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Health and Beauty

Tamara Mariea of Internal Balance Offers Suggestions to Make Personal Care Products Safer

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Internal Balance’s Tamara Mariea says there are two toxic chemicals gaining notoriety because they are commonly used in personal care products. Added for their antiseptic qualities, triclocarban and triclosan are legal and unnecessary chemical compounds. According to Internal Balance, triclosan is an additive in the vast majority of liquid hand soaps on the market, and triclocarban is a common ingredient in bar soaps. Internal Balance’s Tamara Mariea, who had been poisoned by organophosphate pesticides in 2002 and became chemically sensitive, spent years reacting to these specific chemicals. They are molecularly similar to pesticides. Scientific findings have verified that these products should not be in use by humans because they disrupt the endocrine system and interfere with the body’s natural hormonal processes. In fact, the Natural Resources Defense Council is suing the Food and Drug Administration to ban both dangerous chemical additives from personal care products.

The negative effects of these toxins, says Internal Balance, has led to a legislative initiative called The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010. This act is meant to ban many chemicals in consumer products and to address the poorly regulated industry of personal care products. Internal Balance reports that independent studies and the FDA all agree that these additives do not prevent the spread of disease better than regular soap and water. Nevertheless, companies continue to use these chemicals, says Internal Balance, for the sake of labeling their products antibacterial.

Adding triclocarban and triclosan to personal care products, suggests Internal Balance, can also contaminate municipal water supplies. Internal Balance says triclocarban is a compound that does not break down easily. Triclosan is even more dangerous, says Internal Balance, because it breaks down readily into dioxins, which are thoroughly researched and documented carcinogens. Tamara Mariea was inspired to open her Internal Balance clinic because of compelling personal experiences with environmental toxins such as triclosan and triclocarban and the growing body of research that exposes their negative effects on the human body.

This article is for informational purposes only. Tamara Mariea is not a medical doctor and results reported by Internal Balance may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for health problems, supplement use, or any changes in prescribed medications.

About Internal Balance

Internal Balance is located in Franklin Tennessee. A private clinic, Internal Balance was founded in 2000 by Tamara Mariea. For years, Internal Balance has provided a comprehensive, research based and individualized approach to detoxification. Internal Balance is a place where unique challenges are identified and unique strategies are designed to support a person’s body as it releases complex toxic burdens. Internal Balance has been working with families who have been struggling. Parents, children and even sports celebrities have come to Internal Balance after years of working with various practitioners and health professionals in the hopes of finding relief for physical issues that have been plaguing them — sometimes for their whole lives.

Internal Balance is proud of their success rate and grateful for the many people whose lives have dramatically improved as a result of working together. The philosophy at Internal Balance that current diseases and chronic illnesses relate directly to the issues of environmental toxicity ring true with patients from around the world.

Throughout the Internal Balance intake process, observation, laboratory evaluation and clinical detoxification steps, the team at Internal Balance is able to guide and work with many individuals and their families as they find relief from pain and/or neurological disorders. Internal Balance works with the “whole person” and the family unit so that everyone’s needs are addressed in these stressful situations that often stretch families to the breaking point.

Internal Balance has strategic partnerships around the world that allow Internal Balance to be on the cutting edge of science. Internal Balance also remains concerned about the research coming out of Europe alerting the public to the potential dangers of cell tower emissions on our DNA.

For more information on Internal Balance and these life changing therapies call 615-818-0074.

Finance

Mario Romano Colts Neck Thanks High School for Hosting Pop Warner Football

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Many communities, like Mario Romano’s in Colts Neck, New Jersey, have their own Pop Warner Football league. It may seem like raising money is by far the toughest obstacle to overcome, but in Colts Neck Mario Romano found other challenges as well. One of the first matters of business in Colts Neck for Mario Romano and his friends was creating a schedule for their Pop Warner Football program. Now, Mario Romano Colts Neck is offering what he has learned about scheduling to others facing the same problem. With his experiences in Colts Neck, Mario Romano hopes he can help save others a similar headache.

Before going any further, the first thing Mario Romano Colts Neck recommends is trying to find an automatic scheduling program. In Colts Neck, Mario Romano found that the benefits of an auto scheduler were that it helped to avoid conflicts between the different teams in the league. “Most programs let you enter in information about the teams, available fields, and boundaries in chronology,” explains Mario Romano Colts Neck. In Colts Neck, Mario Romano found that this inexpensive software was helpful for long-term leagues. The next thing Mario Romano focused on was the establishment of a home field for Colts Neck Pop Warner Football.

One park is the home field for an entire season in Colts Neck, and Mario Romano helped to choose prospective locations. Mario Romano Colts Neck said High School had offered to become the home field before the money was ever raised to create the Pop Warner Football program. Once Mario Romano had Colts Neck High School locked in, he made sure he had a list of local school events that could conflict with their schedule. Mario Romano made sure Colts Neck High School events were never booked the same day as a Pop Warner Football game. “It is crucial that we maintain great relations with the administration of Colts Neck HS,” Mario Romano asserts, “as we need a home field!”

Another tip Mario Romano learned from his experience in Colts Neck was to limit Pop Warner football league scrimmages. “If you schedule too many scrimmages, it can cause too much stress for the players’ young bodies,” Mario Romano Colts Neck says. Instead, Mario Romano Colts Neck has seen teams have success with just one light scrimmage to keep players fresh. It could save your season – and your schedule!

Mario Romano Colts Neck began his career on Wall Street in 1982. Studying there under some of the most prestigious financial professionals of our time before moving to Colts Neck, Mario Romano graduated from St. John’s University well ahead of his class. Relocating to the Colts Neck area, Mario Romano continued serving as an executive with a select group of Wall Street institutions. From his base in Colts Neck, Mario Romano co-founded Wealth Engineering and Development in 2005. Currently residing in Colts Neck, Mario Romano brings over twenty-five years of Wall Street experience to his mission of providing financial education to the masses worldwide. Mario Romano lives in Colts Neck with his wife Gina and their three children. Mario Romano is known in the community of Colts Neck as a key proponent of youth sports and education for the instrumental role he played in bringing Pop Warner Football to the area.

Health and Beauty

Franklin Pediatric Dentist Dr. David Snodgrass Discusses Early Tooth Decay and Pacifier Habits

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Tooth decay is a common and preventable problem in children, according to Franklin pediatric dentist Dr. David Snodgrass. Infant tooth decay, adds the Franklin pediatric dentist, is also known as bottle rot, baby bottle tooth decay or early childhood caries. The sugars in drinks like milk, juice and formula, says the Franklin pediatric dentist, not only feed a baby, they also feed the bacteria in baby’s mouth. Bacteria that consume sugars produce acids, continues the Franklin pediatric dentist, and they can attack and break down young teeth.

Every time a baby consumes sweet drinks, points out the Franklin pediatric dentist, subsequent acid attacks can last for up to 30 minutes. With enough acid attacks, explains the Franklin pediatric dentist, teeth begin to decay. Franklin pediatric dentist Dr. Snodgrass reports that naptime bottle feeding and sippy cups exacerbate this sugar-powered decay.

The staff of pediatric dentists at Franklin’s Snodgrass-King Dental Associates recommend against offering your child a bottle of sweetened liquid multiple times in one day. Tooth decay gets an unwanted head start, say the Franklin pediatric dentists at Snodgrass-King, if a child is allowed to fall asleep with their bottle. A young child will suck on the sugary liquid (and this includes milk) throughout the night, explains Franklin pediatric dentist Dr. Snodgrass, creating a welcoming environment for tooth decay.

The dentists at Franklin’s Snodgrass-King pediatric practice also offer parents the latest facts about pacifier habits, including thumb and finger sucking. For most infants and young children, says Franklin pediatric dentist Dr. David Snodgrass, sucking on a finger, pacifier or other toy is a normal part of development. The Franklin pediatric dentist points out that sucking is an ancient human instinct, linked to nursing. Infants and toddlers find security in the activity, adds the Franklin pediatric dentist, and also use it as a way to learn about the world around them. Infants often put things in their mouths as a form of exploration, says the Franklin pediatric dentist, because they still have poor eyesight and so they cannot visually examine the world around them. In fact, adds the Franklin pediatric dentist, most babies begin sucking on their fingers or thumbs while still in the womb. The majority of children, notes the Franklin pediatric dentist, stop sucking on pacifiers, thumbs and other objects sometime between 2 and 4 years old. However, if a thumb sucking habit goes on much longer than this, the Franklin pediatric dentist recommends that parents make an appointment for a consultation at Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates.

Visit Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates in Franklin (Cool Springs) at:
125 Cool Springs Blvd.
Suite 140
(in the Aspen Grove Medical Plaza)
Franklin, TN 37067
(615) 771-1111

Franklin pediatric dentists are available by appointment Monday – Thursday from 8:00am – 5:00pm and Friday from 8:00am – 12:00pm.

About Snodgrass-King Franklin Pediatric Dentist

With nearly 100 years of combined dental experience, the staff and pediatric dentists at Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates in Franklin serve middle Tennessee with one goal in mind – excellence. Founded by Franklin pediatric dentists Dr. David Snodgrass and Dr. John T. King, Snodgrass-King provides excellence in service, experience and convenience.

Franklin’s Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates offers an excellent atmosphere for a first time visitor to the pediatric dentist’s chair. When stepping into the Franklin office of Snodgrass-King a child instantly experiences something above and beyond the typical pediatric dentist’s office. From the ability to watch movies during teeth cleanings to the video games to the possibility of meeting Chomp the alligator mascot, Snodgrass-King of Franklin offers something unique for children visiting one of their pediatric dentists. Additionally, the Snodgrass-King Franklin pediatric dental staff shines with their excellent experience and education.

Franklin pediatric dentist co-founder David Snodgrass has published numerous articles in several orthodontic and pediatric journals. In addition, the Franklin dentist serves as a part-time clinical professor at Vanderbilt University working with future pediatric dentists. As a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Orthodontic Society, and the International Association of Orthodontics, Dr. Snodgrass is a recognized lecturer. He also enjoys mentoring other pediatric dentists from Franklin and participating in study clubs in the Southeastern United States.

Co-founder Dr. John T. King, a Franklin native, loves his work with fellow pediatric dentists at Snodgrass-King. Following in his father’s footsteps, Dr. King is Diplomat Board Certification with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Working with the founding pediatric dentists in the Franklin and surrounding areas are Dr. Bryan Burnside and Dr. Jennifer House. Dr. Burnside, prior to joining the Franklin pediatric dentists at Snodgrass-King, completed his training at Boston University Medical Center. He is a member of American Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association, Nashville Dental Society, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. House also graduated from Boston University Medical Center before coming to work with the pediatric dentists at Franklin’s Snodgrass-King. Her memberships include American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Tennessee Dental Association and the Nashville Dental Society.

However, the pediatric dentists at Franklin-based Snodgrass-King view their skills as having value beyond just fixing teeth. Dr. David Snodgrass and Dr. John King, along with other Franklin pediatric dentists, have volunteered their expertise in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The Franklin pediatric dentists have also donated used dental equipment to clinics in the region. In fact, staff from Snodgrass-King have volunteered their time and services to Haiti since 2007. During a recent trip, the Franklin pediatric dentists helped over 300 patients. From Franklin to the far reaches of Haiti, the pediatric dentists of Snodgrass-King are committed to serve with excellence.

The highly skilled pediatric dentists at Snodgrass-King of Franklin provide orthodontic, pediatric, general and specialty dental work. The Franklin based pediatric dentists also perform general and cosmetic works along with oral and maxillofacial specialties. The website of Snodgrass-King (www.SnodgrassKing.com) provides many resources for families from their first visit to the dentist office to safety tips and general oral health. The Franklin based pediatric dentists of Snodgrass-King also have offices in Cool Springs, Spring Hill, Hermitage, and Murfreesboro.

Health and Beauty

Chuck Broes Discusses Five Styles of Leadership

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Chuck Broes draws on over forty years of business acumen to offer a perspective on business philosophies and tactics for the next decade. This piece is part 4 of a series.

Chuck Broes fields many questions from aspiring business executives who want to learn more about leadership. Many individuals who have not previously served in leadership positions, explains Chuck Broes, develop an inaccurate idea of what it takes to lead. Of the myriad management styles Chuck Broes has encountered during his long career, five of them stand out. Chuck Broes encourages managers to choose one that dovetails with their individual values and their company’s culture.

The first leadership style identified by Chuck Broes is the “Charismatic leader.” Employees rally around a charismatic leader mostly because of the amiability of the individual more than the authority that they wield. People want to work for a charismatic leader, explains Chuck Broes, and little other impetus is needed. Chuck Broes has found the charismatic leader approach very helpful in getting big ventures off the ground. Chuck Broes adds, however, that charismatic leaders sometimes have trouble managing wayward employees, unless they adapt and adopt additional styles of leadership.

Chuck Broes describes another management persona as the “Participative leader.” According to Chuck Broes, management is more engaged and enthusiastic if they are involved in the decision-making process. For Chuck Broes, using participative leadership makes it easier to build consensus and keep people committed to action, because they have a stake in the decisions.

Chuck Broes also finds the “Situational leader” to be a very helpful and useful management style. Chuck Broes explains that the situational leader is an adaptive leader with an eye on several variables. Situational leaders assess each issue on its own terms, explains Chuck Broes, taking into account the moods, motivations and relationships of all those involved. According to Chuck Broes, situational leadership is a good improvisational style for unexpected challenges.

The final two leadership styles are much subtler, says Chuck Broes, and have the potential to be the most powerful. These two styles are the “Servant leader” and the “Quiet leader.” Servant leaders win their following and ensure success by serving the employees on the ground that are under management. Servant leaders go straight to the roots of their company, says Chuck Broes, cultivating strength, dedication and productivity from the bottom up.

Quiet leaders couch their will in humility, explains Chuck Broes, giving credit to others rather than taking it for themselves. A quiet leader speaks with actions more than words. Chuck Broes appreciates the quiet leader approach because such a person can very effectively motivate others.

About Chuck Broes

Chuck Broes is a business and healthcare visionary whose career spans over 45 years in domestic and foreign markets. In the past, Chuck Broes has specialized in the areas of incubation, start-ups, mergers and acquisitions, corporate turn-arounds and roll-ups. Chuck Broes has served in various executive roles including Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer.

Chuck Broes began his unique career with Health Industries (Jack LaLanne European Health Spas) from its founding to becoming a national chain of over one hundred locations, then going public and later being sold to a Fortune 500 company. This positioned Chuck Broes to serve in key leadership roles within the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries working with regulatory issues involving the FDA, ISO and CE marking and EDI. Chuck Broes was involved intimately as part of the senior management team at Wellmark Corporation, a pioneer company in healthcare clearinghouse services and ANSI X12 standards, which became a subsidiary of Primark Corporation, a NYSE Company.

Later, Chuck Broes founded EliteCorp International, Inc. and served as its Chief Executive Officer. In that capacity Chuck Broes’ business experience has included the facilitation of public companies, acquisitions, mergers, strategic alliances, IPOs and turnarounds. Associated projects for Chuck Broes have ranged from concept to development and production, including the integration of national data communication networks, facilities management, and healthcare system technologies.

Chuck Broes has served as a member of the Ethics Committee of the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida for fifteen years. In 2008, Chuck Broes turned his full attention to Quantum Immunologics, Inc., which he helped found and where he currently serves as CEO. Chuck Broes leads Quantum Immunologics in the pursuit of the research, development and implementation of new immunotherapy protocols for the treatment of cancer. Chuck Broes has initiated clinical trials that are currently underway and new patents have been filed providing the company with a pipeline for ongoing improvements in cancer treatment.

According to Chuck Broes, Quantum Immunologics was formed for the sole purpose of developing, implementing and distributing new advanced levels of proprietary therapeutic treatments and diagnostic tools. Chuck Broes presents Quantum Immunologics’ mission as fostering the development and support for these and other technologies that are complementary to its current portfolio of patented intellectual properties that are focused on immune diseases and disorders.

To contact Chuck Broes or for more information about Quantum Immunologics please visit: www.quantumimmunologics.com or call 866-213-4594.

Attorney

Paul M. Weiss Reports on Class Action Suits Involving Front-Load Washers

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Freed & Weiss, a law firm specializing in class action lawsuits and co-founded by Paul M. Weiss, is currently investigating and prosecuting class actions involving front-load washing machines. Paul M. Weiss recently reported that class action lawsuits are pending against Sears/Kenmore, LG, Whirlpool and Bosch; investigations are continuing against GE, Frigidaire, Electrolux and Samsung. The front-load washing machines manufactured by the named companies have an alleged inherent defect in that the front-load washing machines do not self-clean, resulting in stagnant water and mold and bio-film buildup in front-loading machines, said Paul M. Weiss.

Paul M. Weiss stated that a common problem found in front-load washers results in the machines failing to drain water properly, Paul M. Weiss explained. Paul M. Weiss pointed out that the water drainage issues, and accompanying failure to self-clean, frequently cause major mold build-up. That mold build-up, continued Paul M. Weiss, results in a foul odor, which can also stay on clothing. Then, according to Paul M. Weiss, the product owner has been left with costly repair bills. “Let us be clear,” commented Paul M. Weiss, “these are inherent defects with these front load washing machines.” According to Paul M. Weiss, consumers should not be responsible for repair bills on front-load washing machines.

In addition, Paul M. Weiss has noted that some models have electronic issues in the central control unit. Freed & Weiss has received and read complaints that new or fairly new washing machine models experienced these electronic malfunctions, and error codes, such as “F11”, interrupting the machine’s operation. In other cases, said Paul M. Weiss, the door latch will not lock. “When the door will not latch,” commented attorney Paul M. Weiss, “then the washer will not operate.”

“There is clearly an increased dissatisfaction with front-load washers,” pointed out Paul M. Weiss. Paul M. Weiss also reported that a quick Internet search reveals numerous online complaints concerning mold problems with front-load washing machines. “This is not just a few isolated cases,” Paul M. Weiss stated, “ask your neighbors, friends and acquaintances. Everyone with a front loader seems to be experiencing this problem or knows someone who has.”

Paul M. Weiss said that Freed & Weiss intends to seek an extension on a recent federal court decision certifying an Ohio statewide class action against Whirlpool. In fact, notes Paul M. Weiss, Whirlpool manufactured not only front-load washing machines that bear the ‘Whirlpool’ name, but also manufactured front load washers sold under the ‘Kenmore’ brand.” Thus, many of the same front-load washing machines are at issue in both the Whirlpool and in the Sears/Kenmore class action lawsuits. “We are going to ask that the decision for the state of Ohio,” commented Paul M. Weiss, “be extended to consumers in other states.”

For more information on the continuing class action lawsuit contact Freed & Weiss by visiting http://www.freedweiss.com or toll free at (866) 779-9610.

About Paul M. Weiss

Paul M. Weiss believes that companies have the obligation to treat fairly, serve and protect their customers. When they do not, Paul M. Weiss has served successfully as a voice for those who have been wronged. A founding partner of Freed & Weiss, Paul M. Weiss has been lead and co-lead counsel on many high profile class action suits totaling hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements for clients.

Educated at Indiana University School of Law-Bloomington, Paul M. Weiss was a member of the Indiana Law Journal and the honorary society of the Order of COIF, graduating magna cum laude. As a member of the Northern District Trial Bar, Paul M. Weiss is admitted to general legal practice in the State of Illinois, United States District Courts for Northern and Southern Illinois and United States District Court of Eastern Michigan. As well, Paul M. Weiss has been admitted to practice pro hac vice in several federal courts including New Jersey, Idaho, New Mexico, California, and Florida. Considered an expert in the field, Paul M. Weiss has litigated numerous class action suits in state and federal courts.

The published opinions of Paul M. Weiss are too numerous to enumerate. Included in the list are Harper v. LG Electronics USA, Inc., Waudby v. Verizon Wireless Services LLC, Kinkel v. Cingular Wireless, Carey v. Kerr McGee Chemical Company and Pella Corp. v. Saltzman. Under the leadership of Paul M. Weiss, Freed & Weiss have recovered over $230 million dollars for clients in class action and MDL litigation. Many of theses cases included Fortune 500 companies with names such as Best Buy, AOL, Chase and Verizon.

Paul M. Weiss and Freed & Weiss have been the forefront leaders of raising awareness concerning fraudulent reimbursement practices of insurance companies. Through the means of class action, Paul M. Weiss obtained millions of dollars in relief for clients of auto insurers. As well, under the oversight of Paul M. Weiss, Freed & Weiss have fought to protect medical providers against fraudulent out of network reductions. Dedicated to the interests of medical professionals and their ability to provide quality healthcare, Paul M. Weiss continues with pending litigation against Aetna, Cigna, and WellPoint.

The April 2003 edition of National Law Journal featured Paul M. Weiss in their article, “Class Actions: The Battle Heats Up.” The National Law Journal published a sequel to the April article with another feature on the topic of Illinois class action suits. Paul M. Weiss has been an honored guest lecturer at Chicago-Kent College of Law and the Chicago School of Law at Loyola University.

Prior to being a founding partner of Freed & Weiss, Paul M. Weiss practiced law in Seattle, Washington. While working in Seattle, for then Hagens & Berman, his exclusive focus was on plaintiff consumer class action cases.

Paul M. Weiss resides with his wife of 13 years, Jamie. In addition to being a husband, and father of two boys, he enjoys traveling, snorkeling, gardening, photography (many of his photos can be viewed at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/paul-weiss.html) and arcade gaming.

To contact Paul M. Weiss at Freed & Weiss, or to speak with an attorney at Freed & Weiss, visit their website online at http://freedweiss.com or call 866-779-9610.

Professional Profiles

Mario Romano Reflects on the Value of Partners When Starting a Company

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Mario Romano believed that hard work, great products, dedication and execution were the necessary ingredients of success. According to Mario Romano, the team at Wealth Engineering identified the best products, they worked tirelessly to execute the mass marketing of those products and then, says Mario Romano, they used personal capital to launch the entire show. After four years, however, Mario Romano says that their capital was exhausted – even though success appeared imminent.

Mario Romano and his firm were in a dire situation in the worst economy of record. The question loomed for Mario Romano and his partners: What options existed? Mario Romano knew that in the midst of every great crisis there is an opportunity for those who have clear vision. Mario Romano and his team dedicated every moment of their time and all their efforts towards the goal, but they could not manufacture “cash.”

At this moment of decision, Mario Romano and his partner agreed to sell 20% of their company. Not an easy decision when so much of their own capital and time was invested to reach what Mario Romano believed was the last furlong. Nonetheless, Mario Romano hired a third party consultant to provide an independent valuation and quickly gained partners through the sale of 15% of the company equity. This brought Mario Romano the resources needed to secure Wealth Engineering’s largest contract to date, which included sales in nearly twelve territories in Asia.

Initially Mario Romano felt they could stop here. However, Mario Romano and his partners uncovered additional opportunities that will significantly benefit Mario Romano, Wealth Engineering and the new partners. Instead of keeping additional equity, Mario Romano and the company’s other stake holders continue to seek additional partners to further expand and stabilize Wealth Engineering.

Mario Romano’s resolve remains firm. He states, “I will not stop until we reach our objectives and this commitment knows no boundaries.”

Mario Romano began his Wall Street career at Lehman Brothers in 1982. From then until the beginning of the new millennium, Mario Romano held several executive positions with a select group of Wall Street institutions. Mario Romano also served as CEO of Romano Enterprises LLC from May 2000 through December 2004. In 2005, Mario Romano co-founded Wealth Engineering & Development and through their combined efforts, Mario Romano contributed to securing the largest contractual agreements for the InvestView platform of Global Investor Services Inc. Mario Romano has fine-tuned motivational skills that have allowed him to establish, grow and manage a group of over 100 retail stockbrokers. With over twenty-five years of Wall Street experience, Mario Romano believes the time has come for individuals to learn how to manage and grow their wealth. Mario Romano dedicates his professional life to these objectives and strives to solidify Wealth Engineering as a leader in providing financial education to the masses worldwide.

Home and Family

Jonathan Berkowitz Suggests Nature Walk Ideas for Parents

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Jonathan Berkowitz’s affection for the great outdoors informs his work as a licensed clinical social worker. According to Jonathan Berkowitz, time spent outside experiencing nature can be a fulfilling and relaxing activity for the whole family. Jonathan Berkowitz says that parents can use nature walks to relax their own minds while entertaining and educating their children.

Jonathan Berkowitz suggests that parents should select a theme or goal beforehand to occupy the children. Jonathan Berkowitz says that nature walks can stimulate a child’s imagination and enhance his or her learning. At the same time, says Jonathan Berkowitz, family nature walks give parents the opportunity to reflect on their lives and relax in the peace and quiet of the natural world.

Jonathan Berkowitz advises parents to give family nature walks a theme to direct the children’s energy. One such project, says Jonathan Berkowitz, is a plant field guide. Jonathan Berkowitz recommends bringing along a notebook and crayons or colored pencils. Jonathan Berkowitz tells parents to have their children draw any interesting plants they come across. In addition to drawings, says Jonathan Berkowitz, encourage children to collect samples of plants they like. Upon returning home, says Jonathan Berkowitz, parents can help the kids preserve the plant specimens by pressing them between wax paper sheets with an iron on low heat. This is an old craft project, says Jonathan Berkowitz, which can instill fond memories for a lifetime.

Another project involves entomology, says Jonathan Berkowitz, or the study of insects. While many adults do not like insects, acknowledges Jonathan Berkowitz, many children do enjoy the pursuit. For an etymology project, suggests Jonathan Berkowitz, bring along a magnifying glass and some small containers for examining and collecting specimens. If you find your kids are not inclined to catch bugs, adds Jonathan Berkowitz, guide them to make drawings of the insects in their nature walk notebooks. Later, says Jonathan Berkowitz, you can assist them in researching the names of the plants and bugs that they encountered during their outing.

Jonathan Berkowitz says parents may also discover that their children are interested in rocks and minerals. Collecting samples of rocks and minerals, points out Jonathan Berkowitz, can be a lot of fun. Rock collecting is also a good physical pursuit, adds Jonathan Berkowitz, encouraging the kids to search and dig beyond what they can readily see. However, do not allow children to chip at rocks with tools, cautions Jonathan Berkowitz, unless they use protective eye wear to guard against chips.

According to Jonathan Berkowitz, bird watching is another nature walk project that families can enjoy together. Bring along a digital camera, recommends Jonathan Berkowitz, to photograph the birds. Also try spending some time listening to the birds’ songs, suggests Jonathan Berkowitz, and try to point out differences among them. This will encourage kids to hone their powers of observation, concludes Jonathan Berkowitz.


About Jonathan Berkowitz

Jonathan Berkowitz received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Queens College in Flushing, New York in 1994. Following studies at the Long Island University, Jonathan Berkowitz became a certified school social worker and school Psychologist in 1997. Jonathan Berkowitz earned a Masters of Clinical Social Work from New York University in 1999, and later was recognized as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). In 2000, Jonathan Berkowitz was issued a Post Masters certificate in Early Childhood and Adolescence Psychotherapy. Jonathan Berkowitz obtained Post Masters certification in Gestalt Therapy from the Gestalt Association of Psychotherapy in New York City in 2002.

It was while Jonathan Berkowitz was studying at Queens College that he served in the Brooklyn Public Schools as a special Education Instructor from 1993-1994. Jonathan Berkowitz also served as a school Psychologist and Social Worker in Brooklyn with the Board of Education. Additionally, Jonathan Berkowitz did an internship in social work at Maimonides Psychiatric Outpatient in Brooklyn.

During 1999 and 2000 Jonathan Berkowitz worked as an outpatient social worker, MSW, CSW at New Hope Guild in Brooklyn, New York. Jonathan Berkowitz served as Administrative Assistant, MSW, and LMSW at Fordham Tremont Center in Bronx, New York during 2003-2004. Additionally, Jonathan Berkowitz offered his services as Clinical Social Worker, MSW, and CSW to the Jewish Board of Family & Children Services in Brooklyn, New York from 2002 through 2006.

During 2004–2005, Jonathan Berkowitz worked at the Bikur Cholim Department of Clinical Services in Rockland, New York as Administrative Director, MSW, and LMSW. Jonathan Berkowitz currently maintains a private practice in Teaneck, New Jersey focusing on children, adolescents, couples, and families.

To contact Jonathan Berkowitz, call 646-338-5424 or email berkj1517@yahoo.com. For more information about his services visit www.familiesheal.com.

Home and Family

Yochanan Berkowitz Appreciates a Good Hike

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Yochanan Berkowitz is a big fan of the great outdoors. When Yochanan Berkowitz’s work as a licensed clinical social worker allows, he takes time out to commune with nature. First hand contemplation of nature, says Yochanan Berkowitz, is a good way to center one’s thoughts and regain perspective on life’s difficulties. There are many ways to enjoy nature, says Yochanan Berkowitz, ranging from walks in a local park to cross country skiing along a snowy landscape.

For beginners, Yochanan Berkowitz suggests hiking as a pleasant and relaxing exercise. Yochanan Berkowitz adds that hiking is an opportunity to learn more about nature. Be sure to prepare before hiking, cautions Yochanan Berkowitz, by wearing the right footwear and bringing appropriate provisions. Yochanan Berkowitz explains that hiking boots should have good arch and ankle support. Carry water and trail mix on a hike, says Yochanan Berkowitz, to maintain steady hydration and energy levels. Wear comfortable breathable clothes, adds Yochanan Berkowitz, to wick moisture away from the body and prevent chafing.

Yochanan Berkowitz also encourages the gathering of preliminary information about the trail you plan to hike. If the hiking trail is in a state or national park, Yochanan Berkowitz suggests visiting the park office nearest the trailhead for a map. A helpful park official can also give relevant seasonal advice about the terrain, points out Yochanan Berkowitz. Find out what sort of wildlife you are likely to see on the trail, says Yochanan Berkowitz, so you know what to look for. As an individual goes on more hikes, says Yochanan Berkowitz, he or she will become acquainted with endurance thresholds and can begin to surpass them. Hike with a group or partner, suggests Yochanan Berkowitz, to make sure that help will be available if anything unexpected happens on a hike. Additionally, hiking with a group is a great chance to make new friends and have fun, points out Yochanan Berkowitz.

About Yochanan Berkowitz

Yochanan Berkowitz began his professional studies in Psychology at Queens College in Flushing, New York. In 1994, Yochanan Berkowitz earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and following further studies Yochanan Berkowitz was awarded a Masters of Clinical Social Work. Later Yochanan Berkowitz received the designation of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

During his studies at Queens College, Yochanan Berkowitz had the opportunity to employ his passion for helping others in the New York City Public Schools as a special Education Instructor in Brooklyn from 1993-1994. Yochanan Berkowitz also served for several years as a school Psychologist and Social Worker with the Brooklyn Board of Education. Several years were also spent doing an internship in social work at Maimonides Psychiatric Outpatient in Brooklyn.

In 1997, Yochanan Berkowitz became a certified school social worker and school Psychologist following studies at the Long Island University. Yochanan Berkowitz received his Masters of Clinical Social Work two years later from New York University. Completing additional studies in his chosen field, Yochanan Berkowitz obtained a Post Masters certification in Early Childhood and Adolescence Psychotherapy in 2000 and Gestalt Therapy certification from the Gestalt Association of Psychotherapy in New York City in 2002.

Yochanan Berkowitz used his experience to serve in Brooklyn as an outpatient social worker, MSW, CSW at the New Hope Guild from 1999-2000. Yochanan Berkowitz added breadth to his vocational opportunities while serving as Administrative Assistant, MSW, and LMSW at Fordham Tremont Center in Bronx, New York during the years of 2003-2004. While there, Yochanan Berkowitz began offering his skills as a Clinical Social Worker, MSW, and CSW at the Jewish Board of Family & Children Services in Brooklyn New York.

The years 2004 and 2005 found Yochanan Berkowitz at the Bikur Cholim Department of Clinical Services in Rockland, New York where he was the Administrative Director, MSW, and LMSW. Currently Yochanan Berkowitz maintains a private practice in Teaneck, New Jersey that primarily serves children, adolescents, couples, and families.

To contact Yochanan Berkowitz by telephone, call 646-338-5424. Yochanan Berkowitz can also be reached via email at berkj1517@yahoo.com. For more information about his private practice visit www.familiesheal.com.

Automotive

Bikes Direct Offers Advice to Aspiring Touring Cyclists

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Bikes Direct has watched with excitement as customers have bought bikes for the purpose of touring. In its simplest form, according to the Bikes Direct professionals, bike touring involves traveling long distances by bike, carrying any necessary gear such as clothing, camping gear, and cooking equipment. Bikes Direct is glad to see that cycling has become so integral to the lives of many people that they are eager to plan vacations not only incorporating a bike, but also completely centered on it. Many customers who have purchased their touring bikes from Bikes Direct post their experiences on forums and blogs, and Bikes Direct employees love to see pictures of happy customers on their touring bikes by the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, or inaugurating and concluding a cross-country tour by dipping their wheels in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Bikes Direct customers report that these tours, whether days, weeks, or months long, are among their most memorable vacations, and their first tours often become the first of many. Bikes Direct believes that there is no better way to travel than by bike, and to incorporate biking into one’s vacation plans is to guarantee that the trip will stay with the cyclist forever.

Although the thought of planning a ride potentially hundreds of miles in length and also organizing lodging can be a bit intimidating, Bikes Direct is happy to report that there is a wealth of incredibly detailed information available online to help those entertaining the idea of doing a tour. Bikes Direct believes that bike touring, in essence, can be quite simple. All that is required is a bike, camping gear (if the bike tourist chooses to camp), a couple changes of clothes and a route. Obviously, the bike is the most important piece of equipment one will require for a tour, and Bikes Direct offers many touring models, including the popular Windsor Tourist and Motobecane Gran Turismo. These bikes feature slightly wider tires than traditional road bikes, braze-ons to which to mount racks, and a relaxed geometry for a less aggressive, more comfortable ride. Naturally, accessories depend on the length of trip and the tourist’s lodging plans, and Bikes Direct is glad to recommend shops that will provide the future bike tourist with amazing deals. Bikes Direct has heard from customers who have camped their whole journey and who have required the maximum amount of gear, while others have stayed in hotels and required minimal gear. Some have combined both.

One of the aspects that Bikes Direct loves most about touring is that the length of the tour and the route can be altered to accommodate any riding level and style. A tour can take two days or two months, and Bikes Direct believes that every length has its benefits. Shorter, more local tours familiarize cyclists with their own surroundings, revealing environments, neighborhoods and wildlife that have been right under their nose all along but have perhaps gone unnoticed. Longer tours, on the other hand, expose cyclists to a region, an entire country, or even multiple countries and the distinctive cultures, people and landscapes that comprise those areas. Short or long, Bikes Direct believes every tour provides cyclists with an opportunity to become better acquainted with their world.

Bikes Direct urges anyone even remotely interested in a bike tour to further explore the information available. There are many existing routes, and Bikes Direct hopes to see pictures of its customers and hear their experiences on each and every one. There are a myriad of reasons to plan a bike tour. Some go looking for adventure, to gain a better familiarity with a region, or – as is the driving force for many Bikes Direct staffers – to eat their way across the country. Whether planning a tour through your state or going all out and planning to traverse the TransAmerica Trail, Bikes Direct believes that bike touring offers an amazing experience for anyone, from beginner cyclist to advanced. Tourists are encouraged to send comments on specs, tours, and other interesting topics to Bikes Direct. This type of input could be posted at any address on the Bikes Direct contact page at http://www.bikesdirect.com/contact.htm.

About Bikes Direct

Bikes Direct continues to provide the same excellent cycling experience that riders around the world have come to expect from Motobecane. As a beginning, Bikes Direct can offer this brief history; Motobecane has been making bikes since 1923 and was named after the French word Moto for motorcycle and Becane for bike. Things went well for the company until 1981 when they were bankrupt and bought by Yamaha and became MBK. Now Motobecane USA is not related to the French company as they import bikes from Taiwan and China, these are the bikes you are interested in. Bikes Direct offers these Bikes Direct to the public at competitive price points and excellent quality.

According to Bikes Direct, Motobécane was a major manufacturer in the French bicycle industry. The frames on Motobécane’s mid-to-upper bikes were typically double-butted lugged steel made from Vitus or Reynolds 531 molybdenum/manganese steel tubing with Nervex lugs. Motobécane finished their frames in beautiful and high-quality paint, a practice not often followed in the French industry. Considered the second most prestigious French bicycle (after Peugeot, whose more durable design they emulated, but ahead of Gitane), Bikes Direct remembers Motobécane’s mid-range bikes as a good value; the company kept prices reasonable by matching high-quality frames with lower-priced, but higher-quality components from Japan, at a time when competitors were putting higher-priced, lower quality French components on mid-range bikes. Bikes Direct says that Motobécane bicycles included the Nomade, Mirage, Super Mirage, Super Touring, Grand Touring, Sprint, Jubilee, Grand Record, Le Champion, and Team Champion.

Bikes Direct now offers Motobecane models that use carbon on two of their ranges of bikes, the Race Carbon/AL and the Full Carbon ranges. From the Race Carbon they produce the Century Comp, Elite, Pro and Team and from the Full Carbon they have the Immortal Pro, Force and Spirit.

Race Carbon/AL from Bikes Direct

Bikes Direct says the Race Carbon /AL frames are a mixture of Alloy main frame tubes and carbon rear seat stays. The frames use different Alloy for the tubes on each of the frames and different equipment to assemble the bikes.
The Century Comp has Columbus Airplane tubes and Shimano 105 Triple group set.

The Century Elite has Shimano Ultegra Triple kit and the frame is made from 7005 double butted and carbon stays. Shimano Ultegra 30 speed and Kinesium SL and Carbon are used for the Century Pro.

Bikes Direct offers the top class Shimano Dura-Ace, and carbon FSA Cranks are used for the Century Team with Kineses 7005 AL main tubes and carbon stays. All have carbon forks.

The Full Carbon

Shimano Utegra mixed with 105 and FSA is fitted to the Immortal Pro high modulus carbon fiber monocoque frameset along with carbon forks American Classic wheels.

Bikes Direct knows the Immortal Force is very similar to the Pro except it is all Shimano Ultegra; all the other equipment and the frame is the same.

The Immortal Spirit Dura-Ace, FSA, American Classic wheels and Ritchey are all fitted to a monocoque carbon frame keeping the weight down to 16 pounds.

Bikes Direct makes sure that all the equipment is top class and you can’t fault any choice there. Looking at the Geometries of the frames there is beauty and they handle well.

In addition to the standard diamond frame bicycles, Motobécane produced mixte frame versions; the mixte frame Grand Touring had twin lateral stays in place of a top tube, extending from the head tube to the seat tube, while the Super Touring and Grand Jubilé had a single top tube sloping down towards the seat tube, but diverging into twin lateral stays just before the seat tube. Later mixte Grand Touring models also used this design. Motobécane also produced a tandem bicycle.

Bikes Direct says vintage French bicycles, including Motobécane, are often sought today for their value as a fixed gear conversion.

For more information about Motobecane contact Bikes Direct at BikesDirect.com.

Health and Beauty

Dr. William Knudson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa | Hammertoe and Ingrown Toenails

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Dr. William Knudson, a long-time podiatrist from Cedar Rapids, Iowa has dedicated his professional life to the health and comfort of people’s feet. Practicing for many years in the greater Cedar Rapids/Waterloo area, Dr. William Knudson recently transitioned his practice to the East Coast. Prior to the move, Dr. William Knudson helped many patients from Cedar Rapids to live healthy, pain-free lives, and in this post Dr. William Knudson provides more expert advice for individuals dealing with painful foot ailments at home.

Dr. William Knudson of Cedar Rapids says that ingrown toenails are an often-overlooked condition – that is, until they start to hurt and interfere with walking. Dr. William Knudson has frequently treated his Cedar Rapids patients for ingrown toenails that developed after a nail was improperly trimmed and then began to grow and pierced the adjacent skin. Dr. William Knudson has advised his Cedar Rapids patients that an easy way to avoid ingrown toenails is to use clippers specifically made for toenails. Trim straight across the toenails, says Cedar Rapids’ Dr. William Knudson, leaving the corner of the toenail visible.

As Dr. William Knudson instructs his Cedar Rapids patients, if the corners of the toenails are trimmed too close, they can become ingrown as they start to grow back. Cedar Rapids’ Dr. William Knudson also reminds patients that large toes are more likely to develop ingrown toenails. Hammertoe is another toe ailment, says Dr. William Knudson of Cedar Rapids, that can require surgery if left unchecked. Dr. William Knudson explains that hammertoe affects the tendons that facilitate toe movement.

In hammertoe, these tendons begin shortening, explains Dr. William Knudson to his Cedar Rapids patients, and they begin to pull the toe back. As the toe joint grows and stiffens, continues Dr. William Knudson of Cedar Rapids, it rubs more and more against the inside of shoes. Over time hammertoe has developed into a very uncomfortable condition for many of Dr. William Knudson’s Cedar Rapids patients, affecting their balance and creating a pressing need for foot surgery.

Foot Care tip from Cedar Rapids’ podiatrist Dr. William Knudson: If an ingrown toenail gets severe, Dr. William Knudson says to visit a doctor to have part of the nail removed.

About William Knudson Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids podiatrist William Knudson grew up near Des Moines, Iowa. Before moving to Cedar Rapids, William Knudson spent his boyhood enjoying the pastimes of small town mid-America, and when it was time to pursue a vocation, Dr. William Knudson of Cedar Rapids chose Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.

On his way to settling down in Cedar Rapids, Dr. William Knudson pursued medical studies and later graduated from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. While pursuing a degree there, Dr. William Knudson of Cedar Rapids was awarded the Durlacher Honor Society scholarship, given in recognition of his scholarship and perceived potential for the advancement of podiatric medicine. Cedar Rapids’ Dr. William Knudson also received the Philip Brachman Honor Scholarship (1994-1995) and Knudson graduated Cum Laude with both a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine on May 12, 1995.

Before the move to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Dr. William Knudson was offered a position at Hillcrest Health Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Then in 1996, Cedar Rapids’ Dr. William Knudson was appointed Chief Resident, and he was part of a 24-month program in podiatric medicine and surgery. This opportunity offered Dr. William Knudson extensive training in forefoot, rear foot, ankle, and lower leg reconstruction. Cedar Rapids’ Dr. William Knudson achieved certification in foot and ankle arthroscopy, advanced wound care of the lower extremity and Internal fixation in foot and ankle surgery.

Over the next thirteen years Dr. William Knudson provided care in three well respected practices in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area. In 1997 and 1998, Dr. William practiced at the Northwest Foot and Ankle Associates near Cedar Rapids in Sioux City, Iowa. Dr. William Knudson’s next stop relocated him closer to Cedar Rapids in Waterloo, Iowa where he built a practice at Cedar Valley Podiatry from 1998 through 2006. In 2006, Dr. William Knudson moved to a practice in Cedar Rapids at Iowa Foot and Ankle Clinic.

While practicing at Cedar Rapids’ Iowa Foot and Ankle Clinic, Dr. William Knudson was appointed as Department Chair, Podiatry, at the Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Dr. William Knudson also served on the Faculty of the Cedar Rapids Medical Education Foundation. Dr. William Knudson also served as a Panel physician at the Cedar Rapids, Iowa Wound Healing Center located at Mercy Medical Center.

Dr. William Knudson’s professional accreditations include certification as a Diplomat of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. Cedar Rapids’ Dr. William Knudson is also appointed as a Fellow of the American Collage of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Dr. Knudson currently practices at Podiatric Care of Northern Virginia in Leesburg.  He remains committed to serving his patients by providing the greatest care available for all of their podiatric needs. With expanded office hours, Dr. Knudson and his dedicated staff are available to cater to even the busiest schedule.

For more information about Dr. William Knudson, please visit the Podiatric Care of Northern Virginia website at www.pcnvonline.com