CytoComp - Technology Entrepreneurship Commercial Venture Lab 2012
This is an assignment for the Stanford online class by Professor Chuck Eesley, 2012. "In entrepreneurship, it is very difficult to tell a bad idea from a potentially very good idea. The differences are quite subtle or even non-existent and it #39;s often much more about the team and what they do with the idea. A creative, hardworking team can turn a bad idea into something with a lot of potential. Some go so far as to say that there are no bad ideas. Creativity is a constant resource that your team has that can be applied during the startup process to improve on business models and generate new even better ideas. You will browse and choose one of the "worst" ideas from another team. You should do this assignment with the "organic" team that you have assembled yourselves. Your task is to turn that "worst" idea into something promising. You are to make a short 2-3 minute "commercial" for this startup idea, advertising the product or service and making it sound good. The audience is potential customers. This is a quick assignment and you only have 5 days, so don #39;t worry about it being perfect." Synthetic Biology (engineering with biological parts) will become a defining science for the 21st century. One very interesting development is cellular computers The recent scientific developments in cellular computing are mind blowing, and will revolutionize the way we will do personalized medicine. Cellular computers are real game changers. Many people (eg diabetics), need to monitor ...From:LeukipposInstituteViews:134 7ratingsTime:03:12More inScience Technology

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23- Pharmaceutical BiotechnologySG Part IIb. Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine.mov
Encoded in the DNA sequence of our individual genome is the genetic program to build, maintain, and adapt all our tissues and their functions. Each human genome contains 200000 coding elements (exons) and millions of regulatory elements defining complex signaling and regulatory networks. Pharmacogenomics is the study of how an individual #39;s genetic inheritance affects the body #39;s response to drugs. Personalized Medicine offers treatments and diagnostics for the future based on a patients #39; DNA sequence. Sequencing and analysis of the human genome #39;s six billion base pairs is now rapid and affordable. studies on drug metabolism can now be based on individual genomics.From:Albert KauschViews:1 0ratingsTime:01:12:31More inEducation

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23- Pharmaceutical BiotechnologySG Part IIb. Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine.mov - Video

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Personalized Medicine from a Health Systems Perspective
Eric Faulkner, MPH, will serve as moderator for a panel discussion on personalized medicine from a health systems perspective. The panel will explore approaches to developing evidence to address the needs of the varied stakeholders.From:QuintilesMediaViews:5 0ratingsTime:06:23More inScience Technology

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HACKING YOUR DNA - BIOWEAPONS OF THE FUTURE
*PLEASE READ DESCRIPTION* FAIR USE ethnic bioweapon (biogenetic weapon) race specific bio-weapons The US government is surreptitiously collecting the DNA of world leaders, and is reportedly protecting that of Barack Obama. Decoded, these genetic blueprints could provide compromising information. In the not-too-distant future, they may provide something more as well mdash;the basis for the creation of personalized bioweapons that could take down a president and leave no trace. EXCERPT FROM A VERY LARGE ARTICLE: NOVEMBER 2012 ATLANTIC MAGAZINE To be sure, around the turn of the millennium, significant fanfare surrounded personalized medicine, especially in the field of genetics. A lot of that is now gone. The prevailing wisdom is that the tech has not lived up to the talk, but this isn #39;t surprising. Gartner, an information-technology research-and-advisory firm, has coined the term hype cycle to describe exactly this sort of phenomenon: a new technology is introduced with enthusiasm, only to be followed by an emotional low when it fails to immediately deliver on its promise. But Gartner also discovered that the cycle doesn #39;t typically end in what the firm calls "the trough of disillusionment." Rising from those ashes is a "slope of enlightenment" mdash;meaning that when viewed from a longer-term historical perspective, the majority of these much-hyped groundbreaking developments do, eventually, break plenty of new ground. As George Church, a geneticist at Harvard, explains, this is what ...From:CreativeMessageViews:8 0ratingsTime:12:45More inEducation

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SAN DIEGO, Oct. 18, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Genomind, a personalized medicine company for neuropsychiatry, is excited to announce its new clinician online portal at the Neuroscience Education Institute (NEI) Global Psychopharmacology Congress in San Diego. Genomind will host a Product Theater at the Congress on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 7 am, where co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Jay Lombard will discuss the Company's Genecept Assay, introduce attendees to the new system, and showcase the convenient features for clinicians.

The portal is a secure, convenient way for clinicians to easily access their patients' test results from the Genecept Assay. The Assay is Genomind's comprehensive, saliva-based test, which looks at genes and biomarkers that may affect the type of medication or treatment a clinician would prescribe to patients suffering from difficult-to-treat psychiatric disorders. The secure site allows clinicians to review and download comprehensive reports via login credentials any time or place, giving flexibility to their busy schedules. All results will be available electronically and can be downloaded directly from the portal. The portal also allows easy access to peer-reviewed study data related to genes in the panel.

The portal is also the home of Genomind's innovative Open Label Study, which measures the real world use and impact of the Genecept Assay on patient treatment and outcomes. The study has a unique design to enable timely, efficient reporting online for clinicians and patients.

The portal will be accessible on the Genomind website homepage or via email alerts sent to clinicians once their patients test results are live and available.

The Neuroscience Education Institute Annual Conference runs from October 18-21, 2012, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego. In addition to the Product Theater, Genomind will be available on the main show floor at Booth 115 to share more information about the portal, the Genecept Assay, and their dedication to harnessing the latest research to better treat patients.

About the Genecept(TM) Assay

The Genecept Assay is a comprehensive, simple-to-use tool for understanding genetic and biological markers that best inform response to different psychiatric treatments. The Assay is Genomind's core product, and contains a proprietary panel of biomarker tests, an analytic report, and a psychopharmacologist consultation. The Assay can be used for a range of psychiatric conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, OCD and ADHD. For more information on the Assay, including information about the specific genes in the panel, please visit http://www.genomind.com/products/assay.

About Genomind

Genomind is a personalized medicine company, comprised of innovative researchers and expert leaders in psychiatry and neurology. Genomind is committed to discovery of the underlying causes of neuropsychiatric disorders and supports the development of personalized medicine that improves patients' lives. Genomind was founded by Ronald I. Dozoretz, MD, a psychiatrist who has devoted his career to improving mental health. Jay Lombard, DO, a neurologist and co-founder of Genomind, is a critically acclaimed author and nationally recognized thought leader in neuropsychiatry practice and research. Learn more at http://www.genomind.com.

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LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

PGXL Laboratories and Essential Molecular Testing Corporation have formed a long term distribution partnership. The joint-venture, PGXL Partners, gives the pharmacogenetics laboratory experienced sales professionals to retail its drug sensitivity testing.

This partnership gives PGXL national distribution, says Dr. Roland Valdes, Jr., President of PGXL. Weve jumped from selling hundreds of tests a month to thousands. Weve spent seven years building the scientific and technological infrastructure to handle the explosive growth we believed was coming. Better than anyone else, we know what physicians need to use Personalized Medicine to help their patients.

Scott Goodman, president of Essential Molecular, has helped build four previous medical technology start-up companies to standard-of-care adoption. He believes Pharmacogenetics is going to revolutionize medical care.

I learned early-on it always needs to be about the patient, Goodman says. When looking at start-up technologies the driving force always has to be improved quality of care. Then I evaluate the business side. PGXL has both. The genetic information they provide improves patients lives and presents an enormous business opportunity.

Pharmacogenetic testing is one of the building blocks of Personalized Medicine. Properly interpreted, genetic information helps doctors identify precisely the right drug and dosage to reach an optimal therapeutic outcome. The practice has particular impact on the treatment of depression, cardio-vascular diseases, cancer, and chronic pain.

A recent study by The Mayo Clinic and the prescription management company Medco concluded that healthcare systems could cut the rate of hospitalization of certain patients by a third. Looking just at patients taking warfarin, a commonly prescribed anticoagulant associated with bleeding risk, the study found strong evidence that incorporating genetic information into diagnosis and treatment substantially improved patient care, and that the differencescannot be attributed to factors other than the genotyping intervention.

This is the kind of impact PGXLs tests can have, says Valdes. And the benefit goes well beyond cost. The human impact of precision medicine, of eliminating trial and error from the dosing of drugs, is enormous.

The partnership between PGXL and Essential Molecular began to take shape in May. All representatives are put through extensive training in pharmacogenetics and its applicability to the different medical specialties.

One of our physicians recently told us the pharmacogenetic test he ordered saved the life of one of his patients, says Goodman. If that doesnt motivate you, nothing will.

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Personalized Medicine Pioneer PGXL Laboratories Announces National Distribution Partnership

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 28, 2012, Mediaplanet released its first edition of "Personalized Health and Medicine" in USA Today, a 16-page publication. In this issue, Mediaplanet introduces its readers to technologies, such as ePathology, that are vital in the delivery of personalized medicine and improved patient care.

The importance of ePathology for both healthcare organizations and patients

Traditional pathology practice involves a pathologist reviewing a glass slide under a microscope to identify disease. Mistakes made today are headline news like the story of Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, who was told she had thyroid cancer. Her thyroid gland was surgically removed. It was revealed afterward that she never had cancerous cells. Or take the case of a Los Angeles resident whose pathology case was identified as breast cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction only to later learn she never had cancer. The public is well aware of these errors and wants to select providers that they can trust. In this age of digital processes, it is important for pathology to make this leap forward.

The potential of ePathology continues to evolve; with increasing sub-specialization of pathologists, many organizations want to enable the best-trained physician to review the results. Unlike glass slides that need to be packed and shipped from one location to another, eSlides can be shared with a speed and certainty that was inconceivable a generation ago. Furthermore, ePathology can improve transparency and thus advance quality assurance, and by facilitating the use of companion diagnostics, ePathology can also enable the selection of the most effective therapy. Most importantly, ePathology is bringing the healthcare team closer to the patient.

Many organizations are beginning to consider the importance of ePathology, taking digital images, eSlides, into clinical use, so that they can integrate this expertise to deliver better patient care.

About Aperio

For over a decade, Aperio has advanced the technology that enables glass slides to be digitized and securely shared with others. Aperio ePathology Solutions are transforming the practice of pathology in hospitals, reference labs, and pharmaceutical and research institutions around the world. Aperio products are FDA cleared for specific clinical applications, and are intended for research and educational use for other applications. They are not approved by the FDA for primary diagnosis. For clearance updates, specific product indications, and more information, please visit http://www.aperio.com.

About Mediaplanet

Mediaplanet publishes focused reports on specific business, healthcare, technology or consumer topics.

To view the full publication and to find out more about ePathology: click here.

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Mediaplanet and Aperio partner to educate Americans about Personalized Health and Medicine

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By Chris Wood, Casey Research

Today, personalized medicine seeks to move away from the one-size-fits-all, trial-and-error approach that has defined drug R&D and patient treatment basically since the time of Galen of Pergamon in the 2nd century AD. It increasingly focuses on matching the biological characteristics of each person with the best treatment options available and dosing for them, and in the future even perhaps the development of specific drugs for specific patients.

Truth be told, the idea of personalized medicine is nothing new. Back in the late 1800s, Canadian physician Sir William Osler (who was one of the founding professors at Johns Hopkins Hospital and has been called the "father of modern medicine") said, "Variability is the law of life, and as no two faces are the same, no two bodies are alike, and no two individuals react alike, and behave alike under the abnormal conditions which we know as disease."

Pathologists also often cite George Merck, who was talking about developing pharmaceutical agents directed toward individual patients rather than to groups of patients some sixty years ago, at the dawn of the era of personalized medicine.

Even though the idea has been around for some time, personalized medicine as a practice is quite new. Even just twenty years ago, virtually all drugs being developed attempted to target the entire population of a disease group rather than a subset or segment of it.

But all that is changing. Now, the development of drugs that are specifically linked to diagnostic tests that indicate a subgroup of patients is more likely to respond to treatment is often the goal for a variety of different diseases... particularly cancer.

Biomarkers are the key to this changing landscape in drug development and patient care. Biomarkers have the ability to help drug companies and physicians shrink costs, predict and minimize risk, avoid late-stage attrition, and make better, more informed decisions throughout the process. And they are poised to be the major driver of pharmaceutical research and drug development in the 21st century.

Originally, the term "biomarker" just referred to simple physiological indicators such as body temperature, blood pressure, or heart rate that signaled an imbalance in the body or evidence of disease.

Today, many different types of biomarkers have been identified by scientists. They still include things that are simple to measure and correlate, such as high blood pressure as an indicator for increased risk of stroke. But they also include more complex genetic changes or mutations that can, for instance, help identify a patient's risk for particular type of cancer. For example, mutations in the so-called BRCA genes are known to increase a woman's risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.

Renowned oncology expert Dr. Jeffrey Ross defines a biomarker as "a series of gene sequences and mutations, messenger RNA expression profiles, tissue proteins, and blood based tests that can be used to detect the predisposition for disease, screen for its presence, confirm its diagnosis, assess its severity, predict its response to available therapies, and monitor its clinical course."

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The Age of Personalized Medicine Is Near

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Gait training incomplete spinal cord injury
# L1-2, incomplete spinal cord injury patient walking with aid of tripod stick and then without stick Cauda equina syndrome exercisesFrom:Prodyut DasViews:6 1ratingsTime:01:25More inEducation

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Ball exercises for incomplete spinal cord injury patient
# L1-2, incomplete spinal cord injury patient Karan Rajput performing balance training exercises on Gym ball with Physiotherapist Prodyut Das Cauda Equina Syndrome exercises For more info visit- http://www.physiotherapy-treatment.comFrom:Prodyut DasViews:9 0ratingsTime:01:10More inEducation

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Parallel bar exercises for incomplete spinal cord injury patient
# L1-2, incomplete spinal cord injury patient Karan Rajput performing Parallel bar exercises Dynamic balance training with Physiotherapist Prodyut Das Cauda Equina Syndrome Exercises http://www.physiotherapy-treatment.comFrom:Prodyut DasViews:17 0ratingsTime:06:11More inEducation

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Spinal Cord Injury Introduction
No copyright infringement intended. I do not own this video. It was cropped and condensed for the use of it in a school project. The original link to the extended version can be found here: http://www.youtube.comFrom:dipongkorhViews:6 0ratingsTime:01:37More inEducation

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Spinal Cord Injury Introduction - Video

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FOOT DROP INDIA info@rehab-technologies.com
Simple active walking or using your hand for people living with neurological conditions, these everyday activities may be challenging and even sometimes impossible. Enter ADVANCED REHAB TECHNOLOGIES http://WWW.REHAB-TECHNOLOGIES.COM +91 9971038484 Our award winning assortment of rehabilitation products area daily blessing for people living with Stroke(CVA), Cerebral Palsy(CP), Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI), Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury(SCI) and other Central Nervous System(CNS) disorders. Disclaimer: This video is for awareness purposes only. Advanced Rehab Technologies do not own this video.From:AdvancedRehabTechViews:2 0ratingsTime:01:22More inScience Technology

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FOOT DROP STROKE INDIA info@rehab-technologies.com
Simple active walking or using your hand for people living with neurological conditions, these everyday activities may be challenging and even sometimes impossible. Enter ADVANCED REHAB TECHNOLOGIES http://WWW.REHAB-TECHNOLOGIES.COM +91 9971038484 Our award winning assortment of rehabilitation products area daily blessing for people living with Stroke(CVA), Cerebral Palsy(CP), Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI), Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury(SCI) and other Central Nervous System(CNS) disorders. Disclaimer: This video is for awareness purposes only. Advanced Rehab Technologies do not own this video.From:AdvancedRehabTechViews:0 0ratingsTime:07:32More inScience Technology

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FOOT DROP STROKE INDIA info@rehab-technologies.com - Video

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Ekso skeleton
Helping someone with a spinal cord injury walk again.From:robiec221Views:0 0ratingsTime:02:44More inPeople Blogs

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Ekso skeleton - Video

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Project Walk Spinal Cord Injury Recovery - 2012 Steps to Recovery
Project Walk #39;s Steps to Recovery is an event that showcases clients who were told they may never walk again.....walking again. These are all people who suffered a spinal cord injury or brain injury.From:Project WalkViews:18 1ratingsTime:57:48More inNonprofits Activism

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Project Walk Spinal Cord Injury Recovery - 2012 Steps to Recovery - Video

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MEDIAssistant MM40 Environmental Control Unit (ECU) - Hi Def
An introduction to the MEDIAssistant MM40 Environmental Control Unit (ECU) / Electronic Aid to Daily Living (EADL) for individuals with mobility limitations due to Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, Burns, Amputation, Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy. The MM40 uses infrared and Insteon signals to help its user regain control of the electrical and electronic devices in the home and office. It can be operated by touch, voice control, head tracking and switch scanning. The MEDIAssistant MM40 from Convergence Concepts provides unmatched flexibility and power to help people regain control! For more information, check out http://www.ConvergenceConcepts.com or contact us at info@ConvergenceConcepts.com.From:ConvergenceConceptsViews:0 0ratingsTime:08:13More inScience Technology

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MEDIAssistant MM40 Environmental Control Unit (ECU) - Hi Def - Video

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Contact With The Skin After a Spinal Cord Injury
Molly Hale speaks of the importance of having the largest organ of our bodies, our skin, touched and handled. A major sensory organ, information from the surface of the skin reminds the body it is alive and may stimulate reconnection after a spinal cord injury.From:abilityproductionViews:0 0ratingsTime:04:04More inEntertainment

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Impact of housing spinal injured people in care homes
Every eight hours someone is paralysed by a spinal cord injury. 20% of these people will be discharged from hospital in to a care home, regardless of their age, because they do not have housing in the community that meets their new needs. People have been telling Aspire for years that living in a care home has a devastating impact on the lives of spinal cord injured people. Lives are put at risk by unsuitable care and facilities, and by suicidal feelings due to poor quality of life. In order to highlight this issue, Aspire commissioned new research from Loughborough University to examine the effect of the common practice of forcing people with spinal cord injury to live in care homes. This video is a response from Nick Caddick, Research Assistant on #39;Understanding the Health and Wellbeing of Spinal Cord Injured Adults Living in a Care Home. #39; You can see the research report on our website: http://www.aspire.org.ukFrom:Aspire CharityViews:4 0ratingsTime:03:04More inNews Politics

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Impact of housing spinal injured people in care homes - Video

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BOSTON & IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Tobii Assistive Technology Inc., the global leader in eye tracking-enabled augmented communication and assistive technology devices, today announced its sponsorship of the 2012 Working 2 Walk Science & Advocacy Symposium with partners Unite 2 Fight Paralysis and Kennedy-Krieger. The three-day symposium is dedicated to advancing the treatment of spinal cord injury as attendees and sponsors exchange knowledge and research to enhance the quality of life for those affected by spinal cord injuries. The event will be held at the Orange County Airport Hilton in Irvine, Calif., Nov. 1-3.

We are excited to partner with Tobii ATI for this event, as both organizations are dedicated to seeking new ways to improve the lives of those with spinal cord injuries through applied research, technology and, most important, dedication to those with rehabilitative challenges, said Marilyn Smith, executive director at U2FP. Tobiis world-class eye tracking systems provide individuals with disabilities greater independence, enhanced emotional well-being and a sense of control during the difficult transition from injury to recovery.

Founded in 2005, Unite 2 Fight Paralysis is dedicated to supporting those committed to finding a cure for people with spinal cord injuries. Every year the Working 2 Walk Science & Advocacy Symposium brings together research scientists, practitioners, investors, SCI survivors and family members to collectively share experiences and learn about new research and treatment options as they continue to grow the SCI support community.

One of this years special guests will be former BMX rider and X Games gold medalist Stephen Murray, who became a quadriplegic after a biking accident in 2007. At the symposium Murray will meet with fellow attendees to talk about his experiences with SCI, from his initial injury and rehabilitation to his active life now as co-founder of the Athlete Recovery Fund and business owner of his Stay Strong apparel line, all of which has been done with the help of his Tobii PCEye assistive technology. Murray attributes his enhanced emotional state and his greater independence and privacy to his Tobii eye tracker.

I can manage personal matters by myself now with a completely new level of independence it has changed my life, said Murray.

Stephen knows firsthand how significant Tobii eye tracking can be to the SCI community and the impact it can have on the lives of those with rehabilitative injuries, said Tara Rudnicki, president of Tobii ATI. With dedicated partners like U2FP and Kennedy-Krieger, we are able to improve the lives of individuals with SCI and advance the diagnosis and treatment options that are made available to them.

Check out a video of Stephen using his Tobii PCEye.

For a demonstration of Tobii PCEye or for more information, please contact sales@Tobiiati.com, call 800-793-9227 or click here.

About Tobii Assistive Technology Inc.

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Tobii ATI Supports SCI Research, Treatment at 2012 Working 2 Walk Symposium

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Newswise TORONTO, October 18, 2012 The first atlas of Canadian spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Environmental Scan Atlas: Capturing Capacity in Canadian SCI Rehabilitation (E-Scan Atlas), was released today by Toronto Rehabilitation Institute UHN and the Rick Hansen Institute (RHI). It profiles 13 SCI rehabilitation sites in Canada, and additional Canadian rehabilitations experts, identifies national trends, outlines the best practices in SCI rehabilitation, and recommends how to improve national care.

Approximately 86,000 Canadians live with SCI and there are an estimated 4,000 new cases each year. Compared to the general population, individuals with SCI are re-hospitalized 2.6 times more often, require contact with a physician three times more often, and require 30 times more hours of home care services.

Our team of researchers was compelled to conduct the E-Scan by our genuine passion for rehabilitation and commitment to provide the best care to individuals living with spinal cord injury, explained Dr. Cathy Craven, Scientist, Toronto Rehab UHN and lead investigator of E-Scan. We knew the E-Scan would determine opportunities to enhance patient care through the creation of a sustainable, customized and efficient system.

The data in the E-Scan Atlas is intended for health professionals, governments, NGOs and health policy-makers to facilitate program self-evaluation and reorganization, to create future research and health policy agendas, and to inform best practices for SCI rehabilitation.

Rick Hansen Institute funded the E-Scan project, with support from the federal and Ontario governments. To improve rehabilitation care, you first need a baseline understanding of the current clinical care practices in Canada. In addition to providing this snapshot of current care, Dr. Craven galvanized the Canadian rehabilitation community to contribute their expertise to inform this pan-Canadian effort, said Erin Cherban, Director of Clinical Research Operations at the Rick Hansen Institute.

Each chapter of the E-Scan Atlas defines a specific goal of SCI rehabilitation: it defines the processes of rehabilitation; outlines what does and does not work; and spotlights a centre in Canada with the best practice.

By showcasing the best practice for each area of rehabilitation, the E-Scan Atlas profiles exemplary care that other SCI rehab centres should emulate, thereby creating unique opportunities for centres to learn from one another on a national level, said Dr. Craven.

The E-Scan Atlas will generate knowledge, influence clinical practices and inform policy change. This will strengthen care for people living with SCI across Canada.

The E-Scan Atlas also gives evidence of how the system needs to improve. For example: The current system does not incorporate preventive approaches to SCI-related conditions; the recommendation is to focus on self-managements skills and greater promotion of healthy lifestyle practices. The SCI population visits the emergency department and their physician at a high frequency - many visits are preventable if alternative care options were available; the recommendation is to develop interprofessional models to support lifetime care, which would likely result in substantial system savings. There is a need to address regional disparity in care and to ensure delivery of the best care, with regards to medication, devices, services and supplies; the recommendation is to develop a national body for SCI rehabilitation to lobby and routinely advocate for relevant changes in health policy.

By using the E-Scan Atlas, Canadian rehabilitation providers, people with SCI and their care-givers now have evidence-based data to advocate for preventive care, improved clinical care services and a reduction in regional service disparity, said Vanessa Noonan, Director of Research, RHI.

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First Atlas of Canadian Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Services Determines the Need for Lifelong Clinical Care

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(CNN) - For many people with spinal cord injuries, keeping fit is tough. Exercises and rehabilitation don't always help patients maintain strength. But now new programs are being designed to give these patients outlets that provide movement and stimulation, not only for the body but for the mind.

Five years ago, John McVey fell from a ladder, crushing his spine and is now permanently paralyzed from the waist down.

"My paralysis is not straight across, it's angled, so I have no use of my abdominal muscles on this side and some use on the other side," he said.

McVey found his wheelchair confining; he was losing muscle strength, and wanted to get stronger.

That's when he heard about the virtual sailing program for people with spinal cord injuries, being used for research at the Kennedy Kreiger Institute in Baltimore.

Using a boat like vessel, called the V-Sail access sailing simulator system along with a computer, patients learn to maneuver a craft that simulates what it's like to sail a boat.

The course is 12 weeks and designed to improve upper body strength, general health and self-esteem for those with spinal cord injuries.

"We are hoping that these patients will show, demonstrable, measurable improvements in their physically and psychological well being," Dr. Albert Recio said.

However, with sailing comes water, so once the patients are ready, they're taken to the harbor where they steer their own sailboat.

Copyright 2012 CNN. All rights reserved.

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Spinal cord injury patients gain strength by sailing

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Spinal cord injury charity Aspire has publish research showing that some patients in care homes were left in bed all day, suffered pressure sores, infections and, in some cases, psychological damage.

Hospital discharge data obtained by the charity covering hundreds of patients revealed that 20 per cent of paralysed patients are discharged from hospital into a care home because there is not housing in the community that meets their new needs.

The charity said that the care facilities are often unsuitable and can lead to patients suffering psychological damage.

Patients reported poor quality of life and other physical injuries including pressure sores, infections and broken bones.

They also reported a lack of independence, damage to relationships, isolation and boredom.

Participants said that care home staff were regularly not able to help them out of bed until midday, and in some cases people were left in bed all day if the home was short staffed.

Brian Carlin, chief executive of Aspire, said: "All too often, people with spinal cord injury find themselves discharged to somewhere totally unsuitable and, as this study confirms, care homes are often the very worst option for someone recovering from a traumatic spinal injury.

"As a country, we're still celebrating the fantastic success of GB's Paralympians this summer. How many of them would have had the opportunity to compete if they'd spent months or years confined to a room in a care home?

"Thousands of people are being robbed of the basic ability to get on with their lives."

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Care homes 'worst option' for people with spinal injuries

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Foundation Financial Group employees at its Kansas City retail branch, located at 7607 North West Roanridge Road, participated in the Project Walk-Kansas City Second Annual Charity Wiffleball Tournament on September 29th. The event benefited Project Walk Spinal Cord Injury Recovery and The National Spinal Cord Injury Association. The FFG team volunteered their time in support, and also made a monetary donation to the cause.

Kansas Ciy, MO (PRWEB) October 30, 2012

Project Walk Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Center, an internationally recognized non-profit organization, exists to provide an improved quality of life to people with spinal cord injuries through intense activity-based recovery programs, education, support and encouragement. Project Walk understands that every client has special needs and offers several programs to best meet those needs and optimize the clients chances for recovery. Being the pioneer in activity-based recovery programs, and with over a decade of experience, its staff is on the cutting edge of this emerging field. Each center across the globe is staffed with highly qualified Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Specialists who treat thousands of client hours every year from more than 20 countries and 6 continents. Project Walk is the only center, not attached to a hospital or university, that has published research in peer reviewed journals, has ongoing grant funded research projects, and has some of the most advanced equipment designed to treat spinal cord injury.

Project Walks mission is to provide an improved quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries through intense activity-based spinal cord injury recovery programs, education, support and encouragement.

I am excited to that we had the opportunity to participate in this amazing event. Not only were we able to support and raise awareness for a great cause, but we had a blast while doing so, said Foundation Financial Group Event Coordinator, Brandon Powell. I am extremely proud to work for a corporation that makes it a priority to give back to the communities in which we live and work.

To learn more about Project Walk Spinal Cord Injury Recovery, visit http://www.projectwalk.org/.

About Foundation Financial Group

Foundation Financial Group is a multibillion dollar financial services corporation. FFG offers its customers Best in Class service through its Insurance, Retirement, Mortgage, and Tax Services. Named one of the fastest growing financial companies in the country by INC magazine, FFG has continued to grow its nationwide presence with over 100,000 new customers per year in 39 states. In addition to the value that Foundation Financial provides every customer, it is also dedicated to its communities and the people who live in them. Through a vast array of philanthropic endeavors the company not only provides significant monetary donations but also fosters a workforce environment that encourages all team members to personally make a difference. Foundation Financial is committed to its strong focus on customer service and community investment as it continues to grow and compete with the largest financial institutions in the world.

Foundation Financial Group reviews all public relations inquiries. For additional information, interview and image requests, contact the Foundation Financial Group Public Relations team at 866-659-3200.

Jessica Gueterman Foundation Financial Group 904-861-1717 Email Information

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Foundation Financial Group Supports Project Walk Spinal Cord Injury Recovery

Recommendation and review posted by sam

One in five people who suffer a spinal cord injury will be put in a elderly care home, regardless of their age, a charity has warned.

Roger Hearn has told ITV News the limitations of his life in care with spinal injuries has put a terrible strain on his marriage.

Dr Brett Scott, who has led research into the care of spiral injury victims, has told ITV News Government action is needed to stop patients entering a spiral of depression because of ineffective care home placements.

All too often, people with spinal cord injury find themselves discharged to somewhere totally unsuitable and, as this study confirms, care homes are often the very worst option for someone recovering from a traumatic spinal injury.

As a country, we're still celebrating the fantastic success of GB's Paralympians this summer. How many of them would have had the opportunity to compete if they'd spent months or years confined to a room in a care home?

Thousands of people are being robbed of the basic ability to get on with their lives.

A charity has warned that one in five people who suffer a spinal cord injury will be put in a elderly care home, regardless of their age.

Some spinal cord injury patients reported poor quality of life and other physical injuries including pressure sores, infections and broken bones.

They also reported a lack of independence, damage to relationships, isolation and boredom.

Participants in the report said that care home staff were regularly not able to help them out of bed until midday, and in some cases people were left in bed all day if the home was short staffed.

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Spinal cord injury patients report 'poor quality of life'

Recommendation and review posted by sam