Apply for Free, Youth Grief Support Camp Hosted by Hospice By The Bay in August

Apply for Free, Youth Grief Support Camp Hosted by Hospice By The Bay in August

North Bay, San Francisco, and East Bay children and teens, ages 6 to 17, who are coping with the death of a parent, loved one, or friend are invited to apply for Hospice By The Bay's 2nd annual grief support camp weekend, Camp Erin™ Oakland/Bay Area, which will be held August 21-23, 2009.

Larkspur, CA (Vocus) February 25, 2009 -- North Bay, San Francisco, and East Bay children and teens, ages 6 to 17, who are coping with the death of a parent, loved one, or friend are invited to apply for Hospice By The Bay (http://www.hospicebythebay.org/)'s 2nd annual grief support camp weekend, Camp Erin™ Oakland/Bay Area, which will be held August 21-23, 2009. Attendance is free of charge for campers, and includes accommodations, meals, traditional camp fun, and therapeutic activities. Transportation is provided to and from Marin County to Camp Erin at the beautiful CYO Retreat Center in the Sonoma County Redwoods.

Camper registration is limited, and preference will be given to first-time Camp Erin attendees. For information and an application, contact Hospice By The Bay at CampErin(at)hospicebythebay.org, or (415) 526-5699, ext. 8501. Download an application at the Camp Erin Oakland/Bay Area web site: www.hospicebythebay.org/Calendar/Events.html.

Along with recreational activities such as swimming, hiking, games, and campfires, campers will gain emotional support through therapeutic groups and activities led by professional counselors and an important sense of connection with other youngsters who are experiencing similar feelings of loss. As a previous Camp Erin participant said,

"It really helps to talk with other kids who have gone through a loss and understand how you feel. You don't feel so alone."

Campers will also have opportunities to express their feelings about the loss of their loved ones and learn ways to cope with their grief. A study by Ewalt & Perkins suggests that approximately 90 percent of youngsters will experience the loss of a family member or close friend before finishing high school. Research also indicates these children are at a much greater risk for depression, suicide, poverty, and substance abuse.

Hospice By The Bay (http://www.hospicebythebay.org/), a non-profit, regional hospice and palliative care organization, has long recognized that children need grief support different than that for adults. As part of its Youth Bereavement Program, which offers youth a full range of counseling services, Hospice hosted its first Youth Bereavement Camp in 2001.

Hospice hosts Camp Erin Oakland/Bay Area in partnership with The Moyer Foundation (http://www.moyerfoundation.org), which supplied partial grant funding for annual camps through 2018. The Seattle-based foundation was established by Major League All-Star pitcher Jamie Moyer and his wife Karen with a long-term goal of establishing 50 camps nationwide to support grieving children in cities with Major League Baseball teams. This year, 28 Camp Erin weekends will be held in 18 states. The foundation's Campaign for Kids is a national fundraising effort to continue to expand Camp Erin across the country.

The Oakland Athletics and A's third baseman Eric Chavez and his wife Alex are advocates for Camp Erin Oakland/Bay Area. Michael Crowley, Oakland Athletics President, says, "The Oakland A's organization is honored to be a part of The Moyer Foundation and its efforts to support grieving children through its Camp Erin efforts in the Bay Area, we would like to thank Jamie and Karen Moyer on their vision and dedication to such a worthy cause."

A co-sponsor of the 2009 Camp Erin is The CYO Retreat Center (http://www.cyocamp.org/retreatcenter/), a 216-acre facility in the redwoods, with a private lake, playing fields, two pools, and heated cabins. Hospice By The Bay requests that individuals and other businesses who wish to support Camp Erin through their tax-deductible financial or in-kind donations contact its Director of Development at (415) 526-5500 or donate online at www.hospicebythebay.org.

Hospice By The Bay, which serves Marin, San Francisco, Northern San Mateo, and Sonoma counties, is dedicated to providing the highest quality of end-of-life care to patients and their families regardless of their ability to pay. Hospice By The Bay also serves people whose lives have been affected by the loss of a loved one through its community grief support program.

Hospice By The Bay is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been serving the Bay Area since 1975. Hospice By The Bay programs are funded through health care reimbursement and financial and in-kind donations from community members and businesses. For more information about Hospice By The Bay's care or to make a donation to support our work, call (415) 927-2273, or visit www.hospicebythebay.org.

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Contact Information Erin Henke

Hospice By The Bay

http://www.hospicebythebay.org

415-927-2273

Carla Mills, ARNP, Outlines Nurse Practitioner Rescue Plan for Health Care System in New Column for NP World News

Carla Mills, ARNP, Outlines Nurse Practitioner Rescue Plan for Health Care System in New Column for NP World News

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are poised and ready to take a leading role in health care reform, says Carla Mills (http://www.maverickhealth.com/about/), author of the award-winning health book (http://www.maverickhealth.com/smarthealthchoices/) A Nurse Practitioner's Guide to Smart Health Choices and founder of Maverick Health. Her new column, "NPs on the Edge," in NP World News (http://www.webnp.net/npwn08.html) will highlight the ways in which NPs can guide people to smart choices that will reduce their health risks.

(PRWEB) February 25, 2009 -- Carla Mills, author of A Nurse Practitioner's Guide to Smart Health Choices (http://www.maverickhealth.com/smarthealthchoices) and founder of Maverick Health, will write a new column for NP World News (NPWN) titled "NPs on the Edge." The Jan/Feb issue of the news magazine for nurse practitioners introduces Ms. Mills by profiling her career and reviewing her award-winning book, A Nurse Practitioner's Guide to Smart Health Choices. Starting with the Mar/Apr issue, her column will outline a NP rescue plan for a troubled health care system.

"With our health care system in crisis, it is more important than ever for Nurse Practitioners to take a leading role in health care reform. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to communicate with fellow NPs in NP World News." says Carla Mills. "NP Communications has long been a respected publisher for the nurse practitioner profession. It is a great honor to have the quality and importance of my book recognized by such a respected publisher.

In her NP World News column, Ms. Mills will be sharing her views on the role of nurse practitioners in health care reform as well as her common sense approach to reducing the burden of chronic diseases on both individuals and society. She will explain why NPs are the perfect primary care providers to help people make smart choices and choose behavioral changes that will significantly reduce their risk for developing major diseases long before symptoms ever appear.

"Carla Mills has written a book to make all NPs proud. A Nurse Practitioner's Guide to Smart Health Choices is a well written, how-to manual for those contemplating a lower-risk lifestyle. Carla captures completely the holistic, integrated orientation unique to NP practice. Included in this tremendous work are the major lifestyle and behavioral causes of disease, disability, and premature death - plus action steps that help you stick to lifestyle changes you choose." writes NPWN's Eileen T. O'Grady.

In 2008, Ms. Mills' book was named a National Best Book in Health: Medical Reference by USA Book News and was also a winner in the Health Category of the National Indie Excellence Book Award. In addition, it was a finalist in the Health/Wellness Category of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. A Nurse Practitioner's Guide to Smart Health Choices is available for purchase exclusively online at www.maverickhealth.com. The Maverick Health Blog expands on the book to keep readers up to date on the national treatment guidelines for the most common health risks (http://www.maverickhealth.com/blog) and other timely health issues.

About Maverick Health

Maverick Health is dedicated to creating a health care system to complement the country's current sick care system. Its mission is to reduce chronic diseases and prevent catastrophic health events in both individuals and populations. Taking a very practical and measurable approach, Maverick Health teaches people with no prior medical knowledge how to effectively and efficiently manage their own health and health care. The cornerstone of its approach is outlined in the award winning book, A Nurse Practitioner's Guide to Smart Health Choices.

About Carla Mills, ARNP

Carla Mills, ARNP, has been a practicing clinician for more than 20 years. She is also a writer, entrepreneur, and a dynamic speaker who can offer insights on a variety of health care topics that address the role that wellness and illness play on both a personal and professional level. For more information, visit www.maverickhealth.com.

About NP Communications

NP Communications (http://www.webnp.net/) is a leading publisher that has served the Nurse Practitioner profession for over 15 years. In addition to publishing NP World News, NP Communications also publishes two peer reviewed professional journals. The American Journal of Nurse Practitioners includes articles of clinical relevance to NP clinicians and Women's Health Care is the official journal of NPWH (Nurse Practitioner's in Women's Health). As publishers, Louise and George Young have brought together key thought leaders within the NP profession and seen to it that their ideas are widely propagated. As friends of NPs, they have served tirelessly over the years on boards and committees helping NPs become more visible, better organized and better understood by both consumers and lawmakers.

# # #

Contact Information Charles Epstein

Backbone Inc.

561-470-0965

Bumrungrad International Hospital Won 1st Place as "Best Website for International Medical Travel"

Bumrungrad International Hospital Won 1st Place as "Best Website for International Medical Travel"

Bumrungrad International hospital - www.bumrungrad.com, won 1st Place as "Best Website for International Medical Travel" at the 2008 Consumer Health World Awards event in the US capitol. Bumrungrad.com is a hospital website serving international audiences, Thais, and expatriates. The Award organizers said the site "makes it easy for prospective patients to find the information they are interested in, provide an efficient way to make inquiries and request appointments, and provide information to help international medical travelers understand how to get care at Bumrungrad."

Bangkok, Thailand (PRWEB) February 24, 2009 -- Bumrungrad International (http://www.bumrungrad.com) won 1st Place as "Best Website for International Medical Travel" at the 2008 Consumer Health World Awards event in the US capitol.

Bumrungrad.com is a hospital website serving international audiences, Thais, and expatriates. The Award organizers said the site "makes it easy for prospective patients to find the information they are interested in, provide an efficient way to make inquiries and request appointments, and provide information to help international medical travelers understand how to get care at Bumrungrad."

JWT Connect, Bangkok, helped the hospital redesign its home page, focusing on audience segmentation and content architecture, earlier this year.

The award adds to a list of honors (http://www.bumrungrad.com/hospital-news.aspx) achieved by Bumrungrad in 2008, including "Thailand's Most Innovative Company" by Chulalongkorn University's School of Business; top medical tourism destination (Tourism Authority of Thailand); top Thai company for quality of products and services (Asian Wall Street Journal); and excellence in information technology (Assoc. of Medical Directors of Information Systems).

About Bumrungrad International

Bumrungrad International (http://www.bumrungrad.com), is Southeast Asia's premier private hospital and a regional referral center for advanced care, offering 554 beds, 30 specialty centers, 940 medical specialists and over 800 nurses. It is Asia's first JCI accredited hospital and serves more than one million patients yearly from 190 different countries.

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Contact Information Mr. Kaorop Wongprasert

Bumrungrad International Hospital

http://www.bumrungrad.com

+66-2-667-2212

Bederra Corporation Launches New Billing Services Division Expected to Add up to $500,000 in Revenue

Bederra Corporation Launches New Billing Services Division Expected to Add up to $500,000 in Revenue

Bederra Corporation (Pink Sheets: BEDA), a medical imaging and diagnostic Company launches new Physician Billing Services Division to provide small and medium sized doctor groups out sourced billing services as part of its commitment to synergistically diversify the company's business.

Houston, TX (PRWEB) February 24, 2009 -- Bederra Corporation (http://www.bederra.com) (Pink Sheets: BEDA), a medical imaging and diagnostic Company launches new Physician Billing Services Division to provide small and medium sized doctor groups out sourced billing services as part of its commitment to synergistically diversify the company's business.

Bederra Corporation (http://www.bederra.com), through its Lumar Imaging, Inc. subsidiary, has experienced staff that has been providing these services on a limited basis to select physicians. The new division is not only expected to generate new cash flow for the company, but will also increase the number of future physician referrals leading to additional revenue.

In today's market, many physicians have difficulty in navigating the constantly changing rules of Insurance providers, Medicare and Medicaid billing. Qualified individuals necessary to perform these services are in high demand and in short supply. Bederra has cultivated these types of professionals for years with careful training and will now offer those services to private practices.

Four percent of all insurance claims for services are rejected by insurance companies. Ninety-five percent of those rejected claims are due to input errors or incomplete information on the claim form. Millions of dollars per year go uncollected by physician's practices due to these errors. By correcting previous errors, and pursuing new monies generated, Bedderra can grow the working relation of the MRI practice and the private practice physician.

"Due to this demand for greater services, the company plans to offer this service to more physicians with the net effect of obtaining greater market penetration for its diagnostic imaging services and creating an additional profit center that will increase the overall company's sales and profits," stated Graham Williams, CEO of Bederra.

About Bederra Corp. (http://www.bederra.com):

Bederra Corporation (http://www.bederra.com), through its wholly owned subsidiaries Diagnos, Inc. and Lumar Imaging, Inc., provides multiple modality diagnostic medical imaging services to the greater Houston area and the world famous Texas Medical Center. The Company's business strategy is to continue to expand its current operations and seek out additional acquisitions that will complement its core offerings.

Under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements in the press release that relate to the company's expectations with regard to the future impact on the company's results from new products and services in development, including any planned acquisitions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The results anticipated by any or all of these forward-looking statements may not occur. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in the Company's plans or expectations.

Contact:                        

Bederra Corp.                    

info (at) bederra (dot) com

Investor Relations

Mark Jones

281-920-0955

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Contact Information Mark Jones

Bederra Corporations

http://www.Bederra.com

281-920-0955

Singapore Offers Hope to Patients with Facial Paralysis

Singapore Offers Hope to Patients with Facial Paralysis

To date, NUH remains the only medical center in the region apart from Australia that possesses the capability of performing the facial reanimation operation. The entire operation costs around US$6,500 and is relatively risk free.

Singapore (PRWEB) February 24, 2009 -- Singapore's willingness to try new and novel ways of performing hitherto complicated surgeries has given a new lease of life to countless hundreds who suffer from facial paralysis (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/healthcaredest/healthcaredest1.asp).

"A paralysis of the face severely hinders a person's ability to engage in social interaction. Even day to day activities like talking may be a problem," says Associate Professor Lim Thiam Chye, Head of the Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/intl_pts_guide/preparation.asp) at the National University Hospital (NUH).

Such a condition is usually caused by trauma to the brain, cancer or stroke. According to A/P Lim, who also teaches at the National University of Singapore, patients who suffer from paralysis of the face could benefit from a procedure called facial reanimation (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/leadingmedhub/leadingmedhub1.asp).

The surgical process, which was first engineered by Professor Wayne Morrison in Australia about two years ago, is surprisingly simple.

"The traditional method of facial reanimation involved a number of complicated surgeries. Now, patients at NUH are able to undergo a face-lifting procedure to elevate the facial tissues that have dropped down.

"The next step is to harvest a strip of fascia or tendon from the upper thigh. Only about 10cm is required. This works as a sling which is used to connect the facial skin to the temporalis muscle. By giving this muscle an alternative function, we help to reanimate the facial tissues in one single procedure," explains A/P Lim.

Patients will start moving the facial tissues by the end of the first week following surgery, says Dr Ong Wei Chen, a fellow Consultant at NUH.

To date, NUH remains the only medical center (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/hcp/hcp1.asp) in the region apart from Australia that possesses the capability of performing such an operation. The department has been doing about six cases a month for the past one year.

The goal of facial reanimation is basic, yet important. A patient whose face is paralyzed inevitably has a sad appearance, because the face tends to sag. With surgical help, both expression and symmetry can be restored.

"Facial paralysis is a very distressing condition. When half of your face cannot move, simple things that we take for granted become difficult. For example, the eye cannot close and constantly weeps. The mouth dribbles, the speech is interfered with and even a smile becomes difficult. What we try to do is not a matter of aesthetics. We are not making improvements for vanity's sake. We only seek to give the patient back what he or she has lost through some unfortunate circumstances," stresses A/P Lim.

He cautions, however, that while most trauma, brain cancer and stroke patients could potentially benefit from such a procedure, not all of them will be eligible candidates for facial reanimation.

"The thing about it is this - the patient must be very motivated. What we are grafting here is a voluntary muscle. Unlike the gut for example, which is involuntary and works without you having to consciously tell it to, this procedure works only if the patient consciously activates the muscle, especially in the first few months after surgery."

A/P Lim advises his patients to "practice smiling" in front of the mirror regularly, until such time when the act comes naturally and easily.

"The facial sling basically helps to pull the corner of the mouth upwards, resulting in a smile of sorts. This is achieved when the patient bites down on his teeth," he explains.

The entire facial reanimation operation costs around US$6,500 (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/healthcaredest/sg.asp) and is relatively risk free. Most patients would not need hospitalization beyond a couple of days.

"People whose faces are paralyzed are virtually social cripples. They are unwilling and even ashamed to go out or attend social functions. Hopefully, this procedure will restore their confidence and their social life," he says.

About the National University Hospital (NUH)

NUH is a specialist hospital that provides advanced, leading-edge medical care. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities as well as dedicated and well-trained staff, NUH is a major referral centre that delivers tertiary care for a wide range of medical specialties. In 2004, NUH became the first Singapore hospital to receive accreditation by the Joint Commission International (JCI), an international stamp for excellent clinical practices in patient care and safety. It was also the first hospital in Singapore to receive a triple ISO certification concurrently for Quality, Environmental, and Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems. (www.nuh.com.sg)

About the NUH Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center

The NUH Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/hcp/intl_pts_svcs_ctr.asp) is a one-stop clinic providing comprehensive and customized aesthetics and medical treatments for patients suffering from any medical or surgical conditions affecting the face and body. The Center seeks to help individuals find solutions for their cosmetic concerns using surgical or non-invasive surgical methods.

About SingaporeMedicine

Launched in 2003, SingaporeMedicine is a multi-agency government-industry partnership committed to strengthening Singapore's position as Asia's leading medical hub and international health care destination (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/). Led by the Ministry of Health of Singapore, SingaporeMedicine is supported by three government agencies: the Economic Development Board, which develops industry capabilities, the International Enterprise Singapore, which fosters regionalism by Singapore-based health care players, and the Singapore Tourism Board, which markets Singapore as a healthcare destination to inbound international patients and develops associated people-oriented services. (www.singaporemedicine.com)

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Contact Information Felicia Tan

Singapore Tourism Board - Singapore Medicine

http://www.singaporemedicine.com/

+65 6831-3505

Ugandan Children Receive Life-Saving Treatment For Heart Defects At Children's National Medical Center

Ugandan Children Receive Life-Saving Treatment For Heart Defects At Children's National Medical Center

Through partnership with Samaritan's Purse and Gift of Life, patients travel to United States **Media Note: Patients will be at Children's National for farewell visit on Tuesday, February 24**

Washington, DC --On February 12, two Ugandan children received life-saving procedures at Children's National Medical Center (http://www.childrensnational.org/?utm_source=pressrelease&utm_medium=2_23&utm_campaign=uganda) to correct severe heart defects. Without cardiac surgery, the young boys would likely have died before adulthood, but they now have a normal life expectancy.

As part of the Phase I of a global initiative to bring attention to the health needs of Ugandan children, 15-month-old Daniel Kamaramasu and 2 ½-year-old Allan Wassanyi traveled 5,000 miles to receive treatment unavailable at home. Daniel, who was born with a blocked valve between his heart and lungs, was successfully treated using a cardiac catheterization balloon procedure by Michael Slack, MD (http://www.childrensnational.org/FindADoctor/Doctor_Marqui.aspx?DocId=470&Name=Michael%20Slack?utm_source=pressrelease&utm_medium=2_23&utm_campaign=uganda). Allan, who had a very large hole in his heart, underwent successful open heart surgery by Richard Jonas, MD (http://www.childrensnational.org/FindADoctor/Doctor_Marqui.aspx?DocID=1195&Name=Richard%20Jonas?utm_source=pressrelease&utm_medium=2_23&utm_campaign=uganda).

The boys came to Children's National through a partnership with international relief organization Samaritan's Purse, Gift of Life International (GOLI), and other organizations. Through this partnership, pediatric cardiologist Craig Sable, MD (http://www.childrensnational.org/FindADoctor/Doctor_Marqui.aspx?DocId=424&Name=Craig%20Sable?utm_source=pressrelease&utm_medium=2_23&utm_campaign=uganda) has led seven medical missions to Uganda in an effort to provide treatment for patients and ultimately build a sustainable cardiac surgery program in Uganda. More than 100 children have received life-saving treatment since the program began in 2003.

"With the dedication of organizations like Samaritan's Purse and Gift of Life, patients from around the world have access to the expert pediatric care that is available to children in the United States," said Dr. Sable.

Added Cindy Bonsall, director of Samaritan's Purse's Children's Heart Project: "We're glad this partnership has enabled so many Ugandan children to receive the cardiac care they deserve. We're glad they will be returning home soon with a second chance at life."

A key component of the missions to Uganda has been training Ugandan surgeons. Through training provided by Dr. Sable and colleagues, Ugandan surgeons are now on the verge of doing simple cardiac procedures on their own. Dr. Sable directs the Telemedicine Program at Children's National, which provides training and educational opportunities around the world.

The groups have joined forces to implement "Our Hearts Are In Uganda," which will focus all of GOLI's efforts in Uganda. The first phase of the program included treatment for Daniel, Allan, and three other children at hospitals in the United States. The next phase will bring 25 more Ugandan children to hospitals throughout the world to receive life-saving treatment for heart defects.

"We have saved the lives of more than 10,000 children, and through this partnership, we hope to expand our reach, to ultimately create a program in Uganda to ensure that all the children have access to the medical care they need," said Lou del Rosario, vice chairman of GOL District 7230, who was instrumental in raising funds for Allan's operation.

MEDIA NOTE: The patients will be returning to Children's National for a farewell visit on Tuesday, February 24. The patients and Dr. Craig Sable will be available for interviews. Contact Emily Dammeyer or Jenn Leischer at 202-476-4500.

About Children's National Medical Center (http://www.childrensnational.org/about/?utm_source=pressrelease&utm_medium=2_23&utm_campaign=uganda)

Children's National Medical Center, located in Washington, DC, is a proven leader in the development of innovative new treatments for childhood illness and injury. Children's has been serving the nation's children for more than 135 years. Children's National is proudly ranked among the best pediatric hospitals in America by US News & World Report and the Leapfrog Group. For more information, visit www.childrensnational.org.

About Samaritan's Purse

Samaritan's Purse identifies children needing life-saving heart treatment through its' Children's Heart Project. The international relief organization identifies children overseas who need heart surgery, matches them with hospitals and specialists willing to donate their time and services, places them with a local host family, and arranges international travel and an interpreter. More than 550 children from nine countries have been brought to North America for medical and surgical care not available in their home countries.

About Gift of Life International

Gift of Life is a Rotary based program in more than 50 Rotary Clubs and Districts on 6 continents. GOLI aims to save as many children's lives as possible by providing life saving open heart surgery to children from infancy to 18 years of age with congenital heart defects. GOLI has been responsible for saving more than 10,000 lives during the past 33 years.

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Contact Information Emily Dammeyer

Children's National Medical Center

http://www.childrensnational.org

202-476-4500

The Challenge of Engaging and Motivating Employees in A Tough Economy: New eBook Details How to Drive Revenue by Keeping People Engaged

The Challenge of Engaging and Motivating Employees in A Tough Economy: New eBook Details How to Drive Revenue by Keeping People Engaged

A new free eBook, titled "Fully Engaged! Essential People Strategies for Tough Times," has just been released by Interaction Associates. Filled with practical advice and practical strategies for motivating employees, it is available for free download at www.interactionassociates.com.

Cambridge, MA (PRWEB) February 23, 2009 -- The latest in a popular series of eBooks from leading performance improvement and collaboration firm, Interaction Associates (IA), focuses on how fully engaged employees drive revenue in a tough economy. The eBook shows how to boost employee productivity (http://www.interactionassociates.com), and also provides practical strategies for motivating employees (http://www.interactionassociates.com) through greater employee engagement.

The eBook, titled "Fully Engaged! Essential People Strategies for Tough Times," has just been released by Interaction Associates. It is available for free download at www.interactionassociates.com.

"Fully Engaged! makes a strong, data-driven case for employee engagement and how it's critical for driving increased revenue in this economy," said Linda Dunkel, President and CEO of Interaction Associates. "Engaged employees bring their best selves to work every day: they are more passionate, perform better, achieve more, and work smarter than people at companies that don't value employee engagement," added Dunkel.

"Fully Engaged!" takes a solution-oriented approach to the topic of engaging employees, detailing three practical strategies to pursue for a greater level of employee involvement and increased employee productivity (http://www.interactionassociates.com). The three strategies focus on creating greater connection between senior management and employees; stressing transparency to genuinely live company values vs. merely talking about them; and adopting a decision-making structure focused on maximum appropriate involvement by employees in decisions.

"Employee engagement doesn't just happen because management says it's important," added Linda Dunkel. "It requires a disciplined approach, but the results are huge: employees who are more involved in the business are engaged at a higher level; they have a higher commitment to their work; they expend greater levels of discretionary effort; and all that drives bigger/better results," said Dunkel.

Fully Engaged! also points to the very real costs of disengaged employees, especially in today's challenging economic climate. "You need all-out effort from employees today, and yet fewer than 1 in 3 employees say they're fully engaged on the job," said Dunkel. Almost 20% of workers in North America claim to be disengaged, according to one study and Gallup statistics put the cost to the U.S. economy of disengagement at roughly $350 billion.

Added Linda Dunkel, "The companies that tap into the power of their people and involve them in decisions that impact the business and their lives - those are the companies that are successful and the ones where everyone wants to work. That's what it's all about for us: getting people fully engaged," she said.

To listen to a podcast about employee engagement strategy based on the eBook Fully Engaged! please go to www.interactionassociates.com.

About Interaction Associates:

Interaction Associates (IA) has nearly 40 years' experience in helping companies find breakthrough solutions to business challenges. Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and nonprofit organizations throughout the world have used IA's integrated management consulting and learning and development services. Interaction Associates helps these enterprises set strategic direction, inspire commitment, and build leadership capabilities, leveraging the power of collaborative action for long-term, sustainable results. Learn more at http://interactionassociates.com/.

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Contact Information MICHAEL TIRRELL

Interaction Associates

http://www.interactionassociates.com

312-945-5639