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The Weakness of Contemporary Cultural Medicine

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The term Cultural Medicine is used to refer to changes to a medical system provided specifically to reach out to and serve a diverse culture. The title is applied differently than Integrative Medicine. Integrative Medicine acknowledges that there are different preventive and reactive ways to address issues of preventive health, health maintenance, disease, injury and medical care (IntgMed), many of them cross-cultural. Cultural Medicine is applied to all that is not specifically IntgMed. Rather, it is that which supports underlying layers of infrastructure required to deliver ever-expanding, culture-specific positions, products and services, rather than focused, inclusive services.

An example of inclusive delivery is recognition that the national language is English. A focused, nationally oriented, fully integrative system of medicine would acknowledge the beneficial elements of all IntgMed, but it would be delivered in English (except non-translatable elements). This approach encourages all citizens to learn and excel in English and markedly limits the cost of IntgMed products/services components delivery. If for example, government-paid and/or delivered services focus on delivering a more culture-neutral, English-based IntgMed service only, costs would be markedly reduced and all citizen-consumers would be encouraged to become more English-language proficient. As an aside, pharmaceutical products, medical technologies, acupuncture needles, physical therapeutic manipulations and exercises, and other key elements of IntgMed do not recognize the human body as gender, ethnicity or culture-specific – they simply perform functions. Such subdivisions are behaviors of service providers.

One of the primary sets of questions ignored by state and U.S. governmental agencies are:

  1. Who is most qualified to determine if a proposal or intervention should be that in which we should invest given all other needs, ideas, and proposals?
  2. Who should be responsible for payment for this proposal/intervention if we proceed with it?
  3. Define success. What does it look like?
  4. When (initial and follow-up) and how shall we measure the effectiveness of the subsequent program, service, or intervention?
  5. Is it not appropriate for payers (e.g., public taxpayers) to receive easily accessible, unbiased reporting of interim services delivery progress and performance measurements?”, and
  6. What will we do if measured results are not as expected and desired (e.g., inadequate Return on Investment)?

If you took your car in for service, paid for the services, and only fifty percent of the claimed fixes were effective, would you be satisfied? No, you would not be satisfied. If the same automotive repair company employed you, yet still provided you and your peers with the above-described poor service, would you then be satisfied and recommend to your friends that they should be satisfied in similar circumstances? You should respond, “No.” You should not be favorably biased toward the repair company simply because it employs you. However, government initiatives usually provide many millions, if not billions of dollars to the recipients of their investments, including the creation of well-paying jobs. And, unlike as would be the case in private industry, recipients of these public windfall monies and opportunities are loath to give up your tax money, and are often willing to publicly denigrate you for demanding that they be held accountable (e.g., fix the entire car as promised versus aren’t you satisfied with partial function?)

There are numerous governmental pseudo-medical/medical programs that are abysmal failures, that continue to expand. In spite of their prolonged failures at missions to curtail drug abuse, misuse, pharmaceutical products-related deaths, decrease STD/STI incidence, minimize gender-critical maladies, and social disruptions due to related issues, the programs and funding persist. With grand budgets and swollen senses of importance and entitlement, no one receives good answers to above listed six questions from these program representatives. Such are the effects and weaknesses of contemporary Cultural Medicine. Everyone in the culture, position-empowered or not, rich and poor, citizens or not, payers or not, aware of and sensitive to current budget constraints or not, believes that they should receive timely, broad-based, sometimes very expensive, individualized care and financing of their programs. And, numerous cultural subgroups (geographic, ethnic, gender-specific, age-specific, financial, religious, secular, other) with sufficient financing and/or sophisticated representation, lobby for special consideration. To suggest that they do not have the right to do so would be politically incorrect and insensitive, right?

Contact your local, regional, state and national government representatives to determine how they are addressing the weakness of contemporary Cultural Medicine in your neighborhood.

Claiming Compensation From a Liability Case

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There may be a few instances when it is imperative to hire a Phoenix liability attorney. When many people think of liability they often times refer to their automobiles. Liability insurance is the first thought that pops into their heads. But do you truly know what the term liability is referring to?

The term liability is thrown around a lot, especially with insurance companies, but what liability truly means is that a person can be held accountable for an incident they purposely or accidentally caused. This is a very common situation in car accidents. Say you’re driving along and a car rear-ends you. You get out and find the whole back end of your car is smashed in. The other driver who hit your car is liable for the damages they caused and must be held financially responsible for correcting the damages.

In this article, we’re going to talk about two other types of liability that a Phoenix attorney deals with. These two cases are for product liability and premises liability. Both of these terms are pretty much self explanatory.

Product liability is when certain damages are caused to customers because of a faulty product that they purchased. Such as if someone was to experience electrocution from an electrical item. This particular instance would be considered at fault of the person who manufactures the product, but only if there were no tags to tell the customer that an electrocution was possible by utilizing the product.

Premises liability makes the person who is in charge of that particular piece of land liable for any injuries that may occur. Amusement parks must have this form of liability insurance in the case that one of their rides malfunctions or someone gets seriously hurt while enjoying the activities at the park.

A Phoenix liability claim is a serious allegation, and you should first consult with an experienced attorney to determine if you have a justifiable claim. Don’t miss out on correcting a company or person of their negligence.

TENS Increase Your Profit Margin?

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Advertisements are being sent to doctors via facsimile in various parts of the United States from a California company asking them if TENS/EMS units are presently being prescribed to patients for home use? If not, this company reports that they can show how to give patients drug-less pain relief and add a new profit center to the doctors office with TENS/EMS.

The company says their program is simple – they sell TENS to doctors for $29.00 (when 2 or more are purchased) EMS for $38 (when 2 or more purchased) and instruct the doctor on billing procedures for the TENS and fitting fee where the profits range from $200.00 to $600.00 per unit depending on the type of insurance coverage and amount charged for the unit/fitting fee. Next, the company indicates that they provide the patient with necessary supplies (batteries, pads & wires) and will bill the insurance company direct.

Good deal? Maybe.

Many state regulatory boards have prohibitions against excessive charges for health care services rendered – could the billing insurers $200 to $600 for providing a patient with a TENS the doctor purchased for $29 be considered excessive? What would the involved payer think of this activity – are they going to knowingly pay $200 to $600 for your providing the patient with a $29 TENS unit? And, what happens when insurance doesn’t pay – is the patient going to be billed the higher rates for the $29 unit?

I would recommend that doctors ensure that this practice activity is consistent with their administrative laws, third-party payer rules and to check it out first with their attorney prior to use.

Timber Framing on a Budget

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Timber framing construction uses tenon and lap joints along with wooden dowels or pegs to create the frame structure of a home. This is a historic method of constructing the frame structure and can be expensive. One reason is that this type of construction is more advanced that stick frame construction. People like to use timber framing because it will continue to hole up the weight of the home long after the nails of stick frame construction has rusted and created the need for some major repairs. If you are building a new home and want to use this type of construction there are ways in which you can work this into your budget.

Use the local species of timbers

When using timber framing make sure that you use whatever tree is a native species of that area. It is expensive to ship timbers across the country. For example, if you love on the East coast two of their native species trees are oak and white pine but on the West coast it would be the Douglas fir. You also have to look at the cutting and material handling of the joinery. One of the harder ones to work with is oak because it is heavier so it would take more time to make the joints.

Choose a simple frame design

If you have a complex design in mind it will simply cost you more because of the board footage of food and number of joints you would need for the frame. Some companies that do timber framing will count how many joints will be used for the frame and will give you an estimate based on that information,

Find the best pricing

This includes not only the building material but also the contractors who are going to build your timber framing for your home. Make sure that you get at least three estimates because if you only get a couple you have just one to compare against another one. Make sure that you get a written estimate that lists the costs of materials, labor costs, and anything else that will figure into the cost of the home. Do not choose the lowest price because they may be using inferior timber. If possible ask to see the timber they will be using before you make your decision. You should also ask to see the results of their construction to make sure that they have the actual experience to construct your dream home. Ask for references and check them out. You and your family are going to be living in this home for a long while and you want to make sure that it well constructed.

Following these tips will allow you to have your dream home and stay within budget.

This article is penned by Lora Davis for Arrow Timber Framing. Arrow Timber Framing has worked hard to gain the experience necessary to streamline production. Timber framed homes are built with mortise and tenon joints connected with wooden pegs.

The Secret Privileges of The Evil Empire

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Do you remember that quaint Evil Empire that stretched across much of the world; the one where countless millions were enslaved, without opportunity or hope?

Well, I have news for you.

Those huddled masses weren’t completely hopeless, poor, or disadvantaged.

If you interview Russians who grew up during the age of Glasnost, you’ll learn many of them had it pretty good. Free health care, a living wage while they studied in universities, and a guaranteed job thereafter, if they excelled, were commonplace.

Indeed, many who have immigrated to the land of opportunity, America, simply cannot believe, for instance, the primitive state of our health care system.

Waiting in an Emergency Room, hour after hour while they bleed, they recall with wistfulness how hospitals were only mere blocks away, staffed to the gills with highly educated and competent physicians, not illiterate assistants, who couldn’t contain their enthusiasm about assisting them.

Doctors in the Russian Federation, I hear, still make house calls and prepare medicines and curatives on the spot. No visits to drug stores, by the sick and infirm or their time-strapped relatives, are required.

Having spent hour after hour with loved ones and friends while they have languished for want of treatment, I can’t help but wonder why America can’t fix its broken health care system.

When increasing amounts of our national wealth are sunk into health services each year, the output of this sector continues to worsen.

Isn’t it time to do what England, Canada, and even the Russian Federation have done, and declare this sector, and the health of their people so significant, that they cannot be left to the pharmaceutical companies and the medical education establishment to control?

Lester Thurow, the Dean of the Business School at The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), said when it comes to health care, “We’re all socialists.”

We don’t care if our fellow citizens receive the best care imaginable, as long as we share in the privilege.

What do you think?

Working on Home Improvement Projects

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Remodeling a house can be an expansive and complicated mess if the right precautions and measures are not taken before even beginning. Planning and developing ideas to the fullest extent may help to avoid many problems and errors that have become commonplace in the remodeling game. With the help of professional contractors, many homeowners are able to avoid these problems and plan their project to perfection so that things run smoothly and the homeowner is left with a beautiful house when all is said and done.

Home improvement projects often cause a great deal of agony to the homeowner. With so many different projects in a remodel, homeowners may begin to feel overwhelmed. That is where the importance of planning is most evident. With effective planning, homeowners will be able to keep their head above water and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of projects that are often part of these remodeling projects. With professional help and the right planning, homeowners can realize their dream of an efficient remodeling project that finishes on time.

The best home improvement projects are the ones that finish on time with little headaches to the homeowner. With little frustration to turn the experience into a negative one, homeowners will be pleased knowing they are getting quality work that will be completed on time. Taking advantage of the quality work of professionals is important if the homeowner wants to have a beautifully painted home with little hassle to them. With professionals handling the work, homeowners are often able to focus on other areas of the remodel. So hiring a professional often proves to have its perks in the planning aspect of the project and when it comes to physically painting the house and completing the project on time.

When to Hire a Company For Concrete Work

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It is getting to that time of year when everyone seems to begin thinking about all the various home repair and remodeling projects that they would like to have done around the house. Even though there seems to be a never-ending list for a lot of people, the best thing to do is to make sure that you are starting with the most critical projects that need to be handled by professionals.

One of the most common projects is having concrete work done.

If you’re planning on creating a fantastic outdoor space for your home, having a concrete patio created is an excellent option.  However, a concrete patio is not a job that a homeowner should tackle on their own. This is because concrete jobs that are not done correctly can cause problems down the road, and your guests will usually be able to tell whether or not the patio was done by a professional.

You may think that it’s more costly to hire a professional, but often times this isn’t the case.  On the contrary, by not hiring a professional, you may end up with a finished project that doesn’t meet your expectations.  The quality of the job might also be less than perfect, making your new patio unable to hold up during all types of weather.  These types of issues end up costing you more in the end when you have to get the project fixed.  That’s why it’s typically best to rely on a professional concrete expert to take care of these types of projects for you.

However, that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune.  You will need to make sure though that the company you call is offering good value for the money they charge. Do not feel afraid to research the company’s background or ask for references. Companies that take pride in their work and have nothing to hide will not feel worried about providing you with such information. Feel free to shop around for the best offer, but always remember that you sometimes get what you pay for and that the total package might be more important than just the bottom-line price. Just because a company is cheap does not mean that they are worth the risk. Likewise, just because a company is expensive doesn’t mean that they are the best company out there for concrete work.

Make sure that you are doing all of the research you need to do – and then go for it! You’ll be glad to see how quick your concrete project can be completed when professionals are doing it. Leave the job for the experienced and you will be able to enjoy your perfect concrete patio or sidewalk in no time at all. The little bit of extra money up front for the work is always worth it – especially when you know that you’ll be given excellent results and that you can trust the work to hold up over time.

Are Your Circumstances Suitable for a Collaborative Divorce?

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You may be suitable for a collaborative divorce if you seek:

  1. A dignified approach to handling your divorce
  2. A fair and non-aggressive resolution of issues based on the best interests of the family, not the individual
  3. Guidance, support and advice on legal issues without the threat of fighting in court.
  4. A chance to work through emotions and avoid misunderstandings to arrive at sound decisions
  5. To avoid the cost and emotional strain of court proceedings
  6. To keep your dispute and terms of your settlement confidential

How do I kick start the process?Contact a collaborative divorce lawyer. You must choose a lawyer trained in collaborative family law for the process to be effective. An experienced lawyer knows about the required documentation that can make process hassle free.

What happens when we reach agreement?

After you reach agreement, your lawyer can prepare divorce papers that the court is likely to approve.

What happens if the process breaks down?

You may explore other options such as mediation to avoid from going to court. However, if you do take your case to court, your collaborative lawyer cannot act on your behalf in court proceedings as they have signed an undertaking not to litigate.

What is the difference between the collaborative divorce process and court litigation?

Collaborative divorce is a voluntary process that gives divorcing parties control over the process, including the timetable. On the other hand, the litigation process is controlled by the judge and determined by court dates, and parties must comply with the court’s orders. Divorce Lawyers will facilitate direct negotiations between parties in collaborative divorce, working towards a common goal that is in the best interests of both parties and the family, and parties will be encouraged to consider short- and long-term impacts of their decisions. In litigation, both parties and lawyers are pitted against each other, and parties will bargain based on their own needs and rights. They will not be actively asked to think about the short- and long-term effects of their choices.

As can be seen, collaborative divorce allows the parties, instead of the judge, to make the final decisions. Due to this, however, there is no guaranteed settlement in collaborative divorce. If parties cannot reach a final decision, they will need to proceed with litigation. The process of collaborative divorce is confidential, but if parties enter into litigation, the records of Court proceedings will be publicly available.

Houston Real Estate Market

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In order to analyze the larger picture, it is important to understand that real estate refers to residential as well as commercial property. Along with the land in question, it also includes fixtures, fences, and buildings that are lawfully built up on it. Apart from this, in case a piece of a land has natural resources within it, they are a part of the real estate. Located in Texas, the city of Houston boasts of a flourishing real estate market. The Houston real estate market thrives upon trade of real estate. This refers to the purchase, sale, lease, and rentals of commercial and residential real estate.

The Houston real estate market, similar to other cities, is a volatile and unpredictable business venture. An interesting factor that sets the real estate market noticeable from other trades is its fluctuating nature. Rather than being solely influenced by global recession and inflation, real estate price points are largely dependent upon local factors. Prices of immediate neighborhood properties and local events proportionately affect real estate prices instead of variations at the stock exchange. Improvements in the economy have increased purchase power, prompting a large number of people to buy real estate. Such deals could revolve around residential, commercial or investment property. Since real estate deals can revolve around financial commitments that cannot be borne all at once by clients, the lending attitude of various financial institutions affects the Houston real estate market.

In order to be at par with real estate dealings in other places, the Houston real estate market is also dependent upon appraisal services. This helps attain precise and up to date estimates of a certain piece of property and helps facilitate quick dealings. For those who wish to make a career in the Houston real estate market, can choose to enroll at real estate schools or work under the guidance of reputed firms and brokers.

Types of Custom Promotional Merchandise

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As a smaller business, you don’t have the unlimited budget of a large corporation when it comes to your custom promotional merchandise, which means you need to look for branded merchandise that is affordable and will work into your budget. Just because you are a smaller company, doesn’t mean you should ignore this amazing branding opportunity.

We have put a list of the top custom promotional merchandise options for the smaller business, that will work into your budget and provide clients with a branded item that they can use, boosting your brand visibility on a daily basis.

The first and probably the most popular of all the custom promotional merchandise that you can buy is T-Shirts. Ensure when you choose to brand t-shirts with your company logo that you choose a good quality garment, such as a polo shirt, which can be worn by men and women. Whether you are getting your team to wear the t-shirts to promote your business wherever they go or you are looking for promotional t-shirts you can give or sell to your clients, never ever compromise on quality.

Another great opportunity for the smaller business is branded pens. Everyone uses pens and they are cheap. You can buy a high volume of pens branded with your logo at a price that works into your budget and you can use them in-house and hand them out to clients, so that your company name is being seen throughout the day every day.

Further you may want to look at coffee mugs. Almost everyone has their own coffee mug at the office and drinks at least one cup of coffee while at work. The benefit of these mugs is that they are branded with your company name and logo, along with any other important information you want to put on them, what this means is every sip of coffee or tea your client takes, your name is seen and remembered, not only by them but the others in the office.

Key chains are another great branding opportunity when looking for affordable custom promotional merchandise. Have some key chains printed with your company name, logo, address and phone number. Clients can use the key chain on their keys and in the event they are lost, hopefully someone has contacted your company or dropped them off. In addition to branding these are a great opportunity to add a bit of added value to your service.

If you have a store, then you definitely want to look at reusable bags that your clients can take away from your store and use time and time again when they do their basic shopping. The great thing with reusable bags is that your clients can use them for anything and at any time and what that means is your company name is being seen by a variety of people every time your client leaves their home with your bag in hand.

If you are on a very tight budget, then take a look at lanyards. Lanyards hang around your neck, with your branding of course, but the benefit is that clients can use them to hang their access card for the office or even their keys to reduce the risk of losing them. They can be used for all types of applications, boosting your brand in the process.

Other options can include the credit card wallet, because these days with the number of credit cards, debit cards and loyalty cards you receive, they cannot all fit into your wallet easily. The credit card wallet can free up your clients purse or wallet, enabling them to keep all their cards in one handy place.

Brandz is a United Kingdom based company specializing in promotional products. This well-established company provides a complete turnkey service from the initial stages through to completion. They provide their customers with an experienced team who focus on helping their customers improve their branding with a range of promotional products to meet their requirements and marketing budget. Brandz offers a twenty four hour service, the highest quality products and affordable prices. Samples are available on request to help their customers identify the best promotional products to choose from based on the extensive range available on their easy to use and secure website.