulation to your home can reduce your heating and cooling costs. If your home qualifies, we can help with some of the costs. Visit http://www.fpl.com/residential/energy_saving/buying_guide/insulation.shtml for more information.

• Reduce the time you run your pool pump by two hours a day and you could save $8.21 a month. Swimming pools typically require less filtration in winter.

• Sign up for guaranteed savings with the On Call® program. Save as much as $137 on your electric bill by agreeing to let FPL occasionally turn off equipment you select, for short periods of time, only when absolutely necessary. Visit http://www.FPL.com/oncall to learn more.

“As FPL customers, we already have the lowest bills in the state” Muccio says, and with these energy efficiency tips, that bill can be even lower this winter.”

For even more ways to save, visit http://www.FPL.com/ohes to get a personalized energy-savings plan for your home.

About Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Power & Light Company is the largest electric utility in Florida and one of the largest rate-regulated utilities in the United States. FPL serves 4.5 million customer accounts in Florida and is a leading employer in the state with approximately 10,000 employees. The company consistently outperforms national averages for service reliability while customer bills are below the national average. A clean energy leader, FPL has one of the lowest emissions profiles and one of the leading energy efficiency programs among utilities nationwide. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla.-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit http://www.FPL.com.

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
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Engage PEO Selected by Five Guys Franchisee to Deploy Comprehensive HR Solutions

Restaurants to receive significant costs savings through HR outsourcing partnership.

St. Petersburg, FL - January 06, 2012 -- Engage PEO, a leading professional employer organization providing HR outsourcing solutions to small and mid-sized businesses, today announced that it has successfully deployed its solutions to ASIC and ASIC Management, a large Five Guys restaurant franchisee located in New York and Florida. Engage will be providing full human resource outsourcing to the franchisee’s approximately 300 employees at 13 locations.

“We selected Engage to provide our PEO services given their professionalism, expertise and overall focus on customer satisfaction,” said Craig Cohen, the CEO of the franchisee. “Despite the company’s youth, we felt that Engage’s ‘Expect More’ philosophy and its capabilities were perfectly suited to our growth plans and high expectations. Engage’s early execution has been well above anything we've experienced from HR service providers in the past.”

Engage’s solution includes payroll, technology, tax processing, workers’ compensation and risk management services, comprehensive HR services, compliance and benefits administration. By centralizing and automating many of its HR functions with Engage, the Five Guys franchisee expects to achieve significant cost savings and improve the overall quality of services provided to its employees.

“Our company launch has been a complete success and we are well ahead of plan” said Jay Starkman, Engage’s chief executive officer. “Our team’s focus is all about execution and exceeding clients’ expectations; we're thrilled to be filling a void in the industry.”

About Engage PEO
Engage PEO delivers comprehensive HR solutions to small and mid-sized businesses, sharpening their competitive advantage. Comprised of the industry’s most respected veteran professional employer organization executives, certified HR professionals and attorneys, Engage PEO provides hands-on, expert HR services and counsel to help clients minimize cost and maximize efficiency for stronger business performance. The company’s superior service offering includes a full range of health and worker’s compensation insurance products, payroll technology and tax administration, risk management services and best-of-breed technology as part of an extensive suite of HR services. For more information visit http://www.EngagePEO.com.

Media Contact:
Aileen Perdomo
Engage PEO
3001 Executive Drive Suite 340
St. Petersburg, FL 33762
(888) 780-8807
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HIV Cure Research Workshop Clinical Report

Following the last "International Workshop on HIV Persistence, Reservoirs and Eradication Strategies", scientists are now working into translating the recent basic discoveries into clinical trials for patients.

Toulon, France, January 04, 2012 -- Although a number of promising approaches have led to testable hypotheses for an HIV cure, for which small animal and primate models may provide preliminary information, ultimately proof of concept and validation studies in human subjects will be required. These trials will need to balance the risks of significant toxicity, morbidity and mortality of novel strategies against the possible benefit to individual patients and knowledge gained overall. However, it is challenging to define an acceptable level of risk in the context of generally safe and effective life-long therapy. Would a small risk of fatal complication be acceptable? Would a modest risk of mortality, like 1-2% for coronary artery bypass grafting, be acceptable if a cure is on the horizon, or even more? The answers will probably depend of the therapies tested and their goal: functional (for how long) or sterilizing cure?

There are already innovative strategies ready to be tested in the clinic but most researchers think that only a combination of these therapies could lead to an HIV cure. Combining, or sequencing, these approaches also means increasing the risks. On the other side, do we have to test them one after the other, as we did with antiretroviral drugs, before moving to combinations? These are difficult questions to answer, as it is evident that the first patients included in a single approach will get limited benefit from it, if any. This situation is particularly true for the first anti-latency agents tested. They will probably lack the potency to purge all HIV reservoirs, and it is not known if a remaining few infected cells would not be enough to reignite a whole infection.

All these questions were discussed in-depth at the last “International Workshop on HIV Persistence, Reservoirs and Eradication Strategies” held in December 2011. Participants coming from the lab, from the clinic, from agencies, and from pharmaceutical companies were all tied by their commitment toward an HIV cure. A detailed analysis of what they defined as their main priorities is currently underwriting and will be published soon.

Meanwhile, focused reports are available on the workshop website.

Media Contact:
Alain Lafeuillade
AVPS
1208 Avenue Colonel Picot
83056 Toulon, Var, France
Tel: 33-4-94616340
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BusinessVibes - Alternative Solutions for Intranet

BusinessVibes has come up with an idea of website that gives companies all the features available in the Intranet and much more.

London, UK, January 04, 2012 -- Big and well developed companies more and more often nowadays invest in internal networks called Intranet, which allows its employees to search for information about the companies, share files and exchange some data. This tool improves everyday work and significantly fastens the flow of information within the company. Unfortunately not every company can afford creating its own Intranet. Some of them are simply too small and creating Intranet for them is pointless.

BusinessVibes (http://www.businessvibes.com), new global platform connecting companies and associations all over the world has come up with an idea of website that gives companies all the features available in the Intranet and much more. First of all, platform allows creating one company profile with multiple user accounts. It simply means that more than one user can claim the profile of one company and use information available there. Administrator of the profile decides which information should be visible for others and which one should be added additionally. As one of the option, administrator can add detailed information about events organised by the company or updates concerning its activity. In case of necessity to share documents, website allows companies to upload files to their profiles and share it freely with others.

BusinessVibes provides as well possibility to send messages, create virtual business cards and receive comments and testimonials about company itself and events organized by them. Platform is great alternative for Intranet, but has as well a lot of other features, which companies can freely use. BusinessVibes’ main goal is to help companies and associations to search for clients, buyers, suppliers and business partners. A wide range of tools, from internal search engine, through industry directories to creating network is available to help all members develop their business activity.

Contact:
Marta Munia
Marketing Executive - Europe
Infiniti Research Limited
8 Wimpole Street
London W1G 9SP
Tel: +44 20 7291 0883
Follow us on Twitter: @businessvibes
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IAPAM's hCG Training for Physicians January 27, 2012

In February and June of 2011, Dr. Oz’s comments ignited unprecedented positive interest in hCG for weight loss. To meet this patient demand, the IAPAM is helping physicians enter this lucrative market for 2012, by offering their physician-led hCG Training in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 27, 2012. Physicians will learn and receive everything they need to start safely and profitably offering hCG for weight loss to their patients this New Year.

Las Vegas, NV, January 04, 2012 -- The IAPAM (http://www.iapam.com) has trained over 600 physicians on how to effectively offer hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin) for weight loss to their patients. To date, well over 15,000 patients have successfully lost weight on hCG using the IAPAM’s Exclusive hCG Diet (http://www.hcgtraining.com), based on Dr. Simeons manuscript, Pounds and Inches (http://www.iapam.com/dr-simeons-pounds-and-inches-manuscript.html).

Join the IAPAM for the first hCG Training session of 2012, on January 27, 2012, in Scottsdale, Arizona, and prepare to offer hCG for Weight Loss to the flood of patients with a New Year’s Resolution to lose weight.

This respected program is taught by true hCG experts, who operate hCG weight loss clinics, and who have completed the hCG Protocol themselves. This allows physicians and their staff to learn from the IAPAM faculty’s vast experience.

The IAPAM’s hCG Training includes:

- Detailed IAPAM hCG Program Protocols
- Patient selection criteria
- Common medical hCG contraindications
- Consent forms, medical history forms
- Patient hCG Program Guidebook to offer patients (hCG friendly recipes, food journal, tips)
- Patient PowerPoint presentations for the waiting room
- Phone scripts & call logs for your staff
- Legal/Insurance considerations, and current FDA status
- hCG ordering information and special pharmaceutical hCG pricing
- Special hCG Facebook discussion forum
- VLCD/LCD diet programs
- Meal replacement diet programs
- Ketogenic based diet programs
- Utilizing B6/B12 injections in weight loss
- Using prescription appetite suppressants in weight loss
- Metabolism testing as a profit center
- Laser assisted lipolysis
- Listing of your hCG Clinic in the IAPAM’s NEW hCG Diet Clinic Directory (http://www.iapam.com/aesthetic-resources/hcg-diet-clinics)

Finally, the IAPAM’s hCG Training is the only Physician hCG Training program in North America approved for a special medical malpractice rate for those who have attended and have been certified by the IAPAM. This medical malpractice coverage is not offered to any other hCG training program.

Jeff Russell, Executive Director of the IAPAM, and a member of the expert faculty of instructors at the IAPAM’s hCG Training, notes that, “as hCG for weight loss is being requested by more and more patients, we are seeing a correlating increase in physician attendance at the IAPAM’s hCG training.” Mr. Russell also emphasizes that, “through the comprehensive education, and the year of practice support offered by the IAPAM, physicians can appreciate the effects of medications, the implications of plateauing, the importance of vitamin supplements, engage in ongoing dialogue with each other and hCG experts, and understand all the other nuances of the IAPAM protocol that result in patient satisfaction and enduring weight loss.”

For additional information or to register for the January 27, 2012 hCG Training Seminar, please contact the IAPAM, at 1-800-219-5108 ext. 708, email info@theiapam.com or visit http://www.hcgtraining.com.

About the IAPAM: The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary global association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession worldwide. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits to members around the globe. IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs), doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), physicians assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). The IAPAM offers aesthetic medicine and hCG medical weight management programs, including: botox training, medical aesthetic training, laser training, physician hCG training, and aesthetic practice business training. Additional information about the association can be accessed through the IAPAM’s website (http://www.iapam.com) or by contacting:

Jeff Russell, Executive-Director
International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
1-800-219-5108 ext. 708
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FPL's four steps for getting your home "energy fit" in the New Year

It's no secret that this is the time of year for New Year's resolutions, and Florida Power & Light (FPL) wants you to add one more resolution to your list that can you help you save energy and money: Make your home "energy fit".

Juno Beach, FL, January 04, 2012 -- It’s no secret that this is the time of year for New Year’s resolutions, and Florida Power & Light (FPL) wants you to add one more resolution to your list that can you help you save energy and money: Make your home "energy fit".

FPL’s energy efficiency blogger, Danielle Mousseau, recommends getting your home “energy fit” by following her four-step plan. “Like any good fitness plan, you have to understand the basics,” she says. “Evaluate where you are, make a plan based on where you want to go, set realistic goals and measure against them.”

She offers four steps to getting your home “energy fit” this year.

Step 1: Before you can get your home “energy fit,” find out what kind of shape it’s in by completing the new Online Home Energy Survey at http://www.FPL.com/newohes. Whether your home is a power pro that only needs routine energy efficiency maintenance, or an energy novice that needs a boot camp-like regimen, there are always things you can do to make improvements. The Online Home Energy Survey has new features such as a new user-friendly design and a more printer-friendly personalized energy-savings plan.

Step 2: Review and print your personalized energy-savings plan. Take note of recommendations that you can implement right away at little or no cost, such as adjusting habits or appliance settings. If there are recommendations for making energy efficiency upgrades to your home equipment like your ducts or A/C, highlight the FPL program that can offer you an incentive or rebate for doing so.

Step 3: Set goals based on your plan’s recommendations. Since goals are very personal, yours may vary based on how much effort, time and money you want to invest. If you only want to implement low-cost, or no-cost measures like adjusting habits or switching to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), your goal will be very different than if you decide to upgrade your refrigerator to an Energy Star® model or replace your air conditioner at a higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER).

Step 4: Set a timeline for your goals and measure against them. You will need to determine your timeframe for measuring savings. You may want to save past bills or log in to FPL.com to compare this year’s costs to last year’s costs if you are making substantial energy upgrades to your home appliances or equipment like an air conditioner. If you are making small adjustments to your everyday habits, you may prefer to measure month-over-month for a one-year period.

FPL customers already have the lowest electric bills in the state, and getting your home “energy fit” is a way to make that bill even lower. To find out what kind of energy efficiency shape your home’s in, take the new Online Home Energy Survey today at http://www.FPL.com/newohes.

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
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IAPAM Reports on Top Aesthetic Medicine Trends for 2012

The International Association For Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM) has surveyed its membership, its medical faculty, and has consulted with numerous experts in aesthetic medicine, to develop a forecast for the top aesthetic medicine treatments or trends physicians can expect to see in 2012. Ultimately, physicians with successful aesthetic practices in 2012, will need to offer “combination” treatment packages, integrating: botox and other facial injectables, medical skin care, IPL/laser rejuvenation and non-invasive body contouring.

Las Vegas, NV, January 04, 2012 – The IAPAM (http://www.iapam.com) sees the market for minimally-invasive procedures continuing to grow in 2012. Dr. Tom D. Wang, President of the AAFPRS agrees that “consumer interest in aesthetic procedures and treatment has continued in strong fashion. However, some effects from the recent recession still linger. Some patients [are] choosing to have less invasive injectable treatments or non-surgical procedures in an effort to defer facial surgery for the time being.” To capture this knowledgeable patient population, physicians must be expertly trained (IAPAM’s physician-lead botox training at http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com) and need to offer the latest aesthetic medicine procedures, utilizing the most current technologies and must package synergistic treatments for the most effective, yet cost effective results.

1. Combining Non-Invasive Procedures Gives the Best Results

Dr. Gregory Buford, notes that, “as we head into 2012, consumers are becoming more savvy about which tips and tricks from their practitioners really work and which do not.” Drs. Tess Mauricio and Buford see “more application and research on combination treatments. More aesthetic providers are abandoning mono-therapy and combining medical skin care, facial injectables, and laser conditioning and offering these synergistic packages to their clients. This “Holy Triad” of facial rejuvenation can be extremely effective in addressing age-related changes on multiple levels and produce results far more dramatic than previously seen.”

The IAPAM agrees that successful aesthetic practices are those that offer patients a combination of minimally invasive procedures. Just offering Botox ® alone is not enough to provide a physician with a successful, and more importantly, a profitable aesthetic practice. “The key is combining neurotoxins like Botox ®, Dysport ® or Xeomin ® with other complementary skin rejuvenation procedures,” says Jeff Russell, IAPAM Executive Director.

2. New Cosmetic Injectables will Offer Choice to Consumers

New neurotoxins, specifically Xeomin ®, will capture increasing segments of the injectables market in 2012. Dermatologist, Dr. Bruce Katz, comments that, “Xeomin ®, the latest neurotoxin [will] rival Botox ®” in 2012. Dr. Francesca Fuso mentions, “there are new neurotoxins that are still undergoing clinical trials. They will have the same effect as Botox ®, but instead of being injected, they can be applied topically. If these new products are approved in 2012, they will provide patients with yet another option in a year of options.” Finally, new fillers, such as Belotero ® and LaViv ® will offer increased choice to both physicians and patients in the dermal filler arena. Dr. Mitchel Goldman MD, recognizes that, “the approval of LaViv ® the first autologous fibroblast filler and Belotero ® along with the FDA approval of Lip Augmentation with Restylane ® will enhance the use of fillers in 2012 and provide additional products to enhance patient care.”

3. Expanded Uses for Neurotoxins

Dr. Houtan Chaboki, offers an interesting insight into alternative uses for Botox ® and other neurotoxins. One trend [that he is seeing] is the use of neuromodulators (Botox & Dysport) to reshape the face, instead of wrinkles. From microbotox to migraines to multiple sclerosis, the uses and markets for neurotoxins will continue to expand in 2012.

4. Higher Demand for Non-Invasive Body Contouring Treatments

Non-invasive devices like the Zerona ® and VelaSmooth ® will continue reshaping the body, with new entrants expected in 2012. Dr. Mitchel Goldman MD adds, “the advancement of lasers and energy devices such as Ulthera’s focused ultrasound, Bela Countour ® and Exilis radiofrequency and Lutronic’s advanced Nd:YAG laser will enhance treatment of skin laxity and pigmented lesions.”

5. Turning Back the Hands of Time

Dr. Fusco also envisions that, “in 2012 lots of people will be having work done on their hands.” Turning back ‘the hands of time’ of the hands typically requires a combination of dermal fillers as well as IPL/laser rejuvenation to help eliminate age/sun spots.

6. Lasers are For More than Hair Removal

Dr. Bruce Katz predicts “a higher demand for laser treatments in 2012. Some of the newer laser treatments offer truly compelling results without invasive surgery, significant pain and substantial downtime.” IPL (Intense Pulse Light) and lasers can accomplish a full range of anti-aging treatments including: skin tightening, vein removal, removal of age and sun spots, skin resurfacing, as well as treating acne scars and rosacea.

Conclusion

The market for anti-aging treatments will continue to grow in 2012. With new technologies, as well as new ways to bundle and market existing procedures, the trend toward more minimally invasive procedures does not appear to be going away any time soon. Jeff Russell, Executive Director of the IAPAM concludes that, “as we have seen with our past annual trends predictions, the key is to create an anti-aging program for each patients needs. Patients just do not come in for Botox ®; they want a combination anti-aging treatments which often includes neurotoxins, dermal fillers and skin rejuvenation with chemical peels, microdermabrasion and skin care.”

Since 2005, the IAPAM has been a leader in providing aesthetic medicine industry trends. For a complete copy of the IAPAM’s Top Aesthetic Medicine Trends for 2012, go to http://www.aestheticmedicinenews.com/iapam-reports-on-the-top-aesthetic-medicine-trends-for-2012.htm.

To REGISTER for an upcoming Aesthetic Medicine Symposium or Physician hCG Training Seminar, please visit http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com or http://www.hcgtraining.com or contact the IAPAM at 1-800-219-5108 ext. 704, or by email at info@theiapam.com.

About the IAPAM: The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits. IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs), dentists (DDSs/DMDs) doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), physicians assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). The IAPAM offers aesthetic medicine and hCG medical weight management programs, including: Botox ® training, medical aesthetic training, laser training, physician hCG training, and aesthetic practice business training. Additional information about the association can be accessed through the IAPAM’s website (http://www.iapam.com) or by contacting:

Jeff Russell, Executive-Director
International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
1-800-219-5108 x704
Twitter: @IAPAM
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Designing Clinical Trials in HIV Cure Research

Now that several potential ways have been defined to eventually reach an HIV functional cure, clinicians have to design the first clinical trials able to test these hypotheses, with a balance between audacity and safety.

Toulon, France, January 02, 2012 -- Despite more than 15 years of successes with antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV remains present in hiding places called the HIV reservoirs”, which are basically cells where the virus is inactively integrated into host chromosomes.

This explain why each time ART is stopped, the infection starts again, impairing more the immune system.

Furthermore, long-term ART goes with problems of compliance, toxicity, resistance, cost and access, making life-long ART for the 34 million infected patients currently on earth an illusion.

It is therefore mandatory to investigate new ways of treating HIV to get some drug-free time. This, also called “functional HIV cure” is a situation where HIV could remain non-replicative for months without continuing ART.

At the last “International Workshop on HIV Persistence, Reservoirs and Eradication Strategies” held in December 2011, the 215 participating scientists have defined 3 new directions to be evaluated for a functional HIV cure:

- Purging the HIV reservoir by drugs like HDAC inhibitors, Interleukin-15, Bryostatin;
- Interfering with negative immune regulatory pathways by anti-PD1 antibodies;
- Making cells resistant to HIV by gene therapy.

However, all these strategies have potential risks and there might be no benefit from them for the very first patients to be included in the first trials.

How can these risks be evaluated and what risk level can be accepted? These ethical issues are part of the debate that keeps going after the workshop, during small meetings or via professional websites.

With the next “International Workshop on HIV Persistence, Reservoirs and Eradication Strategies” scheduled in Miami, Florida, 3-6 December 2013, scientists know that they have a very short window of opportunity to be able to come with fresh data in 2 years. It absolutely needs the design and launching of the new HIV cure clinical trials in the forthcoming months.

Media Contact:
Alain Lafeuillade
AVPS
1208 Avenue Colonel Picot
83056 Toulon, Var, France
Tel: 33-4-94616340
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