PARE® Surgical, Inc. specializes in the development and manufacture of innovative surgical instruments designed to make medical procedures faster, easier, and more efficient. Some of their innovations include the Quik-Stitch Endoscopic Suturing System and numerous in-vitro testing devices as well as laproscopic tools.

The Quik-Stitch Endoscopic Suturing System is the company’s flagship product, and greatly reduces the time required for a surgeon to make a safe, effective suture. This particular tool is reusable and can be used in a variety of surgical situations requiring a precision knot while performing complex procedures. Laparoscopic surgeons who have used the device have been impressed with its features. Dr. Edward Felix, M.D. says, “It allows a surgeon to place the stitch easily, and to knot the stitch with a pre-tied Roeder knot by pushing the knot into place, and then pulling the suture ends.” 

Because of the ability to manipulate the knot using the “pass-around” feature, tissue damage is avoided. While the initial investment can be high, it is quickly recovered because of the reduction in operating room time. Another surgeon, Robert T. Sewell of Texas compares using the Quik-Stitch Endoscopic Suturing System to tying shoes. He says: “The security of good suturing cannot be replaced by clips. Surgeons know this. [The] Quik-Stitch® is the first suturing device that addresses knot-making and placement directly.” He also points out that while there are other stitching devices available on the market, only the Quik-Stich® actually makes the proper knots. Dr. Sewell says: “…surgeons who had been held back in procedures they would undertake through minimally invasive approaches will be able to increase the range of procedures they do endoscopically.”

The PARE® company has created a website with useful content, which is easy to find. This content consists of several short animations and films that clearly demonstrate how the device is used, as well as specific uses in both advanced and basic laparoscopic surgical techniques. In addition, doctors will find a comprehensive technical paper on the site that introduces the Quik-Stitch Suturing System, complete with photos and diagrammes.

Quik-Stitch Suturing System comes in sizes ranging from 20 to 50 millimeters. This allows the device to be used in a wide range of surgical situations, and allows greater access to smaller operative fields compared to traditional staplers and clips. The self aligning needle driver makes sure the needle is in the correct position, and the spring handle makes sure it stays firmly in place. The result for patients is a less invasive procedure that heals faster. The instrument comes with a 2-year guarantee against defects.

PARE Surgical, Inc. was founded in 1995 for the manufacture and distribution of new products for laparoscopic surgeons. Their facilities are located in Englewood, Colorado.

Contact Information

Address: Denver Tech Center in Centennial, Colorado

Telephone: 303-689-0187

Tile is an ideal choice for those rooms in the home that are exposed to dampness and moisture – particularly bathrooms, laundry rooms and entry ways. There are even tiles appropriate for outdoor use. .

Ideal Tile Company Inc. is a procurer and importer of fine tile products for wall and floor applications, including genuine Italian granite and marble and porcelain tiles. In addition, Ideal Tile carries the Salvatori Sink Collection bathroom washbasins, hand crafted from natural stone and marble. As such, every one of these sinks is unique, and while thoroughly modern in design, are inspired by classical Roman and Etruscan basins.

Floor tiles include the Sant’Agostino Il Borgio series. The Rhione Avorio outdoor tiles feature exceptional beauty in the Mediterranean tradition, yet are durable and will last for decades in all kinds of weather. The Ceramica Magica Asia, or Mattoncino series resembles russet brick, yet offers the clean, smooth feel of porcelain. Other selections include the Cotto D’este Series and the Tagina Santa Cruz Series for those who prefer a more Spanish look to their floors.

Ideal also offers no fewer than twenty-four different kinds of granite tiles and eleven types of marble that range in color from nearly white to jet black with white veins; rose and russet shades are also available. Granite tiles come in a wide range of colors and unique, dazzling patterns created deep in the earth over billions of years by geologic forces.

Ideal obtains its fine imported tiles from thirty-five different manufacturers around the world, located primarily in Italy, the northern part of which has been the major source of the world’s marble from time immemorial. Other ceramic tiles are imported from Spain, Germany, Portugal, Brazil, Venezuela, India and Japan. Amazingly, Ideal has even located tiles that are actually manufactured in the U.S. as well.

The company itself was founded in 1976 by three brothers, who have had extensive experience in the flooring industry. Due to the ever-increasing demand for quality tiles, the store has grown far beyond its original location in Freehold, New Jersey, and now has twenty outlets across the country.

Because Ideal Tile imports its tiles directly from the manufacturers, they are able to provide the best quality materials at some of the lowest prices in the industry. One amazing aspect of this company is that they import raw marble from Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean, and then, instead of outsourcing the manufacture of custom countertops, vanities, fireplaces, etc. to maquiladoras in Mexico or factories in China, they actually create these items here in the U.S. in their own domestic facilities with American workers.

Whether you prefer the latest contemporary designs, or prefer a more classic look, you’ll find it at Ideal Tile Company. High resolution images of all their offerings are available at their website.

Contact Information

Address: 2232 Route 9 South Howell, New Jersey 07731

Telephone: 732.308.1008

Chiropractic health care combines aspects of philosophy and art with hard science in order to tap into the body’s own inherent recuperative powers. It is a holistic approach to wellness that focuses of the relationship between the brain, body and spinal cord – which all things considered, makes a great deal of sense, considering that the spinal cord represents the all-important connection between the brain and the various organs and parts of the body.

There is a great deal of misinformation about chiropractic that portrays it as a “pseudo-science.” This, for the most part is propaganda from the large pharmaceutical corporations who every year, spend billions of dollars to make sure that Congress and the Administration continues to block access to health care for all but the most wealthy or fortunate Americans – health care that is recognized as a citizen’s right by every other industrialized nation – while ensuring that those who do have access to the health care system pay exorbitant fees that go to the inflated salaries of the CEOs of Big Pharma and the insurance companies, stockholder dividends to those of the investor class who produce nothing, and the maintenance of private luxury jets and other expensive “perks.” 

Chiropractic is a “conservative” approach to health care, meaning that it does not utilize drugs or surgery – hence, the attacks on it by large, for-profit insurance and pharmaceutical corporate interests. It is a science that was born of trial-and-error in the early part of the last century. Prospective patients of Advanced Family Chiropractic can learn about the history of chiropractic and much more at their home on the Wide World Web.

Advanced Family Chiropractic is located in Bridgeview, Illinois, just southwest of Chicago. Patients coming to Dr. Shalabi for the first time do not typically receive treatment; the initial appointment is used to evaluate the patient’s health history, a comprehensive physical exam and x-rays. Dr. Shalabi then advises patients on how to minimize their pain over the course of the next 24 – 48 hours while he studies the case history and the x-rays in order to determine the appropriate course of treatment, tailored to the individual needs of the patient.

Symptoms that are most often treated by chiropractic include back, shoulder, limb, hip and neck pain, headaches, stiffness, arthritis, numbness, and chronically cold hands and feet. A member of the Illinois Chiropractic Society, Dr. Mohamed Shalabi is a graduate of the Life University School of Chiropractic. In addition to his practice, he maintains an active schedule of public lectures on health-related topics. His patients range from newborns to centenarians, and everyone in between.

Dr. Shalabi’s home on the World Wide Web contains a very impressive database of information on virtually everything related to chiropractic care, including the history of chiropractic and complete explanation of subluxation – a condition in which vertebrae become misaligned and interfere with communication between brain and body. It is important to understand that chiropractic doctors are the only physicians trained and qualified to treat this specific condition, so those experiencing aches and pains that has no apparent explanation may very well benefit from a visit to a chiropractor prior to scheduling an appointment with a high-priced specialist.

Contact Information

Address: 8550 S. Harlem Avenue Suite B

Telephone: 708-598-2000

What kid wouldn’t smile at having a dentist with a name like Dr. Butt, even if he was a little behind…?

In all seriousness, Dr. M. Hanif Butt is a highly qualified orthodontist whose resume, educational record and credentials are impressive. After graduating from the University of Nairobi in Kenya with a Bachelor of Dental Science, he spent four years receiving hands-on training in Public Health Dentistry, receiving his Master’s Degree in Public Health from the Harvard School in 1985. The following year, Dr. Butt was a Research Fellow at Indiana University, then spent two years as a Post Doctoral Fellow at the Harvard University School of Dental Medicine. In 1991, he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree magna cum laude from Tufts University, and opened his first practice in Marshfield, Massachusetts later that following year. 

Since then, Dr. Butt’s practice has tripled, with additional offices in Somerville and Yarmouth. At Dr. Butt’s website, one will find signed testimonies from patients who have been delighted with the results they have gotten from the dentist’s modern treatments. A local businessman writes, “The orthodontic work that I had done by Dr. Butt was nothing short of amazing!!” Another patient goes for far as to provide her personal e-mail address, offering to answer any questions about her treatment. These are only two examples of the loyalty Dr. Butts has inspired in his patients.

In addition to more traditional methods, Dr. Butts offers Invisalign®, the invisible alternative to metal braces. The Invisalign® system consists of a series of invisible aligners that are adjusted about every six weeks over a period of six to fifteen months. Computer 3-D graphics are used in order to create the aligners. They are virtually undetectable to anyone looking at the patient, and are suitable for teens and adults. Dr. Butt maintains a comprehensive website with plenty of good information for prospective and current patients (the latter need to register in order to view their records), as well as a parent’s guide to early treatment of childhood dental conditions. Under the “Patient Info” link, one will find good advice as to what to expect during an initial visit, as well as a list of questions one may wish to keep in mind.

Dr. Butt is extremely generous with his skills; an initial exam may be had at no cost. For those not covered by dental insurance, payment options are some of easiest in the industry; using in-house financing, payments may be extended for up to fifteen months, interest-free, and a 5% discount is offered to those able to pay the balance in full prior to the commencement of treatment.

Understanding that emergencies occur, Dr. Butt also provides an online list of first-aid procedures and offers evening and weekend appointments as will. Additional information on topics such as brushing while wearing braces, foods to be avoided, fluoride treatments and various types of orthodontic hardware is available for download in MS Word format. Finally, there is a page just for the kids, from which they can download classic computer games such as Hexagon, PacMan and Space Invaders. Dr. Butt is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, American Orthodontic Association, Massachusetts Dental Society and Massachusetts Society of Orthodontics.

Contact Information

Address: 341 Summer Street, Suite #1, Somerville, MA 02144

Telephone: (617) 625 – 9400

If one thinks of the brain as the body’s central computer, which issues commands to the various parts of the body, the main communication system consists of the nervous system. The main trunk of this sophisticated communication network is the spinal cord. When there is some kind of interference between the brain and the body components because of spinal problems, communication between the two is compromised.

This is what chiropractic addresses. At Axis Chiropractic, Dr. Sage Campione seeks to treat medical conditions by attacking the root causes. When there is interference in the spine, malfunctions occur. It is as if bodily organs were receiving “error messages” from the brain. By restoring communication between the brain and body, better health is achieved. 

Because chiropractic does not rely on expensive pharmaceuticals, it has been the object of misinformation campaigns and attacks by that particular industry, whose main purpose is profit, not health care. Dr. Campione is one of a growing number of chiropractors who understand that when the nervous system in unobstructed and the brain is free to do its work unimpeded, optimum health is achieved naturally and safely.

In addition to traditional chiropractic treatments such as spinal alignment and massage therapy, Dr. Campione offers Wellness Consulting, which covers nutrition and supplement counseling, information on women’s health cycles, and hair and saliva lab analyses, as well as health talks.

One of the unique treatments offered is known as Cranio-Sacral Therapy. This is a non-invasive, very light diagnostic procedure that “facilitates an unwinding of the spine,” relieving headaches and nervous system disorders. A Cranio-Sacral Therapy session lasts anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, and involves light touching in order to monitor the craniosacral system for restrictions and imbalances. In addition to migraines, headaches and chronic neck and back pain, Cranio-Sacral Therapy can also address coordination dysfunction, stress and tension-related issues, and even orthopedic problems related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Dr. Campione also offers pediatric care and chiropractic care for children. Chiropractic care is something that more parents are seeking for their children at every stage of development, addressing spinal issues as they may occur and encouraging good spinal health from the beginning – thus preventing problems later on. These parents have discovered that their children enjoy greater health when receiving chiropractic care.

Dr. Sage’s patients have regularly sent in comments such as “I felt much better coming on a regular basis,” “Axis Chiropractic is the best,” and “Dr. Sage is very knowledgeable as a holistic doctor and has given me lots of excellent advice.” At the Axis Chiropractic website, prospective patients can take a “virtual tour” of the office and download the standard patient medical history form in .pdf form and fill it out prior to their initial appointment. The office is located in Brandon, Florida.

Contact Information

Address: 330 Pauls Drive, Suite 102, Brandon, FL 33511

Telephone: (813) 643-1242

When was the last time you stopped by a pharmacy and felt that you had received excellent customer service? What with long waiting lines and high prices, visiting the pharmacy is not what it used to be. Unless you visit Arbuthnot Drug Company of Belleville, Kansas, that is. A family owned and operated company since 1886, Arbuthnot Drug Company is pleased to offer you reasonable prices and outstanding customer service, making your next visit to Arbuthnot one you will relish with pleasure.

Arbuthnot Drug Company is special in that they can provide their customers with custom compounded medications that are mixed to your doctor’s orders. They can compound medications in aerosol and capsule forms, as well as ointments, lotions and creams. Through compounding, we can assure that your medications will precisely meet your medical needs, for your better health. 

Arbuthnot Drug Company can refill your prescriptions online or over the telephone. New prescriptions can be ordered by mailing in your doctor’s written prescriptions, or your doctor may call them. Because Arbuthnot holds its customers in such high regard, you will be pleased to discover that you will receive free shipping for all prescription orders sent via first class U.S. Mail. Not only do you no longer have to wait in long lines at the pharmacy, but you can get your order shipped for free as well. As you can see, Arbuthnot truly values its customers.

You can also request an online prescription price quote, which will promptly be answered in as little as 48 hours. If you have a chronic health condition, such as diabetes or asthma, then your prescription drug costs can be considerable because they are constant, year in and year out.Comparing prices at brick and mortar stores, as well as online stores, quickly reveals that prices on the same prescription item can vary greatly. Although generic drugs tend to be less expensive than brand name ones, prices for these drugs are not consistent among all pharmacies. What this means is that for all of us, but especially those with chronic health issues that require prescription drugs for their treatment, it pays to shop around for the best prices. Arbuthnot’s online price quotes offer an easy way to compare prices. Arbuthnot Drug Company, in business for an amazing 104 years, brings you fair prices and free shipping for your prescription drug orders.

If you are recuperating at home after a surgery or other medical procedure, you’ll be happy to know that Arbuthnot Drug Company offers a full product selection of durable medical equipment that can be shipped the same day your order is received. You may have Medicare. Instead of listening to a long litany of pre-recorded messages about Medicare coverage, talk to a live human being who can personally help you. Arbuthnot’s Medicare consultant is Linda, and she will answer your questions about Medicare coverage for durable medical equipment. If you need home oxygen service and live within 60 miles of Belleville, Arbuthnot can provide you with certified respiratory technicians you can count on to help make your experience a comfortable one.

Contact Information

Address: 1806 Main Street – Belleville, KS   66935

Telephone: 785-527-2146

The Alpena Orthopaedic Associates is a full-service clinic located on Michigan’s northeastern lower peninsula, specializing in the treatment of orthopedic disorders. Services range from the treatment of osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis as well as hip and knee replacement.

Currently, these services are provided by Dr. Eric R. Cornish, M.D., who is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Dr. Cornish is a graduate of the University of Akron and received his medical degree from the Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine in Rootstown. He served his internship and his residency at the Henry Ford Hospital, and is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and the International Society for Clinical Densitometry. 

AOA has a website with plenty of solid information on orthopedic health care and the treatment and prevention of bone disorders – all of which is quite easy to find and downloads quickly. Prospective patients will readily find extensive articles on obscure ailments such as osteonecrosis (literally, “bone death”), various forms of arthritis (there are over 120 different kinds from which humans suffer), surgical procedures, preventive exercise, nutritional supplements, and what to do after one has had joint surgery. In addition, there are very helpful tools on the website, including a body-mass index calculator.

In addition to providing surgical and therapeutic treatments for bone diseases and injuries, the Associates are dedicated to educating the public about issues of orthopedic health. For that reason, the website maintains not only an extensive database of articles on orthopedic issues, but also a comprehensive page of frequently asked questions that cover all aspects of orthopedic surgery and treatment, as well as links to several off-site organizations. These organizations include the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, where information on the latest health care legislation and policy as well as research can be found; the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons for the latest trends in joint replacement procedures; the Arthritis Association, and the National Osteoporosis Foundation, which is the largest nonprofit health organization in the country dedicated to research, education and advocacy on the subject of this debilitating – yet often, preventable – condition.

Prospective patients are advised to visit the AOA website prior to scheduling their initial appointment in order to familiarize themselves with the terminology and issues surrounding orthopedic medicine. In addition, patients can save time by visiting the link labeled “patient forms” and downloading the standard medical history, and filling it beforehand.

Alpena Orthopaedic Associates are committed to serving and participating in, and promoting their local communities. In addition to a wealth of orthopedic information, visitors will find several links to off-site information about Alpena, Thunder Bay and the local Marine Sanctuary as well as the Alpena General Hospital, where the Associates perform major orthopedic surgery.

Contact Information

Address: 401 Long Rapids Plaza, Alpena, MI 49707
Telephone: 989-356-9333

Z-Hair Academy is a Vidal Sassoon Connection School located in Lawrence, Kansas. Classes are offered in all areas of cosmetology, including hair styling, skin and nails and the business of cosmetology – including public relations and marketing. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a successful career in cosmetology in the shortest amount of time.

Cosmetology is at present one of the fastest–growing fields in the U.S., with current annual revenues of $52 billion; salaries average $38,000 per year and can top out at around $50,000. Students at the Z-Hair complete 1500 hours of training which is divided into the equivalent of lower and upper division coursework. The first 320 is called "On The Lot" and consists of basic studies in shampoo, hair styling and facial and nail treatments. The next 680 hours is called "New Talent, and builds on basic knowledge, preparing the student for the Kansas State Board examination. During the final 500 hours of training – "Rising Star" – the student perfects her skills in hair cutting and styling and other skin and nail services while preparing for the practical exam and learning how to prepare a resume and perfect interview skills. 

Classes at Z-Hair Academy begin on the first Tuesday of February, June, August and November. Instructors. two of whom are Ron and Judi McKenzie, are members of the National Cosmetology Association, Experior National Examination Council and Cosmetology Educators of America; each is a Certified Master Educator.

Tuition is similar to that charged at a two-year junior college and financial aid is available to all qualified applicants. A course catalog listing the cost of all tuition, books and supplies and other fees is available for download at the Z-Hair Academy Website.

The Z-Hair Academy is more than a learning facility for aspiring beauticians and cosmetologists; those seeking cosmetology services receive substantial discounts on the most popular procedures, performed by students under the close supervision of the world-class faculty. These services range from as little as $2 for a nail polish change to $50+ for advanced hair treatments (straightening with flat iron). All students have successfully completed the basic training course before they are allowed to work with clients.

The Z-Hair Academy Studio is open Tuesday from 1 to 5 PM, Thursday from noon to 5 PM and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Contact Information

Address: 2429 Iowa Street Suite E Lawrence Kansas 66046

Telephone: 785.749.1488

Chiropractic has gotten a bit of a bad rap from mainstream medicine over the years – primarily because chiropractic, focusing on the underlying cause of disease and disease prevention, does not involve the use of expensive (and profitable) prescription drugs.

The fact is however that those who have had chiropractic treatment swear by the results. Woodway Chiropractic has found a welcoming home among the health-minded people of the Pacific Northwest, long a bastion of progressive thought and philosophy. The chiropractors at Woodway are committed to health prevention and education, "practicing the true principles of chiropractic wellness care." 

Chiropractic has been proven successful in the treatment of numerous conditions that include ADHD, allergies and other respiratory ailments, carpal tunnel, ear infections, headaches and PMS as well as the issues with which it is commonly associated – back and neck problems. The philosophy behind chiropractic is that when the nervous systems pathways – which originate from the spine – are clear and unobstructed, the body can actually heal itself and keep itself well. Studies by the U.S. government and the Rand Corporation have shown chiropractic to be a valuable and effective medical treatment.

Woodway Chiropractic is managed and run by Drs. Jack Tsong and Jaime Kim. Dr. Tsong studied the traditional Chinese science of acupuncture as a student at Shanghai Medical University, and has been practicing in Lynnwood since 1997. In his spare time, Dr. Tsong volunteers his services at the Union Gospel Mission in Seattle as well as a number of youth shelters around Puget Sound.

Dr. Kim earned her bachelors degree in Medical Technology at Ohio State University and her doctorate in chiropractic at Palmer College in Davenport, Iowa, one of the premier institutions in the North America. After completing those studies, she remained an extra year in order to study anatomy and physiology. Dr. Kim maintains membership in the International Chiropractic Association as well that that of Washington State.

The Woodway website is extremely well-supplied with information on chiropractic medicine and advice on healthful living as well as interactive and video features and a section just for youngsters. The site is easy to navigate and well laid-out. Woodway Chiropractic Massage and Rehabilitation is open six days a week.

Contact Information

Address: 20015 Highway 99 Suite A Lynnwood WA 98036

Telephone: 302.655.5822

"Of all forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and the most inhumane." – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King

Westside Family Healthcare has made it their mission to provide the people of New Castle County, Delaware equal access to quality health care regardless of ability to pay. What this means is a partial fulfillment of the ideal that no person’s health or life should be held hostage to extravagant CEO salaries and shareholder dividends.

Westside Family Healthcare, based in Wilmington with several offices throughout the area, offers a full range of medical services that includes general family medicine, prenatal, maternity and gynecological care, family planning services, disease management and prevention, immunizations, and even dental care and psychological treatment and counseling. Support services include case management, certified diabetes education, lab services and low cost prescriptions. In addition, each clinic has a physician on-call 24 hours per day. 

Westside Family Healthcare is staffed by 26 qualified doctors, registered nurses and other health care professionals. Most are family practitioners and obstetricians; the staff includes two dentists as well.

Westside Family Healthcare is a Delaware 501(c)(3) organization that offers its services on a sliding scale, and free of charge to those who cannot pay. Although the clinic accepts most insurance plans, the increasing number of people who are being thrown off insurance plans and denied insurance altogether are increasing at an alarming rate. Staff members are there in order to assist low-income individuals in qualifying for state financial aid, but WFH depends primarily on the generous contributions of individuals. Friends of Westside Family Healthcare donors are fully tax deductible; these contributions are acknowledged in writing. In addition to direct financial contributions, donors are encouraged to volunteer time, sponsor fundraisers and bequeath endowments.

Westside Family Healthcare maintains affiliations with several state and national organizations and institutions, including the U.S. Bureau of Primary Health Care, Children and Families First, the Christiana Care Health System, Delaware Mental Health Association and the National Association of Community Health Centers.

Contact Information

Address: 1802 W. Fourth Street Wilmington DE 19085

Telephone: 302.655.5822