Houston, Texas (PRWEB) May 09, 2012

Salient Pharmaceuticals Incorporated has passed a major milestone in its Phase II study of CASAD™, its proprietary product targeting the treatment and prevention of cancer therapy-induced diarrhea (CTID). Salient announced today that the Phase II trial has now enrolled 100 patients, completing the enrollment period of the study for CASAD in treating CTID in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

The trial is a randomized, double blind study where over six weeks, patients receive either active or placebo study drug followed by an optional six-week open label active drug period. The study is being conducted at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and 15 other cancer centers across the United States.

The protocol was designed with an interim toxicity analysis after enrollment of every 20 patients. The most recent interim analysis at the 80-patient point was performed in December 2011 and indicated no unexpected toxicities. Salient anticipates that the last patient will complete the study period later this summer and that initial data will be available soon thereafter.

“This is an important milestone for the company,” said Richard Scruggs, President and CEO of Salient Pharmaceuticals. “We have been encouraged by the interim feedback we have received and look forward to the compilation of efficacy results,” he said.

In addition to cancer therapy-induced diarrhea, Salient has also conducted preclinical work assessing the potential of CASAD in the treatment of indications as diverse as oral mucositis, proctitis, colitis and Clostridium difficile.    

Formed in 2007, Salient Pharmaceuticals is a Houston, Texas-based life sciences company whose mission is to improve health and quality of life while strengthening the odds of therapy success for patients suffering from the debilitating effects of chronic and/or acute diarrhea. Launched in February 2009, the Phase II trial is studying the ability of Salient’s product to prevent and/or treat diarrhea in metastatic colorectal cancer patients receiving irinotecan®. It is being supported by the National Cancer Institute’s Community Clinical Oncology Program. For more information, please visit http://www.salientpharmaceuticals.com.

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New York, New York (PRWEB) May 15, 2012

MetLife Foundation today announced the recipients of its 2012 Awards for Medical Research in Alzheimer’s Disease: Clifford R. Jack Jr., M.D., professor of Radiology and The Alexander Family Professor of Alzheimer’s Disease Research at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN), and Christine Van Broeckhoven, Ph.D. D.Sc., professor and department director of the VIB Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Antwerp (Belgium). In addition, Randall J. Bateman, M.D., associate professor of Neurology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is recipient of MetLife Foundation’s Promising Investigator Award.

Dr. Jack, an innovator in clinical studies of brain structure in disease, developed and applied imaging methodologies to determine and track the stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Van Broeckhoven, a basic scientist and expert in molecular genetics, has made groundbreaking discoveries establishing the genetic basis of inherited Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Dr. Bateman, a neurologist and biochemist, has pioneered the use of measurements of beta-amyloid protein in the brain to better understand the biochemical basis of this illness.

The winners were recognized at a scientific briefing and awards ceremony today in New York.

“MetLife Foundation is proud to present these awards that recognize outstanding achievements in medical research,” said Dennis White, president and chief executive officer, MetLife Foundation. “Doctors Jack, Van Broeckhoven and Bateman have made significant contributions to our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and their dedication helps bring us closer to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.”

About the Awards

Now in their 26th year, the awards provide outstanding researchers with an opportunity to freely pursue new ideas. At the heart of the program is a belief in research as the road to understanding and ultimately treating this devastating disease. Each major award recipient receives a $ 200,000 research grant for his or her institution to further their work, and a personal prize of $ 50,000. The recipient of the Promising Investigator Award receives a $ 100,000 grant to his institution to further his work in Alzheimer’s disease. MetLife Foundation established the awards in 1986 to recognize and reward scientists demonstrating significant contributions to the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease.

The MetLife Awards for Medical Research in Alzheimer’s Disease are managed by the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR). Founded in 1981, AFAR has championed the cause and supported the funding of science in healthier aging and age-related medicine.

“We have selected these individuals because of their novel and significant approaches to Alzheimer’s disease, which are paving the way for additional discoveries that are important for diagnosis and treatments for this disease,” said Donald L. Price, M.D., chair of the MetLife Awards for Research in Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee, which selected the winners. Dr. Price, professor of Pathology, Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, is a previous recipient of the MetLife Award.

According to recent estimates by the Alzheimer’s Association, the number of Americans aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease will reach 16 million by 2050. Alzheimer’s costs related to health care and long-term care services are expected to total $ 200 billion this year.

Significant Discoveries That Have Shaped the Field

Drs. Jack, Van Broeckhoven and Bateman have made significant discoveries that have clarified our understanding, shaped new approaches to the disorder, and changed our view of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Jack is a pioneer in developing medical imaging methods that identify biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease. Identification and validation of biomarkers – characteristics that measure a biological state, such as a stage of disease – is a major objective in understanding and developing treatments for this disease. Starting in the early 1990s, Dr. Jack introduced imaging methods to help delineate manifestations of the disease in the brain, assess its severity, measure disease progression, and make predictions regarding its future course. These concepts have been widely adopted. Dr. Jack’s initial studies focused on a type of brain imaging known as anatomic MRI, but he has also contributed pioneering work in other areas including MR spectroscopy, diffusion imaging, functional MRI, high field microimaging, and amyloid PET analyses of amyloid burden.

He has integrated information from measures of biomarkers for the disease, derived from studies of central nervous system imaging and levels of markers in cerebrospinal fluid, into a comprehensive model of brain abnormalities in parallel with clinical features. The staging of presymptomatic (preclinical) Alzheimer’s disease in recently published National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association criteria was based largely on his model.

Dr. Van Broeckhoven is a leader in the molecular genetics of Alzheimer’s disease and other complex neurological and psychiatric disorders. Her research has established critical features of the genetic basis of different types of dementia. Nearly 30 year ago, she identified the gene encoding APP (amyloid precursor protein), the first gene linked to familial Alzheimer’s disease. She and her colleagues demonstrated the involvement of the brain’s blood vessels in the neurodegenerative process. She helped identify the presenilin-1 gene on chromosome 14 as an additional gene involved in inherited cases of Alzheimer’s disease and contributed important information on the role of apolipoprotein E4, a protein that binds blood lipids, as a risk factor for both late-onset and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Van Broeckhoven’s most recent work has focused on the genetics of other neurodegenerative diseases. She and her colleagues identified the gene that encodes the protein progranulin, an observation that provided the first evidence that growth factors play a major role in neurodegeneration in certain types of dementia.

Dr. Bateman has pioneered the use of Stable Isotope Labeling Kinetics (SILK) measurements of these disease markers in cerebrospinal fluid. Using this method, he has shown that people with Alzheimer’s do not properly eliminate amyloid-beta – the protein that builds into plaques in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s – from the brain as well as those without the disease. With a primary focus on the ways in which the disease changes the brain’s functional properties – in order to develop better diagnostic and treatment strategies – his lab has begun to study additional Alzheimer’s related proteins and their potential roles in the disease process.

In addition to conducting clinical trials, Dr. Bateman is director of the Therapeutic Trials Unit of the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network, the largest international study of autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease. He has led efforts to make effective experimental treatments available to people with this hereditary form of the illness, with the goal of preventing clinical dementia before cognitive impairments are evident.

For additional background on the award recipients, visit: http://www.afar.org/research/MLF-awards

About MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 by MetLife to carry on its long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. For over 25 years, MetLife and MetLife Foundation have invested more than $ 20 million for Alzheimer’s research and public information programs, including over $ 13 million through the Awards for Medical Research in Alzheimer’s Disease program. The Foundation has also supported a number of major initiatives, including the PBS documentary The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer’s; short pocket films on Alzheimer’s narrated by David Hyde-Pierce; an educational initiative with the National Institute on Aging’s Alzheimer’s Disease Centers; the film Alzheimer’s Disease: Facing the Facts; and initiatives that include caregiving videos, Alzheimer’s toolkits and resources for the Hispanic community.

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

Sonoma, California (PRWEB) May 11, 2012

At the May 10 groundbreaking ceremony for the new Sonoma Valley Hospital (SVH) Emergency Care Center (ER), Gary and Marcia Nelson, longstanding champions of the ER, pledged a $ 3 million charitable gift specifically for the new Emergency Center, which will open in 2013.

“The Nelsons have made a truly historic contribution to the hospital,” said hospital CEO Kelly Mather in accepting the pledge. “Nothing could be more valuable to us right now than this demonstration of confidence in the hospital’s future. We are overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement.”

In making the gift, Gary Nelson said, “The SVH Emergency Room is a critical and essential service to all of us in this community. It serves every single resident and visitor in time of need, from the poorest to the most wealthy. When a health crisis takes place in our valley, we need a state-of-the-art ER with the equipment and staff required to save the lives of our friends and families.”

Offering a personal anecdote, Nelson went on to say, “Thirty years ago, our son Justin, who was just three months old at the time, was saved from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by the physicians in the SVH ER. Marcia delivered him to the hospital barely alive, blue. Having the emergency room so close saved him. We have never forgotten how fortunate we were to have this hospital nearby.”

Marcia said Justin is now completing his education at the Royal Veterinary College in London, England, where he lives with his wife, Maria, and their one-year-old daughter, Alexandria.

In announcing the contribution, Marcia said, “We hope our gift will help ensure that quality lifesaving ER services are available for years to come in Sonoma. One can argue about many healthcare issues in the US, but on a day-to-day basis, we need to serve the young, the old, and everyone in between in our valley. This is a worthy investment.”

Gary and Marcia are the founders and major shareholders of the Nelson Family of Companies headquartered in Sonoma. Nelson is one of the leading human capital and staffing firms in Northern California.

About Nelson

Founded in 1970 with locations throughout California and into Texas, Nelson ranks among the largest independent staffing companies in the United States. Regularly recognized as one of the “Top 10 Best Staffing Firms to Work For,” already in 2012, Nelson was awarded Best Places to Work in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times and San Jose/Silicon Valley Business Journal, Best Job Placement Service by Northbay Biz magazine, and made Inavero’s Best of Staffing Lists for client and candidate satisfaction. Nelson specializes in staffing services in numerous fields, including administration, executive management, technology, manufacturing, legal, human resources, finance and accounting, engineering, wine and beverage, and computer gaming/digital media. Embracing the values of excellence, innovation, empathy, and integrity when interacting with clients and employees alike, Nelson holds itself to a high standard. To learn more about the company, visit http://www.nelsonhr.com.

About Sonoma Valley Hospital

Sonoma Valley Hospital is an 83-bed, full-service acute care district hospital, with an outstanding staff of healthcare professionals located in the heart of the City of Sonoma. The hospital offers a full range of healing and healthcare services with a special emphasis on promoting and sustaining active wellness throughout the senior years with specialties in total joint replacement, urology, hematology/oncology, physical therapy, emergency services, home care and palliatiative care. For more information about the hospital, go to: http://www.svh.com

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Valley Women For Women OBGYN

Gilbert, AZ (PRWEB) May 11, 2012

Valley Women for Women welcomes all Goodman and Partridge (aka MomDoc) patients who seek continuing OB/GYN care within the Aetna provider network.

“We are issuing this press release to correct misinformation regarding our status as Aetna in-network providers”, stated Sean Housley, the Practice Administrator. “We have an excellent relationship with Aetna which we intend to continue for years to come. There is no truth to the rumor that we are not accepting Aetna patients. We welcome all Aetna patients”, explained Housley.

The practice is the largest provider of OB/GYN services at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, according to hospital data.

“Goodman and Partridge patients need to know that they have many high-quality provider options throughout the Valley”, said Dr. Mia Van Eken, one of the practice’s physicians.

Valley Women for Women’s 3-office footprint in the Southeast Valley of Phoenix overlaps substantially with that of Goodman & Partridge. “We believe we will be a convenient alternative to Goodman & Partridge in Chandler, Gilbert, South Mesa, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley”, said Housley.

Those interested in learning more about Valley Women for Women OB GYN can visit http://www.ValleyWomenForWomen.com. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 480-782-0993.

About Valley Women for Women OB/GYN

Valley Women for Women OB/GYN is a practice of all-female doctors, nurses, and midwives committed to personalized patient care and convenient service(http://www.ValleyWomenForWomen.com).

Valley Women for Women OB/GYN offers in office 3D/4D ultrasounds, on site lab draw stations, convenient single-level parking, free massage for new patients, and an on-site mini-pharmacy. Same day appointments are often available.

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

Los Angeles, CA (Vocus) March 11, 2009

Nationwide Medical/Surgical, a leading provider of the flu shot across the nation, has announced the availability of a preservative-free flu vaccine.

The influenza virus, more commonly known as the flu, is a virus that ranges in severity of symptoms from mild to fatal. It is transmitted very easily. The best defense from the flu virus is an influenza vaccination. The influenza vaccine is comprised of weakened or dead viruses that are introduced to the body to allow the body to build up a defense for the flu. When a person who has received the vaccine and has built up antibodies is introduced to the virus, the resulting symptoms from this exposure are typically nonexistent or very mild for the patient.

Flu vaccines come in several forms. There is a flu shot, which is injected to the person via syringe. There is also a flu mist vaccine that is inhaled nasally. Most versions of the flu vaccine contain Thimerosal, preservative containing mercury, used to prevent contamination across multi-dose vials of the influenza vaccine. Multi-dose flu vaccine vials are vials that contain several doses of the flu shot. The vial is closed shut with a rubber stopper, in which a syringe is inserted to gather the vaccine for each dose. The introduction of each syringe brings with it the chance for contamination.

Many flu vaccine manufacturers are creating single dose vials that do not require Thimerosal to prevent contamination to fill the need for preservative free flu shots as there is no repeated drawing upon the vial. Many people are opting for this version of the flu vaccine as there are fears that Thimerosal can cause autism.

Currently, there is no conclusive proof that Thimerosal found within the flu vaccine causes any side effects other than a red sore spot at the injection site, however further studies are being done. As a result, many who are receiving the flu vaccine (especially young children and pregnant women) are interested in a preservative free flu vaccine version.

To find out more information about the preservative free flu vaccine or to view all of the influenza vaccine products that Nationwide Medical/Surgical has to offer, visit http://www.nationwidemedical.net

CONTACT:

Dan Blatt,

14141 Covello Street, Suite 6C

(800) 997-8846

Van Nuys, CA 91405

Website: http://www.nationwidemedical.net

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

(PRWEB) May 06, 2012

CFM Service Corp., a leading provider of commercial airport cleaning services, is now offering airport customers eco-friendly cleaning services. In an attempt to protect the environment and to stay in touch with the current green movement, the cleaning company now uses only green cleaning products when providing janitorial services to area airports.

CFM Service Corp. took the all-natural cleaning approach as an effort to fit with their company mission to provide cleaner, healthier and more efficient atmospheres to New York area businesses. The green cleaning approach was developed to help keep area businesses free from harmful toxins often found in traditional cleaning supplies. CFM Service Corp. noted that the toxins that go into chemical cleaning products have been linked to a number of health issues like asthma, blood disorders, liver, kidney damage and even cancer. The eco-friendly solutions used in place of these harmful chemicals are designed to keep all surfaces just as clean and safe while preventing the onset of these dangerous side effects.

CFM Service Corp.’s airport facilities maintenance and janitorial services provide full airport cleaning and care; as the high traffic of major airports often causes terminals to be a hotbed for bacteria, dirt and other unsanitary concerns. CFM Service Corp. provides extensive cleaning services and 24/7 monitoring of airport areas to ensure all troubled areas are cleaned and taken care of promptly and that the airport stays sanitary.

CFM Service Corp., is a full service commercial cleaning and maintenance company. CFM Service Corp. provides services to businesses in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area. The service disabled veteran owned small business has been providing commercial services to area customers for more than 30 years. For more information, please visit Airport Cleaning Service

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

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 08, 2012

During the Month of May, Dr. Carol Francis discusses the vexations of aging and tools to stall symptoms of aging. During her Talk Radio Show – Make Life Happen- Dr. Francis explores fitness for those over 50. Month of May is dedicated to energizing the body that is growing older by the minute on the Dr. Carol Francis Show. Each podcasts available at BlogTalkRadio.com/dr-carol-francis.

This week of radio broadcasts begins with Senior citizen, Author and Fitness Trainer for over 25 years, Nicholas Prukop. Nicholas Prukop paves the way for those unfit or unexercised seniors to begin moving their body and invigorating their brain and the chemicals that make them happier and energetic. Basically, he clearly reminds listeners that if they do not use their body they will lose its supple, flexible and muscular capacity to support health while aging.

Now more than ever, aging adults have access to gyms, exercise tapes, or videos on line. Radio Show of Nicholas Prukop’s advice can be listened to online at this link:    http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dr-carol-francis/2009/05/22/get-fit-after-45-after-menopause-gee-after-60

Menopause reduces the chemicals that fight off cholesterol or fat accumulation. For women, the weight gain and the squishy belly become a startling introduction into the next phase of life. Often women feel helpless or depressed about the changes their body is obviously forcing upon them. Yes, the world of medicine allows for all sorts of hormonal supplements or replacement which will be a topic of another show this month. However, exercise for the menopausal and post-menopausal woman is essential to embrace as bones, brain and beauty will be helped by those sweaty cardiovascular movements and those weight-baring repetitions.

Nick Prukop and Dr. Carol Francis also discuss the power of nutrition and nutritious supplements to deal with the changes of aging. Men for instance need to examine the impact of losing testosterone and how that impacts their inclination to be motivated, optimistic, positive and happy.

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

Los Gatos, Calif. (PRWEB) August 27, 2007 –

Mesothelioma Lawyer Attorney.com today launched the industry’s first directory of mesothelioma lawyer s, mesothelioma attorneys and mesothelioma doctors, designed to help victims of mesothelioma find qualified legal and medical help.

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer that is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos, causes malignant cells to develop in the lining around the lungs, heart, and abdominal cavities. Most people who develop mesothelioma cancer have worked careers where they inhaled asbestos dust, or have been exposed to asbestos particles and fibers in other ways, such as by home renovation or by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos.

The mesothelioma lawyer, attorney and doctor directory also provides members of the legal and medical field the opportunity to reach and aid more victims of mesothelioma. The directory’s top ranking on Google, MSN, Yahoo and other major search engines, ensures that mesothelioma lawyers, attorneys and doctors listed in the directory are seen by the website’s 3,000 daily visitors.

“Thank you for helping me find a good mesothelioma attorney,” said recent website visitor George Trent. “After a short phone consultation, they came all the way out to my house in New Jersey and showed me exactly how they were going to help.”

If you or someone you love is suffering from mesothelioma cancer, you have certain legal rights that you need to know about. One way to take a stand against the asbestos industry, that put their profits ahead of your health, is to take legal action against them. You are entitled to financial compensation for your pain and suffering, but if you hesitate, you may lose your chance for justice due to your states’ statute of limitation laws.

About Mesothelioma Lawyer Attorney.com

Mesothelioma Lawyer Attorney.com is dedicated to providing quality mesothelioma lawyer, attorney and doctor recommendations to victims of mesothelioma cancer. With detailed information on mesothelioma cancer, mesothelioma lawsuits, mesothelioma news and mesothelioma support groups, victims of mesothelioma cancer need look no further for help. Learn more at http://www.MesotheliomaLawyerAttorney.com.

Contact:

Brian Cornerstone

Mesothelioma Lawyer Attorney.com

1484 Pollard Road, Suite 415

Los Gatos, CA

95032

contact @ MesotheliomaLawyerAttorney.com

1-904-369-1215

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

FREE Varicose Vein Screening – Dr.Harper with a Patient

Macon, GA (PRWEB) May 04, 2012

Vein Specialists of the South and Dr. Ken Harper announced last week that their recent FREE varicose vein screening conducted to raise awareness of varicose veins and varicose vein treatment options was a success. The free vein screening was a three day event. Ninety-two people registered and ninety-five people were screened during the event.

Dr.Harper, who is passionate about educating the public concerning varicose veins and vein disease, conducted the vein screening to increase awareness of the consequences of untreated varicose veins. He is one of the first phlebologist to join hands with the Society of Vascular Surgery (SVS), American College of Phlebology (ACP) and American Venous Forum (AVF) in their “Rethink Varicose Veins” campaign.

Dr. Harper said that, “untreated Varicose Veins can lead to more severe venous problems or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).” Since many still consider all vein disease to be a cosmetic concern, out of more than 30 million Americans who suffer from vein disease less than 1.9 million get their vein disease treated. Yet the treatment of most varicose vein disease is covered by insurance plans.

As a community outreach Dr. Harper conducts free vein screenings several times per year, and along with his varicose vein treatment blog, videos, Facebook entries and podcasts seeks to bring awareness to vein disease. Those people who suffer with varicose and spider veins and experience leg fatigue, restless legs, night cramps, tired legs, swelling, skin changes including leg ulcers and blood clots or bleeding veins should have their veins evaluated by a vein specialists or Phlebologist.

Dr.Harper, who is recognized by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Phlebology, performed the first minimally invasive endovenous radiofrequency (VNUS RF Closure) procedure in the state of Georgia in 2000. Since then he has completed more than 5,000 endovenous procedures.

Endovenous therapy, an alternative to traditional vein stripping has a quicker recovery, less bruising and discomfort, and better long term success than vein stripping. FDA approved modalities for endovenous therapy use either radiofrequency or laser energy to close the treated segment of the vein. Recently the Covidien Closure Fast Endovenous RF Catheter Ablation procedure has been renamed the Venofit Procedure by Covidien.

For additional information on varicose vein evaluation and treatment options and to be more informed on vein disease visit our blog “Varicose Vein Treatment”, our main site http://VeinSpecialists.com or call (800) 764-3280.

ABOUT Vein Specialists of the South – Serving all of Georgia and the southeastern US, The Vein Specialists of the South is located on 556 Third St., Suite A, Macon, GA 31210 and conducts FREE varicose vein screening several times during the year.

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Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) May 03, 2012

The AARP Foundation Litigation (AFL) has joined as co-counsel with the Law Offices of Jody C. Moore and Gregory L. Johnson in a lawsuit filed on behalf of skilled nursing facility residents in Ventura County, Superior Court Case No. 56-2011-00406713-CU-AT-VTA.

“The case is filed as a class action on behalf of all Ventura Convalescent Hospital residents who were over- and mis-prescribed dangerous psychotherapeutic drugs without their informed consent,” alleges AFL attorney Kelly Bagby.

The named plaintiff is the legal representative of former resident Patricia Thomas who was admitted to Ventura Convalescent Hospital for rehabilitation after suffering a painful hip fracture. The lawsuit alleges that during her weeks at the Ventura facility, she was prescribed and given antipsychotic drugs, an antidepressant, an anti-anxiety drug, and a hypnotic/sedative drug which were, according to court documents, unnecessary and administered without informed consent as required by law.

When Ms. Thomas’ daughter learned what medications her mother was given, she complained to Department of Public Health that she thought her mother was overmedicated and medicated without consent, according to public records with the Department. Her daughter alleges, in the lawsuit, that following her discharge from the facility, her personal physician tried to wean her off the medications with little success. Ms. Thomas died several weeks after leaving Ventura Convalescent Hospital.

“Inappropriate and overmedication of nursing facility residents is a national problem,” says Jody Moore, one of the attorneys handling the litigation. On March 29, 2012, the Centers for Medicare Services launched a national initiative to reduce the use of antipsychotic medications in nursing homes. Further, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued its most dire warning – known as a black box warning – that antipsychotic drugs cause elders with dementia to die.

“This is basic liberty,” says attorney Gregory Johnson. “Every person has the right to make decisions about what medical care they want to receive, and if they are unable, to have a person of their choosing make these decisions for them. The excuse we hear, that “We are busy” is not an appropriate excuse,” explained Mr. Johnson.

Co-counsel, Jody Moore continues, “We have good laws on the books about a patient’s right to know about the potential benefits and side effects of any proposed medication or treatment. The problem isn’t that we need better laws. We need compliance.”

“Consumers have a right to sue nursing homes for violating federal or state laws,” said AFL attorney Bagby. “We are committed to this effort to raise awareness of the unnecessary use of chemical restraints and hold nursing homes accountable to standards set by the California Patient Bill of Rights.”

For more information, please contact:

Jody Moore

(805)    604-7130

jody(at)jodymoorelaw(dot)com

http://www.jodymoorelaw.com

Greg Johnson

(805)    988-3661

greg(at)gregoryjohnsonlaw(dot)com

http://www.gregoryjohnsonlaw.com

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