Category Archives: Wellness

The Costs of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles: Opportunities in Component Development

Posted by on January 30, 2012 1 comment

The Costs of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles: Opportunities in Component Development










Novi, Michigan (PRWEB) January 29, 2012

The ITB Group, an international automotive consulting firm, has recently published a 2011 multi-client report to address a question that hangs in the thoughts of the automotive industry, energy companies, car buyers and fleet managers: How will hybrids and plug-in electric vehicles perform and are they worth the money?

Few technology issues are more urgent than the struggle to develop and manufacture vehicles with the greatest possible energy efficiency that match real world driving habits of the consumer. The automotive industry has been pursuing multiple powertrain options in an environment of risk-averse car buyers unfamiliar with the benefits of hybrid/electric powertrains, and who undervalue savings on future energy costs.

The advanced efficiency light-duty vehicle market has been dominated by the second and third generation Toyota Prius. The Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf have been on the market for over one year, presenting two different performance propositions. German OEMs are taking battery electric vehicles very seriously, and coming full circle, Toyota will imminently launch its 2012 Prius PHEV, which will again ask the question of which OEM is offering a clear winner for customers.

The ITB Group concludes that in the time period 2012 through 2020, there will be a diverse range of new vehicle technologies. It will take some time to develop these technologies further and determine clear winning approaches. Also, in the cost structure, electrical components will become a competitive cornerstone for future vehicles. The ITB Group makes several predictions on the direction of component developments in conventional, hybrid, and battery powertrains, as follows:


CONVENTIONAL GASOLINE AND DIESEL POWERTRAINS will benefit from technology enhancements, such as start/stop systems, and are expected to remain stable from a quality and reliability standpoint. Reducing pumping losses in engine valvetrains and moves to CVT and AMT transmissions are expected to yield significant efficiency improvements, and so will other technologies, such as lubricants, HVAC advancements, mass optimization, and aerodynamic drag reduction. High payback technologies will be commercialized first. A package of technology improvements costing $ 900 can yield a five-year fuel savings of $ 2000, and pay itself back in less than three years.

HYBRID VEHICLE POWERTRAINS will benefit from some of the same technologies as conventional powertrains, but technologies such as thermal management improvements will drive hybrid vehicle development. Electric water pumps can be packaged into more precise and efficient thermal control systems, reducing start-up effects and winter fuel consumption by about ten percent. OEM implementations of advanced thermal management include Hyundai’s automatic transmission warmer, or Fiat’s integrated engine cooling and HVAC module.

BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT offers many opportunities for suppliers, and places a premium on motor actuators, pumps, integrated circuits, and ECU’s. The ITB Group predicts that electric powertrain peak efficiency will rise from 85% today to over 90% in 2020. Induction motors are promising due to their simplicity and low costs, but energy density and efficiency are key areas for induction motor improvement. The biggest quality risks in battery electric vehicles are the battery, DC/DC converter, charging system, and motor controller. Big improvements in EV performance will significantly reduce range anxiety.

PLUG-IN HYBRIDS are demanding integrations of modules such as inverter and charger, in order to reduce size, weight and cost. PHEVs utilizes some technologies that have been employed in other hybrid vehicles, but will be subject to greater stress in a PHEV application, and thus are relatively unproven. It is not clear whether larger PHEV-40 or smaller PHEV-10 vehicles will better match customer needs and win in the market.

This 428-page report contains a meta-analysis of performance metrics put forth by OEM, government, and university research bodies, and also contains primary research and data analysis with the ITB Group’s partner, Pyxidus LLC.

OEM product planners, marketers and futurists who need a third-party view of future powertrain prospects; energy companies considering smart-grid integration of plug-in vehicles; and fleet managers who are trying to make near-term purchasing choices will be well-served by this analysis from The ITB Group.

About The ITB Group

The ITB Group, Ltd. is an international automotive consulting firm headquartered in Novi, Michigan, USA, that provides technical and business advice to OEMs, component and material suppliers in North America, Europe, and Asia. The company is a leading expert in fuel systems and alternative energy storage, and has considerable knowledge in materials, design and the business structure for the automotive market.

Further background can be found at http://www.itbgroup.com

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Wells Fargo Invest $150,000 in California Hispanic Business and Workforce Development

Posted by on October 20, 2011 1 comment

Wells Fargo Invest $ 150,000 in California Hispanic Business and Workforce Development










Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) August 22, 2011

The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Foundation (CAHCCF) today announced it received $ 150,000 in support from Wells Fargo & Company. $ 100,000 will be used to build the capacity of California’s Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and $ 50,000 will be dedicated to continue CHCCF’s Stimulus Program.

This year’s financial commitment continues and celebrates a “Decade of Success,” and reflects Wells Fargo’s longstanding partnership with the CHCCF, and support for Latino entrepreneurs in California and nationwide. Since 2000, Wells Fargo has invested more than $ 1.5 million with the organization. This further demonstrates Wells Fargo’s understanding of the rapidly growing Latino community in California and across the United States.

Wells Fargo is a founding sponsor of CAHCCF’s Chamber Stimulus Program, which invests $ 5,000 into tailored programs designed by local chambers with the goals of increasing operational efficiency and effectiveness, community benefit and long-term sustainability. This year’s ten grants will be allocated to workforce development and mentorship programs.

“We applaud Wells Fargo’s support, and are thankful for their continued commitment to this powerful and emerging Hispanic business market,” said CAHCC President & CEO, Julian Canete. “This year’s investment by Wells Fargo illustrates their strong commitment to California’s Latino business community and to the growth of California’s economy.”

“For the past ten years, Wells Fargo has enjoyed a growing and supportive relationship with the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and its Foundation,” said Lisa Stevens, Wells Fargo executive vice president and regional president, California retail banking. “We are proud to continue our investment in the CHCCF, Latino businesses and California’s future workforce.”

About California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce

The CAHCC is the premier and largest regional ethnic business organization in the nation that promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and California’s Emerging Businesses. The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) has a network of over 65 Hispanic chambers and business associations throughout the State of California. Through its network of Hispanic chambers and business associations, the CHCC represents the interest of over 700,000 Hispanic businesses in California.

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $ 1.2 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 stores, 12,000 ATMs, the Internet (wellsfargo.com and wachovia.com), and other distribution channels across North America and internationally. With approximately 280,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in America. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 23 on Fortune’s 2011 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy all our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially.

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Couch Oil and Gas Is Excited To Announce The Acquirement Of Nine New Oil Fields

Posted by on September 9, 2011 1 comment

Couch Oil and Gas Is Excited To Announce The Acquirement Of Nine New Oil Fields










Irving, TX (PRWEB) August 04, 2011

Couch Oil and Gas, the Irving, Texas based Oil and Gas Exploration, Investment and Operations firm is pleased to announce that they have acquired proven undeveloped productive oil zones within existing oil fields in West Texas, specifically Northeast and Northwest of Abilene, Texas. Couch Oil and Gas plans to drill nine new horizontal oil and gas wells using the latest in radial jet drilling technology. The planned total production of these new wells, dubbed the “Radial Nine Well Program”, is expected to deliver 282 to 1,670 bopd (Barrels of Oil per Day) from all nine wells.

Couch Oil and Gas will drill and manage all Texas wells with their highly experienced in house staff and equipment. Employing existing staff and equipment will allow for low initial industry drilling costs and long term inexpensive maintenance of the wells. All projects are offered at turnkey pricing due to low operating costs and highly trained, experienced crews. With oil averaging $ 90 a barrel and above, the established project should reach payback in approximately 12 months. Total payback is estimated between 10 to 15 times over the initial investment. As the price of commodities rise, payback time will shorten.

Couch Oil’s goal is long term established production. For a full business synopsis on Couch Oil’s Radial Nine Well Project contact their home office at 877-539-0918 or visit at http://www.couchoilgas.com. The synopsis includes background, technology, production plan, revenue projections, tax incentives, cost analysis and more.

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Waddell & Reed Financial Wellness Program Featured In Federal Reserve Bank Research

Posted by on August 18, 2011 1 comment

Waddell & Reed Financial Wellness Program Featured In Federal Reserve Bank Research











San Jose, CA (PRWEB) August 16, 2011

In October of 2009, Dr. Kelly Edmiston, Senior Economist in the Community Affairs Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City (FRB), published the results of his three year research project entitled, “Weighing the Effects of Financial Education in the Workplace.” Using Waddell & Reed’s Financial Wellness Program as a primary source for research, the study asserted that “the programs implemented in our study companies achieved some substantial successes, and results provide evidence that financial education in the workplace provided benefits for the companies that implemented the program, as well as for the program participants.”

According to the study, when offered in the workplace, financial education has been shown to have many positive impacts on the employees’ lives, as well as on the employers’ bottom lines. Such impacts include increases in participation and contributions to employer sponsored retirement plans, greater use of flexible spending accounts, improved employee productivity, and heightened satisfaction with employee financial situations. Additionally, decreases have been observed in requests for 401(k) loans and pay advances, along with decreases in wage garnishments, theft, embezzlement, absenteeism, violence, accidents, and the overall level of financial stress felt by the employees. As it pertains to the Waddell & Reed Financial Wellness Program, Edmiston’s study concluded, “Our results from surveys and interviews show substantial success in the financial education program we surveyed.”

For more information on the FRB study please visit their website at: http://www.kansascityfed.org/publicat/cap/carwp09-01.pdf

The objective of the Waddell & Reed Financial Wellness Program is to help employees build awareness of where they are financially, provide them education for establishing financial goals, and empower them to change their behavior to achieve those goals. During a time when many employees are experiencing a reduction in benefits and are generally stressed by their financial circumstances, many employers are investigating the potential benefits of such Financial Wellness programs.

Founded in 1937, Waddell & Reed has grown to more than 250 offices nationwide. The company offers a wide array of investment products and services as well as a variety of insurance products through sales arrangements with insurance companies. For more information about Waddell & Reed’s Financial Wellness Program, contact Delbar Jahanian, CMFC at 408-963-2872 or visit http://www.delbar.wrfa.com.

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OATI Launches a New and Innovative Blog

Posted by on July 31, 2011 1 comment

OATI Launches a New and Innovative Blog











Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) July 21, 2011

OATI is pleased to announce the launch of OATI’s new blog found at http://info.oati.net. The user-friendly site offers information about OATI’s products, services and expertise, as well as resource information and news. The blog was implemented with the aim of promoting OATI’s expertise in ETRM Solutions and the Smart Grid, as well as discussing the challenges that are faced in the industry.

“This site is an effort to take OATI to the next level in terms of social media. The new OATI blog will be a great source of information for the industry and our customers. We have achieved a clean and navigable website that clients will find appealing and informative,” states Vice-President of Marketing and Sales, Jerry Dempsey.

The OATI blog incorporates bold colors and graphics as well as tools to comment and respond to our blog – we want you to be interactive and to relate topics to us for further discussion. Our Smart Grid team and ETRM team are actively involved to bring you answers and explain the perplexing changes occurring daily in the industry. This blog is centered on those that are most important to us and you, our audience.

About OATI

OATI (http://www.oati.com) provides state-of-the-art Energy Trading and Risk Management, Transmission Scheduling, Congestion Management; Compliance, Smart Grid, and Settlement Systems for the energy industry. OATI webTrader, webTrans, webSmart Energy, webCompliance, and webTag product lines provide the tools for generation, trading, and transmission companies for seamless participation across energy markets. OATI serves in excess of 700 client companies in the energy industry in North America.

For additional information regarding this news release, please contact sales(at)oati(dot)net.

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Vocus©Copyright 1997-

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







Human Touch

Posted by on July 31, 2011 1 comment

Human Touch® to Launch New Dream Studio™ for Bedding and Specialty Sleep Retailers at the 2011 Summer Las Vegas World Market











Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) July 27, 2011

Human Touch®, the U.S. market leader of innovative massage chairs, Perfect Chair® Recliners, and other wellness solutions, will introduce its new Dream Studio™ to bedding and specialty sleep retailers at the 2011 Las Vegas World Market, Aug. 1-5. This new retail gallery program is designed specifically for bedding and specialty sleep retailers to maximize sales and profitability of Human Touch’s award-winning Perfect Chair® collection.

“The Dream Studio™ features Human Touch’s state-of-the-art, award-winning Perfect Chairs® and complete POP materials to ensure maximum sales success for bedding and specialty sleep retailers, and its entire retail display takes up only the size of a mattress allowing it to fit nicely into any bedding retail environment,” said Billy Curtright, Director of Sales, Furniture & Specialty Sleep. “Our zero-gravity Perfect Chairs® are the perfect addition to any bedroom by providing consumers with a blend of beauty, ergonomics, comfort, and overall wellness for improved relaxation and sleep benefits.”

The Dream Studio™ was offered as a small pilot program this spring and has been very positively received by bedding and specialty sleep retailers, such as Bedzzz Express, a bedding retailer with 36 locations throughout Alabama and Georgia.

According to Roger Hall, VP of Sales for Bedzzz Express, Birmingham, Ala., “We sell a lot of adjustable beds. Both our sales people and consumers understand how adjustable beds impact their sleep and overall lifestyle. The Perfect Chair® does the same exact thing. It’s all of the same features and benefits, and our people love them.”

The Human Touch® Dream Studio™ is a 120-square-foot space featuring two Transitional Perfect Chairs and two Serenity® PC-086 Perfect Chairs, each available in four different colors (black, espresso, cashew or red to blend in with virtually any décor), as well as complete Point-Of-Sale materials, including a 10×12-floor and double-sided, lighted floor sign. Details are below:


    Transitional PC-085 Perfect Chair® (2 per studio): The Transitional Perfect Chair® is a zero-gravity recliner that artfully blends the best of aesthetics, technology and wellness in a seating experience that transcends even the highest standards of comfort. The electric recline system of the PC-085 recliner eases the body into a virtually weightless position, elevating the legs above the heart and relieving weight from the spine.

    Serenity® PC-086 Perfect Chair® (2 per studio): The Serenity® Perfect Chair takes relaxation and wellness to a new level by providing a warming and gentle massage therapy experience using jade stones and Serenity® Wave Therapy technology. The jade stones radiate far infrared heat up to three inches into the muscle tissue to create healing warmth that can be felt long after leaving the chair.

    POP materials and an introductory video to help consumers understand the wellness and sleep benefits of the Perfect Chair®.

    Lighted display beacon and 120-square-foot wood floor.

Dr. James Rouse, N.D., Naturopathic Doctor and a member o f the Human Touch® Wellness Council, comments, “Surrendering into the Perfect Chair® sets a relaxed tone for a great night sleep, which is extremely important to one’s overall health and wellness.”

About Human Touch®

In pushing the boundaries of its traditional massage and zero-gravity chairs through advanced proprietary technology and innovation, Human Touch® is focused on infusing health and wellness into everyday lives through high-quality, design-oriented and award-winning wellness products and solutions. Human Touch® has been making people feel better™ for more than 30 years by developing state-of-the-art massage, zero-gravity and wellness products, as well as by providing valuable consumer education about the substantial health and wellness benefits of regular massage therapy, relaxation and proper posture. Stress relief, increased range of motion, pain relief, improved circulation and increased immunity are just some of the valuable health benefits associated with regular massage therapy. Human Touch® products are available at back care specialty stores, fine furniture stores across the country, through international retailers and distributors in more than 40 countries, as well as online at http://www.humantouch.com.

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Vocus©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







Way of Wellness San Francisco Announces They Offer Seminars on Ways to Enhance Fertility

Posted by on July 31, 2011 1 comment

Way of Wellness San Francisco Announces They Offer Seminars on Ways to Enhance Fertility











Way of Wellness – Discover Yoga Fertility


San Jose, CA (Vocus/PRWEB) July 19, 2011

Way of Wellness San Francisco is offering a seminar which seeks to help patients empower themselves using natural medicine and resources to enhance fertility. The workshop is for both men and women who will be taught about ancient Eastern and modern Western natural medicine techniques that are easy to integrate into daily life. The workshop will also include discovery of body type (from the Chinese medicine model) and foods, lifestyle herbs and nutrition to enhance fertility. Participants will learn yoga, acupressure and ChiKung (energy healing) to strengthen and regulate the reproductive system.

The first seminar will take place on Saturday, July 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 pm at 1101 South Winchester Blvd. STE. N-267 in San Jose. The suite is located in the back of the complex. It will be taught by Shasta Tierra L.A.C., a second generation licensed acupuncturist with nearly 18 years of clinical experience. She is also an herbalist and certified yoga instructor and owner of Way of Wellness. For those who can’t make it to the July 23 event, there will be a second event on Saturday, August 13 at the same time and location.

The cost of each seminar is $ 99 and interested participants can call (408) 615-1995 to register.

“In this workshop, we will be teaching participants acupressure points for their specific imbalance – diagnosis among other natural modalities,” said Shasta Tierra, owner of Way of Wellness.

A landmark study published in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility found that acupuncture dramatically improves the chances of getting pregnant because it treats some of the root causes of why women are having difficulty conceiving. Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York reviewed studies and concluded that acupuncture helps to increase blood flow to the uterus, which improves the chances of an ovum implanting on the uterine wall, reduces anxiety, stress, and the hormones that are secreted during stressful situations that can significantly decrease fertility. It has also been found to normalize the hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, especially in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Shasta Tierra also has a DVD which guides people through an easy acupressure process for home use. Those interested can get more information on her YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaseA7Gr1f4 .

For more information on acupressure, visit http://www.acupressureforfertility.com/ and to learn more about Way of Wellness, visit http://www.wayofwellness.net or call (408) 627-4535.

About Way of Wellness

Way of Wellness offers the best Chinese Medicine, Fertility Acupuncture, Herbology, Nutrition, and Chinese Yoga classes. With Shasta Tierra’s ongoing workshops for clients wishing to enhance fertility naturally, she is willing to provide quality service to help and give something back to the community and promote a happy, healthy and long life. Clients can discover yoga fertility methods, herbal fertility methods in order to accomplish their goal of getting pregnant.

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Belltown Spine & Wellness Adds Light Therapy to 4-Step Rehabilitation Program

Posted by on July 31, 2011 1 comment

Belltown Spine & Wellness Adds Light Therapy to 4-Step Rehabilitation Program











Seattle Chiropractor Belltown Spine and Wellness


Seattle, WA (PRWEB) July 26, 2011

The 4-step method, named the “Mindel Method” after Dr. Scott Mindel, seattle chiropractor and owner of Belltown Spine & Wellness who created it, draws on the latest rehabilitation techniques, combining them into a unique program that directs patient through four key stages toward faster recovery and better health.

The first stage (“Mix”) focuses first on identifying abnormal posture and neuromuscular dysfunction, then on warming up the spine and soft tissues to prepare the spine for realignment. Patients use Mirror Image® Exercises to activate the muscles, tendons and connective tissues in the direction opposite of their abnormal posture, “unlocking” it for realignment.

In the second stage (“Fix”),seattle light therapy (Quantum Neurology® Rehabilitation) is used to strengthen weak spinal nerves. Dr. Mindel, who is certified as a Quantum Neurologist, gently taps a cold laser along the patient’s spine to stimulate weakened nerves and set the foundation for correcting the patient’s spine and posture deviations. Then the patient’s spine is adjusted using mechanical instruments and specialized chiropractic tables that enhance the precision and the effectiveness of the chiropractic adjustment.

The third stage (“Set”) incorporates specialized equipment and exercise to help reinforce the adjustments. Patients may engage in various forms of spinal traction, body weighting, spinal decompression therapy, vibration therapy and spinal molding. In the fourth stage (“Home Care”), a customized exercise program is created for the patient to perform at home to enhance the care received at Belltown Spine & Wellness Center.

This 4-step method has been a successful part of Belltown Spine & Wellness for several years, but only recently has light therapy been a central part of the program.

“We have found that since implementing Quantum Neurology® Rehabilitation/light therapy into our 4 step program, our patients are recovering from pain and chronic injuries faster than anything I’ve ever seen in my past 20 years in chiropractic,” said Dr. Mindel. “I believe that this new blend of techniques is on the cutting edge of pain management and seattle chiropractic therapy.”

About Belltown Spine & Wellness

Serving Seattle and the Belltown district, Belltown Spine & Wellness has helped thousands of people over the past 17 years regain their health and vitality through their natural, integrated approach to health and wellness. Their services, which include chiropractic and rehabilitation therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture and naturopathic medicine, are customized for the individual patient.

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Vocus©Copyright 1997-

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







Riverside Completes Another Add-On to Medical Supply Platform

Posted by on July 31, 2011 1 comment

Riverside Completes Another Add-On to Medical Supply Platform












(PRWEB) June 15, 2011

The Riverside Company further expanded ActivStyle, its consumable medical products retailing platform, with the add-on acquisition of Home Wellness, Inc. & Stay Dry Products, Inc. (Home Wellness). Based in Cinnaminson, New Jersey, Home Wellness is a specialty distributor of catheters and incontinence supplies, much like Minneapolis-based ActivStyle.

The acquisition is the fourth add-on to ActivStyle and the second of 2011. The other additions to ActivStyle were Senior Care Services (2007), Advocate Medical Services (2010) and Ostomy Center (2011). Each add-on has helped ActivStyle expand its footprint or add services to more effectively meet customers’ needs.

Founded in 1994, Home Wellness primarily delivers a broad range of catheter supplies to patients throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

“Home Wellness is a blue-chip company that has an outstanding track record with customers, regulatory compliance, and value-driven performance. The acquisition delivers key markets and outstanding relationships to ActivStyle,” said Riverside Managing Partner Loren Schlachet. “We’re building on ActivStyle’s strong performance and building a company that will reach more patients, delivering to them the quality products they need.”

Home Wellness built its patient base by forging long-term relationships with a strong network of physician, nurse and other healthcare professional referral sources. Home Wellness adds value for its referral network by handling all required paperwork and insurance verification and by providing product expertise that physicians may lack. Home Wellness is able to spend time helping patients select the most appropriate product for their needs which often leads to better patient outcomes and more efficient and cost-effective service.

“Adding Home Wellness really strengthens us in the mid-Atlantic region,” said ActivStyle CEO Dan Filippini. “We believe there are some solid opportunities to deepen relationships and expand in Home Wellness’ existing markets, even as we continue to expand ActivStyle nationally. We also look forward to having a strong group of sales, customer service and operational people from Home Wellness join the ActivStyle team.”

In addition to Schlachet, working on the deal for Riverside were Jack Nestor, Principal; Jeff Tobin, Operating Partner; Marques Martin, Associate; and Mary Anne McLaren, Finance Director.

ActivStyle’s existing lending partner, US Bank, provided financing for the transaction. Jones Day provided legal counsel on the transaction, and RSM McGladrey provided accounting due diligence.

The transaction is Riverside’s 56th healthcare acquisition, bolstering the firm’s deep specialization in the sector. Overall, it is Riverside’s 256th acquisition and the ninth of 2011.

The Riverside Company (http://www.riversidecompany.com or http://www.riversideeurope.com)

The Riverside Company is a global private equity firm focused on acquiring growing enterprises valued at up to $ 200 million (€200 million in Europe). The firm partners with strong management teams and enhances its investments through acquisitions and organic growth. Since its founding in 1988, Riverside has invested in more than 250 transactions with a total enterprise value of more than $ 5.4 billion/€4.4 billion. The firm’s portfolio in North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region includes more than 75 companies with roughly 14,000 employees. Riverside completes acquisitions smoothly thanks to $ 3.4 billion/€2.7 billion in assets under management, more than 195 professionals in 19 offices, and longstanding relationships with partner lenders.

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Vocus©Copyright 1997-

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







Health Insurance Provider Florida Health Care Plans Launches One of a Kind Wellness Solution

Posted by on July 31, 2011 1 comment

Health Insurance Provider Florida Health Care Plans Launches One of a Kind Wellness Solution













National Start Walking Day FHCP Employee Wellness Event


Daytona Beach, FL (PRWEB) July 19, 2011

As a leader in healthcare delivery and wellness in Volusia and Flagler Counties of East Central Florida since 1974, Florida Health Care Plans (FHCP) is pleased to announce the launch and state approval of its new wellness rider.

“We are a local company with the goal of improving the health of our members and our community by promoting an employee/employer culture of wellness education, focusing on healthy habits, preventive care, easier access to wellness programs and educational resources,” says Dr. Wendy Myers, CEO of Florida Health Care Plans.

This new approach is a collaborative effort between employers, employees and FHCP, to team together and work with health data to assist employees in addressing unhealthy habits with the goal of a healthier lifestyle. This employee/employer collaboration can also help control the zooming costs of healthcare, and create a healthier, happier and more productive workforce.

The rider has an attractive price tag, costing only 1%-2% of the group plan premium, for increased focus on employees’ health habits that could see a healthy return on investment (ROI). According to the National Business Group on Health, a non-profit industry advisory group, “Employers can realize as much as $ 3.27 in financial benefits for every $ 1.00 invested in workplace wellness programs.”

Another study, done by Sarasota County says, “A review of 32 studies of corporate wellness programs found claims costs were reduced by 27.8%,” and there were also significant declines shown in the number of physician visits, hospital admissions and incidence of injury.

Top of the line technology makes FHCP’s wellness plans accessible and user friendly. The company provides a 24 hour nurse advice line, a self-paced program for those who want to quit smoking, a weight management program and many other educational programs to encourage preventive healthy habits in addition to regular preventive care. Members also have access to an exclusive member portal, providing an easy way to make appointments with FHCP staff physicians, refill prescriptions at FHCP pharmacies and access “Welcome to Wellness” a state of the art health risk assessment with access to articles and multimedia content personalized for each member. There are also programs for members who have heart disease, asthma, high blood pressure and COPD for no extra charge. All of these programs focus on preventive treatment that helps to ward off serious health problems before they happen.

Dr. Mikelle Streicher PhD, RN Chief Marketing and Sales Officer says, “Workplace Wellness programs are not a passing trend. It is about investing in people and in good health so that good business and a healthy bottom line are all the more possible to obtain.”

For more information about FHCP’s health and wellness plans please visit http://www.fhcp.com.

About Florida Health Care Plans:

FHCP is a health maintenance organization in East Central Florida. Being an HMO, the company brings a strong emphasis on preventive care and health and wellness resources and education. As a local organization, they have been living among their clients for thirty years, working to bring better health care to the residents of Florida. Approximately 2,000 employers have trusted FHCP to take care of their employees with a wide selection of services and health solution products. In January 2009, they joined Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida as an independent licensee, which provides FHCP members with nationwide and global access to Blue Cross Blue Shield’s highly regarded and accessible Blue Card network. Their latest response to the needs of the community was in 2011, with the development of an Individual Health Plan product.

Contact Marketing Department

386-676-7110

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.